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5 Traffic Laws Every Driver Should Know

Follow your local traffic laws to avoid fines and other penalties.

By Mariela CorellaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Traffic laws differ from state to state, some states will completely ban the use of handheld devices while others allow it to a certain extent. No matter what state you are driving in, it’s always important to be aware of local laws and follow them closely. Failure to do so could result in heavy fines and other serious consequences.

Texting and Driving

Each state has its own set of laws that completely ban or regulate texting or using hand-held devices while driving. Currently, 48 states in the U.S. ban texting while driving. Failure to follow these laws could result in fines, points added to your driver’s license, and if you injured someone while texting and driving it could also result in criminal prosecution. Avoiding distractions while driving can also prevent car accidents resulting in serious personal injuries. If you’re visiting another state, make sure you research local laws to avoid a fine or causing an accident.

Good Samaritan Laws

Good Samaritan laws offer legal protection to someone who tries to help a person who is in danger. For example, if you witness a car accident and help the victim with his or her injuries. Good Samaritan laws protect people from being sued if their actions inadvertently contributed to the victim’s injuries or death. Good Samaritan laws usually don’t fully cover medical professionals, if a medical professional’s negligence when helping a victim aggravated his or her injuries, they may be held liable for their actions through a medical malpractice lawsuit. Each state has Good Samaritan laws, and they can be interpreted differently in court. These laws are in place to encourage bystanders to help in these emergency situations and without being worried about a lawsuit against them.

Hot Car Laws

Hot car laws help dogs and children suffer from serious injuries if they are negligently left alone inside a car and this risks their well-being. Hot car laws prohibit leaving an animal or child unattended inside a vehicle. These laws protect civilians who try and help the child or animal inside the car. For example, if you break someone’s window to rescue a dog or pet trapped inside on a very hot day, hot car laws will protect you from being sued by the car owner for property damages. Each state’s laws are different, in New Jersey and Virginia you can be criminally prosecuted for leaving an unattended pet inside a car, but they don’t protect people who try to rescue the animal from civil lawsuits.

Driver’s License Renewals For Elderly Drivers

Most states require elderly people to renew their driver’s licenses once they reach a certain age. For example, in California, people who are 70 years or older are required to renew their driver’s license. Some states have additional requirements such as medical proof that your eyesight and hearing are well enough to continue driving, and you may also be required to take a driving test again, to ensure that you are able to drive safely. Make sure you renew your license according to your state’s laws.

Move Over Laws

Every state has its own set of regulations regarding move over or slow down laws. According to move over laws, when a driver is approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, he or she is required to slow down and/or move over to the next lane if it’s possible to do so. Move over laws are in place to allow emergency vehicles such as police cars or ambulances to perform their duties safely and effectively. Some states differ in what they consider “emergency vehicles”, Alaska includes road maintenance and animal control vehicles in this category, Arizona’s law mentions emergency vehicles and tow trucks. Whichever state you are driving in, it’s always recommended to lower your speed when driving near a vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road, to protect the other driver or emergency workers.

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