Many people are guilty of using their cell phones while driving, but that doesn’t make it okay. Cell phones can be a huge distraction, and you should never touch your cell phone, even if to answer a quick text or a call.
Answering the phone and talking on the phone should be entirely hands-free. If you have to take your eyes off the road while driving, assume that your actions are not legal. No call or text is worth your life or someone else’s.
Speed limits exist for a reason. The posted speed limits are determined to be the safest speeds for a particular road, street or highway. Going over those limits poses a danger for yourself and those around you. Poor time management is nobody’s fault but your own. There’s never an excuse to speed.
Speeding significantly reduces reaction time while increasing stopping distance, putting everyone on the road at risk. Slower speeds in bad weather, construction zones, and around schools are especially crucial. Going 20 mph over the speed limit is considered criminal speed, which can result in the suspension of your license and even jail time.
Law enforcement responding to emergencies, firefighters rushing to a blaze, and ambulances with their sirens on - all need a clear lane to pass through. Whenever possible, it’s necessary for you to pull over to the curb for these emergency vehicles and stop your vehicle until the emergency vehicles have passed you.
We all have things to do, but not pulling over when you are supposed to is a crime that could cost you hundreds of dollars. But more importantly, it’s about doing the right thing.
While public displays of affection are nice every now and then, keep them G-rated, and never let them distract you while you are driving. It should also be stressed that the inside of your car is not considered to be private. If someone can see you, you shouldn’t be doing anything other than kissing and handholding.
While the excitement of getting away with something can be enticing for people, its not worth getting arrested for. Keep the passion at home where it belongs.
Driving with a cracked windshield could get you pulled over. While it might just be a warning the first time, you’ll be ordered to get it fixed. If it's just a small chip, you may be able to get it repaired, but if the windshield is severely cracked, you’ll likely need to have it replaced.
A cracked windshield is not just an aesthetic problem; it can obscure your view, which is why it's illegal. In the event of a collision, a cracked windshield could explode, causing injury to yourself and your passengers.
This disrespectful act shows a lack of courtesy for those grieving. Slow down, turn off loud music, and maintain a safe distance behind the procession.
You must obey all traffic signals and directions given by the peace officer escorting the funeral procession. It is also worth noting that it is illegal to join a funeral procession in order to gain the right of way. You must pull over, even if you are going in the same direction.
There’s always someone blasting music, and worse yet, with their window open, as if the whole world wants to hear their lousy music. But blasting music isn’t just rude, it’s also illegal.
While laws surrounding noise levels may vary by state, in California, your sound system should not be audible to other drivers 50 or more feet away. It’s distracting to drivers.
Impeding the flow of traffic isn’t just inconsiderate, it’s also potentially dangerous. While you don’t want to go over the posted speed limit in most cases, you don’t really want to go under the speed limit unless current driving conditions call for it.
Maintain a safe speed that allows for smooth traffic flow without hindering others. Going too slowly can result in a citation and multiple offenses can lead to the suspension of your license.
Now, if you are thinking wearing headphones is the better option for listening to loud music or answering calls, we have bad news for you: wearing earbuds while driving is against the law as well.
Wearing earbuds can significantly reduce your ability to hear important sounds like sirens, horns, or engine trouble. Opt for a speakerphone if you need to take a call or pull over to a safe location to have a conversation.
Turn signals are crucial for informing other drivers of your intentions. Use them consistently before changing lanes, turning, or merging to avoid accidents.
Using turn signals is mandatory in most states, including California. However, California drivers might get a different impression since many people don't follow the law.
Excessive window tinting can impair your visibility, especially at night. Ensure your tint complies with local regulations to maintain safe driving conditions.
While your first citation might result in a minimal fine, repeated citations could result in more significant fines, depending on your state’s laws.
Mounting a GPS might seem like a better option than putting it in your ashtray, cupholder or somewhere else that takes your eyes of the road, but depending on where you live, mounting it on your windshield might not be any better in the eyes of the law.
Putting a GPS mount, a phone mount, or anything else on your windshield can obstruct your view of the road. For this reason, suction GPS mounts are illegal in a handful of states, so be aware of your state’s laws.
Driving tired might seem like an innocent crime, especially if you often feel tired anyway, but it's only innocent until you fall asleep. Fatigue significantly impairs your reaction time and judgment. Get enough sleep before driving, take breaks on long trips, and pull over for a nap if you feel drowsy.
Driving while tired can be a misdemeanor, and depending on your state's laws, those convicted can be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. But expect your punishment to be much worse if you hurt someone falling asleep behind the wheel.
Everyone knows driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law, and yet it’s something many people do anyway. Either they don’t understand they are impaired, or they just don’t care.
Additionally, many people don’t quite understand that certain substances and medications can also impair their ability to drive. It’s not just drinking and driving that’s illegal.
Some people will drive with their hazard lights on during certain weather conditions to signal to drivers that they are driving more slowly. However, hazards are meant for emergencies or slow-moving vehicles.
Weather conditions are not emergencies, per se. Using hazard lights while driving normally can confuse other drivers and lead to accidents.
Bare feet or flip-flops offer less grip on the pedals than proper shoes, especially when your feet get sweaty. This can make it harder to feel the pedals precisely and react quickly in an emergency situation.
Furthermore, flip-flops pose a greater risk of getting caught under your brakes or gas pedal, inhibiting your ability to brake or accelerate as needed. Although nobody will be checking your feet while you are driving, if you get into an accident and aren’t wearing the proper footwear, it could be considered reckless driving.
Of course, driving with expired tags is illegal because it tells law enforcement that your vehicle is not properly registered or that your registration has expired.
Nevertheless, there are many who drive without renewing their registration because they don’t want to pay their fees or they can’t pay their fees. But getting caught without registration may end up costing you an amount far exceeding what you would have paid in registration fees. So, use a credit card if you have to, but keep your vehicle registered.
