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◉ Where to Find Speed Traps and What to do About Them

Tag: laws

Speed traps are the bane of motorists everywhere. You’re just driving along, minding your own business, and then you see those cherries and berries flashing in your rear view mirror. Sometimes you get let off with a warning, but sometimes you end up with a ticket, and points on your license.

According to the California legislature:

A “speed trap” is either of the following:

(1) A particular section of a highway measured as to distance and with boundaries marked, designated, or otherwise determined in order that the speed of a vehicle may be calculated by securing the time it takes the vehicle to travel the known distance.

(2) A particular section of a highway with a prima facie speed limit that is provided by this code or by local ordinance under paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 22352, or established under Section 22354, 22357, 22358, or 22358.3, if that prima facie speed limit is not justified by an engineering and traffic survey conducted within five years prior to the date of the alleged violation, and enforcement of the speed limit involves the use of radar or any other electronic device that measures the speed of moving objects. This paragraph does not apply to a local street, road, or school zone.

The obvious way to avoid these traps is to just drive safely, and obey the speed limit at all times. However, there are other steps you can take, as well.

Understanding What A Speed Trap Is

First, it’s important for anyone who gets behind the wheel to know what the definition of a speed trap is. A speed trap is not a police car parked behind a billboard, waiting for you to drive by to clock you going too fast. Because if the speed limit is clearly posted, then whether you saw the cop or not when you were speeding doesn’t matter.

No, an actual speed trap is when something genuinely illegal is happening. For example, if a stretch of road has a poorly posted speed limit that’s different from other parts of that road, then that is a speed trap. It is the government’s responsibility to clearly mark changes in the speed limit so drivers can respond accordingly. It is also the government’s responsibility to make sure those changes in speed limit are backed up by research from the highway department stating the change is necessary, which ensures no one is randomly creating places to trap motorists as they speed.

Identifying and Handling Speed Traps

One of the easiest ways to find, and deal with, speed traps is to download an app that updates you about their existence. The mobile app Waze, for example, is primarily a GPS program, but it also provides information about speed traps on your route. This information is invaluable, and if all you want to do is avoid getting caught in a speed trap, then this is pretty much all you have to do. While the app isn’t infallible, it is regularly updated to be sure you don’t get caught off guard.

If you want to take bigger steps to fix speed traps, though, then you’re going to have to roll up your sleeves and get political, according to Motorists.

In order for a change in speed limit on a given stretch of road to be legal, it must be backed-up by a survey done by the highway department in the past five years. If you suspect this isn’t the case, then you need to contact the department, and request the study in question for that particular speed trap. If it doesn’t exist, you need to file a complaint that a speed trap has been created, and is being illegally exploited to capture motorists in order to fine them. You’ll need to check and re-check on your complaint, as well, and if you know other people who’ve been caught in that speed trap, then you need to get them to register complaints, too. Involving the media, and possibly taking legal action, may also be necessary at some point.

Change Is Hard

Speed traps are a problem, especially when you consider that motorists’ fines go straight into the government’s coffers in some way, shape, or form. Avoiding these traps is fairly simple, thanks to today’s technology and the speed at which communication happens. Changing them, though, and ensuring that motorists don’t have to constantly look over their shoulder, that is a much more difficult process. But it can be done, if enough citizens band together, and refuse to be silent about what’s happening.

 

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For the most part, traffic laws are placed for the welfare and benefit of all people, drivers and pedestrians alike. But every so often a bizarre law is passed that makes you scratch your head and think: “Who thought that was necessary?” Some of these laws are so blatantly obvious that they should go without saying, while others are so ridiculous that you couldn’t imagine anyone committing the offense. Check out these weird, but true driving laws:

1) In Glendale, CA, it is illegal to jump into or out of a vehicle in motion

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems pretty obvious that jumping out of a moving vehicle is a bad idea. Maybe it has to do with Glendale being so close to Los Angeles, where they shoot all those high-speed action movies, that people down there are prone to attempt such reckless stunts.

Well, in case you didn’t know it already, jumping out of a moving vehicle is very dangerous–and illegal in Glendale as well.

2) In Connecticut, it’s illegal to hunt from a car or ATV

Another act that seems extremely dangerous is hunting from a moving vehicle (not to mention unsportsmanlike). To prevent this from happening, Connecticut passed a law prohibiting hunting or shooting from a vehicle. This law extends to ATVs as well, even if the vehicle is painted bright orange. So if you plan on hunting, expect to travel on foot the old-fashioned way.

3) There’s no driving through playgrounds in Georgia

Here’s a prime example of a law that seems so obvious it should go without saying. Law legislatures in Georgia thought it necessary to create a law specifically prohibiting driving through playgrounds. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never had any reason to drive through a playground nor can I think of even one good reason why I would need to. Common sense dictates on this one: don’t drive through playgrounds!

4) Thirty days in jail for anyone who screeches his tires in Derby, Kansas

Here’s an example of a law that seems a bit excessive. According to a law passed in Derby, Kansas, screeching your tires can land you up to a $500 fine and/or thirty days in jail. I agree that it’s annoying when people do this, but these punishments seem like overkill. Whether you agree with me or not, play it safe, and don’t screech your tires in Derby!

5) No running out of gas in Youngstown, Ohio

I doubt that anyone would intentionally run out of gas while driving. Nonetheless, a law was passed in Youngstown, Ohio stating that running out of gas on the road is a misdemeanor offense. As if running out of gas wasn’t bad enough, you could also end up with a ticket. Better double-check your fuel gauge before heading out on a trip to Ohio!

6) In Oregon, you cannot leave your car door open any longer than is necessary

Have you ever waited for someone to close their car door so you could park in the spot next to them? Oregon legislatures have and were fed up with waiting! A law was passed in Oregon prohibiting someone from leaving a car door open longer than is necessary. To do so is a Class D traffic violation. Be sure to keep those doors closed while staying in the “Beaver State.”

7) Rockville, MD – Swearing from the vehicle is a misdemeanor

Be wary, potty mouths! Swearing while driving in Rockville, Maryland is considered a misdemeanor offense if any pedestrians or other drivers can hear you. So, if you’re prone to quick bursts of profanity, either curse quietly or keep your aggravated remarks to yourself while driving. Honestly, it’s never a good idea to yell or scream anything from your vehicle, especially curse words. That’s an example of road rage which can be dangerous and distracting. But in Rockville, it’s not only a bad idea to do so, it’s illegal, too!

8) Illegal to spit from a car or bus in Marietta, GA, but okay to spit from a truck

This law makes zero sense to me. It’s illegal to spit from a car or bus in Marietta, Georgia, but it’s perfectly alright to spit from a truck. I can’t even justify this law–it’s completely ridiculous. I’d just play it safe and not spit from any vehicle while driving in Georgia. It’s a disgusting habit, anyway.

9) Hilton Head, SC, forbids storing trash in vehicle

I’m sure most of us have left trash in our vehicles before–I know I have. Well, if you’re in Hilton Head, South Carolina, you might want to keep an extra clean car because it’s considered a nuisance offense if you use your car to store trash. This seems a very strange law to enforce. I can imagine police officers patrolling the streets, peering into car windows, and writing tickets to see a certain level of garbage strewed across the seats and floor. Silly, isn’t it? Still, I’ll be sure to keep my car spotless next time I drive through Hilton Head.

10) In Alaska, you cannot tie a pet to the roof of your car

I’m not sure who would ever tie a pet to the outside of a car, especially in freezing weather conditions, but apparently, there are such people out there. Alaska found it necessary to pass a law specifically forbidding the carrying of animals on the outside of a vehicle. This means no tying pets to the roof or sides, or hanging them out of the windows as you drive down icy highways. Why would you ever do this? Don’t ask me! I’m just as confused by this ridiculous law as you likely are! Keep your animals inside the vehicle where it’s safe, warm, and legal.

There are plenty of laws out there that make sense, and then there are the few that are just plain weird. If you’re planning on making a trip someplace new, it might be a good idea to do a quick search to see if that location harbors any strange laws that you might want to look into.

Happy driving, everyone!

California is a very diverse land filled with all types of people from all corners of the world. With such diverse backgrounds come people with various interests and experiences. One thing that California does to reflect some of these groups is to allow drivers to have personalized license plates reflecting their particular personalities and backgrounds. These can range from Special Interest plates, all the way to Special Recognition plates, such as Medal of Honor recipient plates. With so many different types of personalized plates, it can be hard to keep track of which are offered and how to attain them. We’ll go over a few here, and explain how best to go about ordering a personalized plate that meets your unique personality!

Types of Different Personalized Plates

Special Interest License Plates

Special Interest Plates are available for autos, commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles. Each plate differs in appearance, usually reflecting the specific interest with some sort of unique design or detail. Most of these plates are available for purchase for any drive. The fees used when purchasing Special Interest Plates usually go toward supporting that interest. For example, purchasing the Coastal Commission plate, known as the Whale Tail plate, will send fees to the California Coastal Commission and will help protect and restore California’s coast and ocean. Special Interests Plates can range from Pet Lovers to Firefighters to Memorial plates that help fund anti-terrorism in California.

For the most part, there are no special privileges for having a Special Interest License Plate other than being able to show off your unique interest to others and support a cause of your choosing. Check the full list for more details specific to the plate of your interest.

Special License Plates

Special License Plates are, for the most part, more selective than Special Interest License Plates. These plates usually require some sort of documentation or requirement to be met before these plates are made available for purchase. For example, the Disabled Person license plate falls under this category, and a driver cannot purchase this type of license unless the driver is disabled as defined in VC §295.5. These Special License Plates differ greatly, ranging from Press Photographer plates to plates for a Horseless Carriage.

There are various benefits to having a Special License Plate on your vehicle depending on the type of plate you have. For instance, the Disabled Person/Veteran License Plates allow drivers to park alongside blue and green curbs and in parking spaces with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol). Also, with Disabled Plates or placards, drivers are allowed to park at metered parking spaces at no charge.

Special Recognition License Plates

Special Recognition License Plates can be issued to drivers who have met certain requirements usually related to military service or achievement. Certain documents are required to prove eligibility for such plates, and depending on the specific type of plate there may be some fees attached. Special Recognition License Plates are a great way to distinguish yourself and show pride in your service, position, or achievement. Some examples of Special Recognition License Plates are the Congressional Medal of Honor plate and the Purple Heart plate. Not all Special Recognition License Plates are related to military achievement; there are plates for Pearl Harbor Survivors and Gold Star Family plates for family members who lost a family member in the line of duty.

The main benefit of having a Special Recognition License Plate is to show honor and pride for your military accomplishment or the sacrifice a loved one made. Check the full list to see if you qualify for any of these plates.

How to Order Personalized Plates

If you are interested in purchasing personalized license plates for your vehicle, you may need:

  • Current Registration Card
  • Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17)
  • Special Interest Plate Fees
  • Various Other Fees

Check out the lists of personalized plates and read up on the specific requirements and fees of the plate you are interested in. Once you’ve gathered the proper documents and fees, you can order your personalized plates online at www.dmv.ca.gov or you can mail the Special Interest License Plate Application and appropriate fee to the address located at the bottom of the form.

Personalized license plates will usually be ready for pickup at the DMV within 8-12 weeks after being ordered. You will be notified by mail when they are ready for pickup.

Once you find the perfect license plate that meets your personality and interest, you’ll be cruising the California streets in style! Good luck discovering the license plate that best suits you!

The Move Over Law has been exercised in most US states for the better part of a decade, yet not every driver knows exactly what the law is or who it protects. Let’s take a look into this important law and determine if it has been implemented in your area.

What is the Move Over Law?

The Move Over Law is a law that protects emergency responders and other personnel working on the side of the road. The extent to whom the law protects differs state by state, but generally, it’s a good idea to always adhere to the same rules for all roadside personnel, emergency responders, or others.

When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is pulled to the side of the road (i.e. a police vehicle stopping another driver), the law requires you to do one of two things:

  1. If you are safely able to do so, you must change lanes so you are not traveling in the lane closest to the pulled-over vehicle(s), or
  2. If you are unable to safely move over, you must slow down to a reasonable or specific speed limit, depending on local laws.

Each state has its state-specific adjustments to the Move Over Law. It’s important to know what your state’s law is.

Does My State Have a Move-Over Law?

As of 2013, all fifty US states have Move Over Laws in effect. Washington D.C. is the only area in the United States that does not currently enforce Move Over Laws. Since the early 2000s, states have been gradually implementing local laws to protect their emergency responders. The last state to effectively do this was Hawaii, which implemented its Move Over Law in early 2013.

Every state has its adjustments to the law, some extending protection to all pulled-over vehicles while others require drivers to slow down to a specific speed while passing. Refer to this list to check your state-specific adjustments to the Move Over Law.

Just like every state has its local adjustments to the law, every state also has its penalty for breaking the law.

What are My State’s Penalties for Breaking the Move Over Law?

Each state has its penalties for breaking the law. Some state penalties include cash fines, license suspension, jail time, or a combination of all three. You can select the corresponding state on the Move Over America website for a brief description of state-specific penalties, or contact your local DMV for up-to-date information regarding the law. Regardless of what the penalties are, though, it’s still a good idea to always change lanes or slow down for emergency vehicles. Doing so could save lives!

What’s Next for the Move-Over Law?

The Move Over Law is continuing to grow in awareness and is being enforced like any other law. Many drivers who have claimed they weren’t aware of such a law existing have been ordered to attend defensive driving school to be refreshed on new or updated laws. Ignorance is not a proper excuse to break the law. Periodically check with your local DMV to see how the ever-adapting traffic laws are being adjusted to ensure consistent safe travels for everyone.

Happy driving, people!

No one is a perfect driver all the time, not even me! We all make driving mistakes now and then, but it’s important to constantly drive defensively and do our best to avoid committing traffic violations, no matter how “minor” they might be. But what if we don’t realize we are committing a violation? Let’s take a look at some of the more common infractions people make that often are committed without the driver even realizing it.

1) Changing Lanes without Using an Indicator

Some people call it an indicator, others a blinker or turn signal. No matter what you call it, it’s important to use it! A recent study by the Society of Automotive Engineers showed that over 25% of drivers failed to properly use turn signals when turning, and nearly half of drivers failed to signal before changing lanes.

This is a serious issue! Indicators are your way to communicate your actions to other drivers so they know that you plan on moving your vehicle into a different lane of traffic. Without that communication, other drivers will assume you will continue the same path, and that can, and does, lead to many vehicle collisions. It’s important to use your indicator at least five seconds before merging into the signaled lane to give all vehicles ample time to respond. Any less is not enough warning for other drivers.

National law requires all automotive vehicles to have operational turn signal devices installed and that drivers use those signals to indicate any lane change or turn. And yes, that goes for turns performed in designated turning lanes, too.

Rule of thumb: If you change lanes or turn, use your indicator!

2) Changing Lanes in the Middle of an Intersection

Lots of drivers don’t change lanes while driving in the middle of the intersection because they believe it is against the law. Even though this is good practice, as changing lanes mid-intersection can be dangerous, a lot of states don’t consider it an unlawful act. Still, some states, like Ohio, do consider it illegal.

Whether your state has a law against changing lanes mid-intersection or not, the action of doing so is still often frowned upon. Intersections are often busy areas. Such areas are often considered unsafe to change lanes in. Even if your state does not have a particular law against changing lanes mid-intersection, it has a law forbidding unsafe lane changes. If a witnessing police officer considers the mid-intersection lane change unsafe, you can be cited for it.

Rule of thumb: Don’t change lanes in the middle of an intersection!

3) Not Turning Headlights On When it’s Raining

Day or night, many states lawfully require drivers to keep their headlights on while their windshield wipers are in use. The rain impairs vision and reduces the visibility of all drivers, even in the middle of the day. Keeping your headlights on both increases visibility for the person driving the vehicle and makes it easier for other vehicles to spot said driver. Remember, headlights work both ways for increasing visibility.

Not every state requires headlights to be on while wipers are in use, but it’s still good practice to do so. Keeping your headlights on while visibility is low, like in rainstorms, is always a good idea since it increases visibility for all drivers. Doing so could save lives.

Rule of thumb: If your wipers are on, your headlights should be, too!

4) Not Completely Stopping at a Stop Sign

This is a big problem where I’m from, which is probably why people often call this the “California Stop.” No matter where you drive in the United States, you are required to make a complete stop when you come upon a stop sign. But that’s where there can be some debate–what exactly is a complete stop?

The legal definition of a complete stop is “when there is no forward momentum and the needle on the speedometer is at 0.” This means that there should be no forward movement of the vehicle at all. It’s important to note two things when making a complete stop:

  • First, it’s important to check all ways for moving vehicles, pedestrians, or other possible roadway hazards before entering the intersection. Doing so can take a couple of seconds to do. You should remain stopped at the stop sign until you’ve properly checked all directions and ensured they are clear.
  • Second, the longer you remain stopped, the more discernible it is to other drivers. This means a witnessing police officer will better distinguish a complete stop if you stop for three seconds rather than one second. Doing so could save you the hassle of dealing with a traffic ticket.

Speaking of tickets, if you are spotted not making a complete stop at a stop sign, you can, and will, be cited for running that stop sign, regardless if you slowed down or not. Traffic enforcers across the country are stern about this, and rightfully so. As I stated before, complete stops are necessary to ensure the intersection is clear and safe to continue. It’s not only the law to stop, it’s common sense!

Rule of thumb: Stop long enough for your back to hit your seat. This means that there is no more forward momentum from driving, ensuring your vehicle has stopped completely. Allow yourself enough time to check all directions and ensure the intersection is clear before advancing!

5) Not Moving Over or Slowing Down for Emergency Vehicles

This is something I see drivers do all the time, a lot of whom aren’t even aware that there are laws requiring them to move over or slow down while passing an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. As of 2013, all 50 US states have Move Over Laws in effect (the only exception being Washington D.C.). Each state has its own specific rules for the law, but generally, all require drivers to move into a farther lane of traffic, if safely able to do so or slow down while passing. Not doing so can result in a fine, license suspension, and/or jail time. This is a serious law as it protects the men and women working alongside our busy, and often dangerous, roadways.

Rule of thumb: Move over or slow down while passing emergency vehicles on the side of the road!

In Closing…

Just because you aren’t aware that you are violating a law does not mean you won’t be cited for doing so. Stay vigilant and practice defensive driving at all times, and be sure not to violate any of these common infractions. It’s also a good idea to check in with your local DMV to stay up-to-date on all current laws in your area.

Happy driving, everyone!

 

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Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a sporty Ferrari or a classic BMW and are interested in getting one straight from the lands that gave them birth. Maybe you’re traveling to Italy or Germany for a vacation, and are interested in importing a car directly from those factories.

You want to know how to import a car.

Importing a car from outside the U.S. is certainly possible. There are environmental, safety, and cost factors to consider, though, before you actually buy a car overseas and decide to import it. Here are 4 steps to follow.

1. Check U.S. Environmental Regulations Before You Buy

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website says it succinctly: environmental agencies “have very detailed requirements that can make importing a vehicle and/or its parts difficult, if not impossible, for some vehicles that were not originally manufactured for the U.S. market.”

In other words, you have to check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for emissions and other environmental standards before you buy a car. These regulations are some of the most stringent in the world, so it may be that the car you have your eye on doesn’t meet them.

If you buy a car overseas that does not meet U.S. environmental standards, it must be brought up to them before it can pass inspection and thus be driven in the U.S. This can be highly expensive, and in some cases, may not be possible. Do your research on the import of your dreams before you buy.

For an overview of the EPA’s regulations on imports, as well as the forms you will need when you do import a car, see here.

2. Make Sure the Car You Buy Meets U.S. Safety Regulations

In addition to environmental regulations, an imported car must pass U.S. safety standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Department of Transportation (DOT) has an Importation and Certification section with rules and regulations on its standards.

A car being imported must meet what NHTSA terms the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Some of these concern bumper and other safety features. Cars that have been built overseas but meet U.S. FMVSS generally have a certification verification on the car. (It is often by the driver’s side door.)

If you buy a car overseas that you plan to import, you should check with the seller that the certification is there. The NHTSA recommends that you also ask for a letter from the seller verifying this and bring it with you.

Information on the NHTSA’s laws on importation of cars can be found here. The regulations are different if the imported vehicle is from Canada. Those rules can be found here. There is also a helpful frequently asked questions (FAQ) site here.

3. Taking a Car Through Customs

When your imported car is brought through customs, you will need to show the shipper’s or carrier’s original bill of lading, the bill of sale, any overseas registration documents, and any other documents covering the vehicle.

When your car is brought into the U.S., you may have to pay customs fees. Generally, for cars, these are 2.5% of the price, unless you are importing a Canadian-made car. These are duty-free. There is an $800 exemption if the car is for personal use, it was bought during the trip you are re-entering from, and it accompanies you into the U.S. After the exemption, a flat 3% duty rate covers the next $1,000 of the car’s price. The remainder of the price is due at the 2.5% rate.

4. Check Any State Emissions Regulations Before You Buy

Depending on where in the U.S. you live, the state may have environmental regulations in addition to the EPA’s that your import will have to pass before it can be driven. California, for example, has anti-smog regulations in addition to U.S. rules. Check the Department of Motor Vehicles information in your state before purchasing an imported car.

In sum, you should make sure that you understand the environmental, safety, and customs issues before purchasing a car for import and beginning to import it.