New Laws for 2008

Things you can’t do anymore

Most people are aware that effective July 1, 2008 drivers must use a hands-free device. Either a corded headset or one of those Bluetooth earpieces or speakerphones will do. Some of the new cars out have the speakerphone built in, which is nice since it turns itself on and off automatically.

The other cell phone law that went into effect makes is illegal for drivers under the age of 18 to use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device. I read an article about a study in North Carolina. They already banned cell phones for teenagers in 2006. The study concluded that the law made no difference in teen drivers cell phone use. With a new teenage driver, I’m all for safety. I just hope all these laws make a real difference.

Here are a few other new laws that went into effect this year:

• License Plates – new illegal to sell or use covers that prevent the cameras on street lights from capturing the plate number.
• School Zones – allow local authorities to create a 15MPH speed limit in school zones.
• Street Racing – reestablished a law allowing the 30-day impound of vehicles when the driver is arrested for street racing, exhibition of speed or reckless driving.
• Smoking in Vehicles – smoking not permitted in vehicles where a minor is present.
• Traffic School – Drivers convicted with two-point violations, which include drunk driving, hit-and-run, speed contests, evading an officer or vehicular manslaughter, will not be allowed to attend traffic school.

I was going to list more, but it started getting depressing. Why is it that we don’t read about laws that have been removed?