5 Laws You Should Know Keep In Mind On A Road Trip

Driving from state to state during a road trip is an exciting experience. However, it can also be confusing and stressful if you aren’t familiar with the laws in each of the states that you drive through. Here are some things to remember.

Speed limits

Speed limits vary from state to state and can be confusing. The posted speed limit is usually set by the state or jurisdiction overseeing that stretch of highway; this means it’s not up to individual counties, cities or townships to decide whether they want to raise or lower speed limits within their boundaries.

State agencies typically set speed limits based on three factors: crash rate (the number of crashes per mile), design speeds (the maximum speeds at which roads were built) and traffic flow (how fast drivers drive).

Phone use

There are many laws surrounding distracted driving when it comes to your smartphone, but while the is the same everywhere you go, some states might require something different. For example, some states might require that you phone be out of sight and out of reach. Others might require that you only use your phone in a case of emergency. If you follow the law, you won’t have to deal with any unreasonable search and seizure issues during your trip.

Seat belts

Seat belts are a safety feature and are required by law in every state. They’re also considered a passive restraint system because they don’t require any action on your part for them to work properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of injury by 60% during an accident. In all states (except New Hampshire) passenger vehicles must have at least one lap belt or shoulder harness system for each seating position.

DUI

If you’re over 21 and your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent or greater, you are considered intoxicated and can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).

If you’re under 21 and have a BAC of 0.02 to 0.079 percent, you will be subject to suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days if convicted. If it’s higher than that, then the penalties increase with each time you’re caught: a year for second-time offenders and two years for third-time offenders.

Vehicle modifications

Vehicle modifications, such as spoilers or lights, are legal so long as they don’t obscure your vision. You also have to be careful about the color of your vehicle’s paint job. Color restrictions depend on what kind of license plate you have. If you have a standard plate, then the colors can’t obstruct the numbers or letters on it (or any other part of it).

If you have an international plate, then no part of your vehicle can be painted red or orange; and if you’re traveling with a dealer plate then no part of your vehicle can be painted black.

Conclusion

Driving laws are important to keep in mind when you’re on the road. Not only do they protect other drivers, but they can also protect yourself and your passengers. So make sure that you check out the laws of the states you’re driving through before hitting the road again!