A member of my Lodge sent a reminder of some of the new laws supposedly taking effect July 1 along with their related fines. It was subsequently published in the Lodge newsletter and I’ve since received two or three more emails addressing the same information. Some of you have probably received similar notifications. The purported changes include:
* Carpool lane - First time offense, $1068.50! Second time, double!! Third time, triple!!! Fourth time, license suspended!
* Improper lane change - $380. Don’t cross the solid line or change lanes in an intersection.
* Cell phones - Use must be “hands free” while driving. Fine is $285. Police will be aggressively looking for this; it’s easy money. Cell phone use in a construction zone - Double the fine.
* Passengers over 18 must be seat belted (both the offending passengers and driver get ticketed.)
* Speeding - the “grace limit” is now 3 mph above the posted limit. (No more 10% grace.)
* DUI = Jail! And it stays on your driving record for 10 years!
Folks, this is a hoax! While some traffic laws and fines did change in 2007, the sheer absurdity of some of these purported fines made me think twice. For more information, consult your state’s 2007 Vehicle Code.