It’s no secret that in recent months, traffic laws have been undergoing a series of changes in different North American states. To modernize the traffic code and adapt the legislation to the current situation in each location, the changes to the laws are causing a stir among drivers. Recently, a new state decided to change a traffic law based on new data. For some is just a new, correct interpretation of the law, for others could lead to a fine of almost $300. Find out all about it and avoid being caught by surprise.
A new interpretation of an old law can lead to fines
The court of a North American state decided to reinterpret the legislation in force in the locality. After a series of changes and the implementation of a law that issues drivers caught using a smartphone or mobile device at the wheel, the law has taken on an even stricter meaning.
According to some sources, the change in question was recently approved by the court. Now, the simple fact of holding a smartphone in your hand, even if you’re not using it, can be enough for a driver to receive a fine. For the authorities, even if the device is only used for GPS, the driver would still be dealing with devices capable of distracting him at the wheel, putting his life and the safety of other people around him at risk.
Be careful when driving, as not following this law could cost you a lot
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, driving a vehicle while using a smartphone or mobile device is a traffic infraction that can result in a fine. Initially, the law considered the use of those devices for photos, calls, and messaging, but recently, it may have changed that once and for all. After being fined for holding his cell phone in his left hand while looking at a GPS app, a driver decided to appeal the fine and took his case to court. At the time, even though he wasn’t interacting with his cell phone, he was fined $158 by a police officer.
During the hearing, the court initially considered his argument that he was “just looking at the GPS”, stating that this did not constitute a dangerous or harmful action, nor could it be considered the use of a device at the wheel.
During the appeal, things took a different turn
The whole situation changed after the court appealed and reversed the decision, previously favorable to the driver. For the jurists, the text of the law must be interpreted beyond the act of physically handling a smartphone or mobile device while driving. In the text communicating the decision, the authorities stressed that the measure seeks to prevent drivers from using any device that could distract them while driving a vehicle.
According to the law, drivers who wish to access their devices, for whatever reason, while driving should do it without having to hold or manipulate the devices with their hands. With technological changes and new possibilities, a new text may be needed to amend the law.
Other states are also promoting changes to their traffic laws
While the state of California has decided to reinterpret current legislation and propose a change to the text of the law banning the use of smartphones at the wheel, other states have also decided to look at their laws and promote changes that reflect the behaviors of local drivers. This other state, for example, has decided to extend the law banning the use of cellphones and electronic devices behind the wheel. Fines and punishments have also been changed to prevent drivers from engaging in this habit.
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