Two prominent traffic laws — one strengthening enforcement for seat belt violations, the other banning texting while driving — will get a bit tougher Thursday.
The state’s new primary seat belt law actually has been on the books since June 10. Officers had been issuing warnings until this point.
As a primary law, law enforcement officers are allowed to stop and ticket drivers and front-seat passengers who are not wearing seat belts, even if they do not observe another traffic violation. Prior to June 10, seat belt violations were considered secondary, and officers needed another reason to initiate a traffic stop.
The new law does not affect existing seat belt laws for passengers under 18; having unrestrained minors anywhere in a vehicle has been a primary offense for years. An unbelted adult in the back seat remains a secondary offense.
The texting ban also goes into effect this week, prohibiting drivers from using a wireless device to write, send or read a written communication while operating a motor vehicle on a public road or highway. This includes text messages, instant messages and e-mails.
Exemptions are granted if a motorist is stopped and not in the regularly traveled portion of the roadway; is reporting current or ongoing illegal activity to law enforcement; or is receiving emergency, traffic or weather alerts.
Officers will issue warnings for texting while driving through Dec. 31. Tickets will be issued starting Jan. 1.
THE GRACE period for three other state laws also ends today, affecting license plate visibility, driving in the passing lane on a four-lane or larger highway and controlling traffic around minor traffic accidents.
State law prohibits a license plate from being covered with any kind of clear or opaque material, such as plastic, that could affect its visibility or reflectivity.
A “right lane law” prohibits motorists from traveling in a passing lane on a four-lane or larger highway outside city limits, unless the motorist is passing another vehicle, preparing for a left-hand turn, avoiding a parked vehicle or being directed into the left lane by a sign or law enforcement officer.
— The “Move It Law” mandates that motorists involved in minor traffic accidents clear their vehicles, if possible, to prevent traffic from being clogged.
This law is intended to keep drivers and passengers safe by getting them out of the lane of traffic and away from oncoming vehicles, and will be more applicable in metropolitan areas, explained Lt. Robert Baker with KHP.
He noted that enforcing that law likely will occur only in extraordinary circumstances, “when there’s a flagrant violation.”
THE STATE also is increasing its traffic fines by $15 starting next month.
As an example, a speeding fine for 75 mph in a 65 mph zone would be $45, plus $93.50 in court costs, for a total fine of $138.50.
This marks the second increase in traffic law violation fines in just over two months. The state instituted a $7.50 increase in court costs in late April to help the Judiciary branch stay afloat financially. The higher fines will be effective immediately in Allen County’s District and Magistrate courts.
Iola Municipal Court’s fines also likely will increase later this year to match the state’s hike.
