Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog
Distracted Driving FAQ
With almost 10 million registered vehicles in North Carolina, it is no surprise that the roads are becoming more and more crowded. At the same time, technology continues to improve, allowing access to cell phones, GPS, and more, even when we are behind the wheel. Distractions while driving are common, and there are laws in place to protect road safety. Law enforcement may issue a ticket for someone who is driving while distracted.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your focus off driving. Distracted driving includes anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off the road. For example, reading a text message takes an average of about five seconds. During that time, you will travel about 100 yards when driving 55 mph. That means the driver is driving blind for about the length of a football field. When someone takes their eyes off the road, it can result in a serious accident.
What are Some Examples of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving may take many forms. Using your phone while driving is one of the most common examples of driving while distracted. Eating or drinking while behind the wheel is also a form of distraction. Another distraction may be talking to passengers or taking care of children. There are other things you may do while driving that cause you to take your eyes off the road. For instance, you may change the radio station or adjust the volume, or you may look for something in your vehicle.
What are Distracted Driving Laws in North Carolina?
The distracted driving laws in North Carolina focus on prohibiting cell phone use. While you can use your cell phone in a hands-free mode, the law prohibits drivers from texting or emailing while behind the wheel. Drivers under the age of 18 with a provisional license are not allowed to use their cell phone in any manner except to contact a parent or to call emergency services. School bus drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone except in emergencies.
What are the Consequences of Distracted Driving?
North Carolina takes distracted driving seriously. There are numerous penalties in place for driving while distracted. Cell phone use while driving is considered a primary violation. In other words, the police may pull you over specifically because you were using your cell phone. You could also receive a ticket for distracted driving if you were pulled over for another traffic violation. The fine for texting while driving is $100. A school bus driver who violates the cell phone law can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor, with a fine of not less than $100. The fine for using a cell phone by a driver under the age of 18 with a provisional license is $50. In addition, you will also be responsible for paying court costs.
Tickets for distracted driving are often given in conjunction with other traffic tickets. For example, you may be stopped for speeding, and the police officer sees that you were also on your phone at the time. This could result in two separate violations.
If you are facing traffic violations, you may want to fight the matter in court. Contact our legal team at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a consultation.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC make it their mission to zealously defend their clients on a wide range of criminal matters at both the state and federal levels. These matters may include any charge from traffic offenses; DWI/DUI; drug charges (from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute and trafficking); gun permit denials; weapons offenses; and property crimes (larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, white collar offenses); to sexually related offenses (indecent exposure; sexual assault, crimes against nature, removal from sex offender registry); and violent crimes (domestic violence; assault; manslaughter; homicide, murder). Other legal issues that Arnold & Smith, PLLC criminal clients may be facing include restraining orders, restraining order and probation violations, expungements; appeals; and immigration issues related to criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about ensuring that individuals empower themselves by being informed about their constitutional rights and stand at the ready to fight in the defense of those facing criminal charges.
Source:
https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-137.4a.html
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
See Our Related Video from our YouTube channel:
Arnold & Smith, PLLC – YouTube
See Our Related Blog Posts:
What are Super Speeder Laws in North Carolina?