7 Driving Laws Every GA Resident Needs to Know

Did you know you can be charged for violating laws you didn’t even know existed? In fact, odds are you break several laws a month unintentionally.

While some of these laws are hardly enforced (like stealing Wifi), Georgia drivers are pulled over every day for violating laws they didn’t know about.

Unfortunately, ignorance isn’t an acceptable defense plea in most courtrooms. While some law enforcement officers can be more than understanding, there’s no guarantee that they’ll let you off with a warning for violating Georgia driving laws, even if by mistake.

Georgia Driving Laws Every Resident Should Know

Most laws, like driving the speed limit and staying in your lane are obvious, but you may not be aware of some of Georgia’s other driving-related laws.

For example, if you’re riding a bicycle, did you know it’s considered a vehicle and you, therefore, are the driver. This means all of the laws that pertain to motor vehicles and their drivers also apply to bicyclists, within reason. Obviously, bicyclists are required to wear seatbelts.

Keep reading for more interesting (and important) Georgia state driving laws you may not know about.

1. Almost No Electronic Devices While Driving

Georgia’s driving laws are pretty clear about hands-free driving, but not without reason. In 2018, 400,000 people in the U.S. were injured as a result of distracted driving.

Georgia traffic laws make it illegal to be holding any electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. It’s even illegal to text someone (or do anything else with your phone) while stopped at a stoplight.

However, you can use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth earpieces. Although, this exception does not extend to headphones, which are also illegal to use while driving. You may also use your phone in emergency situations, such as reporting crimes, accidents, dangerous road conditions, etc.

2. Seat Belts Are Not Optional, but Shoes Are

We get it, sometimes you’re in a hurry or forget to wear your seatbelt. Sometimes a seatbelt is uncomfortable (like after getting sunburned). However, like most other states in the U.S., Georgia driving laws make wearing your seatbelt mandatory for operating a motor vehicle.

Getting pulled over and being sited for not wearing your seatbelt could result in a $15 fine. If you have a minor in the car not wearing a seatbelt, the fine is $25.

However, if you hate driving with shoes on, you have no need for concern. GA driving laws make it legal to drive without shoes.

3. You’re Required to Have Car Insurance, but Not Adequate Car Insurance

Driving laws in Georgia make car insurance mandatory for operating a motor vehicle. Ironically, however, the minimum insurance requirement isn’t always enough to cover the extent of damages resulting from severe car accidents.

By law, you are required to have a minimum coverage of $50,000 of bodily liability insurance per accident, $25,000 per person, and $25,000 for property damage. If the coverage is surpassed by the damages caused by a driver, the driver can be held personally and financially liable.

If you’ve caused an accident and are being held liable, learn more here about your options.

4. If It’s Raining, Turn on Your Headlights

Another Georgia traffic law you might not know about is that it’s illegal to drive with your headlights off when it’s raining. Common sense tells us that turning on our headlights helps improve our visibility and the visibility of our vehicle to other drivers. However, most people don’t think to turn on their lights during a downpour, especially during the day.

Failing to do so could result in getting pulled over. Headlight violations in Georgia result in a moderate fine and three driver penalty points. A total of 15 penalty points can result in a 24-month driving suspension.

5. Don’t Drive Too Slow

We can all recognize how frustrating it can be to have a slow-moving vehicle clogging up the left passing lane. Apparently, so do Georgia driving laws. In Georgie, it’s illegal to drive too slowly or linger in a passing lane.

Even if you’re driving the speed limit in the left passing lane, you’re required to move over for vehicles traveling faster than you. Also known as the “slow-poke law,” this law was created to prevent excess havoc on the road.

6. But Slow Down for ALL Emergency Vehicles

However, Georgia state driving laws do require you to slow down and move to the opposite side of the road (right or left) for any emergency vehicle pulled over on the shoulder or side of the road. You might be surprised to learn that these include any vehicles with flashing lights, be it orange, red, blue, etc. This includes construction vehicles, garbage trucks, road maintenance vehicles, police vehicles, and emergency medical response vehicles.

This law was established to help prevent the workers associated with these vehicles from being killed by motorists speeding by. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea just to slow down anytime there’s a vehicle or personnel on the side of the road.

7. Intersections With Nonfunctioning Lights Become Four-Way Stops

Georgia driving laws demand that any interaction with downed or malfunctioning traffic lights be treated as four-way stops. This law reduces confusion and unnecessary accidents when drivers are confronted with non-working traffic lights.

However, this can be a little tricky at four-way intersections with multiple lanes of traffic on each side. We recommend approaching with caution and staying alert.

Typically, the first driver to come to a complete stop has the right-of-way. If multiple cars stop simultaneously, the vehicle to the left of the driver on the main road goes first. Then, drivers take turns, moving in a clockwise fashion.

Looking to Learn More About Legal Issues?

Are you interested in learning more about laws and legal issues? Are you looking for a lawyer to represent you?

If you’re facing legal issues regarding Georgia driving laws, drug laws, bankruptcy, personal injuries, or more, we can help.

Use our directory today to find the right lawyer for your case. We can help you get in touch with a professional to get you on the right path.

2 months ago DUI Lawyers No comment

Important traits you should Consider While Getting DUI Lawyers Miami for Legal Help

Those who would intensely look forward to having quick and proactive help from Dui Lawyers Miami to attain optimum level of legal support, should know that you are definitely looking at the most efficient line of legal services. In terms of professional efficacy, lawyers and legal professional services are indeed indispensable.

Let’s check out why it is so

Honesty is the most adorned trait of DUI lawyers

Honesty in business deals should be treated as a golden rule. At least, Dui Lawyers miami would like to look at it that way. As the astute professionals proceed with the case, they make a heart and soul effort to figure out any possible loophole that would prove to be a valued addition as well as an enigmatic bliss in your case. Once they have been abreast of any such thing then there is nothing that can possibly stop them from saving you. They work with utmost honesty and ensure that your grace as well as social status is absolutely glitch free. It is because of their honest approach at work as well as a highly feedback oriented procedure that their work gets so much of appreciation from almost every corner of the society. It is by dint of their honesty that you can get to envision a surprisingly high percentage of success in almost every case that they fight.

Transparency in performing their legal activities and duties

Transparency happens to be a core aspect of consideration for every worthy service provider. When it comes to the practice of law, it becomes even more essential as the fate of the client will entirely depend or rest on how the lawyer is working on the case. This is exactly why dui lawyers fort lauderdale choose to be extra careful in this respect. They do understand how crucial their job role is going to be in terms of ascertaining the future of their clients. Thus, they choose to be as transparent as they can be while discussing the pecuniary dealing or fees related aspects. They will be pretty immaculate and precise as they are going to unfurl their procedures. You can rest assured that there will not be any sort of hidden deal during the contract. Everything will be legitimate so that you can take the best advantage of what’s on offer.

Dedicated service providers and true connoisseurs of the art of brevity at the court

While battling your case in the court of law, these professionals are known for their dedicated approach at their work. They do have a distinctive fame in this regard. However, what appears to be a really striking feature related to the service which they cater is their command over the art of brevity. They don’t take too much of your time at court. It is not their practice to extend the time span and put any pressure on your wallet. On the contrary, they try to minimise the time span so that you can enjoy the taste of liberty as fast as possible. By implementing their art of brevity, they make an impeccable impact on the judge and that’s how they are successful in eliciting a completely favourable response for your case. The efficacy of the dui lawyers west palm beach is indeed praiseworthy as far as their dedicated approach is concerned.

Consulting professionals at your service

As you intend to add the services of dui lawyers west palm beach to your advantage, you will be assured of pristine consultation with an immediate effect. The service would be impeccable as well as useful. It will be catered on an urgent basis after the professionals choose to go deep into the exigency level of the scenario. The most exhilarating aspect of the Dedicated service is that you can attain the services anytime you want. Your time would be of most importance to the lawyers. So, your time will be their time. They are available for you round the clock.

Experience which you will find a bliss in your situation

Experience is something that always pays enriched dividends and that is why you can never ignore the perspicacity as well as importance of experience. That’s what is absolutely true with the consulting lawyers. It’s the experience of being the top notch lawyers which will eventually strengthen the position of yours in the case and you will fortunately embrace the opportunity to come close to the sweet taste of freedom for sure.

The lawyers do you a yeoman’s Job

The lawyers can be beneficial as well as the most instrumental forces as they step up and save your dwindling status from the possible ravages of a drunk driving case. Just imagine that you have been involved in a DUI offense while returning from an office party or a private party. The situation might get you trapped in legal turmoil. You might get handed over to the law enforcement officers. If it happens, it surely has the potential to hurl a highly damaging impact on your career. Thanks to the almighty that you can use the proficient help from the lawyer communities. If you are going to make a call, they would show up on the spot and take things ahead from there.

You can always have faith in their official as well as legal capabilities. They tend to deal with numerous cases of this sort and they are probably the best person to know what they are going to do in the effort of getting you discharged. Once they are in the case of yours, they are indispensable as they would hatch up a way out for you. You can bet on this.

Make sure that you would like to do your best by means of taking a quick note of the important facets we have just shared with you in this post. You can bet that you will be able to get guaranteed support from dedicated legal services in Miami as well as from the fraternity of dui lawyers west palm Beach provided you decide to take things in your stride with a pragmatic bent of mind.

3 months ago DUI Lawyers No comment

4 Ways to Aid Your DUI Lawyer in Preparing the Defense

Whatever the circumstances, you are entitled to have legal representation after an arrest for impaired driving or driving under the influence. In fact, hiring a DUI lawyer should be something that you do as quickly as possible. Once your legal counsel is involved, full cooperation on your part will equip the lawyer to develop a viable defense.

Here are four ways that you can support that effort

Cooperate With the Authorities Without Volunteering Too Much Information

While you do want to cooperate with the authorities, it’s best to keep your responses short and sweet. There’s no need to elaborate by adding details outside the scope of the questions. When and as possible, simple yes or no responses will do fine.

Keep in mind that you do have the right to have your legal counsel present during questioning. If the types of questions you’re being asked leave you feeling somewhat uncomfortable, that’s the time to invoke your right to only be questioned with your lawyer present.

But Do Tell Your Lawyer Everything

While you do want to avoid offering too much information to the authorities, the opposite is true when you meet in private with your legal counsel. At this juncture, feel free to share every detail that you can remember. Listen closely to any questions that the lawyer asked and answer them to the best of your ability.

Don’t assume some minor detail that comes to mind is not worth mentioning. You’re not in a position to decide what’s relevant and what’s of no value. Everything that you can remember should be conveyed to your legal counsel. Something as simple as remembering a random remark that was made during the arrest could change everything.

Refrain from Discussing the Pending Case With Others

Whether you have to remain in jail pending the court date or whether you’re released on bond, keep the details about the pending case to yourself. At no time should you discuss it with friends, relatives, coworkers, or anyone else. If you are in confinement, that includes not saying every much while making or receiving a phone call. It’s routine in many facilities for calls to be monitored. The only time you should discuss the case is when you and your lawyer are alone.

Follow the Lawyer’s Advice About Where to Be Seen and What to Do

Assuming you are free pending the court date, your lawyer is likely to have recommendations about how to conduct yourself in the interim. It may be best if you’re not seen at certain venues for a time. In some cases, it may be in your best interests to refrain from socializing with certain people until after the court date. The point of being mindful of where you go and who you’re seen with is to avoid any perceptions that could complicate your case. By choosing to follow that advice, you will make the process of mounting a defense a little easier.

During this time, your DUI lawyer will be one of your strongest allies. Draw on the experience and the knowledge that your legal counsel brings to the situation. Cooperate fully and listen closely to any advice. Doing so increases the odds of achieving the best possible outcome.

3 months ago DUI Lawyers No comment

3 Common Myths About DUI Blood Testing

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you probably had to undergo some form of testing. This could’ve been done through a breathalyzer, a urine test, or a blood test. Blood testing is the most accurate method and is often the option of choice in many jurisdictions.

It is your responsibility to understand what can and can’t be done in this situation, and what the implications of a positive test are. You also have to know some of the myths about these tests, so you don’t end up making a mistake, and understand your rights.

Here are some of the most common myths about DUI blood testing

Police Lab Tests Results are the Only Valid Ones

That is not the case. When you are processed for DUI blood testing, you will be sent to a chosen medical lab where a technician will take a sample for testing. While the results will be used as evidence if the case goes to trial, know that you can request for an independent test in many jurisdictions.

In places like Georgia, for instance, you can ask the officers to take you to an independent testing facility. They are also obligated to let you search on the internet for a facility and take you to an ATM if you need money to pay. So, if you feel like they’re in the wrong, exercise your right. This could be used to debate in court and could have an influence on sentencing.

Over the Counter Breathalyzers are a Good Indicator of Blood Alcohol

While using breathalyzers tools available to the public can be one way to reduce drink driving, don’t expect these to be consistent with lab results. That’s because of the way they work. Breathalyzers don’t calculate the concentration of alcohol in the blood. Instead, they only calculate the concentration of alcohol compounds in the breath.

However, this doesn’t account for things such as sex, weight, or even things like red blood cell concentration. So, only use this as an estimate of what your real blood alcohol level is, and don’t drive if it’s too close to the limit for comfort.

You Can’t Refuse a Test

A lot of people are still under the impression that refusing a test will automatically make them guilty, but it’s more complex than that. In most states, officers will need to show probable cause before they can submit you to a test. But once probable cause is established, refusal will usually result in a guilty charge under implied consent.

Some of the things officers can use to establish probable cause include observations of erratic driving behavior, field sobriety tests, alcohol smells, and breathalyzer tests. If they establish after these that you may be impaired, refusing a test will get you in trouble. But if you feel like you were unjustly arrested, you are within your rights to refuse blood testing.

Conclusion

Getting arrested for a DUI is something no one should be taking lightly. If you are in this situation, make sure that you understand both your responsibilities and your rights, and protect them at all costs if you feel they’ve been violated.

4 months ago DUI Lawyers No comment

DUI Washington State: Questions You Need To Ask A Lawyer

Driving under the influence (DUI) laws are meant to prohibit motorists from driving when drunk. It is also essential to know that drunk driving is a DUI, a criminal offense that can lead charges of misdemeanor or felony. Subsequent penalties for A DUI offense may include fines, probation, or a jail term.

If you have ever been arrested for drunk driving, you would agree that getting a good DUI lawyer is of utmost importance to help you understand the facts of your case and to prepare your defense. However, before you settle on a lawyer, it is essential to interrogate them to help you know them better.

Some of the question you need to ask such a lawyer includes:

Do You have experience with DUI Cases?

This question might appear very basic, but this helps ensure that you’re hiring a lawyer who is knowledgeable about DUI cases. It will help to know whether a person is a veteran DUI lawyer or if that would be their first case. This is important because more experience the attorney has, the higher the chances are that you will succeed in your case. The golden rule is that 50% of all the caseload handled by your prospective lawyer should have been DUI-related. Additionally, inquire to know how many cases the attorney has successfully been able to bargain down to “wet reckless” dismissal. This will give you the confidence of succeeding in your case as well.

Do You Work Within My Locality?

Hiring a lawyer who works within your area is a must as they have a full understanding of the ins and outs of the relevant jurisdiction where your case will be conducted. Additionally, if the lawyer is from where you live, they tend to know a lot about the court staff and the prosecutors of your specific location. This will allow for a smooth and seamless experience since the attorney will most likely have an idea of how to navigate the court systems while negotiating your case.

What percentage of your clients opted for deferred prosecution?

In Washington, you have only one chance of getting “deferred prosecution” for your entire lifetime. This is why only people who are in dire need of treatment for serious substance abuse get this judgment. If the judge agrees for the deferred prosecution, you will be placed on a five-year probation period, from which you have to complete a mandatory two-year treatment period. If you succeed and comply with treatment, your case will be dismissed, and if not, you will be charged guilty of DUI.

Most attorneys will encourage the first DUI defendants to take this route, which on the flip side is an easier way for the attorney and a much tougher one for you as the defendant. For This reason, it is advisable to get more experienced attorneys who know that deferred prosecution should never be used on a defendant’s first DUI case.

How Much Is The Fee?

It is vital to know the legal fees that your lawyer will require for the entire case to determine whether the cost is within your budget. Ask your attorney whether the quoted legal fees include the payment at the department of licensing (DOL) as well as for the jury trial. The lawyer should also inform you accordingly before going to DUI trial of any other additional fees. Some of these additional costs will be highly dependent on whether you have had records of past driving offenses or when covering for breath test results. Such knowledge will help you to iron any financial implications that may come as a surprise in the course of your representation in court.

What is the alcohol evaluation in Washington DUI Law?

A lawyer who has been trained in blood alcohol concentration can be a valuable asset that can help you in winning your case. Such an attorney is likely to recommend you to a certified state agency that offers alcohol drug evaluation at reasonable costs. Additionally, your attorney will be able to walk you through the entire screening, ensuring that results have not been tampered with during the process. Some jurisdictions will also require you to undergo the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), and the drug abuse screening test (DAST).

Conclusion

Under Washington state law, drink driving may lead to criminal charges, but more to these, you may also be subjected to administrative penalties by the Washington department of licensing. Nonetheless, you have a legal obligation for representation in court, and it is advisable that when looking for the right lawyer for your case, you ask the right questions.

Some of the questions you can ask the lawyer is to know if they have experience with DUI cases, understand if they work within your area, and also inquire to know the percentage of his client that has opted for deferred prosecution. Additionally, let them conclusively inform you of the legal fees, besides you can also ask about the procedure of alcohol evaluation in Washington DUI law.

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