North Carolina Traffic Laws: How to Drive Prepared

Learning to drive in North Carolina takes quite a bit of effort. Not only do you have to learn how to control a vehicle, but just as importantly, you have to learn how to follow the rules of the road. Further, even after you get your license, it’s smart to occasionally brush up on your state driving laws and regulations.

If you’ve been ticketed and are looking for traffic violations law firms, it’s time to speak to an affordable traffic attorney NC. Contact the Law Office of Tony Huynh, a Guilford County traffic lawyer.

Getting Up to Speed on Traffic Laws

Some things are pretty obvious. You typically have to follow the posted speed limits, for example. Why? If you speed and get into an accident, you could end up hurting or killing someone.

If you drive above the speed limit, you could get a speeding ticket. If so, it’s smart to contact traffic violations law firms.

Then there’s passing. You might already know that you can only pass when there is a dashed line. Did you also know that if someone is passing you, you can’t speed up? You must maintain speed and let them back into the right lane.

If you’d like a more nuanced explanation of what you can and can’t do, talk with NC Greensboro traffic attorneys.

Drivers must maintain enough distance between themselves and the car in front of them to come to a complete stop. If someone is rear ended, fault usually lies with the rear driver.

In some cases, however, the fault may be shared or the driver at the front may be found responsible. For example, if you’re driving at night with broken taillights, and someone rear-ends you, you might be found at least partially responsible.

If there’s confusion over fault, it’s time to chat with a traffic ticket attorney Guilford County.

If your car breaks down, you need to take reasonable steps to get it out of the road. If someone runs into your car, you may be found responsible. By using flares and reflectors, you can reduce risk and culpability.

Driving Under the Influence in North Carolina

Driving under the influence is a serious crime and could result in jail time, a suspended license, and other punishments. It’s best to avoid drinking and driving even if you feel fine.

If you have been accused of drinking and driving, contact Orange County traffic ticket attorneys North Carolina or a DUI lawyer near you immediately.

If you blow a BAC above .08 percent, you’re likely going to face DWI charges. Most people will blow above .08 percent if they consume more than 3 or 4 drinks in an hour. Even one or two drinks could put you over the limit.

If you’re under the age of 21, however, and have any alcohol in your system, you may be charged with a DUI. North Carolina has a zero-tolerance measure for under-aged drivers.

By the way, North Carolina is considered an implied consent state. If you refuse a breath test, you may lose your driving privileges for one year or longer.

Distracted Driving, Texting, and Cell Phones

Smartphones are great in many ways. That said, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to use their phone while driving. Further, no matter your age, you can’t text and drive.

Distracted driving is a major killer. It’s believed that distracted driving played a role in roughly 50,000 accidents in NC in 2017, resulting in over 150 deaths and more than 25,000 injuries.

Before driving, you should make sure you know how to use your radio and that it’s tuned to your favorite stations. You should also send any text messages or make any calls needed before putting the car in gear.

Getting a Dash Cam and Emergency Kit

When it comes to preparing for driving, you’ll want to know all the relevant laws. It’s also smart to have dash cams installed on your car. This way, if an accident does occur, you’ll have evidence of what happened. Video evidence may make it easier for you to beat any charges.

Further, it’s also smart to keep an emergency kit somewhere in your car. This kit might be equipped with flares, reflectors, a blanket and water in case you get stranded, and other things. The right emergency kit could come in very handy if you suffer an accident or breakdown on the road.

Need legal assistance? Contact the Law Office of Tony Huynh, a traffic lawyer Alamance NC.