Latest news with #drivinglaws
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Can you drive in the left lane without passing in NC? What the law says
One of the first things you learn before you get your driver's license in North Carolina is that the left lane is the passing lane. In a perfect world, all drivers traveling below the speed limit stay in the right lane, allowing for those driving faster to safely pass them. But driving in North Carolina for any amount of time will tell you that's not the case. An easy solution to this problem would be to stay in the left lane to avoid getting stuck behind slow drivers. But is it legal to do that if you're not passing a vehicle? Here's what you need to know. Can you get a ticket for driving in the left lane without passing? Yes, but only if officers have a reason to stop you, Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the N.C. State Highway Patrol told The Observer. 'It comes down to officer discretion and whether there has been a clear-cut, substantial violation of the law,' Casey said. There's no state law that specifically prohibits drivers from driving in the left lane without passing, Casey said, but officers could issue tickets for other offenses, such as speeding or reckless driving. Can you get a ticket for driving too slowly in the left lane? Yes. But whether or not you'll get a ticket for driving slowly in the left lane depends on the officer who pulls you over, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. North Carolina law requires drivers moving slower than the speed limit to keep right — unless they're passing another vehicle or making a left turn. But the state doesn't have a specific law that makes it illegal to drive slowly in the left lane, Casey said. But a bill the currently sits in the state House could change that. House Bill 864 would make it illegal for a person to 'operate a motor vehicle in the left lane of a multilane highway at a speed that impedes the normal and reasonable movement of traffic,' meaning officers could issue citations to drivers traveling too slow in the passing lane, The News & Observer previously reported. For now, drivers could face a citation for impeding traffic, which is prohibited under state law. 'You could get a ticket for it, but the officer would have to articulate what they were doing to impede traffic versus just not going as fast as someone wanted them to,' Casey said. Driving well below the speed limit isn't automatically against the law, he added. 'In some cases, it's actually necessary.' Can you get a ticket for speeding around a slow driver? Even if you're stuck behind a slow driver, speeding to pass them isn't allowed in North Carolina — and you could get a ticket for it, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. The state uses absolute speed limits, which means driving even slightly over the posted limit is a violation of the law. According to Coast to Coast NC Law Group, exceeding the speed limit can result in a misdemeanor charge. Ask the North Carolina Service Journalism Team Have a question about your community you'd like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you'd like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you. If you have a question about the Charlotte area, send The Charlotte Observer team a question by submitting questions to this form. If you have a question about Raleigh or a Triangle area community, send The News & Observer team a question by submitting questions to this form. It's almost tax-free weekend. Here's a list of places to shop near Charlotte Charlotte ranked among most liveable cities in the world. See the full list Solve the daily Crossword
The National
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Sharjah expands 35 per cent traffic fines discount scheme to include impound fees
Sharjah has expanded a road traffic initiative offering 35 per cent discounts on fines paid in two months to include impound fees. The move was announced by Sharjah Executive Council on Tuesday and aims to encourage motorists to settle financial penalties promptly and avoid racking up driving debts. The discount scheme was first introduced by authorities in April, 2023, but covered only fines incurred for certain road offences. Under UAE traffic law, drivers must pay additional release fees in the event their vehicle is impounded. These will now also be eligible for 35 per cent cuts. For example, if a motorist caught in Sharjah driving a vehicle with expired registration the fine is Dh500 and impoundment for seven days. Under the new update, if the motorist made the payment in 60 days of committing the fine, then a 35 per cent discount will apply on the payment and the impoundment fees and the motorist will pay Dh325 for the traffic fines and Dh455 for impound fees, which would be Dh500 and Dh700 respectively. Traffic fines – not including impound release charges – paid between 60 days and one year of the traffic offence taking place will be cut by 25 per cent under the measures. The new decision made during a meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council at Sharjah Ruler's office. Serious traffic offences are not included in the scheme, such as driving in a way that endangers lives, exceeding the speed limit by more than 80kph and carrying out unlicensed modifications to vehicles. Police forces across the UAE typically offer such deductions on public holidays such as National Day.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Driver stopped by police for ‘deadly' action while driving in Bolton
A driver was stopped by officers in Great Lever for allegedly driving while using a mobile phone behind the wheel last week. Officers were on patrol in Great Lever when they reportedly spotted the driver "brazenly" using the mobile device behind the wheel. The driver was ordered to stop by officers and reported for the offence. READ MORE: A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: 'Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is not just illegal – it's deadly. "A moment's distraction can lead to life-changing or fatal collisions. No text, no call, no notification is worth a life. 'It's illegal to use a handheld mobile device while driving – even if you're stopped at traffic lights or in a queue. "Offenders face a £200 fine and six penalty points. New drivers (within two years of passing) could lose their licence entirely. 'If a crash occurs while using a phone, you could face a prison sentence for dangerous or careless driving. 'Our message is clear: If you're behind the wheel, put the phone away. Your life – and the lives of others – depend on it.' Earlier this year, 22 vehicles were stopped in Great Lever by the Neighbourhood Policing Team on to catch those committing traffic offences on roads in the area. The operation comes in response to concerns from residents around the Lever Street, High Street and Bridgeman Street areas. Officers pulled over just under two dozen vehicles in total using these roads. Of these, 11 traffic offence reports were issued to drivers. These include for driving in excess of the speed limit, using a mobile phone whilst driving, contravening a red light and using a vehicle with defective tyres.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Major road rule changes coming into effect on July 1 across Australia
A sweeping set of road rule changes is being introduced across Australia from July 1, with tougher penalties, cutting-edge enforcement technology and nationally consistent speed limits designed to crack down on dangerous driving behaviours. From hefty fines over $1000 for mobile phone use to new obligations when passing roadside assistance vehicles, drivers in every state and territory are being urged to brush up on the new rules — or risk paying the price. In some cases, non-compliance could cost thousands and trigger licence suspensions. Mobile phone use will be under stricter surveillance than ever, as AI-powered detection cameras — capable of identifying drivers holding or touching their phones even at red lights — are activated or expanded nationwide. Penalties vary by state, but can exceed $1,000 and five demerit points. School zones and high pedestrian areas will also face speed limit changes across several states. From July 1, Victoria will expand Road Rule 79A, requiring drivers to slow to 40 km/h when passing roadside assistance vehicles, including tow trucks, breakdown support and incident response units — as long as flashing lights are activated and workers are visible. This rule previously applied only to emergency vehicles. The penalty: a fine of up to $961, but no demerit points. In high-pedestrian areas and school zones, there will also be speed reductions to 30 kilometres per hour. Little-known road rule with $600 fine shocks Aussie drivers Drivers warned major road rule change with $961 fines 'weeks' away Road rule warning after driver cops $1,775 fine, 22 demerits in one go Starting July 1, NSW becomes the first state to apply average speed cameras to light vehicles — including cars and motorbikes. These cameras, already in place for heavy vehicles, will be active on the Hume and Pacific Highways. A grace period with warning notices has been running since May 1, 2025, but enforcement with fines will begin from July 1. NSW is phasing out ticketless parking fines, addressing concerns over drivers unknowingly receiving fines without physical notices. As of July 1, Queensland is introducing a 3.5 per cent increase to fines across a range of offences, including speeding, seatbelt violations and mobile phone use. Distracted driving will be a particular focus, with enhanced enforcement tech and a tougher approach to infringement. Queensland is set to reduce speed limits from 50 to 40 km/h in select tourist and residential areas, including the Hervey Bay Esplanade and various urban neighbourhoods. South Australia's latest road rule change requiring drivers to slow down to 25 km/h when passing stationary breakdown service vehicles displaying flashing amber lights came into effect on May 19. The change extends the current protections for emergency vehicles and is part of a broader safety campaign. South Australia will also introduce 40 km/h speed limits across inner-city councils in the Adelaide metropolitan area, along with 10 km/h limits in shared pedestrian zones. From July 1, 2025, Western Australia will introduce a sweeping set of road rule changes aimed at improving road safety and reducing the state's road toll. Fines for traffic offences will increase significantly, including up to $700 and five demerit points for mobile phone use, and more than $1,600 for excessive speeding. Repeat offenders face licence suspensions. New AI-powered cameras will also begin detecting speeding, seatbelt non-compliance, and phone use, with enforcement to begin after a warning period concluding in May 2025. The state will also launch a three-year trial lowering speed limits on over 1,800 regional roads in the Busselton and Augusta–Margaret River areas, aiming to improve safety in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, off-road vehicle owners will be able to register their bikes online, removing the need for in-person paperwork. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
News.com.au
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Little-known road rule landing Aussies $2k fines
Aussie motorists have been warned of one seemingly minor driving habit that could cost them thousands of dollars in fines. Significant penalties apply to those who flout the lesser-known road rule of leaving your car unlocked or your windows down after parking. However, there is one group of motorists exempt from the rules concerning unlocked doors and window security. In most states, there's a '3-metre rule' that dictates how far you can stray from your parked car without locking it. Essentially, if you move more than 3m away, you must lock your vehicle and secure the windows. Failure to do so could result in a fine. And let's be honest; almost everyone's been guilty of leaving their car unsecured while going for that quick coffee run or dash into a shop, often without a second thought. While leaving your car unlocked may seem a harmless oversight, there's a very good reason for the 3m rule. Improving vehicle security helps prevent car theft and dishonest insurance claims, such as when a vehicle is left unlocked intentionally and a claim is made for an alleged theft. Astor Legal's principal lawyer Avinash Singh explains: 'The reasoning behind the law is to prevent cars from being stolen and then used in more serious crimes,' he said. 'The use of allegedly stolen vehicles making it difficult for police to track down the offenders.' Here is everything you need to know about this often-overlooked rule. New South Wales In NSW, it is illegal to leave a running car unlocked or with a minor inside while unattended. Additionally, drivers must not leave their vehicle unattended with the windows down unless the gap is two centimetres or less. The fine is $114, but if the case goes to court, penalties can reach up to $2200. Queensland In QLD, it's illegal to leave your car unlocked when unattended. Similarly to NSW, you can't leave your vehicle unattended with the windows down unless there is a gap of five centimetres or less. The maximum penalty is $3096, with a fine of $2669 if the car is unlocked with the keys inside. Victoria In Victoria, it is an offence to leave your vehicle unattended without properly securing it, which includes ensuring all windows are fully closed and the car is locked. The on-the-spot fine is $117, with court penalties approaching $600. Western Australia WA follows similar rules to other states regarding vehicle security: you must ensure the doors and windows are secured when leaving your car unattended. The fine for failing to do so is $50. However, there's a stipulation that if you're going to pay for parking, you don't need to lock the car and put the windows up. Tasmania In Tasmania, it's the law to switch off the car, remove the key from the ignition, and ensure that no minors (under 16) are left in the vehicle when unattended. The rules also specify that the doors must be locked and the windows secured (defined as closed or open by up to 2 centimetres). The maximum penalty for leaving your car unlocked is just under $200. Australian Capital Territory In the ACT, you must secure your car when leaving it unattended, ensuring the windows are closed and the doors are locked. Failure to comply can result in a significant fine: 20 penalty units or $3200. Where is South Australia? South Australia is the only state that does not have this law. Regulation 23 of the Road Traffic (Road Rules — Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014 explicitly exempts drivers in South Australia from needing to lock their doors if away from their vehicle.
