PRESS RELEASE Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to made area residents aware of new legislation passed in the State of Louisiana regarding the use of wireless telecommunication devices to include cellular telephones. The new law went into effect August 1st of this year and prohibits drivers from using cell phones in school zones during active school zone hours. The law shall apply during the posted school zone hours. The law prohibits drivers from engaging in telephone calls, sending and receiving electronic messages to include text messages and emails, and posting or viewing social networking internet sites. The law identifies wireless telecommunication devices as cellular telephones, text messaging devices, personal digital assistances, stand alone computers, or any other substantially similar wireless device that is readily removable from the vehicle and is used to write, send, or read text or data through manual input. The law does not apply to drivers who are utilizing hands free devices. Exceptions to the law include a driver who is reporting a traffic accident or road hazard, reporting a situation in which a person’s personal safety is in jeopardy, reporting a criminal act whether against the driver or another person, operating the device while lawfully parked, or using the device while operating an authorized emergency vehicle. Upon first offense violators who are issued a citation shall be fined not more than $ 175.00. Upon subsequent citations violators shall be punished by a fine of not more than $ 500.00. Any person involved in a collision at the time of the violation shall be fined an amount to be equal to double of the amount of the standard imposed fine. Sheriff Craft would like to encourage all drivers to exercise caution on roadways, especially within school zones, and to be aware that law enforcement officials will be monitoring motorist closely within designated zones. legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=913544&n=HB370 Act 410 The law may be viewed on the above link to the Louisiana State Legislature. Please share via social media.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 18:44:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015