The Common Law

New Traffic Laws

Last week's "Common Law" column introduced some of the new Texas traffic laws that took effect on Sept. 1. For example, use of wireless communication devices in a school zone is now prohibited. In addition, all occupants of a car, no matter their ages, must be secured by a safety belt, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle.

In an effort to help you drive safely and avoid tickets, here are some other new traffic laws worth knowing before you get on the road.

The Texas Legislature amended the requirements for child safety seats. The new law requires that children be restrained in an approved child passenger safety seat unless the child is at least 8 years old or taller than 4 feet, 9 inches. A first-time offender can be fined up to $25, but that increases to $250 for a second offense. Funds from a new court cost for conviction of this offense will be collected and used by the state to buy safety seats for low-income families. While the law became effective on Sept. 1, tickets for this offense cannot be issued until June 1, 2010. Police officers may issue verbal or written warnings before that date.

The Texas Legislature also increased the penalties for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger by adding an automatic driver's license suspension period for first-time offenders; repeat offenders face an even longer suspension period. Additionally, the fee for completing an education program to reinstate one's driver's license will increase from $50 to $100. A former loophole allowing a person who committed an offense as a minor to circumvent the driver's license penalty if the person turned 21 before his or her court date has also now been closed.

Check out the Texas Department of Public Safety's website (www.txdps.state.tx.us) for more information on all new Texas traffic laws. Know the law, and drive safe.