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[Texas] New Laws going into effect September 1st 2005

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/directo...n/pr082205.htm

New Traffic, Criminal Laws Set to go into Effect September 1

Notable traffic and criminal laws that go into effect on September 1 (unless noted otherwise) include the following:

SB 1257 prohibits use of wireless communications devices (including cell phones) for the first six months after teenagers get their driver licenses. The bill also prohibits passenger bus drivers transporting minors from using wireless communications devices, except in emergencies or when the bus is stopped.

HB 51 requires an ignition interlock device if a driver’s blood alcohol level is determined to be .15 or more (upon conviction).

HB 1357 creates a six-month driver license (DL) suspension for a person convicted of providing alcohol to a minor (one year for second offense), and increases the DL suspension to one year for minors who are convicted of a second alcohol offense.

HB 1481 makes it a Class B misdemeanor if a person drives around a barricade where a warning sign or barricade has been placed because water is over any portion of a road, street or highway. It also specifically creates a traffic violation for driving around a barricade put in the roadway because of dangerous conditions.

HB 183 states that all children younger than 5 years of age (old law was younger than 4) and less than 36 inches tall are required to be in a child safety seat system. It also classifies safety seat infractions as moving violations for the first time.

SB 1005 provides that if a driver younger than 25 years of age commits a traffic offense classified as a moving violation, the judge must require the driver to complete a driving safety course—and, if the driver holds a provisional driver license (under 18 years of age), submit to a DPS road test.

HB 1484 specifies that a person commits a traffic offense if they are involved in a crash on the main lane, ramp, shoulder, median or adjacent area of a freeway and don’t move their vehicle to an area that minimizes interference with freeway traffic (assuming the vehicle is drivable).

HB 1596 clarifies the definition of neighborhood electric vehicles and motor assisted scooters and allows municipalities to regulate the use of motor assisted scooters on roadways and sidewalks.

SB 1257 disqualifies a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the person’s driving is determined to constitute an imminent hazard.

HB 754 allows fines up to $500 for violating the laws for transporting loose material in commercial vehicles.

SB 1258 specifies that an original commercial driver license or commercial driver learner’s permit expires in five years instead of six years.

HB 87 allows cities to lower residential speed limits from 30 mph to 25 mph in certain instances. This bill took effect immediately.

HB 2257 allows the TxDOT commission to establish a daytime speed limit of 80 miles per hour on I-10 or I-20 in Crockett, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kerr, Kimble, Pecos, Reeves, Sutton or Ward counties. If established, this speed does not apply to truck tractors, trailers, semi trailers, or trucks, other than light trucks and light trucks pulling a trailer. This bill took effect immediately.

SB 1670 requires the Department of Insurance, in conjunction with TxDOT and other agencies, to establish a verification program for vehicle insurance in order to try and reduce the number of uninsured drivers.

HB 120 creates an organ donor education and registry program. Eventually, Texans will be able to indicate their wish to become an organ donor when they are issued or renew their driver license or ID card.

SB 122 requires peace officers to report notification of ID theft to their employing agency. It provides penalties for the unauthorized use of personal information.

HB 699 increases the penalty for using someone else’s DL or ID card to a Class A misdemeanor. It also clarifies that use of a false ID by someone under 21 for purchase of alcohol is a Class C misdemeanor.

HB 1239 makes DPS more involved with drug task forces operating in Texas, including any "multi-county" drug task forces. (Effective August 1.)

HB 164 places restrictions on the sale of pseudoephedrine products and allows children exposed to meth production to be removed from the home. (Effective August 1.)

HB 867 eliminates mandatory newspaper notification for sex offenders. Another provision deals with postcard notification for high-risk sex offenders. DPS is now required to send the postcards to all addresses within the distribution area, except post office boxes. Prior law specified residential addresses only.

HB 1068 creates an independent commission with investigational oversight involving complaints against DNA crime labs in the state. It also requires DNA sampling from some 60,000 current Texas prison inmates who do not have DNA profiles in the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) database.

HB 823 describes the conditions under which a person will be presumed to be "traveling" for the first time. It applies to people who have a handgun in their vehicle but do not have a concealed handgun license (CHL). It also places the burden of proof on prosecutors to prove the driver was "not traveling."

HB 225 extends the renewal time for a CHL from four to five years, which will reduce the average annual cost of a license.

HB 322 lowers the age requirement for active duty or retired members of the military applying for a CHL from 21 years of age to 18, and reduces the original license fee and any renewal fees for active duty members of the armed forces by 50 percent.

HB 1038 reduces CHL renewal fees by 50 percent for anyone over 60 years of age.

I really don't like that last one, Giving old people more incentive to get on the road is not a good idea.
*HB 1038 reduces CHL renewal fees by 50 percent for anyone over 60 years of age.*

This one is kinda funny, wish they'd elaborate. SB 1257 disqualifies a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the person’s driving is determined to constitute an imminent hazard.

Lots are BS though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexH20racer

I really don't like that last one, Giving old people more incentive to get on the road is not a good idea. *HB 1038 reduces CHL renewal fees by 50 percent for anyone over 60 years of age.*

FYI:
CHL = Concealed Handgun License
DTL = Texas Drivers License

It's about time they came out with something like this. At age 16, I thought I was invincible too. Thankfully cell phones were still rare, so I never fell into the drive and talk problem.

Cell Phones are still rare? Where the hell do you live? I had one when I was 16 for work.

He said were. Remeber some of us are over 30 :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Umrswimr

It's about time they came out with something like this. At age 16, I thought I was invincible too. Thankfully cell phones were still rare, so I never fell into the drive and talk problem.

That's one law I definitely do agree with. Even so far as to create one where a hands free system is required if you're driving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavellm

This one is kinda funny, wish they'd elaborate. SB 1257 disqualifies a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the person’s driving is determined to constitute an imminent hazard.

I love that one too. So what's the restriction on the back of their license say? "This person may not operate a commercial vehicle as their driving constitutes an imminent hazard". :rofl:

Notice it says "iminent hazard", not just "hazard". So drivers who are merely hazardous are fine, it's the ones who are imminently harzardous we have to watch!

I think we should make a bunch of bumper stickers: CAUTION. This driver is an imminent hazard :rlaugh:

the trucker would tell you that one refers to gimps trying to drive a big truck with one arm (when you have to trigger the air switch to go from the lower to higher ranges, and switching the engine brakes off and on- it's alot to do when your single-winging it)

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamonB

Either that or: Stay back 200 ft. Not responsible if I plow in to your ass

Thanks for that post. I'll have to inform my kids.

Just what we need is more laws. I'm old enough to remember when you could drink beer in the car and it was legal.;)

And drive real fast by cops, too. :D

HB 754 allows fines up to $500 for violating the laws for transporting loose material in commercial vehicles.

Thanks God. So far this year I have had my hood and windshield trashed on separate occasions from dump trucks hauling loose rocks...and dropping them all over the highway. Not to mention the friggin sand blast look my front bumper had obtained from only six months of driving down south 35 to Cedar Hill.