Rules of the Road Topics H - P

Headphones

Use of mono or stereo headphones is prohibited (exceptions for those who use to aid in hearing).

Improper Lane Change

• Operator shall signal when changing lanes

Inspection

• Inspection expires on the last day of the month indicated by inspection sticker (i.e., 7 to 07 would be July 31, 2007).
• If number of month has a slash line through it or "IM" above the number, emission inspection required (this is also stated on Registration card).
• If windshield should be broken, inspection sticker on a piece of glass is valid for 5 days (with receipt of installation). After 5 day period, vehicle must be inspected again.
• Stolen stickers - the operator could also be charged with Criminal Offense.
• Fine for expired inspection sticker is up to $25 plus costs.

Note: If you return to place where you had the vehicle inspected within 5 day period, they shall adhere a new sticker to windshield for cost of sticker (no inspection required). * Displaying a fictitious or stolen sticker issued to another vehicle, carries a $100 fine for first offense and $200 to $500 fine or 90 day imprisonment, or both for subsequent fine.

Insurance Card

Must be carried with vehicle at all times and presented to a police officer upon demand.

Note: No insurance and involved in an accident? Department may suspend operating privileges and revoke registration of vehicle.

Lighting Requirements

All front and rear lighting must be in place, in working order, and have lenses intact. Rear lighting includes brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lights. Any light out is a citable offense. Light rules are:

• Reverse lights are not to be lit when vehicle is in forward motion.
• Fog lights shall be on a separate switch working in conjunction with the vehicle s low beams. Fog lights are to go out when high beams are activated.
• Driving lights shall be on a separate switch working in conjunction with the high beams. Driving lights are to out when low beams are in operation.
• Fog and driving lights must be mounted on the front of the vehicle not less than 20 inches from center to center at a height no less than 12 inches nor more than 42 inches above level surface.
• Headlights are not permitted to be obstructed by any auxiliary equipment on, in, or in front of the headlight (i.e., smoked glass covers).
• Ornamental lighting lights which serve no purpose and are not original equipment are prohibited.

Obstructions

Operator's view shall not be obstructed by the following:

• Snow / ice on front, rear, or sides of car.
• Sunscreening (tinted windows) on windshield, front wing, or front side windows. Sunscreening may be factory but must conform to department regulation.
• Decals, except those specified by the state, on windshield or front sides. Rear side and back cannot cover more than 20% of window.
• Items not permitted to hang from inside rear view mirror
• Rear window louvers permitted if vehicle equipped with side mirror on both sides of vehicle

Passing School Bus with Red Activated Lights

School bus can be passed if bus is on a separated roadway such as a divided highway. Division of highway must be a physical barrier (i.e., dirt, grass, guardrail, etc.).

Penalty for violation- $100 fine, 5 points against your license, 60 days suspension.

Points

• 0 to 5 miles per hour over = 0 points
• 6 to 10 miles per hour over = 2 points
• 11 to 15 miles per hour over = 3 points
• 16  to 25 miles per hour over = 4 points
• 26 to 30 miles per hour over = 5 points
• 31 and over = 5 points and Departmental Hearing

Note: Points are removed from your license at a rate of 3 per year if no violations are incurred during that year's period. You may request a copy of your driving record from the department.

Plate Information

• Plate cannot be transferred without proper paperwork.
• Plate cannot be obstructed in any manner.
• Expiration sticker must be affixed.

Note: Lost, stolen or misplaced registration card or plate may be replaced by contacting department, Notary Public, messenger service, or local state representative. Lost or stolen plate must be reported to local police so that it may be entered into computer database.

Length of Projecting Loads

If load of any vehicle extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle, a red flag or cloth no less than 12 inches square shall be displayed at the end of the load.

Note: During hours of darkness, a red light shall be used instead of flag/cloth.