Memorial weekend has come and gone and the 4th of July holiday is right around the corner — vacation season is officially upon us.
Tourists are making their way to our Southeastern North Carolina beaches, and traffic is about to get a little more hectic.
If you plan to make a trip to the coast this summer, we recommend brushing up on your North Carolina traffic laws before you hit the highways.
Obey state speed limit laws.
North Carolina has an “absolute” speed limit law in place, meaning if the sign reads 50 mph, then driving 51 mph is a violation of the law. We know it’s tempting to operate at higher speeds to get to your destination faster but stop and think about the many hiding places for law enforcement to set up speed traps.
If you’re cited for speeding and plead guilty, you may see an increase in your insurance and points added to your driving record, not to mention a hefty fine. And if your speed is high enough, your ticket could result in loss of driving privileges. That’s why it’s essential to get in touch with a traffic attorney like Ludlum Law Firm to reduce your charges and restore your reputation.
Be aware of motorcyclists.
We mentioned in our previous blog post that cyclists are drivers too, and that rule applies to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists follow the same rules and regulations as automobile drivers. Give them the same space as you would when driving behind or passing another automobile driver.
Don’t ignore construction zones warnings.
It wouldn’t be summer if there weren’t some construction going on! It’s the best time to get projects done, but it also means possible “slow downs” on high traffic roads. If you find yourself stuck driving through a work zone, pay attention to your surroundings.
Driving the specified speed limit is more important than ever, so make sure you move slowly and allow plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Speeding through a construction zone in North Carolina costs an additional $250, plus court fees. Even if workers aren’t present, you must obey posted construction signs.
Watch out for pedestrians.
You’re probably heading to a beach town, which means sharing the road with beachgoers, bicyclists, walkers, and runners. Pay attention to traffic lights, signs, and especially crosswalks as families make their way to beach entrances. Always survey your surroundings when backing out, making turns, and changing lanes.
Residential roads leading up to the shore are usually congested with drivers searching for parking, so it’s essential to be aware of what’s going on around you.
Obey the Move Over law.
North Carolina’s Move Over law protects law enforcement officers, and emergency workers stopped alongside highways. Slow down and pass carefully when coming towards a stopped highway patrol vehicle. Safely move over to the other lane away from the emergency vehicle if possible.
Violating the Move Over law can result in hefty fines, plus additional court fees.
Summer vacation is a time for relaxation. Don’t let an avoidable traffic mistake mess up your entire trip!
Our lawyers want to help if you find yourself facing a speeding citation or infraction as you make your way through Sampson County or Duplin County. Schedule a free consultation with Ludlum Law Firm so we can get started on your case.