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Florida Vehicle Registration

Florida Vehicle Registration

Florida Vehicle Registration: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to move to Florida or purchase a vehicle in the Sunshine State, you’ll need to register it with the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). To help you navigate the registration process, we’ve outlined everything you need to know below.

Documents Required for Registration

To register your vehicle in Florida, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

– Proof of ownership: This can be your vehicle’s title, bill of sale, or a manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
– Proof of identity: You’ll need to show a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
– Proof of Florida insurance: You’ll need to obtain and submit proof of Florida insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
– Proof of Florida residence: This can be a utility bill, mortgage statement, or other official document that shows your Florida address.

You’ll also need to pay a registration fee and any applicable sales tax. The amount of the fees will vary depending on the type and value of your vehicle.

Registering Your Vehicle

Once you have all the required documents, you can then register your vehicle by visiting a local DHSMV office or using its online portal. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

– Provide the required documents outlined above.
– Pay the registration fee and any applicable sales tax.
– Obtain your license plate and registration certificate.
– Display your license plate on your vehicle.

Renewing Your Registration

Vehicle registrations in Florida are valid for one year. To renew your registration, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance and pay the renewal fee. You can renew your registration in person at a DHSMV office, online, or via mail.

Replacing Your License Plate or Registration Certificate

If your license plate or registration certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to request a replacement. This can be done online or in person at a DHSMV office. You’ll need to pay a fee to obtain a replacement.

Selling or Buying a Vehicle

If you’re buying or selling a vehicle in Florida, both parties will need to complete a bill of sale that includes the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN number. The buyer will then need to register the vehicle with the DHSMV.

Conclusion

Registering a vehicle in Florida may seem like a daunting task, but it’s a necessary step for legal operation on the state’s roadways. By following the above guidelines and obtaining all the required documents, you’ll be able to register your vehicle with ease.

What is a Florida Vehicle Registration?

A Florida vehicle registration consists of a license plate, validation decal, and registration certificate. It is proof that you have paid the necessary registration fees and tax on a motor vehicle. Florida requires motor vehicles to be registered within 10 days of the owner putting children in public school, becoming employed, or establishing Florida residency.

Applying for Florida Vehicle Registration

For a Florida vehicle registration, you need valid driver’s license.  Next, you must have vehicle liability insurance from an insurance company that is authorized provide insurance services in Florida in order to complete your FL vehicle registration. You will also need proof of identity, your vehicle identification number verification, original out-of-state title, your verification of physical inspection of the vehicle’s, and a completed Form HSMV 82040, the Application for Certificate of Title for FL registration. You can submit all of these things for your FL vehicle registration to a local Florida county tax collector’s office.

Basic Florida Vehicle Registration Fees

There is a twelve month FL registration period that begins the first day your birth month. Company owned vehicles automatically use the month of June. These are the current registration fees:

Florida Vehicle Registration for Automobiles (privately used)

• $46.15 annual tax and fees, $92.30 biennial tax and fees for 0-2499 pounds

• $57.15 annual tax and fees, $114.30 biennial tax and fees for 2500-3499 pounds

• $70.65 annual tax and fees, $141.30 biennial tax and fees for 3500+ pounds

Florida Vehicle Registration for Trucks (Commercial and Private)

• $46.15 annual tax and fees, $92.30 biennial tax and fees for 1999 pounds

• $57.15 annual tax and fees, $114.30 biennial tax and fees for 2000-3000 pounds

• $70.65 annual tax and fees, $141.3 biennial tax and fees for 3001-5000 pounds

Additional Fees for FL Vehicle Registration

• Transferring license plates from another vehicle: $7.35

• Issuing new license plates: $28

• Initial registration fee: $225

Obtaining a License Plate for your Florida Vehicle Registration

Florida vehicle registration laws say that license plates must be replaced every 10 years. The replacement of the plates is necessary because the license plates need to be fully reflectorized in order to have full visibility for law enforcement reasons. After you receive your new Florida license plates, you can stick the necessary decals on the upper right hand corner of the license plate.

Applying for a DMV Registration Renewal

Florida will send you a notice remind you about your renewal. Renewal fees start at $46.15, but can vary depending on the type and weight of the motor vehicle along with the length of the registration.  You can apply for your DMV registration renewal online through GoRenew, the state’s service for DMV registration renewals. If you bring your present FL vehicle registration or renewal notice with proof of insurance and fee payments, you can also complete your DMV registration renewal at the local county tax collector office or through the mail. If you wish to complete your DMV registration renewal by phone, you can call (866) 467-3639 (866-GO RENEW) and renew it from there.

Georgia Vehicle Registration

Georgia Vehicle Registration

Georgia Vehicle Registration: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Vehicle registration is an important process that every vehicle owner needs to go through. In Georgia, vehicle registration can be done online, via mail, or in person at the Georgia Department of Revenue or any authorized tag office. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Georgia vehicle registration.

Documents Required for Georgia Vehicle Registration

To register a vehicle in Georgia, the following documents are required:

1. Title and registration application: This is the document that proves ownership of the vehicle. It is issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue or any authorized title agency.

2. Proof of Georgia residency: This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or any document that shows that the vehicle owner is a Georgia resident.

3. Proof of insurance: Georgia law requires that every vehicle must be insured with liability coverage.

4. Georgia driver’s license: This is required for vehicle registration in Georgia.

5. Payment for registration fees and taxes: The fees and taxes vary depending on the type and model of the vehicle.

Steps to Register a Vehicle in Georgia

1. Obtain a title and registration application.

2. Obtain a Georgia driver’s license.

3. Obtain proof of Georgia residency.

4. Obtain proof of insurance.

5. Submit the title and registration application along with the required documents and fees to the Georgia Department of Revenue or any authorized tag office.

6. Once the application is processed and approved, the vehicle owner will receive a license plate, registration certificate, and validation decal.

Renewal of Georgia Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration in Georgia must be renewed every year. The process can be done online, via mail, or in person at any authorized tag office. To renew the registration, the following documents are required:

1. Vehicle registration renewal notice: This is sent to the vehicle owner by mail.

2. Proof of insurance.

3. Payment for renewal fees and taxes.

4. Pass emissions testing: Some counties in Georgia require emissions testing before vehicle registration renewal.

Conclusion

Georgia vehicle registration is a straightforward process that requires the submission of the required documents and fees to the Georgia Department of Revenue or any authorized tag office. Vehicle owners must also renew their registration every year. It is important to ensure compliance with the Georgia vehicle registration requirements to avoid penalties and fines.

You will need to need to go through Georgia Vehicle registration process if you:

• Are a new resident of Georgia

• Just purchased a vehicle (new or used)

• Are transferring ownership of a vehicle

Regardless of the situation, everyone is given thirty (30) days to properly complete the Georgia Vehicle registration for their vehicles with the Department of Driver Services. This mean that means:

• If you have just purchased a vehicle or if you are transferring ownership of a vehicle, you have thirty (30) days from the date you officially become the vehicle’s owner to register the vehicle to complete your GA vehicle registration.

• If you have just moved from another state to Georgia, you have thirty (30) days from the date you establish residency in Georgia to complete your GA vehicle registration.

You must also have accident liability insurance for your motor vehicle, and show proof of it when completing your Georgia vehicle registration.

In most states, the paperwork is taken care of by a dealer if you have purchased a new vehicle from a dealership. However, if your situation does not involve a dealer, you will have to register your vehicle. You will need to have the following paperwork and documentation in order contacting the local County Tax Commissioner’s licensing office:

• Fill out a Title/Tag Application.

• Show proof of residency.

• Have your state-issued ID card or driver’s license.

• If needed, have your motor vehicle’s emissions inspected and get proof that your vehicle passed.

• If you are not completing your title and registration applications at the same time, you will need to show ownership of the vehicle.

• Have proof of insurance.

• If you are applying for only a registration your vehicle does not require a Georgia title, you will need to present the original registration certificate.

• If your current registration certificate is from a state that does not issue titles, you must get your Vehicle Inspection Number verified and you must show valid proof of this.

Registration Fees for Georgia Vehicle Registration

The flat registration fee for normal passenger vehicles as well as motorcycles is only $20, but there are many additional fees. You will pay more the very first time you register your vehicle in Georgia because you are also dealing with ad valorem tax, sales tax, and other title-related fees. The state of Georgia provides an outline of fees to expect depending on your personal situation.

License Plates for Georgia Vehicle Registration

You may transfer your previous vehicle’s license plates to your new one if both vehicles need the same type of plate during your GA vehicle registration. In addition to the standard and disabled license plates that are available from Georgia, you can choose other plates that are specialized or personalized.

Normally, your license plate’s decal is already placed in the bottom right corner of your plate after the GA vehicle registration. However, if you find that your sticker and plate are unattached, either follow the enclosed instructions or call your local County Tax Commissioner’s tag office to ask about your GA vehicle registration.

Hawaii Vehicle Registration

Hawaii Vehicle Registration

Hawaii Vehicle Registration: A Comprehensive Guide

Hawaii is one of the many states that require drivers to register their vehicles before they hit its roads. This process entails paying specific fees and providing necessary documents to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Here is what you need to know about Hawaii vehicle registration.

Who Needs to Register Their Vehicles?

Vehicle registration is imperative for anyone who wants to operate a motor vehicle on public roads in Hawaii. The registration process applies to all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and boats, to mention a few.

Registration Fees

Hawaii’s vehicle registration fees vary depending on the type and weight of the vehicle being registered. Some factors that affect vehicle registration fees include:

– The vehicle registration class
– The vehicle weight
– The location of the vehicle owner

Typically, the fees range from $45 to $450. Here are some of the fees based on vehicle class:

– Passenger vehicles – $45
– Electric vehicles – $50
– Motorcycle – $30
– Trailers – $12
– Trucks (4,500 lbs or less) – $45
– Trucks (over 4,500 lbs) – $55 to $450

Necessary Documents

To register your vehicle in Hawaii, you will need to provide the following documents:

– A current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card
– A completed vehicle registration application form
– A valid safety inspection certificate
– Proof of your vehicle’s odometer reading
– Bill of sale, title or registration certificate if the vehicle was purchased from a dealer out of state
– Out of state registration if the vehicle was owned in another state

Renewal

Hawaii vehicle registrations are valid for one year, and car owners must renew their registration before it expires. The renewal notice is usually mailed to the car owner’s address a few weeks before the expiration date. Car owners can renew their registration online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.

Penalties for Non-Registration

Driving a vehicle without a valid registration is illegal in Hawaii and can result in fines and other penalties. Car owners who do not register their vehicles on time may face late fees, registration revocation, and even traffic tickets.

Conclusion

Registering your vehicle in Hawaii can be a hassle, but it is a legal requirement for operating a motor vehicle in the state. Understanding the necessary documents, fees, and renewal process makes the process less daunting. If you are unsure about the registration process, seek help from a reliable DMV office or legal expert.

First-Time Hawaii Vehicle Registration

If have recently purchased a used car, moved to Hawaii from either another state or a different county, or if you have become the new owner of a vehicle, you are required to register your vehicle for the first time. If you are getting your car shipped into Hawaii, you will need to need to register it within thirty (30) days.

Hawaii uses different forms and procedures for each county for Hawaii vehicle registration, so you will need to check with your specific county the correct information.

Before you are allowed to complete the Hawaii vehicle registration, you need to purchase Hawaiian auto insurance. If you have purchased your vehicle from a dealer, whether new or used, the dealer will typically handle the registration and titling for a fee, which is often included in the final price of the vehicle.  But if you import a vehicle from another state, you will need to complete registration.

General Hawaii Vehicle registration

First you must fill out an application form. The only county to provide this form online is Hawaii County. If you live in any other county, you must visit your respective city hall office. Make sure that you have the correct no-fault car insurance with an authorized carrier licensed in the state of Hawaii. Otherwise, you might not have your car inspected. Find an inspection center and have your car properly inspected. The inspection center will then issue a Hawaii Inspection Certificate for about $15 that you will need when completing your Hawaii Vehicle Registration. There is usually an additional $5 fee for any post-factory tinted windows.

The proper fees for Hawaii vehicle registrations are determined by the weight of specific motor vehicles.  You can get the vehicle weighed at either state weigh station or just look for the vehicle’s weight in the owner’s manual. You will need to bring in the proof of weight for your HI registration. You must take all of these documents to your local satellite city hall.

Transferring Registration from Out of State

If you are transferring your out-of-state registration to an HI vehicle registration, you will need to first get proper insurance with an agency that has the authority to provide insurance in Hawaii. You will also need your shipping document (or Bill of Lading), out-of-state registration card, and shipping receipt. You will still need to get your car inspected, which costs $15. Afterwards, you can fill out your registration your local satellite city hall office and also complete out of state permit application form from your local satellite city hall office.

Since this will be your first HI vehicle registration, you will need to purchase new license plates. Fill out a Tax Certification form and bring it with your title to your local satellite city hall office for your HI registration. Hawaii honors existing out-of-state registration so Hawaii registration will be pro-rated, meaning you will not need to pay the full fee until your HI registration expires. You will then receive your new license plates

Transferring from Another County of Hawaii Vehicle Registration

If you are transferring your HI registration from another county of Hawaii, you will need to go to your new county’s city hall office or motor vehicle office to get the new HI registration application, turn in your previous registration card, and show your vehicle title.

Idaho Vehicle Registration

Idaho Vehicle Registration

Idaho Vehicle Registration: What You Need to Know

Are you a new resident in Idaho or do you need to register your vehicle for the first time? Here is everything you need to know about Idaho vehicle registration.

Documentation Required

To register your vehicle in Idaho, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

– Title: If you own your vehicle, you’ll need to provide the title or a copy of the title.

– Proof of insurance: You’ll need to provide proof of insurance that meets Idaho’s minimum requirements.

– Identification: Bring a valid driver’s license or state ID card.

– Payment: Bring payment for the registration fees and any applicable taxes.

Registration Fees

The cost of registering your vehicle in Idaho varies based on the type of vehicle you have, the year it was made, and where you live. Here are some common fees you can expect:

– Passenger vehicles: $35

– Motorcycles: $25

– Heavy vehicles: Fees vary based on weight

– Late fee: $20

Renewing Your Registration

You’ll need to renew your registration each year. Idaho’s vehicle registration expires on the last day of the month in which you registered your vehicle. You can renew your registration online, in person, or by mail.

In-Person: Go to your local DMV office and bring your registration renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment.

Online: You can renew your registration online through the Idaho DMV website. You’ll need your license plate number, insurance information, and a credit or debit card to complete the transaction.

By Mail: You can also renew your registration by mail. Complete the renewal form and include a check or money order for the fees. Send the form and payment to your local DMV office.

Out-of-State Registration

If you plan to be in Idaho for more than 90 days, you’ll need to register your vehicle with the Idaho DMV. If you have a valid out-of-state registration, you’ll need to provide proof of ownership, insurance, and payment of the registration fees.

Conclusion

Registering your vehicle in Idaho is a simple process, and the fees are reasonable. Be sure to bring the required documents, and renew your registration each year to avoid any late fees. Safe travels!

There are many different scenarios where you will need to register your motor vehicle in your name, for an Idaho vehicle registration including:

• After establishing Idaho residency

• Buying a used car from a private party (not a dealer)

• Transferring ownership to of a vehicle from family, inheritance, or as a gift

After purchasing a vehicle within the state lines of Idaho, you have thirty (30) days to register that vehicle. If you delay your Idaho vehicle registration beyond this deadline, you will be charged an additional $20 late fee for your tardiness. If you have acquired the motor vehicle in a different state, the thirty (30) days deadline for Idaho vehicle registration begins the very first day that you bring the vehicle from another state into Idaho. If you are a brand new resident of Idaho, you will be given ninety (90) days to register your vehicle through the Division of Motor Vehicles. It is important to note that you must title your vehicle before attempting to register it.

Getting Insurance before Your Idaho Vehicle Registration

Before you can register your motor vehicle, you are required by Idaho vehicle registration laws to make sure that your vehicle has liability insurance. The provider of the insurance must be authorized to provide insurance within that state.

Preparing Paperwork for Your Idaho Vehicle Registration

If you are purchasing a motor vehicle through a dealership, the dealer will complete the title application for your vehicle. You will then have to take this title application your local county assessor’s office in order to complete your ID vehicle registration. Remember, you must first title your vehicle before you can complete your ID registration.

If you have just very recently relocated your residency to Idaho or if you have just bought a used vehicle from a private party, you need to complete the following steps for your ID vehicle registration:

• Have the title of the vehicle signed-over to you.

• Fill out and complete the title application.

• Pay any applicable ID registration fees.

Calculate Fees for an Idaho Vehicle Registration

There are many different variables involved in figuring out your exact ID registration fees, including the specific county of residence and the age of your motor vehicle.

First-Time Fees for ID Vehicle Registration

You will most likely see some additional charges when you register your vehicle for the very first time. Depending on the situation, you may be charged for new license plates, postage for mailing the new license plates or a Vehicle Identification Number inspection.

Once you have your documents in order and prepared, you can bring them all to your local county assessor’s office in order to complete your ID registration for your vehicle. While there, you will also need to order license plates for your motor vehicle. You can choose from a standard plate which costs $25, or you can opt for a specialty plate or a vanity plate.  You will then have to stick your ID registration stickers on your license plate, which confirms that you are legally registered in the state of Idaho. You must affix the decals to your rear plate.

DMV Registration Renewal

You need to renew your motor vehicle’s registration every year in accordance with Idaho law through the DMV registration renewal process. Additionally, you must also keep your car insurance at all times. You will receive a DMV registration renewal notice in the mail that lets you know. Unlike many other states, there are no late registration fees for Georgia. You can complete your DMV registration renew by mail, in person, or online.

A Guide to the Traffic Violations Bureau

A Guide to the Traffic Violations Bureau

The Traffic Violations Bureau, often referred to as TVB, is a division of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The Traffic Violations Bureau is entrusted with resolving non-criminal traffic violations within New York City, and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, as well as significant sections of Suffolk County. The idea behind the establishment of the Traffic Violations Bureau was to reduce the large volume of these traffic cases from the normal courts. You may still contact a traffic lawyer to review your case.

Purpose of the Traffic Violations Bureau

Unlike a true legal court, the Traffic Violations Bureau is an administrative agency that is a part of the Department of Motor Vehicles, which has different procedures regarding certain elements such as having rules of evidence to its threshold for conviction of traffic violations. The function of the judge at the Traffic Violations Bureau is performed by the administrative law judge.

The sole options at the Traffic Violations Bureau for a defendant are to either plead guilty or plead not guilty. You cannot ask for plea bargains at the Traffic Violations Bureau, nor can the judge lower the charge or the penalty. Instead, he or she can only rule guilty or not guilty based on the stated charge of the violation. The Traffic Violations Bureau judge is not given the authority to increase the fine, nor is he or she given the authority to suspend a license. At the Traffic Violations Bureau, there is no complete right to a supporting deposition, and the rules on admissibility of hearsay evidence are much less strict than that of a regular court. Usually, the traffic hearing only consists of each side presenting their story, the allowance of hearsay eliminating the need of court formalities such as swearing the witnesses in and other procedures.

Appeals from Traffic Violations Bureau rulings are made not to a higher court, but rather to the Appeals Processing Unit of the Department of Motor Vehicles. There is an appeals fee of $10, which must be paid to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. If the Traffic Violations Bureau appeal is against the guilty verdict itself, rather than opposed to the penalty, a transcript of the case must be ordered, which has an additional fee of $50.

Criticisms of the Traffic Violations Bureau

Because the rules of evidence of the Traffic Violations Bureau, particularly the admissibility of hearsay and the right of discovery, are more relaxed than in an actual court, the Traffic Violations Bureau system has often been criticized to be a difficult and biased system. It has also been criticized due to the lack of an option to plead in order to lesser charges, which is usually found in traffic court.

The threshold of conviction at the Traffic Violations Bureau is having convincing and clear evidence, rather than the general definition of having proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Another criticism of the Traffic Violations Bureau is that this lower standard makes conviction much easier. However, others have argued that this streamlined process, along with having a judge who is an expert on traffic law, results in a fairer trial for the parties involved.

 

What to Know About Vehicular Homicide

What to Know About Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide, which is also known as vehicular manslaughter, in considered a moving violation and a serious crime in most states. In general, vehicular homicide involves a person’s death that is the result of the a driver’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle, or more so the result from operating a vehicle while committing some unlawful act that may not necessarily amount to a felony. In the United States Model Penal Code, there is no special distinction between just a vehicular homicide and a vehicular homicide that also involves negligence. Both vehicular homicides fall within the overall category of a negligent homicide.
All states except Alaska, Arizona, and Montana have specific vehicular homicide statutes. The laws pertaining to vehicular homicide have the legal effect of calling a vehicle a potentially dangerous and deadly weapon, which allows for more severe penalties and easier convictions. In states that do not have statutes regarding vehicular homicide, defendants may still be charged with manslaughter or even murder depending on the situations. The victim of a vehicular homicide can either be a person who is not in the vehicle with the offending driver, for example a pedestrian, another motorist, or a cyclist, or the victim can be the passenger in the motor vehicle with the offending driver.
Motor Vehicles Involved in a Vehicular Homicide
A vehicular homicide occurs when a motor vehicle is used as the tool or instrument which causes a person’s death. Usually, the term “motor vehicle” includes all vehicles that are used and designed to mainly transport property and people on public roads and highways. The vehicle is also self-propelled and does not require manpower as a power source. Following this definition, motor vehicles that are involved in a vehicular homicide can include:
• Passenger vehicles
• Vans or mini-vans
• Sport utility vehicles 
• Motorcycles
• Taxicabs 
• Buses
• Trucks, such as pickup trucks or commercial trucks
Depending on the states, airplanes and motorboats may or may not be included within the definition of “motor vehicles” in regards to vehicular homicide. However, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, watercraft, skateboards, and farm tractors are usually not considered “motor vehicles” when dealing with vehicular homicide.
Sentencing for Vehicular Homicide by State
Because the statutes and sentencing for vehicular homicide vary by state, here is a quick breakdown by state of the potential fines and time spent in prison for a vehicular homicide. Note that these can vary due to the circumstances, for example if alcohol or drugs were involved.
• Alabama: 1 to 10 years, penalties between $500 and $15,000.
• Alaska: 1 to 99 years, case law states that vehicular homicide can be criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, or second-degree murder, depending on the risk created and level of awareness.
• Arizona: No statutes, by negligent homicide (1 to 8 years), manslaughter (7 to 21 years) or second degree murder (10 to 22 years) may apply.
• Arkansas: 5 to 20 years, classifies as a negligent homicide with fines not exceeding $15,000.
• California: 0 to 10 years and up to $10,000.
• Colorado: 2 to 6 years and $2,000 to $500,000.
• Connecticut: 1 to 10 years, up to $10,000.
• Delaware: 1 to 5 years, time spent depends on if the vehicular homicide is a first degree offense or a second degree offense.
• Florida: 0 to 15 years, up to $10,000.
• Georgia: 0 to 20 years, depending on severity of offense and whether or not the person is a habitual offender.
• Hawaii: 0 to 10 years and up to $25,000 depending on degree of negligent homicide.
•  Idaho: 0 to 15 years, and up to 15,000 for vehicular manslaughter.
•  Illinois: 1 to 28 years and up to $25,000, no probation offered unless extraordinary circumstances exist.
• Indiana: 2 to 20 years, up to $10,000, depends on offense and blood alcohol content. 
• Iowa: 1 to 25 years.
• Kansas: 0 to 172 months and fees of up to $300,000 depending on severity and whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
• Kentucky: 0 to 10 years and up to 10,000 depending on severity of the vehicular homicide.
• Louisiana: 3 to 30 years and from $2,000 to $15,000.
• Maine: 6 months to10 year, between $2,100 and $20,000.
• Maryland: 0 to 5 years, no more than $5,000.
• Massachusetts: 30 days to 15 years, depends on if there is negligence or recklessness, between $300 and $3,000.
• Michigan: 0 to 20 years, between $2,500 and $10,000.
• Minnesota: 0 to 10 years and up to $20,000 for grossly negligent behavior or DUI.
• Mississippi: 5 to 25 years and up to $1,000.
• Missouri: 0 to 15 years, depends on class of felony.
• Montana: No official vehicular homicide statute but 0 – 30 years and no more than $50,000.
• Nebraska: 1 to 50 years, up to $25,000.
• Nevada: 2 to 25 years, fees between $2,000 and $5,000, depends on if it was a DUI and any prior offenses, imprisonment for life is possible.
• New Hampshire:  0 to 15 years, up to $4,000.
• New Jersey: 5 to 10 years, no more than $150,000.
• New Mexico: 0 to 6 years, no more than $5,000 for third degree felony.
• New York:  0 to 15 years, no more than $15,000 depending on degree of manslaughter.
• North Carolina: 15 months to 40 years, depends on whether it is a felony, aggravated felony, or repeat felony.
• North Dakota: Up to 10 years and up to $10,000 can be classified as murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide. 
• Ohio: 1 to 15 years, up to $15,000, can be classified as aggravated vehicular homicide or  involuntary manslaughter
• Oklahoma: 0 to 1 year, between $100 and $1,000.
• Oregon: 0 to 20 years, up to $375,000.
• Pennsylvania: 0 to 10 years, up to $25,000.
• Rhode Island: 5 to 25 years, up to $20,000 depending on offense. 
• South Carolina: 1 to 25 years, between $10,100 and $25,100.
• South Dakota: 0 to 15 years, up to $30,000.
• Tennessee: 80 to 60 years, up to $50,000 depending on whether it is a vehicular homicide or aggravated vehicular homicide.
• Texas: 2 to 20 years, up to $10,000.
• Utah: 0 to 15 years and up to $10,000 depending on degree of felony
• Vermont: 1 to 15 years and up to $10,000.
• Virginia: 1 to 20 years, up to $2,500.
• Washington: 31 months to 177 months, or life imprisonment depending on circumstances, no more than $50,000.
• West Virginia: 90 days to 10 years, up to $3,000.
• Wisconsin: 0 to 40 years, up to $100,000.
• Wyoming: 0 to 20 years for the felony.

A Guide to Auto Recalls

A Guide to Auto Recalls

The United States National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act gives the Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the authority to create vehicle safety standards and to require vehicle manufacturers to recall motor vehicles that do not meet Federal safety standards or have any safety-related defects. Since 1966, over 390 million cars, buses, trucks, recreational vehicles, mopeds, and motorcycles, as well as nearly 66 million pieces of vehicle equipment, 46 million tires, and 42 million child safety seats have also been recalled in order to correct safety defects.
While some manufacturers may voluntarily initiate of these auto recalls, others are often influenced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigations or ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to perform auto recalls through the courts. If a safety defect is found in a vehicle, the manufacturer has to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as any vehicle owners, dealers, and distributors. The vehicle manufacturer is then required to fix the problem at no charge to the vehicle owner. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for observing the auto manufacturer’s corrective action in order to ensure successful completion of the auto recall campaign.
The Purpose of Auto Recalls
Auto recalls are necessary when:
• A motor vehicle or a part of motor vehicle equipment does not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
• There is some safety-related defect in the motor vehicle or its equipment.
Federal standards on motor vehicle safety create minimum performance requirements for those parts of motor the vehicle that most directly affect its safe operation (such as brakes, lighting, and tires) or that protect the vehicle’s drivers and passengers from serious injury or death in the event of a vehicle crash (such as safety belts, energy absorbing steering columns, air bags, child restraints, motorcycle helmets). These federal standards are also applicable to all motor vehicles and vehicle-related equipment that are manufactured or imported for retail in the United States and its territories and are certified for use on public highways and road.
Auto Recalls and Safety Defects
The U.S. Code for Motor Vehicle Safety (Title 49, Chapter 301) specifically defines motor vehicle safety as the motor vehicle’s performance or the performance of motor vehicle equipment in a way in which it protects the public against any unreasonable risk of vehicle accidents due to the design, construction, or the performance of a motor vehicle, and against any unreasonable risk of injury or death in an accident, and also includes nonoperational safety of the motor vehicle. Defects that can result in motor recalls include those in construction, performance, a component, or the material of a motor vehicle or its equipment. Usually, a safety defect is considered a problem that only exists in a motor vehicle or the motor vehicle equipment if:
• The motor vehicle or the equipment poses some risk to the motor vehicle safety, and
• It can exist in a group of motor vehicles of the same manufacture or design, or items of equipment of the same manufacture or type.
Examples of Safety-Related Defects that Can Result in Auto Recalls
Auto recalls can be the result of many different safety-related defects in automobiles or their parts. Some examples include the following:
• Steering components of the vehicle break suddenly resulting in partial or complete loss of control over the motor vehicle.
• Accelerator controls that stick or break.
• Issues with the fuel system components, mainly in their susceptibility to any crash damage, which results in leakage of fuel and can potential result in motor vehicle fires.
• Wheels that break or crack, which results in a loss of control over the vehicle.
• Windshield wiper assemblies that do not properly operate.
• Engine cooling fan blades that unexpectedly break resulting in injury to people working on a motor vehicle.
• Seats and/or seat backs which fail unexpectedly during regular use.
• Radios and air conditioners that do not operate properly.
• Ordinary use or wear of vehicle equipment that has to be maintained, inspected, or replaced periodically such as batteries, shock absorbers, exhaust systems and brake pads and shoes. 
• Excessive oil consumption.
• Body panel or nonstructural rust. 
• Quality of paint defects or cosmetic blemishes. 
The Start of Auto Recalls
Most decisions to conduct auto recalls and remedies of a safety defect are made by manufacturers voluntarily before any involvement by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Through their own inspection procedures, tests, and information gathering systems, auto manufacturers often discover that some safety defect exists in the vehicle or its equipment or that the safety standard requirement has not been correctly met. If a safety defect is discovered and auto recalls are necessary, the vehicle manufacturer must file a public report that describes the safety-related defect or the noncompliance with the federal motor vehicle safety standard, the events that resulted in the determination of the auto recall, the involved motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment population, a description of the auto recall’s remedy, and a schedule for auto recalls. 
After auto recalls, manufacturers are required to attempt to notify owners of the recalled products. For auto recalls of motor vehicles, that means manufacturers must combine their own records of motor vehicle purchasers with the current state motor vehicle registration information. For motor vehicle equipment, where there are no state registration records, manufacturers must notify the distribution chain and all known purchasers of the recalled motor vehicle equipment. If an owner of a vehicle subject to any auto recalls does not receive a notification, the manufacturer is then obligated to provide a free remedy for the vehicle or equipment.

Booster Seat Requirements for Your Child’s Safety

Booster Seat Requirements for Your Child’s Safety

What is a Booster Seat?
Unlike many child restraints with built-in harnesses, a booster seat uses on a vehicle’s belt to buckle a child in. The purpose is to make the adult seat belt fit the child better. Booster seats used are for children who have outgrown forward-facing restraints. The best booster seats will provide a good fit for the adult seat belt for typical children between 4 and 8 years old or above 40 pounds in nearly any car, SUV, or minivan.
A booster seat is a firm cushion made of plastic or foam that elevates a child higher in a car in order to improve the angle and position of the shoulder seat belt. Booster seat requirements call for slots or hooks where the lap belt is put through to lower the lap belt down to the child’s hips and thighs. There are high back, backless, and removable-back booster seats. Many booster seats also include a comfort clip or a shoulder belt guide that can be used, if needed, to slightly lower the shoulder belt so it can cross the center of the child’s shoulder and chest.
Booster Seat Requirements for Your Child
While there are no strict booster seat requirements for the design of a booster seat, ideal booster seats have a removable back with adjustable headrests. Most high back booster seats have energy-absorbing, high-density foam in the head region. In order protect a child’s neck and spine, the head must be properly supported by the vehicle seatback, headrest, or booster seat. An adjustable headrest also helps keep a sleeping child properly positioned under the vehicle belt and also comfortably positions the shoulder without preventing it from properly retracting.
Booster Seat Requirements by State
 Each state has its own specific booster seat requirements. Some states do not explicitly state that a booster seat is needed, but rather some sort of child restraint system is required. If your state is not listed, there are no booster seat requirements for children between 4 and 8 years old.
• Alabama Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children between the ages of 5 and 6 years old.
• Alaska Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for ages between 4 and 7 (between 20 and 64 pounds or less than 57”).
• Arizona Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 5 years old.
• Arkansas Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 5 years old (and less than 60 pounds).
• California Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 8 years old (and less than 57″) in rear seat if possible.
• Colorado Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children ages between 4 and 7.
• Connecticut Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint system for children between ages 1 and 6 (and less than 60 pounds).
• Delaware Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old (less than 66 pounds).
• Georgia Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 8 years old (and less than 57″) in rear seat if possible.
• Hawaii Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for child restraint for between 4 and 7.
• Idaho Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraints required for children less than 7 years old.
• Illinois Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old.
• Indiana Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old.
• Iowa Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children 4-5 years old.
• Kansas Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat or child restraint required for children between ages 4 and 7 years old (and less than 80 pounds or than 57″).
• Kentucky Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children less than 6 years old (between 40″ and 50″).
• Louisiana Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children between ages 4 and 5 years old (between 40 and 60 pounds).
• Maine Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children 40 to 80 pounds and less than 8 years old
• Maryland Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 8 (and less than 57″ and less than 65 pounds).
• Massachusetts Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old (and less than 57″).
• Michigan Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old (and less than 57″).
• Minnesota Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old (and less than 57″).
• Mississippi Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children between 4 and 6 years old (and less than 57″ or 65 pounds).
• Missouri Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat between 4 and 7 years old (and between 40 and 80 pounds and less than 57″) or for children 4 years or older (and greater than 80 pounds or more than 57″) in rear seat.
• Montana Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 6 years old (and less than 60 pounds).
• Nebraska Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 5 years old.
• Nevada Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 6 years old (less than 60 pounds).
• New Hampshire Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 5 years old (less than 55″).
• New Jersey Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 8 years old (less than 80 pounds).
• New Mexico Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children 5 and 6 years old (or less than 60 pounds).
• New York Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children between 4 and 7 years old unless no lap/shoulder belt is available.
• North Carolina Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for than 7 years old (and less than 80 pounds).
• North Dakota Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for less than 6 years old (and less than 80 pounds or 57”), or if greater than 40 pounds, child can use lap belt if lap/shoulder seat belts is not available.
• Ohio Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children between 4 and 7 years old (greater than 40 pounds and less than 57″).
• Oklahoma Booster Seat Requirements: Lap belt for children greater than 40 pounds in rear seat if belt if lap/shoulder belt is unavailable.
• Oregon Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children less than 8 years old but over 40 pounds or less than 57″ tall.
• Pennsylvania Booster Seat Requirements (Pennsylvania Vehicle Registration): Child restraint for children less than 7 years old.
• Rhode Island Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old (less than 80 pounds and less than 57″) in rear seat if possible.
• South Carolina Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children between 1 and 5 years old (between 40 and 80 pounds) secured by lap/shoulder belt.
• Tennessee Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children between 4 and 8 years old (and less than 57”), rear seat if available for children less than 8 years old (and less than 57”)
• Texas Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old (and less than 57″).
• Utah Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old (and less than 57″).
• Vermont Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children between 2 and 7 years old (and greater than 20 pounds).
• Virginia Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old.
• Washington Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 8 years old (and less than 57”).
• West Virginia Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 7 years old (and less than 57”).
• Wisconsin Booster Seat Requirements: Booster seat for children between 4 and 7 years old (and 40 and 80 pounds and less than 57″).
• Wyoming Booster Seat Requirements: Child restraint for children less than 8 years old in rear seat if available.

A Guide to Moving Violations

A Guide to Moving Violations

What are Moving Violations?
A moving violation is a violation of traffic law which is committed by a driver of a motor vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. The word “motion” distinguishes moving violations from other traffic violations such as equipment violations, parking violations, or paperwork violations that are related to registration insurance, inspection, or others.
Moving violations are usually more heavily penalized because in theory, they are more likely to cause direct physical hard to the other individuals or cause property damage. While some traffic violations, like parking violations, are considered civil matters that only involve a vehicle’s owner, moving violations are actually charged against the vehicle driver. Moving violations are typically classified as misdemeanors or infractions, but any serious moving violations such driving under the influence, a hit and run, or road rage can be classified as felonies depending on the situation.
The most typically enforced moving violation, and certainly the most frequent reason for a motor vehicle pullover (regardless of specific citation issued, if any), is a moving violation that involve the speed limit. The measurements of drivers speed throughout time have found certain roadways where driver compliance with the speed laws is very low, which makes many motor vehicles liable to be pulled over by law enforcement.
Severe Moving Violations
As mentioned, some serious moving violations will result in criminal charges such as misdemeanors or felonies. Here are some severe moving violations that you should be aware of:
Severe Moving Violations: Driving Under the Influence


Driving under the influence (known as a DUI or DWI for driving while intoxicated) is the act of operating a motor vehicle while having blood levels of alcohol that exceed a legal limit. For these moving violations, convictions do not necessarily require actual driving of the motor vehicle. In most jurisdictions, a measurement like the person’s blood alcohol content beyond a defined level, like 0.08% defines the offense, without having to prove driving impairment. 
For DUI moving violations, many states adopted truth in sentencing laws which enforce strict guidelines on sentencing for this moving violation. Many jurisdictions in the United States require more serious penalties for this moving violation, such as large fines, jail time, DUI programs, or the installation of ignition interlock devices. These penalties can increase even more when driver’s BAC is much higher than the limit, such as 0.15-0.20%.These additional penalties are an attempt to prevent and punish the operation of a motor vehicle at extremely high blood alcohol content levels and the resulting danger posed to the safety of individuals and personal property by heavily impaired drunk drivers. 
Severe Moving Violations: Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another severe moving traffic violation. It is considered a more serious moving violation than careless driving, improper driving, and driving without due care and attention. Reckless driving often results in fines, jail time, and/or suspension or revocation of a driver’s license as well as a misdemeanor criminal record.
When a person commits reckless driving moving violations, the driver is often in a mental state in which he or she displays an extreme disregard for the regulations of the road. The driver often misjudges normal driving procedures, which results in accidents and damages such as personal injury or property damage. Like other moving violations, reckless driving stays on your DMV record also results in points added to your insurance.  Reckless driving usually goes hand in hand with other moving violations such as speeding or alcohol use.
Severe Moving Violations: Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide, sometimes called vehicular manslaughter, is one of the more severe moving violations that result in a criminal record. In general, vehicle homicide results in death from the negligent operation of a motor vehicle or from driving while performing an unlawful act that does not necessarily amount to a felony. In the Model Penal Code, there are no distinctions between vehicular homicide alone and vehicular homicides that include negligence. Both moving violations are included in the category of negligent homicide.
 All states with the exception of Alaska, Arizona, and Montana have statutes regarding this moving violation. The relevant laws have the effect of calling the motor vehicle a potentially deadly weapon, which allows for easier criminal conviction and severe penalties. In states that do not have statutes regarding vehicular homicide, defendants may still be charged with murder or manslaughter in some situations. The victim of these moving violations may be either an individual not in the vehicle with the offending motorist, like a pedestrian, another motorist, cyclist, or the passenger who is in the motor vehicle with the offender.
Severe Moving Violations: Street Racing


Street racing is an illegal unsanctioned form of motor racing that takes place on public roads and is considered a moving violation. Street racing can either be well-planned and coordinated or spontaneous. The street racing culture is particularly in Northern California and Southern Florida.
In certain cases, the popularity of street racing has resulted in tough anti-street racing regulations which give more strict penalties, including misdemeanor offenses for attending race events, than normal moving violations and also result in dedicated anti-racing task forces. Penalties for these moving violations now can even include impoundment or even destruction of the offending motor vehicle as well as the revocation or suspension of the offender’s license. 
Other Moving Violations
While the punishments for other moving violations are not as severe, you should still be aware of what is considered a moving violation and avoid them:
• Running a red traffic light or a stop sign
• Speeding, which can either be exceeding a speed limit or just driving at an unsafe speed
• Failure to yield to another motor vehicle who has right-of-way
• Failure to use signals for lane changes or turns
• Failure to drive within one single lane
• Crossing over a median, gore, or center divider
• Driving your vehicle on the shoulder of the road when it is considered illegal under specific conditions
• Failure to properly use a seat belt
• Failure to stop at a cross walk for a pedestrian 
• Failure to stop for a school bus while children are exiting or boarding the bus
• Failure to secure a load to a lorry or a truck
• Illegally driving in a car pool lane 
• Depending on the jurisdiction, operating a mobile device while driving
• Driving a motor vehicle outside the conditions of one’s driver’s license

What to Know About Pedestrians

What to Know About Pedestrians

In the United States, pedestrians often cross roads and in doing so, they may come into the way of motor vehicles traveling on the road. While In many places pedestrians are left to cross safely by themselves after observing the road and crossing only when they know traffic will threaten them, many busier cities often provide pedestrian crossings, where pedestrians are expected to cross.
The appearance of pedestrian crossings can greatly vary, but the two most common crosswalk designations for pedestrians are either a series of parallel white stripes on the ground or two long white lines horizontal to each other. The former of the two is typically preferred, since it stands out more much more conspicuously against the road’s dark pavement.
Other pedestrian crossings also have a traffic signal which makes vehicles stop at regular intervals in order to allow pedestrians to cross the street. Others have “intelligent” signals, where pedestrians can push a button, which results in the traffic signal will schedule a stop in order to allow pedestrians to cross. Pedestrian crossings that do not have traffic signals are also very common. In this situation, the laws usually say that pedestrians have the right of way if crossing, and motor vehicles must stop to allow the pedestrian to cross. 
Pedestrians, Drivers, and the Right of Way
Certain jurisdictions forbid pedestrians from crossing the road at any point other than at crosswalks, which is called jaywalking. In other areas, pedestrians can have the right to cross where they choose to, and they also have the right of way over any vehicular traffic while crossing. Most crosswalks exist at all intersections which meet at nearly right angles, whether they have walk markings or not. Some states, like California, have pedestrian safety laws that require cars to stop for any pedestrians in both unmarked and marked crosswalks.
In most states, drivers have to wait only until the pedestrian has crossed the half of the crosswalk which the driver is driving on, after which he or she may proceed. However, some states, such as Utah, require the driver to wait the full time, for example in a school zone when the lights flashing are on, before he or she can proceed.
Types of Pedestrian Laws
Not only are there laws that look at the interaction between drivers and pedestrians, but there are also those that regulate pedestrian conduct. While each state has specific laws regarding both of these, all states have laws that consider the following issues:
• The way pedestrians must obey traffic control devices and traffic signals unless directed by a police or traffic officer.
• Drivers and bicyclists yielding or stopping to pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Where pedestrians must walk on roadways if sidewalks are not available. 
• Drivers exercising care to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
• Pedestrians abruptly leaving a curve and moving into traffic.
• Pedestrians yielding to motor vehicles outside of intersections.
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