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The state laws that regulate driving vary from state to state. If a driver were to travel across state lines for a relocation or trip, they may disobey a law without realizing it, or risk getting caught because they mistakenly believe the penalty would be unsubstantial.
Reckless Driving
For example, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in Washington state, reckless driving is a charge that is not enforced, and a driver that travels at a speed higher than the posted speed limit only be issued a standard speeding ticket. In Virginia, however, a judge may order a speeding driver to serve time in jail if the offense exceeded 90 mph.
Hugging
A long ride in the pick-up truck cab also can also pose a danger. If a driver prefers to be cozy with a front seat passenger while driving, perhaps on a truck bench seat, the action would be within their rights in many states, however, in both the states of Oregon and Washington, "embracing another while driving" is illegal.
Steppin' On It
In Minnesota, a driver should think twice before speeding to catch a green light. A collision would place the burden on their driving record and auto insurance policy because speeding cars lose the right of way at intersections.
In Oklahoma, a driver can divert some attention from the speedometer. The official law states that a speed less than 10 miles per hour higher than the speed limit is not reportable.
Turn Signals
Finally, Virginia and New York round up the harshest traffic laws, charging the failure to use turn signals as reckless driving, and allowing a judge to sentence a driver speeding more than 11 mph over the speed limit a 15 day jail sentence, respectively.
Driving in the U.S. is not a universal activity but varies by state. As is the case with many laws, each state values different behavior and designs laws according to geography, population density, precedent and values. A driver would be smart to review the laws in each state prior to visiting or relocating in order to be in compliance before inadvertently making a mistake that could cause a fine or a harsher penalty.
