What to Bring to My Florida Driving Test
If you are a first-time driver in Florida, you will need to pass both a written and driving exam before the DMV issues you a license. Upon passing a test, the State of Florida will deliver your license within two to four weeks of completion. When you arrive for your Florida driving test, you will need to bring some items with you.
Written Exam Requirements
To apply for a Florida driver’s license, you must first take a written exam. Although you must pay fees for license registration and driver exams, the written exams are free of charge. If you fail the exam and need to retake it, then you’ll pay $10 for each retake. Other than that, you simply show up and take the test. If you pass the test, you’ll then schedule a driving test.
Driving Test Requirements
The driving test will give you the opportunity to demonstrate necessary driving skills and follow fundamental traffic laws. You will need to provide a vehicle for the driving test. The DMV also requires you to bring the following documents:
• Valid Registration. You do not have to own the car that you are driving. Whoever owns the vehicle must provide valid updated registration. Current registration means that the car is registered in the same year that you are operating it for the test.
• Insurance Coverage. The owner of the car must provide proof of insurance from an insurance company in Florida. The insurance must be currently active. The vehicle must be covered by the minimum insurance allowed in the state of Florida.
• Vehicle Inspection. Before the facilitator gets in the car, he or she will inspect the car to make sure that it is both roadworthy and legal. Some examples of inspection may include making sure all the lights, and turning signals are operational, the tires are aired up to capacity, and the motor or transmission is properly running. You may also be required to perform an emission test on the vehicle.
• Retake Fee. If you fail to pass the test, then you will need to schedule a retake. The retake fee is $20. It must be paid before the facilitator administers the test. You can reschedule the test on the same day that you failed the initial test.
What Are You Tested On?
The objective of the driving test is to determine your ability to maneuver the vehicle in real life situations. Facilitators will often ask you to perform the road test in busy traffic throughout your home city. They want to know that you can drive in real scenarios around other drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, if you have a learner’s license, you should gradually work your way into operating the vehicle on the road with a licensed driver in the passenger seat.
The more you drive, the more you will improve your skills. You will drastically improve your chances of passing the test. You’ll be tested on specific maneuvers including:
• 3-point turn
• Parking
• Passing a vehicle
• Backing
• Giving right-of-way
Failure to perform one or more of the maneuvers above could cause you to fail your test. Therefore, you will want to prepare yourself for the day of the test.
✔ Get a good night’s rest the night before.
✔ Eat a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test.
Proper sleep and eating a good breakfast will help you concentrate during the road test. If you have practiced all of the required maneuvers over an extended period in real life situations, then you should pass the test with flying colors!
How long do points stay on your license in NY?
Wondering how long do points stay on your license in NY? As in all other states, drivers who violate traffic laws are given a citation. New York state also adds points to their driving record which will usually affect their insurance rates. Points can add up if a driver commits multiple traffic violations. The points count on your DMV record for 18 months from the violation date. The Driver Violation Point System (DVPS) allows the New York state DMV to keep accurate records of driver infractions as well as insurance companies.
By keeping records, the DMV can monitor drivers that are considered high-risk. If you operate a vehicle in the State of New York you are allotted a maximum number of points before the DMV takes further action beyond a traffic citation and additional point accumulation. These actions escalate from additional fees, to the suggestion of a driver improvement course, to an possible suspension of your license.
How Are Points Calculated?
There are three things you need to know about the way points accumulate on your license. They are:
1. You must be convicted of the New York state moving violation
2. Points accrue starting from the traffic violation date, NOT conviction date
3. Points accrued in the last 18 months are added to your driving record’s point total
Examples of Points Assigned for Traffic Violations
The points system is based on a wide range of traffic violations. Be careful, many points may be added to your driver record. Notable examples include:
• 3 to 11 points will be added to your driving record: Speeding (depends on amount over the limit)
• 3 Points will be added to your driving record: Failing to yield the right-of-way
• 3 Points will be added to your point total: Leaving the scene of an accident (property damage only)
• 5 Points: Reckless driving
• 5 Points: Railroad crossing violation
• 5 Points: Using a cell phone while driving
Examples of Points That are NOT Assigned for Traffic Violations or are included in the point system
• Bicycle violation
• Pedestrian violation
• Parking violation
• Unregistered, unlicensed, or uninsured driving
• Weight or emissions violation
How Long Do Points Stay on your License?
A traffic violation remains on a New York driver’s record for three years after the conviction. This is same answer when asking, “How long do points stay on your license?” However, the point system only counts the many points on your record for DMV purposes for an 18 month period from the date of the offense.
Although the points from a traffic ticket are kept on a driver’s record for three years, they are not used for accumulation purposes, but rather for assessment of the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Points accumulated for a suspension or revocation are only done so in any 18 month period. Therefore, if during any 18-month period you accumulate enough points to hit established point thresholds, you will face additional penalties. You can monitor your point record by checking it at any time through your MyDMV profile.
There are, however, exceptions to the above rule when asking, “How long do points stay on your license in New York state?” For instance, an alcohol-related traffic violation or other DUI-related traffic ticket will remain on a driver record for ten years. Multiple DUI offenses will result in more severe penalties. Any suspension or revocation of your license will remain on a driver’s record for up to four years. Serious offenses cannot be forgiven by safety programs or a point reduction program.
New York Driver’s License Point Penalties
As you accumulate points, you will face increasing penalties. Add 6 or more to your driving record within 18 months and you will be assessed a new additional fee. If you fail to pay your license will be automatically suspended.
When you reach 11 points in an 18-month window your driver’s license could be suspended. However, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of the New York Point and Insurance Reduction Program</a> (PIRP). This means you will be eligible to take a NY DMV approved defensive driving course to reduce the active points on your driving record.
Point Removal on Drivers License
So, how does the PIRP work? Drivers who acquire points on their record may enroll for a NY DMV-approved defensive driving course. The program will prevent you from getting your license suspended or revoked if you accumulate more than 11 points on your driving record within an 18 month period. Whether or not you plead guilty to the offense does not matter. You can reduce your record by up to 4 points by taking the course, preventing your license from being suspended.
In addition, you will also be eligible for a lowered insurance premium. When you successfully complete the PIRP, your insurance company must also grant you an insurance discount which will last for three years!
How Much is a TN Speeding Ticket?
Drivers in Tennessee who commit minor traffic violations – explicitly driving over the speed limit – will receive no more than a standard speeding ticket. When given a traffic citation, drivers have two choices. They can either decide to contest the traffic citation by submitting a plea of innocent or merely pay the ticket.
Paying a Speeding Ticket in Tennessee
Operators who are issued a speeding ticket by an officer will be required to pay the fine and all applicable fees (if any). There are three options for a paying the fine:
• Online at the proper website
• Mail the payment to the appropriate courthouse or agency
• Arrive in person to pay the fine using acceptable payment methods (cash, card, etc.)
Although online is the most convenient and efficient method to pay your speeding ticket, the state of Tennessee does not require it. Keep in mind, that paying online will process the payment faster if you are nearing the deadline and can’t mail the payment in on time or arrive at the courthouse.
Driving Violation Fines and Penalties in Tennessee
One of the most common questions that drivers ask is, “What determines how much money I’m going to pay for a speeding ticket?” Although there may be several variables that determine the amount of the fine, the primary factor is how fast you drive over the speed limit. For instance:
• Drivers who break the speed limit by one to five miles will pay an average of $42.00
• Drivers who break the speed limit by more than five miles pay an average of $82.00
In addition to the fines, a driver may be required to go to court for more severe driving offenses. Examples may include:
• Running a red light while speeding
• Speeding through a school zone while the caution lights are flashing
• Speeding that causes a collision
• Reckless driving while speeding
• Speeding while under the influence of drugs, medication, alcohol, etc.
In these cases, the fines and penalties will increase significantly. Drivers may also be required to pay additional penalties, court costs, defensive driving school fees, and other designated fines.
Accumulating Driving Points
In addition to penalties, drivers who violate speeding laws will also have to pay by having points added to their driving record. The nature of the offense determines the number of points added to a driving record. The following is a list of driving/speeding violations and how many points the state of Tennessee will add to the driving record.
• Child safety at risk – 8 points
• Reckless driving – 6 points
• The driver does not yield the right of way – 4 points
• Passing in a no passing zone – 4 points
• Speeding – 1 to 8 points
Drivers who receive speeding tickets and other offenses listed above can accumulate points quickly with multiple infractions. They will have the opportunity to apply for a driving school to remove some of the points and reduce the total amount. Drivers who accumulate more than 12 points on their driving record will receive a notice that the state of Tennessee has suspended their license.
Speeding Tickets and Insurance
A third way that drivers will pay for a speeding ticket is with increased insurance rates. Every insurance company is different with issuing elevated rates depending on the overall record of the driver. For example, if a driver has to pay several speeding tickets and loses his or her license due to the accumulation of points, the insurance would skyrocket for a period before it comes back down. A driver who gets a ticket once every five to ten years, however, will probably not see a bump in their rates. Check with your insurance company to find out their policies on speeding tickets.
How Long Do NY Speeding Fines Take to Arrive
There are so many questions that run through your head when you’re getting a NY speeding ticket, and none of them are very fun to consider. Sometimes having a better idea of what you can expect can be the key to getting through your question-enriched headache without a scratch.
How Long Does a Citation Take to Arrive?
When a cop pulls you over the on the road, they’ll take a few minutes to run your information and then decide your charges based on your actions. They’ll briefly look at your record, see if you are a wanted criminal, estimate how dangerous you are, then may or may not give you a break on your ticket. For example, they may decide to only cite you for a broken taillight even though they originally pulled you over for going 35 in a 25 mile an hour zone.
At this point, they’ll give you the ticket personally. You can see just how much it is and just how long you have until you must pay it. You’ll usually have 30 days to pay the ticket, but up to 90 days if you want to contest it.
Now, if you see a flashing light as you go through a camera, then this is obviously a different story. If you know for sure that you weren’t going through a questionable yellow-turned-red light, then it’s likely because you were going over the legal speed limit. You’ll usually get your citation within about 2 weeks in New York, with 30 days to pay it. If you want to contest it, you’ll generally have 90 days to do so.
If you get points on your license from a traffic violation, then they’ll generally hang around for about 18 months or so. This may sound like a long time, but remember that an accident can take up to 5 years to completely clear from your record. It’s best to take traffic school or a defensive driving course as soon as you get the copy of your ticket in the mail to stop the points from going on your record.
How Much Are Speeding Tickets in New York?
What you pay is determined by several factors, including how fast you were going and your past driving record. But the ranges are fairly big, and thus, not very helpful.
For a first infraction:
• You could pay $45 – $150 for going less than 10 miles over the limit.
• You’ll pay an average of $150 to $200 for going 11-30 miles an hour over the limit.
• Your ticket could be $600 if you were going more than 31 miles over the limit.
Traffic tickets in New York State – Your fines go up with each previous infraction on your record, though it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact amount you’ll pay. The officer will generally consider not just how fast you were going but also extenuating circumstances. For example, were you going 40 miles an hour down a suburban street where kids are outside playing? Or was it in the middle of the night when no one’s on the road?
If you have at least 6 points on your license:
• You’ll also be charged an addition $70 as a Driver Assessment Fee.
• You can get you up to 3 points for going over ten miles an hour over the speed limit.
• You can get up to 11 points for driving more than 41 miles over the limit.
If you’re concerned about your driving record (and the amount of money you’ll have to pay if it’s not perfect), you may want to check out online traffic school or a NY Defensive Driving course. If you weren’t already mandated to take classes, this could be an excellent way to shave points off your license and potentially lower your insurance to boot!
Top 2017 Traffic Laws News
Every year brings an array of significant traffic news and 2017 is no different. Here are a few of the latest traffic laws throughout the country that are making headlines.
Cell Phone Laws
Washington
…has become the first state to pass a cell phone ban while driving. Many states have laws regarding texting while driving or going hands-free while driving. But studies have shown that talking on the phone, even by Bluetooth, can be a distraction while driving. As such, this law goes into effect: you can receive a $136 fine the first time you are spotted driving while on or using the phone. The fines increase from there, based on the frequency in which you receive tickets. Also, keep in mind that you can take a defensive driving course to remove points on your driving record for minor traffic infractions, but that is not an option with this type of violation.
DUI Ignition Interlock Devices
California
…has recently passed a law that requires ignition interlock devices be placed in the cars of anyone convicted of a DUI, including their first one. Typically, these devices are utilized when someone has multiple DUIs. Currently, the program is in a testing phase in four counties. It is expected to slowly roll out to other counties once all the kinks are worked out. It is expected that every county will be on board by January 1, 2019. Many Californians are criticizing this new law for various reasons. 1. Ignition interlock devices are expensive to install in vehicles and 2. a drunk person can have anyone who is not drunk blow into the device and start the car. Many people also proclaim that it is overkill to have first-time offenders required to have this device installed in their car for a period of time. However, a larger percentage of Californians believe in the proponents of the law that ar looking to curb drunk driving and feel this may the way to do it.
Left Lane Law
Nevada
…has made headlines for passing a law that allows law enforcement to pull over people who are impeding traffic in the fast lane, even if they are going the speed limit. If a driver is in the fast lane on the freeway and has a line of cars built up behind them, they are required to pull over into one of the slower lanes. Unfortunately, many people do not. Studies have shown, this is the number one cause for road rage, and road rage is becoming more prevalent. As such, law enforcement is looking to curb this behavior using this law. Additionally, keeping traffic flowing in the left lane is vital in case of an accident, as law enforcement and emergency vehicles use this lane in these circumstances.
Seatbelt Law
Every state has seatbelt laws. However, if an adult is not buckled up in the car, that passenger will receive the ticket.
Mississippi
…just passed a law that states that the driver is now given the ticket because it is their responsibility to ensure all passengers are fully buckled up before they drive off. This law is making headlines because many feel an adult should be responsible for their own choices. However, not wearing a seatbelt leads to more serious injuries or death than anything else in a car accident. Many Mississippi drivers support that law hoping it will increase seatbelt safety.
Traffic laws are ever changing as our society changes. Some laws are controversial, while others are simply revolutionary. Learning about what laws are making news may be an indication as to what traffic laws may soon be coming to the state you reside in.
Should I Get a Hotel & Car Rental Bundle?
When you travel, whether it be for business or for pleasure, it’s likely that you want to stay within some sort of prospective budget. One thing to keep in mind: YOU are the dominant one in the give-and-take relationship you have with your budget. For instance, if you book a cheaper flight with less than ideal times, it may free up more money to stay in a nicer hotel. That’s the kind of give and take travelers typically work with. It’s up to you, the traveler, to show the budget who wears the pants in the family. You will decide what is the most important part of your trip and where you want to allocate the expenses.
This brings us to one possibility of saving money while you travel: bundling a rental car with your hotel, a tactic that an increasing number of properties are moving toward as a means of an added-value sale. Is this right for you when you’re on the road? We look at some of the pros and cons of doing so:
? Hotel / Rental Car Bundle: The Pros ?
1. Cost
The biggest advantage to bundling a rental car with your hotel is the potential cost savings it could net you, thereby freeing up money for you to spend elsewhere on or throughout your trip. This cost savings can amount to as much as several hundred dollars. Like we said in the opening, freeing up a few hundred dollars on hotel and car rental costs just gives you that much more to allocate elsewhere.
2. Convenience
It’s much more convenient to keep two major expenses under one roof, so to speak. Convenience may also be experienced by travelers in the form of complimentary transportation from the hotel to car rental lots or in a hotel having access to an on-site rental lot. A time savings may also be realized if you bundle these two expenses while you’re on the road.
3. Rewards Points
If you’re a frequent traveler, you already likely are earning rewards points through several numerous accounts. The more you spend with an entity, the more rewards points you typically earn. What’s more is that bundling within a provider may even offer some sort of added rewards incentive, such as double points.
? Hotel / Rental Car Bundle: The Cons ?
1. Necessity
Yes, bundling a car with your hotel might seem like a fantastic way to shave a few hundred dollars off your trip, but there’s one key question you must answer before doing so: Do you even need a rental car in the first place? Bundling a rental with your hotel if you don’t need one is wasted money, and with the convenience of Uber, Lyft and taxis – not to mention the hassle of parking depending on where you are going – it may just be easier to skip the rental altogether.
2. Vehicle Quality
Often, when hotels are running deals such as this, there’s no guarantee that you’re going to get a high-level rental. Hotels will promote such packages to entice travelers to book them, then present them with an older rental, high-mileage rental or a vehicle class size that’s not what the consumer may have expected. Before you book this type of a bundle, always be sure that you know what sort of vehicle you’re signing on to. Doing so can avoid a lot of frustration at the check in counter.
3. Insurance
With any rental comes questions about what type of insurance – if any – you’ll need to be adequately covered in the case of an accident. This can be confusing to many travelers, and can also present an additional expense. Furthermore, your driving record may jeopardize your renting ability – a situation where taking a defensive driving course prior to booking can pay off.
What’s Best? Travelocity, Travelzoo or Expedia?
Today, travelers have options. Not just options pertaining to what airline they fly, hotel they stay in and transportation they use to get around when at their destination – but options pertaining to how exactly they book their travel. These options are largely thanks to the Internet. The Internet has revolutionized so much, from news media to the way a local defensive driving course is conducted – and travel booking sites are certainly no exception.
These sites help consumers book the best possible trip at the lowest price available. But with such a large number of online booking sites, it can be tough to separate the good from the bad. In this post, we’ve done the dirty work for you on three popular online booking sites – Expedia, Travelzoo and Travelocity. Here’s a look about what’s good and what’s not good about each site so you can make the best decision for you when it comes to booking your next trip:
?The Pros:
Low overall prices and great last-minute deals are some of the best things about Expedia, but there’s a lot more to like about this top-ranked travel site. Yes, the website is very easy to use and navigate, you can chat online with customer service reps and its rewards program is great for earning points toward your next trip.
?The Cons:
Because of the number of providers it works with, it can take some time going through your options. Also, because of the last-minute deals offered through the site, it can encourage procrastination, something that many consumers have a challenging time with.
⚖ Our Verdict:
It’s one of – if not the best – travel site. Bookmark it and make it one of your traveling go-to sites when you’re planning your next trip. It’s always worth a search.
?The Pros:
It’s an Expedia property, so it has a similar, user-friendly feel. Like Expedia, Travelocity also offers low rates. However, arguably the best thing about Travelocity is its price match guarantee, which states that the site will match any price that is offered by a competing company.
?The Cons:
Despite being a user-friendly platform, the transaction process tends to be tedious, especially to those who aren’t familiar with online booking.
⚖ Our Verdict:
Be sure to bookmark this page as well, as the price match guarantee and overall low prices are certainly worth exploring prior to your next trip – even if you decide to book through another platform.
Travelzoo
?The Pros:
Unlike the other two websites on this list, Travelzoo is a site that promotes various deals at around the time that they are occurring, so it can be great for the spontaneous traveler that wants to go somewhere, but just isn’t sure what makes sense at the time. In fact, the site features a weekly “Top 20” list of the best deals to various destinations.
?The Cons:
Many people confuse Travelzoo for a booking site, similar to Expedia – and that’s not the case. What’s more is to see the site’s best deals, users are required to register with a user name and log into the site, which can be a turn off for some consumers (even though registration is free). Finally, there’s no way to get in touch with a customer service rep if you need help.
⚖ Our Verdict:
If you want to go on a trip in two weeks, but aren’t sure where – this is the site for you, the spontaneous traveler. But if you want to book a trip in advance at a low rate, stick to one of the sites we listed above.
Where Are They Now – Famous Movie Cars
It seems like just about every hit movie has a signature car chase or a signature vehicle. From spy thrillers to racing flicks, action movies and beyond, cars play a prominent role in American cinema. Have you ever wondered what happened to those famous cars from the movies? Here’s where they are now.
The DeLorean From Back to the Future
The DeLorean was featured in all three versions of the epic time travel movie series, Back to the Future. The little-known truth is that more than half a dozen DeLorean vehicles were used in these films. Only three are still in existence. Two of the DeLoreans featured in the Back to the Future flicks are owned by Universal Studios. They are available for public viewing at the company’s four theme parks in Orlando, Los Angeles, Singapore and Osaka. The third DeLorean was auctioned to a nameless bidder who resides in San Jose, California. The vehicle sold for more than half a million dollars. One of the other four DeLoreans mysteriously disappeared. Two were stripped for parts. The last one was crushed into tiny pieces in a vehicle compactor.
Gone in 60 Seconds‘ Eleanor
If you felt like you should attend a defensive driving course after viewing Gone in 60 Seconds, you are not alone. The movie’s leading vehicle, Eleanor, sold for a million dollars at auction. Frequent car shows throughout the United States and you just might find Eleanor on display.
The Camaro From Better Off Dead
This sweet ride went to auction and was purchased by a fan off the classic ’80’s flick, “Better Off Dead.” The ’67 Camaro has since been restored to resemble its’ original condition. The vehicle was taken apart in-full so years of corrosion and damage could be rectified. It received some new primer, fresh black paint and a brand new engine. The Camaro still features the tinted windows it sported in the movie.
007’s Aston Martin DB5
Featured in Goldfinger and Thunderball, this Aston Martin DB5 is owned by an automobile collector who prefers to remain nameless. He owns the .2018/R version of the vehicle. The other version of the DB5 used in the classic Bond flicks, the 2017/R, is still available for public viewing at the Dutch National Motoring Museum.
The Ford GT40 Featured in Le Mans
Though millennials have absolutely no idea as to how sweet this GT40 looked in Le Mans, the old-timers out there will likely recall this ride. Three versions of the vehicle were built. Two still exist. The one used in the film sold for $11 million to an anonymous private car collector in the summer of 2012.
Batman the Movie‘s Batmobile
The Batmobile was actually a ’55 Lincoln Futura concept vehicle. Concept cars of the ’50s and ’60s were built solely for display purposes. Most were destructed after making the rounds on motor show tours. However, the Futura used in Batman the Movie escaped this cruel fate. It was originally used in the 1959 movie, “It Started With a Kiss.” The vehicle was sold to automobile enthusiast George Barris for a single dollar. He converted the Futura into the Batmobile for the popular TV show and the movie. The Batmobile sold for $4.6 million in 2013 to a wealthy businessman named Rick Champagne.
If you are curious about what happened to the Batmobiles from the other Batman movies in ’89 and ’92, we’ve tracked them down as well! Well, sort of. These versions of the Batmobiles were constructed with fiberglass and plywood. However, Warner Brothers made replicas to be displayed across the globe. Jeff Dunham, a famous ventriloquist, purchased one of these Batmobiles for a cool half-million in 2015. He invested another half-million to get the vehicle in road-condition. Dunham even refitted his Batmobile with all the high-tech features it had in the film.
Best Driving Directions MapQuest, Yahoo or Google
When it comes to getting directions, most people turn to the web for assistance. From Google Maps to MapQuest, Yahoo! Maps and beyond, there are plenty of options to help you get from point A to point B in as little time as possible. The question is which of these online directions services is the best. Let’s look at the top contenders to help you pick the best website for driving directions.
Google Maps
The beauty of Google Maps is its ease of use. Type in your current location and your desired destination into Google’s search engine and you will immediately be provided with accurate directions. Though Google Maps directions are not always 100 percent correct, they have a remarkably accurate track record. Furthermore, Google Maps provides a charted course for the expedition on a digital map to the right of the directions. The map provides aerial photos as well as a view from the streets one must traverse to reach his selected destination. Google Maps is not limited to the United States. This directions service can even help you navigate the streets abroad. The interface is incredibly fluid. The map and its markers look fantastic. It even lets you compare current traffic levels to predicted traffic levels in the coming hours.
For all the praise heaped on Google Maps, there are also some negative reviews about this directions provider. Some disappointed Google Maps users report the service sends them to closed roads, roads that abruptly end and to other areas they never intended to go. Yet this is true of all online directions providers. If you are sent far away from your destination due to faulty directions and end up speeding to get back on track, you run the risk of getting a ticket. Be sure to enroll in a defensive driving course to mitigate the impact of your speeding ticket. Attending a defensive driving course will keep your automobile insurance rates under control, remove points from your driver’s license and help you drive in as safe of a manner as possible.
Yahoo! Maps
This “online directions” website is not the most popular yet it will get you to your destination by way of the most efficient route in nearly every instance of use. Yahoo! Maps features built-in GeoRSS support, a built-in geocoding capability, open APIs and even offers a flash version. However, the service is limited to those seeking directions to and from destinations in the United States and Canada. The presentation is not quite on the level of Google’s incredibly polished Maps service. Furthermore, Yahoo! Maps does not empower wayward travelers to examine the terrain/streets with aerial photographs.
MapQuest
MapQuest is one of the web’s oldest directions websites. It has a fairly simple user experience design along with a polished web aesthetic. MapQuest offers built-in routing as well as built-in geocoding. The site provides icons for left turns, right turns and merging. MapQuest also features a convenient “Avoid” button that lets users bypass certain intersections that are overly busy or rife with construction. However, it does not provide photos of any sort to help ameliorate the challenges of traveling in unknown parts. Plenty of people have complained MapQuest sometimes provides quirky directions that are not always the most efficient. Furthermore, MapQuest traffic data can be described as somewhat of a mess of blue and green lines that make it quite difficult to gauge traffic levels in particular parts of town.
And the Winner is….
Google Maps is clearly the premier online directions provider. People across the world are partial to Google Maps’ comparably simple and direct search box interface for good reason. This setup appeals to people of all web/computer experience levels. Perhaps most importantly, Google Maps is visually friendly. It makes excellent use of color, provides different viewpoints of streets and has all sorts of remote areas mapped down to the very last details.
Rental or Your Own Vehicle While Traveling?
Summer is the time of the year when people embark on lengthy road trips to visit scenic destinations, spend time with distant family and enjoy adventures. If you are planning road trip, you are probably weighing the pros and cons of taking your own vehicle versus renting a vehicle. Here’s why you should make the trip with your own ride.
Spend Wisely
There is no sense spending money on a rental vehicle when you have an automobile of your own in your garage. The typical rental vehicle costs between $50 and $100 per day. Why spend that money on a vehicle when you have already paid to purchase or lease your own vehicle? Spend the $100 you would shell out each day for a rental car on niceties you can enjoy during your trip. Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy fine dining each night of your expedition? Or perhaps you would like to load up on keepsakes and souvenirs at shops along the travel route. You can even use the money you save by taking your own vehicle to stay in an upscale hotel that offers comfort, luxury and safety.
Driving Your Own Vehicle is Safer
You know your own vehicle inside and out. You have it regularly maintained and repaired when necessary. You know how the controls work. The seat is adjusted exactly to your liking. The odds of making a mistake while on the road and causing an accident or getting a speeding ticket are much lower when you are driving your own vehicle. If you rent a vehicle and get a speeding ticket, you will likely take a defensive driving course to have the points removed from your driving record and keep your auto insurance rates in check. The bottom line is that you are much more comfortable and safe driving your own vehicle that you have grown accustomed to over the years.
Consider the Many Unknowns of Rental Vehicles
You know exactly who has used your vehicle in the preceding days, months and years. The same cannot be said of rental vehicles. If you were to drive a rental vehicle during a long road trip, you would be subjected to an automobile that could be in poor condition. You have no idea how the previous drivers used the vehicle. Perhaps they slammed on the brakes over and over again. Maybe they used drugs in the vehicle and traces of those substances are scattered across the seats and floor mats. Perhaps the previous driver took the vehicle on a joy ride in which he zoomed through turns at high rates of speed and wore most of the tread off the tires. You are taking a gigantic chance by paying to drive an automobile a previous renter might have used and abused in the preceding hours, days and weeks.
Renting a Car Chews up Your Valuable Time
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Think of all the time and effort required to rent a vehicle. You should research local providers, find the best rate, pick out the right vehicle for your long trip, get a ride to the rental office and eventually return the vehicle. You will have to inspect the vehicle, coordinate insurance, fill out paperwork and verify that your card was properly charged. These tasks take up plenty of time. If you are like most people and work 40 or more hours per week, you are protective of your free time. Don’t waste it with the bureaucracy involved in renting a car when you have a perfectly good vehicle of your own that will get you to your destination without a problem.
Traveling Full-time Worth the Savings
When most people graduate from college, they enter the working world and get that first “real job.” And with this newfound reality likely comes apartment renting, followed by home ownership. There’s insurance to purchase, mortgage loans and utility bills to pay. There’s your car payment that you have to account for. If you’re lucky, you might have enough to splurge on a few nice things for yourself every year or take one vacation with your friends and/or. Yeah, you’re likely living on a budget – and then once you get settled and your career picks up steam, you start budgeting for more and more things.
Some might call it living the American dream. Others may call it a new beginning. If you’re like us, you call it boring. Yes, we get that there’s something to be said for becoming a homeowner, rising in your profession and eventually even raising a family. But before you do that, have you ever thought about taking a few years off and becoming a fulltime traveler? You don’t just have to be a graduate to live out this lifestyle either. Perhaps you’re a senior citizen that just retired. Or maybe you just want to take some time away from the real world to find yourself and see the country. Whatever your situation, there are several financial and personal incentives to doing so.
An RV vs. A Home Mortgage
Buying a home doesn’t just come with monthly mortgage payments, but with utilities, homeowner’s insurance, possible homeowners’ association fees, property taxes and inevitable repairs that need to be made both on an emergency and non-emergency basis. Buying an RV on the other hand is much cheaper. You can get a trailer for about $8,000, a used RV for $35,000 or a new motorhome for around $100,000 – still much cheaper than the cost of a charming home in the long run. Yes, there’s fuel, RV insurance and maintenance you’ll need to carry out. But going for an RV over a house is likely to save you about $1,000 a month if you do it right.
Settling Down vs. Freedom
While buying an RV rather than a home and a car can offer significant monthly savings, the biggest benefit to living out of an RV as a fulltime traveler is the freedom to literally park your RV anywhere you want to. You can wake up Tuesday morning in Yellowstone National Park and wake up Thursday morning 1,000 miles away at another unique, scenic location. For many, this freedom alone is enticing enough to become a full-time traveler, as doing so enables you to see every nook and cranny of the country that you want to. What’s more is that traveling full-time takes you away from the stressors of the real world, so much so that it can be therapeutic in a sense. The freedom to go anywhere and see anything? It sounds nice.
You Can Always Make Money
We know what you’re thinking – how will you make money. Simple – you can always make money. If you don’t have a nest egg from your savings account or a 401K to fall back on, here’s a thought: If you’re serious about fulltime traveling, pick up odd jobs on your trips to help you pay for expenses. The Internet makes it easier than ever to locate short-term work in any part of the world, why not take advantage of this resource? Or perhaps you could even work out a telecommuting arrangement with your current employer (or potential employer) to make some cash in your spare time. Worst comes to worst, you can plant roots down somewhere for a few months, save up some money, then become a fulltime traveler again.
Are you tired of only have two weeks’ worth of vacation a year? Why not do something about it. When there’s a will, there’s a way. We’re betting you won’t regret it.
How Much is a New Jersey Speeding Ticket?
Speeding Tickets in Different States:
If you drive over the speed limit, you run the risk of getting pulled over for speeding. When you are pulled over, the police officer has the discretion to issue you a warning or write you a ticket. If you were one of the unlucky ones who received a ticket, you may find yourself wondering how much a New Jersey speeding ticket will cost you. The fine associated with the speeding ticket is not the only expense you will incur because of the ticket. You may decide to participate in traffic school if you are eligible or you may take allow the ticket to hit your driving record and have surcharges issued by the state for poor driving. Here are a few of the ways that a New Jersey speeding ticket can cost you and the expenses associated with the ticket.
The Cost of the Speeding Ticket Itself
If you are caught speeding, the amount you are fined varies based on where you were speeding and how many miles over the speed limit you were going. For a simple speeding violation, one where you are going one to nine miles over the speed limit, your fine will be $85. If you are 15 to 19 miles per hour over the speed limit, the fine increases to $180. And if you are 30 to 39 miles per hour over the speed limit, your fine will be $240 to $260. Additionally, there are factors that increase fines. If you are in a construction zone, in a safe corridor, in a school zone or speeding through a crosswalk, your fines will increase. If you are looking to find out what the exact fine is for your violation, be sure to check out this chart. Also, keep in mind that these are standard fines. If you go to court and appeal the ticket, the judge has the discretion to throw the ticket out or reduce your fine amount.
New Jersey SPEEDING TICKET COST TABLE
| 1 – 9 m.p.h. |
$85.00 |
$140.00 |
2 Points |
| 10 – 14 m.p.h |
$95.00 |
$160.00 |
2 Points |
| 15 – 19 m.p.h. |
$105.00 |
$180.00 |
4 Points |
| 20 – 24 m.p.h. |
$200.00 |
$360.00 |
4 Points |
| 25 – 29 m.p.h. |
$220.00 |
$380.00 |
4 Points |
| 30 – 34 m.p.h. |
$240.00 |
$400.00 |
5 Points |
| 35+ m.p.h. |
$260.00 |
$420.00 |
5 Points |
*If you are caught speeding in a work zone, safe corridor, or 65 mph zone, your fine will be doubled!
Points
The state of New Jersey uses a point system. If you are given traffic tickets or involved in car accident, you receive points on your driving record. The number of points you receive for a speeding ticket varies, based on how many miles over the speed limit you were going. You receive two points if you are 1-14 miles per hour over the speed limit, four points if you are 15 to 29 miles per hour over and five points if you are 30 miles per hour over the speed limit or more. If you exceed more than six points in a three year period, the state of New Jersey will issue you a $150 surcharge plus $25 for each additional point. These fines remain in effect yearly until your points drop below six and if you fail to pay, you can lose your license. If you go a year with no infractions, you lose three points, which is the best way to reduce your points.
Traffic School Costs
Another way to reduce the number of points you have on your driving record is to take traffic school or a defensive driving course. In New Jersey, you can take NJ traffic school to remove two points from your record once every five years. Because of this, you may wish to participate in driving school if you have received a speeding ticket. In New Jersey, the lowest price allowed by law for this course is $20. There is no maximum cost allowed by law. Additionally, once you complete one of these courses, insurance companies may reduce your insurance by up to ten percent for two to five years.
If you are pulled over for speeding, research shows that being honest with the cop about why you are speeding, as well as being polite and courteous, are the best ways to avoid a ticket. However, no matter how honest or polite you are, some days a cop has a no-tolerance stance and will issue you a ticket. When this occurs, that speeding ticket will cost you. Learning how much will help you budget so you can pay off the fine and the associated costs.
Different States Speeding Ticket
Why Take a Defense Course?
One of the unfortunate facts of life is that we are at the mercy of others. It does not matter how nice or civil you are. If you have the misfortune of crossing paths with a malevolent or careless individual, there is a chance you will endure harm. This is precisely why you need a solid line of defense.
The Value of Taking a Self-Defense Course
All sorts of self-defense courses are available, from traditional karate to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga and so on. The common theme amongst these courses is that considerable preparation is necessary to stay safe and avoid harm. There is a good chance you will eventually encounter a physically aggressive person at some point in your life. From purse-snatchers to drunks looking for a fight and beyond, some people are willing to engage in physical confrontations with completely innocent victims. It is important to recognize this danger and prepare accordingly. Complete a self-defense class and you will have the confidence you need to go out in public and do as you wish. This is especially true for women, seniors, individuals without a large frame and others who might be considered to be easy targets.
Keep Your Vehicle Safe with a Defensive Driving Course
You can protect your vehicle with a defensive driving course just like you can protect your body with a self-defense course. It is quite concerning to think about the fact that you can follow all the rules of the road, maintain a moderate rate of speed and be extremely cautious only to endure an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence. Take a defensive driving course and you will greatly reduce the odds of such an accident. This course teaches you how to drive in a defensive manner that prevents accidents, tickets and road rage.
If you haven’t taken a defensive driving course in the past year, it is time to sign up for one, especially if you live in NY, NJ or a state where your auto insurance company will offer you a huge discount for taking the course. Also, there is a good chance you have forgotten some of the subtle rules of the road and strategies to avoid collisions, tickets and other unpleasant incidents while behind the wheel.
Keep Yourself Safe with a Defensive Course
A defensive driving course will serve as a valuable refresher on what to look out for while on the roads and highways. It will also boost your driving prowess to reduce the chances that you cause an accident that harms others, their vehicles and your own person or vehicle. In the end, a defensive driving course has the potential to save you thousands of dollars in automobile repair costs and hundreds or thousands of dollars on potential insurance hikes resulting from accidents. Most importantly, learning how to drive defensively will greatly reduce the odds of a painful injury that spurs costly medical treatment and might even prevent you from working.
Protect Yourself on and off the Road
Your defensive driving course instructor will teach you valuable tactics to avoid damage to your vehicle as well as your body. Think of defensive driving as a self-defense course for your body when positioned inside of a vehicle. You are still in danger of physical harm even though the party at fault does not mean to harm your person. This educational driving course is exactly what you need to avoid a painful accident when traversing the crowded roads. The strategies you learn just might make the difference between a nasty accident that harms the occupants in your vehicle and narrowly escaping a collision, allowing you to make it to your destination unharmed.
Top 10 Defensive Drivers in The World
Do you ever think while driving that you are truly one of the best defensive drivers in the world? You feel invincible because nobody has ever crashed into you… due to your impeccable ninja driving skills that manage to help you dodge all the bad drivers on the road… and you have even managed to never get a ticket by avoiding the police and speeding under the radar. You are truly one of the top defensive drivers in your hood, a master of driving! However, the below drivers may have you beat ?
1. Mad Max
I know what you’re thinking: Nobody from Mad Max can possibly be considered a great defensive driver. Think again! Have you seen all the armor on the Mad Max vehicles?! There is absolutely no possibility that another vehicle can get through that armor and damage their vehicle or hurt them!
2. Driving Miss Daisy
For those that are not familiar with the movie, an elderly woman, Miss Daisy, wanted to keep her independence, but ended up crashing her car. After she does this, her son arranges for her to have a chauffeur. Want to know the best way that you can be a safe, defensive driver? Don’t even drive at all! Have somebody else drive you around. You will never crash into anybody or get any tickets. Plus, you can have all the margaritas you want and still make it home safe!
3. Trojan Warrior
Back in the heyday of the Trojans, they galloped around in some pretty fancy chariots. Of course, these defensive drivers had their swords and shields to use for defensive purposes to protect themselves and their chariots. How could they not be safe drivers with all their armor?
4. An Individual with a Pillow Filled Car
Have you ever driven in a car that is filled to the brim with pillows? Of course not! Most people haven’t, but that one random individual that does travel in pillow heaven would have the benefit of being super safe with all that extra padding. It’s like driving on a cloud. Every hump and bump on the road is A-Okay because he does not feel a thing! Yay for money saved because it should keep the “bodily injury” costs down… hopefully!
5. A Driver on Carmageddon
The best Carmageddon drivers were witnessed in the original, when everyone was driving cars like yours and you had to kill them. Everyone was out for blood. Of course, some might argue that better defensive drivers are in the second version… because it is safer to drive when there are absolutely no other drivers/or when only zombies on the roadway. If nobody else is around, nobody can hit you. As a bonus, you can drive as crazy as you want and there’s nobody else around to get in your way!
6. Power Rangers
Anybody that grew up in the 90’s knows that the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers vehicles were pretty awesome and when they joined together, they formed the super-powerful Megazord. No villains or other vehicles, none the less, would possibly mess with the Megazord, if they came across it on the road.
7. Demolition Derby Driver
I know, I know, the whole point in a demolition derby is crashing and completing demolishing other vehicles, so this one is a shocker. However, within those cars, the driver has special racing straps/seatbelts, that keep them firmly in their seat. In addition, typically, there are alterations to the car to keep the driver safe. Plus, they must be skilled drivers to win!
8. Michelin Man
The Michelin Man would be the safest of safe drivers. He is just made of tires, fluff, and air, so any bumps on the road wouldn’t hurt a bit. He has been representing Michelin tires since 1894, so he should know a thing or two about cars and driving!
9. Bumper Car Driver
While bumper cars can get a tad bit bumpy, these drivers could not be any safer! Firstly, they never leave the amusement park. Careening down the path at a whopping top speed of 2 mph, they are far from fast and furious! Plus, they can only drive in one direction… in counter-clockwise circles… within a 50 ft. x 50 ft. pen! Most of the fellow drivers are children that are out to get their siblings or friends. Even if the driver comes across a child that happened to develop a personal vendetta against them upon first glance, they have that lovely bumper buffer to absorb the blows of their tiny attack. Plus, there is always a competent ride attendant present to chaperone all the hustle and bustle of the two-minute ride. Bump away!
10. Someone who hasn’t bathed in over 3 months
The smellier, the better to keep other cars away! They just need to roll the window down and let their au natural Eau de Parfum do the talking. Just like the Grinch, nobody would want to touch him or his car with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole!
Do You Need a Car in New York?
The question of whether one needs a car in New York plaques many newcomers planning to move in here. To answer the question head on, you don’t need to own a car in NY! Therefore, if someone tells you that it is necessary, it’s because they have programmed their maneuverability within and without the city for years, and this might not work for you. Below is why you should think twice before deciding you need a car in New York.
It’s a Problem to Gas Up Your Vehicle
With the ever-growing human population in NY, which demands the use of every available inch of land to cater for housing needs, very little space has been left for gas stations. The net effect of this situation is that gas stations in NY are growing fewer and farther apart. This means that living in the city is no different to living in a “gas desert.” Therefore, if you don’t happen to live near a station, you’ll have to drive a distance to gas up and this increases your overall cost of living here.
High Cost of Garage Parking
Compared to other areas, one of the biggest hurdles to be a car owner in NY is the exorbitantly excessive cost of parking. Irrespective of whether you’re planning to buy an apartment or rent one here, you’ll definitely not avoid the high parking cost. If the apartment you want to buy comes with a parking spot, be guaranteed that the closing price will be inflated by at least $60,000 for it.
On the other hand, if you rent a spot in most of the NY apartments that have garages, expect to dig deeper into your pockets for a monthly cost of between $100 to $ 1000 as determined by the neighborhood you live in. Even for private garages, you’re not safe as they will charge you around $430 monthly.
What we’re trying to say here is, owning a car in NY you’ll end up spending what people in other cities pay as house rent just to keep your car safe indoors!
Alternate Side Parking is Problematic
Don’t even think that running away from the highly-charged garages to alternate-side parking will save your skin. Although you’ll retain some cash, you’ll be forced to make up for it in terms of logical hassle and your precious time, as getting an unoccupied spot proves daunting – sometimes you’ll have to circle for the spot the night before. Additionally, during snowstorms, you’ll need to get up so early to move your vehicle out of the way to allow for street cleaning, which can be very hectic for you.
Driving in NY Emotionally Drains
Thinking that NY roads will give you the best drive is misinformed because it feels like you’re playing a video game. You’ll have to swerve around bikers, move over for double-parked vehicles, dodge potholes, and change lanes often. Additionally, you’ve to be keen not to hit pedestrians, who are always busy talking on their cellphones, oblivious to the queue of vehicles waiting to cross. In short, it’ll be much more comfortable to use other means of transport than drive your own car on NY highways.
Final Thoughts
It isn’t advisable to own a car in NY given the many inconveniences it comes with – high parking cost, problematic alternate-side parking, ice & snow, and gas scarcity to name just a few of them. From a personal point of view NY rocks for public transportation, and you can always rent a vehicle for the weekends you plan to get out of the city
How to save on car insurance: A guide for first time NYC drivers
Is this your first time owning a car? If so, then you are probably excited. With a personal vehicle comes the freedom of movement everyone desires. No more waiting on buses and subways. You can now come and go whenever you want, uninhibited by transit schedules.
But, you must always remember that car ownership entails great responsibility. Motorists hold their own safety and that of others in their hands. This is why you must have auto insurance in case you are involved in an accident. NYC wants you to be able to pay for any damage caused.
So, now you are probably wondering how much will this car insurance cost, right? Good question.
Read on to find out some of the factors that can raise and lower policy rates for a first-time NYC driver.
How does age impact my auto insurance rates?
As is true of most first-time drivers, you are probably young of age. If so, be prepared to pay more than the national average for your auto insurance.
In general, insurance companies charge more for young first-time drivers for two reasons. First, the driver is at an impressionable age. They are more likely than older adults to drive fast when hanging out with friends. Also, drinking and driving is a known problem among teens and young adult motorists.
Second, you are a first-time driver. Even if you are advanced in age, insurers will probably charge you a bit more. Your inexperience works against you here.
Does my neighborhood impact my auto insurance rates?
Certain neighborhoods and boroughs in NYC are ridden with crime. Many of the criminals are car thieves. As a result, if you reside in one of these areas, expect to pay more than normal to be insured.
The risk is just higher than if you lived in a safer community.
Does a defensive driving course lower my auto insurance rates?
You can lower your rate by taking driver education classes.
Young people often mitigate some of the extra charges heaped upon them because of age by taking driving classes in high school.
Every driver can benefit by enrolling in a New York defensive driving course. The schools offer classes both online and in-person. Best of all, after course competition, you receive a 10 percent auto insurance discount for the next three years.
What impact does my vehicle type have on my car insurance rate?
Insurance companies also look at the type of vehicle when assessing rates. Some models get stolen more than others. Owners will have to pay more because of this risk.
In other cases, you may own a sports car known for having horsepower more than what the average motorist can handle. And, your insurer may well raise your policy rate because of this fact.
How much does my credit score influence my auto insurance rate?
Since you are a first-time driver with no driving history, the insurance company will take other factors into consideration. One is your credit rating.
If you have good credit, the company may lower your insurance rate a bit. A positive credit score proves you are a responsible person in general.
Does my education background impact my car insurance rate?
Likewise, college students can get lower than normal rates for first time drivers. Their desire to seek a higher education is positive. They are high achievers. They are presumed to perhaps better understand the effects of risky driving on society.
Time to get insured and save money with our tips!
Now that you know how the insurance companies decide how much to charge first time drivers, you are ready to get insured.
Try to work on things you can change. For example, attend a New York defensive driving school, pay off outstanding credit cards and enroll in college classes. These types of decisions will make you appear more responsible and can result in a lower insurance rate.
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