Subject: State Laws and old State Laws
Tonight at midnight, (Dec 1,2009 )several new state laws will take effect. I’ve highlighted certain areas of importance for you. Some of you are required to drive a bus, so please read the article in full.
North Carolina Text Messaging Ban
– No texting while driving (S.L. 2009-135) will make it illegal for anyone driving a car to text message or email while driving on a public street.
In North Carolina teen drivers had already been prohibited from using a mobile communication device while driving (See Senate Bill 1289 Below) since December 1st, 2007..
Starting December 1st, 2009 drivers caught texting while driving will face a fine of $100 plus court fees.
North Carolina Driving and Cell Phone Laws
North Carolina does address driving and cell-phone use by minors and by operators of a school bus.
North Carolina Senate Bill 1289 prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a mobile phone or any technology associated with a mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion.
If a minor is caught using a mobile communication device while driving, they will receive a $25 fine. In addition to mobile phones the law also stipulates the use of "other technology" that provides access to digital media such as a digital camera, email, music the Internet or games.
This is an old law, but I did not know about it:
A new driving law, Senate Bill 1289 goes into effect on December 1st, 2007. The new driving law prohibits the use of a mobile phone or technology associated with a mobile telephone device while the school bus is in motion. If a school bus driver is caught using a cellular phone while driving the fine is a minimum of $100. This law includes public, private or parochial school students for compensation.
Internet Safety Laws
Protect our kids/cyber bullying (S.L. 2009-551) will make cyber-bullying a criminal offense with a misdemeanor charge.
S.L.. 2009-336 (SB 65) AMEND COMPUTER SOLICITATION OF CHILD.
An Act To Amend The Law Regarding Solicitation Of A Child By Computer To Commit An Unlawful Sex Act To Include Solicitations By Other Electronic Devices As Well As Computers.
You can read about all of the new laws at this address:
http://www.digtriad.com/news/pdf/december2009legislation.pdf
J Ronald White, President
South Central Wake County NAACP
