Post by overthecap on Aug 22, 2013 5:50:50 GMT -5
Cops: Texting while stopped at red light is OK
Originally published: August 21, 2013 10:22 PM
Updated: August 22, 2013 5:34 AM
By JUDY CARTWRIGHT judy.cartwright@newsday.com
Both Nassau and Suffolk police departments told us the state law allows a driver to use an electronic device as long as the car is not moving. (Aug. 22, 2013)
So texting while driving is against the law. But what about texting -- or simply scrolling through email -- while sitting at a red light?
We were surprised to learn that it's permitted.
Both Nassau and Suffolk police departments told us the state law allows a driver to use an electronic device as long as the car is not moving. That policy does not apply to commercial vehicles; those drivers can use such devices "only when the vehicle is stopped at the side of, or off, a public highway," according to the law.
No one is encouraging drivers at red lights to engage in email which, it goes without saying, diverts attention from what's happening on the roadway. As for those who can't resist, we'd like to make a plea: Drivers behind you are waiting, too, so be ready for the light to turn green.
My understanding was that stopped a a light was still operation.
The article appears to be vague and misleading. Is it accurate?
4. A person who holds a portable electronic device in a conspicuous
manner while operating a motor vehicle or while operating a commercial
motor vehicle on a public highway including while temporarily stationary
because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays
but not including when such commercial motor vehicle is stopped at the
side of, or off, a public highway in a location where such vehicle is
not otherwise prohibited from stopping by law, rule, regulation or any
lawful order or direction of a police officer is presumed to be using
such device,
Originally published: August 21, 2013 10:22 PM
Updated: August 22, 2013 5:34 AM
By JUDY CARTWRIGHT judy.cartwright@newsday.com
Both Nassau and Suffolk police departments told us the state law allows a driver to use an electronic device as long as the car is not moving. (Aug. 22, 2013)
So texting while driving is against the law. But what about texting -- or simply scrolling through email -- while sitting at a red light?
We were surprised to learn that it's permitted.
Both Nassau and Suffolk police departments told us the state law allows a driver to use an electronic device as long as the car is not moving. That policy does not apply to commercial vehicles; those drivers can use such devices "only when the vehicle is stopped at the side of, or off, a public highway," according to the law.
No one is encouraging drivers at red lights to engage in email which, it goes without saying, diverts attention from what's happening on the roadway. As for those who can't resist, we'd like to make a plea: Drivers behind you are waiting, too, so be ready for the light to turn green.
My understanding was that stopped a a light was still operation.
The article appears to be vague and misleading. Is it accurate?
4. A person who holds a portable electronic device in a conspicuous
manner while operating a motor vehicle or while operating a commercial
motor vehicle on a public highway including while temporarily stationary
because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays
but not including when such commercial motor vehicle is stopped at the
side of, or off, a public highway in a location where such vehicle is
not otherwise prohibited from stopping by law, rule, regulation or any
lawful order or direction of a police officer is presumed to be using
such device,
