Eight new laws hitting drivers from July 1 including ‘touch’ rule where you can face jail over where you place hands

DRIVERS across the US should double-check traffic laws before hitting the roads this summer, as eight new rules are coming into effect on July 1.

One “touch” crackdown threatens $100 fees anytime a driver’s hands are in the wrong position, and even if they’re stopped at a red light.

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Drivers across the US should double-check eight new laws that are coming into effect on July 1[/caption]

The new driving law takes effect for everyone in Iowa starting on Tuesday, and violators could face jail time if they break the rules.

The hands-free rule is cracking down on cellphone use behind the wheel. Now, residents can never hold their phone, watch something on it, or scroll while driving.

To use a smart phone, drivers must make sure it’s mounted somewhere in the center of the cabin and only touch it once.

One-touch activation can be used to either accept calls or press the start button on navigation, police warned.

Officials will be issuing warning tickets for six months, but after the grace period, violators can expect to pay a substantial fine.

Many US drivers shouldn’t be surprised by the law, as Iowa is the 31st state to implement it.

SEATBELT LAW

The “touch” rule isn’t the only law coming this summer.

In Virginia, all drivers face $25 tickets if they aren’t wearing seatbelts in the backseats.

Before the crackdown, adults weren’t required to buckle up unless they were sitting in one of the front seats.

But now under the Christopher King Backseat Law, adults apply to the latest “Click it or Ticket” update.

Cops aren’t allowed to pull someone over if they notice the violation, but they could tack on the additional charge if they see that passengers aren’t buckled during an unrelated traffic stop.

PARKING RULES

Another new rule will place strict limits on the amount of time that drivers can spend in a parking lot.

This law applies to the city Stevens Point in Wisconsin, which is about two hours north of Madison.

Under the new regulations, drivers cannot stay in a parking spot in the downtown area for more than four hours.

Previously, drivers could only stay put for two hours, which local business owners felt hurt their sales.

RESPONSIBILITY CHANGE

Drivers will need to think twice before handing over their keys under another July 1 crackdown.

In Virginia, car owners will now be held liable for any accidents caused by their vehicles, even if they aren’t behind the wheel.

The owners face up to $2,500 in fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the wreck.

Now, if an unlicensed driver is allowed behind the wheel, the car owner will be hit with a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The bill was pushed by Tammy Guido McGee after her son Conner Guido died in an accident with an unlicensed driver on October 26, 2019.

SPEEDING UPDATE

Another new rule has imposed $500 fines on drivers who are traveling too fast

The strict new legislation applies to everyone in Florida and establishes “dangerous excessive speeding” as a new criminal offense.

Now, if a driver is going 50 mph or more over the speed limit, or zooming at 100 mph or faster, they could be slapped with a massive ticket and legal action.

If a cop catches anyone breaking the new rule, they could be immediately put in cuffs.

PERMIT RULES

Florida drivers will also see a huge change in DMVs thanks to new July 1 legislation.

Under the newly enforced law, it will be a bit harder for people to get their learner’s permit.

Now, teens aged 15 to 17 have to complete a state-approved driver’s education course before they can get their learner’s permit.

The young drivers will have to pass a vision and hearing test before taking a knowledge exam if they want to hit the roads.

Plus, parents need to sign off on a consent form.

LANE MOVE

Under another new law, drivers will be forced to make room for motorcyclists on the roads.

In Minnesota, lane splitting is now legal, meaning that motorbikers can take up space between cars in lanes.

However, the bikers can only be driving 25 mph or less if they want to split the lanes in moving traffic on a two-way road.

If there’s a traffic jam and cars aren’t moving, bikers can also move ahead through the center of the lanes if they are driving 15 mph or less.

LICENSE LAW

Drivers in another US state should also be careful who gets behind the wheel, as they now face increased penalties.

Under the new law, car owners in Virginia will be held liable if an unlicensed minor is caught driving their vehicles.

The owners will now be slapped with a whopping $2,500 fee or even jail time if the illegal driver causes an accident.