5.1: Each State Has Administrative Laws

Rules and laws are vital to a smooth running society. You need to know about its laws and ordinances before you can join the society of drivers. Traffic laws are important for a variety of reasons.

• They provide rules for the behavior of drivers.
• They help drivers predict what others on the road will do.
• They serve as a guide to police and courts. 
• They promote the orderly flow of traffic and help prevent collisions. 

What are Administrative Laws?

Each state has laws that enable state officials to control the operation of the state’s highway transportation system. Among the laws are administrative laws, which establish the procedures for:

• issuing driver’s licenses and learner’s permits
• registering motor  vehicles
• financial responsibilities of drivers and owners
• minimum safety equipment and care of an automobile

How Do You Comply with Administrative Laws? 

To drive and own a car, you must obey your state’s motor vehicle laws beginning with obtaining a license to drive.

• Granting a license to operate any motor vehicle on public highways is a function of state government. The licensing of drivers serves to identify who is a driver, to improve traffic safety, and to provide funding to operate various programs.

• In order to be allowed to have a driver’s license you must pass a series of tests. Each state tests people’s knowledge of signs, signals, and markings; traffic laws; and safe driving practices. The tests may be written, computerized, and include a skills test. 

• All states test for minimum visual requirements and raise questions concerning hearing or special physical conditions. In most states, the last step is a driving test sometimes called a road or an in vehicle test. You take the driving test to demonstrate that you have vehicle control skills. If you pass the tests and pay the necessary fees you will receive a driver’s license.

• Because states have the power to issue licenses, states also have the power to take them away. States can suspend, or take away, licenses for a specified period of time usually for 30 to 90 days but less than 365 days. 

• States can also revoke licenses. This means states can take licenses away for a year or more after which the person whose license has been revoked can apply for another license. Revocation is sometimes permanent for habitual offenders who repeatedly commit serious traffic violations. 

Violations and the Point System

How does the state decide when to take away a person’s driver’s license? Most states use a point system. Various traffic violations cost a number of points, depending on their seriousness. When a driver is ticketed for violating a traffic law and is convicted, a report is sent to the state’s department of motor vehicles. The points are then put on the driver’s record.

If a driver whose license has been suspended continues to get points when the suspension is lifted, the license can be revoked. Some violations are so serious that offenders can lose their licenses immediately upon conviction. These violations include the following:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• Leaving the scene of an accident in which there has been an injury
• Using a motor vehicle in the commission of a crime

If you are involved in a collision anywhere in the State, on public or private land you must stop, render aid, and identify yourself. If you don’t stop, you may be convicted of “hit and run” and could be severely punished. If anyone is hurt, call the police.

Certificate of Title

States issue a certificate of title when you buy a car. This certificate is proof that you own the car. The state keeps a copy of this title. Anyone selling a car must supply a certificate of title to the buyer. The certificate of title lists the name of the owner and the make, style, vehicle identification number (VIN), and engine number of the car. 

Vehicle Registration

Once you purchase a car, you must register it with the state. Once you do so, you will receive a vehicle registration form and license plates. Registration must be renewed yearly, always carrying the registration in the car. 

Insurance

Part of the responsibility of driving is the ability to prove financial responsibility. This means you must show you can pay for damages you may cause if you are in a crash that results in death, injury, or property damage to others.