Drivers across the United States are preparing for significant changes on the road as a series of new regulations take effect this September. These laws, spanning from Ohio to South Carolina, address issues related to young drivers, cellphone use, and the operation of autonomous vehicles.
In Shelton, Connecticut, the city’s initiative to enhance school bus safety includes the installation of artificial intelligence-powered cameras on all 68 school buses. The cameras will automatically capture images and license plate details of vehicles that pass stopped buses with flashing lights. A 30-day warning period will precede the enforcement of penalties, which will begin on September 29. Drivers violating this law will face fines starting at $250, a measure welcomed by bus driver Lisa Matto, who emphasized the need for increased safety around the schools. Mayor Mark Lauretti noted that repeat offenders might receive even harsher penalties, underscoring the urgency of this initiative as other nearby cities have reported significant violations.
Ohio is introducing a new “50-hour” driving law that will particularly affect drivers aged 18 to 20. Unlike previous regulations that allowed young adults to bypass formal driving lessons, this new law mandates that they complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving with an adult and attend 24 hours of classroom instruction. Critics argue this requirement places an unfair burden on working-class families, especially in rural areas with limited access to driving schools. Governor Mike DeWine defended the law, stressing that training leads to safer drivers, despite concerns over financial and logistical challenges for many families.
In Texas, a new law will require fully autonomous vehicles to obtain a state permit before they can operate on public roads. Signed by Governor Greg Abbott, this law empowers the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue and revoke permits for self-driving cars, ensuring that technology companies like Tesla and Waymo meet safety standards. Additionally, companies will need to provide emergency procedures for first responders when dealing with autonomous vehicles. This regulation coincides with Tesla’s ongoing rollout of its robotaxi service in Austin.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, new regulations will ban drivers from holding their mobile phones while driving. This law, which comes into effect on September 1, prohibits any form of phone use while driving, including talking, texting, or browsing apps. For the first six months, law enforcement will issue warnings, transitioning to fines starting at $100 for first offenders beginning on February 28. The state’s Department of Public Safety expects this significant change in driver behavior will lead to fewer distractions and ultimately reduce accidents attributed to cellphone use, which is linked to over 20,000 collisions annually in South Carolina.
With these changes, many are concerned about the implications for driver safety and accessibility. As states continue to enhance regulations, the focus remains on mitigating risks associated with reckless driving and encouraging responsible road usage.
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