Have you ever been driving on your way to someplace and gotten stuck behind a slow moving garbage truck? Not only does it smell terrible but it ties up traffic while making multiple stops. Now Brendan Spaar warns that you might want to think twice before trying to pass one in Georgia. As of July 2, 2015, you could get a ticket or possibly arrested under the newly passed HB 206.
It’s not unusual to see people trying to pass the slow or stopped truck. Sanitation workers are in danger from vehicles trying to pass them as they empty the trash cans or step off the truck. They are focused on doing their jobs so drivers are responsible for being alert to avoid them. Distracted drivers or those in a hurry could become involved in an accident so the new law gives instruction as to the proper procedure that drivers must follow.
If you want to pass a garbage truck, you must move a full lane over. On a multi lane road this is the best option to safely get around and on your way. If it's impossible to do that, then you have to drop down to ten miles under the speed limit while passing.
The new law hasn’t received much publicity and drivers may be caught by surprise if they get stopped after passing a garbage truck. It’s unknown if any tickets have been issued since the law just went into effect but for someone with a less than perfect driving record, it could be a real problem if they’re stopped.
So when you’re driving down the road remember to be aware of school buses, emergency vehicles and now garbage trucks. Failing to pass them correctly could result in you being pulled over and fined or worse
Here are some other traffic laws that you might want to remember as well.
Finally, one of the most important laws to remember is the Georgia Distracted Driver Law. If a Georgia driver violates a traffic law while engaged in a distracting behavior, they can be charged with distracted driving in addition to any other traffic violation..
Georgia law defines distracted driving as any activity that distracts a driver from the safe operation of a vehicle. Among other things, this includes:
It’s not unusual to see people trying to pass the slow or stopped truck. Sanitation workers are in danger from vehicles trying to pass them as they empty the trash cans or step off the truck. They are focused on doing their jobs so drivers are responsible for being alert to avoid them. Distracted drivers or those in a hurry could become involved in an accident so the new law gives instruction as to the proper procedure that drivers must follow.
If you want to pass a garbage truck, you must move a full lane over. On a multi lane road this is the best option to safely get around and on your way. If it's impossible to do that, then you have to drop down to ten miles under the speed limit while passing.
The new law hasn’t received much publicity and drivers may be caught by surprise if they get stopped after passing a garbage truck. It’s unknown if any tickets have been issued since the law just went into effect but for someone with a less than perfect driving record, it could be a real problem if they’re stopped.
So when you’re driving down the road remember to be aware of school buses, emergency vehicles and now garbage trucks. Failing to pass them correctly could result in you being pulled over and fined or worse
Here are some other traffic laws that you might want to remember as well.
- You can be pulled over for going the speed limit.
Last year, Georgia passed the “Slowpoke Law,” which requires that drivers in the left lane on a Georgia highway, interstate or expressway must move over if a faster car approaches them. Slow drivers cannot linger in the left lane, even if doing the speed limit. - It’s illegal to use the center lane to merge into traffic.
The center lane cannot be legally used for any purposes besides making a left turn. Drivers should not enter the center lane before they are 300 feet from the location where they will turn left, per Georgia law. - You can legally drive without wearing shoes. But you cannot wear headphones.
Many Georgia drivers believe the law forbids driving without shoes on. That’s not true..It is, however, illegal to drive with headphones in both of your ears. You can wear in one ear, but not in both ears, - A bicycle classifies as a vehicle.
Many people don’t realize that a bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Georgia law, and the law requires that bicyclists follow the same laws other drivers do. This includes stopping at red lights and riding on the correct side of the road. - It’s also illegal for drivers under the age of 18 to use a cell phone at all.
Finally, one of the most important laws to remember is the Georgia Distracted Driver Law. If a Georgia driver violates a traffic law while engaged in a distracting behavior, they can be charged with distracted driving in addition to any other traffic violation..
Georgia law defines distracted driving as any activity that distracts a driver from the safe operation of a vehicle. Among other things, this includes:
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio/cd player
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading a map or using a navigation system
- Watching a video
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