Top Must Haves for California Drivers in 2018

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Top Must Haves for California Drivers in 2018

Posted by Christopher Martens | Apr 04, 2018 | 0 Comments

Devices and Apps to Make Driving Safer

California drivers face many risks while on the road. From construction and traffic to poor road conditions and sobriety checkpoints, you never know what obstacles you will face on your commute. To help you drive in California worry-free and in compliance with the law, here is our list of top must-haves for California drivers.

Hands-Free Capable Devices

California has strict laws on using mobile devices while driving. You may not use a cell phone to make a call, text, or use any other feature with your hands. You may only use a hands-free device that is voice activated and operated. You may use a touch to activate the device, but you can only touch the device once to activate the function you are using.

Also, you have to mount such devices in your car in a way that does not obstruct your field of vision. This means no more mounting your cell phone in the center of your windshield. You may mount your phone on your windshield in the bottom left or right corners if it does not obstruct your view of the road. You may also mount your phone on your console, so long as it does not obstruct airbag functions.

You may use Bluetooth devices to make calls and use other cell-phone functions, however, you can only cover one ear with the device.

BAC-Testing Keychain

The penalties for a California DUI are steep and include jail time, fines and probation. It's risky to take even one drink and get behind the wheel when the stakes are so high. Keep a BAC-testing keychain in your car and make sure you test your BAC before you even get behind the wheel. These key chains are affordable, discreet, and can save you from driving while legally intoxicated. If your BAC is at or over .08%, don't even think about driving.

Ride-Share App

Because California DUI penalties are so harsh, it's always a good idea to use ride-share apps whenever you've been drinking. A DUI conviction can cost you upwards of $10,000, so that taxi or Uber fee is actually pretty reasonable.

Navigation App

Traffic, construction, roadblocks; these are all obstacles you may face when behind the wheel in California. Use a good navigation app to help you avoid hazards and back-ups. It's also a good idea to refer to navigation apps to avoid sobriety checkpoints. California operates about 2,500 sobriety checkpoints a year; each one must be advertised in advance. Keep abreast on upcoming checkpoints in your area, and use a navigation app to find alternate routes. Sobriety checkpoints slow traffic and can easily be avoided.

Dash Cam

We're in the era of surveillance. Dash cams, when installed and operated legally, can help you if you are in an accident or pulled over. Having footage of the incident can prove certain elements in court, which could potentially save you from an insurance claim or a conviction. But California law restricts where you can place dash cams. You must install your dash cam in the lower right or left-hand corner of your windshield or the upper-center of your windshield. Heed all state laws on the specific tolerances for exactly where you can mount your dash cam in these areas and when you can record footage. Your dash cam must not obstruct your view in any way or obstruct air-bag functionality.

These must-haves can help all California drivers stay safe on the road. They can also help you avoid legal trouble. But, in general, it's always a good idea to drive sober, defensively, and distraction-free. If you do find yourself facing criminal charges for a DUI, wet reckless driving, reckless driving, or other driving crimes, it's best to work with an experienced California DUI and driving crime defense attorney in your area. Because California's vehicle code laws continue to change to accommodate new technologies, you should not try to handle your case on your own.

If you are in the Visalia, Hanford or Tulare area and are facing driving crime charges, The Law Offices of Christopher Martens is here to help you. California DUI and driving crime defense attorney Christopher Martens can help you face your charges so you can move on with your life. Attorney Martens has handled thousands of cases over a span of ten years of criminal defense practice and can fight hard for your rights. Contact attorney Christopher Martens for experienced criminal defense counsel today. Contact our office at 559-967-7386 or email us at [email protected] to discuss a possible plan of action for your case.

About the Author

Christopher Martens

Bio Visalia and Bakersfield criminal defense attorney who has dedicated his life to helping those who have been accused of crimes or injured due to the negligence of others.

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