Avoiding legal troubles on the road this summer
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — For those who will hit the road for summer travel out of state, learning a few of the laws from other states might save time and trouble.
While it's impossible to know all the key laws of every state, Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett said knowing a few key laws that are familiar sources of difficulty when traveling can be helpful.
Laws about hands-free operation of an electronic or cellular device in the state of your destination is important," Puett said. "Every state is different when it comes to those laws."
Puett added, for those who choose to carry a gun across state lines, knowing the concealed carry laws for the state of your destination is also important.
"Some states require weapons to be out of reach while driving," Puett said. "They may also require ammunition to be separated from the gun itself."
St. Joseph resident Toery Clinton said she often checks gun laws first when she is traveling to another state, to avoid any potential legal issues at her destination.
"I always find out if I need to put the magazine in a different compartment than the gun, or if it needs to be in the trunk or locked away," Clinton said.
Another St. Joseph resident, Cameron Trombly, said when he travels to other cities and wants to park near a site he is visiting, he has learned the hard way to check out the parking laws.
"You need to check whether they have a kiosk for you to pay," Twombly said. "Also, check for meters in heavy tourist areas, because forgetting to pay can cost you."
Sheriff Puett said, even if you get pulled over for any reason in another city or state, common courtesy is the best policy, even if you misunderstood the law or believe that you haven't broken a law.
"The best thing to do is to comply," Puett said. "Take the summons, and argue or fight it later, because arguing with an officer roadside is never a good idea, due to safety concerns.
The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) provides legal defense funding and grants if an issue arises regarding concealed carry laws from state to state. Though Puett still recommends sorting those issues out after receiving the summons, as the best approach.
Sheriff Puett said that Buchanan County officers exercise discretion when it comes to out-of-state drivers who are unfamiliar with Missouri laws. However, ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse in court. Therefore, if you receive a summons for an actual violation, it is likely you will have to pay the appropriate fines.
A simple online check can usually answer questions about state laws regarding common issues like hands-free cellular usage, speeding and concealed carry laws.
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