Did You Know.....

Things you may not have known could get you in trouble legally

.....that carrying controlled medications in containers outside of their original prescription pill bottle could get you arrested?

• It's called Misbranded Drugs and can lead to a misdemeanor or felony charge.  If you carry controlled medications in something like a pill planner or sorter, be sure to keep your current prescription bottles with you to show the officer in the event that it's needed.  If you're unsure if your medications are controlled/scheduled, then ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

.....that talking, texting or even looking at your cell phone in a school zone is strictly prohibited?

• Even if you're just checking the time on your phone and an officer sees you looking at your phone in a school zone, you will be pulled over and likely cited for using a cellular device in a school zone.  Hands-free is also prohibited in a school zone. 

.....that objects hanging from your rearview or sitting on your dash could get you a citation for an Obstructed View?

• It doesn't happen often, but occasionally an officer will encounter someone with excessive items hanging from the rearview or sitting on the dash and those items create a visual obstruction.  Be sure to keep your view unobstructed while driving for the safety of yourself and others on the road.

.....that if the tint on your windows is too dark (varies by state) then you can get a citation?

• In Arkansas side and back windows must allow 35% of light in.  click here for General Assembly details

.....if your license plate is not visible and/or legible then you can get a citation?

• Missing license plates, muddy license plates, burned out license plate lights, or plates covered with a custom tinted cover could land you with a citation for an obstructed license plate.

.....that your parking and tail lights have to shine red?

• If the cover is broken or busted, then a quick fix is to find the red tape sold in most automotive stores to patch the cover until it can be fixed properly.  White bulbs shining through the broken cover can result in a citation.

.....that custom installed colored lights are not legal to use while driving?

• Some vehicles have custom colored lights installed in headlights or as decoration around headlights or tail lights, but those lights can not be in use while the vehicle is in driving operation. 

.....that wearing your shoulder strap behind your back is the incorrect way to wear a seatbelt and you can get a ticket for no seatbelt?

• Some people wear the strap behind their back for various reasons, like size, shoulder pain, etc, but it is the improper use of the seatbelt and will likely get you a ticket.  If you have problems with your seatbelt fitting correctly you can contact your vehicle manufacturer and they will provide a seatbelt extension at little or no cost.

.....that taking donations left outside or in bins at various donation centers (Big Brothers Big Sisters, Abilities, Salvation Army, etc) is illegal and you will be arrested for theft of property if caught? 

• Those donations are intended for that business' use and/or sale.  Any property left on another entity's premises for the purpose of donation to that business becomes the property of that business and anyone caught taking it will be arrested.