• When driving, be aware of the laws.highway image by BR from Fotolia.com
  
  Some driving laws may vary from state to state in the United States, but others apply to every highway and road in the country. Failure to follow driving laws could result in being ticketed or even an accident. Never operate a motor vehicle if you do not have a state-issued driver's license.
  
  

Speed

• Cars are capable of driving at dangerously high speeds, and patrol officers are always on the lookout for a car that's driving over the speed limit. Some roads have very low limits, such as 15 mph in school zones. But some stretches of highway may have limits above 70 mph. It is the duty of the driver to be aware of the speed limit on the road he is driving and to not overextend his velocity. Limits vary depending on the state, as does the strictness of the enforcement. To be safe, never go more than 10 mph over the speed limit. But never drive too slow either. Some highways also have speed minimums (usually 45 mph). Never drive slower than the speed limit in a designated express or carpool (left side) lane.
  
  

Vehicle

• A properly maintained vehicle may be driven on public roads, but if a car is not fully functioning then it should not be driven. For example, do not drive a car with a burned-out headlight or tail light. This could result in a ticket. There are also Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards that every road vehicle must adhere to. If a car is releasing toxic fumes into the air, it may not be fit to drive.
  
  All states enforce seat-belt laws. If a driver is caught with a seat belt off, he may receive a ticket. A car must not become a hazard to other vehicles on the road in any way, but if it does become a danger to other drivers than a police officer may pull over the vehicle and restrict its use.
  
  

Driver Responsibility

• A responsible driver is aware of his environment. If impaired, do not drive. This includes drunken driving, for which large fines or even prison time may be applied to perpetrators. Many states also have passed laws restricting cell phone use as of 2010. Do not talk or text on a cell phone while driving--the only exception is in case of emergency. Otherwise, pull over if you need to use a cell phone. A car must also be insured, and if a driver is found by a police officer to not have proof of insurance, he may be arrested and fined. Valid license plates must also be displayed on all vehicles; some states even require two (front and back of the vehicle).