Traffic Laws in Oklahoma
- A no U-turn sign instructs drivers to remain going forward.no u-turn sign image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
Oklahoma's Title 47, entitled Motor Vehicles, is the legal document that sets forth the traffic laws for the state. Traffic laws in Oklahoma protect vehicle owners in the case of vehicle theft, define traffic signs, signals and markings, provide for special stops of vehicles, restrict speeds and detail extensive punishments for reckless driving or driving while intoxicated. Here are some of those laws listed. - This law states that no person may take or use any vehicle to which they are not entitled without consent from the owner. If a person does take or use a vehicle without the owner's consent, they are guilty of a felony.
- This law states that no person may conceal, sell, dispose of or convert any vehicle known to be stolen that they are not entitled to. Those convicted shall be guilt of a felony.
- This law states that persons with an intent to harm, sabotage, or damage any vehicle shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
- This law defines the significance of each light color for traffic lights. Green allows for passage, yellow indicates a red light is coming, while a red light halts traffic. Those with turning arrows regardless of the color are advised to execute their turn with caution.
- This law details how drivers may use a lane depending on the traffic light hanging over each individual lane. A green light allows drivers to use the lane. A steady yellow informs drivers that a lane control change is occurring. A steady red informs drivers not to use that lane. While a flashing yellow allows drivers only to use that lane for left-hand turns.
- This law defines any unauthorized or unofficial sign lining a road as a "public nuisance." Placing any such sign, signal or marker shall result in a citation.
- This voluminous law defines the maximum speed limits for roads and special situations while detailing the fines and penalties for disobeying these limits. On the turnpike system and in certain rural areas, the maximum speed limit is set to 75 mph. On the highway system, the four-lane highways including the Interstate and the super two-lane highways have a maximum speed limit of 70 mph. A speed limit of 25 mph is to be obeyed when driving through properly marked school zones regardless of the road; surface streets or highways. On two-lane highways, school buses shall not exceed 55 mph, however they may travel at 65 mph on larger highways. No person is allowed to exceed 55 mph on country roads unless instructed otherwise. While in state parks of wildlife refuges, a speed limit of 35 mph shall be followed unless instructed otherwise; however no person shall exceed 55 mph within these areas. Vehicles with solid rubber or metal tires shall not exceed 10 mph.
- Those caught driving in a manner that is "careless" shall receive a punishment of no less than five days of incarceration but no more than 90 days. Upon a second conviction, the penalties increase from no less than 10 days to no more than six months.
- This law finds those driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more, controlled substances, or both; guilty of a misdemeanor upon first offense. Offenders will be evaluated and assessed by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services while serving a prison sentence from 10 days to 1 years. Offenders shall be on a limited probation for 10 years following their first conviction. If an offender repeats the offense within those 10 years, or a similar offense, the crime shall be raised to a felony. Second offenders shall be forced to serve up to 240 hours of community service while using an ignition interlock device in their vehicle, or serve may serve between 1 and 10 years of incarceration. For third time offenders, the community service hours are doubled, maximum incarceration is doubled.
