New laws go into effect December 1

From reptiles, to school buses, to texting, a number of new state laws go into effect on Tuesday.

Many of the new changes affect drivers; one of the biggest changes is no more texting behind the wheel. Violators could face a $100 fine and another $130 in court costs, plus it’s definitely not safe.

Many admit to texting while driving at one time or another.

“I was texting while driving, and I ran a red light on Holly Tree and was t-boned,” said Wes Hudson of Wilmington.

Even if you’re stopped at a traffic light, after December 1st, if you’re in the driver’s seat, and the car is turned on, texting while driving is illegal.

“I have actually texted while at a stop light, on my motorcycle,” said Chris Ebbe.

The new rule also outlaws e-mailing and surfing the web behind the wheel.

“I have enough trouble driving without talking on my cell phone or texting. I’m not for it at all, I think you should just be driving, that’s it,” said Lila Moeller.

December 1st calls for some other changes. License plate frames cannot cover the state name, or sticker displaying the year and month on license plates.

Another law gives new car owners a 3-day grace period to register their vehicle and pass inspection as long as they have insurance.

Another law requires reptile owners to keep their pets in secured containers and subjects the owners to prosecution if the reptiles escape and attack someone.