Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Advistory from PCPD regarding mailbox damage, trespassing at the FRED, new texting and seatbelt laws.

The Peachtree City Police Department would like to advise our community of several significant issues that have been reported over the past few weeks. Additionally, one new law, and one revised law were enacted on July 1, 2010. 

1) On July 1, 2010, the law banning texting while driving went into effect. This ban on cell phone use for those under 18, and overall ban on texting, applies not only to cars, trucks, and SUVs, but also to golf carts being operated on the roadway and also on the cart path system of Peachtree City.

The following information is the essence of the law:

• It is now illegal for anyone under age 18 who holds a learner's permit or Class D driver's license to talk or text on any wireless device while driving.

 o Exceptions allowed to report a crime/accident or while the vehicle is parked; also does not apply to in-vehicle navigation systems.
 o Penalties include a $150.00 fine and 1 Point on the driving record.
 o Fine could be doubled if an accident is involved while texting or talking.

• It is also now illegal for anyone over age 18 or who holds a Class C driver's license to read, write, or send a text message while driving.

 o Exceptions allowed to report a crime/accident or while the vehicle is parked; also does not apply to in-vehicle navigation systems.
 o Penalties include a $150.00 fine and 1 Point on the driving record.

2) All drivers must now wear seatbelts when operating pick up trucks. This revision to the seat belt law removes the controversial exemption that adults had when operating pick up trucks only. 

3) The department has received reports of subjects accessing the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater while it is closed, and skateboarding within the facility. As the Amphitheater is closed during the times this is occurring, it is not only a violation of the rule that skate boarding is not allowed in the facility, but also a violation of Georgia Law encompassing trespassing. If anyone has information that would assist the Police Department in this or other incidents, please contact the Peachtree City Police Department at 770-487-8866, or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline at (770) 487-6010. You may remain anonymous.

4) Over the past few weeks, there have numerous reports from citizens that their mailboxes have been damaged, destroyed, or stolen. While these incidents appear to be predominantly occurring in subdivisions north of Highway 54, there have also been reports from citizens who reside on the southern area of Peachtree City. 
 
At least one witness has stated that the offenders appeared to be teenagers and were traveling on a golf cart. Additionally, the witness believed they were using either a bat or a broom handle. The majority of the incidents have occurred during the evening and early morning hours. If anyone has information that would assist the Police Department in this or other incidents, please contact the Peachtree City Police Department at 770-487-8866, or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline at (770) 487-6010. You may remain anonymous.

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