cell phones

Stay to the left, keep off your your cell phone when driving, and don't try to stop a cop for talking on his/her cell phone.

Wear your safety belt......I think you go to jail if you're not belted AND are talking on a cell phone - it apparently is the unpardonable sin, LOL!

Seriously - the seat belt thing - yep, you'd better wear it....you'll get nailed for sure.

You can drink and drive, but not talk on cell phone! go figure.:)

Make sure you always drive a registered vehicle. You won't just get a ticket. They will tow you and it will be a huge expense. Make sure you look for kids in the roadway everywhere before and after school hours. They tend to just walk out into traffic without looking. I really hated that attitude on island, because it was so dangerous for kids to think that a vehicle will always stop for them and such a bad habit to get into. I never minded stopping for kids to cross, but hated to think I could accidentally hit a child if I didn't see them and couldn't stop in time. So look out for them, please.

Teresa

I see the police not obeying traffic laws all the time i.e. no turn signals, etc. I've even seen them parking in handicapped parking spots.

One more thing to remember is to make sure you have your insurance car in your glove compartment.

I think it is only if you are white and talking on your cell phone while driving that it is illegal. I see locals all the time on their cell with a police officer within view and never getting pulled over. Oh, I also got yelled at by taxi claiming that it is illegal to walk and talk on your cell at the same time??!!??

wow- walk and talk is illegal, thats awesome. I agree...wave your rum and coke at the police officers, as long as you got the seat belt on and celly put away!! Crazy. I too, got the pull over, caught with the cell driving, although I knew the law...but figured up until then, no one applies the laws around here.

Oh no...Miss "Im a VIPD officer, therefore GOD"... gave me the lecture, the look, the guilt....

Also - watch out - if you have stateside plates...they really target you then. And active military, by federal law, has the right to not have to change their plates to VI ....but as one friend got harrassed by MR MACHO, he screamed at her..."oh, so VI law does not apply in the VI?? Is that what you're telling me".

She tried to stay calm and help him understand the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, but he then, felt threatened, like she was usurping his knowledge...proceeded to pull over 2 other VI officers and ask them... "see this lady...she says VI law doesnt apply in the VI, does that sound right to you??"

Its a fine line some have to walk, sometimes just sucking it up is the only way to manage the situation.
Of course...a large Cruzan Confusion will always follow when sharing the story later with friends.

Aggravated: Welcome to the VI. It doesn't matter what the laws are because it is the inconsistant enforcement of them that is the problem. Don't get into the mind set that laws aren't enforced- they are. Sometimes. Maybe today.

All exept the one that makes it illegal to jam half a dozen small kids in the open back of a pick up - that one used to make me so mad when I would see VIPD blatently ignoring that violation. It makes all of their talk about safety first etc such a load.

It's called DWC - driving while Caucasian.

Don't say anything... just suck your teeth, right? What's the fine for that?

once a police officer pulled me over and told me i was "very sexy." that was it. no violation. makes me feel very safe.

I'd be scared too, karasulli...my story is more on the funny side...I think...
I was in the police station once trying to take care of some business for work when a police officer repeatedly hit on me, even after I told him I was spoken for...he suggested we go to the Holiday Inn on St. Thomas so my boyfriend wouldn't find out. I would hope our police officers had better morals...oh well.

Are you sure this is illegal?