On behalf of our chief of police, Tim Duriso, and all of the selfless and brave men and women of the Port Arthur Police Department, we wish to extend a hearty Merry Christmas to all of the citizens we protect and serve daily within the city of Port Arthur. We pray this day is filled with things that can’t be gift wrapped and placed under a tree like peace, joy, happiness, love and family togetherness!

Tim from Port Arthur asks: Officer Antoine, I’m aware there are some restrictions placed on certain driver licenses for one reason or another. With that said, the restrictions are identified by letters of the alphabet. I was looking at a license with the letter “B” restriction on it along with the letters LOFS over 21. What exactly are all of these restrictions?

Answer: Good question, Tim. Well, as we know, the state of Texas gives us the privilege to drive and the state of Texas can take away driving privileges. Tim, along with privileges given, the state of Texas also places certain restrictions on individual drivers, and you can be cited if you are found operating a motor vehicle against your restriction that’s listed on the front and rear of your license. The particular restriction you listed is “B” LOFS over 21. Restriction “B” means you MUST have a Licensed Operator in the Front Seat, 21 years of age or older, in order to operate any vehicle on the roads of Texas. Tim, interestingly enough, many motorists have this restriction and are not aware of this, or what it stands for until they are stopped by a police officer. If restriction “B” is on your license, the police officer is not aware of why it was put there, and if you do not have a licensed person in the front seat that is 21 years of age or older, you can be cited. Many motorists who received their license at a young age are given this restriction, and some may be given restriction “B” because of a medical issue. If anyone believes this restriction no longer should be on their license, I encourage you to contact your local Department of Public Safety office for assistance.

Ray from Port Arthur asks: Officer Antoine, as I travel the roadway, I observe one act I can’t understand and that’s passengers with their feet on the dashboard. With the amount of passengers with their feet on the dash, I’m sure it’s not illegal. Are you aware, or if they’re even discussing a law to outlaw riding with feet on dashboard?

Answer: Good question Ray. This one I don’t understand either. What’s the attraction of riding as a passenger with your feet on the dashboard? Ray, this is a very unsafe and dangerous riding behavior because most of the vehicles on the road are equipped with passenger airbags. In the event of a frontal crash, these airbags will engage at the speed of 200 mph, which means your knees will come in contact with your face. You will probably not have time to react to reposition yourself, so now you’re probably going to have to recover from a serious injury that was totally avoidable. Ray, you’re correct! In Texas, it is legal for a passenger to ride in a vehicle with their feet on the dashboard, and I haven’t heard of anyone wanting to legislate this behavior. The next time you want to place your feet on the dashboard, consider this. When activated, the airbag releases at the force of about 200 mph. Airbag deployment saves lives in the unfortunate event of a motor vehicle crash, and sometimes during the course of protecting you, some motorists and passengers have sustained injuries from the force of an airbag. Ray I will admit this behavior seems to more commonly done by female passengers more than male passengers.

Fannie from Nederland asks: Officer Antoine, it’s Christmas season and as carolers gather on store fronts and sing Christmas cheers, I was thinking about something I could do to spread the Christmas joy. Because it’s Christmas, am I allowed to have an external speaker and spread the Christmas joy by playing music for all to hear? I remember when I was younger hearing the bell of the good humor truck in the neighborhood, and everyone would get so excited. I want to see that same reaction during this season as I travel the street spreading Christmas joy.

Answer: Good Question Fannie. Yes, it’s that time of season, Fannie. You can almost feel it in the air, but we don’t need to hear your music in the air! Fannie, although I applaud the thought of you being festive this time of year, there is a noise ordinance in the city of Port Arthur, which makes it illegal for anyone without a permit to play music from a vehicle or home that could be heard more than 50 feet away. I see you’re from Nederland, and I suggest you check your city ordinance to see if there’s a noise ordinance. If you’re not successful locating an ordinance, feel free to contact Nederland Police Department for guidance.

Join Officer Antoine for Ask A Cop Live on KSAP 96.9 FM, “The Breeze” radio station, every Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. Tune in and listen as Officer Antoine discusses in detail the newly released Ask A Cop article that printed in The News. You can also tune in via internet atwww.ksapthebreeze.org. Feel free to call in and ask your question live to Officer Antoine at (409) 982-0247.

Remember to email your questions to Rickey.Antoine@portarthurtx.gov, or call 409-983-8673 and leave a message or voice mail question, or mail them to: Ofc. Rickey Antoine, 645 Fourth St., Port Arthur, Texas, 77640. If you happen to see me in public you can Ask A Cop!