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Wednesday, December 26, 2007

New Driving Laws

By Dan

Several new rules of the road passed by the state Legislature and signed by the governor go into effect in the new year, and the California Highway Patrol wants motorists to be aware of the new regulations, the Oakland Tribune reported today.

• Wireless Telephones (SB 1613, Simitian): This law makes it illegal to use a wireless telephone while driving, unless the phone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking. The law provides an exemption for emergency purposes. The law banning the use of hand-held cell phones by motorists goes into effect July 1, 2008.

• Wireless Telephones, Under 18 (SB 33, Simitian): This law makes it illegal for a minor to use a wireless telephone, even if it is hands-free, or any other electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. The law provides for an exemption for emergency purposes. This law goes into effect July 1, 2008.

The following laws go into effect on Jan. 1:

• Smoking with Minor Passengers (SB 7, Oropeza): This law prohibits anyone in a vehicle from smoking when a minor is present. The law applies whether the vehicle is parked or moving. However, an officer cannot stop a driver to determine whether there has been a violation. The law applies as a secondary violation.

• Coating License Plates (AB 801, Walters): This law prohibits the use or sale of spraycoating products that impair the reading of a license plate by electronic devices, such as red light cameras, toll booth cameras and license plate readers.

• False Registration (AB 1589, Duvall): This law allows a law enforcement officer to tow a vehicle that is displaying false registration, false license plates, or fraudulent registration or registration stickers. Current policy is to cite and tow only if the registration is more than six months out of date.

• Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (AB 470, DeSaulnier): This law expands on current law, making it illegal to operate a mobility device, such as a Segway, in a reckless manner or at a speed that endangers others. Operators of such devices must yield the right of way to pedestrians and the disabled.

• Bicycle Illumination (AB 478, Wolk): This law requires bicyclists to use lights and reflectors while riding on a highway, sidewalk or bike path during darkness.


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