The California Department of Motor Vehicles has passed new laws that brought changes to the Vehicle Code. They came into force on January 1, 2012. Most of the laws have a significant effect on the way driver's behave in traffic, the registration fees, child passenger safety regulations and more aspects related to drivers and their vehicles. In this article we'll offer a preview of the ones that will have the most impact on all participants in traffic.
We'll begin with the changes to safety regulations. These include new regulations in child passenger safety, as all children under the age of 8, or under the height of 4 feet 9 inches will now have to be seated in a car seat or a booster seat. The previous age limit for this requirement was 6. They also must ride in the back seats, unless the vehicle doesn't have back seats. Regarding cell phone laws, people must not use cell phones while driving, unless they use a hands-free set. Breaking this law would mean that you have to pay a ticket, but you won't get any points for that. Certain legislators in California asked for assigning penalty points for these violations, but their suggestions unfortunately didn't pass.
Another significant change is made in regards with DUI checkpoints. Although all drivers must consent to be submitted to a breath, urine or blood test, law enforcement officers won't have the right to impound your vehicle only on the account of not having a valid driver's license, provided you've already passed the sobriety test. This could also affect traffic safety, because a lot of traffic accidents are committed by unlicensed drivers.
Moreover, persons convicted of reckless driving can get a restricted license before their suspension ends. However, their vehicle must have an Ignition Interlock Device.
As far as electric vehicles are concerned, they may now be towed from designated electric vehicles parking spaces, unless they are plugged in for re-fueling.
Lastly, a change in regulations that will affect driver's pockets directly. Registration fees have been raised from $31 to $43. That's maybe a small burden to you household's budget, but it will bring some substantial amount of additional income to the DMV.
You can visit the California DMV website for more information.
We'll begin with the changes to safety regulations. These include new regulations in child passenger safety, as all children under the age of 8, or under the height of 4 feet 9 inches will now have to be seated in a car seat or a booster seat. The previous age limit for this requirement was 6. They also must ride in the back seats, unless the vehicle doesn't have back seats. Regarding cell phone laws, people must not use cell phones while driving, unless they use a hands-free set. Breaking this law would mean that you have to pay a ticket, but you won't get any points for that. Certain legislators in California asked for assigning penalty points for these violations, but their suggestions unfortunately didn't pass.
Another significant change is made in regards with DUI checkpoints. Although all drivers must consent to be submitted to a breath, urine or blood test, law enforcement officers won't have the right to impound your vehicle only on the account of not having a valid driver's license, provided you've already passed the sobriety test. This could also affect traffic safety, because a lot of traffic accidents are committed by unlicensed drivers.
Moreover, persons convicted of reckless driving can get a restricted license before their suspension ends. However, their vehicle must have an Ignition Interlock Device.
As far as electric vehicles are concerned, they may now be towed from designated electric vehicles parking spaces, unless they are plugged in for re-fueling.
Lastly, a change in regulations that will affect driver's pockets directly. Registration fees have been raised from $31 to $43. That's maybe a small burden to you household's budget, but it will bring some substantial amount of additional income to the DMV.
You can visit the California DMV website for more information.
RSS Feed