DRIVERS LICENSES: Drivers will be able to renew their license once evey FIVE years instead of FOUR. Also, the renewal fee goes up to $15 from $12. (AB 2352)
TRAFFIC TICKETS: Local jurisdictions can offer an AMNESTY PROGRAM for traffic violators. They will be allowed to pay back 70% of the fine, as long as there is no alcohol or drugs involved in the outstanding citations. (AB 3095)
DISABLED PARKING: Anyone who wants a Handicapped Parking Permit will now have to submit DETAILED information from their doctor, not just a doctor's request naming the condition. (SB 1498)
WIDE LOADS: A wide load, such as a home up to 16 feet wide, can now be transported on a highway under certain new safety conditions. (AB 420)
ABANDONED VEHICLES: The last registered owner of an abandoned vehicle is responsible for all towing and storage costs plus a $100 fine. If there is no plate on the car, it will be traced by V.I.N.#(SB 1111)
RECKLESS DRIVING: Anyone who is charged with RECKLESS DRIVING WHILE EVADING A PEACE OFFICER faces a $10,000 fine. (AB 1999)
PROSTITUTION: A judge can now suspend the drivers license of anyone arrested for engaging in solicited sex in a vehicle if that act happens within 1000 feet of a private home (so my advice is to stay in shopping malls!!) (AB 2949)
SPEED CONTEST: Anyone caught racing someone on a city street is now subject to arrest and impoundment of their vehicle. Previously, you had to be convicted of the offense for any impoundment to be allowed. (AB 2288)
YIELD: Motorists MUST yield to the right of any vehicle who signals with a brief flash of their headlights or a short audible signal, and they must not speed up and STAY in the lane. This is intented for people who block the "PASSING LANE" which most of you call "THE FAST LANE" (which doesn't exist...it's only a figment of your imagination). You are NOT allowed to block the "passing lane", even if you are doing the speed limit!!! If you are going slower, you MUST keep to the right!! (if only people would!)(SB 1588)
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: The DMV can cancel for good, any license belonging to anyone identified by the INS as a deported immigrant. (AB 33)
CHILD SAFETY SEATS: Car rental companies must now issue a public notice that reads: "California law requires all children under the age of 4, regardless of weight, and weighing less than 40 pounds, to be transported in a child restraint system." (AB 3020)
PROOF OF INSURANCE: Any motorists stopped for a traffic citation MUST show proof of LIABILITY insurance to a police officer, or the car can be impounded if you do NOT have insurance. If you just don't have the proof a ticket can be issued if the officer wants and dismissed with proof to a judge. Also, you must show proof of insurance to the DMV before they will RENEW a registration. (AB 650)
DRUNK DRIVING: "Courtneys Law" named for the girl who was killed by a repeat drunk driver, imposes new prison terms of 15 to life for repeat offenders who kill someone while driving under the influence.
DRUGS & DRIVING: In addition to the penalties for being under the influence of drugs while driving, anyone convicted of using illegal substances EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL will face a 6 months drivers license suspension. (AB 95)
UNDER 21 DRINKERS: Drivers under 21 who knowingly transport ANY alcohol are now charged with a misdemeanor (used to be an infraction..."open container" for instance). (AB 2000)
UNDER 21 DRUNK BOATING: Anyone under 21 who has a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .01% will face a one year loss of their drivers license in a boat as well as a car. (AB 749) Please be aware that adult driving a boat under the influence (.08%) is a violation of your DRIVERS LICENSE!
YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES: Existing law requires that, upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle that is sounding a siren and that has at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light that is visible, under normal atmospheric conditions, from a distance of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle, the driver of every other vehicle yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and thereupon stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed. This bill would require a person driving a vehicle in an exclusive or preferential use lane to exit that lane immediately upon determining that the exit can be accomplished with reasonable safety, upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle displaying a red light or siren, as specified. Previously, it would have been illegal to exit the "Diamond Lane" by crossing over the double lines.(AB 3020)
THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF TIME A TRAFFIC CONVICTION STAYS ON YOUR D.M.V. RECORD.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CHANGES.