A handful of new traffic laws went into the effect at the
beginning of the year with one in particular imposing fines of up
to $100 to anyone smoking in a car with passengers younger than
18.
A handful of new traffic laws went into the effect at the beginning of the year with one in particular imposing fines of up to $100 to anyone smoking in a car with passengers younger than 18.
Other traffic-related laws that are highly anticipated by law enforcement and drivers as well, but which don’t go into effect until July 1, are those related to cell phones usage while driving and other electronic communication devices.
The laws, written by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, prohibit motorists from talking or text messaging on cell phones while driving, unless the driver is using a hands-free device or is experiencing an emergency.
Teens will also be prohibited from operating cell phones or any other electronic communications device while driving, which means even with a hands-free device, it is illegal for anyone younger than 18 to use an electronic communications device while driving.
Thanks to Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, it’s now illegal for any adult to transport passengers younger than 18 in a car where adults are smoking. Those who light up face a $100 penalty. Police won’t pull over motorists only for smoking and carrying children in their vehicles, but will cite drivers once stopped if they’re found to be smoking after being cited or reprimanded for other traffic violations.
*”These new laws will make California’s roads safer for motorists and will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to crack down on those who try to skirt the law,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Mike Brown.
CHP officers won’t be lenient with violators of these laws or other new laws, officials said.
“These laws have gone into effect, they are enforceable,” said CHP Officer Chris Armstrong. “I think many people are aware of most of these laws, particularly the cell phone laws. In some states, it is already illegal to use anything but a hands-free device while driving, and there’s been so much conversation about this, I think everybody is aware.”
Already enforceable is a law prohibiting the use or sale of a spray coating product that can make it difficult to read license plate numbers with red light cameras, toll booth cameras and license plate readers.
If a vehicle has a false registration, false license plates or registrations stickers, it is now possible for officers to have the vehicle towed. A vehicle can also be towed and impounded now when the driver has been arrested for reckless driving, speeding or reckless driving in an off-street parking area.
New drivers this year and those renewing their licenses will now sign a statement that if they drive under the influence and kill someone, they can be charged with murder.
Two other new laws that also went into effect Jan. 1 deal with bicycles. One requires lights and reflectors on a bike that is on a highway, sidewalk or bike path after dark, and the other requires traffic signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles at intersections.
