To ensure compliance and avoid the consequences, California drivers need to familiarize themselves with the new driving laws that went into effect on January 1, 2012. The following paragraphs provide merely a sample of the many new laws for the new year.
California Child Passenger Safety Seat
Until January 1, 2012, children under six years of age or under 60 pounds were required to ride in a car seat or booster seat. Now, children as old as seven years must ride in a booster seat unless they are at least four feet, nine inches tall. The new law was enacted to lessen the chance of serious injury to children, caused by seat belts that often do not fit properly on smaller children. Violating the new law will result in a $446 fine the first time and at least $1,000 for subsequent violations.
Sobriety Checkpoints
While California drivers must still stop at sobriety checkpoints, police officers are prohibited from impounding a vehicle for 30 days when the driver's only offense is driving without a valid driver's license. In these cases, the officers are now required to attempt to locate the registered owner to come pick up the vehicle. If the registered owner is unable, a licensed driver can pick up the vehicle with the registered owner's permission.
Reckless Driving
Before the new law took effect, a person convicted of an alcohol-related reckless driving offense had to wait an entire year before applying for a restricted driver's license. While the license suspension remains one year, the person now need only wait three months so long as they comply with certain requirements, such as installing an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle.
Repeat DUI Convictions
Courts are authorized to revoke for 10 years the driver's license of anyone convicted of three or more Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses. However, if the person properly installs and uses an IID on their vehicle they can apply for a license reinstatement after five years.
Double Lines
All vehicles are now prohibited from crossing double, parallel, solid white lines, unless explicitly permitted. This applies directly to many dedicated carpool lanes.
These new laws apply to millions of drivers throughout the state. Knowing the laws and the consequences for violating them is an important first step in staying out of trouble. However, if you find yourself involved in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can protect your rights and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
