New Year Brings New Laws

Sacramento, CA — Motorists who use a cell phone to send a text message while driving are now subject to a ticket from law enforcement.

SB 28 is one of the many new laws that went into effect today, and makes it an infraction to write, send or read a text based communication on an electronic wireless device. Other notable changes in the law include the following:

AB 1165 (Driving Under the Influence) – This new law prohibits a convicted DUI offender from operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .01 or greater.

SB 1567 (Global Positioning Systems) – It allows a portable GPS device to be mounted in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle or in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the driver´s side. These are the only two areas on a windshield where a GPS can be situated.

AB 1976 (911 Telephone Abuse) – The law increases penalties for anyone who knowingly uses, or allows the use of, the 911 telephone system for any reason other than an emergency.

SB 1720 (Clean Air Stickers) – This new law makes it an infraction for anyone who forges, counterfeits, falsifies or attempts to sell a genuine or counterfeit “Clean Air Sticker.”

AB 1971 (Studded Pneumatic Tires) – It allows vehicles to use pneumatic tires with retractable metal studs year round, as long as the studs are retracted between May 1st and October 31st.

Written by BJ Hansen