Jan 16, 2008

New Year Brings New Laws

California has ushered in a host of new laws in 2008 related to traffic safety, driver behavior and even help for those who lose their car keys. Among the laws that took effect on January 1, Senate Bill 1542 provides drivers of cars sold or leased after the beginning of this year with a convenient and safe system to obtain a replacement car key if their key is lost, stolen or damaged. The Auto Club of Southern California sponsored the legislation to help ensure that motorists can replace keys quickly through a licensed, bonded, registered locksmith instead of being forced to wait hours or even days for the manufacturer or a dealer to make a replacement. 

Two important traffic safety laws that have been enacted will not take effect until July 1. A new law prohibits teens from using cell phones or any other "mobile service device" while driving; and another prohibits all other adult motorists from using a cell phone while driving unless they use a hands-free speaking and listening system, something several other states, including New York, have already incorporated into their vehicle code.

In addition to new laws prohibiting street racing and devices that obscure license plates, perhaps the most intriguing (most oppressive?) new law is State Bill 7 that prohibits anyone from smoking a cigarette, a cigar or a pipe in a vehicle, whether in motion or not, in which there is a minor. The smoker can be fined up to $100, but police can only cite for this violation in connection with a stop for a suspected violation of another driving offense.