The California Legislature approved a number of new laws in 2012, most of which take effect on January 1, 2013.  Below is a brief summary of some we thought would be of interest to the California motorists.

  • A person who has been arrested and is suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs no longer has the option of taking a urine test. Prior to this change, a person had the option of submitting either urine or blood to determine the drug content in their blood.
  • California drivers can use hands-free technology to talk and text while driving. This will require the use of a device that is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send or listen to a text-based communication.
  • Drivers will now have the option of providing proof of insurance and registration on an electronic device such as smartphones or tablets.
  • Driverless cars can be operated on public roads for testing purposes, provided that each vehicle has a fully licensed and bonded operator in the driver’s seat to take control if necessary.
  • Car rental companies can verify a renter’s identity by comparing the driver’s license photograph to the driver renting the vehicle.  The measure also allows noncitizen children of immigrants, whose presence in the United States is authorized by federal law, to obtain a driver’s license in CA.
  • You are prohibited from operating a vehicle with a  product or device that obscures or is intended to obscure the reading or recognition of a license plate by sight or through the use of an electronic device (like a toll or red-light camera). The new law also prohibits a person from erasing, painting over, or altering a license plate to avoid visual or electronic capture of the license plate or its characters
  • Similar to an AMBER Alert, the CHP would activate a “Silver Alert” upon request if a person, age 65 or older, is reported missing to a law enforcement agency and that agency determines that certain criteria is met.
  • A new law allows a driver’s license applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the U.S. is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a Social Security number, to be eligible to receive an original driver’s license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensesure.
  • There will be consistency statewide in the operations of red-light enforcement cameras by requiring governmental agencies to follow specified guidelines regarding intersections, signage and the notice to appear.
  • Hospitals, clinics, and birthing centers will now be required to provide and discuss contact information regarding child safety seat requirements, installation, and inspection to parents and caregivers upon discharge of a child, if the child is younger than 8.
  • Vehicles with special state-issued green and white stickers (all electric, natural gas, and “plug-in” hybrid cars) are exempt from toll charges that single-occupant vehicles pay to access express or HOT (high occupancy toll) lanes.  This exemption does not apply to the new Metro Express Lanes on the I-110 (Harbor) and I-10 (San Bernardino) freeways south and east of downtown Los Angeles until after March 1, 2014.  These vehicles are also not exempt from tolls on regular toll roads.
  • Motorists can now park at broken meters (up to the posted time limit) without fear of getting a ticket unless the local jurisdiction provides adequate notice of any prohibitions at parking locations.