4648501867_59159c734a_nFrom free parking opportunities to new texting laws, the roads of California will see several changes in the upcoming year. New legislation has passed to better protect drivers and expedite some of the DMV’s paperwork.

Here are just a few of the new traffic laws going into effect as of January 1, 2014, unless otherwise stated. (Note that SB means “Senate Bill,” a bill originating in the Senate, and “AB” means “Assembly Bill,” one that came from the state assembly.)

SB 194: Texting While Driving Forbidden for Teens

No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to write, read or send a “text-based communication” while behind the wheel, even if their phone is equipped with a hands-free device.

  • Failure to comply with this law will result in fines and/or the loss of their license.

AB 1371: 3 Feet for Safety Act

Motorists will have to keep three feet between themselves and bicycle riders at all times. Known as the Three Feet for Safety Act, this legislation will apply to every driver on the same road and moving in the same direction as the cyclist. If three feet of distance is impossible, such as during rush hour traffic, motorists will still be expected to:

  • Stay alert
  • Drive at a “reasonable pace”
  • Only pass the cyclist if no danger is presented or observed by the action

This law will go into effect on September 16, 2014.

SB 806:The California DMV to Begin Testing the Efficacy of Digital License Plates

A statewide attempt to move away from costly and environmentally damaging metal, the bill allows the DMV to experiment with electronic monitoring in pre-approved test vehicles.

It also creates a new pilot program with the eventual goal of replacing all paper stickers and plastic-covered registration cards.

AB 1047: Traffic Test for Teen Drivers from Out of the State

Teen drivers with out-of-state learner’s permits will be allowed to take the road test in California and have their results digitally transferred to their state of residence. In addition,

  • Bus drivers with vehicles weighing more than 26,000 lbs must apply for a Class B commercial license.
  • For those with buses of less than 26,000 lbs, a Class C commercial license will be required.

AB 266 and SB 286: Cars with a “Clean Air Vehicle” sticker to use carpool/ (HOV) lanes

Cars bearing a “Clean Air Vehicle” sticker will be allowed to use carpool lanes, or high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, even if their passenger counts don’t satisfy occupancy requirements. To get these stickers, however, vehicles must be:

  • Hybrid models
  • Zero- or low-emission
  • Certified “green” by the Air Resources Board

AB 443: Ownership Transfer of Vehicles

Among family members and living trusts, no vehicle can transfer ownership until all existing debts, fees and tickets have been paid in full to the DMV. Payments must be made by the transferee.

AB 244:”Special Interest” License Plate for Veterans

Under a joint program sponsored by the DMV and the California Department of Veterans Affairs, any interested veteran will be issued a “special interest” license plate with an updated design from previous incarnations. Veterans with a plate issued before January 1, 2010 may also re-apply for a new one at no additional cost.

AB 60: Driving License for Non Resident Drivers

If a driver is unable to provide proof of U.S. residency, they can still be issued a driver’s license by the DMV if all other requirements are met, including:

  • Proof of personal identity
  • Proof of California residency

In cases where these requirements aren’t met, the bill will allow for new types of documentation to be accepted as proof. It goes into effect by January 1, 2015 at the very latest.

AB 332: Parking at Broken Meters for No Charge

Drivers will be allowed to park at broken meters for no charge.

  • Meters, however, must be noticeably damaged or identified by a state-issued “out of order” sign.
  • This is in response to last year’s bill, which tested broken meter parking without restriction and was quickly abused by drivers claiming that functional meters simply “looked” in need of repair.
  • Last year’s bill also had an expiration date of six months; the law now applies indefinitely.

These are just a few of the new laws that have either come into effect or are soon to be implemented. It is in the best interest of all California drivers to take note of these changes to avoid any issues with tickets.

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Scott Desind

Scott Desind | Traffic Ticket Attorneys The Traffic Ticket Attorneys, Desind and Klijian, have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets. Our attorneys are well respected and known for their experience in fighting traffic tickets, specialized knowledge of the law and procedures and results by the court personnel, officers, deputies, competitors and clients.