
New 2019 California Driving Laws
- Scooters. As of 2019, drivers over the age of 18 will no longer be required to wear a helmet while operating a motorized scooter.
- Helmets. ...
- Cargo. ...
- Hit-and-Run. ...
- Noise. ...
- Smog. ...
- DUI. ...
- Determining Fault After a Crash. ...
- Chico Personal Injury Lawyer. ...
Full Answer
What are the new laws in California for 2019?
A third new law, AB 47, which was signed into law in 2019 and doesn't take effect until July 1, allows the California Department of Motor Vehicles to add a penalty point to a motorist's driving record if he or she receives two tickets in a 36-month span for talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free device.
What are California’s new traffic and driving laws?
Here’s what you need to know about California’s new traffic and driving laws that took effect on New Year’s Day. Identifying gender: Drivers can now select female, male, or non-binary genders for their California driver’s license or identification cards. An “X” will be noted in the gender category for those who select non-binary.
What does California's new law on moving over mean for You?
The new law clarifies that Caltrans equipment and tow trucks conducting operations on a highway be given the same courtesy. However, AB 2285 does not specify that motorists must move over if there might be conflicts with other drivers, or conditions don't allow for it. But they must slow down. Otherwise, CHP officers could write them a $50 ticket.

What are the new California driving laws for 2021?
Updates to California's “Move Over, Slow Down” law will extend to local streets and roads, not just freeways, starting January 1, 2021. California drivers will now be required to slow down or change lanes while approaching stationary emergency vehicles flashing their lights, including first responder vehicles, tow ...
What are the new traffic laws for 2022 in California?
The new law allows local officials to further reduce speed limits in residential areas and in places where there are a lot of pedestrian and cyclist traffic to 20 mph or 15 mph. This law was effective as of Jan. 1, 2022, so people should watch for new, lower speed limits to be posted in affected areas.
Are there any new driving laws in California?
New CA driving laws include sideshow crackdown, lower speed limits to protect pedestrians. New California laws will take effect in 2022. Here are five you should know about. LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- With the new year comes a new set of laws for California drivers to follow.
What is the new cell phone law in California 2021?
License Points for Distracted Driving: Starting on July 1, 2021, drivers who violate the hands-free law by using a handheld cell phone while driving for a second time within 36 months will have a point added to their driver's record. Holding a phone while driving is currently punishable by a fine.
What car parts are illegal in California?
California has one of the stricter car modification laws in America, and among the mods that are illegal in the state include underbody neon lights license, extra loud exhausts, radar detectors / laser jammers, license plate covers and frames that obstruct any part of the plate's numbers, letters, or the state name.
What are the new driving rules for 2022?
Updated laws for 2022: what drivers need to knowHighway code updated.Rules tightened for using a phone behind the wheel.No more new smart motorways for five years.Local councils able to enforce traffic laws.Plug-in car grant reduced.All new homes to get EV chargers by law.All new cars to get speed limiters from July.
Will a cell phone ticket affect my insurance in California 2021?
However, if you receive a cell phone ticket within 36 months of a prior cell phone ticket, or any other distracted driving violation, you will receive one point on your license. The point will remain on your record for 36 months. There's also no guarantee that the first offense won't result in higher insurance rates.
What is California's basic speed law?
California has a “Basic Speed Law” that states “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or ...
Where can I find California laws?
The California statutory codes can also be accessed via the "Official California Legislative Information" website. There, you can either browse the tables of contents for the various codes or search the codes by keyword.
Can you talk on speakerphone while driving?
Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it.
Is talking on Bluetooth while driving illegal?
Talking on the phone while driving has been illegal in India for many years now. However, since the official rule does not state anything about Bluetooth or handsfree devices, most motorists use that while driving to talk on the phone.
Is eating and driving illegal in California?
There may not be an exact law against eating and driving in California, but that doesn't mean you won't get in trouble. You could get a ticket and a $150 fine if eating interferes with your ability to drive safely. If you cause an accident while eating behind the wheel, you could be liable for damages.
What is the new law in California?
These are the new laws or changes to the laws already in force for 2019: Temporary Paper Plates (AB 516): Authorized California dealers must place a paper plate with a number and expiration date on every vehicle they sell, whether new or used.
When will the DMV stop suspending scooters?
Suspensions or delays reported to the DMV prior to Jan. 1, 2019 will remain in effect. Motorized Scooters (AB 2989): People over 18 years old will no longer need to use a bicycle helmet to use a motorized scooter.
When will the red decals be available for HOV?
1, 2017 and March 1, 2018 will be eligible to request a red decal and will give them access to the HOV lanes until Jan. 1, 2022. The DMV will also issue light violet color decals in 2019 that will grant access to the HOV lanes until Jan. 1, 2023.
Can a minor get a driver's license suspended?
Driving Privileges for Minors (AB 2685): Courts will no longer be able to suspend, restrict or delay issuing a minor's driver's license for one year for truancy or for being under the guardianship of the state. Suspensions or delays reported to the DMV prior to Jan. 1, 2019 will remain in effect. Motorized Scooters (AB 2989): People ...
When does the Temporary License Plate Program take effect?
Sacramento – With the New Year just around the corner, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wants to inform the public about several new laws or changes to existing law that, unless otherwise noted, take effect January 1, 2019. Temporary License Plate Program ( AB 516, Mullin ): This law requires licensed California dealers, ...
When will the DMV issue purple decals?
The DMV will issue light purple decals in 2019 that will grant access to HOV lanes until January 1, 2023. Decals are available to applicants who have not applied for or received a consumer rebate pursuant to the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, unless they meet annual income requirements.
When will the green decal be available for HOV?
A green or white decal is valid until January 1, 2019 and vehicles displaying these decals no longer have access to HOV lanes. Vehicles that were issued a green or white decal between January 1, 2017 and March 1, 2018 are eligible to apply for a red decal that grants them access to HOV lanes until January 1, 2022.
When did California's traffic laws take effect?
On January 1, 2019, a host of new traffic laws with take effect in California. Motorists—and even cyclists—throughout the state must be aware of the updated rules of the road to avoid traffic violations and even criminal charges.
How long do you have to have an IID for a DUI?
DUI ignition interlock devices (IIDs) – From now until January 2026, repeat DUI offenders and first-time DUI offenders who have injured another person are required to have an IID installed in their vehicles for 12 to 48 months. In the event of a first-time DUI without injury, a judge has the discretion to order the installation of an IID for a maximum of six months. Additionally, individuals who are serving an administrative-order suspension can apply for restricted driving privilege, which requires the installation of an IID.
When will the new California DMV laws come into effect?
These are the new California DMV laws meant to make roads safer coming into effect in 2019. These laws go into effect on January 01, 2019. They may be new laws or changes to existing laws.
What percentage of the knowledge test must address unsafe driving?
The DMV must include at least one question addressing laws pertaining to driving with an unsafe, unsecured load in at least 20 percent of the knowledge tests administered to driver license applicants. This is to reinforce traffic safety laws that all vehicle loads must be covered or secured.
How long can a minor's license be suspended?
Courts can no longer suspend, restrict or delay the issuance of a minor’s driver’s license for up to one year for being a ward of the state. Any suspensions or delays reported to the DMV prior to Jan. 1, 2019 will remain in effect.
Do California car dealers have to have a paper license plate?
This law requires that licensed California car dealers must place a temporary paper licensed plate with a number and expiration date on every vehicle they sell, regardless whether it is new or used unless the DMV had previously issued plates. This will help reduce the number of toll violators and improve safety for law enforcement.
Can I self-certify my gender on my California driver's license?
This law allows Californians to self-certify their gender identity on their driver’s license or identity card. The options will be male, female or nonbinary. Applicants who choose the “nonbinary” option will receive a card with an “X” gender category.
When will California's new traffic laws go into effect?
Beginning Jan. 1, several new traffic laws will go into effect, including safe space for emergency vehicles and rescuing children from hot cars, that residents need to heed, the California Highway Patrol said Wednesday. Beginning Jan. 1, several new traffic laws will go into effect, including safe space for emergency vehicles ...
What is the bill that allows you to change lanes on a highway?
Assembly Bill 2285 , which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law in September, establishes potential fines for motorists who do not slow down and, whenever possible, change lanes when encountering a Caltrans vehicle, tow truck or any emergency vehicle with lights flashing on a highway.
How many states are raising the minimum wage in 2021?
These are the 23 states raising the minimum wage in 2021. Also starting with the New Year, AB 2717, signed into law by the governor at the end of September, amends existing law concerning leaving children under the age of 6 unattended in vehicles.
Can you move over in AB 2285?
However, AB 2285 does not specify that motorists must move over if there might be conflicts with other drivers, or conditions don't allow for it. But they must slow down. Otherwise, CHP officers could write them a $50 ticket. These are the 23 states raising the minimum wage in 2021.