
- Reduced Speed Limits. AB 43, signed into law in October 2021, concerns speed limits. ...
- Enhanced Points for Texting While Driving. California’s distracted driving law was passed several years ago but it just recently went into effect.
- Tribal Emergency Vehicles Recognized. ...
- Class C Drivers Allowed to Tow Trailers. ...
What are some of the new California DMV laws?
- Registration and titling of vehicles.
- Anti-theft laws.
- Driver's license procedures and processes.
- Financial responsibility and car insurance.
- Rules of the road.
- Towing and loading rules and regulations.
- Transporting hazardous materials.
- Off-highway/off-road vehicles.
- Bicycle laws and rules.
- Safety regulations.
What are the California laws for driving?
from the California Highway Patrol. Unless otherwise noted, these laws took effect Jan. 1, 2022. First off, if you participate in driving stunts or illegal street races with other drivers on the highways, the penalties are now more serious if you get ...
What is the California law on drunk driving?
California's drunk driving laws can be found in Vehicle Code section 23152: 23152 (a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. 2315d (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.
What are the new laws in California?
New laws will expand worker protections, voting rights, tackle the state’s housing crisis and more. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted new bills signed into law in 2021 that will go into effect January 1, 2022, including historic measures to expand worker protections, tackle the state’s housing crisis, redress historical injustices, increase voter access and more.

What are the new driving laws in California for 2022?
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.
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.
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.
How much is a ticket for texting and driving in California 2021?
The fine for a first time texting or cell phone violation will cost a minimum of $162. The fine amount increases with each subsequent violation. Distracted driving can take many forms, but cell phones are the number one distraction.
Do you have to stop if you hit a CAT 2022?
You are not required legally to stop at the scene if you hit a cat… but if you do, and it has a chance of survival, the best thing you can do is: Move the animal to safety (if it can be moved) and ideally take it to the nearest vet. Notify the owner as soon as possible if the cat is microchipped.
Can passengers use a mobile phone in a car?
As a passenger, you are able to use your mobile phone as long as it is not distracting the driver. You must never encourage the driver to look away and lose concentration of their surroundings. As the driver, on the other hand, you must not, under any circumstances, use your mobile phone while driving.
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.
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 ...
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.
Is touching your phone while driving illegal?
As long as their use does not distract you from focusing on the road and you do not have to touch the phone. Using your phone when your car is stationary at traffic lights or in congested traffic. Illegal. When the engine is running and you are in control of the car, it is illegal to touch your phone.
Is it illegal to drive with headphones on in California?
California has a law that prohibits drivers and bicyclists from wearing headphones while operating their vehicles. California Vehicle Code 27400 states that no person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may wear earphones, earplugs or a headset that covers, rests in or is inserted in both ears.
Can you get fined for using hands-free?
At present, it is not an offence to use a hands-free phone while driving, despite the risks being similar. However, the police are able to stop drivers who they deem not in control because of distraction, including through the use of a hands-free phone, and this can result in prosecution.
Effective July 1, 2021
This law requires DMV to assess a negligent operator point on a driver’s record for a second conviction within 36 months of talking, texting, or using a handheld wireless communications device (cell phone) while driving.
AB 47 (Daly, Chaptered by Secretary of State – Ch 603, Stats. 2019
This law requires DMV to assess a negligent operator point on a driver’s record for a second conviction within 36 months of talking, texting, or using a handheld wireless communications device (cell phone) while driving.
Local News
News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Rules address issues from driving stunts to helmets for those riding horses
Each year, as a public service, On the Road shares information on new traffic safety and driving-related laws that were passed during the past year or that take effect this year.
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.
A new year brings new laws in California. Here's what you need to know
Hundreds of new laws are going into effect in 2022, from requiring ethnic studies to graduate, to cracking down on illegal street racing, and allowing restaurants to continue selling to-go cocktails -- to name a few.
Prop 12: The "Bacon" Law
The contentious law over farm animals -- specifically bringing bacon and pork products into the conversation -- was passed in 2018. The first deadline passed Jan. 2020, and required that egg-laying hens have adequate space. The hens have to be housed with a minimum of 144 square inches per hen.
SB 389: Cocktails To-Go
SB 314, AB 61 and SB 389 that went into effect during the pandemic are here to stay.
AB 367: Free Menstrual Products on Campus
California public schools, including colleges, must provide free menstrual products to students. The signing of the bill followed a nationwide push for affordable access to pads, tampons and other items.
AB 101: Ethnic Studies
Starting with the graduating class of 2024–25, students within the California State University system will be required to complete at least one 3-unit ethnic studies course. This won't increase the number of units a student is required to complete to graduate.
AB 1084: Gender Neutral Toy Sections
Large department stores will have to provide a gender-neutral toy aisle in 2022. Some critics say the government should not dictate how stores lay out their sections, while others say it's combatting how some products marketed toward girls are priced higher.
SB 1383: Composting and Organics Recycling Law
The bill calls for businesses to help reduce what's called short-lived climate pollutants. The aim of the bill is to reduce the amount of organic trash that goes to landfills, which makes up a third of what goes to the landfill, CalRecycle said.
