LAKE COUNTY — Drivers are reminded of major changes to traffic laws that will go into effect in 2008, including include cell phone use, smoking and registration, among others, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Starting New Year”s Day, drivers pulled over for a moving violation can also be cited for smoking with a passenger under the age of 18. “I can”t stop you just for that,” Clear Lake Area CHP officer Adam Garcia said Monday regarding the new law, Senate Bill 7. “But if I stop you for speeding and there”s a kid in the car, then I can cite you for that, as well.”
Assembly Bill 1589 will also go into effect. It will allow peace officers to impound vehicles with false registration stickers or license plates. Current policy is to cite and only tow if the registration is more than six months out of date, according to a CHP release.
Two new laws concerning cell phone use while driving will require adult drivers to use a hands-free device, and prohibit anyone less than 18 years old from using a wireless telephone while driving. The laws are Senate Bill 1613 concerning adults and SB 33 concerning minors. Both laws go into effect July 1, 2008.
“Basically, adults have to use a hands-free device while they”re talking, and minors are not allowed to use one at all, unless it”s for an emergency,” Garcia said. Exceptions include reporting an accident or a drunk driver, Garcia said.
Bicyclists will be required to use lights and reflectors at night, according to AB 478. Garcia said a red rear light and headlight are required, and reflectors must be visible from the front and rear of the bicycle.
Other traffic laws that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2008 are as follows.
The Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMD) law, AB 470, makes operating an EPAMD illegal “at an unsafe speed for conditions in a reckless manner or at a speed that endangers the safety of others.” The law also states that riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and the disabled. The Segway PT is an example of an EPAMD. It is an electrically-powered scooter with two wheels, a place to stand and a handle bar that allows the rider to stand upright.
The passage of AB 801 will make the segment of Highway 12 between Interstate 80 in Solano County and the Interstate 5 junction in San Joaquin County will be a double fine zone.
Coating license plates with a spray that makes them hard for cameras at red lights and toll booths and other electronic devices to read will be illegal, according to AB 801.
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