What New Traffic Laws Go into Effect in 2017?

Dec 27,2016

Several new traffic laws will go into effect in California beginning on January 1. These acts were passed in the 2015 and 2016 legislative seasons and will take effect at the beginning of the new year.

The first measure targets distracted driving by making changes to the current hands-free driving law. Any device being used by a driver will have to be mounted in their vehicle. Holding your smartphone in your hand while talking to someone on speakerphone will no longer suffice on California roadways.

Another new traffic law aimed at saving lives is AB 53, which requires that children under age 2 be restrained in rear-facing car seats. Children who weigh more than 40 pounds or are more than 40 inches tall are exempt from the rule. Remember that all children under age 8 are required to be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.

Another measure, SB 1046, extends a pilot program in four counties that requires convicted DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in their vehicles in order to obtain a restricted driver’s license. The program is being tested in Los Angeles, Alameda, Sacramento and Tulare counties. It will become statewide law in January 2019.

Lane splitting by motorcyclists is a legal practice in California, but AB 51 defines the practice as driving a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles. Additionally, it gives the California Highway Patrol (CHP) the ability to develop educational guidelines regarding lane splitting.

The Consumer Automatic Recall Safety (CARS) Act prohibits dealers and rental car companies from providing customers with vehicles that are under a manufacturer’s recall. Companies have 48 hours after receiving the recall notice to comply. Vehicles may be loaned or rented again once they have been repaired.

“These new laws will help make California roadways safer for drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians. We look forward to seeing positive changes in the coming year,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.