29 Dec New Laws for Motorists take Effect on Jan. 1

(California Highway Patrol via Bay City News)

By Katy St. Clair
Bay City News

Several new laws take effect on Jan. 1 that will affect motorists, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A pilot program will begin to catch people who speed through work zones by snapping a picture of their license plate, CHP said.

The pictures will be collected via a fixed or mobile radar or laser system and citations will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner. This legislation was put forth by Assemblymember Matt Haney, D-San Francisco.

For anyone who has been annoyed by an autonomous vehicle, they may be glad to hear that law enforcement will now be able to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for alleged traffic violations. Beginning July 1, all AVs must also have a two-way device on board to communicate with first responders if necessary. This legislation was put forth by former Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco.

Car thieves’ materials will also be added to tools that are illegal to possess with the intent to commit burglary. Being in possession of a key programming device will now be a misdemeanor.

As cities and counties grapple with e-bikes, a few statewide laws will be going into effect as well. All e-bikes will be required to have a red reflector or solid or flashing red light attached on their rear during all hours of operation, not just at night. Overall safety standards for e-bikes are also being more closely monitored and have to pass through accredited laboratories to meet the specific standards, CHP said.

Finally, the “slow down and move over law” for vehicles is being expanded to apply to any highway maintenance vehicle or stationary vehicle with its flashing hazard lights on or warning devices such as cones or flares. Drivers approaching such vehicles must move to the lane that is not next to the stopped vehicle, or, if changing lanes is not possible, slow down to a safe speed.

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