New Year, New Traffic Safety Laws in California

New Year, New Traffic Safety Laws in California

The nationwide, annual economic, and societal cost of auto accidents is more than $871 billion.

In an effort to make the state safer, to make people drive safer, California passed a few new roadway safety laws that take effect on January 1, 2021.

Distracted driving (AB 47, Daly; 2019)

The hazards of texting while driving are well known, and in California, it is already illegal for those under 18 to use a phone, even hands-free, while driving, as well as for motorists. To make the law more all-encompassing, AAA and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) have sponsored Assembly Bill 47: 

Using a cell phone in a handheld manner while driving is currently punishable by a fine. Starting July 1, 2021, a driver violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same reason, will get a point added to their record. This applies to the violations of talking or texting while driving (sans hands-free use) and any use of these devices while the driver is a person under 18 years of age.

Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles (AB 2717, Chau)

Assembly Bill 2717, exempts an individual from civil or criminal liability for trespassing or damaging a vehicle in the process of rescuing a child or children 6 years old or younger who are in immediate danger from lack of ventilation, heat, cold, or other dangerous circumstances. 

“Move Over, Slow Down” (AB 2285, Transportation Committee)

The “Move Over, Slow Down” law is already in place on freeways. The purview has been expanded to now also apply to local roads and streets.  Drivers approaching a stationary vehicle displaying emergency lights, must move to another lane if possible, or slow to a reasonable speed on highways in addition to freeways.

Emergency Vehicles (SB 909, Dodd)

Senate Bill 909 allows authorized emergency vehicles to use a “Hi-Lo” warning sound. This would be used to alert the public and immediately evacuate an emergency area. The CHP has stated that it is currently developing regulations to standardize the Hi-Lo warning sound statewide, and until the regulations are adopted, law enforcement agencies may use the Hi-Lo warning sound by obtaining a permit from the CHP.  The law went into effect on September 29, 2020.