New California Traffic Laws In 2012
With the high hopes and resolutions that the New Year brings in, new laws go into effect. To avoid getting a ticket or being charged with a moving violation, California drivers should familiarize themselves with the traffic laws that went into effect this year. These changes will hopefully make California roadways safer and reduce the number of
car accidents in the Golden State. The following are some highlights of the significant changes.
Sobriety Checkpoints
Drivers are still required to stop at DUI checkpoints and submit to a sobriety test.
The hope is to get more drunk drivers off the road and keep them from injuring other motorists. However, if the driver’s only offense is not having a valid driver’s license, the police
may no longer impound the car.
Child Passenger Seats
Children are now required to ride in a safety seat or booster seat until the age of 8 or until they reach the height of 4 feet 9 inches. In addition, all children not meeting the age or height requirement must ride in the back seat, unless the seats are occupied by other children.
Reckless Driving
Drivers convicted of reckless driving can now apply for a restricted driver’s license before the end of their suspension period. However, the driver must meet certain requirements such as installing an ignition interlock device.
Multiple Drunk Driving Convictions
Drivers who have been convicted of a DUI three or more times, and have had their licenses revoked for 10 years as a result, can apply for a restricted driver’s license after five years. In order to apply for the restricted license, the driver must install an ignition interlock device.
Double Lines
Vehicles now cannot cross double parallel solid white lines, except where permitted.
The ultimate purpose of these new traffic laws is to make the roads safer for everyone and hopefully reduce the risk of accidents. Unfortunately, no amount of regulation will completely rid the roads of negligent drivers, so if you have been injured in a car accident at no fault of your own, contact an experienced
personal injury attorney to be advised of your rights and options.
