A new year brings new laws to California. Here are a list of laws going into effect January 1, 2019 which impact motor vehicles and public safety:
AB 2989: Electric scooters
Adults 18 or older will be allowed to ride electric scooters without a helmet. The new law also increases the speed limit for scooters from 25 to 35 mph. It would still be illegal to ride a motorized scooter on a sidewalk.
AB 3077: Helmet use by minors
On the flip side, minors under 18 who are caught riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or skates without a helmet will get a citation. Violators can take a safety course to clear the ticket, and show they have a helmet within 120 days of the citation to avoid paying a fine.
AB 1755: Bicycling crashes
Bicyclists could face felony hit-and-run charges if they leave the scene of an accident where someone was injured or died.
AB 2886: Ride-hailing drivers
Ride-hailing apps will be required to provide passengers with the driver’s name, picture, image of the vehicle and license plate number.
AB 516: License plates
Auto dealers will now be required to place a temporary license plate on newly purchased vehicles. It is estimated the state loses out on collecting $19 million a year on tolls from recently purchased vehicles that don’t have a license plate.
SB 1046: DUI offenders
Repeat and first-time DUI offenders will be required to install an ignition interlock device to prevent a person who has been drinking alcohol from driving a vehicle. The device must be installed for 12 to 48 months to restore driving privileges, but the driver will no longer face restrictions to where they can drive.
AB 2685: Habitual truants
Juvenile court judges will no longer have the ability to suspend the driver’s license of a minor who is a habitual truant.
HOV lane decals
Green and white decals that allow low-emission vehicles to use HOV lanes will expire. Vehicles issued green or white decals after January 1, 2017 must apply for a red decal. The DMV will issue purple decals in 2019.
SB 1100: Firearm sales age change
The minimum age to buy a rifle or shotgun in California increases from 18 to 21 years. Anyone under 21 wanting to buy a rifle or shotgun must do so before January 20, 2019 and pick up the firearm before the law is implemented on February 1st.
AB 2103: Concealed weapons
Consumers wanting a license to carry a concealed weapon in public must undergo 8 hours of firearms training.
AB 1525: Firearms warning labels
Firearms will come with warning labels that state, “Firearms must be handled responsibly and securely stored to prevent access by children and unauthorized users.” The warnings will also be posted at gun stores.
SB 1200: Gun Control
Eliminates fees for requesting a Firearms Violence Restraining Order and adds ammunition and bullet drums to the list of items related to firearms that can be confiscated.
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