Happy holidays from the DMV!

New California Department of Motor Vehicle Laws for 2008.

Here are a few that caught my attention.

But before we go there, have you signed up to have Amber Alerts sent to your cell phone?

Okay, on with the show.

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New Cellular Phone Laws that Go Into Effect July 1, 2008

• Minors (under 18 years of age) are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, including a hands-free device, and/or a mobile service device (pagers, texting devices, laptops, etc).
• Drivers 18 years of age or older are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless a hands-free device is used.
• Both have exceptions, such as in case of emergency.  I’m assuming this does not include an emergency pizza order.

Smoking in Vehicles With Minor Passenger (Jan. 1, 2008)

• Makes it an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for a person to smoke a pipe, cigar, or cigarette in a motor vehicle any time a minor is present in the vehicle.

Disabled Parking — Operative July 1, 2008

• Limits the maximum consecutive number of times a person can renew a temporary disability parking placard.
• Increases fines for second and third violations related to illegal parking in disabled spaces.
• Alters signage and painting requirements for disabled parking spaces.

Speed Contests and Reckless Driving (Jan. 1, 2008)

• Includes reckless driving on a highway, reckless driving in an off-street parking facility, or exhibition of speed on a highway within the scope of various other existing statutes.

Required Declaration on an Original or Renewal Application for a Driver License — Operative July 1, 2008

• Requires an applicant as a condition of obtaining or renewing a driver’s license to sign a declaration acknowledging that a driver may be charged with murder if a person is killed as a result of driving under the influence.

Filed under alert |