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New Traffic Laws for 2010

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –January not only rings in a new year, but also new laws for 2010. The California Highway Patrol reminds drivers to be familiar with these new traffic laws passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. These are just a few of the news laws that take effect in either January or July 2010. "The new laws are designed to make our roadways a safe place for motorists," states CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. "Familiarize yourself with these laws and make 2010 a safe year for you and your loved ones."

Below are synopses of a few of the significant changes for the upcoming year.

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) establishes a pilot program in the counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare from July 1, 2010 to January 1, 2016. The pilot program will require, as a condition of reissuing a restricted driver's license, being issued a driver's license, or having the privilege to operate a motor vehicle reinstated, subsequent to a conviction of any DUI offense; to install an IID in any vehicle, not including a motorcycle owned or operated by the offender. This new law also establishes installation requirements and requires the installer of the IID to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when the IID has been tampered with, bypassed or attempted to be removed. The length of time the IID would be required to be installed in the person's vehicle is based upon the number of DUI convictions and whether the offense was a misdemeanor DUI or a felony DUI.

Driving Under the Influence Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to advise second and third time misdemeanor DUI offenders of the following options: obtain a restricted driver's license that would allow driving after serving a 90-day suspension period for a second conviction of misdemeanor DUI, or a six month suspension period for a third conviction of misdemeanor DUI if the violation only involves alcohol. The offender must enroll in a DUI program and the offender must install and maintain an IID in their vehicle.

Move Over/Slow Down date on Sections 21809 VC and 25253 VC. Section 21809 VC requires a person driving a vehicle on a freeway and approaching in a lane immediately adjacent to a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle that displays emergency lights, or a stationary tow truck that displays flashing amber warning lights, to safely make a lane change from that lane, or slow to a reasonable speed. Section 25253 VC requires tow trucks used to tow disabled vehicles to be equipped with flashing amber warning lamps and authorizes tow trucks to display flashing amber warning lamps while providing service to a disabled vehicle. However, this section prohibits tow trucks from displaying flashing amber warning lamps on a freeway except when an unusual traffic hazard or extreme hazard exists. Department of Transportation Vehicles (Move Over, Slow Down Law) requires a person who is driving a vehicle on a freeway and approaching in a lane immediately adjacent to a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle that displays emergency lights, or a stationary tow truck that displays flashing amber warning lights, to safely make a lane change from that lane, or slow to a reasonable speed. This new law adds a stationary, marked Caltrans vehicle displaying flashing amber warning lights to the "Move Over, Slow Down Law."

Television Broadcast or Video Signal drive a motor vehicle with a television receiver, video monitor, television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal if the equipment is designed, operated and configured in a manner that prevents the driver of the motor vehicle from viewing the television broadcast or video signal while operating the vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner.

Crimes Against Highway Workers – Assault and Battery amends section 2415 and 243.65 of the penal code to expand the definition of a highway worker to include employees of a city or county who perform specified activities related to local streets and roads. Additionally this new law includes in the definition of a highway worker, employees of a contractor while working under contract with Caltrans, contractors and employees of contractors while working under contract with a city or county and volunteers.

Personal Liability Immunity that a Good Samaritan who renders medical or non-medical care at the scene of an emergency would not be liable for any civil damages.