2016 brings in new laws for California drivers, bikers and more

Hundreds of new California laws take effect on January 1, 2016, many that will have tangible impacts on the lives of Californians as they work, drive, ride a bike and shop.

Here is an overview of some of them:

Transportation:

Hit-and-run (AB 8) A “Yellow Alert” notification system will be established as of January 1, 2016, for specified hit-and-run incidents resulting in death or serious injury. As with AMBER, Silver, or Blue Alerts, the CHP will work with requesting law enforcement agencies to determine whether the hit-and-run meets the criteria for a Yellow Alert, including the use of the freeway Changeable Message Signs (CMS). Criteria established in the law include the availability of information about the hit-and-run suspect or the suspect’s vehicle, and whether disseminating the information will be helpful.

Driving under the influence: Ignition Interlock Device (SB 61) This new law grants a one-year extension to a pilot project for the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare counties. The pilot was first instituted in 2010. Under the current law, a person convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) may be required to install an IID in their vehicle. If the IID registers alcohol on the driver’s breath, the vehicle will not start. The length of time the IID is required in the vehicle is based on how many prior DUI convictions the driver has had.

Silver Alerts (AB 643) The “Silver Alert” notification system has been amended to allow the alert to be communicated on CMS when there is a vehicle involved in the missing person incident. The Silver Alert is an emergency system that allows law enforcement to broadcast regional or statewide alerts for seniors, or individuals with developmental disabilities or who are cognitively impaired, and are missing and may be in danger.

Highway lane use (AB 208) The law requiring slow-moving passenger vehicles to pull over safely to let traffic pass has been amended to apply to all vehicles, effective January 1, 2016. Bicycles will now be included in the legal requirement that slow-moving vehicles use the next available turnout or other area to let backed-up traffic – five or more vehicles – get by.

Electronically motorized boards (AB 604) The new law defines “electronically motorized board” as a wheeled device designed to be stood on and powered by electronic propulsion, going no more than 15 miles per hour. The electronically motorized boards can only be ridden on a highway with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, or specific designated bikeways. The rider must be at least 16 years old and must wear a bicycle helmet. Cities and counties are authorized to restrict the use of the electrically motorized boards.

Electric bicycles (AB 1096) The new law, effective January 1, 2016, creates three separate classes of electric bicycles, defined by their maximum speed and how much power is supplied by the motor. Classes 1 and 2 have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. A Class 3 electric bicycle has a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour. The operator of a Class 3 bicycle must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet. Manufacturers and distributors must label the bicycles with the classification number, top assisted speed, and wattage. The new law sets up safety restrictions and regulates access on trails and paths.

Child safety seats (AB 53) Beginning January 1, 2017, children under two years of age must ride rear-facing in an appropriate child passenger safety seat. Children weighing 40 or more pounds or standing 40 or more inches tall would be exempt. California law continues to require that all children under the age of eight be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle.

Headphone use (AB491) It is now unlawful for drivers or bicyclists to wear a headset, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears. This does not apply to those operating authorized emergency vehicles, construction equipment and refuse/waste equipment.

DMV:
Register to Vote (AB 1461) Those qualified to vote will be automatically registered when they apply for a driver’s license or change of address at the DMV.

Proof of residency (AB 1465) In order to bring the DMV into compliance with federal law, the DMV will require an applicant for an original driver license or identification card to provide proof of California residency starting July 1, 2016.

Firearms:
Concealed Weapons (SB 707) Concealed carry of weapons on K-12 and college campuses is now banned.

Sale of BB Guns and Airsoft Guns (SB 199) In order to boost gun safety, will require BB and Airsoft guns sold in California to include fluorescent markings to distinguish them from real firearms.

Employment:
Gender Pay Equality (SB 358) Employers are prohibited from paying employees of the opposite sex different pay rates for similar work. An employer will be required to show that the difference in pay was due to a seniority system, merit system, a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production, or a bona fide factor that is not based on or derived from a sex-based differential in compensation.

Immigration Status (SB 600) Businesses cannot discriminate against people based on their immigration status. This bill would extend the protections of the Unruh Civil Rights Act to persons regardless of citizenship, primary language, or immigration status.