It’s that time again. The New Year always brings a sense of hope and optimism… and new traffic laws that you should be aware of! Here are a few of the changes that go into effect in California on January 1, 2017:

Year of Manufacture License Plates (SB 1429, Nielsen): This law expands the Year of Manufacture (YOM) license plate program to include vehicles and license plates manufactured through 1980. The program will now include the blue and yellow license plates issued for use on California motor vehicles from 1970 until 1980. This law allows classic car owners who obtain license plates from the year corresponding to their vehicle’s model year to use those vintage plates in lieu of new license plates. Want to find vintage plates for your vehicle? Come to the next Pomona Swap Meet… Dave’s Old California License Plates is set up on Road 16 at every show!

Use of Wireless Electronic Devices (AB 1785, Quirk): Okay, you already know that texting and making calls is prohibited unless you have a hands free device. Well, now you may no longer hold and operate a wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device while driving a motor vehicle at all! Instead, your phone has to be mounted in the 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, or in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver. You can also mount your device to the dashboard in a place that will not obstruct the driver’s clear view of the road, and where it will not interfere with your airbags. The law allows drivers to operate their phones with a single swipe motion or tap of the finger, just not while holding it. So no more Facebook or Twitter updates, people! (Seriously, it’s not worth it.)

Motorcycle Lane Splitting (AB 51, Quirk): The existing law is not being changed; lane splitting will still be legal so long as it’s done safely. But, this law defines lane splitting as driving a motorcycle, which has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. The bill permits the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop lane splitting educational safety guidelines in consultation with other state traffic safety agencies and at least one organization focused on motorcycle safety. The guidelines will be intended to increase the safety of all motorcyclists, drivers, and passengers.

Child safety seats (AB 53, Garcia): This law was actually passed during the 2015 legislative session, but it doesn’t take effect until 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 (3 feet, 3 inches), are exempt. Of course, California law still requires that all children under the age of eight be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat in the back seat of a vehicle.

Accident Reporting (SB 491, Committee on Transportation and Housing): This law increases the minimum financial threshold for property damage that is required to be reported to the DMV from $750 to $1,000 whenever a driver is involved in a motor vehicle collision.

No matter what you’re driving (or riding), be safe out there, California! Have a wonderful 2017, and hopefully we’ll see you in Pomona soon!

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