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Links to DMV Website
California DMV Announces New Laws Effective 2010
Mandatory Ignition Interlocks
This new law requires Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) be installed on vehicles owned and operated by motorists convicted of driving on a suspended license due to a previous alcohol-related conviction.“There are an estimated 40,000 persons convicted annually of DUI-related offenses who then drive on suspended licenses; further, there were 1,489 people needlessly killed in an alcohol-involved collision during 2007 in California. This law is a major step toward reducing those numbers,” said DMV Director George Valverde.
The DMV must notify the court if you fail to submit proof of installation of an IID within 30 days from date of notice. A person who is required and fails to install an IID is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months or by fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.
Motorists who fall into the category of driving with a suspended license for a DUI-related conviction will be assessed a $40 administrative fee for verification of the IID installation.
‘Move Over, Slow Down’ Law Takes Effect January 1
Some new traffic laws take effect as of the new ye
ar, among those is the now-permanent Move Over law. Effective January 1, if driving on a freeway and approaching a lane immediately adjacent to a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck or CalTrans vehicle displaying emergency lights, drivers must move over to a freeway lane not immediately adjacent to the official vehicle; if unable to move to another lane, motorists are required to slow down. Given the new CalTrans vehicle provision, the law is now the Move Over, Slow Down law. As of 2010, drivers in California will also pay more for both new and renewed driver’s licenses; the cost goes from $28 to $31. Come May, vehicle license fees will also increase nearly double, to 1.15 percent of the assessed value of the vehicle. Another new law on the road allows for cyclists to ride a bicycle without a seat, if indeed the manufacturer design was intended as such. For specifics on other highway rules that do not apply to our area or will be implemented later in the year, visit the California Legislature’s website at LegInfo.ca.gov.
As of January 1, 2009, California drivers were prohibited from writing, sending or reading texts and emails while driving, a law intended to reduce driver distractions, along with the hands-free cell phone law enacted in July 2008. As these are both considered primary offenses, law enforcement officers can pull over any driver if they are seen holding a cell phone or other personal digital assistant while driving.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Pilot Program
Effective July 1, 2010• A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) pilot program will be implemented that
requires a first time or multiple DUI offender to install an Ignition Interlock
Device (IID) in certain areas.
• Reduces the mandatory suspension period for a repeat DUI offender who
opts for an IID restricted driver license by enrolling in or partially completing
a DUI treatment program and installing an IID. These individuals must
meet all other reinstatement requirements.
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