January 1, 2004


2004 brings new traffic safety laws to California

More than 900 new regulations are about to become the law in California. Some are aimed at car owners, so AAA of Northern California is trying to educate drivers about upcoming changes in regulations for motorists.

“Ignorance of a new law will not get you out of a ticket," says AAA spokesman Sean Comey. “Some of the regulations that are about to take effect will have a direct impact on our lives, and in some cases, our wallets.”
For the past 35 years, AAM has teamed up with the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Motor Vehicles to teach police officers and drivers about imminent changes in state law.

Here are the highlights of some new laws that will take effect (unless otherwise noted) on Jan. 1, 2004:
· Red light camera reform: The new law requires local government to retain control over their red light camera programs and addresses public concern that red light cameras are being manipulated for profit.
· “Black boxes” in vehicles: Establishes a requirement for new motor vehicle manufacturers to disclose in vehicle owner's manuals whether the vehicle is equipped with recording devices and specifies the circumstances under which the information contained in the recorder may be retrieved.
· Seat belt fines: Increases the fine for seat belt violations by allowing penalty assessments and court costs to be added in, A $20 fine last year could be as much as $58 this year.
· Unlawful parking in disabled spaces: Authorizes local governments to assess an additional $100 penalty for the unlawful use of a disabled parking placard, a license plate, or other disabled parking identifier or for the unlawful parking in a space reserved for disabled people.
· DMV fee increases: Several fees and penalties paid to the DMV will increase next year, Revenue derived from these fees is used to support the Highway Patrol, the DMV and the Air Resources Board. Some increases include:
Driver's license: From $15 to $24
Duplicate license: From $12 to $19
Vehicle registration: From $28 to $31
· Video monitors: Current law prohibits a person from watching television while driving. The new law extends this concept to video monitors and screens, It prohibits driving a vehicle that is equipped with a video monitor or screen capable of receiving a video signal, when that monitor or screen is operating and v1sible to the driver or placed forward of the back of the driver's seat.
· Child passenger safety: Requires children under the age of 6 who weigh less than 60 pounds to be secured in a child passenger restraint system in the rear seat of a motor vehicle. This new regulation takes effect in January 2005, but safety experts say following these guidelines before law requires them to will help people prevent injuries and save lives.