Each year, like clockwork, the new year brings a flurry of new laws from Sacramento. In a statement released by the California Highway Patrol, CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said, “The new laws are designed to make our roadways a safe place for motorists. Familiarize yourself with these laws and make 2010 a safe year for you and your loved ones.”
From the serious to the silly, here are a few of the new laws from the CHP.
Move Over/Slow Down: This new law 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. It 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.
Television Broadcast or Video Signal: This new law allows a person to 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.
Personal Liability Immunity: In effect since August 6, 2009, this new law provides 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.
Toll Evasion Violations: This new law permits vehicular crossings and toll highways operating in California to use a pay-by-plate toll system where motorists are identified by their vehicle license plate and billed or the toll is deducted from the Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) account. This law also provides that it is evidence of a violation for a person to enter a vehicular crossing or toll highway without at least one of the following: Money in an amount to pay the prescribed tolls, and transponder or other electronic toll payment device associated with a valid AVI account or a valid vehicle license plate properly affixed to the vehicle in accordance with current law.
Bicycles: This new law allows a person to ride a bicycle without a seat if the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.
