At the end of 2015, five new traffic laws were announced that would take effect from New Year’s Day. Being already in the year 2016, it is important that you know what they are, and this is the purpose of this article: to educate you about these new laws. With nothing more to add, let’s get started.
Hit-and-Run Crash Warning System
Crashes of this type are a frequent problem in California, with a large number of cases reported in Los Angeles. Fortunately, there is already a law that seeks to stop these accidents and bring those responsible to justice. For this reason, a “yellow alert” notification system has been established to alert about accidents of this type that result in injury or death. This system is very similar to the one used to alert of child abduction.
Drunk Drivers
A new law has gone into effect this year 2016. This law provides a one-year extension, until July 1, 2017, to the IID (breathalyzer) pilot project. While this law already existed in some counties such as Alameda and Los Angeles. This project seeks that people convicted of driving in an ethyl state, are forced to install a breathalyzer device inside their vehicle. The period for which the person will have to carry this device inside his car depends on the recidivism. If it is the first offense, then it should only be carried for 5 months. For the second offense the period is extended to 12 months, 24 months for the third offense and for the fourth offense onwards it is required to carry the breathalyzer for 24 months.
Roads
There is a frequent problem with cyclists and vehicles traveling slowly. That is why it has been pertinent to create a law so that this group of vehicles traveling at low speed have to stop on the side of the road, in order for traffic to flow freely. This law applies to all types of vehicles, including cyclists who are preventing the free transit of five or more vehicles.
Electric or Motorized Skateboards
For this 2016 has also created a law that directly affects users of popular electric skateboards. If you are one of them, then you have to know that you cannot go at speeds greater than 15 miles per hour. In the case of roads, the limit is extended up to 35 miles per hour. This law not only applies to electric skateboards, but to any similar device. Another point cited by this law is that all users must be no less than 16 years old and wear a helmet in any instance.
Hearing Aids and Headphones
This new law seeks to curb traffic accidents caused by distractions, which often end in serious injury or even death. The law dictates that every driver is prohibited from wearing headphones or headphones that enter, cover, or are over both ears while driving. This law applies to both car and motorcycle drivers and any other motor vehicle, such as electric skateboards. It is also worth mentioning that bicycle users are also affected by this law.
Conclusion
These are the five new traffic laws that have come into force in California this year 2016, with them seek to reduce the number of traffic accidents and provide greater safety and comfort to the population of California. If you have suffered a traffic accident in which you have been the victim, do not hesitate to call us at 866-365-2907 to provide immediate attention and start working on your case as soon as possible.