More new driving laws to know

Several new California driving regulations will likely effect the way motorists travel in 2009. Drivers are expected to know about these changes before hitting the road this new year.

“You don’t want flashing lights in your rearview mirror to be your first clue that the rules have changed,” said Matt Skryja, AAA Northern California spokesman.

Clean air stickers

In response to news that clean air stickers were being copied and sold on eBay, Senator Alan Lowenthal, D — Long Beach, authored SB 1720. It prohibits the counterfeiting of “clean air stickers” issued by the DMV. The stickers authorize clean vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle lanes during peak hours without the required number of passengers.

Windshield GPS placement

SB 1576, authored by Senator Jenny Oropeza, D — Long Beach, authorizes the mounting of a GPS device on the windshield of a car, if done so within seven-inch square on the lower passenger side of the windshield or within a five-inch square on the lower driver side of the windshield.

Greenhouse gas reduction

SB 375 requires regional transportation plans to contain a Sustainable Communities Strategy designed to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions by cars and lightweight trucks. The Air Resources Board must provide each region with emissions target goals. Senator Darrell Stienberg (D- Sacramento) authored the bill.

Traffic Fees and Penalties Increased

Under SB 1407, written by Senator Don Perata, D — Oakland, the penalty for moving violations increases by $35, traffic violator school attendance fees by $25, fix-it-ticket fees by $15 and parking fees by $3.

Used vehicle tickets

AB 2401, authored by Assemblywoman Betty Karnette, D — Long Beach, and sponsored by the Auto Club of Southern California, protects the purchaser of a used vehicle from having to pay the parking tickets of the previous owner.