New California Driving Laws for 2009

As of January 1, 2009, a host of new driving laws went on the books in California, and being aware of these statutes will help you avoid trouble with the law in the New Year. As always, if you have any questions about any California Vehicle Code, feel free to contact an attorney from The Kavinoky Law Firm at 1.877.466.2833 for more information.

Perhaps the most talked-about new law is California’s ban on texting. As of January 1, it’s against the law to type, send, and read electronic messages while behind the wheel. Like California’s law requiring the use of hands-free cell phones while driving, the new text-messaging ban carries a $20 fine for a first offense and a $50 fine for a second offense, but the state’s “penalty assessment” means the fine will be significantly higher.

Even more importantly, violating either of these laws gives police probable cause to pull you over, which can lead to more serious charges. These types of relatively minor violations can result in an arrest for DUI or another serious offense.

Another new law impacts drivers who are on probation for a California DUI conviction. Under the new zero-tolerance law, drivers on probation for a prior DUI conviction who have any measurable amount of alcohol in their systems will have their driver’s licenses suspended.

California has also lowered the threshold for ignition interlock devices, or IIDs, in DUI cases. In the past, California law required that judges give “heightened consideration” to ordering DUI drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .20 percent or greater to use an ignition interlock device. The new law lowers the threshold for an IID, which prevents a car from starting if the driver cannot provide an alcohol-free breath sample, to .15 percent.

Beginning in July 2009, drivers who are caught driving after having their licenses suspended for a prior DUI conviction will also be required to use an ignition interlock device. This new law also transfers authority over the use of ignition interlock devices from the courts to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

New California legislation also requires drivers convicted of DUI or alcohol-related reckless driving – also known as “wet-reckless” – to attend a nine-month alcohol-education program if they’ve been convicted of another DUI or wet-reckless offense within the past decade.

Other changes to the law include new criminal penalties for forging Clean Air stickers, harsher penalties for those who make frivolous 911 calls, and changes to the law that governs where GPS units can be mounted. In the past, mounting the unit on the windshield was against the law. Now drivers can mount the devices in a 7-inch square on the lower passenger side of the windshield or a 5-inch square on the lower corner of the driver’s side.

By keeping yourself informed about California’s ever-evolving vehicle and criminal codes, you can better prepare yourself to stay out of trouble in 2009. And should you ever need us, the experienced California defense lawyers of The Kavinoky Law Firm are here to help. You can contact us at 1.877.466.2833 for answers to all of your questions about California vehicle and criminal codes.

New Laws in 2008

Every year, California adds scores of new laws to the books, and 2008 is no exception. Below is a brief summary of new laws that take effect this year. Unless otherwise noted, each statute took effect on Jan. 1, 2008. If you find yourself on the wrong side of the law this year, please don’t hesitate to contact the skilled defense lawyers of The Kavinoky Law Firm.

One of the most talked-about new laws in California this year is the ban on using hand-held cell phones while driving. This new law, which takes effect July 1, 2008, dictates that drivers can only use hands-free cell phone devices while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who fail to comply face a $20 fine, which will later increase to $50.

Drivers under the age of 18 will be banned from using any cell phone, even hands-free devices, on July 1, 2008. Minors who violate this law will be subject to a $20 fine, which will later increase to $50.

Under California law, drivers who smoke with a minor in the car now face a $100 fine. This law applies to everyone. However, police cannot stop a vehicle merely to check for smoking; they must have another reason to initiate a traffic stop.

California has passed several new laws pertaining to drunk driving and DUI / DWI. Individuals who are on probation for DUI / DWI are now barred from driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01 percent or greater. Police can determine the driver’s BAC with a PAS test, or Preliminary Alcohol Screening test, to which the driver is required to submit under California’s Implied Consent law.

Another new California drunk-driving law pertains to driver’s license applications. Beginning July 1, 2008, everyone who applies for a new driver’s license or renews an old one must acknowledge in writing that DUI / DWI offenses that causes death can result in murder charges.

California authorities are also continuing to crack down on drag-racing and speed contests. Any vehicle used in a speed contest, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving on a highway can now be impounded for 30 days.

Another new law on California’s books makes it less likely that you’ll see jailhouse photos of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, or any other jailed celebrity. Under California law, it is now a misdemeanor for peace officers, government attorneys, or court employees to sell confidential information, photos, or videos from inside secure facilities such as jails. Anyone convicted of selling or soliciting such material faces a $1,000 fine plus forfeiture.

California law now prohibits the unauthorized possession of a cell phone, pager or wireless internet device in jail. Failure to comply is a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine. Possession of tobacco by inmates is now a $250 infraction.

A series of amendments went into effect Jan. 1, 2008 that change existing law. For example, California recently amended the law to add parking enforcement officers to the list of assault victims whose assailants can receive enhanced penalties.

Another amended law requires courts hearing domestic violence cases to consider issuing a 10-year restraining order against defendants sentenced to prison, jail or probation for DV offenses. Another amended section of the California Penal Code increases the notification time of victims and family members in domestic violence and child-abuse cases from 45 to 60 days.

Another new law requires pet owners to inform the victim of a dog bite within 48 hours of the owner’s name, address, telephone number, the dog’s name, license number and vaccination status. Anyone who fails to comply is guilty of an infraction and must pay a $100 fine.

California criminal law is extremely complex, and as you can see, more laws are added every year. If you’re facing California criminal charges, you need an expert defense lawyer at your side who will fight aggressively for your rights. The experienced attorneys of The Kavinoky Law Firm are ready to defend you on any California criminal charge. To learn more about effective defenses to California criminal charges, including DUI / DWI, domestic violence, drug charges, white-collar crime, or any other offense, contact us today for a free consultation.

The list of weapons that are not allowed to be possessed, manufactured, imported or sold in California are numerous, and are all mentioned in the Penal Code. The list is as follows: “Any cane gun or wallet gun, any undetectable firearm, any firearm which is not immediately recognizable as a firearm, any camouflaging firearm container, any ammunition which contains or consists of any flechette dart, any bullet containing or carrying an explosive agent, any ballistic knife, any multiburst trigger activator, any nunchaku, any short-barreled shotgun, any short-barreled rifle, any metal knuckles, any belt buckle knife, any leaded cane, any zip gun, any shuriken, any unconventional pistol, any lipstick case knife, any cane sword, any shobi-zue, any air gauge knife, any writing pen knife, any metal military practice hand grenade or metal replica hand grenade, or any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slungshot, billy, sandclub, sap, or sandbag.”

There are some exceptions to these rules. For example, short-barrel shotguns may be manufactured for use by a police agency. Nunchaku can be possessed at a licensed school for self-defense. There is also allowance for the possession of antique weapons. The law has common sense protections, and a qualified attorney, who is knowledgeable in the field of criminal defense, can help classify the exceptions for a client being charged with possession of firearms.

When a person has been previously convicted of murder or voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, sodomy by force, oral copulation by force, lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, kidnapping, robbery, or almost any other felony, that person is guilty of a felony and has this on his or her record. Furthermore, if a person has a previous conviction and is found in possession of a firearm, they will be facing an automatic six months in county jail as a condition of probation or of a suspended sentence.

A person who has been convicted of domestic violence, or who has a restraining order against him or her, may not possess any firearms. If a person does own firearms, they must be sold or turned in to the authorities for a predetermined period of years. It is important for an individual who is accused of domestic violence or who is the potential subject of a restraining order, to seek competent legal counsel to defend against such actions and avoid the frustrations of being subject to extra restrictions.

In Los Angeles, one often hears of individuals discharging firearms from their vehicles. The legislature has reacted to the fear that these violent acts instilled in people, and subsequently added additional stiff penalties for those who discharge a weapon from a vehicle in the state of California. Any person who has the intent to inflict great bodily injury or death, and any person who does inflict great bodily injury or death by firing a weapon from a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony or attempted felony, shall be punished by an additional and consecutive term of imprisonment in state prison for 5, 6, or 10 years.

If you or someone you know has been arrested on charges related to firearms crimes, do not hesitate in seeking a free consultation and case evaluation from the experienced attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm.

California Vehicle Code VC 13350 – Required Revocation

13350. (a) The department immediately shall revoke the privilege of any person to drive a motor vehicle upon receipt of a duly certified abstract of the record of any court showing that the person has been convicted of any of the following crimes or offenses:

1. Failure of the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person to stop or otherwise comply with Section 20001.
2. Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used, except as provided in Section 13351, 13352, or 13357.
3. Reckless driving causing bodily injury.

(b) If a person is convicted of a violation of Section 23152 punishable under Section 23546, 23550, or 23550.5, or a violation of Section 23153 punishable under Section 23550.5 or 23566, including a violation of paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 192 of the Penal Code as provided in Section 193.7 of that code, the court shall, at the time of surrender of the driver’s license or temporary permit, require the defendant to sign an affidavit in a form provided by the department acknowledging his or her understanding of the revocation required by paragraph (5), (6), or (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352, and an acknowledgment of his or her designation as a habitual traffic offender. A copy of this affidavit shall be transmitted, with the license or temporary permit, to the department within the prescribed 10 days.

(c) The department shall not reinstate the privilege revoked under subdivision (a) until the expiration of one year after the date of revocation and until the person whose privilege was revoked gives proof of financial responsibility as defined in Section 16430.

Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 901, Stats. 1997. Effective January 1, 1998.
Amended Sec. 1.35, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.
Amended Sec. 9, Ch. 22, Stats. 1999. Effective May 26, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.
Amended Sec. 7, Ch. 545, Stats. 2002. Effective January 1, 2003.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
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California Vehicle Code VC 13353.4 – Prohibitions: Restoration or Restricted Driving Privilege

13353.4. (a) Except as provided in Section 13353.7 or 13353.8, the driving privilege shall not be restored, and a restricted or hardship permit to operate a motor vehicle shall not be issued, to a person during the suspension or revocation period specified in Section 13353, 13353.1, or 13353.3.

(b) The privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall not be restored after a suspension or revocation pursuant to Section 13352, 13353, 13353.1, or 13353.2 until all applicable fees, including the fees prescribed in Section 14905, have been paid and the person gives proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430, to the department.

(c) This section shall become operative on September 20, 2005.

Amended Sec. 12, Ch. 545, Stats. 2002. Effective January 1, 2003.
Amended Sec. 8, Ch. 952, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative September 20, 2005.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
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California Vehicle Code VC 13365.2 – Driving Privilege Suspension: Failure to Appear

13365.2. (a) Upon receipt of the notice required under subdivision (c) of Section 40509.5, the department shall suspend the driving privilege of the person upon whom notice was received and shall continue that suspension until receipt of the certificate required under that subdivision.

(b) The suspension required under subdivision (a) shall become effective on the 45th day after the mailing of written notice by the department.

Added Sec. 4, Ch. 224, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997.

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California Vehicle Code VC 21201 – Equipment Requirements

21201. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

(b) No person shall operate on the highway any bicycle equipped with handlebars so raised that the operator must elevate his hands above the level of his shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area.

(c) No person shall operate upon any highway a bicycle which is of such a size as to prevent the operator from safely stopping the bicycle, supporting it in an upright position with at least one foot on the ground, and restarting it in a safe manner.

(d) Every bicycle operated upon any highway during darkness shall be equipped (1) with a lamp emitting a white light which, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the highway in front of the bicyclist and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle; (2) with a red reflector on the rear which shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle; (3) with a white or yellow reflector on each pedal visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet; and (4) with a white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and with a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles which are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors. Such reflectors and reflectorized tires shall be of a type meeting requirements established by the department.

(e) A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle, may be used in lieu of the lamp required by clause (1) of subdivision (d).

Amended Ch. 723, Stats. 1979. Effective January 1, 1980.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
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California Vehicle Code VC 23601 – Probation: Payment of Money

23601. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), an order to pay any fine, restitution, or assessment, imposed as a condition of the grant of probation or as part of a judgment of conditional sentence for a violation of Section 23152 or 23153, may be enforced in the same manner provided for the enforcement of money judgments.

(b) A willful failure to pay any fine, restitution, or assessment during the term of probation is a violation of the terms and conditions of probation.

(c) If an order to pay a fine as a condition of probation is stayed, a writ of execution shall not be issued, and any failure to pay the fine is not willful, until the stay is removed.

Added Sec. 84, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
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California Vehicle Code VC 23620 – Vehicular Manslaughter: Separate Offense

23620. (a) For the purposes of this division, Section 13352, and Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 23100) of Division 11, a separate offense that resulted in a conviction of a violation of subdivision (f) of Section 655 of the Harbors and Navigation Code or of Section 191.5 of, or paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 192 of, the Penal Code is a separate offense of a violation of Section 23153.

(b) For the purposes of this division and Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 23100) of Division 11, and Section 13352, a separate offense that resulted in a conviction of a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), or (e) of Section 655 of the Harbors and Navigation Code is a separate violation of Section 23152.

Added Sec. 84, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.
Amended Sec. 43, Ch. 724, Stats. 1999. Effective January 1, 2000.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
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California Vehicle Code VC 23530 – General Provisions

23530. This chapter applies to the imposition of penalties, sanctions, and probation upon persons convicted of violating driving while under the influence offenses that are set forth in Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 23100) of Division 11.

Added Sec. 84, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
www.NoCuffs.com is not liable for any misinformation that users obtain from using this site.