Colin Atagi, Palm Springs Desert Sun
California traditionally has new traffic laws at the turn of each calendar year and this week will be no different.
A handful of traffic laws will go into effect Wednesday for California motorists and they apply to both road behavior and behind-the-scenes policies. It's actually possible only a minority of you will even need to worry about every single law that's listed here.
Courtesy of the California Highway Patrol and Automobile Club of Southern California, here's the list of laws you will all need to follow beginning Jan. 1 (unless noted).
Distracted driving: Driving while using phones in a handheld manner is already illegal. Beginning July 1, 2021, a point will be added to a driver's record for each similar violation that occurs within 36 months of a previous conviction.
Bike laws: Bicyclists will be allowed to travel straight through a right- or left-turn-only lane at an intersection if a traffic signal indicates it's allowed. The California Department of Transportation will develop appropriate lane striping, signage and pavement markings.
Cannabis consumption: Passengers cannot consume cannabis while riding buses, taxis, pedicabs, limousines, housecars or campers.
DMV appointments: Drivers will not be allowed to sell or offer to sell their DMV appointments, which are free and not meant for profiteering.
Roadkill: The California Fish and Game Commission will develop a wildlife salvage pilot program authorizing permits for removing and recovering deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and wild pigs for human consumption following a traffic collision.
Foreign Service driver’s licenses: Licenses of those enlisted in the United States Foreign Service (and their spouses) are valid the entire time they're out of the state and for 30 additional days from when they honorably separate from service or return to California.
Suspensions: Unless authorized by law, courts and DMVs cannot suspend or delay someone's driving privilege if they're convicted of a crime that doesn't involve a Vehicle Code violation, unless the offense involved the use, or attempted use, of a vehicle.
Used tires: Automotive repair dealers need to visually inspect used tires to determine if they meet criteria of unsafe tires. If the tire is deemed unsafe, the dealer may not install it on a vehicle. The bill does not apply to tire repairs, rotation, balancing, or a tire mounted on a wheel that is temporarily removed from a vehicle and reinstalled on the same vehicle.
Domestic air travel: Beginning Oct. 1, a standard California identification won't get you on a domestic flight. You'll need a passport, military or other federally approved ID, or a California Real ID-compliant driver’s license. Motorists must visit a DMV office in person to acquire a Real ID and provide several documents proving their identity, citizenship and residency. Travel experts are advising travelers to obtain a passport or Real ID well before Oct. 1 if they plan to fly around that time of year.
With all that said, motorists and pedestrians should continue following existing state traffic laws, particularly the night of Dec. 31 as they ring in the new year.