New Road Safety Laws for 2021 in California

December 28, 2020

CHP Highlights New Road Safety Laws for 2021

According to recent news from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), four new road safety laws will go into effect in the New Year.

Assembly Bill 47, Daly. Driver records: points: distracted driving.

Existing law under AB 47 prohibits using a cell phone in a handheld manner while driving. Beginning July 1, 2021, the CHP notes that a point will be added to a driver's record if they violate the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense. 

Assembly Bill 2717, Chau. Motor vehicles: unattended children: liability.

Existing law under AB 2717 makes it an infraction to leave a child who is 6 years of age or younger inside a motor vehicle without being subject to supervision of a person who is 12 years of age or older. Beginning January 1, 2021, according to the CHP the law now exempts a person from civil or criminal liability for trespassing or damaging a vehicle when rescuing a child who is 6 years old or younger and who is in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or other dangerous circumstances.  

Assembly Bill 2285, Committee on Transportation.

Existing law under AB 2285 refers to the "Move Over, Slow Down" Law and the requirement for drivers on freeways to slow down to a reasonable speed, and move to another lane if possible when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying emergency lights, including tow trucks and Caltrans vehicles. Beginning January 1, 2021, the CHP notes that the provisions of the law will also apply to local streets and roads, not just freeways.

Senate Bill 909, Dodd. Emergency vehicles.

Existing law under SB 909 prohibits any vehicle, other than an authorized emergency vehicle, from being equipped with a siren. This bill would authorize an emergency vehicle to be equipped with a “Hi-Lo” audible warning sound and would authorize the “Hi-Lo” to be used solely for the purpose of notifying the public of an immediate need to evacuate. This law went into effect on September 29, 2020.