New Safety Laws for 2007

Beginning January 1, 2007, new safety laws come into effect. Many of the new laws call for greater regulation and greater penalties for many traffic safety concerns. Listed below are some of the new laws:

1) Driving with passengers in the trunk of the car ("Trunking") is now illegal. Both the driver and the “trunkee” will receive fines and the driver will also receive one point on his/her driving record.

2) AB 2190 makes reckless driving and street racing that results in great bodily injury a felony offense for first-time violators. Previously, only those with a prior conviction for this offense could be charged with a felony.

3) Increased penalties for underage drinking and driving. The new law makes it a criminal offense instead of a civil penalty for drivers under 21 with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or more.

4) The enactment of Mature Drivers Courses. These courses are designed for older drivers to keep them driving safer for longer through educating them on the new laws, changing technology, and using proper driving techniques.

5) Homeowners planning on putting in a new pool or remodeling one will be required to install one of seven approved drowning prevention features, such as a pool cover, to cut down on the incidence of accidental toddler drownings. (KSEE-TV, Jan 2007)

To read more traffic safety laws for 2007 from AAA, click here.

To read about more changes in traffic laws including vehicle registration, DMV records, etc. from the DMV, Click here