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03/11/2024

Everything You Need To Know About California’s New Transportation Laws in 2024

- The Pollard Firm, APC

Traffic laws and regulations are constantly evolving, and it is crucial that drivers keep up with these changes to remain compliant and avoid car accidents. Below you will find a comprehensive guide from the Pollard Law Firm to help explain everything you need to know regarding the new California transportation laws in 2024. 

California’s New Transportation Laws

California's new transportation laws for 2024 cover a variety of important changes. There are several notable changes that we will discuss. All of these laws go into effect beginning January 1, 2024:

  • Increasing Visibility Around Crosswalks (AB 413)
  • Cyclists Crossing with Bicycle or Pedestrian Signals (AB 1909)
  • Speed Camera Pilot Program (AB 645)
  • Increased Attention to Catalytic Converter Theft (SB 55)
  • Increased Accountability at Traffic Stops (AB 2773)
  • Driver’s Licenses Can No Longer Be Impounded (AB 1125)
  • Traffic School Non-Attendance Policies (AB 466)

Increasing Visibility Around Crosswalks (AB 413) 

This new law prohibits a person from parking a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle-approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of  any crosswalk where a curb extension is present and permits  local governments to allow parking for bicycles or motorized scooters within 20 feet of a crosswalk.

This has been implemented to avoid pedestrian accidents caused by lack of visibility. Thousands of people are injured or killed every year because they were struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk. 

Cyclists Crossing with Bicycle or Pedestrian Signals (AB 1909) 

If a traffic signal includes bicycle symbols as well as traffic symbols for vehicles and pedestrians the bicyclist must always follow the bicycle traffic signal. If no bicycle traffic signal is present then the bicyclist may cross when the pedestrian walk signal is lit even if the vehicle traffic signal is red.

Speed Camera Pilot Program (AB 645)

This is a five-year pilot program that gives local transportation authorities in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach and San Francisco the authority to install a limited number of speed cameras on local streets where there are safety concerns. The cameras will be used to take pictures of a vehicle’s license plate while going over the speed limit and deliver a notice of violation to the registered owner through the mail which could result in fines or other punishments such as jail time in order to help maintain safe driving conditions. 

Catalytic Converter Theft (SB 55)

In response to the rise in catalytic converter thefts, California has implemented stricter regulations and penalties to combat this issue. The new laws aim to deter thieves and protect vehicle owners. One of the key changes is requiring businesses that purchase used catalytic converters to maintain proper records, including the seller's identification and a signed statement of ownership. 

Additionally, there are increased penalties for those involved in catalytic converter theft, including fines and potential jail time. It also requires car manufacturers to permanently mark a vehicle's catalytic converter with a vehicle identification number (VIN) before it’s sold, with some exceptions. These measures are designed to address the growing problem of catalytic converter thefts and ensure the safety and security of vehicle owners in California. 

Accountability at Traffic Stops (AB 2773)

This law requires law enforcement officers to collect specific data during traffic stops, such as the perceived race or ethnicity of the driver, the reason for the stop, and the outcome of the stop. The goal is to promote transparency and address any potential issues of racial profiling or bias during traffic stops. By collecting this data, it allows for better analysis and evaluation of law enforcement practices. It's an important step towards ensuring fairness and accountability in traffic stops. 

Driver’s License No Longer Being Impounded (AB 1125) 

This law is repealing a previous law in order to help low income individuals who may not be able to pay an already agreed upon fine or bail in order to maintain a job or to access essential services such as healthcare, groceries, etc. 

Traffic School Non-Attendance Policies (AB 466)

This law removes previous provisions that made the failure to attend traffic school a misdemeanor and would allow traffic points to be accessed as necessary instead of punishing low income individuals by giving more fines or criminal penalties for situations that have no known impact on road safety. 

Legal Representation That’s On Your Side

The Pollard Firm is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the new California Traffic Laws! Our dedicated legal team has represented dozens of cases just like yours and we are ready to do battle for you, too.

Contact us today for your free consultation!

Traffic laws and regulations are constantly evolving, and it is crucial that drivers keep up with these changes to remain compliant and avoid car accidents. Below you will find a comprehensive guide from the Pollard Law Firm to help explain everything you need to know regarding the new California transportation laws in 2024. 

California’s New Transportation Laws

California's new transportation laws for 2024 cover a variety of important changes. There are several notable changes that we will discuss. All of these laws go into effect beginning January 1, 2024:

  • Increasing Visibility Around Crosswalks (AB 413)
  • Cyclists Crossing with Bicycle or Pedestrian Signals (AB 1909)
  • Speed Camera Pilot Program (AB 645)
  • Increased Attention to Catalytic Converter Theft (SB 55)
  • Increased Accountability at Traffic Stops (AB 2773)
  • Driver’s Licenses Can No Longer Be Impounded (AB 1125)
  • Traffic School Non-Attendance Policies (AB 466)

Increasing Visibility Around Crosswalks (AB 413) 

This new law prohibits a person from parking a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle-approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of  any crosswalk where a curb extension is present and permits  local governments to allow parking for bicycles or motorized scooters within 20 feet of a crosswalk.

This has been implemented to avoid pedestrian accidents caused by lack of visibility. Thousands of people are injured or killed every year because they were struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk. 

Cyclists Crossing with Bicycle or Pedestrian Signals (AB 1909) 

If a traffic signal includes bicycle symbols as well as traffic symbols for vehicles and pedestrians the bicyclist must always follow the bicycle traffic signal. If no bicycle traffic signal is present then the bicyclist may cross when the pedestrian walk signal is lit even if the vehicle traffic signal is red.

Speed Camera Pilot Program (AB 645)

This is a five-year pilot program that gives local transportation authorities in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach and San Francisco the authority to install a limited number of speed cameras on local streets where there are safety concerns. The cameras will be used to take pictures of a vehicle’s license plate while going over the speed limit and deliver a notice of violation to the registered owner through the mail which could result in fines or other punishments such as jail time in order to help maintain safe driving conditions. 

Catalytic Converter Theft (SB 55)

In response to the rise in catalytic converter thefts, California has implemented stricter regulations and penalties to combat this issue. The new laws aim to deter thieves and protect vehicle owners. One of the key changes is requiring businesses that purchase used catalytic converters to maintain proper records, including the seller's identification and a signed statement of ownership. 

Additionally, there are increased penalties for those involved in catalytic converter theft, including fines and potential jail time. It also requires car manufacturers to permanently mark a vehicle's catalytic converter with a vehicle identification number (VIN) before it’s sold, with some exceptions. These measures are designed to address the growing problem of catalytic converter thefts and ensure the safety and security of vehicle owners in California. 

Accountability at Traffic Stops (AB 2773)

This law requires law enforcement officers to collect specific data during traffic stops, such as the perceived race or ethnicity of the driver, the reason for the stop, and the outcome of the stop. The goal is to promote transparency and address any potential issues of racial profiling or bias during traffic stops. By collecting this data, it allows for better analysis and evaluation of law enforcement practices. It's an important step towards ensuring fairness and accountability in traffic stops. 

Driver’s License No Longer Being Impounded (AB 1125) 

This law is repealing a previous law in order to help low income individuals who may not be able to pay an already agreed upon fine or bail in order to maintain a job or to access essential services such as healthcare, groceries, etc. 

Traffic School Non-Attendance Policies (AB 466)

This law removes previous provisions that made the failure to attend traffic school a misdemeanor and would allow traffic points to be accessed as necessary instead of punishing low income individuals by giving more fines or criminal penalties for situations that have no known impact on road safety. 

Legal Representation That’s On Your Side

The Pollard Firm is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the new California Traffic Laws! Our dedicated legal team has represented dozens of cases just like yours and we are ready to do battle for you, too.

Contact us today for your free consultation!

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