Have you heard of 2018’s new traffic laws in California? How will these changes affect you? Let’s take a look! We’re here to keep you safe on the streets!
Car Registration Fee
Starting in January, renewing your registration will now cost a fee, also known as the Transportation Improvement Fee. The fee is based on the vehicle’s market price and can range anywhere from $25 to $175. Take a look below to see how much you’d have to pay for your vehicle!
Car Market Value Range Transportation Improvement Fee
Between $0 and $4,999 $25
Between $5,000 and $24,999 $50
Between $25,000 and $34,999 $100
Between $35,000 and $59,999 $150
$60,000 and higher $175
Marijuana and Traffic Safety
Along with the legalization of recreational marijuana on January 1, 2018, the traffic laws regarding cannabis have also changed. Starting in 2018, regardless of whether you are a driver or a passenger, smoking, consuming, or ingesting marijuana in a moving vehicle is considered illegal. If caught, you could face fines of at least $70 minimum. In addition, it is also illegal to store marijuana in a conspicuous place inside a vehicle, just like how it is with alcohol.
Bus Safety
Seat belts must be worn in buses equipped with seat belts! If you get caught not wearing a seat belt, you could be dealing with a $20 fine. Bus drivers are required to remind all passengers to fasten their seat belts.
Pedestrians and Red Lights
In the past, pedestrians could face a $200 fine if they were seen crossing a crosswalk when there was a red flashing crosswalk signal. However, starting in 2018, as long as the crosswalk is safe and there is no sign of potential harm, then pedestrians will no longer face this fine and can safely cross the street without any fines or worries.
Can You Get Ticketed for Parking at a Broken Meter?
In the past, an officer would not be able to issue a parking ticket for parking next to a broken meter. However, in 2018, restrictions have become tighter. If you park at a broken meter for more than four hours, then the officer has the right to issue a parking ticket.
Tighter Restrictions for Uber and Lyft Drivers
If you or your friends are Uber or Lyft Drivers, listen up! For drivers that get paid to transport people, such as Uber or Lyft, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher is considered illegal, compared with the previous level of 0.08.
As a reminder, please do not drink and drive! A DUI will stay on your record for at least 10 years and not only will it increase your auto insurance premiums, but it will also affect your opportunities in getting a job in the industry. There is a high chance that your future potential employers could find out about your DUI when doing a background check on you!