The rules of the road are changing once again and AAA Northern California wants drivers to be aware of several new laws that will affect them in 2016. Some of the new regulations are aimed at clarifying child passenger safety laws, and promoting safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
“As a driver, you want to be aware of the new rules of the road, and AAA hopes to alert people to the latest changes,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “AAA actively works to promote safe and responsible transportation, and we supported many of these new laws.”
New laws for 2016
Child safety seats
Assembly Bill (AB) 53 will require children under age 2 to be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatricians. Previously, only children under age 1 were required to ride rear-facing. Children over 40 pounds or over 40 inches tall will be exempt from the new law because some rear-facing car seats cannot accommodate children exceeding these criteria. Current law generally requires children under age 8 to be secured in an approved child safety seat. The new rear-facing requirement takes effect January 1, 2017.
Reporting traffic crashes
Current law requires any motorist involved in a traffic crash in which an injury occurs or in which there is property damage in excess of $750 to report the incident to the DMV by filing the appropriate SR-1 form. Senate Bill (SB) 491 raises the threshold amount for reporting accidents to $1,000, effective January 1, 2017.
Earbuds
SB 491 clarifies existing law by explicitly prohibiting the wearing of earbuds or headsets covering, resting on, or inserted into both ears when operating a motor vehicle or bicycle. The purpose is to ensure drivers and bicyclists can hear sirens, horns, and other safety alerts while driving. The previous law did not explicitly include earbuds.
Electric skateboards
AB 604 creates a new definition for an electrically motorized board, which generally is a four-wheeled device designed to be stood upon and is not longer than 5 feet and wider than 18 inches. Electric boards may be equipped with an electric propulsion system with less than 1,000 watts (1.34 horsepower) and capable of a maximum speed of 20 mph on a level surface. Electric boards may only be operated by persons age 16 or older, and the user must wear a bike helmet. Boards may be operated up to a speed of 15 mph on sidewalks, paths, trails, and highways with a speed limit of no more than 35 mph, unless the board is operated entirely within a Class 2 (striped bike lane) or Class 4 (physically separated lane) bikeway. Local governments and other agencies can enact regulations restricting use.
Electric bicycles
AB 1096 establishes new categories of electric bicycles and places restrictions on their operation. Electric bicycles will now be placed into one of three categories based on their maximum motor speed and the type of assist the motor provides.
Class 1 e-bike
Pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. A bike helmet is required for operators younger than age 18.
Class 2 e-bike
Throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance whether the rider pedals or not and ceases assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. A bike helmet is required for operators younger than age 18.
Class 3 e-bike
Pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases assistance when the bike reaches 28 mph. Operator must be at least age 16. A bike helmet is required for all operators.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may use bike paths or trails, unless specifically prohibited. Class 3 e-bikes may not use bike paths or trails unless expressly authorized by local governments. E-bikes do not require a driver’s license, registration, or license plates; however, e-bikes must follow the same regulations governing standard bicycles, including traffic laws, biking-under-the-influence laws, and equipment laws.
