6 New CA Laws Impacting Traffic Safety That Were Passed In 2019

Hundreds of new laws are passed every year in California, some of them more impactful to everyday life than others. The California Highway Patrol this week shared five of the bills that were signed into law in 2019 by Gov. Gavin Newsom that will affect roadway safety in the Golden State.

The bills have to do with things like increased distracted driving penalties, how police officers use deadly force, bicycle laws at intersections, wildlife salvage permits, and motor carrier permit rules

The following briefs were provided by the CHP and, except where noted, each new law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Approved by the governor on Aug. 19:
Peace officer use of deadly force (AB 392, Weber): Beginning January 1, 2020, this new law revises the standards for use of deadly force by peace officers. The use of deadly force by a peace officer is justifiable when the officer reasonably believes it is necessary. Section 835a of the Penal Code amends the reasonable force standard to “objectively reasonable force.”

Approved by the governor on Sept. 4:
Traffic control devices: bicycles (AB 1266, Rivas): This new law allows bicycles to travel straight through a right or left-hand turn-only lane while at an intersection, if an official traffic control device indicates the movement is permitted. The Department of Transportation would be required to develop standards to implement the provisions.

Approved by the governor on Sept. 12:
Law enforcement: use of deadly force: training: policies (SB 230, Caballero): With the enactment of AB 392 (seen above), this new law requires law enforcement agencies to rewrite use of force policy and provide mandatory training to all peace officers in order to comply with the new law.

Approved by the governor on Oct. 8.:

License points for distracted driving (AB 47, Daly): Current law prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone in a handheld manner; if found in violation, the offense is punishable by a fine. However, beginning July 1, 2021, this new law will levy an additional penalty on a driver found in violation of California’s hands-free law: a point will be added on to a driver’s record for each hands-free violation occurring within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense.

Approved by the governor on Oct. 8:
Transportation: omnibus bill (AB 1810, Committee on Transportation): Amends
Section 34621 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) allowing motor carriers of property to continue operating for 30 days past their permit expiration date, under specified circumstances. This legislation also provided for an amendment to Section 23229 CVC. California law will now prohibit the consumption of cannabis, in any manner, by passengers in a bus, taxicab, pedicab, limousine, housecars, or camper. This exemption is now only applicable to alcoholic beverages consumed by passengers in these types of vehicles.

Approved by the governor on Oct. 13:
Wildlife salvage permits (SB 395, Archuleta): Directs the Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct a wildlife-collision data collection pilot program to support wildlife conservation efforts. Additionally, this bill would authorize the Fish and Game Commission, in consultation with the CHP and other stakeholders, to establish a wildlife salvage pilot program authorizing the issuance of a permit for the removal and recovery of deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and wild pigs killed because of a collision with a vehicle, if the wild game meat is used for human consumption.

SEE ALSO: 11 New CA Laws That May Impact Your Life In 2020