California Driver Handbook - New Laws
Effective January 1, 2012
New Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Sanctions
California Vehicle Code §23597 authorizes the court to impose a 10-year revocation to drivers convicted of a third or subsequent Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense within 10 years. After serving 5 years of the 10-year revocation, the driver can apply for early reinstatement, if specified eligibility requirements are met. These include the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for a period of 2 years on any and all vehicles owned and/or operated.
Military Extension for Spouses
Spouses of active duty military personnel living outside of California qualify for driver license extensions.
Child Restraint Systems
The age limit for children who must be restrained in a child safety seat when riding in a motor vehicle has been raised. This new law prohibits a parent, legal guardian, or driver from transporting any child under eight years old in a motor vehicle without securing the child in an appropriate child passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. A child under eight years of age who is 4 feet 9 inches in height or taller may be properly restrained by a safety belt rather than a child passenger restraint system. The new bill imposes fines and penalties for these violations.
