New California DMV Laws for 2019
With the start of the new year, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) has announced new laws or changes to the laws for 2019:
Temporary Paper Plates (AB 516)
Authorized California car dealers must now place a paper plate with a number and expiration date on every vehicle they sell, whether new or used. The motive behind this piece of legislation is to improve road safety and reduce the number of toll road offenders.
Gender Identity (SB 179)
When applying for a new license or identity card, people will now have the option to select their own gender. Categories for male, female, or non-binary will be available. If the non-binary option is chosen, the gender category will be notated with an “x.”
Breathalyzer on Engine Start (SB 1046)
Between January 1, 2019 and 2026, repeat DUI offenders or first time DUI offenders who have caused injuries, must install a breathalyzer on the engine ignition for a period of 12 to 48 months. These regulations also apply to DUI infractions involving alcohol consumption or the combined use of alcohol and drugs.
Verification of Polluting Emissions (AB 1274)
The smog exemption for new vehicles that have been purchased will extend from six to eight years. During the two years of exemption, a smog check will not be required, but the vehicle owner will have to pay $25. The $20 charge during the first six years of exemption to verify smog remain unchanged.
Driving Privileges for Minors (AB 2685)
Courts will no longer be able to suspend, restrict, or delay issuing a minor’s driver’s license for one year for truancy or for being under the guardianship of the state. Suspensions or delays reported to the DMV prior to January 1, 2019 will remain in effect.
Motorized Scooters (AB 2989)
Individuals over the age of 18 are no longer required to wear a bicycle helmet when using a motorized scooter. This law also amends existing law that prohibits a person from using a motorized scooter on a highway that has a speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour, unless it is on a special Class IV bikeway as well as Class II.
Unsafe or Unattached Loads on Vehicles (AB 1925)
The DMV must now include at least one question on 20 percent of knowledge tests (written exams) on traffic laws about California’s unsecured load code. This was enacted, in part, to verify that applicants understood that abandoning or dumping any animal is a criminal offense.
Decals for Low Emission Vehicles (AB 544)
The green and white decals for low emission vehicles will be valid until January 1, 2019. The DMV created a new sticker program to allow certain low-polluting vehicles to travel in HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle for a period of four years. Vehicles that received green or white decals between January 1, 2017 and March 1, 2018, will be eligible to request a red decal, which will give them access to the HOV lanes until January 1, 2022. The DMV will also issue light violet color decals in 2019, which will grant access to low emission vehicles to the HOV lanes until January 1, 2023.
Passing Waste Service Vehicles (AB 2115)
In an effort to protect sanitation workers, drivers approaching a waste collection truck with its amber lights flashing must move into an adjacent lane, if possible, and pass at a safe distance. If a driver is unable to change lanes, the driver must slow to a safe and reasonable speed.
