Specifically, the new laws for drivers in California include the following (taken from http://www.sacbee.com/2013/01/01/5085605/new-california-laws.html):
TRANSPORTATION
Red-light cameras
SB 1303 tightens restrictions on the use of red-light traffic cameras but bolsters their legal underpinnings by stating that evidence from them is not hearsay. (Former Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto)
Hands-free texting
AB 1536 allows drivers to dictate, send or listen to text messages with a hands-free device. (Former Assemblyman Jeff Miller, R-Corona)
Motorcycle checkpoints
AB 1047 prohibits local governments from conducting motorcycle-only checkpoints. (Former Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Lake Elsinore)
Driverless vehicles
SB 1298 permits testing autonomous vehicles – cars that drive themselves – on public roads subject to safety certification and the presence of a human in case of an emergency. (Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Los Angeles)
Carpool lane exceptions
AB 2405 exempts certain hybrid and other clean-fuel vehicles from paying a toll to use HOT carpool lanes accepting single-occupant vehicles. (Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, D-Woodland Hills)
Hopefully the new laws will help prevent motor vehicle accidents and improve the safety of drivers on our roads. Especially the hands-free texting law, AB 1536. While it is best to leave the mobile phone in the backseat or trunk to prevent the distraction altogether, allowing vocal dictation will hopefully prevent people from using their fingers to text. Again, it is safest to not text and drive.
