New Traffic Laws in California for 2024
In 2024, California introduced several new traffic laws:
Driver’s License Renewal for Older Drivers: A program allowing drivers aged 70 and older to complete certain driver’s license renewal requirements, like vision and knowledge tests, virtually or remotely. Drivers aged 80 and above must still renew in person.
Speed Camera Pilot Program: This five-year pilot program authorizes local transportation authorities in select cities to install speed cameras on streets with safety concerns. These cameras will capture the license plates of speeding vehicles and send violation notices to the vehicle owners.
Parking Restrictions Near Crosswalks: It's now prohibited to park a vehicle within 20 feet of either side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet where a curb extension is present. This aims to improve visibility at crosswalks and intersections, enhancing road safety.
Catalytic Converter Theft Laws: New measures include requiring vehicle identification numbers on catalytic converters, making it a misdemeanor to possess multiple used catalytic converters, and penalizing the removal or alteration of unique markings on catalytic converters.
Verification Before Towing for Expired Registration: Officers must verify with the DMV for lack of current registration before towing vehicles for expired registration over six months. This law is to prevent unnecessary towing of vehicles that are actually registered.
Driver’s License Impoundment for Non-Payment of Fines: The law repealing the authority of courts to impound a driver's license for failing to make payments for bail or fines is intended to lessen the burden on low-income individuals.
Changes to Traffic School Attendance Penalties: Removing the misdemeanor charge for failing to attend traffic violator school, this law clarifies that such non-attendance is not punishable as a new offense. However, the underlying traffic violation points will still be applied.
