DUI offenders of the following options:

• A driver can obtain a restricted driver license that allows driving after serving a 90-day suspension period for a second conviction of misdemeanor DUI if the violation only involves alcohol. 
• A driver can obtain a restricted driver license that allows driving after serving a six month suspension period for a third conviction of misdemeanor DUI if the violation only involves alcohol. 
• The offender must enroll in a DUI program. 
• The offender must install and maintain an IID in their vehicle. 

MOVE OVER, SLOW DOWN (SB 159, Simitian)

This new law removes the January 1, 2010, sunset date on California Vehicle Code Sections 21809 and 25253.

Currently, California Vehicle Code Section 21809 requires that a person driving a vehicle on a freeway and approaching in a lane immediately adjacent to a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that displays emergency lights, or a stationary tow truck that displays flashing amber warning lights, to safely make a lane change from that lane, or slow to a reasonable and prudent speed. 

Currently, California Vehicle Code Section 25253 requires tow trucks to be equipped with flashing amber warning lamps and authorizes tow trucks to display flashing amber warning lamps while providing service to a disabled vehicle. This section also prohibits tow trucks from displaying flashing amber warning lamps on a freeway except when an unusual traffic hazard or extreme hazard exists. 

TELEVISION BROADCAST OR VIDEO SIGNAL (AB 62, Portantino)

This new law allows a person to drive a motor vehicle with a television receiver, video monitor, television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal if the equipment is designed, operated and configured in a manner that prevents the driver of the motor vehicle from viewing the television broadcast or video signal while operating the vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner. 

CRIMES AGAINST HIGHWAY WORKERS – ASSAULT & BATTERY (AB 561, Carter)

This new law amends California Penal Code Sections 241.5 and 243.65 by expanding the definition of a highway worker to include employees of a city or county who perform specified activities related to local streets and roads. 

This new law also includes in the definition of a highway worker, employees of a contractor while working under contract with the Caltrans, contractors and employees of contractors while working under contract with a city or county and volunteers. 

PERSONAL LIABILITY IMMUNITY (AB 83, Feuer)

This became a law August 6, 2009 and provides that a Good Samaritan (general public, off-duty medical or off-duty law enforcement personnel) who renders medical or non- medical care at the scene of an emergency would not be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission. 

CHARTER PARTY CARRIERS (AB 636, Jones)

This new law requires the Public Utilities Commission (Commission) to permanently revoke a charter party carrier’s (CPC) authority to operate or permanently bar it from receiving a permit or certificate for specified violations. 

TOLL EVASION VIOLATIONS (AB 628, Block)

This new law would allow toll authorities to implement a pay-by-plate system. Toll authorities would use the existing camera systems to capture an image of the license plate of vehicles crossing the toll and then send a bill to the registered owner of the vehicle.

BICYCLES (SB 527, Kehoe)

This new law allows a person to ride a bicycle without a seat if the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.