New Year, New Laws: CHP Reminds Drivers of 2022 Law Changes

With a new year almost upon us, it looks like the state of California will be implementing some new traffic laws in 2022. To help educate drivers of these new laws, the California Highway Patrol released a press release highlighting these new traffic safety laws passed during this year's legislative season and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

New Traffic Laws For 2022

As stated, all of these new laws were passed in the 2021 legislative season. Unless it is otherwise noted, all of these laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

Sideshow Definition and Penalties (Assembly Bill (AB) 3, Fong)

For this new law, it will strengthen the penalties for anyone convicted of exhibition of speed if the violation occurred as part of a sideshow.

This new law will begin on July 1, 2025 and will allow a court to suspend a person's driver's license between 90 days and six months if they are convicted of exhibition of speed and if that violation occurred as part of a "sideshow." The law defines a sideshow as an event in which two or more people block or impede traffic on a highway for the purpose of performing motor vehicle stunts, speed contests, exhibition of speed or reckless driving for spectators. It is up to the courts to consider a defendant's medical, personal or family hardship that requires them to have a driver's license before suspending it.

Equestrian Safety Gear (AB 974, L. Rivas)

This law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when they are riding an equestrian animal, like a horse, mule or donkey on a paved highway. If they are riding after sundown, the bill also makes riders or their equines to wear reflective gear or a lamp. Exemptions are put in place for any person riding an equestrian animal in a parade or festival or someone crossing a paved highway from an unpaved highway.

Tribal Emergency Vehicles (AB 798, Ramos)

This bill states that any vehicle owned and operated by a federally recognized Indian tribe is considered an authorized emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency, fire, ambulance or lifesaving calls.

Class C Drivers Allowed to Tow Trailer (Senate Bill 287, Grove)

This law will begin on Jan. 1, 2027 and states any driver with a class C driver's license can operate a vehicle towing a trailer between 10,001 pounds and 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or gross vehicle weight with a fifth-wheel and kingpin or bed mounted gooseneck connection, given that the trailer is used exclusively for recreational purposes for the transportation of property, living space or both.

With this, the driver would be required to pass a specialized written exam demonstrating their knowledge of the CVC and other safety aspects relating to the towing of recreational vehicles on the highway and possess an endorsement on their class C driver's license.

This exemption is currently in place for drivers towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer provided the driver passes a specialized written exam and obtains a recreational trailer endorsement.

License Points for Distracted Driving (AB 47, Daly; 2019)

This law actually took effect on July 1, 2021. In California, using a handheld cell phone while driving is currently punishable by a fine. Starting on July 1, 2021, if you violate the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of the prior conviction for the same offense then it will result in a point being added to your driver's record. This applies to the violations of talking or texting while driving (except for hands-free use) and to any use of these devices while driving by a person under 18 years of age.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.