2009 California Cell Phone Laws

-As of January 1, 2009, a new cell phone law will ban California drivers from sending, receiving or reading text messages while driving. This ban includes all text-based communication, including instant messaging and email. Cell phone use while driving is already banned in California unless the driver uses a hands-free headset.

-According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), text messaging violations are as follows: a $20 fine for the first offense, $50 for each subsequent offense.

-Emergency personnel who use mobile phones during the line of duty are exempt from this law.

2009 California DUI Laws

-A change in drunk driving law authorizes law enforcement officials to impound the vehicle of a driver with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01 or greater if he/she is on probation for DUI.

2009 California Registration Fees

-The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Fee mandates that vehicle owners who register their cars in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, or Tulare counties (plus some areas of Kern County) will be charged a $6 air quality fee.

2009 California Clean Air Stickers

-A new law will make it a crime to forge or falsify a Clean Air Sticker. These stickers are issued by the DMV to hybrids and other low emission vehicles, allowing them to be driven in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane.

-New laws prohibit DMV from issuing temporary operating permits beyond 60 days to vehicles that fail smog emissions testing.

2009 California Unlicensed Car Dealer Legislation

-A new law allows law enforcement officials to impound vehicles sold by unlicensed car dealers.

2009 New California License Plates

-On January 1, 2009, a "Gold Star Family" special interest license plate will be available to families of individuals killed in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

2009 California In-Car Smoking Laws

-In California, new driving laws will prohibit smoking a pipe, cigar or cigarette in a car while it is occupied by a minor.

2009 California 3-Wheel Vehicles Law

-Drivers of fully-enclosed 3-wheel vehicles can now occupy HOV lanes on the highway.