Here are some of the new laws that will affect the way people drive in California:
Child safety seats (AB 53, Garcia) Although this law was passed during the 2015 legislative session, it takes effect January 1, 2017. Children under two years of age must ride rear facing in an appropriate child safety seat. Children weighing 40 or more pounds, or standing 40 or more inches tall, are exempt. California law continues to require that all children under the age of eight be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat in the back seat of a vehicle.
Vehicles: Use of Wireless Electronic Devices (AB 1785, Quirk) Motorists are no longer permitted to hold a wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device while driving a motor vehicle. Rather than holding the device, it must be mounted in the 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver or in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver. Another option is to affix the device to the dashboard in a place that does not obstruct the driver’s clear view of the road and does not interfere with the deployment of an airbag.
The law does allow a driver to operate one of these devices with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the finger, but not while holding it.
San Ramon Police 