Take a look at the new California driving laws for 2020 and how they affect California drivers in 2020.
1: New license
Starting October 1, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security will require a valid U.S. Passport or another federal compliant form of ID. The latest federal compliant form of ID is the new Real ID driver license. They are available now from the California DMV.
In order to get a new ID, you will need to provide proof of identification, such as a birth certificate or valid passport, as well as one proof of social security number and two proof of California residency, such as bank statements or utility bills.
2: DMV appointments
The new law prohibits anyone from selling or offering an appointment at the DMV.
3: Cellphones on vehicles:
The current regulation prohibits you from having a cellphone in your hand while operating a vehicle. In fact, a 2017 law requires you to have a mount for your phone, for ‘hands-free” driving, which means, you are not driving one-handed.
Starting July 1, 2021, there are additional penalties related to fines for improper cell phone use while driving. You will get a point on your driving record for each hands-free phone violation. This means taking an online traffic school course to clear such a point from your record, which costs both money and time to complete.
4: Validity of a special license.
The new law extends the validity of a California driver license for a person in the United States Foreign Service for the period of their service and up to 30 days following their return to California.
5: Waste vehicles
You are required to make a lane change when passing a stopped “waste service vehicle,” which basically means garbage trucks and street cleaning vehicles.
6: Bicycles
The new law allows bicycles to travel straight through a right or left-hand turn lane if an official traffic control device indicates the movement is permitted.
This will be implemented by the Department of Transportation.
7: Weed consumption on vehicles
House Bill 1820 prohibits passengers from smoking or ingesting cannabis while on a bus, limousine, taxi, pedicab, house-car, or camper.
If you’re a taxi or limo driver and your passengers smoke or ingest cannabis, it cou
