New California Traffic Laws Going Into Effect For 2012

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – California drivers will have to follow a number of new traffic laws in 2012 that range from stricter DUI punishment laws to dictating new seating arrangements for older children.

The California Highway Patrol said motorists should be aware that changes to child safety laws passed by California lawmakers in 2011 require children under the age of eight and shorter than 4'9" to ride in a car seat or booster seat. The law also requires children to sit in the back seat unless there are no available safe seats.

Drivers caught breaking the booster seat law can face fines starting at $475.

Some of the other new regulations include:

Vehicles are now also explicitly forbidden from crossing double parallel solid white lines, commonly found in carpool lanes on highways.

A new adjustment to sobriety checkpoint regulations now prevents authorities from impounding vehicles at checkpoints when the driver's only offense is failing to hold a driver's license.

Repeat offenders can have their driver's license suspended for 10 years if they have been convicted of at least three DUIs.

Electric vehicles must be plugged in for recharging when parking in an EV-designated space.

>> CHP List Of Notable New Traffic Laws (.pdf)