Updates from the 2021 California driving laws and the 2022 new driving laws for the state of California are available on Avrek Law’s website. New California laws 2023 range from semiautonomous vehicles, street racing, general road safety and other administrative changes at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Below is a list of the latest changes to the California Vehicle Codes (CVC) and what you need to know about each one.
AB 174: Driver’s License Renewal for Seniors
During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order for seniors over the age of 70 to avoid having to renew their driver’s license in person at their local DMV, Assembly Bill 174 was temporarily changed in September 2021 to allow for online or by mail renewals. Starting January 1, 2023, drivers 70 or older can only renew their license in person — they can no longer mail or renew their driver’s license online.
SB 1472: Vehicular Manslaughter and Gross Negligence
To help curb the rise of stunting and dangerous driving in California, Senate Bill 1472 expands on the current law of vehicular manslaughter to include gross negligence. Vehicle crashes surging over the pandemic resulted in a drastic increase of vehicle injuries and fatalities. If a fatality occurs due to speeding over 100 miles per hour, sideshow activities or from the exhibition of speed, then gross negligence can be added to the charge. This shifts the original charge from a misdemeanor to a felony. As a misdemeanor, the fine is up to $1,000 and one year of possible jail time. If the charge includes gross negligence, then the fines increase up to $10,000 and up to six years in prison.
AB 2000: Street Racing and Sideshows at Parking Lots
According to the LA Times, street racing events jumped 27% between July and October 2021. In addition to SB 1472, parking lots are now part of the list of locations that ban street racing and automobile stunts (legally known as sideshows) to try and curb the rise of these often-fatal activities. Assembly Bill 2000 is in addition to AB 3 passed in 2021, that allowed courts to suspend the driver’s license of anyone found guilty of street racing or sideshow activity.
SB 1398: Semiautonomous Vehicles and Consumer Rights
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the use of driver assisted features in your new vehicle is expected to reach the point of full automation, or self-driving, by 2025. The purpose of Senate Bill 1398 was written to provide customers with more transparency around the latest innovations of semiautonomous vehicles before they become fully automated. Both the manufacturer and the dealer are now legally required to provide customers with information about software updates and vehicle upgrades at the point of purchase. This includes a clear description of the limitations and functions of vehicles that may only be partially automated.
Avrek Is the Future of Personal Injury Law
With more than 50 years combined experience representing cases in several states, Avrek’s expert attorneys always stay up-to-date on changes to traffic laws across the United States. These laws are issued at the state level by a vehicle code, and although it’s common for every state to have similar traffic laws the naming convention is different state-by-state. For example, CVC 20001 outlines how any traffic accident resulting in injury or damages more than $1,000 must be immediately reported to the police. Whereas the equivalent in Pennsylvania is referred to as Title 75. If changes to the new California laws 2023 or the traffic laws in your state have impacted your driving record, then contact Avrek Law for free advice on your case. The consultation is free and you’ll get advice from a law firm with more than $1 billion recovered in more than 45,000 cases. View one of our locations or contact us for a free consultation.
