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California - New Year New Laws
Dec. 20th, 2008 07:19 pmAs the mandatory use of headsets or handfree devices when using a cell phone went into effect this year, I thought you might want to know about a couple laws that go into effect on January 1, 2009.
Global Positioning Systems (SB 1567, Oropeza) This new law allows a portable GPS device to be mounted in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle, or in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the driver's side. These are the only two locations on a windshield where a GPS device can be mounted. The GPS device can only be used for navigational purposes while the motor vehicle is being operated, and it is required to be mounted outside of an airbag deployment zone. - Is this the GPS antenna or the actual GPS device? If you have a GPS unit, you might seek clarification as to avoid any hassles.
Spilling Cargo Loads (AB 2714, Keene) This new law eases restrictions on cargo loads of straw or hay to allow individual pieces that do not pose a threat to life or property, to escape from bales of straw or hay that are being transported by a vehicle upon a highway, so long as those bales are loaded and secured according to federal regulations. - OK, this won't affect most of you, but just wanted to share some trivia. Did you know what 2 items were legal to fall off of a moving vehicle were before these 2 were added? Give up? Chicken feathers and water.
This is from a story posted on the Daily Democrat Online titled "Ringing in the new year with new laws"
Texting While Driving (SB 28, Simitian) This new law makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle. Previously this was only illegal for individuals under 18 years of age, but now has been expanded to all drivers. - Now while this sounds all and good, how are they going to tell the difference from you dialing your phone vs. sending or reading a "text-based communication" on your device. What exact IS a 'text-based communication?" What if I send my SMS messages as MMS pictures? =) I personally use Jott to send some text messages when on the phone, but I am not sure there is a two-way text to voice SMS service. Anyone?Global Positioning Systems (SB 1567, Oropeza) This new law allows a portable GPS device to be mounted in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle, or in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the driver's side. These are the only two locations on a windshield where a GPS device can be mounted. The GPS device can only be used for navigational purposes while the motor vehicle is being operated, and it is required to be mounted outside of an airbag deployment zone. - Is this the GPS antenna or the actual GPS device? If you have a GPS unit, you might seek clarification as to avoid any hassles.
Spilling Cargo Loads (AB 2714, Keene) This new law eases restrictions on cargo loads of straw or hay to allow individual pieces that do not pose a threat to life or property, to escape from bales of straw or hay that are being transported by a vehicle upon a highway, so long as those bales are loaded and secured according to federal regulations. - OK, this won't affect most of you, but just wanted to share some trivia. Did you know what 2 items were legal to fall off of a moving vehicle were before these 2 were added? Give up? Chicken feathers and water.
