Highlights of
NEW LAWS Affecting Motoists
The mission of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is to save lives.
One
way to assist in accomplishing this mission is to ensure all California drivers
are familiar with a couple of new laws designed to keep the motoring public
safe.
Modified Limousine
Safety Requirements: Regulations/Inspections (SB 611, Hill): This law creates a
modified limousine inspection program, which must be implemented no later than July
1, 2016. Through this program, modified limousine terminals will be inspected
once every 13 months by the CHP. The new law also defines a modified limousine
as a vehicle that seats not more than 10 passengers, including the driver, and
has been modified, altered, or extended in a manner that increases the
wheelbase of the vehicle, sufficient to accommodate additional passengers. SB
611 also requires modified limousines to be equipped with two readily accessible
and fully charged fire extinguishers. The driver or operator of the modified
limousine must notify the passengers of the safety features of the vehicle
including instructions for lowering the partition between the driver and
passengers, and the location of the fire extinguishers.
Driver License
Eligibility: Undocumented Residents (AB 60, Alejo): Beginning January 2, 2015, the
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue an original driver
license to an applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal
presence in the United States. The applicants are required to provide
satisfactory proof of identity and
California
residency and must meet all other qualifications for licensure, which includes demonstration
of the basic knowledge, skills and ability to have the privilege of driving.
This law was adopted during the 2013 legislative year. It does not change the
day-to-day operations of the CHP.