For 2006, the California Legislature made
95 changes to the Vehicle Code.

Following are the changes for the past few years which are of general interest.
The actual text of the following can be reviewed at www.leginfo.ca.gov.
The numbers in parentheses are Vehicle Code section numbers affected,
unless otherwise noted.

The word "highway" is defined as including any publicly maintained roadway (360).

All fines are for a first offense and are subject to a penalty assessment and,
until July 1, 2007, base fines will be subject to a 20% surcharge.
Bottom line:
Base Fine - $100
Total out-of pocket – At least $320!!
(Also see item #66 below)

2006 CHANGES

2005 CHANGES

1. Regarding motorized scooters: motors cannot be altered to increase noise and must be equipped with a muffler and meet emissions standards; the operator must have a driver’s license or learner’s permit even in a parking lot/structure; local laws may regulate where they may be driven; manufacturers must provide necessary disclosures to purchasers; motorcycles (400), motor-driven cycles (405), and motorized bicycles or mopeds (406), are not motorized scooters. (407.5, 12500, 12509, 12804.9, 21225, 21235, 21226)
   
2. Pending Federal approval, vehicles which meet either California’s SULEV or ULEV standard and the Federal ILEV standards AND hybrid or alternate fuel vehicles, model year 2004 or earlier which get at least 45 MPG and meet the SULEV, ULEV or PZEV standard shall, with proper identifying decals, be allowed to drive in HOV lanes with one person in the vehicle. A list of qualifying vehicles shall be created. A survey of the effect on HOV lanes shall be performed after 50,000 such vehicles are issued decals. (5205.5)(21655.9)
   
3. A person may not use a wireless phone while driving a school or transit bus, unless the call is work-related or to an emergency service provider. (23125)
   
4. Vehicles 6 or less model years old, though not subject to smog test requirements, shall be subject to an annual $12 smog abatement fee. (Health and Safety Code; 44060)
   
5. Changes to 10 years the period after a DUI conviction during which enhanced sanctions can or must be imposed for repeat offenses. Requires referral to an assessment program for anyone convicted of DUI who has a prior DUI or drunk and disorderly conviction more than 10 years before. (1808, 13352, 13352.6, 13353, 13353.1, 13353.3, 13353.7, 13353.8, 23217, 23502, 23540, 23546, 23550, 23560, 23566, 23575, 23612, 23622, 23646 -- Government Code; 68152)
   
6. The driver’s license suspension, restriction and revocation functions are consolidated under the DMV, removing them from the courts. Courts may disallow issuance of a restricted license if it sees fit. (1803, 13352, 13352.5, 13353, 13353.3, 13353.5, 13353.7, 13954, 14601.2, 23521, 23536, 23538, 23540, 23542, 23548, 23552, 23556, 23562, 23568, 23660, 23665, 13352.4, 13354 -- Health and Safety Code; 11837)
   
7. Beginning April 1, 2005, exempts vehicles model year 1976 or earlier from smog inspection requirements. The previous 30-year standard is repealed. (4000.1) Includes vehicles previously licensed outside California. (4000.2 -- Health and Safety Code; 44011)
   
8. The DMV is required, not allowed, to cancel the registration of vehicles not covered by a valid form of financial responsibility. (4000.38)
   
9. A disabled person issued a disabled license plate or plates shall, upon request, present to a peace officer, or other person authorized to enforce parking laws, a certification form that substantiates the eligibility of the disabled person to possess the plate or plates. The certification shall be on a form prescribed by the department and contain the name of the disabled person to whom the plate or plates were issued, and the name, address, and telephone number of the medical professional who certified the eligibility of the person for the plate or plates. (5007)
   
10. The surviving spouse of a deceased person issued a Purple Heart license plate may retain and use the plates. Upon the spouse’s death, the plates must be returned to DMV with 60 days. (5101.8)
    
11. The fee for renewal or transfer of a personalized plate is increased to $30. (5106)
    
12. DMV is required to get a Social Security number from every applicant for a driver’s license of I.D. card. Proof of birth is no longer required. (12800, 12801.2)
    
13. Additional penalties for persons convicted of engaging in a speed contest: 40 hours community service; proof of financial responsibility after end of license restriction. (13352)
    
14. Persons with a suspended or revoked license may not drive off-road on specified lands (14601.2, 14601.3, 14601.4, 14601.5)
    
15. Insurers are required to electronically report proof of insurance to DMV and DMV must develop a method to allow law enforcement to verify insurance. (16058, 16058.1)
    
16. Prohibits non-emergency vehicles from having or using devices that control traffic signals. The fine is a maximum of $5,000. (21464, 25258, 42001)
    
17. Rental car companies may not use electronic surveillance to track their customers’ use of rental vehicles. (Civil Code; 1936)
    
18. Headlights must be used when a driver cannot clearly see for a distance of 1,000 feet or when windshield wipers are in continuous use (exception: motorcycles). (24400)
    
19. Vehicles may have one or two rear-mounted red fog lights for use when visibility is less than 500 feet. (24602)
    
20. Any child under age 6 or less than 60 pounds must be in a child restraint system which must be in the back seat of the vehicle. This is the parent’s responsibility, unless not present. Exceptions are: no back seat; side facing “jump seats” in the back; rear-facing rear seats; the restraint system cannot be properly installed in the back seat; all rear seats are occupied by children under 12; or medical reasons. The following children may NOT ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger air bag: less than 20 pounds; under one year of age; in a rear-facing child seat. Rental agencies must make child restraints available. (27315, 27360, 27365)
    
21. When a motorcyclist’s hands are gripping the handlebars, they may be no more than 6 inches above the motorcyclist’s shoulders when sitting. (27801)
    
    2004 CHANGES
    
22. Fee increases: 5-year driver license from $15 to $24; duplicate license from $12 to $19; I.D. card from $6 to $20, except still free for seniors age 62 and older. Research other increases at the Code Sections listed. (Amend sections 1685, 4064, 5014, 5036, 5066, 6700.25, 9102.5, 9250, 9250.8, 9250.13, 9252, 9254, 9258, 9261, 9265, 9400.1, 9554, 9702, 11515, 11515.2, 12814.5, 14900, 14900.1, 14901, 14902, 38121, 38225.4, 38225.5, 38232, 38255, 38260, and 38265; add Section 1678; repeal Section 38225.4)
    
23. a)The repair assistance program is expanded to include the owner of a motor vehicle who was issued a notice to correct for an alleged violation of unlawful motor vehicle exhaust discharge, if the vehicle subject to that notice has failed a smog check inspection subsequent to receiving that notice.
    b)Increases the fine upon conviction of a second or subsequent violation of unlawful motor vehicle exhaust discharge to not less than $135, nor more than $285.
    c) A county board of supervisors may, by ordinance, establish on highways under its jurisdiction a combined vehicle inspection program to check for violations of unlawful motor vehicle discharges and to identify drivers who are in violation of driving under the influence statutes. (2814.1; 42001.1)
    
24. The DMV is required to suspend the driving privilege of a judgment debtor for failing to satisfy a financial judgment within 90 days of final judgment if the judgment was for, while driving, causing property damage in excess of $750 or any amount resulting from injury or death.(16250 through 16381; Code of Civil Procedure 116.880)
    
25. * The use of a mailing address on the face of a registration card is authorized and the prohibition on the use of general delivery or post office box numbers is deleted.
    * The registration card shall contain upon its face, the date issued, the name and residence or business address or mailing address of the owner and of the legal owner, if any, the registration number assigned to the vehicle, and a description of the vehicle as complete as that required in the application for registration of the vehicle.
    * The following vehicles shall be identified as such on their registration card:
    Total Loss Salvage; Previously Dismantled; Law Enforcement Vehicle; Taxi; Foreign Vehicle not intended for use in the U.S.; Park Trailer requiring a permit to be on the highway; Lemon Law Buyback (4453)
    
26. The DMV must notify a driver whose license is suspended as a result of involvement in a traffic collision while uninsured of their right, and the requirements, to request a restricted license for the purpose of driving to and from work. (16076)
    
27. A city or county may assess an additional $100 penalty for any violation regarding parking in a disabled parking space. This revenue shall be used only to improve disabled parking enforcement. (4461.3)
    
28. A person who is being stalked may immediately receive new license plates. (See #52 below) (4467)
    
29. A wheelchair lift or carrier may obstruct the view of a rear license plate if a disabled person placard or license plate has been issued. A decal with the license plate number shall be issued by the DMV and placed in the rear window of the vehicle. (5201)
    
30. A legal owner must release ownership of a vehicle within 15 days of receiving payment in full from a new owner. (5753)
    
31. Manufacturers of motor vehicles must disclose in the owner's manual whether the vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder or similar device. The information recorded on such devices is the property of the vehicle owner and such information may be retrieved only under specified circumstances. (9951)
    
32. A teen license applicant may attend an "integrated driver education and training program" which combines the six hour driving requirement and the thirty hour classroom requirement into a single program. (12814.6)
    
33. The DMV shall require a digitized signature on each driver license issued. (12950.5)
    
34. A minor shall not be issued a restricted license subsequent to an alcohol-related license suspension if they have any zero tolerance or DUI convictions within the prior 7 years. (13353.8)
    
35. Beginning in 2005, the DMV shall print on disabled placards the cost of penalties for related violations. (22511.5; 22511.59)
    
36. Any official chemical test analysis record transmitted from a governmental forensic lab is admissible evidence in a DMV proceeding. (23612)
    
37. Exhaust system "whistle-tips" are illegal. The fine for installing one is $1,000. The fine for using one is $250. (27150.3)
    
38. Penalty assessments and court costs can be added to a seat belt fine. Total will now be $41 or a first offense and $106 for subsequent offenses. (27315(d))
    
39. Beginning January 1, 2005, any child required to be in a child restraint system must be in the back seat of the vehicle. Exceptions are: no back seat; side facing "jump seats" in the back; rear-facing rear seats; the restraint system cannot be properly installed in the back seat; all rear seats are occupied by children under 12; or medical reasons. The following children may NOT ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger air bag: less than 20 pounds; under one year of age; in a rear-facing child seat. (27360)
    
40. A television may not be installed so as to be visible to the driver of a vehicle while the vehicle is in operation. This prohibition does not include GPS, mapping displays or other such driving information services. (27602)
    
41. For violations specified in the section, a thumbprint may be required of anyone who does not have satisfactory identification. (40303)
    
42. A parent or legal guardian who knowingly permits his or her child, or a person in the company of the child, or both, who are under the age of 18 years, to consume an alcoholic beverage or use a controlled substance at the home of the parent or legal guardian is guilty of misdemeanor if all of the following occur: (1) As the result of the consumption of an alcoholic beverage or use of a controlled substance at the home of the parent or legal guardian, the child or other underage person has a blood-alcohol concentration of .05% or greater, or is under the influence of a controlled substance. (2) The parent knowingly permits that child or other underage person, after leaving the parent's or legal guardian's home, to drive a vehicle. (3) That child or underage person is found to have caused a traffic collision while driving the vehicle. (Business and Professions Code - 25658.2(a))
    
    2003 CHANGES
    
43. Violations which may result in vehicle impound are expanded to include reckless driving, reckless driving in a parking facility, exhibition of speed or speed contest. If the registered owner was not the driver or a passenger at the time of the violation or was unaware of the violation, the vehicle shall be released to them. (23109.2)
    
44. The definition of "all-terrain vehicle" shall include a weight limit of up to 900 pounds, unloaded. (111)
    
45. The "Segway" or other similar Electric Personnel Assistive Mobility Devices are not motor vehicles (313), or motorized scooters (407.5) and a person using such a device is a pedestrian (467).
    
46. The term "supplemental restraint system" refers to an airbag (593)
    
47. The complete California Vehicle Code shall be published once every two years and the price of it shall be sufficient to cover the costs of publishing and distributing it. (1656)(a) A synopsis of the law shall be published annually in English and Spanish and may be included with each original vehicle registration and original driver's license. (1656)(b)
    
48. The amount of property damage necessary to trigger the requirement that an incident be reported to the DMV is raised to $750.00. (1656.2)(12517.1)(16000)(16000.1)(16075)(16251)(16377)(16430)(16434)
    
49. The DMV shall notify the registered owner of each vehicle of the date that the registration renewal fees of the vehicle are due, at least 60 days prior to that due date. The fact that the required notice was mailed shall be indicated by a notation in the department' s records. The only exception is vehicles which are subject to less than a full year registration fee. (1661)(a)
    
50. The DMV must disclose to courts and law enforcement agencies all convictions for felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for the purpose of imposing enhanced penalties for current DUI convictions (1808)
    
51. The period of time during which the every-other-year smog certificate may be used to satisfy the transfer of ownership smog requirements is revised to 90 days from date of issue. (4000.1)
    
52. The DMV shall immediately provide a new set of license plates to a registered owner of a vehicle who appears in person and submits a completed application and also presents to the DMV the previously issued plates, proof of identity and vehicle ownership, and either evidence of victimization by a domestic abuser or evidence of efforts to get assistance in regard to the domestic abuse. This bill would exempt special interest license plates from this requirement. (See #7 above) (4467)
    
53. A student is not allowed to take driver training unless he or she is concurrently taking, or has completed, driver education. (12814.6)
    
54. If a driver fails the behind-the-wheel driving test, whether during an original license or license renewal test, the DMV is authorized to charge $5.00 for each additional such test. (14900)(14900.1)
    
55. The fee for reinstating a suspended or revoked license at the end of the suspension or revocation period is raised to $125.00 (14905)
    
56. When a driver's license is being suspended or revoked and the driver requests a review hearing, the driver shall pay a $120 fee to the DMV. (14907)
    
57. When a local jurisdiction enacts a prohibition or restriction on the use of a highway, it may impose a fine of $100 for any violation. (21104)
    
58. After a public hearing and posting of appropriate signs, a city or county may make the Vehicle Code applicable on the privately owned roads within a mobile home park or manufactured housing community. The prima facie speed limit shall subsequently be 15 MPH. (21107.9)
    
59. Expands the requirement that all bicycle operators or passengers under age 18 must wear a helmet to include persons under age 18 operating or riding as a passenger on a non-motorized scooter or using a skateboard or skates on any street, bikeway or trail. This includes a passenger in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle. (21212)
    
60. A school bus driver is not required to activate the amber warning lights when approaching a bus stop at which they are not required to activate the red warning lights or extend their stop sign. (22112)
    
61. Adds the following to places at which a motorist may not stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle whether attended or unattended: in front of or upon that portion of a curb that has been cut down, lowered, or constructed to provide wheelchair accessibility to the sidewalk. (22500)(l)
    
62. The owner of a parking facility may designate spaces which are to be for the exclusive use of Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs). Such vehicles shall be identified by a distinctive decal. Unauthorized vehicles may be towed. (22511)(22511.1) The base fine for violation is $100, except for a $25 fine for those who qualified but failed to display the proper decal. (42001.6)
    
63. A peace officer is authorized to have a vehicle towed if it is parked within the right-of-way of a railroad, street railway, or light rail, regardless of the proximity of the vehicle to the tracks, if warning signs are posted. (22656)
    
64. No individual may sell or offer for sale a child passenger restraint system that was in use by a child during an accident involving a motor vehicle. (27362.1)
    
65. An issuing agency may, in lieu of collecting a fine for a citation for failure to display a disabled placard, charge an administrative fee not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25) to process cancellation of a citation in any case where the individual who received the citation can show proof that he or she had been issued a valid placard at the time the citation was received. (40226)
    
66. To provide funds for the Court Facilities Fund, for every $10.00 of penalty for equipment violations or violations regarding vehicle registration, an additional $5.00 will be charged. For every parking violation, $1.50 additional will be charged. (Government Code - 70372)
    
    2002 CHANGES
    
67. Minimum yellow light duration requirements (3.0 - 6.1 seconds, depending on speed limit) must be met for all intersections using "red light" cameras. (21455.5; 21455.7)
    
68. "Kaitlyn's Law" prohibits leaving a child age 6 or under in a motor vehicle if the engine is running, if the keys are in the ignition or if there are other "risk" conditions, unless there is a person 12 years of age or older in the vehicle. The fine is $100. If aid must be rendered to the child, the child endangerment law will take precedence. (Creates Division 6.7, starting with section 15600)
    
69. Upon request of, or permission by, the family of a person killed by an impaired driver convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter or 2nd degree murder, a memorial sign will be erected. The cost will be borne by the requesting party and the sign will be posted for seven years or until the sign becomes unserviceable, whichever comes first. (Streets & Highways Code - Section 101.10)
    
70. Educational efforts regarding penalties for "dumping" of animals on highways shall be enhanced through inclusion in the Driver's Handbook and a question on 20% of DMV driver license tests.(1656.3; 1666.5; 21376)
    
71. A vehicle impounded for the crimes of driving on a suspended license or driving without a license shall be released prior to the 30 day impound period if the driver obtains a valid driver's license and provides proof of auto insurance. Requires CHP and DMV to educated public regarding impound laws. (14602.6)
    
72. The DMV is authorized to establish partner relationships with private businesses for the purposes of vehicle registration and vehicle title transactions. (1685)
    
73. Requires police officers completing traffic collision reports to state whether they believe that any distraction or inattention of the driver contributed to the incident. A report, including recommendations shall be submitted to the Governor and Legislature on or before 12/31/2002.(2407.5)
    
74. Persons who attend traffic school without having received a traffic citation will not be charged normal court fees for such attendance and are not entitled to a completion certificate. (11208)
    
75. Drivers of motor homes exceeding 40 feet in length must have a non-commercial class "B" license. (12804.9; 12804.10) A non-California driver must have the appropriate license from their home state. (12804.15)
    
76. Under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, information with be collected from license applicants who wish to be in the "Organ and Tissue Donor Registry." This will eliminate the driver's license donor card system. (12811; 13500)
    
77. For registration purposes, proof of insurance may be provided electronically by an insurer. (16020)
    
78. Drivers making a legal turn on a red light (right turn after a full stop; left turn from a 1-way street to a 1-way street) must yield to all vehicles which constitute a "reasonable hazard."(21453)
    
79. Disabled placards shall be printed with a portion in a contrasting color, which will change every two years, to facilitate enforcement. (22511.55)
    
80. "Joshua's Law" - If a DUI offender has previously been convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated or felony vehicular manslaughter, there is no time limit on how long that offense can be considered for penalty enhancements for future offenses. (23550.5)
    
81. No vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds, other than motorcycles, shall have an exhaust system sound level of 95 decibels or more. Licensed stations for testing purposes must be established. Beginning in 2003, all licensed smog check stations that offer referee functions must provide testing of exhaust systems for those cited for violation of this section. (27150.2; 27150.7)
    
82. School buses carrying less than 16 passengers, manufactured on or after July 1, 2004 and to be used in California must be equipped with lap/shoulder belt combinations. The date for buses carrying 16 or more passengers is July 1, 2005. (27316)
    
83. All children, 60 pounds or less, and less than 6 years of age, must be in an appropriate passenger restraint system. A child which exceeds either of these standards may be removed from the child restraint system. Exception: Any child may be transported by an authorized emergency vehicle in the event of a life-threatening emergency without being in a restraint. Failure to properly secure a child will result in one point being added to the driver's (or parent's, if in the vehicle) DMV record.(27360; 27360.5; 27363; 12810(j))

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