First off, I would like to wish all of my readers a Happy New Year! I hope you had an excellent holiday with those you love. Myself I spent it recovering on a couch after having my wisdom teeth removed. Yes, I know I'm a little old for that and No, I don't have dry socket.

As a new year falls upon us often times new laws do as well. A few I mentioned mid-year in '07 was the cell phone laws. The primary law is that all persons over the age of 18 must use a hands free device while operating a vehicle (SB 1613). For those that do not have a vehicle equipped with a hands free system (typically known as Bluetooth equipped), this means you get to either buy a Bluetooth ear piece or a wired ear piece.

I highly endorse the second law past related to cell phone usage as well. The second law basically states that any persons under the age of 18 is not allowed to use a cell phone, or any other mobile device while operating a vehicle (SB 33). Why do I care? Maybe because a teenager almost ran over me in a parking lot while texting! These kids don't realize that they are operating a 4000 pound weapon.

Both these laws take effect July 1, 2008 so be prepared. You can find either a wired or Bluetooth ear piece at most electronic stores. Stores such as Target or Best Buy often sell them for much less than your phone provider stores. Make sure to go with a trusted manufacturer if going with Bluetooth and check for phone capability before purchasing. As for the teen law, talk to your kids!

These were not the only new laws on the books. As of January 1, 2008 any person's smoking in a vehicle occupied by minors (while being operated or not) is subject to a ticket costing as much as $100 (SB 7). Sorry to those I know that smoke, but I never believed it to be fair for a child to suffer for your bad habit. This can only be enforced if being pulled over for another potential offense.

The last on my list of new laws I like is street racing. This law has been around for years but fell off the books in 2006. This law states that an officer may impound a vehicle for up to 30 days when a person is arrested for either street racing, reckless driving or exhibition of speed. again I say talk to your kids. There is a time and place to race, on the track.

Here is the "short list" of other new laws for 2008:

SB 1542 Key Codes: Gives motorists a convenient and secure option for getting replacement keys when theirs have been lost, stolen, or damaged. This applies only to leased vehicles.

AB 801 License Plates: Makes it illegal to sell or use a product that obstructs or impairs the recognition of a license plate by an electronic device operated by police or toll authority, such as a red-light camera. look out Photo Blocker fans!

AB 321 School Zones: Will now allow local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance establishing a speed limit of 15 miles per hour in a school zone.

AB 645 Traffic School: Prohibits a court from allowing a driver who commits a two-point violation from attending traffic school. Two-point violations include drunk driving, hit-and-run, speed contests, evading an officer and vehicular manslaughter.

As always, keep the shiny side up.

Lance