Important Laws

CELL PHONE AND TEXTING DEVICES  23123.5 CVC
 
Effective January 1, 2017, a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld cell phone or texting device.  They can only be used if they allow for voice operated and hands-free operation.  The devices may be operated only if both of the following conditions are met; 1) the device is mounted on the windshield in 5 inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver or a 7 inch square farthest from the driver. Alternatively, the device may be mounted or affixed to the dashboard or center console as long as it does not hinder the driver’s view of the road. 2) The driver’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature of the device with a single swipe or tap of a finger.
 
CHILD RESTRAINT  27360 CVC
 
Effective January 1, 2017, a child under two years of age must be secured in a rear facing restraint that meets federal standards and be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle.  A child under 2 who is at least 40 pounds or 40″ tall may face forward in the rear seat in the child restraint. As a reminder all children under 8 years of age must be in an appropriate child passenger restraint system in the rear seat unless they are 4′ 9″ tall or taller. A seat belt may be used for children who are 8 years of age or 4’9″ tall or taller instead of the restraint system.