Online Driver’s License Renewal for Californians 70 and Older Ends December 31 (AB 174, Committee on Budget)
Starting January 1, California law will again require drivers 70 and older to renew their license in person at a DMV office. There’s only a few more days individuals 70 and older to take advantage of the temporary rule allowing them to renew their driver’s licenses or identification cards online or by mail – even if their renewal notice states a visit to a DMV field office is required. In October 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom temporarily waived the California law requiring senior drivers to renew their licenses at a DMV field office and signed AB 174 in September 2021 to allow online or by mail renewals through the end of 2022. This temporary online option has helped Californians avoid DMV field offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Requirement for Permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard Renewals (SB 611, Hill, 2017)
The DMV is sending notices to Californians who have had their permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard for at least six years and asking them to confirm that they are still in need of one. The DMV will not renew placards for people who do not respond. This renewal requirement is one provision of prior legislation, SB 611, enacted in 2017 to curb fraud and abuse of Disabled Person Parking Placards.
Consumer Notices for Semiautonomous Vehicles (SB 1398, Gonzalez)
Dealers and manufacturers that sell new passenger vehicles equipped with a partial driving automation feature or provide any software update or vehicle upgrade that adds such a feature are required to give a clear description of its functions and limitations. The law also prohibits a manufacturer or dealer from deceptively marketing a feature.
Enhanced Safeguards for Bicycle Riders (AB 1909, Friedman)
Drivers are now required to change into another available lane, when possible, to pass cyclists, building on the current requirement for drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. The law also permits Class 3 e-bike riders to use approved bicycle paths and trails, bikeways, and bicycle lanes. In addition, starting on January 1, 2024, the law allows cyclists to cross an intersection when a walk sign is on.
Ban on Sideshows at Parking Facilities (AB 2000, Gabriel)
Parking lots across the state are now included with public roads as locations where street racing and sideshows are banned. Another law passed in 2021 (AB 3, Fong) allows courts to suspend an individual’s driver’s license for violating this ban beginning on July 1, 2025.
Crackdown on Catalytic Converter Theft (SB 1087, Gonzalez, and AB 1740, Muratsuchi)
These laws enhance requirements on recyclers to keep specific records of catalytic converters they receive and on the authorized parties that can sell used catalytic converters. These laws aim to reduce the increasing theft of catalytic converters and help keep Californians and their cars safer.
Read more at DMV
