Für alle, die diesen Sommer in Kalifornien Urlaub machen, hier die neuen, ab dem 01.07.2008 in Kraft tretenden Gesetze (das gesamte California Driver Handbook kann und sollte man vor der Abreise hier als PDF herunterladen - und lesen).

California Driver Handbook

NEW LAWS
Effective July 1, 2008


Mobile Phone Use:

• Drivers 18 years of age and older are required to use a hands-free device while driving.
  
• Teens (under age 18) are not permitted to use mobile phones or other wireless devices while driving.

Smoking:

• Smoking in a vehicle where a minor is present is an infraction.

Slow for the Cone Zone:

• Drivers are required to move over and slow down when approaching a roadside emergency along a state highway or freeway. The law is designed to reduce the deaths of police officers, tow truck drivers, paramedics and other emergency personnel who are aiding stranded or injured motorists. Use caution if lane changes are required.

Use of Windshield Wipers:

• Turn on your headlights if inclement weather or low visibility (1000 feet or less) requires the use of windshield wipers.

Child Safety

• Do not leave a child six years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle when the child’s safety is at risk. (Example: In a car on a very hot day or the engine is running and the keys are in the ignition.)
  
• A child may be left in a vehicle when supervised by a person age 12 or older.

Evading a Peace Officer

• Do not deliberately run away or attempt to evade a peace officer performing his/her duties (police pursuit). The punishment is up to one year in county jail.
  
• If serious bodily injury occurs during a police pursuit, the punishment is:
  - up to seven years in state prison or up to one year in county jail, or -a fine of $2000 to $10,000, or
  - both a fine and imprisonment
  
• If a person is killed during a police pursuit, the punishment is up to ten years in state prison.