As 2015 begins there are some new laws affecting California motorists including changes to safety requirements for limousine conversions and new driver’s license criteria for undocumented residents.
Modified Limousine Safety Requirements:Â (SB 611, Hill)
According to the California Highway Patrol this law creates a modified limousine inspection program, which must be implemented no later than July 1st, 2016. Through this program, modified limousine terminals will be inspected once every 13 months by the CHP.
The new law also defines a modified limousine as a vehicle that seats not more than 10 passengers, including the driver, and has been modified, altered, or extended in a manner that increases the wheelbase of the vehicle, sufficient to accommodate additional passengers.
SB 611 also requires modified limousines to be equipped with two readily accessible and fully charged fire extinguishers. The driver or operator of the modified limousine must notify the passengers of the safety features of the vehicle including instructions for lowering the partition between the driver and passengers, and the location of the fire extinguishers.
Driver License Eligibilitv: Undocumented Residents (AB60, Alejo)
As of January 2nd, the California Department of Motor Vehicles began issuing an original driver license to an applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the United States. The applicants are required to provide satisfactory proof of identity and California residency and must meet all other qualifications for licensure, which includes demonstration of the basic knowledge, skills and ability to have the privilege of driving.
This law was adopted during the 2013 legislative year and does not change the day-to-day operations of the CHP.
