Pre-Owned Autos in the Irvine Area

New Laws for Motorists

1) Handheld Wireless Telephone. Senate Bill 1613 prohibits the use of handheld cellular telephones while driving. Starting July 1, 2008. Drivers 18 years or older may only use a hands-free listening and speaking system. Senate Bill 33 Teen drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any mobile service device.

2) License Plates. AB 801 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. The fine for using such device is approximately $146 and the fine for selling such a product is approximately $900

3) Smoking in Vehicles. SB 7 is intended to prevent children riding in vehicles from being subjected to the dangers of second-hand smoke. The law makes it an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $100 , to smoke a cigarette, a cigar, or a pipe in a vehicle, whether in motion or not, in which there is a minor.

4) Alternative Fuels and Vehicle Technologies Funding Program. AB 118 requires owners with cars six years old or newer to pay an additional $11 a year when they register their cars to fund research for alternative fuels, air-quality improvement, and the removal of high polluting vehicles from the road.