Below is a list of the new state laws that took effect on January 1, 2012, courtesy of State Senator Lou Correa.
- Towing & Impounding Cars: New legislation requires that when a car is stopped at a sobriety checkpoint and the only offense of the driver is being unlicensed, that “authorities make a reasonable attempt to identify the licensed and registered owner of the vehicle” and release the car to the licensed and registered owner or “to a licensed driver authorized by the vehicle’s registered owner.” If the licensed and registered owner or the licensed authorized driver are not available, the law allows authorities to remove the vehicle and the registered owner can retrieve the vehicle with proof of a valid driver’s license the following day. The implementation of this law will vary by jurisdiction. Continue reading