Starting this year several new laws will go into effect including increasing a drivers license suspension for first-time DUI offenders with a BAC over .20, increased penalties for street racing or speed contests and requiring the DMV to report DUI convictions for 10 years, instead of the current seven years.

AB 1850 –Makes it an infraction to allow a person to ride in the trunk of a car. Drivers will be subject to a fine and have a negligent operator point attached to his/her license. AB 2190 –Increases the penalties for reckless driving or engaging in a speed contest. Injuries to others will result in hefty fines and custody time ranging from 30 days to six months. SB 1613– As of July 1, 2008, prohibits drivers from operating vehicles while using a hand-held cell phones or text messaging devices. First time offense carries a $20 fine and a $50 fine for each subsequent offense. SB 1756 –Increases the mandatory suspension of driver licenses from 6 months to 10 months for first DUI offenses for drivers with a BAC of .20 or above. SB 1586 –Allows public access, including insurance companies, to DUI convictions that occurred in the past 10 years; currently only law-enforcement and courts were able to access this information. AB 2169 –Extends for 5 years the “Safe at Home Law.” This program creates an alternative driver license address for victims of domestic violence and stalking. The law also allows DMV to continue “suppressing” victims' license and vehicle registration records.