CA State Legislation – New Laws of Interest for Motorists and Bicyclists

Feb 9, 2023

Good Morning Neighbors and Friends,

In 2022, the California State Legislature approved several new laws of interest to motorists, and bicyclists. A copy of each new law can be obtained at the California Legislative Information website: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/

Street Racing and “Sideshows” – AB-2000 Motor vehicle speed contests and exhibitions of speed: off street parking facilities.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/

Catalytic Converter Thefts: AB-1740 Catalytic Converters – address the growing problem of catalytic converter thefts.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB1740

Driver Assistance Systems: SB-1398 Vehicles: consumer notices – prohibits a manufacturer or dealer from deceptively marketing driving the vehicle to function as an autonomous vehicle when it doesn’t.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1398

Traffic and Pedestrian Stops:

• AB-2357 Requires the DOJ to develop a video demonstrating the proper conduct by officer and an individual during a traffic stop. The video will be posted on the DMV website and include driver’s education course.
• AB-2773 Beginning Jan 1, 2024 will require an officer who is making a traffic or pedestrian stop to state the reason for the stop prior to asking investigatory questions, unless the officer reasonably believes that withholding the information is necessary to protect life or property from imminent threat.
• AB-2147 Prohibits an officer from stopping a pedestrian for jaywalking, unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a crash occurring.

Bicycles – AB-1909 Modified several rules and restrictions relating to bicycles including the following:

• Eliminates the statewide ban of Class 3 electric bicycles on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail.
• Eliminates a local authority’s ability to ban electric bicycles on bike paths.
• Allows the Dept. of Parks and Recreation to prohibit the operation of any class of electric bicycle on any bicycle path or trail within the department’s jurisdiction.
• Requires a motor vehicle, when overtaking or passing a bicycle heading in the same direction, to move over a lane of traffic when possible. This change mimics the requirement for vehicles to move over a lane when passing a stationary emergency vehicle, including tow trucks, that is displaying flashing lights (the law known as “Slow down, move over”).