Knowledge of these new regulations and revisions of the Vehicle Code is naturally vital to you as a motor vehicle owner and operator.
Several centuries ago a wise thinker, Thomas More, wrote:
“All laws are promulgated for this end: that every man may know his duty, and therefore the plainest and most obvious sense of the words is that which must be put on them.”
That advice is heeded in this article interpreting for you the new regulations and code revisions. The interpretations are actually summaries stated in everyday, non-legal language to make for easy reading and quick understanding of the essential elements.
September 7 is the effective date of these new laws, except for a few urgency measures which were put into effect immediately upon approval by the Governor.
The present California highway user tax rates will remain in effect until December 31, 1959, thus assuring the continuation of the state’s accelerated highway modernization program adopted in 1953. This new law carried an urgency clause and became effective January 22.
It is now provided in the Vehicle Code as well as in the Health and Safety Code that it is unlawful to dispose of any garbage, refuse or litter upon any highway or its right of way.
Driving under the influence of liquor is a misdemeanor. The penalty for a first conviction of such a misdemeanor shall be automatically increased to that of a second conviction, if the driver already has been previously convicted of a felony for driving while drunk.
Revocation of the driving privileges of juvenile offenders is mandatory upon conviction of certain serious offenses. Revocation or suspension shall also be imposed upon recommendation by the juvenile court judge for convictions of less serious offenses. The length of the terms of revocation or suspension shall be specified.
Local authorities, as well as the State Department of Public Works, may restrict speed to 25 miles per hour because of snow conditions. Local authorities may also determine the maximum speed allowable on any bridge or structure, or in any tube or tunnel, constitutes part of a highway.