News Release
AAA Northern California
Media Relations
1900 Powell Street #1200
Emeryville, CA.
aaa.com
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Contact: Cynthia Harris; cell; 415-307-3915
News releases available at
aaapressroom.com
NEW LAWS FOR CALIFORNIA DRIVERS IN 2016
AAA Helps Motorists Be Prepared for Upcoming Changes
EMERYVILLE, Calif., December 31, 2015 – The rules of the road are changing once again and AAA
Northern California wants drivers to be aware of several new laws that will affect them in 2016. Some
of the new regulations are aimed at clarifying child passenger safety laws, and promoting safety for
motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
“As a driver, you want to be aware of the new rules of the road, and AAA hopes to alert people
to the latest changes,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “AAA actively
works to promote safe and responsible transportation, and we supported many of these new laws.”
New Laws for 2016
Child Safety Seats. Assembly Bill (AB) 53 will require children under age 2 to be secured in a rearfacing child safety seat, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatricians. Previously, only
children under age 1 were required to ride rear-facing. Children over 40 pounds or over 40 inches tall
will be exempt from the new law because some rear-facing car seats cannot accommodate children
exceeding these criteria. Current law generally requires children under age 8 to be secured in an
approved child safety seat. The new rear-facing requirement takes effect January 1, 2017.
Reporting Traffic Crashes. Current law requires any motorist involved in a traffic crash in which an
injury occurs or in which there is property damage in excess of $750 to report the incident to the DMV
by filing the appropriate SR-1 form. Senate Bill (SB) 491 raises the threshold amount for reporting
accidents to $1,000, effective January 1, 2017.
Earbuds. SB 491 clarifies existing law by explicitly prohibiting the wearing of earbuds or headsets
covering, resting on, or inserted into both ears when operating a motor vehicle or bicycle. The purpose
is to ensure drivers and bicyclists can hear sirens, horns, and other safety alerts while driving. The
previous law did not explicitly include earbuds.
Electric Skateboards. AB 604 creates a new definition for an electrically motorized board, which
generally is a four-wheeled device designed to be stood upon and is not longer than 5 feet and wider
than 18 inches. Electric boards may be equipped with an electric propulsion system with less than
1,000 watts (1.34 horsepower) and capable of a maximum speed of 20 mph on a level surface. Electric
boards may only be operated by persons age 16 or older, and the user must wear a bike helmet. Boards
may be operated up to a speed of 15 mph on sidewalks, paths, trails, and highways with a speed limit
of no more than 35 mph, unless the board is operated entirely within a Class 2 (striped bike lane) or
Class 4 (physically separated lane) bikeway. Local governments and other agencies can enact
regulations restricting use.
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Page 2 of 2: New Laws
Electric Bicycles. AB 1096 establishes new categories of electric bicycles and places restrictions on
their operation. Electric bicycles will now be placed into one of three categories based on their
maximum motor speed and the type of assist the motor provides.
Class 1 e-bike: pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only
when the rider is pedaling and ceases assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. A bike helmet is
required for operators younger than age 18.
Class 2 e-bike: throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance whether
the rider pedals or not and ceases assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. A bike helmet is required
for operators younger than age 18.
Class 3 e-bike: pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides
assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases assistance when the bike reaches 28 mph.
Operator must be at least age 16. A bike helmet is required for all operators.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may use bike paths or trails, unless specifically prohibited. Class 3 e-bikes may
not use bike paths or trails unless expressly authorized by local governments. E-bikes do not require a
driver’s license, registration, or license plates; however, e-bikes must follow the same regulations
governing standard bicycles, including traffic laws, biking-under-the-influence laws, and equipment
laws.
AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial
services and consumer discounts to nearly 4.2 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate
for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 115 years ago.
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