Marijuana laws
What you need to know about the new cannabis laws in 2018.
IMPERIAL COUNTY — The California Highway Patrol is advising motorists of new laws that will go into effect Monday in the hope that its announcement will help keep the public in compliance with the laws and safe on the roadways.
Alcohol and marijuana in vehicles
Penalties: Smoking or otherwise consuming cannabis while driving or riding in a vehicle is prohibited, consistent with laws prohibiting alcohol consumption in vehicles. The vehicle code did not previously allow officers to cite someone for smoking or consuming cannabis in a vehicle. This closes the loophole for passenger or driver consumption in a vehicle.
Administration of cannabis laws in state
This bill establishes a single system of administration for cannabis laws in California. The bill provides $3 million to the CHP to train state and local law enforcement officers in drug recognition and enforcement and for program costs. This will allow more law enforcement agencies to send officers to training by providing resources to cover their positions while they are away.
Open container standard
Creates a new infraction prohibiting a driver from having on his or her person an open container of cannabis or cannabis product. The infraction does not apply to a qualified patient if the medical marijuana is in a closed container.
Also, the bill creates an Impaired Driving Task Force led by the CHP commissioner to develop recommendations regarding the best practices, legislation and policies to address driving under the influence of cannabis and controlled substances. This provision will assist in dealing with the expected increase in DUI cannabis resulting from the legalization of recreational cannabis.
Distribution: clarifies that commercial cannabis transporters are subject to the same regulatory provisions as other “for hire” transporters of property.
Pedestrian crossing signals
It will be legal for pedestrians to enter a crosswalk when the countdown timer is displayed, if they can cross safely before the countdown ends. The intent of the law is to clarify that pedestrians have the right of way in an intersection until the solid “Don’t Walk” signal is displayed. Most of the affected intersections are in cities, not in CHP jurisdiction.
Seat belts on buses
On buses that have seat belts, passengers and the driver are required to use them. Passengers and the driver can be cited for not wearing a seat belt. Passengers may move around the bus to use the onboard facilities. School buses and transit buses are excluded from this bill.
Federal law requires all motorcoaches and large buses manufactured since November 2016 to have seat belts. Under other laws, school buses manufactured since July 2005 are required to have seat belts.
Window tinting of vehicles
Clear and transparent window tinting is allowed on the windshield and windows if the driver or passenger has documentation from a dermatologist concerning the need for protection from ultraviolet rays.
Exceptions for High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes
Allows blood transport vehicles clearly marked on all sides to use carpool lanes, regardless of occupancy. A blood transport vehicle is one owned and operated by the American Red Cross or a blood bank that is transporting blood between collection points and hospitals or storage centers.
Traffic-actuated signals for bicycles and motorcycles
Removes the sunset date of Jan. 1 and makes permanent the requirement that, when cities or counties install or replace signals that are triggered (actuated) by traffic, the sensors detect motorcycles and bicycles. Traffic signals triggered by vehicles that also detect bicycles and motorcycles help ensure that these vehicles can safely cross intersections.
Generally, traffic signals are activated by detecting vehicle mass. If signals are not able to sense lighter-weight motorcycles and bicycles, it creates a potentially dangerous situation.
School bus definition changed
School districts will be permitted to transport adult volunteers in a school bus to and from educational activities authorized by the school district. Previously, this type of transportation was not within the legal definition of a school bus. School bus signs and warning lights had to be covered to transport adult volunteers.
Information source: The Office of Special Representative, http:// leginfo.legislature.ca.gov