A NEW law that will affect drivers when it comes to renewing their licenses has come into force today.
The new legislation will impact seniors across California who are over the age of 70.
A new driving law has come into force today across California[/caption]
Officials at the California Department of Motor Vehicles revealed drivers whose licenses are to expire this year will not have to complete a written test as part of their renewal program.
But the measure only applies to road users who do not have any violations on their record.
The new law doesn’t mean that drivers are exempt from all tests.
They will still have to complete an eye exam and provide an updated photograph.
Steve Gordon, the DMV director, said the decision to axe the knowledge test for some drivers is part of efforts to boost customer service.
“If thousands fewer people need to visit the DMV, or can spend less time in an office, the people who need to take care of their business in one of our offices can be better served,” he said.
The new law means up to 50,000 fewer people will have to visit an office to renew their license, California DMV spokeswoman Anita Gore told The Los Angeles Times.
Drivers who have been caught up in accidents before their licenses expire may still have to take the knowledge test.
This rule applies to those who have had at least two accidents in the two years before their license runs out.
First-time drivers and those with a sub-par record will also have to take the test.
Californians who have to take a knowledge test have been encouraged to take the exam online.
DMV bosses say that this reduces wait times and congestion in license renewal centers.
The new law has come into force – just months after Governor Gavin Newsom revealed Californians can now store their driving licenses on their cell phones.
“It’s never been easier to keep a digital driver’s license and identification card in California. The state continues to work to offer convenience for those opting into the mobile driver’s license program, now with the option of using Google Wallet,” he said.
Americans can show their digital ID for domestic travel out of San Francisco and Los Angeles airports and also in stores when buying age-restricted items.
But drivers have been warned that they still have to carry their physical license when on the roads.
OTHER LAWS
New driving laws are set to come into force across the country in the coming months.
From January 1, it will be illegal for drivers to use their cell phones at the wheel in Colorado, according to state law.
There’s an exemption for drivers who are using hands-free accessories.
Drivers caught breaking the new rule could be slapped with a $75 fine for a first offense.
Meanwhile, in Kentucky, drivers wanting to renew their licenses from January 1 must complete an eye exam.
The U.S. Sun reported how drivers could face hefty fines of up to $750 as part of a crackdown designed to protect pets.
