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New Laws That Could Impact You in 2024
As we welcome the New Year, California is set to implement new laws. Several aim to improve traffic safety, and one addresses workplace violence. Many of the new traffic laws are a direct response to the alarming increase in car accident injuries and deaths that began during COVID lockdowns. All these laws hope to foster a safer transportation and work landscape.
Keeping our community informed of their rights is a vital part of what The Dominguez Firm does. We want to heighten awareness of the following new laws since they may affect you on the road or at work. And as we ring in 2024, we’d like to wish you a very Happy and Safe New Year! If you were injured in an accident, please call us for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818 today.
Enhancing Road Safety
Speed Cameras
One of the most talked about initiatives to improve road safety begins on July 1st, 2024. On that date, Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach, and San Francisco will start using speed cameras at designated intersections. This program comes in response to the spike in several types of traffic collision injuries and deaths, especially in pedestrian accidents.
The program will last five years or until Jan. 1, 2032, whichever comes first. Drivers will have a 60-day grace period where they will only receive warnings. After that, fines will start at $50 for drivers traveling at or above 11 miles over the speed limit. While there will be penalties for anyone speeding, the ultimate goal is to create calmer and safer streets for everyone.
Camera Tickets for Vehicles Parked in Bicycle Lanes
This law aims to simplify the process of issuing citations to vehicles parked in bicycle lanes. When motorists block bike lanes, cyclists lose their protected space and must navigate car lanes. This can lead to bicycle accident injuries and deaths. This law will let local authorities equip enforcement vehicles with cameras and use the captured images to ticket vehicles illegally occupying bike lanes.
Better Visibility at Intersections and Pedestrian Crosswalks
In 2024, drivers won’t be able to park within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, or 15 feet of one with a curb extension. Only bicycles or e-scooters will be allowed to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk in certain municipalities. The goal is to increase pedestrian visibility in crosswalks.
Drivers Won’t Have Their Licenses Impounded for Failing to Pay Traffic Fines
This law repeals the current law, which allows the state to impound a person’s driver’s license and stop them from driving for 30 days if they fail to make a fine or bail payment. The change hopes to end the undue burden on low-income drivers who rely on their vehicles for work or essential services.
Worker Safety
Starting on July 1, 2024, most employers in California will need to create and implement a workplace violence prevention plan that adheres to Cal-OSHA’s IIPP (Injury and Illness Prevention Plan). The plan must be in writing and provide procedures to identify and correct workplace violence.
This law aims to address the disturbing increase in workplace violence across the U.S. Today, it has become one of the leading causes of work injuries and deaths. Workplaces with less than 10 employees that are not open to the public, remote workers and employees at healthcare facilities will be exempt.
The Dominguez Firm is Here for You
The Dominguez Firm has been providing quality legal representation to those injured in all types of accidents for over 30 years. In that time our personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of injured clients find justice. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, call us for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818 right away.