2009 ushers in a host of new laws state officials warned this week

California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding motorists of several new laws that took effect with the New Year.

Among the new laws is AB 2241, that limits the issuance of temporary operating permits to those individuals whose vehicles have yet to pass a smog check. The law calls for a $50 fee for one 60-day temporary operating permit only if the vehicle has been tested at a smog station and failed.

"This new law ensures that vehicles on our highways are properly registered and maintained," said DMV Director George Valverde. "We also support efforts to reduce emissions which keep Californians healthy."

In the past, owners were able to secure a temporary operating permit for 60 days or more if, after paying their renewal fees on time, they were unable to get a smog certificate for any reason. The continued operation of vehicles that have not met California's smog test requirements is estimated to be emitting one to two tons per day of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen.

Another law that will took effect on Jan. 1, 2009, is SB 28, which coincides with the cell phone law of 2007 and prohibits text messaging with a cell phone or other text-based communications while driving a vehicle. In all, 1,187 bills were passed and 772 were signed into law - including more than 80 changes to the Vehicle Code during the 2008 legislative year. Some of the other changes include fee increases to improve air quality, DUI penalties, and a new special interest license plate.

Here's an abbreviated summary of the other new laws that also took effect with the changing of the calendar.

Consumer Protection:

<B>Unlicensed Car Dealers </B>(AB 2042/Fuentes) - This new law allows law enforcement officers to impound vehicles that are being sold by unlicensed dealers.

<B>Counterfeit Clean Air Stickers </B>(SB 1720/Lowenthal) - This new law will make it a crime to forge, counterfeit, or falsify a Clean Air Sticker. These stickers are currently issued by DMV to certain low emission vehicles and permit vehicles with these stickers to be driven in the HOV lane.

Traffic Safety:

<B>DUI Probation License Suspension </B>(AB 1165 Maze) - A change in the driving under the influence (DUI) law creates a new authority for DMV to administratively suspend the driver's license for one year under a zero tolerance standard. The new law authorizes law enforcement to issue a notice of suspension and impound the vehicle of a person who is driving with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01 percent or greater while on court-ordered post-DUI probation.

Other:

<B>New Special Interest Plate </B>(SB 1455/Cogdill) - A new "Gold Star Family" special interest license will be available to family members of individuals killed in the line of duty while serving in the Armed Forces during wartime.

<B>Motorcycle Definition</B> (AB 2272/Fuentes) - This new law changes the definition of a motorcycle, deleting the existing weight limitation of 1,500 pounds. This change will also allow drivers of fully-enclosed 3-wheeled motor vehicles to use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.