New traffic laws take effect in California

As we head into the 4th of July holiday, there are a few new traffic laws hitting the books in California.

Starting this week, ride-share and taxi drivers can only have blood alcohol concentration levels at .04 or less when they have riders in their vehicles. Previously, they could have the same levels as other drivers, but now they’re on par with commercial vehicle drivers.

“With this new law in effect, it definitely going to help to make the roads safer in California,” said CHP Officer Jessica Madueño.

While both Uber and Lyft have zero tolerance policies on drugs and alcohol, according to the Public Utilities Commission, between August 2014 and August 2015 in California, Uber received more than 2,000 complaints about drivers possibly being under the influence.

“We would process the driver through the DUI test,” Madueño said. “And if need be, if above the .04 blood alcohol concentration, then they would be going to jail, we’d be towing the vehicle and finding the passengers a safer ride home.”

Salinas resident Zack Pappas uses ride-sharing services when he’s in bigger cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. He agrees with the law, saying it gives people some wiggle room.

“I think it’s important to allow a little bit of space, cause I think if you’re getting pulled over with a .01, if we do have a zero tolerance law and you’re getting pulled over with a .01, you lose your job and you have a criminal charge and I would hate to see that happen to people,” Pappas said.

CHP says if riders do find themselves in a tough situation with a driver who might be impaired, to ask your driver to pull over or call 911.

Other new laws include requiring children between 8 and 15 years of age to be buckled up if they are on a bus that has seat belts and how private carriers, like church and youth buses, are registered.