Here's what's
legal in the 2008 world
By Gail Paparian
For the Record Gazette
Here we are, days into the New Year and already I'm
saying to myself, “Maybe you could try that next year?” Why should I make
resolutions I can't keep? What would happen if I said, I resolve to be rich
this year? Then there's a universal resolution that could go “World Peace in
'08.” Sometimes it seems so futile.
I do resolve to turn my television off until AFTER the November 2008
elections. I have a photographic memory, so every time I see a campaign
pitch, I wake up having memorized it and it doesn't go away. How about
somebody resolving to keep campaigns in financial check for the presidential
elections? Ha!
It is guesstimated that over a billion dollars will be spent by the time the
candidates are done pandering to the audience. How about somebody resolving
that all candidates much know the issues and promise to act like ladies and
gentlemen. You get it Š it ain't never going to
happen, at least as one local councilmember says, “Not in my lifetime.”
Now that I've already given up on my 2008 resolutions, I thought I'd invest
some time in determining what changes in the laws face us this year. The
wonders of the Internet make research much easier. Before I get to some of
California's gems, it is interesting to note that any American flags sold in
Minnesota must now be made in the United States.
In 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger signed 750 bills into law and vetoed 214.
While the Wireless Telephones bill does not go into effect until July 1,
2008, it isn't too early to check your cell phone plan to see if you are
ready for an upgrade or coming close to signing a new contract.
If you haven't already done so, you might want to think about upgrading to
something that is blue tooth capable. In English (blue tooth is a
technology), this allows you to be “hands free.” Have you seen lots of
people walking around with what looks like a Martian earring and a light
beeping in their ear? That's the little piece of equipment enabling one to
switch from the handset to the ear bud, thereby being “hands free.” This
will allow you to legally drive and talk on your phone. Or, you can stay off
the phone while you are driving!
You might still be able to
utilize your old headset (if you had one), but it will be like trying to
play an 8 track on a digital sound machine! The law is even stricter for
anyone under the age of 18. On July 1, 2008, nobody under 18 may use a
wireless telephone, even if it is hands free, or use any other mobile
service device to communicate electronically while operating a vehicle.
Making an emergency call gets the under-18ers an exemption.
On January 1, 2008, the California minimum wage
went up to $8.00 an hour. Wow. It just might be time for me to go back to
work!
If you smoke a pipe, cigarette or cigar in a
vehicle where minor passengers (under 18) are present, you are violating the
law as of January 1, 2008. It doesn't matter whether you're driving or
parked; you just can't do it. Here's another good reason to kick the habit.
If you have a balance of less than $10 on a gift
card, merchants must convert it to cash. The new law doesn't apply to credit
card gift cards or ones affiliated with multiple stores; like mail gift
cards.
Thanks to the AAA website, here are some more:
After January 1, 2008, you cannot use any product
that blocks your license plate from being read by any kind of electronic
traffic device.
For new vehicles sold or leased on or after
1/1/08, automakers MUST provide the keyodes to a
registered locksmith if you lose your keys and need to have new ones made.
BMW and Mercedes make their own and they are required to send you
replacement keys overnight.
If you commit a two point violation (DUI, hit and
run, speed contests, evading an officer, etc) you cannot go to traffic
school and have it cleared off your record.
The National Guard has been added to the list of
qualifying members for membership in the Public Employees Retirement System
(PERS). In addition, members of the National Guard may purchase additional
PERS service credit.
Here's a sobering thought: As of Jan. 1, anyone
applying for or renewing a driver's license must sign a declaration stating
they can be charged with murder if they drive under the influence of drugs
or alcohol and someone is killed as a result - even if they are a first-time
offender.
Finally, from the Big-Brother-Is-Watching school
of thinking: No one can be forced to implant an identification device under
their skin.
If you know of other new laws that may affect us,
please send me an email
(info@WritingSolutions.com) and I will pass them along in a future column.
Also, please let me know if I may use your name to acknowledge where the
information came from.
IN THE REAL WORD is written for the Record Gazette
by Gail Paparian, a Banning resident who has served on Banning (and
Riverside County) committees. She is currently on these boards: Community
Blood Bank, San Gorgonio Pass Rotary, San Gorgonio Pass Boys and Girls Club
and a member of the Banning Economic Development Committee.
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