New laws for motorcyclists, bakers, truants and more

2011 brings 725 new laws to the state, plus some local measures

By Michael Gardner
December 30, 2010 at 1:52 p.m.

In the city of San Diego, pedicab operators will have to obtain a driver’s license. A state law, 2294, going into effect Jan. 1 gives the city permission to impose such a restriction.

The new year will bring new laws, from requiring whooping cough shots to restricting sales of handgun ammunition.

The most well-known legislation, from a San Diego County perspective, is the tightening of sex-offender laws in response to the murders of Chelsea King, 17, of Poway and Amber Dubois, 14, of Escondido.

Those laws are among more than 725 that go into effect when 2011 launches. Most are mundane, but a few dozen will touch everyday life.

Carpool lanes will open to plug-in electric vehicles and close to hybrids such as the Prius (AB 1500 and SB 535). Parents squeezing in some shopping or a workout may feel better about dropping the kids off at the in-house day care now that background checks are required (AB 222). And illegal parkers could be nabbed by street-sweepers armed with digital cameras (AB 2567).

Also, insurers must offer policies to cover children (AB 2244). And it won’t break the bank if you’re caught with a small amount of marijuana — the fine will be $100 (SB 1449).

Some new policies will take effect later in the year.

All students entering grades 7 through 12 must be vaccinated for whooping cough starting July 1 (AB 354). And handgun owners may want to stock up on bullets. They will have to provide personal information and a thumb print before being allowed to purchase ammunition starting Feb. 1. Californians will also be barred from obtaining ammo over the Internet or via mail order, under AB 962.

Other measures:

Motorists:
• Motorcyclists younger than 21 must take a $150, 15-hour skills and safety course before obtaining a learner’s permit. AB 1952.

• Every vehicle code fine will be hiked by $4 to help fund emergency air-ambulance services for Medi-Cal patients. AB 2173.

• Auto-insurers must cover individuals who use their vehicles for private car-sharing. AB 1871.

• A “Blue Alert,â€