At the beginning of the new year 2015, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced several important new legislations. What should new immigrants in California pay attention to when driving? WorldWay Immigration experts have summarized the new DMV regulations for 2015, with detailed terms and content as follows:
1. Road Maintenance Fees Will Be Charged Based on Mileage
According to the California DMV, a pilot program is being developed to implement "mileage-based fees" instead of the previous "fuel-based fees". This new legislation is expected to be officially implemented in 2018.
2. Additional Carbon Emission Fees
David Clegern, spokesperson for the California Air Resources Board (CARB), stated that an additional fee of $0.10 per gallon of gasoline and diesel is expected in the future.
3. Carpool Lanes Will Be Opened to Certain Zero-Emission Vehicles
California plans to issue between 55,000 to 70,000 carpool identification stickers, allowing certain "green vehicles" to use carpool lanes even with a single occupant.
4. Undocumented Immigrants Can Apply for a Legal Driver's License in California
Starting January 1, 2015, the California DMV officially opened the application process for undocumented immigrants from all countries to obtain a driver's license. Those holding a valid passport, driver's license, and proof of California residency can apply for a license at any DMV office. Undocumented immigrants must pass both a written test and a driving test, and the DMV will provide assistance with practice tests and driver's manuals. Once obtained, they can legally purchase car insurance and drive on the road.
5. Private Rideshare Operators Must Purchase Insurance for Passengers
The California government has decided that Uber, Lyft, and various private rideshare operators must be responsible for their own and their passengers' insurance costs. Starting July 1, 2015, drivers must purchase passenger insurance while carrying passengers or logged into the company's system.
6. Prohibition on Profiting from DMV Services
The California DMV requires that starting in 2015, any individual profiting from processing driver's license applications or other DMV-related services will be strictly prohibited. Violators may face fines of up to $2,500.
7. Homeless Individuals Can Obtain or Renew Identification Documents for Free
The DMV will provide free assistance to individuals who can prove they are "homeless" in applying for or renewing identification documents.
8. Reestablishing Identification for Released Prisoners
Starting in 2015, the DMV has collaborated with the California Department of Corrections to ensure that prisoners released from state prisons have valid identification. This includes those who previously held a California driver's license, have an unexpired California ID, or have a registered name, date of birth, and social security number in the United States.
