New driving laws take effect in 2010

A slew of new driving laws go into effect this year.

Beginning this year prosecutors in the city of Los Angeles will require drivers convicted of any drunken driving offense to install an Ignition Interlock Device before having their driving privileges reinstated, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The law, effective this July until Jan. 1, 2016, will make installing the device a condition for reinstating driving privileges for drivers who have had previous convictions. The device is attached to a driver's dashboard, and requires anyone driving the car to blow into it to test for the presence of alcohol before the car will start.

Other limitations on second- and third-time drunken driving offenders will be imposed this year, affecting drivers who have been convicted of misdemeanor drunken driving

Beginning this year, the Department of Motor Vehicles will advise the multiple-time offenders that they will either have to serve a 90-day license suspension for two-time DUI offenders, or six months for third-time convictions. These two limitations are only for people convicted of DUIs involving alcohol.

These offenders will have to enroll in a drunken driving program and install an IID in their vehicle, according to CHP.

The Crimes Against Highway Workers law has also been expanded this year to apply to all city workers performing duties related to street and road maintenance. The law is aimed at protecting those who are assaulted while on the job repairing and maintaining roads.

Another addition to the traffic laws hits year: Cyclists will now be allowed to ride bicycles without seats, if their bike was designed to be seatless.