During the 2006 legislative session, almost 1,400 bills were passed and more than 900 signed into law—including 145 changes to the California Vehicle Code.

Among the new laws are increased penalties for street racing, an increase in the suspension of a driver’s license to 10 months for firsttime DUI offenders with a bloodalcohol content of 0.20 percent, and legislation that requires the DMV to report DUI convictions on a public driving record for 10 years.

The following is a summary of some of the new laws.

•The California Wireless Telephone Act will prohibit drivers from driving while using a handheld cellphone. This law will go into effect July 1, 2008.

•It will be an infraction to allow a person to ride in the trunk of a car.

•Vehicle manufacturers are required to give owners access to the codes required to replace a lost entry key. Regular blacksmiths and not just dealers can now replicate sophisticated locking devices.

•A court can suspend driving privileges for up to two years for those convicted of a graffiti violation.

•The new minimum wage law raises minimum wage in California from the current $6.75 per hour.

•Registered domestic partners can file joint state income tax and have their earnings treated as community property.

•Public school students are required to have a dental examination when they go to kindergarten or first grade.

•It will be illegal leave a dog unattended in a vehicle or tethered to a post, tree or other stationary object for long periods of time.