The change of the calendar has brought new laws to some U.S. states.
States across the United States have enacted news law that officially went into effect on January 1. Many deal with pertinent issues such as gun control, gender affirming care, minimum wage, and book bans, and these will touch many everyday lives for residents. But there are also some laws that travelers should be aware of in case they plan to visit other states.
New Driving Laws
Florida: Move Over
The revised Move Over law in Florida came into effect this year. Drivers are now required to shift lanes not just for tow truck drivers and emergency vehicles, but also for any disabled vehicles with hazard lights or emergency signage. If you can’t move over, you are required to slow down to by 20 m.p.h. less than the speed limit. Violators will be fined up to $158.
California: Police Requirements for Stops
In California, law enforcement officers now have to tell drivers why they have been stopped. This will put an end to the “Do you know why we have stopped you?” conversations, which can lead to escalation over minor issues. Experts also believe that it will make it harder for officers to stop drivers for no reason. Exceptions include situations when there’s risk to life, like kidnapping and terrorism.
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Illinois: Windshield Rules and Video Chats
In Illinois, windshield rules have been revised. Now people can hang air fresheners and placards on the rearview mirror. The old law had become an excuse for law enforcement officers to pull over drivers. State Sen. Christopher Belt said, “With this new law, we are sending a powerful message that the state does not tolerate racial profiling or other forms of discrimination.” Additionally, modern-day distractions have been inked as illegal, so drivers can’t scroll on social media or do video conferencing while driving.
New Laws Impacting Vacations
Florida: Campsite Reservations
Starting this year, Floridians will be able to reserve campsites at state parks 11 months in advance, while the window for non-Floridians has been reduced to 10 months. The earlier law had the same restriction of 11 months for both, but out-of-state visitors have made it hard for locals to get the slots. The law includes bookings of cabins and campsites for RVs, boats, tents, and equestrian sites.
California: Campground Penalties
There will be stiffer penalties for no-shows at state campgrounds and state parks in California. If travelers fail to show up or cancel less than 24 hours in advance, they will lose the full amount of the reservation without any credit for later trips. Earlier, the penalty was one night’s cost and the reservation fees. Furthermore, if the traveler fails to honor their bookings thrice in a calendar year, they won’t be able to book in advance for a year. This change is introduced to prevent people from hogging slots.
California: ‘Entertainment Zones’
A new law in California allows cities to create “Entertainment Zones” where neighborhood bars and restaurants can sell alcohol. “It makes no sense to allow outside vendors to come into a neighborhood to sell to-go drinks during a street fair while banning brick-and-mortar businesses from doing the same. This overdue reform makes our communities more vibrant and opens new sources of revenue at a time our small businesses badly need it,” State Senator Scott Wiener said while explaining the bill.
California: Free Cancellation of Hotels and Rentals
Another consumer-friendly law in California now allows free cancellation of hotels and short-term rentals 24 hours after booking with full refund. The accommodation must have been booked 72 hours before stay.
California: Junk Fees
California is also tamping down on “junk fees,” the hidden fees that companies often add-on to services without upfront advertising. Now companies must be upfront about the cost of a ticket, room, or service in California. This comes after President Joe Biden’s criticism of businesses that advertise one price but add mandatory fees when a consumer tries to pay.
Related: Hate Resort Fees? A New Bipartisan Bill Aims to Eliminate Them
New Laws Impacting Shopping
Kansas: Sales Tax
Groceries will be slightly cheaper in Kansas this year as the sales tax on groceries is cut down from 4% to 2%. Governor Laura Kelly signed the legislation in 2022 to phase out sales tax on groceries in the state over a period of three years and by January 2025, it’ll be eliminated completely. This means that shoppers will save as much as $150 million annually on everyday food items.
California: Gender-Neutral Aisles
A September 2021 bill goes into effect this year that requires major toy retailers in California to have a gender-neutral aisle or section. Violations will cost businesses $250 on first infraction and $500 thereafter.