New traffic laws effective July 1 all California drivers should know

The rules of the road changed slightly over the weekend as three new traffic laws kicked in July 1.

The new laws affect rideshare drivers, bus riders and church bus and employee shuttle operators, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

AB 2687 lowers the blood alcohol level allowed for drivers transporting passengers for hire, such as those working for Uber or Lyft, from 0.08 to 0.04. Commercial driver licenses will be disqualified if drivers are found in violation of the law.

SB 19 affects private carriers, such as employee shuttles and church buses. Under this new law, not-for-hire carriers will be required to obtain their intrastate authority certificates from the DMV, rather than the California Public Utilities Commission. The DMV and the California Highway Patrol will administer the program jointly.

SB 20 requires all passengers on a bus equipped with seat belts to be "properly restrained," according to the legislative information. Children between 8 to 15 years old must wear a seat belt. Violations are punishable by a fine.

Implementation of the laws has already begun. For more information, visit leginfo.legislature.ca.gov or www.ca.gov.