New laws change rules for drivers, cars

Many new traffic and criminal laws went into effect Sept. 1 that readers need to be aware of. The following are some of the most notable changes to Texas laws, and were effective Sept. 1 unless otherwise noted:

Motor Vehicle-Licensing

HB 84, known as Katie's Law, requires drivers 85 years of age and above to pass a vision test to have their driver's license renewed. Licenses will be valid for two years instead of six. Drivers age 79 and older are not allowed to renew their driver's licenses electronically.

HB 586 prohibits a driver who is issued a speeding ticket and found guilty of driving at a speed of 95 miles per hour or higher from taking a driving safety class to dismiss the ticket.

SB 369 prohibits the use of blurring or reflective matter on a license plate that significantly impairs the readability of the state name and license plate numbers and letters; prohibits the use of material or an apparatus that alters or obscures one-half or more of the state name; and prohibits using material that obscures the license plate number or plate color.

SB 153 makes it an offense for the accompanying licensed passenger of a driver with a learner's permit to sleep, be intoxicated or to engage in any activity that prevents the passenger from observing and responding to the actions of the driver of the vehicle.

HB 3849, effective June 15, 2007, creates new vehicle registration requirements for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and a penalty if an ATV is driven on public property while the driver and passengers are not wearing required safety apparel.

SB 502 increases the minimum liability coverage amounts for automobile insurance. The first increase applies to motor vehicle liability insurance policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2008. A second, larger increase in motor vehicle liability insurance coverage takes effect on January 1, 2011.

SB 331 (effective May 14, 2007) increases the maximum length for saddlemount commercial vehicle transporter combinations from 75 to 97 feet.

Criminal-Sex Offender

HB 8, known as Jessica's Law, imposes a 25-year minimum sentence for sexually violent offenses against children under 14 years of age; eliminates eligibility for parole for certain sex offenders; makes a second conviction of a sexually violent offense against a child under 14 years of age a capital felony; mandates global positioning system (GPS) monitoring for offenders committed under the sexually violent predator statutes; extends the statute of limitations for sexually violent offenses against children under the age of 14 to 20 years past the victims' 18th birthday; and clarifies that harboring a sex offender in violation of registration is an offense punishable by up to a third degree felony.

SB 6 increases the penalty for sexually explicit on-line communication with a minor who is 14 to 16 years old from a state jail felony to a third degree felony and increases the penalty for on-line sexual solicitation of a minor who is 14 to 16 years old from a third degree felony to a second degree felony.