New year, new DUI laws

AB 2020 — Urine tests eliminated

The law no longer allows suspected drunken drivers to take the urine test option. Prior to the change, a driver could opt for ether urine or blood tests to determine the drug content in their system. Now, arrested drivers must submit to blood test whenever available.

Urine tests used to be an option for drivers impaired only by alcohol, but the test was eliminated in 1998 because it was unreliable. However, the test was still available to drivers suspected of drug use, according to the state Legislative Analysts Office.

AB 45 — No more children with open containers in limousines.

This new law makes the carrier, driver and/or adult designee responsible for ensuring their under-age passengers are not consuming alcohol in limousines and buses.

Coming in 2014,

AB 2552 — Distinguishing impairment by drugs or alcohol.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, drug use will be singled out in its own subsection of the state Vehicle Code to make it easier to track drugged drivers in California.