Lighting up behind the wheel will become an expensive habit in California if there are kids in the car. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more on several new laws that kick in next week.
Starting Tuesday, drivers could be hit with fines of up to $100 for smoking in a vehicle with a child passenger. The new law prohibits smoking in a vehicle containing anyone under 18, but the traffic stop would have to be made for another offense, such as speeding, before a vehicle's driver could be cited for smoking.
The smoking law is one of hundreds of new state laws that take effect with the new year. Others include measures to require more efficient lights, promote solar water heaters and ease the way for more homeless shelters.
The new year also brings a pay raise for the 1.4 million California workers who make minimum wage - the new rate is $8 an hour, second highest in the country. Washington State will have the highest at $8.07 an hour. Ed Joyce, KPBS News.
