Watch CBS News

California Driver's Handbook Must Now Include Civil Rights During A Traffic Stop

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Drivers in California will get a copy of their civil rights during a traffic stop, including how to file a complaint against a peace officer.

Governor Brown signed AB 1918 over the weekend.

Assembly Bill 2918 already required the California Department of Motor Vehicles to provide a Driver's Handbook with information regarding rail safety, abandoning or dumping an animal on a highway, and respecting the right-of-way of others. The Handbook now must include a driver's rights if a peace officer pulls over a car.

Local News Headlines on cbs13.com

The bill states:

Information regarding a person's civil rights during a traffic stop. The information shall address the extent and limitations of a peace officer's authority during a traffic stop and the legal rights of drivers and passengers, including, but not limited to, the right to file complaints against a peace officer. The information to be included in the handbook shall be developed by the civil rights section of the Department of Justice in consultation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and civil rights organizations, including community-based organizations.

The information will be included in the Driver's Handbook the next time it is revised or reprinted.

AB 2918 was introduced by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D- 41st District) in February.

Read the full bill HERE.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.