A number of new laws affecting California drivers will take effect in 2014, including regulations about bicycle passing distance and use of clean-air vehicle decals.

The following laws go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, unless otherwise noted:

Bicycle Passing Distance (AB 1371) -- This law is known as the Three Feet for Safety Act. A vehicle driver passing a bicycle that’s proceeding in the same direction must maintain a distance of no less than three feet between any part of the vehicle and any part of the bicycle or driver. When three feet is not possible, the motor vehicle must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and pass only if there’s no danger to the bicyclist. Failing to do so can incur a fine, regardless of whether a collision results. This law will take effect Sept. 16, 2014.

Clean Air Vehicle Decals /HOV Stickers (AB 266, SB 286) – These laws extend sunset dates to Jan. 1, 2019, for single-occupant low-emission and zero-emission vehicles to operate in high-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV).

Commercial Driver’s License (AB 1047) – This law will allow the DMV to conduct the commercial drive test for the holder of an out-of-state commercial learner’s permit. The department would electronically transfer the information to the motor vehicle department in the applicant’s state of residence. AB 1047 also modifies the license class definitions to require a driver operating a bus weighing more than 26,000 pounds to hold a commercial Class B license and a driver operating a bus weighing 26,000 pounds or less to hold a commercial Class C license.

DMV Vehicle Registration Pilot Program  (SB 806) -- This law authorizes the DMV to establish a pilot program to evaluate the use of alternatives to stickers, tabs, license plates and registration cards, subject to certain requirements. It will also enable the DMV to experiment with electronic license plates, as well as facilitate the department’s ability to explore cost-effective alternatives to California’s traditional metal license plate, plastic-coated registration stickers and paper registration cards.

Registration and Vehicle Transfers Between Family Members (AB 443) – This law prohibits the transfer of vehicle ownership to a relative or a revocable living trust until the transferee pays all parking or toll-violation fines and penalties reported to the DMV.

Teen Drivers (SB 194) – This law will prohibit anyone under 18 years of age from reading or sending texts while driving, even if the electronic device used is hands-free.

Veterans License Plates (AB 244) – This law requires the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to sponsor a veterans’ special-interest license plate. The DMV must issue the plate if CalVet meets current statutory requirements. The law creates a new program to reissue the veteran design that was available prior to Jan. 1, 2010. The Department of Veterans Affairs must secure 7,500 pre-paid applications in order for the department to implement this plate program.

Additionally, in 2014 the DMV will begin the process of implementing AB 60, the new law requiring the department to issue a driver’s license to an applicant who is unable to submit proof he or she is legally present in the U.S. The department will draft new regulations and prepare field offices to process these new applications. This law becomes operative by Jan. 1, 2015. Applicants will be required to meet all other driver’s license qualifications.