California motorists need to be aware of the new laws that are effective January 1, 2009, otherwise they may be headed for some serious traffic violations and fines.

SB 1557 requires that you mount your portable GPS on the lower 7″ square of the right side of the windshield or on the lower 5″ square of the left side of the windshield.  Motorists may still mount the GPS on the dashboard as long as it doens’t block the view of the road or interfere with safety systems such as airbags.

SB 28 prohibts use of cell phone text messaging or emailing while driving.

Violation of either law can run hundreds of dollars especially for repeat offenses.