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New Laws in 2008: Cell Phones & Driving, Kangaroo Leather

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Today's issue of LA Weekly holds their top few picks of the 740 new California laws coming our way in 2008.

The law that hits Californians on the most basic level is Senate Bill 33, which bans talking on a cell phone while driving unless using a hands free device. It also bans teens from using cell phones flat out while driving. Don't worry, you don't have to spend your money yet, buying that ear piece -- you've got until July, when the law becomes in effect.

LA Weekly also finds that driving and smoking with anyone under 18 in the car is now an offense thanks to SB 7 and at the DMV, drivers looking to renew or obtain their license will have to "sign a declaration that if someone is killed while the driver is perved on drugs or booze, the driver can be charged with murder."

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Another random law that goes into effect is SB 880 that allows non-endangered kangaroo leather to be imported while polar bears and sable antelopes are still under protection. The Weekly hints towards that law as a favor to soccer star, David Beckham -- this type of leather is used for "highly coveted" soccer cleats.

Photo by Franco Folini via Flickr

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