California Freeway Signs To Issue Hit-And-Run Alerts

California's freeway message signs will soon warn drivers about more than just snarled traffic and severe droughts.

Thanks to a bill signed Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown, they will next warn motorists to watch for suspected hit-and-run vehicles through a “Yellow Alert” system.

The measure, AB 8, was authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Glendale. Alerts will only be issued if a person has been killed or sustained a serious injury in a hit-and-run collision, according to the bill. A description of the car involved along with its license plate will be shown on the signs.

Also on Monday, the governor signed SB 61 by Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo. It extends a requirement that drivers with restricted licenses install a device like a breathalyzer on their car ignitions. The device is required in some counties for people convicted of impaired driving.

The governor vetoed another driving-related measure, also by Gatto, that would have expanded access to carpool lanes in Los Angeles County to all drivers after rush hours.

Carpool lanes are already open to all drivers after rush hours in Northern California.

Brown has until October 11 to sign or veto pending bills.

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