(CBS 8) - With the start of the New Year just days away, there are several new laws that will go into effect in California in 2012.
Among them, you will be able to register to vote online. And in an effort to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, you will be able to purchase sterile syringes without a prescription from pharmacies.
Also, a new child car seat law goes into effect on January first.
"Your child needs to be properly restrained and in an approved child safety device until eight-years-old or four-feet-nine inches," Brian Pennings with the California Highway Patrol.
Also in the wake of the San Bruno blast in September, a new law will be in place that requires gas utility companies to install automatic and remotely-controlled gas shut-off valves throughout California's pipelines.