Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- With the new year comes new laws. Fifteen new laws take effect January first.

Animal shelters will have to spay or neuter cats and dogs before giving them to new owners, or owners will have to promise to do so within 90 days.

The state must provide a consumer guide for health insurance.

Another law provides health care for 50,000 more children. There are also laws taking effect that could have an impact on drivers.

When drivers renew their auto insurance policies this year, they could get more than they bargained for. Unless they opt out in writing, drivers will have $5,000 in medical insurance added.

Elizabeth Hedges is an Allstate Agency Owner. "There is a certain number of people who won't act and they'll see their insurance rates go up," she said.

And for some it is a hefty price tag. The additional coverage can be as little as $40 a year or as much as $1,200.

"It's a very large spectrum," said Hedges.

Some customers kept $1,000 policies to offset deductable costs. Now, they may opt out entirely rather than pay more. "It is either zero or 5,000 and above," she said.

Hedges recommends calling your insurance agent to get a quote and looking into whether or not your health coverage extends to vehicle accidents.

Another law takes effect just in time for New Year's Day: drunk driving crackdowns. First time offenders will now face nine months without a license, up from three months.

"There may be this school of thought that you can beat a DUI in the court system, but right off the bat you have this DMV issue," said attorney David McDivitt.

They may get a probationary license, but only if they install an interlock device on their cars.

"You actually blow into the device and it registers your blood alcohol content. It iesures that you haven't been drinking. That's when you're able to turn on the car."