CA Veh Code Section 16251

(a)

As used in this chapter and Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 16430), “cause of action” means any cause of action for damage to property in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or for damage in any amount on account of bodily injury to or death of any person resulting from the operation by the defendant or any other person of any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state, except a cause of action based upon statutory liability by reason of signing the application of a minor for a driver’s license.

(b)

This section shall become operative on January 1, 2017.