NEW CALIFORNIA DRIVING LAWS IN 2026
Nothing is certain—except death, taxes, and new California traffic laws each year.
By Reed Berry
Mon, Jan 5, 2026 02:00 PM PST
Featured image above: A new law makes it an infraction with a fine of $1,000 to manufacture in California a product that alters a license plate (Semyon Borisov photograph courtesy of Unsplash).
Benjamin Franklin once popularized the phrase, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
Sorry, Ben. Now there are other things that are certain as well—like new traffic laws each year in California.
I know what you’re thinking. Don’t we have enough driving laws as it is?
Admittedly, we do have enough to fill a big book called the California Vehicle Code, but new laws, and changes to existing laws, are required from time to time to keep the driving experience safe.
Here are things you need to know in 2026. Unless otherwise noted, these new laws are effective January 1, 2026.
SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMIT (AB 382; Berman)
In an attempt to reduce speeding and save lives, the speed limit in school zones will be lowered from 25 to 20 miles per hour starting January 1, 2031.
NO “DMV” ON WEBSITE ADDRESSES (AB 1272; Dixon)
Businesses holding DMV-issued occupational licenses are prohibited from using “DMV” or “Department of Motor Vehicles” in their internet domain names.
ABANDONED RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (AB 630; Gonzalez)
The counties of Alameda and Los Angeles can remove and dispose of abandoned recreational vehicles valued at $4,000 or less if verified as inoperable.
IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE PROGRAM (AB 366; Petrie-Norris)
The statewide Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Pilot Program will continue for specified DUI offenders until January 1, 2033.
VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER WHILE INTOXICATED (AB 1087; Patterson)
This law increases the term of probation from two years to between three and five years for a person convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
“SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER” LAW (AB 390; Wilson)
The requirement to slow down and move over for any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights will be expanded to include any stationary vehicles, including maintenance and emergency vehicles.
AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM PROGRAMS (SB 720; Ashby)
Smile for the camera! This law allows local governments to use an alternative automated camera program to enforce red light violations. Specifies that violations recorded by an automated traffic enforcement system are subject only to civil penalties.
PARKING TICKET EQUITY (AB 1299; Bryan)
New law authorizes local governments to waive or reduce parking penalties if a person is unable to pay and requires the provision of a payment plan if requested, helping prevent escalating fines, vehicle towing, and lien sales that can disproportionately impact low-income individuals.
DUPLICATE DRIVERS LICENSE FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS (SB 506)
Current law limits duplicate licenses to cases where the license is lost, destroyed, mutilated, or if a new true full name is required. This new law allows a person to request a duplicate driver’s license (DL) from the DMV after they change their address.
OFF-HIGHWAY ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES (SB 586; Jones)
This law classifies an “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” as an off-highway motor vehicle (OHV), thereby requiring them to follow OHV rules, including displaying a DMV-issued ID plate or placard.
LICENSE PLATE OBSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION (AB 1085; Stefani)
New law makes it an infraction with a fine of $1,000 to manufacture in California a product or device that obscures or is intended to obscure or interfere with the visual or electronic reading of a license plate, addressing the use of illegal license plate covers that enable toll evasion and other criminal activity.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE MARKER LAMPS (SB 480; Archuleta)
An autonomous vehicle (AV) is now allowed to be equipped with automated driving system (ADS) marker lamps. The lamps notify other drivers, pedestrians and law enforcement when an AV’s ADS is activated.
CALIFORNIA COMBATING AUTO RETAIL SCAMS (CARS) ACT (SB 766; Allen)
This law enacts the CARS Act, effective October 1, 2026, to prohibit a dealer from misrepresenting various aspects of a vehicle sale, such as the vehicle’s total cost and financing terms. It will also require a dealer to provide customers a three-day right to cancel the purchase or lease of a vehicle under $50,000.
CRIMES / BURGLARY TOOLS (AB 486; Lackey)
It will now be a misdemeanor to possess a key programming device, a key duplicating device, or a signal extender with the intent to commit burglary. The offense can result in up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. This bill expands existing law by adding those three tools to the list of tools illegal to possess with the intent of committing burglary.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT / ELECTRIC BICYCLES (AB 544; Davies)
This law mandates that electric bicycles must have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear during all hours of operation. Previously, they were only required during darkness. The CHP-developed online electric bicycle safety and training program will be allowed to fulfill the safety course requirement for minors who receive a helmet violation involving electric bikes.
For more information on California driving law: dmv.ca.gov.
About The Author
Known professionally as "The Traffic Guy," Reed Berry has been a driver safety educator for over 30 years. Reed has conducted traffic school classes and suspended license workshops throughout California, and has served as keynote speaker at safety conferences and corporate events across America. He has appeared on radio and television programs both in the U.S. and internationally to discuss safety-related issues. A contributor to LA Car since 2003, Reed Berry is a member of Motor Press Guild, the Los Angeles Press Club and SAG-AFTRA.
