California Traffic Laws for 2026
Effective January 1, 2026
Lower School Zone Speed Limits (AB 382, Berman)
In California, school zone speed limits are typically 25 mph when children are present. However, cities can choose to post 20 mph limits through January 1, 2031. After that date, 20 mph will become the standard speed limit in school zones where required signs and conditions exist. Some areas, including parts of Los Angeles County, have adopted even lower limits of 15 mph to improve safety. Drivers should always watch for posted speed limit signs near schools and slow down when children are present.
Slow Down or Move Over for Stopped Vehicles (AB 390, Wilson)
California’s Slow Down, Move Over law now applies to more than just emergency vehicles. Drivers must change lanes when approaching any stopped vehicle displaying hazard lights, cones, flares, or other warning devices, when it is safe to do so. If it’s not safe to change lanes, drivers must slow to a safe speed. This law is designed to protect people outside their vehicles, including roadside workers and stranded motorists.
New E-Bike Safety Requirements (AB 544, Davies)
All e-bikes in California are now required to have either a red rear reflector or a solid or flashing red light that can be seen from at least 500 feet, at all times of day. Minors cited for riding an e-bike without a helmet may avoid a fine by completing a California Highway Patrol–approved safety course. These updates aim to improve visibility and safety for e-bike riders.
Stricter DUI Penalties (AB 366, Petrie-Norris; AB 1087, Patterson)
California is strengthening DUI laws to reduce repeat offenses. The statewide ignition interlock device program has been extended through at least 2033, with plans to require these devices for all DUI offenders. In addition, probation periods for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated have increased, giving courts greater oversight of serious DUI cases.
Effective January 1, 2025
Daylighting Law and Pedestrian Safety (AB 413, Lee)
Beginning January 1, 2025, California enforces a law that prohibits parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, and within 15 feet of a curb extension. While warnings were previously issued, violations will now result in citations. This law improves visibility at intersections and helps reduce pedestrian collisions. Drivers must follow this rule even if no signs are posted.
Higher Minimum Auto Insurance Limits (SB 1107, Dodd)
Starting in 2025, California’s minimum auto insurance coverage requirements increase to $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injuries or deaths to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage per collision. These limits replace the long-standing minimums of $15,000, $30,000, and $5,000. The update reflects rising medical and repair costs and provides better financial protection after a crash.
Stronger Penalties for Illegal Street Racing
New laws taking effect in 2025 increase penalties for illegal street racing and sideshows. Drivers involved may face longer license suspensions, higher fines, and vehicle impoundment. These tougher consequences are intended to discourage reckless behavior and improve safety for everyone on California roads.
Effective January 1, 2024
2024 Road Rules Update Highlights
Join Permit Quiz Liz from our Driving School partner Drivers Ed Direct as she presents the latest developments in California traffic laws for the year 2024 in an insightful review, supported by the road rule research done by our team here at TrafficSchool.com. Familiarize yourself with the following five new laws implemented this year to ensure your compliance with current road regulations.
Speed Camera Pilot Program (AB 645, Friedman)
Commencing January 2024, a new law launches a 5-year pilot program allowing selected California cities, including Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, Glendale, Long Beach, and San Francisco County, to deploy a limited number of speed cameras. Emphasizing critical areas such as school zones, high-injury roadways, and recognized street racing corridors, the program aims to monitor and enforce speed limits. Offenders in these zones will incur a civil penalty corresponding to their speed violation, with no points added to their driving record during this pilot program.
Parking Near A Crosswalk (AB 413, Lee)
A recent law prohibits stopping or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk or within 15 feet from a curb extension. Offenders will initially be warned in 2024, but citations will be issued starting in 2025. The primary objective of this new law? Enhancing visibility by eliminating parked cars near crosswalks and intersections.
Cruising Allowed (AB 436, Alvarez)
The state lifts a long-standing ban on lowrider cruising by repealing regulations in the California Vehicle Code. Formerly granting local governments authority to impose restrictions, the repealed rules covered the regulation of cruising, defined as the act of driving a vehicle "low and slow" on streets and operating modified vehicles that bring the car's body closer to the ground than the bottom of its rims.
Stops: Notification by Peace Officers (AB 2773, Holden)
Effective January 1st, 2024, law enforcement officers cannot begin a traffic stop with the question, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" Officers must explicitly state the purpose of the stop before continuing with further inquiries. This new law also applies to interactions with pedestrians. The guidelines aim to reduce pretextual stops and foster de-escalation in police-civilian interactions.
Catalytic Converter Theft (SB 55, Umberg; AB 641, Vince Fong; AB 1519, Bains)
Several laws were recently enacted to address the surge in catalytic converter theft. Measures include heightened penalties for unlicensed "automobile dismantlers" and individuals modifying or concealing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) associated with a catalytic converter.