2026 California Driver Regulations: Key Changes You Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2026, California will implement a series of new laws aimed at enhancing road safety and regulating driver behavior. These changes, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, focus on stricter measures for drunk driving, speeding in school zones, and the use of automated traffic camera enforcement.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has compiled a comprehensive list of these new traffic and driving laws, which include:
Ignition Interlock Devices — AB 366 (Petrie-Norris)
This law extends the Statewide Ignition Interlock Device Pilot Program for certain driving-under-the-influence offenders until January 1, 2033. This initiative aims to reduce repeat offenses by requiring offenders to use ignition interlock devices that prevent their vehicles from starting if alcohol is detected.
Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated — AB 1087 (Patterson)
Under this new legislation, the probation period for drivers convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated will increase from two years to a range of three to five years. This change reflects a commitment to holding offenders accountable for their actions.
School Zone Speed Limit — AB 382 (Berman)
Effective January 1, 2031, the speed limit in school zones will be lowered from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour. This adjustment is designed to enhance the safety of children and pedestrians in areas surrounding schools.
“Slow Down, Move Over” — AB 390 (Wilson)
This law expands the existing requirement for drivers to slow down and move over when approaching stationary vehicles. It now includes all stationary vehicles, such as marked highway maintenance vehicles and those displaying flashing hazard lights or other warning devices, to ensure the safety of workers on the road.
Automated Traffic Enforcement System Programs — SB 720 (Ashby)
Local governments will now have the authority to implement alternative automated camera programs to enforce red light violations. This initiative aims to improve compliance with traffic laws and enhance road safety.
License Plate Obstruction or Alteration — AB 1085 (Stefani)
This law makes it an infraction, punishable by a $1,000 fine, to manufacture any product or device in California that obscures or interferes with the visual or electronic reading of a license plate. This measure targets illegal license plate covers that facilitate toll evasion and other criminal activities.
Autonomous Vehicle Marker Lamps — SB 480 (Archuleta)
Autonomous vehicles will now be permitted to be equipped with automated driving system marker lamps. These lamps will notify other drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement when the vehicle’s automated driving system is activated, promoting awareness and safety on the roads.
California Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Act — SB 766 (Allen)
Effective October 1, 2026, the CARS Act will prohibit dealers from misrepresenting various aspects of vehicle sales, including the total cost and financing terms. This legislation aims to protect consumers from deceptive practices in the auto retail industry.
Topics
California
Legislation
Personal Auto
Interested in Legislation?
Get automatic alerts for this topic.
Starting January 1, 2026, California will implement a series of new laws aimed at enhancing road safety and regulating driver behavior. These changes, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, focus on stricter measures for drunk driving, speeding in school zones, and the use of automated traffic camera enforcement.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has compiled a comprehensive list of these new traffic and driving laws, which include:
Ignition Interlock Devices — AB 366 (Petrie-Norris)
This law extends the Statewide Ignition Interlock Device Pilot Program for certain driving-under-the-influence offenders until January 1, 2033. This initiative aims to reduce repeat offenses by requiring offenders to use ignition interlock devices that prevent their vehicles from starting if alcohol is detected.
Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated — AB 1087 (Patterson)
Under this new legislation, the probation period for drivers convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated will increase from two years to a range of three to five years. This change reflects a commitment to holding offenders accountable for their actions.
School Zone Speed Limit — AB 382 (Berman)
Effective January 1, 2031, the speed limit in school zones will be lowered from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour. This adjustment is designed to enhance the safety of children and pedestrians in areas surrounding schools.
“Slow Down, Move Over” — AB 390 (Wilson)
This law expands the existing requirement for drivers to slow down and move over when approaching stationary vehicles. It now includes all stationary vehicles, such as marked highway maintenance vehicles and those displaying flashing hazard lights or other warning devices, to ensure the safety of workers on the road.
Automated Traffic Enforcement System Programs — SB 720 (Ashby)
Local governments will now have the authority to implement alternative automated camera programs to enforce red light violations. This initiative aims to improve compliance with traffic laws and enhance road safety.
License Plate Obstruction or Alteration — AB 1085 (Stefani)
This law makes it an infraction, punishable by a $1,000 fine, to manufacture any product or device in California that obscures or interferes with the visual or electronic reading of a license plate. This measure targets illegal license plate covers that facilitate toll evasion and other criminal activities.
Autonomous Vehicle Marker Lamps — SB 480 (Archuleta)
Autonomous vehicles will now be permitted to be equipped with automated driving system marker lamps. These lamps will notify other drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement when the vehicle’s automated driving system is activated, promoting awareness and safety on the roads.
California Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Act — SB 766 (Allen)
Effective October 1, 2026, the CARS Act will prohibit dealers from misrepresenting various aspects of vehicle sales, including the total cost and financing terms. This legislation aims to protect consumers from deceptive practices in the auto retail industry.
Topics
California
Legislation
Personal Auto
Interested in Legislation?
Get automatic alerts for this topic.
