Several California driving and vehicle laws took effect on January 1, 2026, with additional changes scheduled for later dates. The updates address roadside safety, impaired driving, traffic cameras, electric motorcycles, license plates, and DMV services.
These statewide rules affect drivers throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, San Diego, Sacramento, and the Bay Area. Understanding them can help drivers avoid violations and make safer choices on the road. Review the California DMV summary of 2026 laws for the official overview.
California Driving Laws Changed in 2026
California introduced several driving-related changes in 2026. Some created new statewide rules, some extended existing programs, and others gave local governments new authority.
Important Effective Dates
Two laws have later operative dates:
- California Combating Auto Retail Scams Act, SB 766: Takes effect October 1, 2026. It regulates vehicle pricing, financing, add-ons, and cancellation rights.
- School Zone Speed Limit Law, AB 382: Lowers the standard school zone speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph beginning January 1, 2031.
What California Driving Laws Changed?
Roadside Safety
- Expanded Slow Down and Move Over Law, AB 390: Drivers approaching a stationary roadside vehicle displaying hazard lights, cones, flares, or another warning device must move over when safe and lawful. If moving over is unsafe or impractical, they must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed.
Impaired Driving
- Ignition Interlock Device Law, AB 366: Extends California’s ignition interlock requirements for specified DUI offenders through January 1, 2033.
- Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated Law, AB 1087: Increases probation for vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated from two years to three to five years.
Traffic Enforcement and License Plates
- Automated Red Light Camera Programs, SB 720: Allows local governments to establish an alternative automated program for red light violations. Recorded violations carry civil penalties. Cameras will not automatically appear at every intersection.
- License Plate Obstruction or Alteration Law, AB 1085: Prohibits devices, shades, or tints that interfere with reading a license plate. Manufacturing or selling a prohibited device may carry a $1,000 fine per item. Operating a vehicle with one may carry a $250 fine.
Electric Motorcycles and Autonomous Vehicles
- Off Highway Electric Motorcycles Law, SB 586: Classifies qualifying electric motorcycles as off-highway motor vehicles. They must follow applicable identification and operating requirements.
- Autonomous Vehicle Marker Lamps Law, SB 480: Allows autonomous vehicles to display marker lamps when the automated driving system is active. The lights are permitted, not required.
DMV, Parking, and Vehicle Sales
- Duplicate Driver’s License Law, SB 506: Allows a driver to request a duplicate license after changing their address.
- DMV Website Name Restrictions, AB 1272: Prevents DMV licensed businesses from using “DMV” or “Department of Motor Vehicles” in their domain names.
- Parking Violations Law, AB 1299: Allows local governments to reduce or waive parking penalties based on inability to pay and requires an available payment plan upon request.
- Abandoned Recreational Vehicles Law, AB 630: Allows Los Angeles and Alameda Counties to remove and dispose of certain abandoned, inoperable recreational vehicles valued at $4,000 or less through January 1, 2030.
How the New Laws May Affect Insurance and Personal Injury Claims
The effect of a new driving law will depend on the collision, the available evidence, and the insurance policies involved.
Personal Injury Claims
- Evidence of fault: Violating a safety law may support a finding of negligence. Under California Evidence Code section 669, the violation must have contributed to the injury, caused the type of harm the law was intended to prevent, and affected someone the law was designed to protect. Any resulting presumption may be challenged.
- Roadside collisions: A violation of the Expanded Slow Down and Move Over Law, AB 390, may be relevant when a driver hits a stopped vehicle or someone near a vehicle displaying hazard lights or another warning device.
- Impaired driving: Evidence that alcohol or drugs contributed to a crash may help establish fault. However, the new ignition interlock and probation laws do not automatically determine responsibility in a personal injury claim.
- Traffic camera records: Records created under SB 720 may contain useful information, but they are confidential and subject to access and retention limits. Obtaining them may require a subpoena, court order, or another authorized process.
Insurance Effects
Not every violation has the same insurance consequences. An SB 720 camera violation is a civil penalty that does not add a DMV violation point or suspend or revoke a driver’s license. Other citations or convictions may affect insurance costs depending on the driver’s record, the insurer, and the policy.
A citation does not automatically decide who is legally responsible for a collision. Police reports, photographs, video, witness statements, vehicle damage, medical records, and other evidence may all affect the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive alone with a permit?
No. A California permit holder must practice with a California licensed driver who is at least 18 years old, or at least 25 years old when supervising a minor. The supervising driver must sit close enough to take control if necessary. The California Driver’s Handbook explains the permit requirements.
What does a red-and-white triangular sign at an intersection mean?
It is a yield sign. Slow down and be ready to stop. Allow vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians with the right of way to pass before proceeding.
Can you cross a double yellow line?
You generally may not cross double solid yellow lines to pass. You may cross one set to enter or leave a driveway or private road, or to make a legal U-turn. Two sets of double yellow lines spaced at least two feet apart form a barrier and may be crossed only at a designated opening. See the DMV guidance on California lane markings.
Can you turn right on red in California?
Usually, yes. You must first make a complete stop, yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and traffic, and confirm there is no sign prohibiting the turn. You may not turn right against a red arrow.
Can a 16-year-old drive with passengers in California?
Yes, but restrictions apply. During the first 12 months of a provisional license, a driver under 18 generally may not carry passengers under 20 unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver who is at least 25. Limited exceptions apply for medical, school, work, or immediate family needs and may require a signed note.
How long do you stop at a stop sign?
California does not require a specific number of seconds. The vehicle must come to a complete stop before the limit line or crosswalk, or before entering the intersection if neither is present. Check traffic in every direction and proceed only when safe. The DMV provides more detail in its traffic control guidance.
What does a single dashed yellow line separating traffic mean?
It separates traffic moving in opposite directions. You may pass when the broken line is next to your lane, but only when passing is legal and the road ahead is clear.
Speak With Our California Accident Attorneys at TORKLAW
New traffic laws can affect how police officers, insurers, and courts evaluate a collision. If you were injured in a California crash, our attorneys at TORKLAW can review the applicable law, preserve video and vehicle evidence, examine insurance coverage, document your losses, and identify every party that may be responsible. Contact us to discuss your case and learn what legal options may be available.
Resources
- Mercury Insurance: New California Driving Laws for 2026
- California DMV: DMV Highlights New Laws in 2026
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws and local programs may change, so drivers should check current state and local guidance.
