As 2026 kicks off, scores of new laws related to motor vehicles, transportation and traffic safety go into effect.
Here are some of the new laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that become effective this year, from the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Electric bike safety: E-bikes now must have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear whenever they are used, not just when it’s dark out as the law previously required.
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Another e-bike law focuses on improving the safety standards for e-bikes, powered mobility devices and related to lithium-ion batteries. It requires these devices and their components (like batteries and charging systems) be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards and labeled to show they comply with safety regulations (the labeling is so consumers are informed). It’s illegal to distribute, sell or lease e-bikes and their equipment unless they meet these safety standards, with a goal of reducing risks like fire hazards and electrical malfunctions.
Pedestrian safety: On Jan. 1, 2031 school zone speed limits will decrease from 25 mph to 20 mph. In the meantime, local authorities can lower the school zone speed limit to 20 mph in school zones by ordinance or resolution.
Speeding and safety: The Department of Transportation can establish a work zone speed safety system pilot program using a fixed or mobile radar, or laser systems, to detect speeders and capture photos of vehicle license plates. Citations will go to the registered owner. In a similar vein, a new law allows local governments to use an alternative automated camera program to enforce red light violations.
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Another new law expands the “slow down and move over” law to include any highway maintenance vehicle or any stationary vehicle using flashing hazard lights or warning devices. Drivers approaching these vehicles must move over a lane away from the stopped vehicle, or slow down if they can’t change lanes.
Also on this topic, Caltrans is now allowed to reduce a speed limit by 5 mph on a highway; warning citations have to be issued (vs. a real ticket) during the initial 30 days after a speed limit is lowered.
Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated: A new law increases the probation term from two years to three-five years for someone convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Altering or obstructing a license plate: It’s an infraction with a $1,000 fine to manufacture in California any product or device that obscures, or is intended to obscure or interfere with, the visual or electronic reading of a license plate. This new law addresses the use of illegal license plate covers that enable drivers to evade tolls.
Stronger consumer protections: The California Combating Auto Retail Scams, or CARS Act, takes effect on Oct. 1, 2026, bringing more consumer protections for car buyers. Car dealers will face stricter requirements in their advertising, sales practices and how they sell or market add-on products; they won’t be able to misrepresent information about the sale, lease or financing; advertising and price quotes will have to clearly display the vehicle’s total cost; and businesses must retain all records related to advertising, contracts and add-ons for at least two years, which makes it easier to monitor and fix misconduct. Also, used car buyers will have three days to return a used car costing less than $50,000 if the car has had fewer than 400 miles added to the odometer since purchased and it hasn’t been damaged.
Duplicate driver’s license: Motorists can now request a duplicate driver’s license from the DMV after they change their address. Current law limits duplicate licenses to situations where the license is lost, destroyed or mutilated, or if a new true full name is required.
Ignition interlock devices: The Statewide Ignition Interlock Device pilot program for specified driving-under-the-influence offenders has been extended to Jan. 1, 2033.
Parking tickets: A new law allows local governments to waive or reduce parking penalties if a person is unable to pay and requires a payment plan if requested. The goal is to prevent escalating fines, vehicle towing and lien sales that can disproportionately impact low-income people.
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