New Laws Impacting California Drivers in 2026

New laws affecting California drivers set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, include stricter laws for drunk driving, speeding in school zones and automated traffic camera enforcement.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles compiled a list of new traffic and driving laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom going into effect the first of the year. They include:

Ignition Interlock Devices — AB 366 (Petrie-Norris)

Extends the Statewide Ignition Interlock Device Pilot Program for specified driving-under-the-influence offenders to Jan. 1, 2033.

Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated — AB 1087 (Patterson)

Increases the term of probation from two years to between three and five years for a driver convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

School Zone Speed Limit — AB 382 (Berman)

Lowers the school zone speed limit from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour beginning Jan/ 1, 2031.

“Slow Down, Move Over” — AB 390 (Wilson)

Expands the requirement that a driver approaching a stationary vehicle must slow down and move over to include any stationary vehicles, including marked highway maintenance vehicles and those displaying flashing hazard lights or another warning device.

Automated Traffic Enforcement System Programs — SB 720 (Ashby)

Allows local governments to use an alternative automated camera program to enforce red light violations.

License Plate Obstruction or Alteration — AB 1085 (Stefani)

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)

Allows an autonomous vehicle to be equipped with automated driving system 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)

Enacts the CARS Act, effective Oct. 1, 2026, to prohibit a dealer from misrepresenting various aspects of a vehicle sale, such as the vehicle’s total cost and financing terms.