There are new traffic laws in California.
2026’s new California traffic laws include:
- Expanded DUI enforcement (AB 366 and AB 1087): Extension of Ignition Interlock device requirements for DUI offenders and increased probation periods for DUI-related vehicular manslaughter accidents.
- Lower school speed limits (AB 382): Local authorities can now reduce school speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph.
- New red light camera enforcement (SB 720): Cities and counties may now use automated traffic enforcement systems, with red light violations treated as civil penalties.
- Expanded “slow down, move over” requirements (AB 390): Drivers must now slow down and move over for any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights or warning devices, not just emergency vehicles.
Some changes in 2026 expand existing laws, while other new laws introduce new enforcement tools.
Below, we break down each new traffic law in California for 2026.
Table of Contents
- Overview of New 2026 Traffic Laws in California
- Ignition Interlock Devices for DUI Offenders (AB 366)
- Lower School Zone Speed Limits (AB 382)
- Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems (SB 720)
- Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated Probation Changes (AB 1087)
- License Plate Obstruction and Alteration Penalties (AB 1085)
- Removal of Abandoned Recreational Vehicles (AB 630)
- Off Highway Electric Motorcycles (SB 586)
- Key-Programming Devices and Signal Extenders (AB 486)
- New E-Bike Safety Requirements (AB 544)
- Expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” Law (AB 390)
- Driving Safely in California in 2026
Overview of New 2026 Traffic Laws in California
California has implemented several new laws related to traffic and motor vehicles which affect drivers.
California’s 2026 traffic law updates align with wider efforts to reduce serious injuries on the road, similar to the safety improvements highlighted in the safest cars of 2026.
California’s new traffic laws for 2026 include DUI enforcement, speed limits, and expanded automated enforcement for speed, red-light, and transit lane violations.
Ignition Interlock Devices for DUI Offenders (AB 366)
Under AB 366, the Ignition Interlock Device program will be extended for specified DUI offenders until January 1, 2033 to prevent drunk driving.
Ignition Interlock Devices are car breathalyzers which are wired to the ignition. They require drivers to blow into them and show Breath Alcohol Content below the legal limit, and they prevent drivers from starting the engine if they have been drinking alcohol.
The devices also randomly prompt for additional breath samples while drivers are driving.
Existing law required that drivers convicted of driving motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol install Ignition Interlock Devices in their vehicles. Installation of the devices was discretionary for first offenders.
The existing law expired on January 1, 2026. AB 366 extends the Ignition Interlock Device requirements until January 1, 2033.
Lower School Zone Speed Limits (AB 382)
With AB 382, California will allow the lowering of school zone speed limits from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour to enhance child pedestrian safety and reduce speeding.
The bill will allow local authorities to establish a “prima facie” speed limit of 20 mph in school zones. A prima facie speed limit is a default speed limit which applies even without posted signs.
In addition, under the bill, California will lower the prima facie school zone speed limit from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour starting January 1, 2031. This will apply regardless if local authorities establish the new speed limit prior to January 1, 2031.
The bill will also authorize local authorities to declare prima facie speed limits of 15 mph in residence districts on highways with posted speed limits of 30 mph or slower in school zones, or 25 mph when approaching from school zones at distances of 500 to 1,000 feet.
These lower school zone speed limits are intended to reduce child pedestrian accidents.
Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems (SB 720)
Under SB 720, new automated traffic enforcement system programs will allow local governments to use alternative automated camera programs to enforce red-light violations.
The bill will authorize cities and counties to establish automated traffic enforcement system programs which use the systems to detect violations of traffic control signals.
The bill will require violations of traffic control signals recorded by automated traffic enforcement systems to end up being subject to civil penalties which are escalating.
City and county violations regarding red-light infractions will be treated as civil infractions with base penalties capped at $100 and maximum penalties capped at $500 for repeat offenders.
Violations recorded by automated traffic enforcement systems are subject only to civil penalties, not criminal penalties.
The bill is intended to improve traffic compliance and limit punitive impacts.
Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated Probation Changes (AB 1087)
Under AB 1087, California will implement stricter penalties for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, increasing probation terms from two years to between three and five years.
Existing California law contains a contradiction: while the probation period for driving under the influence is three to five years, the probation period for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is no more than one year for a misdemeanor and no more than two years for a felony.
AB 1087 fixes this contradiction, establishing the probation period for vehicular manslaughter to between three and five years, matching the probation period of driving under the influence.
The bill applies to vehicular manslaughter and gross vehicular manslaughter convictions, and is intended to strengthen accountability for impaired driving.
License Plate Obstruction and Alteration Penalties (AB 1085)
The new law regarding license plate obstruction, AB 1085, will impose a fine of $1,000 for manufacturing devices that obscure license plates.
Existing law prohibits the sale of devices which obscure license plates, allowing for a fine of $250 per item sold.
AB 1085 will prohibit the manufacturing of these devices as well, allowing for a fine of $1,000 per item manufactured or sold.
The bill targets illegal license plate covers designed to evade tolls or traffic enforcement by interfering with the visual or electronic reading of license plates.
The bill addresses growing concerns over interference with automated enforcement which enables toll evasion and other crimes.
Removal of Abandoned Recreational Vehicles (AB 630)
AB 630 will authorize the Counties of Los Angeles and Alameda to remove recreational vehicles valued at $4,000 or less from highways, public property or private property if they are inoperable.
The bill requires that public agencies, prior to disposing of recreational vehicles, provide authorization that the vehicles are inoperable.
This law will be in effect until January 1, 2030.
Off Highway Electric Motorcycles (SB 586)
SB 586 will classify off-highway electric motorcycles as off-highway motor vehicles.
Existing law establishes rules for operating off-highway vehicles, imposing safety requirements including the requirement that those operating the vehicles wear safety helmets.
Existing law also requires that off-highway motor vehicles not registered under the Vehicle Code display identification plates or devices issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, except in specific situations.
The bill will subject off-highway electric motorcycles to the above rules and regulations.
The bill defines off-highway electric motorcycles as:
- Designed by manufacturers for primarily off-highway operation
- Powered by electric motors for which motor numbers aren’t required
- Having handlebars for steering
- Having straddle seats provided by manufacturers
- Having two wheels
- Not having manufacturer-equipped pedals
Key-Programming Devices and Signal Extenders (AB 486)
Under AB 486, possession of key-cloning devices with the intent to steal a car is now a specific misdemeanor.
Existing law classifies having specified tools or other items intended to aid in breaking or entering into buildings or other specified places as a misdemeanor. It also makes it a misdemeanor to repair, alter or make these items when the person knows or should know that the item is intended to be utilized while committing crimes.
The bill adds signal extenders, key duplicating devices and key programming devices to the list of items which are elements of the above offenses.
Penalties include up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
The bill targets auto theft methods involving signal extenders and electronic key cloning.
New E-Bike Safety Requirements (AB 544)
Under AB 544, E-bike regulations will now require the use of rear red reflectors or lights during all hours of operation to improve visibility and safety.
Existing law requires that bicycles operated during darkness be equipped with red reflectors or solid or flashing red lights with built-in reflectors on the rear which are visible from 500 feet to the rear when in front of motor vehicles’ lawful upper headlamp beams.
AB 544 will require electric bicycles to be equipped with said reflectors or lights at all hours of the day.
As e-bike use continues, safety requirements need to adapt to reduce bicycle accidents in California.
The bill is aimed at improving safety for the growing number of e-bike riders.
Expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” Law (AB 390)
California drivers must slow down or change lanes for any stationary vehicle with hazard lights, flares, or cones under the expanded “Move Over” Law (AB 390).
Existing law requires that drivers approaching stationary marked Caltrans vehicles displaying flashing lights to approach cautiously and either change lanes, putting at least one lane between themselves and the Caltrans vehicle, or, if that is not possible to do so safely, slow to a prudent and reasonable speed.
AB 390 will expand that requirement to all marked highway maintenance vehicles and all stationary vehicles displaying flashing hazard lights or other warning devices, including, but not limited to, retroreflective devices, flares or cones.
The bill aims to reduce roadside worker and motorist injuries.
Driving Safely in California in 2026
To drive safely in California in 2026:
- Keep focused and avoid distractions
- Wear your seatbelt
- Keep a safe following distance
- Obey traffic laws like speed limits and don’t commit traffic violations
- Practice defensive driving and be prepared for other drivers to make mistakes
- Don’t drive while intoxicated
- Keep up to date on the latest traffic laws
However, even if you drive as safely as possible, sometimes accidents can’t be avoided.
Call us today for a FREE consultation at (800) 718-4658 or contact us if you or a loved one was injured or killed in an auto accident.
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