2026 New Traffic Laws: What Every Local Driver Needs to Know

1. Expanded "Move Over" Law (AB 390)

California’s "Slow Down, Move Over" law now includes all stationary vehicles with flashing hazard lights, road flares, or cones.

• What to do: When approaching any stopped vehicle on the highway, you must move into a lane not adjacent to it. If changing lanes is unsafe, you must slow down significantly.

• The Penalty: Violators face fines of up to $1,000.

2. Lower School Zone Speed Limits (AB 382)

To enhance child safety, local cities and counties now have the authority to lower speed limits in school zones from 25 mph to 20 mph.

• Tip: Watch for new signage near local schools, as enforcement is expected to ramp up during drop-off and dismissal times.

3. Automated Speed & Red-Light Cameras (AB 645 & SB 720)

New pilot programs for automated enforcement are going live in 2026.

• Speed Cameras: Cities like Los Angeles, San Jose, and Oakland are deploying automated speed safety systems in high-injury corridors and school zones. Fines may be reduced for low-income drivers, but habitual offenders will face civil penalties.

• Red-Light Grace Period: Any new red-light camera installed after January 1, 2026, must have a 60-day warning period where drivers receive notices instead of fines to help them adjust to the new tech.

4. License Plate Obstruction Fines (AB 1085)

Using covers, sprays, or any device that obscures a license plate from being read electronically (often used to evade tolls) is now a serious infraction.

• The Penalty: Manufacturing or using these devices carries a flat $1,000 fine.

5. Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Requirements (AB 1777 & SB 480)

As self-driving cars become more common, new accountability measures are in place.

• Communication: By July 1, 2026, all autonomous vehicles must have two-way communication devices allowing first responders to talk directly to remote operators.

• Marker Lamps: AVs can now be equipped with specific marker lamps that light up to notify other drivers when the vehicle is in "autopilot" or autonomous mode.

6. Stricter DUI & Reckless Driving Penalties

• Ignition Interlock Devices (IID): The requirement for DUI offenders to install an IID—which prevents a car from starting if alcohol is detected—has been extended through 2033.

• Vehicular Manslaughter: Probation for those convicted of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated has increased from two years to three to five years.

7. New Consumer Rights for Car Buyers (SB 766)

Starting October 1, 2026, the CARS Act provides significant protections for those buying or leasing used vehicles under $50,000.

• Right to Cancel: Buyers will have a three-day right to cancel a purchase or lease.

• Transparency: Dealers are prohibited from including "junk fees" or misrepresenting the total cost of the vehicle.

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