New Traffic Laws Aimed at Making Driving Safer in California in 2026

• Ignition Interlock Devices – Also known as Assembly Bill 366, this law, authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, mandates the installation of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) on vehicles belonging to DUI offenders. The goal of this assembly bill is to combat drunk driving and save lives.
• Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated – Authored by both Assemblymembers Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) and Rhodesia Ransom, Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, otherwise known as Assembly Bill 1087, allows courts to impose much longer felony-level sentences when individuals are found guilty of vehicular manslaughter.
• Revised School Zone Speed Limit – Authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman, this law, also known as Assembly Bill 382, lowers the speed limit in school zones statewide from 25 mph to 20 mph to protect children getting on and off school buses.
• Slow Down, Move Over – This law, known as Assembly Bill 390 and authored by Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, requires drivers to slow down when approaching highway maintenance vehicles and other stationary vehicles with active flashing hazard lights.
• The Automated Traffic Enforcement System Program – This law, authored by California State Senator Angelique Ashby and officially known as Senate Bill 720, allows any city or county in California to implement automated traffic enforcement for red light violations.
• License Plate Obstruction or Alteration – This law, known as Assembly Bill 1085 and authored by Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, aims to improve driving in California by fining individuals who manufacture products or devices that obscure or otherwise interfere with the visual or electronic reading of a license plate.
• Autonomous Vehicle Marker Lamps – This new law, known officially as Senate Bill 480 and authored by Senator Bob J. Archuleta, legalizes the use of automated driving system marker lamps. These lamps alert law enforcement, pedestrians, and other drivers whenever an autonomous vehicle is in the area.
• The California Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Act – While it doesn’t necessarily make driving in California safer, the California Combating Auto Retail Scams Act, Senate Bill 766, authored by Senator Ben Allen, makes it illegal for car dealerships to misrepresent any aspect of a vehicle sale. That includes the total vehicle price, financing terms, and unapproved add-ons.

To summarize, several new laws went into effect as of January 2026. And most are aimed at making roadways safer for drivers, pedestrians, and even autonomous vehicles.