New California Traffic Laws in 2025: What Drivers Need to Know

New Traffic Laws 2025
Car keys on desk near judge court gavel.
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

As we usher in 2025, California is implementing a series of new traffic laws aimed at enhancing road safety and modernizing transportation infrastructure. These legislative changes address various aspects of driving and vehicle regulations, impacting motorists, pedestrians, and employers alike. 

Governor Gavin Newsom ensures “California’s new laws tackle today’s biggest emerging challenges head-on. Through partnership with the Legislature, we’re strengthening public safety, building more housing, and providing more resources for our communities. These practical reforms protect what matters most while creating more opportunities for all Californians.”

It is Ticket Crushers’ main goal to keep you informed when there are changes made to California traffic laws to ensure your success and safety as a driver. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable changes and how they will affect California drivers.

Driver’s License Requirements in Job Postings

California’s SB 1100 prohibits employers from requiring a valid driver’s license in job postings unless specific conditions are met. Under the law, employers may only include a driver’s license requirement if driving is a primary job function for the job, and if alternative transportation methods, such as public transit or rideshare, would not be a viable option in the job role. 

Impact on Drivers: This law ensures that individuals without a driver’s license won’t face unnecessary barriers in the hiring process and addresses potential discrimination against individuals without driver’s licenses. This law broadens job opportunities for non-drivers and  ensures a more equitable hiring process, while also ensuring that legitimate job needs are met.

Changes in Liability Insurance Coverage

SB 1107 increases the amount of liability insurance coverage an owner or operator of a motor vehicle is required to maintain. 

Beginning Jan. 1, the payout limits increase to the following minimum financial responsibility requirements:

  • $30,000 for injury or death to one person
  • $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
  • $15,000 for damage to property 

 The bill would also increase the deposit to $75,000.

Impact on Drivers: Motorists will need to update their insurance policies to meet the new requirements, providing better financial protection in the event of an accident.

Car Insurance form for new traffic laws with model and policy document on a table with a calculator and money.
Photo Credit: Canva.

Fighting Car Break-Ins and Eliminating the Locked Door Loophole

California’s SB 905 closes the “locked door loophole,” allowing prosecutors to charge suspects with auto burglary without requiring proof that a vehicle’s doors were locked at the time of the crime. Instead, victims can establish auto burglary by showing evidence of forcible entry, which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Felony convictions carry potential sentences ranging from 16 months to three years.

The bill also strengthens penalties for car break-ins involving the resale of stolen property. Anyone possessing over $950 worth of items stolen from a vehicle—whether they stole, held, or attempted to sell the goods—can now face prosecution. SB 905 represents a significant step in addressing auto theft and deterring the resale of stolen valuables, ensuring stricter accountability for such crimes.

Impact on Drivers: This law provides greater protection for vehicle owners by making it easier to prosecute car break-ins and deterring theft-related crimes.

Vehicle Theft

AB 2536 (Hoover) expands the definition of “vehicle theft crimes” to include the theft of vehicle parts such as catalytic converters. The law gives counties more flexibility to use existing vehicle registration fees to combat vehicle-related crime.

Impact on Drivers: Drivers can expect stronger enforcement against theft of valuable vehicle parts, a growing concern in recent years.

Parking Law Changes

California’s AB 413 prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk even if no red curbs are present. This law aims to enhance pedestrian safety by improving visibility at intersections and reducing the risk of accidents.

Before AB 413, California was among the few states without such a parking restriction. Now, the state aligns with over 40 others that require vehicles to maintain a minimum 20-foot distance from crosswalks, ensuring safer conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike.

Impact on Drivers: Drivers must be more mindful when parking near intersections to avoid fines and enhance pedestrian safety.

License Plate Obstruction/Alteration

AB 2111 makes it illegal to alter the reflective coating on license plates to evade detection by cameras. This law targets activities such as toll evasion and other traffic violations that rely on electronic capture of license plate information.

By prohibiting license plate obstruction or alteration, the legislation enhances the effectiveness of automated enforcement systems, ensuring greater accountability for traffic violations and supporting fair use of toll systems.

Impact on Drivers: Drivers must ensure their license plates remain unaltered to avoid penalties and ensure fair enforcement of traffic laws.

Speed Saftey Pilot Program Implemented in Malibu

The SB 1297  law authorizes the City of Malibu to implement a five-year speed safety pilot program using up to five automated speed enforcement systems. Similar to programs in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, this initiative aims to reduce speeding and improve traffic safety, particularly in high-risk areas such as school zones and along the Pacific Coast Highway.

The automated systems will detect vehicles exceeding speed limits and issue fines, promoting compliance and helping to save lives. By targeting dangerous speeding behavior, the program seeks to enhance road safety and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers in Malibu.Impact on Drivers: Speeding in Malibu, especially near schools or along the Pacific Coast Highway, could result in automated fines, encouraging safer driving practices.

Speed Level Enforcement Cameras
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Interference with Driving Monitor Devices

California’s SB 1313 prohibits the use or installation of devices designed to interfere with driver monitoring systems in vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance or autonomous technology. These “defeat” devices, such as steering wheel weights that mimic hands on the wheel, override safety features meant to keep drivers alert and engaged while the vehicle is in motion.

The law addresses growing concerns about drivers bypassing critical safety systems, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road. By ensuring these monitoring systems remain functional, SB 1313 aims to enhance road safety and prevent accidents caused by inattentive or disengaged drivers.

Impact on Drivers: Drivers using vehicles with these systems must stay alert, as attempts to bypass monitoring could lead to penalties.

Vehicle Tracking and Remote Access

SB 1394 enhances privacy and safety for drivers by requiring vehicle manufacturers to provide options for disabling remote access to a vehicle and its location. Aimed at protecting survivors of domestic violence, the law prevents abusive partners from exploiting remote vehicle tracking and control technologies.

Starting July 1, 2025, manufacturers must offer drivers an online option to terminate remote access. By 2028, vehicles with remote access must include an in-car mechanism for immediate access termination and notify occupants when an external party accesses vehicle features or locations. These measures aim to empower individuals with greater control over their privacy and security.

Impact on Drivers: Drivers gain greater control over their vehicle’s privacy settings, preventing misuse of tracking technology.

California DUI Checkpoints 2025
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

License Plate and Registration Card Alternatives

California’s AB 3138 allows vehicles, starting January 1, 2027, to use alternative devices in place of traditional license plates or registration cards. These devices may include vehicle location technology, offering a modernized approach to vehicle identification and registration.

The law includes strict safeguards to protect privacy, prohibiting these devices from recording or transmitting personally identifiable information. It also outlines how location technology can be enabled or disabled and permits the replication of specialized license plates on alternative devices. This legislation aims to modernize vehicle identification while ensuring privacy and security for drivers.

Impact on Drivers: Drivers may benefit from modernized vehicle identification options with enhanced privacy protections.

Safer Street Designs

California’s SB 960 mandates that Caltrans prioritize safer and more inclusive street designs in its state highway projects. The law requires the integration of complete streets elements, such as bike lanes, sidewalks, bus-only lanes, safe crosswalks, and accessible pedestrian signals, into planning and infrastructure improvements.

This initiative aims to enhance transit infrastructure, promote safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users, and align with the state’s climate and mobility goals. By fostering equitable and sustainable transportation options, SB 960 supports California’s commitment to creating safer, more accessible roads for all.

Impact on Drivers: Drivers may see infrastructure changes promoting safer and more inclusive roadways for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

These new traffic laws reflect California’s commitment to fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all road users. The DMV also highlights additional new traffic safety laws

If you end up on the receiving end of a ticket due to one of these newly implemented traffic laws, Ticket Crushers is here to assist! As California’s leading DUI and traffic ticket law firm, we have thousands of cases dismissed because we fight to win! Reach out for expert assistance today!

Se Habla Español  – Call us now at 1-866-842-5384 for more information on Traffic Tickets.