New State Driving Laws for 2026
“Happy” New Year…? That has yet to be determined, and in an effort to assist you with your year leaning more toward the “H” on the happiness gauge, here is a short list of new driving laws taking effect in 2026.
As of January 1, 2026, California is introducing several significant updates to its vehicle code, ranging from consumer protections to automated (non-manned) enforcement. They are as follows-
- Stationary Vehicle Safety (AB 390): The “Move Over” law is expanded. Drivers must now slow down and move over for any stationary vehicle with flashing hazard lights, not just emergency or maintenance vehicles.
- License Plate Obstruction (AB 1085): It is now an infraction with a $1,000 fine to manufacture or sell devices designed to obscure or interfere with the electronic reading of a license plate (such as “stealth” covers).
- Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Requirements (SB 480): AVs must now be equipped with specific marker lamps to notify the public and law enforcement when the vehicle is operating in autonomous mode.
- Ignition Interlock Extension (AB 366): The statewide pilot program requiring ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for DUI offenders has been extended to 2033.
- The CARS Act (SB 766): Effective October 1, 2026, this consumer protection law prohibits dealerships from misrepresenting vehicle costs and financing terms, and it provides a three-day right to cancel for vehicles under $50,000.
THE ONE THAT'S CATCHING MOST ATTENTION The latest, verified information regarding this new pilot program
The “Speed Safety System” Pilot Program (AB 645)
The most notable change is the rollout of a five-year pilot program authorizing automated speed cameras in select cities.
Why is this only a “Pilot”?
California law historically prohibited automated speed enforcement. This is a pilot program to test whether technology can effectively reduce traffic fatalities (which have risen over 50% in major cities since 2010) without the need for constant police presence. Legislators are using this period to evaluate:
Safety impact: If speeding and accidents actually decrease in “High-Injury Network” areas.
Equity: If the income-based fine reductions (50–80% off for qualifying drivers) successfully prevent the program from disproportionately harming low-income residents.
Privacy: Ensuring data is only used for speeding and not shared with immigration or other law enforcement agencies.
Is your Driver’s License in jeopardy?
For most camera-issued tickets, no. Here is how it works:
Civil Penalties only: Tickets issued via speed cameras are processed as civil infractions, similar to a parking ticket.
No DMV Points: Because the camera captures the license plate and not necessarily the driver, these violations do not result in points on your DMV record and should not affect your insurance.
Specific Fine Tiers:
11–15 mph over: $50
16–25 mph over: $100
26+ mph over: $200
100 mph+: $500
Note on “Excessive Speeding”: While camera tickets don’t hit your license, a separate DMV-CHP joint pilot is targeting drivers caught by officers going over 100 mph. Under this initiative, the DMV can take “expedited action” to suspend or revoke a license more quickly than through traditional court proceedings.
What would it take to become an actual law?
For speed cameras to become permanent and statewide, the pilot cities must submit a comprehensive report to the State Legislature by the end of the 5-year term. If the data shows a significant reduction in traffic deaths and the public “buy-in” remains stable, the legislature would need to pass a new bill to remove the “pilot” status and expand the program’s authority.
Is Santa Monica Included?
No, the City of Santa Monica is not currently part of the speed camera pilot program. Although Santa Monica frequently implements its own local traffic-calming measures, it was not one of the cities authorized by the state to install automated speed cameras under AB 645.
However, several neighboring cities and jurisdictions are included in the pilot and will have active cameras:
- City of Los Angeles (Specifically high-injury corridors surrounding Santa Monica)
- Malibu (Focusing on a dangerous stretch of the PCH)
- Glendale
- Long Beach