Short answer: Most of California’s new driving laws for 2026 took effect on January 1, 2026. The biggest changes for everyday drivers: “slow down and move over” now covers any stopped vehicle with hazard lights or warning devices, Caltrans can trim some highway speed limits by 5 mph, e-bikes need a red rear reflector or light at all times, and you can get a duplicate license after an address change. Two more took effect later in the year: self-driving car rules on July 1 and car-buyer protections on October 1, 2026.
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Start the free test →This guide is based on the official round-ups from the California DMV and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), both released December 26, 2025. Each law is listed with its bill number so you can look it up yourself.
Key 2026 California driving laws at a glance
| Bill | What changed | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| AB 390 | Move over or slow down for any stopped vehicle with hazards or warning devices | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 1014 | Caltrans may lower some highway speed limits by 5 mph | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 289 | Pilot speed cameras in state highway work zones | Jan 1, 2026 |
| SB 720 | Cities and counties may use an alternative red light camera program (civil penalties) | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 382 | Local option for 20 mph school zones now; automatic 20 mph where posted later | Jan 1, 2026 (local); Jan 1, 2031 (statewide) |
| AB 1085 | $1,000 fine for making license plate-blocking devices in California | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 366 | DUI ignition interlock program extended to 2033 | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 1087 | Longer probation for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 544 | E-bikes need a red rear reflector or light at all times | Jan 1, 2026 |
| SB 586 | Off-highway electric motorcycles (“eMotos”) follow off-highway vehicle rules | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 875 | Impound of certain fast electric two-wheelers ridden illegally | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 486 | Misdemeanor to carry key-programming or signal-extender tools to steal | Jan 1, 2026 |
| SB 506 | Duplicate driver’s license allowed after an address change | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 1299 | Parking-ticket relief and payment plans for people who can’t pay | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 1272 | DMV-licensed businesses can’t use “DMV” in web domain names | Jan 1, 2026 |
| SB 480 | Self-driving cars may use lamps showing the system is on | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 1777 | New first-responder rules for driverless cars | Jul 1, 2026 |
| SB 766 | CARS Act: dealer honesty rules and a 3-day right to cancel (under $50,000) | Oct 1, 2026 |
Road safety laws every driver should know
Move over or slow down for any stopped vehicle (AB 390)
California’s “slow down and move over” rule now covers more than emergency and tow vehicles. Under AB 390, it also applies to highway maintenance vehicles and to any stopped vehicle showing flashing hazard lights or warning devices such as cones or flares. When you approach one, move out of the lane next to it. If you can’t change lanes safely, slow to a safe speed. Effective January 1, 2026.
Lower highway speed limits in some places (AB 1014)
Caltrans may now reduce a highway’s speed limit by 5 mph. For the first 30 days after a reduction, officers must give warning citations instead of fines. Effective January 1, 2026.
Speed cameras in highway work zones (AB 289)
Caltrans can set up a pilot program that uses radar or laser and license plate photos to catch speeding in state highway work zones. Tickets go to the vehicle’s registered owner, with set review and appeal steps.
Red light cameras (SB 720)
Local governments may use an alternative automated red light camera program. Violations under that program carry civil penalties only. Effective January 1, 2026.
20 mph school zones (AB 382)
This one rolls out slowly. Starting in 2026, cities and counties may lower school zone speed limits from 25 to 20 mph by local ordinance or resolution. Beginning January 1, 2031, the limit drops to 20 mph automatically where the proper signs are posted. Until then, follow the posted signs.
License plate covers (AB 1085)
Making a product or device in California that hides or obscures a license plate is now an infraction with a $1,000 fine. Effective January 1, 2026.
DUI penalties (AB 366 and AB 1087)
AB 366 extends the statewide ignition interlock device program for certain DUI offenders until January 1, 2033. AB 1087 raises probation for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, including gross vehicular manslaughter, from two years to three to five years. Both effective January 1, 2026.
E-bikes, eMotos and car theft
- E-bike reflectors (AB 544): E-bikes need a red rear reflector, or a red light with a built-in reflector, at all times, not just after dark. Minors cited for an e-bike helmet violation can meet the course requirement with the CHP’s online e-bike safety program.
- eMotos (SB 586): Off-highway electric motorcycles are now off-highway motor vehicles. Riders must wear a helmet, and vehicles not registered under the Vehicle Code must display a DMV-issued ID plate or device.
- Impounds (AB 875): Officers may impound, for at least 48 hours, certain electric vehicles with fewer than four wheels that are too powerful to count as e-bikes when the rider is unlicensed, and class 3 e-bikes ridden by someone under 16.
- Theft tools (AB 486): Carrying a key programming device, key duplicating device or signal extender with intent to commit burglary is a misdemeanor, with up to six months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
License, DMV and consumer changes
- Duplicate license after moving (SB 506): You can now request a duplicate driver’s license after changing your address. Before, duplicates were limited to lost, destroyed or damaged licenses, or a legal name change. Effective January 1, 2026.
- Car-buying protections (SB 766, the CARS Act): Dealers can’t misrepresent things like total cost and financing terms, and buyers get a three-day right to cancel the purchase or lease of a vehicle under $50,000. Effective October 1, 2026.
- “DMV” in web addresses (AB 1272): Businesses with DMV occupational licenses can’t use “DMV” or “Department of Motor Vehicles” in their domain names.
- Parking tickets (AB 1299): Local governments may waive or reduce parking penalties for people who can’t pay and must offer a payment plan on request.
Self-driving cars
SB 480 lets autonomous vehicles use marker lamps showing when the automated driving system is on (January 1, 2026). Under AB 1777, a 2024 law, driverless vehicles must meet new rules for interacting with first responders starting July 1, 2026, including a two-way communication device. Once DMV regulations are in place, police may also send a “notice of autonomous vehicle noncompliance” to the manufacturer when its vehicle breaks a traffic law. The DMV adopted new autonomous vehicle regulations on April 28, 2026, which include that notice.
Already-signed laws with later start dates
A few laws were signed in 2024 or 2025 but have parts that start after 2026:
- AB 382: automatic 20 mph school zones where posted, starting January 1, 2031.
- SB 1271: the ban on selling noncompliant e-bikes, powered mobility devices and their lithium-ion batteries began January 1, 2026; the ban on renting them starts January 1, 2028.
Bills signed during the 2026 legislative session generally take effect January 1, 2027. The DMV and CHP usually publish their official “new laws” round-ups in late December, so check back then for the 2027 list.
Does this change the permit/knowledge test?
The DMV says all knowledge test questions are taken from the California Driver’s Handbook. So prepare from the current handbook, not from news stories about new laws. The DMV has not announced any specific test changes tied to these 2026 laws.
What this means for you:
- Study the current handbook on the DMV website. Our handbook study guide breaks it into sections.
- If a practice question seems to conflict with a new law, go with what the current handbook says and the signs you see on the road.
- You still need 80% to pass, and you get three attempts before you must reapply.
Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question practice test, written from the California Driver’s Handbook.
Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question California permit practice test.
Start the free test →Frequently asked questions
When do most new California driving laws take effect?
Most take effect on January 1. For 2026, nearly all of the laws in the DMV and CHP round-ups started January 1, 2026. A few had other dates, like AB 1777 (July 1, 2026) and SB 766 (October 1, 2026).
Is the school zone speed limit 20 mph in California now?
Not everywhere. Under AB 382, cities and counties can choose to lower school zones from 25 to 20 mph now. The automatic 20 mph limit where signs are posted starts January 1, 2031. Always follow the posted sign.
Do I have to move over for a car with its hazard lights on?
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, AB 390 requires you to move out of the lane next to any stopped vehicle showing flashing hazard lights or warning devices like cones or flares. If you can't change lanes safely, slow down to a safe speed.
Can I get a new driver's license with my new address?
Yes. SB 506, effective January 1, 2026, lets you request a duplicate driver's license after you change your address.
Will the 2026 laws be on my permit test?
The DMV says all knowledge test questions are taken from the California Driver's Handbook. The DMV has not announced specific test changes for these laws, so study the current handbook.
Where can I read the official list of new laws?
The DMV's "DMV Highlights New Laws in 2026" news release and the CHP's "New Year, New Laws" release, both from December 26, 2025, list each law with its bill number.
Sources
- DMV Highlights New Laws in 2026 (DMV news release, Dec 26, 2025)
- New Year, New Laws: CHP Highlights Public Safety Laws Taking Effect in 2026 (CHP news release)
- New Autonomous Vehicle Regulations Strengthen Oversight and Enforcement (DMV news release, Apr 28, 2026)
- Preparing for Knowledge and Drive Tests (DMV)
- California Driver's Handbook (DMV)