New Traffic Laws in California Drivers Should Know for 2026

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | January 13, 2026 | California Law

New Traffic Laws in California Drivers Should Know for 2026

California has enacted several new traffic laws that take effect in 2026, affecting how drivers operate vehicles on San Diego roads. These changes impact everything from speed enforcement in work zones to e-bike regulations and license plate rules. 

Understanding these updates helps drivers avoid penalties and stay safe. If you are involved in a car accident in San Diego, knowing current traffic laws can affect your case.

Automated Speed Cameras in Work Zones

California has a new pilot program allowing automated speed cameras in specific locations under Assembly Bill 645. This program aims to reduce speeding in dangerous areas without requiring police officers to be present.

Participating cities include:

  • Los Angeles
  • San Jose
  • Oakland
  • Glendale
  • Long Beach
  • Malibu
  • San Francisco

Cameras can be placed in several areas, including active construction work zones and school zones during school hours. The cameras may also appear in high-injury corridors identified by traffic data. 

San Diego is not currently part of the pilot program. However, San Diego drivers should be aware of these cameras when traveling to other California cities.

School Zone Speed Limit Changes

Under Assembly Bill 382, California is gradually reducing school zone speed limits to improve child safety. This phased approach gives cities time to update signage and notify drivers. The current school zone speed limit is 25 mph in most areas. By 2031, all school zones must have 20 mph limits when children are present.

San Diego Unified School District and local municipalities will need to install new speed limit signs around elementary, middle, and high schools. The reduced speed limit applies when children are arriving at or leaving school, typically marked by flashing yellow lights or posted time periods.

Expanded Move-Over and Slow-Down Law

California’s move-over law has been expanded to protect more roadside workers. The updated California Vehicle Code §21809 now requires drivers to take action when approaching any stopped vehicle with flashing amber lights.

Protected vehicles include:

  • Emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance)
  • Tow trucks
  • Caltrans maintenance vehicles
  • Utility company trucks
  • Waste management vehicles
  • Any stationary vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights or another warning device, which includes mail and other delivery vehicles

Drivers must move over to an available lane away from the stopped vehicle. If changing lanes is not possible or safe, drivers slow down to a safe speed. The law recognizes that roadside workers face serious dangers from passing traffic. By moving over or slowing down, drivers can prevent accidents and save lives.

E-Bike Age Restrictions by County

New legislation allows California counties to set their own age restrictions for certain types of electric bicycles. Local governments now have the flexibility to address safety concerns in their communities.

E-Bike classifications include:

  • No throttle, pedal-assist only, and max of 20 mph = E-Bike Class 1
  • Throttle-assist with max of 20 mph = E-Bike Class 2
  • Pedal-assist only with a max of 28 mph = E-Bike Class 3

Counties can now set minimum age requirements for Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, potentially higher than the state minimum. San Diego County may implement different rules than neighboring counties, so riders should check local ordinances.

Parents should verify local regulations before allowing children to ride e-bikes, as violations can result in fines and the impoundment of the bike.

License Plate Display Requirements

Assembly Bill 1085 significantly increases penalties for obscuring license plates. Law enforcement has reported that covered plates make it difficult to identify vehicles involved in crimes or hit-and-run accidents.

Examples of obstructions include, but are not limited to:

  • Tinted license plate covers
  • Frames that hide letters or numbers
  • Intentionally bent or modified plates
  • Anything that prevents clear visibility of the plate

California law requires both front and rear plates to be clearly visible and unobstructed. Even decorative frames must not cover the state name, registration stickers, or any characters on the plate.

Ignition Interlock Device Extensions

Changes to California’s DUI laws extend ignition interlock device (IID) requirements for repeat offenders and those with high blood alcohol levels. An IID prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has consumed alcohol.

Repeat DUI offenders can be required to install IIDs for longer periods. There may be enhanced monitoring and reporting to the court. Additionally, violations can extend the installation period or result in license suspension.

San Diego drivers convicted of DUI should work with their attorney to understand the specific IID requirements, as they vary based on the severity of the offense and prior history.

How Traffic Law Violations Affect Accident Claims

Traffic violations can play a significant role in determining fault after a car accident in several ways, including:

  • If a driver breaks a traffic law and causes a collision, this violation can serve as evidence of negligence.
  • Insurance companies use violations to determine liability percentages in some situations.
  • Citations can be used as evidence in personal injury lawsuits.
  • Multiple violations may indicate reckless driving, increasing damages.

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. Each driver’s percentage of fault affects their compensation for economic and non-economic damages. A traffic violation doesn’t automatically make you 100% at fault, but it significantly strengthens the other party’s claim.

Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a car accident in California? New and updated traffic laws could impact your case. Call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers to learn more about your rights and legal options during a free consultation with our San Diego car accident lawyers.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000