Skip to content 
Published March 18th, 2026 | Maximus Law Editorial Team – Kayla Kpanquoi
California just rolled out 13 new motor vehicle laws in 2026 — and some of them are already in effect. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a car buyer, or a rideshare driver, there’s something in here that applies to you. Here’s a quick rundown, organized by when each law kicks in.
IN EFFECT NOW — January 1, 2026
- Road Safety
- You Must Move Over for Any Car With Hazards On — AB 390 [1]
This one’s simple: if you see a vehicle pulled over with its hazard lights on, you need to move to another lane or slow down. It used to only apply to emergency vehicles and Caltrans trucks. Now it covers everyone — broken-down drivers, tow trucks, delivery vehicles, you name it.
Fail to comply, and you’re looking at an infraction, a fine, and a point on your record. If there’s a crash involved, it can escalate to reckless driving.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: Were you rear-ended while stopped with your hazards on? AB 390 may strengthen your injury claim. Call us.
- Vehicle Compliance
- ‘Ghost Plate’ Covers Now Cost $1,000 — AB 1085 [2]
Those tinted license plate covers and reflective sprays that make your plate unreadable to cameras? Illegal — and now the fine is $1,000 per violation. The law targets toll evaders and hit-and-run drivers who use these products to avoid detection.
If your plate has legitimate wear that affects its reflectivity, get it replaced before you get flagged.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: If you were the victim of a hit-and-run in which the at-fault driver used an obscured license plate, this law shifts more accountability to those drivers. We can help you pursue your claim.
- DUI & Impaired Driving
- DUI? You’re Getting an Ignition Interlock Device — AB 366 [3]
California’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program has been extended through 2033, and it now applies to all DUI offenders, including first-time offenders. An IID is a breathalyzer wired to your ignition. If it detects alcohol, your car won’t start.
Tampering with the device or having someone else blow into it carries serious consequences, including extended suspension and potential criminal charges.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: A DUI conviction triggers fines, IID installation costs, insurance hikes, and license restrictions. Talk to our team before a conviction seals all of that.
- DUI Penalties
- Killing Someone While Drunk Now Means Longer Probation — AB 1087 [4]
If a DUI results in someone’s death, probation used to max out at two years. Under AB 1087, it’s now three to five years — bringing it in line with standard felony DUI sentencing. More time on probation means more opportunity for a violation, which can mean prison.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: Facing a vehicular manslaughter charge is one of the most serious situations a driver can face. Get an attorney involved early.
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Self-Driving Cars Get Special Marker Lights — SB 480 [5]
Autonomous vehicles can now be equipped with special ADS (Automated Driving System) marker lamps — lights that let other drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement know the car is operating in self-driving mode. It’s a small but important safety step as AVs become more common on California roads.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: If you were in a collision with an autonomous vehicle, liability can be complicated. It may fall on the manufacturer rather than the driver. We stay current on AV law — reach out.
- Off-Road Vehicles
- Electric Off-Road Motorcycles Need to Be Registered — SB 586 [6]
Off-highway electric motorcycles (eMotos) are now classified as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs). That means they need a DMV-issued ID plate or placard, and riders must follow all OHV rules about where they can and can’t be operated. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
Riding an unregistered eMoto or taking it somewhere it’s not allowed can result in fines and impoundment.
- Electric Vehicles
- E-Bikes Must Have Rear Lights — and Batteries Must Meet Safety Standards — SB 1271 [7]
Two changes here. First, e-bike batteries and charging systems must now be tested and certified to meet safety standards — a response to a string of battery fires. Second, all e-bikes are now required to have a rear red light or reflector on at all times (not just at night).
A few counties are also piloting age restrictions: Marin County requires riders to be 16+ for Class 2 e-bikes, and San Diego County sets the floor at 12 for Class 1 and 2.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: E-bike injuries are on the rise. Whether you’re a rider or a pedestrian, if you were hurt in an e-bike accident, there may be a product liability or negligence claim involved.
- Financial Hardship
- Struggling to Pay a Parking Ticket? You Can Now Request a Payment Plan — AB 1299 [8]
Local governments are now required to offer payment plans to anyone who asks, and they can waive or reduce fines entirely for people who demonstrate financial hardship. The goal is to stop a single parking ticket from snowballing into towing fees, lien sales, and a suspended license.
COMING SOON — July 1, 2026
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Autonomous Vehicles Must Be Able to Talk to First Responders — SB 480 (Phase 2) [5]
By July 1, all AV manufacturers must install two-way communication devices in their vehicles. This lets emergency personnel communicate with a remote operator during a roadside incident — something that’s proven tricky when a driverless car gets pulled over or is involved in a crash.
Law enforcement will also be able to issue formal noncompliance notices to AV manufacturers when their vehicles violate traffic laws — putting legal accountability squarely on the company.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: AV liability is a fast-changing area of law. If a driverless car caused your accident, the question of who’s responsible matters a lot. Our attorneys can help you figure that out.
COMING THIS FALL — October 1, 2026
- Consumer Protection
- Buying a Used Car? You’ll Have 3 Days to Change Your Mind — SB 766 (CARS Act) [9]
This is a big one for car buyers. The California CARS Act gives you three business days to cancel the purchase or lease of any vehicle priced under $50,000 — no questions asked, full refund. It also bans dealers from hiding fees, misrepresenting financing terms, or charging for useless add-ons (like selling oil-change packages to EV owners).
Full upfront price disclosure will be required before you sign anything.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: If a dealer pressured you into a bad deal or buried fees in the paperwork, you may already have recourse under existing consumer protection law. After October 1, the CARS Act adds even more. Give us a call.
ON THE HORIZON — January 1, 2031
- Pedestrian Safety
- School Zone Speed Limit Drops to 20 MPH Statewide — AB 382 [10]
School zones will drop from 25 MPH to 20 MPH across all of California starting January 1, 2031. Some local governments are already lowering limits now under authority granted by this bill — so watch for updated signs in your area sooner than you’d expect.
Speeding in a school zone while children are present can lead to steep fines, license points, and even suspension for repeat offenders.
- 💡 Maximus Law Tip: If you got a school-zone ticket or were involved in a collision near a school, an attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss the violation. Fines and points add up fast.
Got Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’ve already received a ticket under one of these new laws, were hurt in an accident, or just want to understand how these changes affect you, Maximus Law is here. We offer free consultations, and we know California motor law inside and out.
Contact Maximus Law today for a free consultation, (833) 863-2274. One call, Big Settlement.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed California attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Sources
[1] AB 390 — ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ expansion — California DMV: DMV Highlights New Laws in 2026 (California DMV, Dec. 26 2025)
[1] AB 390 — AAA analysis — New Year, New Roadside Safety Protections (AAA SoCal, Jan. 2026)
[2] AB 1085 — License plate obstruction — CHP and DMV Announce New California Safety Laws Taking Effect in 2026 (Victor Valley News, Dec. 27 2025)
[3] AB 366 — IID extension — California DMV: DMV Highlights New Laws in 2026 (California DMV, Dec. 26 2025)
[4] AB 1087 — Vehicular manslaughter probation — California DMV: DMV Highlights New Laws in 2026 (California DMV, Dec. 26 2025)
[5] SB 480 — Autonomous vehicle marker lamps & first-responder comms — CHP and DMV Announce New California Safety Laws Taking Effect in 2026 (Victor Valley News, Dec. 27 2025)
[6] SB 586 — eMotos as OHVs — New California Traffic Laws in 2026: $1,000 Fines, New Red-Light Cameras (FOX 11 Los Angeles, Jan. 1 2026)
[7] SB 1271 & AB 544 — E-bike battery safety & rear lighting — CHP and DMV Announce New California Safety Laws Taking Effect in 2026 (Victor Valley News, Dec. 27 2025)
[8] AB 1299 — Reduced parking fines for low-income drivers — CHP and DMV Announce New California Safety Laws Taking Effect in 2026 (Victor Valley News, Dec. 27 2025)
[9] SB 766 — California CARS Act (3-day right to cancel) — SB 766 Bill Text — California Legislature (California Legislature (leginfo.ca.gov))
[9] SB 766 — Consumer analysis — CARS Act (SB 766) Brings Best-In-Nation Protections To California Car Buyers (UC Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice)
[10] AB 382 — School zone speed limit reduction — California DMV: DMV Highlights New Laws in 2026 (California DMV, Dec. 26 2025)
Additional coverage: KTLA (Dec. 26, 2025) · FOX40 (Dec. 28, 2025) · Aitken Law (Feb. 6, 2026)
