5 New CA Traffic Laws Every Driver Should Know Before 2026

Several new laws impacting Golden State drivers will go into effect starting Jan. 1, 2026., according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

From new probation mandates for drivers convicted of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated to heavy fines for altered license plates, here's what to know:

New Rules For Drunk Driving Convictions

At least two new laws going into effect next year target people who have been convicted of driving under the influence.

One impacts ignition interlock devices, which are used on the cars of people who have drunk driving convictions.

California's law that required drunk driving offenders to use these devices before starting their car was expiring at the end of 2025, and AB366 extends that mandate until at least 2033.

"AB 366 will preserve our current protections and expand this mandate, ensuring that every individual convicted of a DUI must install an IID, eliminating the discretion that allows some offenders to avoid this critical safeguard," Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris' office said in February. Petrie-Norris sponsored this bill.

The second impacts drivers who have been convicted of killing someone while driving under the influence. Before, a person convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated was given two years' probation as part of their sentence.

This new law, AB1087, was introduced by Assemblyman Joe Patterson and increases the two-year probation period from three to five years.

Slow Down, Move Over

AB390 will expand requirements for drivers approaching a vehicle that has broken down or is stationary on the road

The existing law already requires drivers to move lanes or slow down and approach with caution when traveling towards a stationary marked Caltrans vehicle. But the new law would require drivers do so for all marked highway maintenance vehicles or any other vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights.

New Traffic Light Program

SB720 would allow local governments to use an alternative camera to enforce red light violations, according to the DMV.

An existing law already authorizes cities such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco to establish a speed enforcement program using cameras through 2032.

But this bill would authorize cities or counties to establish a traffic enforcement system program that focuses on targeting drivers who violate traffic control signals, such as running a red light.

Fines and Penalties

AB1085 will allow officers to give fines of up to $1,000 to drivers who manufacture altered license plates or have anything obstructing them, according to the DMV.

Existing law already makes it illegal for a driver to erase coating from a license plate or alter it in any way that would prevent law enforcement or cameras from capturing its number. These drivers are fined up to $250.

But the new law appears to target people who manufacture these items, with the bill stating that a person can be fined $1,000 for each obstruction or altered license plate sold or manufactured.

AB1299 would authorize local governments to waive or reduce parking penalties if a driver is unable to pay them.

Current law allows drivers to defer payments with proof of inability to pay or to pay penalties in installments.

The new law would also allow for a payment plan if requested, "helping prevent escalating fines, vehicle towing, and lien sales that can disproportionately impact low-income individuals," according to the DMV, in addition to waiving fees altogether.

CARS Act

SB766, also known as the CARS Act, goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2026. It strengthens consumer protections by prohibiting dealerships from misrepresenting various aspects of a vehicle being sold.

It also gives customers a three-day "right to cancel" a purchase or lease of a vehicle under $50,000, according to the DMV.