As we step into 2026, several new safety and traffic laws will take effect across California. These include changes to improve pedestrian safety, regulating standards for electric bicycles, strengthening law enforcement, and more.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) highlighted the new public safety laws passed throughout the 2025 legislative session and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. All these new laws will take effect from January 1, 2026.
Public Safety Laws Coming in 2026
Crimes
Burglary tools
Under to Assembly Bill 486 taking effect in 2026, possession of certain electronic and mechanical devices commonly used in vehicle and building break-ins will be treated as a misdemeanor when prosecutors can show intent to commit burglary.
Assembly Bill 486 expands existing burglary statutes by explicitly adding key programming devices, key duplicating devices, and signal extenders to the list of prohibited tools. Violations may result in up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Electric Bicycle Safety
Required Equipment
Under Assembly Bill 544, electric bicycle riders will be required to equip their bikes with rear-facing visibility features at all times. The rule, which aims to reduce collisions, requires either a red reflector or a solid or flashing red rear light with a built-in reflector, visible from up to 500 feet when illuminated by a vehicle’s headlights.
The law also expands how minors can satisfy safety education requirements, allowing the CHP’s online electric bicycle safety course to be used in cases involving helmet violations.
Off-highway Electric Motorcycles
According to Senate Bill 586, an “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” is a vehicle that:
Is designed primarily for off-highway use.
Powered by an electric motor that does not require a motor number.
Has handlebars for steering, a manufacturer-provided straddle seat, and two wheels.
Isn’t equipped with manufacturer-provided pedals.
By classifying eMotos as off-highway motor vehicles, the law subjects them to existing OHV requirements, including mandatory helmet use and Department of Motor Vehicles-issued identification for vehicles not registered under the Vehicle Code.
Pedestrian Safety
School Zones: Speed Limits
Changes to school zone speed limits are also coming under Assembly Bill 382 that allows cities and counties to lower speeds near schools.
Through January 1, 2031, local governments may reduce school zone limits from 25 to 20 miles per hour by ordinance, after which the lower limit will automatically apply when proper signage is posted.
Speed Enforcement
State Highway Work Zone Speed Safety Program
Under Assembly Bill 289, the Department of Transportation will begin testing new technology to address speeding in highway work zones. The pilot program will use fixed or mobile radar or laser systems to detect violations and capture images of vehicle license plates.
Under the measure, citations would be mailed to registered vehicle owners and include specific procedures for review and appeal before penalties are imposed.
Vehicles: Highway Safety
Assembly Bill 390 adds to the “slow down and move over” law to include any highway maintenance or stationary vehicle using flashing hazard lights or warning devices, such as road flares and cones.
Drivers approaching such a vehicle are required to move into a lane that is not next to the stopped vehicle or slow down to a safe speed if changing lanes is not possible.
Traffic Safety: Speed Limits
State transportation officials will be allowed under Assembly Bill 1014 to temporarily reduce speed limits by up to five miles per hour on certain highways, with warning-only citations issued during the first 30 days after a reduction.
Vehicle Storage
Vehicle Removal
Assembly Bill 875 address improperly operated electric vehicles that do not qualify as electric bicycles. Under the law, officers may impound certain electric-powered vehicles with fewer than four wheels for at least 48 hours if licensing or age requirements are not met.
A safety course may be required as a condition of release if the impoundment involves a child under 16 years old operating a class 3 electric bike.
2024 Legislative Session
The following laws were passed during the 2024 legislative session and will be enacted from 2026:
Electric Bicycles, Powered Mobility Devices and Storage Batteries
Senate Bill 1271 focuses on enhancing the safety standards for electric bicycles, powered mobility devices, and related lithium-ion batteries. The bill mandates these devices and their parts, such as batteries and charging systems, to be tested by accredited laboratories to meet safety standards. The bill requires labeling these products to comply with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed.
The bill also prohibits distributing, selling, or leasing e-bikes and related equipment unless they meet these standards, seeking to reduce risks like fire hazards and electrical malfunctions.
From January 1, 2028, the bill would prohibit an individual from renting or offering for rental an electric bike, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery unless it has been tested to the specified safety standard.
Autonomous Vehicles
As autonomous vehicles become more common on California roads, Assembly Bill 1777 establishes enforcement tools specific to self-driving technology. Law enforcement officers will be able to issue notices of autonomous vehicle noncompliance directly to manufacturers for alleged traffic violations.
From July 1, 2026, the bill will establish more requirements for how AVs that operate without a human operator in the vehicle interact with first responders, including a mandate for manufacturers to provide a two-way device in the vehicles to communicate with first responders.
