New California laws impacting electric bicycles, crime, speed limits and more are going into effect.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A series of new public safety laws is now in effect across California, covering crimes, traffic enforcement, electric bicycles, and emerging vehicle technology.
Burglary tools
Assembly Bill 486 makes it a misdemeanor to have a key programming device, key duplicating device or signal extender with the intent to commit burglary. An offense can result in up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
According to CHP, the law expands existing burglary statutes by adding those devices to the list of tools that are illegal to possess when there is intent to commit burglary.
Electric bicycles: Required equipment
Assembly Bill 544 requires electric bikes to have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red rear light with a built-in reflector during all hours of operation. Previously, the requirement applied after dark.
The law also allows a CHP-developed online electric bike safety and training program to meet the safety course requirement for minors cited for helmet violations involving electric bikes.
Off-highway electric motorcycles
Senate Bill 586 defines an off-highway electric motorcycle, also known as an eMoto, and classifies it as an off-highway motor vehicle. Under the law, these vehicles must follow the same rules as other off-highway motor vehicles, including helmet requirements.
Vehicles not registered under the Vehicle Code must also have an identification plate or device issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Pedestrian safety: School zone speed limits
Assembly Bill 382 allows local governments to reduce school zone speed limits from 25 to 20 miles per hour by ordinance or resolution through Jan. 1, 2031. After that date, the speed limit will automatically drop to 20 miles per hour in school zones when proper signage is posted.
Speed enforcement: Highway work zones
Assembly Bill 289 authorizes Caltrans to establish a work zone speed safety pilot program. The program can use fixed or mobile radar or laser systems to detect speeding violations and photograph license plates.
Citations will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner, with specific requirements for implementation, review and appeal.
Speed enforcement: Slow down and move over
Assembly Bill 390 expands California’s “slow down and move over” law to include any highway maintenance vehicles or stationary vehicles using flashing hazard lights or warning devices such as cones or road flares.
Drivers approaching these vehicles must move into a lane that isn’t next to the stopped vehicle or slow down to a safe speed if a lane change isn’t possible.
Speed enforcement: Speed limit reductions
Assembly Bill 1014 allows Caltrans to reduce highway speed limits by five miles per hour and requires warning citations during the first 30 days after a speed limit is lowered.
Electric bicycles and batteries
Senate Bill 1271, passed in 2024, establishes new safety standards for electric bicycles, powered mobility devices and related lithium-ion batteries. Devices and components must be tested by accredited laboratories and labeled to show compliance. The law also bans the sale, lease or distribution of noncompliant e-bikes and related equipment.
Starting Jan. 1, 2028, the bill will ban people from renting these electric bikes or devices unless they meet the required standards.
There’s a ton of new laws in California, so we broke the biggest ones down for you
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