NEW CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC LAWS 2025

Parking:

AB 413 makes it illegal to park within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if the approach does not have any red curbs painted. This law was passed to improve safety at intersections, especially for pedestrians, and it applies to all crosswalks, whether the crossing is painted or not. Until AB 413 was signed into law in October 2023, California was one of the few states that did not have a rule restricting parking near crosswalks. Over 40 states currently have laws that require vehicles to keep a distance of generally 20 feet from crosswalks.

Insurance coverage:

SB 1107 increases the amount of liability insurance coverage an owner or operator of a motor vehicle is required to maintain. Beginning Jan. 1, the payout limits increase to: $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $60,000 for bodily injury or death of all persons, and $15,000 for damage to the property of others as a result of any one accident. The bill would also increase the deposit to $75,000.

NEW CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC LAWS 2024

Speeding and Reckless Driving: Vehicular Manslaughter:

Senate Bill 1472: This bill expands on what constitutes gross negligence regarding vehicular manslaughter, Those who participate in illegal activities, such as racing, sideshows, or speeding over 100 miles per hour, which result in a fatality, could now be charged with gross negligence or vehicular manslaughter.

Illegal Drag Racing and Exhibitions of Speed:

Assembly Bill 2000: This bill expands the definition of an existing crime. II is already illegal to race, speed, or participate in sideshow activities on California’s highways. However, this bill also makes it a crime for drivers to engage in these activities in parking lots and off-street parking structures

Catalytic Converters Thefts:

Senate Bill 1087 and Assembly Bill 1740: These companion bills are intended to help decrease catalytic converter theft. The law prevents recycling centers from buying catalytic converters from individuals who are not the owner of the vehicle from which the part was removed. California ranked first for the most catalytic converters stolen in 2022. Recyclers are required to keep specified information regarding the purchase and sale of the catalytic converters.