The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is committed to keeping the public informed so they can make the safest choices for themselves and their families. As part of this effort, the CHP is highlighting new public safety laws passed during this year’s legislative session and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Unless otherwise noted, these laws take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
CRIME
Crimes: Burglary Tools (AB 486, Lackey)
Assembly Bill 486 makes it a misdemeanor to possess a key programming device, a key duplicating device, or a signal extender with the intent to commit burglary. The offense can result in up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
This bill expands existing law by adding those three tools to the list of tools illegal to possess with the intent to commit burglary.
ELECTRIC BICYCLE SAFETY
Electric Bicycles: Required Equipment (AB 544, Davies)
Assembly Bill 544 mandates that electric bicycles must have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear during all hours of operation, not just during darkness as the law previously required.
The bill also allows the CHP-developed online electric bicycle safety and training program to fulfill the safety course requirement for minors who receive a helmet violation involving electric bicycles.
Off-highway Electric Motorcycles (SB 586, Jones)
Senate Bill 586 defines an “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” as a vehicle that:
Is designed primarily for off-highway use;
Is powered by an electric motor that does not require a motor number;
Has handlebars for steering, a manufacturer-provided straddle seat, and two wheels;
Is not equipped with manufacturer-provided pedals.
This bill also classifies an off-highway electric motorcycle as an off-highway motor vehicle (OHV), subject to the same rules and regulations. This includes a requirement that a person operating an OHV wear a safety helmet and that every OHV not registered under the Vehicle Code display an identification plate or device issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Pedestrian Safety: School Zones: Speed Limits (AB 382, Berman)
Assembly Bill 382 allows local authorities to lower the school zone speed limit from 25 to 20 miles per hour by ordinance or resolution through Jan. 1, 2031. After this date, the speed limit will automatically decrease from 25 to 20 miles per hour in school zones when proper signage is posted.
SPEED ENFORCEMENT
State Highway Work Zone Speed Safety Program (AB 289, Haney)
Assembly Bill 289 authorizes the Department of Transportation to establish a work zone speed safety system pilot program. The program will utilize a fixed or mobile radar or laser systems to detect speeding violations and capture a clear photograph of a vehicle’s license plate. Citations will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner with specified requirements and procedures for program implementation, citation issuance, review, and appeal.
Vehicles: Highway Safety (AB 390, Wilson)
Assembly Bill 390 expands the “slow down and move over” law to include any highway maintenance vehicle or stationary vehicle using flashing hazard lights or warning devices such as cones and road flares. Drivers approaching such a vehicle must 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 (AB 1014, Rogers)
Assembly Bill 1014 authorizes the Department of Transportation to reduce a speed limit by five miles per hour on a highway, and mandates warning citations during the initial 30 days after a speed limit is lowered.
VEHICLE STORAGE
Vehicle Removal (AB 875, Muratsuchi)
Assembly Bill 875 authorizes a peace officer to impound a vehicle for at least 48 hours if the vehicle has fewer than four wheels but does not meet the definition of an electric bicycle, is powered by an electric motor capable of exclusively propelling the vehicle over 20 MPH on a highway and the operator is not licensed to operate the vehicle or is a class 3 electric bicycle being operated by a person under 16. 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 as described in Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code.
