California Governor Newsom signed many bills, among which several traffic-related regulations will impact drivers on matters such as parking restrictions, insurance coverage, and liability for compensation. Here are four new California traffic laws that will take effect on January 1st.
AB413, also known as the “Daylighting Law,” aims to ensure traffic safety by prohibiting drivers from parking within 20 feet (approximately 6.1 meters) of a crosswalk or unmarked intersection — 15 feet on curbed sidewalks with curb extensions, right side only on two-way roads, and no parking on either side on one-way streets. Drivers violating this law may face fines.
Introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Alex Lee from District 24, the bill passed the Senate 29-7 (with 4 absent) and the Assembly 57-18 (with 5 absent).
Supporters argue that this law is necessary because cars parked near crosswalks and intersections can obstruct the view of drivers approaching, making it difficult or impossible to see oncoming vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is around 25% higher than the national average, but since San Francisco implemented the “Daylighting Law,” collisions at intersections have decreased by 14%.
The California Contract Cities Association holds a different view, stating that each city may have its own regulations and standards, and the cost of painting road signs could divert resources from the city’s priorities. On the other hand, the California Trucking Association is concerned that this law will lead to a reduction in parking spaces in congested areas and make parking more challenging.
SB1107, titled “Vehicles: insurance,” raises the minimum compensation amounts for bodily injury or death caused by the owner or driver of a motor vehicle from $15,000 to $30,000, for all bodily injury or death from $30,000 to $60,000, and for property damage from $5,000 to $15,000 starting January 1st. Furthermore, starting January 1, 2035, the first amount will be raised to $50,000, the second to $100,000, and the third to $25,000.
This bill, initiated by Democratic Assemblymember Bill Dodd from District 3, passed the Senate 31-8 (with 1 absent) and the Assembly 60-1 (with 19 absent).
Dodd stated that California is one of the three states with the lowest compensation rates in the country. This is the first increase in compensation rates in 55 years to align with the national level, aiming to protect low-income drivers and victims.
Opponents like GEICO Insurance argue that Californians face unprecedented inflation rates, record high oil prices, and uncertainties from war. They believe that now is not the time to ask drivers to spend more on car insurance, and policymakers should consider reducing consumer costs instead.
SB905, the “Crimes: theft from a vehicle” bill, eliminates the requirement for vehicle owners or drivers to prove whether the stolen vehicle was locked. Under this law, forcibly entering a vehicle to commit theft or any other felony will be considered a new offense, with misdemeanor penalties of up to one year in county jail and felony penalties ranging from 16 months to 3 years of county jail time. The stolen property value must exceed $950, but thefts or possessions within the past two years with accomplices in selling or exchanging the items will be included.
Introduced by Democratic Senator Scott Wiener from District 11, this bill earned support from San Francisco Mayor London Breed and passed the Senate 37-0 (with 3 absent) and the Assembly 64-2 (with 13 absent).
Proponents argue that this law closes the “carjacking loophole.” Current laws require owners to prove in court that their cars were locked when left unattended, while the new law eliminates this hurdle and focuses on whether there was a “forcible entry.” It also addresses the issue of organized reselling of stolen items like phones, cameras, and laptops, where the resale proceeds contribute to the theft value.
AB1978, known as the “Vehicles: speed contests” bill, authorizes law enforcement to impound vehicles without detaining the driver, even if they just assist in setting up roadblocks for street racing or stunt performances on highways or parking lots.
Introduced by Republican Assemblymember Kate Sanchez from District 71, this bill passed the Senate 37-2 (with 1 absent) and the Assembly 72-0 (with 7 absent).
Sanchez believes that illegal street racing and stunt driving not only endanger others but also hinder the use of highways, parking lots, or roads. These activities often result in deadly consequences for participants, pedestrians, commuters, and law enforcement. This bill allows law enforcement to impound vehicles from those aiding and abetting street racing without detaining the vehicle owner, ensuring that participants do not continue speeding at other locations after the racing activities disperse.
The California Police Chiefs Association supports this measure. In recent years, illegal activities like street racing in California have surged, with stunt driving escalating from racing to violent conflicts, property damage, and even fatalities. Enforcement agencies in Sacramento and San Joaquin have taken additional measures to combat these activities.
The American Civil Liberties Union California Action opposes the bill, arguing that it grants police excessive and unconstitutional power to impound vehicles as a punishment for what they perceive as aiding or abetting stunt driving or street racing. For low-income and working families, impounding vehicles can be catastrophic, with retrieving their vehicles being both time-consuming and costly. For many, impoundment may result in the total loss of their vehicles, as the towing and storage fees often exceed affordability. When individuals cannot afford these fees, their vehicles may be auctioned, leading to permanent loss for the owners.