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• New California Driving Laws Effective January 1, 2025

New California Driving Laws Effective January 1, 2025

Laura Delgado

January 2, 2025

California is rolling out a series of new driving laws aimed at improving safety, fairness, and accountability on the road. These changes range from updated employment requirements to stricter liability insurance limits. Here’s what you need to know:
Driver’s License Requirements

SB 1100: This law prohibits employers from requiring a valid driver’s license as a condition for employment unless driving is essential for the role. Employers can only impose this requirement if:

1. The job involves driving as a key function.
2. Alternative transportation would not provide a comparable solution in terms of time or cost.

This law seeks to reduce discrimination against those without a driver’s license while balancing employer needs.
Increased Insurance Coverage

SB 1107: Starting January 1, vehicle owners and operators must meet higher minimum liability insurance limits:

• $30,000 for injury or death of one person.
• $60,000 for injury or death of multiple people.
• $15,000 for property damage per accident.

The deposit requirement also increases to $75,000, ensuring better protection for accident victims.

Closing the “Locked Door Loophole”

SB 905: Prosecutors no longer need to prove that a car was locked during a burglary. Forcible entry now qualifies as auto burglary, which can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The law also allows prosecution for individuals possessing or selling stolen goods worth more than $950.

Parking Near Crosswalks

AB 413: It is now illegal to park within 20 feet of any crosswalk—marked or unmarked. This measure prioritizes pedestrian safety, aligning California with over 40 other states that enforce similar rules.

Sideshows and Street Takeovers

Several laws, including AB 1978, AB 2186, AB 2807, and AB 3085, empower law enforcement to impound vehicles involved in sideshows, speed contests, or exhibitions of speed. These efforts aim to deter dangerous activities that jeopardize public safety.

Autonomous Vehicles and E-Bike Safety

• AB 1777: Establishes requirements for how autonomous vehicles interact with first responders, including the addition of two-way communication devices.
• AB 1778 and AB 2234: Launch pilot programs in Marin and San Diego counties to enhance e-bike safety, including helmet mandates and age restrictions.

Tackling Vehicle Crimes

• AB 2536: Expands the definition of vehicle theft to include catalytic converter theft, giving counties more flexibility to combat these crimes.
• SB 1394: Protects victims of domestic violence by allowing drivers to disable remote access to their vehicles, preventing potential misuse of vehicle tracking technology.

Advancements in Modernization

• AB 3138: Beginning in 2027, vehicles may use alternative devices for license plates and registration cards, with stringent privacy protections in place.

Avian Law Group: Advocating for Injury Victims

The implementation of these laws underscores California’s commitment to safer and fairer roads. However, accidents still happen, and victims deserve justice and maximum compensation. At Avian Law Group, we specialize in personal injury cases, fighting relentlessly to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, a sideshow-related incident, or any other situation involving negligence, our experienced team is here to help. We work tirelessly to ensure victims receive the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Contact Avian Law Group today to discuss your case. Let us help you turn your recovery into a story of justice and triumph.