LOS ANGELES \u2014 From school zones to freeways \u2014 and even the dealership lot \u2014 the new year is bringing major changes for California drivers.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
School zones: Speed limits drop to 20 mph in many school areas, especially during pickup and drop-off times<\/p>\n
Move over or slow down: Drivers must now slow down or change lanes for stalled vehicles and construction crews, not just emergency vehicles<\/p>\n
E-bikes and self-driving cars: Helmet rules for minors are enforced, unsafe e-bikes can be towed, and autonomous vehicles can now be cited at emergency scenes<\/p>\n
Car buying: Used car buyers get stronger protections against hidden fees, excessive markups and misleading pricing<\/p>\n
The new laws are aimed at slowing traffic, protecting first responders, improving e-bike safety, increasing accountability for self-driving cars and giving consumers more transparency when buying used vehicles.<\/p>\n
Behind the wheel with the California Highway Patrol, Officer Katherine Hendry says enforcement is already ramping up.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes people miss us, too,\u201d Hendry said. \u201cYou know, they\u2019re on their cellphones.\u201d<\/p>\n
Slower speeds around schools<\/p>\n
One of the first changes drivers will notice is in school zones.<\/p>\n
Under AB 382, drivers are now required to slow down to 20 miles per hour instead of 25, particularly during arrival and dismissal times. CHP says even small speed reductions can make a big difference when children are present.<\/p>\n
Expanded ‘slow down and move over’ rules<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just kids that drivers need to watch out for.<\/p>\n
Two new laws \u2014 AB 289 and AB 390 \u2014 expand California\u2019s \u201cslow down and move over\u201d requirements. Drivers must now slow down or change lanes not only for emergency vehicles, but also for construction crews and stalled vehicles on the side of the road.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re required to move over, away from the work zone, leaving at least a lane in between,\u201d Hendry explained. \u201cAnd if you cannot, just slow down at a safe pace so we can keep those people safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
New enforcement for e-bikes<\/p>\n
Another major update targets the growing number of e-bikes on California roads.<\/p>\n
Under AB 544, riders under 18 must wear helmets, and law enforcement now has clearer authority to stop unsafe riding. Officers can also tow e-bikes that don\u2019t meet safety requirements.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey also have to have correct lighting. You have to wear your safety equipment like a helmet,\u201d Hendry said. \u201cThey can also be towed. Now we have the authority to tow a bicycle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Towing abandoned RVs<\/p>\n
For communities dealing with abandoned RVs, AB 630 streamlines the process for towing recreational vehicles left on public streets \u2014 especially when they pose safety or sanitation hazards.<\/p>\n
Local agencies say the law gives them clearer authority to act while still requiring notice.<\/p>\n
Self-driving cars can now be cited<\/p>\n
In Hollywood, a self-driving Waymo vehicle was seen driving into an active fire scene Monday night, highlighting another growing concern.<\/p>\n
Under AB 1777, autonomous vehicles must obey emergency closures and follow first responder directions \u2014 and starting in July, they can be cited if they don\u2019t. The law is part of a broader effort to hold self-driving car manufacturers more accountable as autonomous vehicles become more common on California roads.<\/p>\n
New protections for used car buyers<\/p>\n
The changes also extend to the dealership lot.<\/p>\n
SB 766, which goes into effect in October, gives used car buyers a three-day cooling-off period for returns, cracks down on hidden fees and limits excessive dealer markups.<\/p>\n