New in 2025: Safer roadways
✨ This release is part of a rolling series from the Governor’s Office, showcasing a cross-section of laws taking effect in 2025. Stay tuned for more updates about other new laws over the coming days.
What you need to know: These laws taking effect in 2025 will make roadways safer and transportation spending more transparent.
SACRAMENTO — As the new year soon begins, California continues its forward momentum with a new set of laws signed by Governor Newsom that improve the health, safety, and well-being of all Californians.
“California’s new laws tackle today’s biggest emerging challenges head-on. Through partnership with the Legislature, we’re strengthening public safety, building more housing, and providing more resources for our communities. These practical reforms protect what matters most while creating more opportunities for all Californians.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
🚊🚗 Safer roadways
Here are just some of the laws taking effect in 2025 to improve transportation for all Californians:
- Cracking down on sideshows: A package of new laws will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat sideshows and street takeovers. The laws expand vehicle impoundment authority, impose stricter penalties, and target reckless driving activities on highways and parking lots.
- Stopping license plate obstruction: AB 2111 by Assemblymember Wallis (R-Rancho Mirage) will prohibit a person from altering their license plate’s reflective coating to evade electronic capture of the license plate for any reason. The new law seeks to improve the enforcement of traffic violations that can be detected by cameras.
- Fighting car break-ins and theft: SB 905 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) adds new and increased penalties for possession of items stolen from a vehicle with intent to resell, and allows prosecution of automotive property thefts, regardless of whether the vehicle was locked.
- Speed safety in Malibu: Along the Pacific Coast Highway earlier this year, the Governor signed SB 1297 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), which allows Malibu to install up to five automated speed enforcement cameras to reduce speeding, particularly in high-risk areas like school zones. The pilot program focuses on promoting traffic safety by automatically detecting vehicles exceeding speed limits and issuing fines.
- Safer, more inclusive street design: SB 960 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) will enhance California’s state highway system by requiring Caltrans to incorporate complete streets elements, such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit facilities, into its planning and projects. These projects will help improve our state’s transit infrastructure and support our climate and mobility goals.
- Making transportation spending clear and accountable: AB 2086 by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita) ensures Californians can see the impact of their transportation dollars by requiring Caltrans to publicly report how projects align with efforts to improve safety, plan for a changing climate, and serve all communities.
🚋 Why it matters: Safer streets and transparent spending help the transportation system work better for all Californians.