New Safety Laws in California, January 1st, 2026

New Public Safety Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026
As of January 1, 2026, new public safety laws will go into effect in California. We want to highlight these changes so the public can stay safe and compliant. Key updates include:
• Crimes & Safety Tools — It will become a misdemeanor to possess key programming devices, key duplicators, or signal extenders if they are intended to be used for burglary, punishable by fines and possible jail time.
• Electric Bicycle Rules — E-bikes must have a red reflector or solid/flashing red rear light at all times during operation. Minors cited for helmet violations may be eligible to satisfy requirements through a CHP-developed online safety course.
• Off-Highway Electric Motorcycles — “eMotos” (off-highway electric motorcycles) will be officially defined and regulated,
• School Zone & Work Zone Safety — Local authorities can reduce school zone speed limits to 20 mph. A pilot work zone speed safety system using radar/laser systems may issue speeding citations.
• “Slow Down, Move Over” Law Expansion — Drivers must now slow down or move over for any stopped vehicle using flashing hazard lights or warning devices.
• Vehicle Impound Authority — Peace officers will have expanded authority to impound certain vehicles under specific conditions.
For full details on all of the new laws and how they may affect you, visit the California Highway Patrol news page below.
Full information: https://www.chp.ca.gov/news-alerts/news-list/new-year-new-laws--chp-highlights-public-safety-laws-taking-effect-in-2026/