Hello friends, and welcome (back) to our blog here at eTags. As we fast approach the end of 2025, we can pretty much be certain that there will be new rules, and regulations set to take effect as the calendar year changes. In that vein, we thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of the new laws coming our way in California for 2026. Forewarned, as they say, is forearmed.
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Here are some of the key changes facing the Golden State for this coming year:
Parking Tickets
For a nice change, this new regulation about parking tickets is actually set to help protect low-income individuals. The Assembly Bill 1299 gives authority to local government to waive or reduce the penalties for parking tickets. If, for example, someone is unable to pay the fine, they might have the fee erased or be given the chance to fulfill the owed amount via a payment plan. In doing so, the hope is to help prevent fines from increasing, vehicles being towed, and lien sales that could negatively affect those with lower incomes.
Driver’s License Duplicates
In the past, the CA DMV limited the ability to request a duplicate license based the ID having been lost, damaged, or destroyed, or if a full legal name change occurs. Now, however, folks who have moved house can apply for a new driver’s license that reflects their new address of residence.
Consumer Rights
Beginning on October 1, 2026, automotive dealerships will be required to conduct business with heightened levels of transparency. This means that dealers will have to state very clearly all aspects of a vehicle sale, including the financing terms and total cost. This new law also states that consumers must have the right to cancel the purchase or lease of a vehicle valued under $50,000 within three (3) days of completing the transaction.
Road Safety
- School Zones: Where the speed limit was once 25 MPH around schools, the max driving speed will drop to 20 MPH
- License Plates: The manufacturing of any device that obscures or alters the readability – visual, electronic, or toll reading – of a California license plate comes with a hefty $1,000 fine.
- Slow Down, Move Over: What was once a law reserved for the respect and safety of emergency vehicles, this stricter regulation states that drivers must slow down and move over for Any vehicle – such as maintenance vehicles or any car with flashing or hazard lights switched on – that is stopped at the side of the road.
- Red Light Cameras: This allows the use of automated cameras to record and enforce red light traffic violations that are subject to civil penalties.
- Autonomous Vehicles: For vehicles being driven autonomously, this allows for a marker lamp to notify other drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement as to the state of who (or what) is operating the car.
These are some of the main laws coming into effect in California for the new year of 2026. For a full list of what the DMV has in store for roads, drivers, and overall traffic, click here.
And remember, for all your title and tag needs in the Golden State, head over to our homepage and let us get the ball rolling with your transfer, replacement, renewal, and more. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
