Big changes are coming to California Traffic Laws in 2025. Whether you’re commuting daily, making deliveries, or just trying to avoid a ticket, these updates matter. California is tightening enforcement, increasing safety measures, and even rethinking how it issues fines.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe, legal, and informed.
No-Touch Phone Law: Stricter Than Ever
Think you can check a text while stopped at a red light? Think again. New California traffic laws in 2025 are going to change the way you reach for your phone while behind the wheel.
California’s courts have made it clear: you can’t hold your phone for any reason while behind the wheel, not even when your vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a signal. This applies to all drivers, including rideshare and delivery workers.
- First offense:$20 base fine (actual cost closer to $170 after fees)
- Second offense:$50 base fine (roughly $300 total), plus a DMV point on your record
Even tapping your screen to skip a song without a proper mount or hands-free setup can get you fined.
Bottom line: Get a dashboard mount and use voice commands. Anything else is a risk.
Speed Cameras Coming to 6 Major Cities
Speed cameras are no longer just a debate, they’re reality in California.
Assembly Bill 645 allows speed cameras in:
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Oakland
- San Jose
- Glendale
- Long Beach
San Francisco launched 33 cameras earlier this year, and tickets start August 5. Oakland is rolling out 18 locations by year-end. Other cities are moving fast to follow.
Speeding Fines (Based on Speed Over Limit):
- 11–15 mph: $50
- 16–25 mph: $100
- 26–99 mph: $200
- 100+ mph: $500
These fines are civil penalties, they won’t add points to your license, but they will hit your wallet. And yes, they’re mailed to the car’s registered owner.
Privacy note: Cameras only capture your license plate, not your face.
Why it matters: These cameras will be placed in high-injury corridors, areas with a history of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. The goal isn’t to trap you, it’s to slow you down where it counts.
Income-Based Fines: A More Fair Approach
California is piloting a first-in-the-nation idea: the richer you are, the more you pay for speeding.
San Francisco already offers reduced fines:
- 50% off if you earn less than double the federal poverty level
- 80% off or full relief for those who are homeless or severely low income
Oakland and other cities will follow the same model. Los Angeles is developing a version that may include community service in place of fines for low-income drivers starting in 2026.
This bill (SB-185) changes everything for working-class drivers who often face hardship from minor citations.
Red-Light and Bus Lane Cameras Expanding
Under Senate Bill 720, red-light camera enforcement is expanding statewide.
Cities using these systems must:
- Post warning signs
- Offer a grace period
- Provide a clear appeals process
You’ll also see automated enforcement in bus and transit lanes, especially in LA and Sacramento. Blocking a bus lane? That’s a $293 ticket.
Pro tip: Stay out of transit-only lanes unless you’re making a legal turn or crossing.
Stronger Pedestrian and Cyclist Protections
New rules require better infrastructure for people walking or biking. Under SB 960, state highway projects must include features like:
- Protected bike lanes
- Wider sidewalks
- Transit improvements
Cities are also being pushed to redesign “high injury corridors”, the places most likely to see accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians. That means more:
- Raised crosswalks
- Protected intersections
- Traffic calming zones
What it means for you: Expect changes in street layouts, new no-parking zones near corners, and stricter enforcement of “daylighting” laws.
New “Daylighting” Rules for Safer Streets
You can’t park within 20 feet of a crosswalk anymore, even if there’s no red curb or sign.
This rule, known as “daylighting,” improves visibility at intersections, especially for kids, seniors, and wheelchair users. If there’s a curb extension, the no-parking zone drops to 15 feet.
Violations could cost between $64 and $77.
This is part of California’s broader push to make cities walkable and reduce crash rates at intersections.
No Tampering With Driver Monitoring Systems
If your car has advanced driver-assist or monitoring tech (like lane assist or drowsiness detection), don’t mess with it.
SB 1313 makes it illegal to use devices that block or interfere with these safety systems.
Think twice before covering sensors or adding tinted films near cameras. Fines apply, and you may also risk your insurance coverage if you disable these features and end up in a crash.
Why All These Changes to California Traffic Laws in 2025?
California is aiming for Vision Zero, a future with zero traffic deaths. That means:
- Safer designs
- Smarter enforcement
- Fairer fines
The idea isn’t to punish drivers, it’s to make roads safer for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
What Should You Do Now?
- Mount your phone, don’t hold it
- Learn where new speed cameras are placed
- Slow down in high-risk areas
- Check if you qualify for fine reductions
- Avoid parking near corners and bike lanes
- Make sure your lights, brakes, and mirrors work
- Stay out of transit lanes unless permitted
Drive Smart. Stay Legal. Call Jacob.
These new laws are here to stay. Get informed, stay alert, and protect yourself on the road.
If you’re ever in an accident, or just need legal answers fast, Call Jacob. We’ve got your back.