The California State Legislature enacted several new traffic laws in California in 2024, some of which can help improve safety and reduce the risk of car accidents. Others pertain to vehicle registration, speed camera installation, and law enforcement traffic stops. There are also a few other changes you should know about. The various new 2024 traffic laws include the following:
AB 413 – Stopping, Standing, or Parking Near Crosswalks
This new 2024 traffic law is intended to increase the visibility of oncoming traffic and pedestrians near crosswalks. It prohibits anyone from parking within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, enforcing a practice known as “Daylighting”. If a curb extension is present, the distance is reduced to 15 feet. However, local governments can permit bicycles or motorized scooters to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
Before January 1, 2025, a violation will result in a warning rather than a citation for a first-time offender, unless the violation occurs in a marked area. The law applies unless the driver must avoid other traffic, follow a peace officer’s directions, or obey a traffic control device. Other situations where it does apply include:
- Within an intersection, unless a local ordinance permits stopping adjacent to curbs.
- On a crosswalk, unless a taxi or bus is loading or unloading passengers.
- Within 15 feet of a fire station entrance, except for fire department vehicles.
- Between a safety zone and adjacent right-hand curb or areas within indicated by a sign or red paint.
- In front of a public or private driveway, except for vehicles loading or unloading passengers.
AB 645 – Speed Camera Pilot Program
Under the five-year pilot program established by this law, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco transportation authorities can install speed cameras on local streets with safety concerns. The goal is to reduce speeding, traffic collisions, and traffic-related injuries and fatalities. When a speeding car is detected, the cameras will automatically take a picture of its license plate. The registered owner will then receive a notice of the violation by mail.
SB-68 – Vehicle Safety
Establishes a maximum driving time of 10 hours for operators of vehicles containing a tank with over 500 gallons of flammable liquid (specifically, fuel used in fire suppression and other emergency aircraft). Operators are also prohibited from driving if they’ve been on duty for 80 hours in eight consecutive days. However, they can exceed these limits if authorized by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) during a state of emergency.
This new traffic law in California in 2024 also states the following:
- A driver of a truck or tractor-trailer must not exceed a 12-hour work period.
- A driver employed by an agricultural carrier is prohibited from driving 16 hours or more following eight consecutive hours off.
- A driver of an agricultural vehicle is prohibited from driving after having been on duty for 112 hours in eight days.
- A driver transporting farm products or livestock may be permitted to drive up to 12 hours in a workday, for up to 28 consecutive days or a combination of two periods totaling 28 days in a calendar year.
- Drivers employed by electrical, gas, telephone, and water companies are exempt from hours-of-service regulations.
SB 55 / AB 641 / AB 1519 – Catalytic Converter Theft
Under SB 55, new and used motor vehicle dealers are prohibited from selling an automobile unless its vehicle identification number (VIN) is permanently marked on the catalytic converter. The provision exempts vehicles purchased from a dealer licensed in California and another state without a warranty service facility in California (until January 1, 2025).
Under AB 641, the definition of an automobile dismantler has been expanded to include individuals who possess nine or more catalytic converters. Owners of repair shops and others who may legitimately possess one are exempt from any penalty. Meanwhile, AB 1519 makes it illegal to remove the VIN from a catalytic converter. Those possessing three or more catalytic converters with a removed VIN marking are breaking the law.
SB 88 – Driver Qualifications for Pupil Transportation
This law applies to school bus drivers and others who transport pupils. It requires them to submit and clear tuberculosis risk assessments. It also requires any vehicle used by a local educational agency to include a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. In addition, an education agency contracting with a private entity to provide pupil transportation must obtain proof that the entity hasn’t violated applicable laws. The bill also authorizes a third party to inform an educational agency when a private entity has failed to maintain compliance.
AB 436 – Cruising
Lowrider cruising was banned by a previous law in California. This law pertained to vehicles under 6,000 pounds modified to reduce the clearance between a level roadway surface and the lowest part of a wheel rim. Therefore, the practice of cruising on city streets is no longer a traffic offense. The repeal is seen by many as being respectful of Mexican-American culture.
Other New 2024 Traffic Laws
AB 2273 – Peace Officer Traffic Stops
Officers who make traffic or pedestrian stops are now required by law to state the reason for making a stop before questioning an individual regarding a traffic violation or criminal investigation. The exception is if the officer has reason to believe there’s an imminent threat to life or property.
AB 1125 – Impounding Driver’s Licenses for Not Paying Fines
An existing law allows courts to impound a person’s driver’s license for not making installment payments for bail or a fine. This authorization is repealed by AB 1125 to protect low-income individuals who must drive to work or access essential services.
AB 466 – Failure to Attend Traffic School
Amends an existing law so traffic school non-attendance is not punishable as a new offense. However, if a person fails to attend traffic violator school, their name will not be confidential. Traffic violation points will also be assessed as applicable. The goal is to protect low-income individuals from additional fines and criminal penalties that don’t affect road safety.
AB 925 – Verifying Registration Before a Vehicle Is Towed
This new law prohibits towing a vehicle if its DMV records aren’t immediately available. It avoids unnecessary impoundments involving registered vehicles lacking a current registration tag or having had one stolen and protects people who can’t afford to retrieve a vehicle from an impound lot.
SB 673 – Ebony Alert
Law enforcement agencies can now request the CHP issue an alert for missing Black youth. This includes alerts for young women and girls between ages 12 and 25 who are reported missing, may have been abducted, or be at risk, cognitively impaired, or developmentally disabled.
AB 946 – Endangered Missing Advisory
AMBER and Silver Alerts include age restrictions. This new law is intended to help recover missing persons who don’t meet these restrictions and allows law enforcement agencies to urge the CHP to activate the “Endangered Missing Advisory”. Missing person information is then distributed publicly within a specified geographical area.
AB 1329 – ID Card Pilot Program
The DMV and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department can begin a pilot program to provide a valid ID card or driver’s license to eligible inmates upon release from a county detention facility. The pilot program will run for five years. To qualify, an incarcerated person must provide the DMV with the appropriate information and a usable photo. The law is intended to expand the Cal-ID program that helps individuals access support services upon release.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys know all the new traffic laws in California in 2024 and other regulations about car accidents. Whether you were injured due to a negligent driver, defective automotive product, or dangerous road conditions, we can help obtain compensation for medical care, repairs, lost wages, and other damages. We’ve won multi-million-dollar settlements for numerous clients. Our team can work with your insurance company and hold all liable parties accountable. Call (888) 952-2952 for a free case evaluation.