2025 brings three new California car laws

OAKLAND, Calif. – With the new year comes new laws in California. Specifically, there are at least three related to cars. 

Let’s take a look at what takes effect on Jan. 1. 

Parking near a crosswalk

AB 413 is also known as the “daylighting law.”  Drivers will no longer be able to park within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk. The goal is to improve visibility for pedestrians and potentially reduce the number of accidents. More than 40 other states have some kind of daylighting law like this. In November, San Francisco tried to get a jumpstart on this law, and began issuing warning letters to drivers parked in those spaces. 

There is a 60-day grace period, but by March, drivers will face a fine, which will vary from city to city. Fines will range from $40 to $100. 

Locked door loophole

The locked door loophole, SB 905, requires prosecutors to prove car doors were locked when someone broke in. This makes it easier for prosecutors to address auto burglary and thefts. 

Driver’s license discrimination 

SB 1100 makes it illegal for a job posting to require applicants to have a valid driver’s license.