With the start of the new year, a number of new laws and fare or toll increases go into effect. We’ve selected the most significant ones affecting pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists.
TOLL & FARE INCREASES

Toll Increases for Seven Bay Area Bridges
On January 1, 2026, tolls at the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges went up by 50¢. Regular tolls for two-axle cars and trucks (as well as motorcycles) at the San Francisco-Oakland Bay, Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward Bridges are now $8.50. (Cars with 3 or more passengers and a FasTrak Flex tag set to 3+ can receive 50% off these tolls.)
BART Fare Increase
On January 1, 2026, BART fares increased 6.2% to keep pace with inflation. The average fare went up 30 cents, from $4.88 to $5.18. This increase allows the agency to pay for continued operations and to work toward restoring financial stability.
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

Slow Down and Move Over (AB 390, Wilson)
Expands the “slow down and move over” law to include any stationary vehicle or highway maintenance vehicle using flashing hazard lights or warning devices. Drivers approaching such a vehicle must move into a lane that is not next to the stopped vehicle or slow down to a safe speed if changing lanes is not possible.
ELECTRIC BICYCLE SAFETY

Electric Bicycles: Reflector or Rear Light Required (AB 544, Davies)
E-bikes must have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear during all hours of operation, not just during darkness as the law previously required.
Off-Highway Electric Motorcycles (SB 586, Jones)
An “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” is now defined as a vehicle that:
- Is designed primarily for off-highway use
- Is powered by an electric motor that does not require a motor number
- Has handlebars for steering, a manufacturer-provided straddle seat, and two wheels
- Is not equipped with manufacturer-provided pedals
The law also classifies an “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” as an off-highway motor vehicle (OHV), thereby requiring the operator to follow OHV rules, including displaying a DMV-issued ID plate or placard.
Electric Bicycles and Storage Batteries (SB 1271, Min)
Beginning January 1, 2026, the law requires that e-bikes and their components, such as batteries and charging systems, must be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards. The bill also mandates labeling these products to show compliance with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

School Zone Speed Limits (AB 382, Berman)
Gives local authorities the discretion to lower the school zone speed limit from 25 to 20 miles per hour. On January 1, 2031, the speed limit for school zones throughout California will automatically decrease from 25 to 20 miles per hour.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Autonomous Vehicles (AB 1777, Ting)
Law enforcement officers now have the ability to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle (AV) noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for an alleged traffic violation committed by one of their vehicles.
IMPROVEMENTS FOR DRIVERS
Duplicate Driver’s License for Change of Address (AB 506, Committee on Transportation)
Allows a person to request a duplicate driver’s license from the DMV after they change their address. Previous law limited duplicate licenses to cases where the license was lost, destroyed, mutilated, or a new true full name was required.
Parking Ticket Relief (AB 1299, Bryan)
Authorizes local governments to waive or reduce parking penalties if a person is unable to pay and requires the provision of a payment plan if requested. The goal is to prevent escalating fines, vehicle towing, and lien sales that can disproportionately impact low-income individuals.
To read more about these and other new transportation laws, check out the DMV’s list of noteworthy new laws taking effect in 2026.
Additional Reading:
New California Transportation Laws for 2025
New California Transportation Laws for 2024
New California Transportation Laws for 2023









Pedestrian Crossing Signals (AB 390): For crosswalk signals which include a countdown timer, it is now legal for a pedestrian to enter the crosswalk after the countdown has started, as long as they can make it across by the time the counter reaches zero. It is still illegal to begin crossing at a traditional pedestrian signal (i.e. no countdown timer) after it has begun flashing.
No Parking Citations at Broken Meters (AB 1625): You cannot be restricted from or ticketed for parking at a broken meter. However, you must still observe the posted time limit for parking.
It’s back-to-school time! If you live within walking distance of your child’s school, you might consider forming a walking school bus.
Cell Phone (Electronic Wireless Device) Usage: It will be illegal to hold a cell phone (or other wireless electronic device) while operating a motor vehicle. Phones and devices will need to be mounted on the dashboard or windshield, and may only be operated by hand when activating or deactivating a feature or function can be done with “a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger” (
School Bus Safety: All school buses, school pupil activity buses, youth buses & child care motor vehicles used to transport school-age children will be required to have a “child safety alert system”. Since this device requires the driver to contact or scan it before leaving the vehicle, it prompts them to verify that all children have disembarked. Schools will also be required to have procedures in place to, “ensure that a pupil is not left unattended on a school bus.” (
International Walk to School Day is October 5. This means that in October, cities across the US (and throughout the world) will hold Walk to School events to encourage students and their families to get to school on foot and experience the benefits and joys of walking in their community.
With more students walking to and from school with this national event, motorists are reminded to drive with extra care, stay alert for children crossing the road, and be especially aware of school zone speed limits.
Start Smart, led by the California Highway Patrol, is designed to educate teens and their parents on common high-risk behaviors of new motorists & how to prevent distracted driving. The event will not only help new drivers stay safe behind the wheel, it will also explain the Rules of the Road regarding cyclists and present strategies to help your teen keep vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and cyclists, safe as well.
Green bike lanes have landed in Walnut Creek just in time for Bike to Work Day! The bike lane on Olympic Blvd has been painted green on the segment between N. California and the I-680 on ramp.



October 7
October 21

Rancho Medanos Junior High School parents & students, it’s time to get ready to Bike and Roll to School!
To celebrate the challenge, Street Smarts Diablo will have some free helmets on hand to provide to Rancho Medanos Junior High School students who arrive to school with wheels and need a properly fitting helmet. Parents are welcome to bring students’ bikes to school by car, so that any child starting the day without a helmet can get to school and roll home safely.
Walnut Creek Intermediate School parents & students, it’s time to get ready to Bike and Roll to School!
3. STRENGTH & ENDURANCE – Regular exercise helps
Antioch Middle School parents & students, it’s time to get ready to Bike and Roll to School!
Pine Hollow Middle School parents & students, it’s time to get ready to Bike and Roll to School!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Junior High parents & students, it’s time to get ready to Bike and Roll to School!
Foothill Middle School parents & students, it’s time to get ready to Bike and Roll to School!


