With the start of the new year, a number of new laws and fee increases go into effect. We’ve selected the most significant ones affecting pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists.
Increasing Visibility Around Crosswalks (AB 413): As of January 1, 2025, it is illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if there are no painted red curbs. Specifically, the law:
- Prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension.
- Prohibits parking on the right-hand side of a two-way street within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
- Prohibits parking on both sides of a one-way street within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
- Allows local jurisdictions to paint zones that are longer or shorter than 20 feet to identify a specific no parking zone.
Safer State-Owned Roads (SB-960): Caltrans is now required to prioritize road improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and public transit riders. This includes improving and increasing sidewalks, bike lanes, bus-only lanes, safe crosswalks, accessible pedestrian signals and more.
No Tolls for Pedestrians on Bridges (AB-2669): This law prohibits tolls from being imposed on a pedestrian on certain bridges, including ones owned by the state.
Increase in Minimum Auto Liability Coverage (SB-1107): California motorists are required to carry insurance. As of January 1, 2025, the new minimum liability insurance requirements according to the Department of Motor Vehicles are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $60,000 for bodily injury or death of all persons
- $15,000 for damage to property
Toll Increases for Seven Bay Area Bridges On January 1, 2025, tolls at the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges went up by $1. 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.
BART Fare Increase On January 1, 2025, BART fares increased 5.5% to keep pace with inflation. The average fare will go up 25 cents, from $4.47 to $4.72. The increase is tied to the rate of inflation minus a half-percentage point. It allows the agency to pay for continued operations and to work toward restoring financial stability.
Vehicle Break-Ins and Theft (AB-2536) Expands the definition of “vehicle theft crimes” to include the theft of vehicle parts such as catalytic converters.
License Plate Obstruction or Alteration (AB-2111) Prohibits a person from altering their license plate’s reflective coating to evade electronic capture of the license plate for any reason.
Driver Monitoring “Defeat” Devices (SB-1313) Prohibits a person from using a device designed to interfere with a driver monitoring system on a vehicle with advanced driver-assistance system features or autonomous technology. An example of this would be placing steering wheel weights to mimic hands placed on the wheel. “Defeat” devices are dangerous because they bypass safety features designed to ensure that drivers remain alert.
To read more on these and other new transportation laws, check out the DMV’s list of noteworthy new laws taking effect in 2025.
Additional Reading:
New California Transportation Laws for 2024
New California Transportation Laws for 2023
