Friday, December 26, 2025

What Pasadena and Altadena Drivers Need to Know About New California Laws Taking Effect in 2026

Pasadena and Altadena drivers, vehicle owners and consumers will see a series of new California laws take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2026, following legislation signed this year by Gov. Gavin Newsom and outlined this week by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The measures affect traffic safety, roadside driving rules, autonomous vehicles, auto sales practices, parking enforcement and DMV services. Several laws have direct implications for Pasadena streets, school zones, and enforcement practices across Los Angeles County.

Safer Streets and Driving Rules
Ignition Interlock Devices — AB 366
Assembly Bill 366 extends California’s statewide Ignition Interlock Device program for certain DUI offenders through Jan. 1, 2033. Drivers required to participate must use a breath-activated device that prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.

For Pasadena and Altadena drivers convicted of qualifying DUI offenses, the extension means existing requirements remain in place, continuing a program used statewide since 2019 to reduce repeat impaired driving.

Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated — AB 1087
AB 1087 increases probation terms for those convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated from two years to between three and five years.

In Pasadena and across Los Angeles County, the longer probation period allows courts additional time to impose supervision conditions, including treatment programs and monitoring, in cases involving fatal DUI crashes.

School Zone Speed Limits — AB 382
Beginning Jan. 1, 2031, AB 382 lowers the default speed limit in school zones from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour.

For Pasadena and Altadena, which has numerous elementary, middle and high schools located along residential and arterial streets, the change is expected to affect posted limits and enforcement near campuses citywide. Local officials will have time to update signage before the law takes effect.

Expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” Rule — AB 390
AB 390 expands California’s “slow down, move over” law to require drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights or warning devices.

On Pasadena freeways, surface streets and canyon roads, the rule now applies not only to emergency responders but also to disabled vehicles and motorists stopped on the roadside, increasing protections for people outside their vehicles.

Automated Red-Light Enforcement — SB 720
Senate Bill 720 allows cities and counties to operate alternative automated camera programs to enforce red-light violations. Violations remain civil infractions rather than criminal offenses.

While Pasadena does not currently operate red-light cameras, the law gives local governments additional options should they choose to adopt automated enforcement programs in the future.

License Plate Obstruction — AB 1085
AB 1085 makes it an infraction, punishable by fines of up to $1,000, to manufacture in California products designed to obscure or interfere with the visual or electronic reading of license plates.

Pasadena and Altadena drivers using illegal plate covers could face increased scrutiny, particularly as automated tolling and enforcement systems become more common on regional roadways.

Abandoned Recreational Vehicles — AB 630
AB 630 authorizes Los Angeles County, through Jan. 1, 2030, to remove and dispose of abandoned recreational vehicles valued at $4,000 or less if a public agency verifies the RV is inoperable.

The measure may affect Pasadena neighborhoods experiencing long-term RV parking issues, particularly where vehicles are abandoned and pose public safety or sanitation concerns.

New Rules for Emerging Vehicle Technology

Autonomous Vehicle Marker Lamps — SB 480
SB 480 allows autonomous vehicles to display marker lamps indicating when self-driving systems are engaged.

As autonomous vehicle testing and deployment expand in the region, Pasadena residents may begin seeing these visual indicators on streets shared with conventional traffic.

Off-Highway Electric Motorcycles — SB 586
SB 586 classifies off-highway electric motorcycles, commonly called eMotos, as off-highway motor vehicles.

For Pasadena and Altadena riders using trails or public lands outside city limits, the law requires registration and identification consistent with other off-highway vehicles.

Consumer Protections for Car Buyers

California Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Act — SB 766
The CARS Act prohibits auto dealers from misrepresenting vehicle prices, financing terms, and optional add-ons. It also provides buyers or lessees of vehicles priced under $50,000 a three-day right to cancel the transaction.

The law takes effect Oct. 1, 2026, and applies to Pasadena-area dealerships. Legislators cited widespread consumer complaints about deceptive auto sales practices as the basis for the reforms.

“DMV” in Website Addresses — AB 1272
AB 1272 prohibits businesses holding DMV-issued occupational licenses from using “Department of Motor Vehicles” or “DMV” in their internet domain names.

Pasadena and Altadena residents searching online for DMV services are expected to encounter fewer misleading websites that appear to be official state agencies.

DMV Service Changes

Duplicate Driver’s License After Address Change — SB 506
SB 506 allows drivers who update their address with the DMV to request a duplicate driver’s license showing the new address.

For Pasadena or Altadena residents who move within the city or region, the change simplifies obtaining updated identification without waiting for license renewal.

Parking Enforcement and Equity

Parking Tickets — AB 1299
AB 1299 authorizes local governments to waive or reduce parking fines when a person demonstrates an inability to pay and requires agencies to offer payment plans upon request.

In Pasadena, the law may influence how parking citations are handled, particularly for residents facing financial hardship, and is intended to reduce escalating penalties that can lead to towing or lien sales.

What Comes Next

The DMV said it will provide public guidance as the laws take effect. Pasadena and Altadena drivers are encouraged to review updated DMV information and city advisories to understand how the changes will affect local streets, parking enforcement and vehicle transactions in the coming year.

In Pasadena, the California Dept. of Motor Vehicles office is located at 49 S. Rosemead Blvd., offering services like license renewals, registration, and address changes, with specific weekday hours (e.g., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays) and self-serve kiosks available, but you should book an appointment online via the California DMV website for the best experience to avoid long waits.