New Car and Driving Related Laws in California

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The new law regarding crosswalks hopes to increase pedestrian safety.
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Every year always brings new laws that go into effect as of the first of the year. The laws typically affect a wide array of parts of life, and this year is proving to be no exception. Now that we are one week into 2025, these are the new laws that have gone into effect that affect roads, drivers, and pedestrians alike.

Increased Crosswalk Visibility

California recently recognized that there is a massive safety issue with the way crosswalks have been in the past. According to the new law, being dubbed “daylighting” vehicles are prohibited from idling, stopping, or parking within 20 feet of any form of a marked or unmarked crosswalk. The law continues to add that the same rules apply within 15 feet of a crosswalk that has a curb that extends out into the parking lane. As of right now, the law is in effect; however, lawmakers allowed for an adjustment period. Drivers who violate the law until March 1 will get off with just a warning. After March 1, drivers will receive a fine up to $65.

Employer Driver’s License Change

Before, an employer could include in a job listing that applicants were required to have a driver’s license even if the job being applied for did not require driving. According to new state law, this is now illegal. The law defines this notion as discriminatory and bans the discrimination against non-licensed individuals as long as the job being applied for does not require driving in order to perform the job’s duties.

Insurance Coverage Increase

The amount of liability insurance coverage required for an owner and/or operator of a vehicle has increased for 2025. The new limit for a plan includes: “$30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $60,000 for bodily injury or death of all persons, and $15,000 for damage to the property of others as a result of any one accident.” Additionally, the law increases the deposit amount to $75,000.

Locked Door Loophole No More

California previously allowed a notion known as the “locked door loophole.” Under the new law, this is eliminated. The locked door loophole required prosecutors to find a way to prove that a vehicle had the car doors locked when in a criminal case trying a burglary. This required finding evidence of forcible entry, usually resulting in a misdemeanor or felony charge for the defendant. The law got rid of this requirement. Furthermore, the law allows for criminal charges to be brought against individuals who resell valuables that were stolen from a vehicle during a car break-in. The law specified that an individual who is seen with at least $950 worth of stolen property, whether they were the thief or not, could be charged.

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