California Highway Patrol summarizes new public safety laws for 2025
– The California Highway Patrol is drawing attention to new public safety laws that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted. These laws, passed during the latest legislative session and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, address a variety of topics, including retail theft, reckless driving, electric bicycle safety, and autonomous vehicle regulations.
Retail theft laws
Senate Bill 982, sponsored by Sen. Wahab, makes the crime of organized retail theft a permanent offense under state law, eliminating the expiration date for provisions targeting this issue. Senate Bill 1242, authored by Sen. Min, amends Penal Code Section 452 to clarify the penalties for fire-related offenses tied to retail theft. Senate Bill 1416, sponsored by Sen. Newman, enhances penalties for the resale of stolen goods, with sentencing increases based on property value thresholds up to over $3 million.
Assembly Bill 1779, authored by Assemblymember Irwin, allows district attorneys to consolidate theft charges spanning multiple counties into a single trial, provided all affected counties agree. Assembly Bill 1802, sponsored by Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, extends the California Highway Patrol’s Property Crimes Task Force and the definition of organized retail theft indefinitely. Assembly Bill 1972, authored by Assemblymember Alanis, expands the task force’s scope to include cargo theft and railroad support. This bill took effect immediately upon its passage in August 2024.
Assembly Bill 2943, authored by Assemblymember Zbur, creates the California Retail Theft Reduction Act, defining serial retail theft as thefts committed within 90 days that cumulatively qualify as grand theft. Assembly Bill 3209, sponsored by Assemblymember Berman, allows courts to issue retail crime restraining orders prohibiting convicted individuals from entering affected establishments.
Emergency alerts and reckless driving
Assembly Bill 2645, sponsored by Assemblymember Lackey, permits transportation agencies to share real-time license plate data with law enforcement during emergency alerts like AMBER Alerts without requiring a search warrant.
Assembly Bill 1978, authored by Assemblymember Sanchez, authorizes vehicle storage when individuals obstruct roadways for speed contests. Assembly Bill 2186, sponsored by Assemblymember Wallis, permits the impoundment of vehicles used in exhibitions of speed for up to 30 days. Assembly Bill 2807, authored by Assemblymember Villapudua, defines “sideshows” and “street takeovers” as the same type of event. Assembly Bill 3085, sponsored by Assemblymember Gipson, allows the impoundment of vehicles used in speed contests or exhibitions with a warrant.
Electric bicycle regulations
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Senate Bill 1271, authored by Sen. Min, mandates safety testing and labeling for electric bicycles, powered mobility devices, and lithium-ion batteries. Assembly Bill 1774, sponsored by Assemblymember Gipson, prohibits modifying electric bicycles to exceed speed definitions. Assembly Bill 1778, authored by Assemblymember Connolly, allows local authorities in Marin County to prohibit individuals under 16 from operating Class 2 electric bicycles or to require helmets. Assembly Bill 2234, sponsored by Assemblymember Boerner, creates the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Program, restricting children under 12 from operating certain electric bicycles.
Other safety measures
Senate Bill 1297, authored by Sen. Allen, establishes a five-year pilot speed enforcement program in Malibu, utilizing radar or laser systems to enforce speed laws. Assembly Bill 2678, sponsored by Assemblymember Wallis, extends Clean Air Vehicle decal privileges in high-occupancy vehicle lanes through Jan. 1, 2027, pending federal approval.
Senate Bill 1313, authored by Sen. Ashby, prohibits devices that interfere with driver monitoring systems in vehicles with autonomous technology. Assembly Bill 1777, sponsored by Assemblymember Ting, establishes protocols for autonomous vehicle interactions with first responders and introduces requirements for traffic violation notices.
Assembly Bill 1904, authored by Assemblymember Ward, allows transit agencies to add “yield” right-of-way signs to buses. Assembly Bill 2111, sponsored by Assemblymember Wallis, prohibits altering license plates to avoid detection. Senate Bill 905, authored by Sen. Wiener, defines new offenses for thefts involving vehicles, including the resale of stolen automotive property.
