As 2025 approaches, several important legislative changes are set to take effect in California on January 1. If you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or any of California’s major cities, understanding these changes can help protect your rights and avoid legal pitfalls. Here’s an overview of the most impactful new laws and what they mean for you.
1. Increased Auto Insurance Liability Limits (Senate Bill 1107)
For the first time in over 50 years, California is raising its minimum auto insurance liability limits. Effective January 1, 2025, the new minimums are:
$30,000 for bodily injury or death per person (up from $15,000)
$60,000 for bodily injury or death per accident (up from $30,000)
$15,000 for property damage per accident (up from $5,000)
This change aims to ensure that accident victims receive more adequate financial compensation for injuries and damages. For personal injury attorneys in California, this presents a significant shift in how cases may be evaluated, as higher insurance limits can lead to more substantial settlements. Residents in densely populated cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where traffic accidents are more common, should pay close attention to this update.
2. “Daylighting” Parking Restrictions (Assembly Bill 413)
AB 413 introduces new parking restrictions designed to improve pedestrian safety. Known as “daylighting,” this law prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. The goal is to enhance visibility at intersections and reduce the risk of collisions involving pedestrians and vehicles.
Violators will face a $64 fine, but a 60-day grace period (until March 1, 2025) will allow law enforcement to issue warnings instead of fines. Drivers in bustling cities like San Diego and San Jose should be especially vigilant about this new rule, as urban areas are often hotspots for pedestrian accidents. (Source)
3. Elimination of the “Locked Door Loophole” in Vehicle Burglaries (Senate Bill 905)
SB 905 addresses a long-standing gap in California’s legal framework regarding vehicle burglaries. Previously, prosecutors had to prove that a vehicle’s doors were locked at the time of the break-in to charge the suspect with burglary. The new law removes this requirement, making any forcible entry into a vehicle with intent to commit theft or a felony qualify as burglary.
This change will streamline the prosecution of car break-ins, which are particularly prevalent in urban centers like Oakland and San Francisco.
4. Stricter Penalties for Street Racing and Sideshows
Illegal street racing and sideshows have become increasingly dangerous issues in California, especially in cities like Los Angeles and Fresno. New laws set to take effect in 2025 introduce tougher penalties for individuals participating in or spectating at these events:
AB 1978: Authorizes law enforcement to impound vehicles of spectators at illegal street racing events.
AB 2186: Permits impoundment of vehicles used in street racing on private streets or parking lots.
AB 2807: Provides clear definitions for “sideshow” and “street takeover” violations.
AB 3085: Allows law enforcement to impound vehicles used in street racing, even if located after the event.
These measures aim to deter dangerous driving behaviors and protect public safety. Traffic ticket defense attorneys may see an increase in cases involving vehicle impoundments under these laws.
5. Prohibition of Driver’s License Requirements in Job Postings (Senate Bill 1100)
Under SB 1100, California employers can no longer require a valid driver’s license in job postings unless driving is an essential function of the job. This law is intended to reduce employment discrimination against individuals who lack driver’s licenses but are otherwise qualified for the position.
This change may have implications for individuals with prior DUIs or other traffic-related offenses that have affected their ability to obtain or retain a driver’s license.
What These Laws Mean for Californians
These new laws reflect California’s commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring fair treatment under the law. Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of Los Angeles, commuting through the Bay Area, or residing in quieter towns, these legislative updates will impact your daily life.
For individuals involved in personal injury cases, the increased auto insurance limits provide greater financial protection. Drivers should familiarize themselves with the daylighting parking restrictions to avoid fines, and residents in high-crime areas should be aware of the updated vehicle burglary laws.
Meanwhile, those participating in or attending street racing events must understand the heightened penalties, as law enforcement will be cracking down on these activities more aggressively. Finally, the prohibition of driver’s license requirements in job postings opens up new opportunities for individuals with past traffic violations.
Stay Informed and Protected
At Borhani Law Group, we are dedicated to keeping Californians informed about changes in the law that may affect their rights and responsibilities. If you have questions about how these new laws could impact your personal injury claim, traffic ticket, or criminal case, our experienced attorneys are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and throughout California.
