New Year, New Rules: California Drivers Buckle Up for 2025
The new year is almost upon us, and with it comes a slew of new traffic laws in California. If you’re already struggling to remember which lane you’re supposed to be in, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. From parking etiquette to better insurance payouts, here’s what you need to know before hitting the road in 2025.
You Can’t Park There
Starting January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 413, also known as the “Daylighting Law,” makes it illegal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk. Yes, even if the curb isn’t painted red. The idea is to make intersections safer for pedestrians.
Here’s how to keep it legal: If you’re parking near a crosswalk, imagine a generous gap between your car and the intersection—about the length of a mid-sized moving van. No measuring tape? No problem. Just give it some breathing room.
And if you’re unsure whether you’ve parked far enough back, err on the side of caution. After all, parking tickets have a knack for finding their way onto windshields when you least expect it.
Locked Door Loophole
Thanks to Senate Bill 905, proving your car was broken into just got easier. In the past, prosecutors had to prove a car’s doors were locked to call it a burglary. This led to a truly absurd scenario where victims had to testify in court about—brace yourself—the state of their car doors.
Now, if someone smashes your window, it’s considered “forcible entry.” Finally, a win for common sense. Moral of the story: Even if your car’s as old as a flip phone and has manual locks, you’re still protected.
Better Insurance Coverage
Have you ever been hit by someone carrying the absolute bare minimum insurance? If so, you know it feels like trying to pay off a medical bill with Monopoly money. Enter Senate Bill 1107, which doubles the minimum liability limits for car insurance starting in 2025.
Here’s the breakdown:
Before 2025: $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.
Starting 2025: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
Translation? If someone rear-ends you, you’re less likely to end up holding the bag for the damage. Cheers to that!
