New traffic laws for 2026 are arriving soon or have already taken effect, and many Bakersfield and Kern County drivers are unaware of what changes lie ahead.
We regularly speak with local drivers who are surprised after receiving tickets tied to newly enacted statutes. Understanding these changes early can help drivers avoid fines, NOTS points, and unnecessary traffic court appearances.
Many of these laws took effect on January 1, 2026. They reflect California’s continued focus on roadway safety and modern enforcement tools. Drivers throughout Kern County and across California should familiarize themselves with these new traffic codes or changes to laws already in effect.
DUI, Ignition Interlock Changes, & Probation Lengths
Several updates impact DUI-related offenses.
AB 366 (Petrie-Norris) extends the ignition interlock device program through January 1, 2033. Some drivers must now use these devices longer than expected.
AB 1087 (Patterson) increases probation terms for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Probation may now range from three to five years.
School Zone Speed Limits and Move-Over Laws
Speed enforcement near schools continues to tighten.
AB 382 (Berman) lowers school zone speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph beginning in 2031. Speeding tickets in these zones often result in heightened scrutiny and higher fines.
AB 390 (Wilson) expands “Slow Down, Move Over” requirements. Drivers must now slow down and change lanes for any stationary vehicle, including maintenance vehicles and those displaying warning lights. Since drivers don’t know when or if a driver or passenger in a stationary vehicle might open their door, slowing down and moving over might prevent an accident.
Automated Cameras and License Plate Violations
Technology continues to play a larger role in traffic enforcement.
SB 720 (Ashby) “Allows local governments to use an alternative automated camera program to enforce red light violations. Specifies that violations recorded by an automated traffic enforcement system are subject only to civil penalties.”
AB 1085 (Stefani) targets license plate obstruction devices. Manufacturing or selling plate-blocking products “intended to obscure or interfere with the visual or electronic reading of a license plate” now carries a $1,000 fine.
Other Laws Bakersfield Drivers Should Know
Several additional laws that may affect everyday drivers:
- AB 630 (Mark González)—Abandoned recreational vehicle removal authority.
- SB 480 (Archuleta)—Marker lamps for autonomous vehicles.
- SB 586 (Jones)—New classifications for electric off-highway motorcycles. “Classifies an ‘off-highway electric motorcycle’ (eMoto) as an off-highway motor vehicle (OHV), thereby requiring them to follow OHV rules, including displaying a DMV-issued ID plate or placard.”
While some laws apply narrowly, confusion still leads many drivers into traffic court. Click the AB or SB link to familiarize yourself with the laws if they apply to you.
How Our Traffic Attorneys Help With the New Traffic Laws for 2026
Drivers often ask, “Do I really need a lawyer for this ticket?”
That depends on the violation, points involved, and potential insurance impact. Speeding tickets and red light citations can still increase premiums. However, the safest route is to consult an attorney before paying the fine or deciding to dispute a ticket in traffic court.
A traffic violation attorney can:
- Appear in traffic court on your behalf.
- Challenge procedural errors.
- Seek reduced, no-point outcomes or full dismissal when appropriate.
Legal guidance often costs less than future insurance increases.
"Kept points off my driving record. Thanks Guys!"—Aaron.
Ask Bigger & Harman If You Need Assistance With Any of the New Traffic Laws for 2026
Drivers should never rush to pay a traffic fine. Paying a citation usually means accepting guilt.
We help California drivers avoid court when possible and work to protect driving records. Before acting, consult a local traffic attorney who understands Kern County enforcement practices.
If you need help disputing any of the new traffic laws for 2026, any traffic ticket, or a CA DMV NOTS hearing, call Bigger & Harman for a free, no-obligation consultation about a commercial vehicle lane violation at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 859-1177.
We’ve resolved more than 20,000 traffic tickets for California drivers over the past decade. Contact us to discover how we can assist you.
Many of those drivers were ticketed in Central Valley or Eastern California’s Mono or Inyo Counties. However, we are expanding our reach to help more drivers avoid expensive traffic ticket fines or a suspension of driving privileges.
Take advantage of our experience with a personalized defense strategy to resolve your ticket or “Order of Suspension/Probation” from the DMV.
We offer a free consultation to get started—use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: When do the new traffic laws for 2026 take effect?
A: Most take effect January 1, 2026; however, some have phased timelines. To avoid mistakes, click on the AB/SB new laws and read the one you have a question about for clarification.
Q: Can I dispute a ticket under the new traffic laws for 2026?
A: Not knowing about the changes may not be a legal excuse. However, many tickets involve enforcement or procedural errors. You can always dispute a ticket you believe was an error. Your best chance to favorably resolve a traffic ticket is with a traffic ticket defense attorney. Their fee is typically much lower than the fine and increased insurance premiums.
Q: Should I consult a traffic attorney before paying a fine for a ticket?
A: Yes, definitely. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and can cause you to lose your “good driver’s discount of 20%. Since the average Bakersfield driver paid $2,925 for full coverage in 2025, losing that discount will cost them an additional $585 annually for three years, or $1,755 before the additional risk associated with the violation (typically another 10-12%) is added. Not consulting an attorney could cost as much as $3,000 for a minor traffic infraction, such as speeding or running a red light, over the next three years.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.