With the welcoming of new California laws, drivers need to be aware of updated regulations regarding school areas, construction zones, and highways. Additionally, workers can expect a change with California’s new minimum wage bill.
As of Jan 1st, the speed limits have been updated in multiple California areas. Assembly Bill 382 addresses school areas, lowering the speed limit from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour, with the government being allowed to selectively lower the limit to 15 miles per hour.
Assembly Bill 1014 specifically talks about the speed limit on highways.
“Existing law authorizes a local authority, if it finds the speed limit derived from the 85th percentile to be higher than reasonable or safe, to reduce the speed limit an additional 5 miles per hour for specified reasons, including, but not limited to, that the portion of highway is designated as a safety corridor, as defined by the department.”
Assembly Bill 390 on the other hand, says that drivers must slow down or move over to a new lane when approaching highway maintenance vehicles or vehicles with flashing hazard lights.
Assembly Bill 289 not only reduces the speed limit by 10 in construction zones, but introduces a new speed safety program using laser technology and radar to detect speeders and issue them fines of up to $500.
Assembly Bill 1087 changes penalties for causing a death while intoxicated. Before, you could face up to two years of probation and a felony, but with the new bill that probation could last three to five years.
Additionally, the minimum wage in California has increased by 40 cents, from $16.50 to $16.90. This change took effect immediately on January 1st 2026, forcing all businesses and institutions to pay workers a minimum salary of $70,304. Still, fast food restaurant workers are paid at a higher rate at $20 an hour as long as they work for a chain with more than 60 locations. If you are not being paid the minimum wage, call the Labor Commissioner’s Office in your area and file a wage claim.
As the cost of living keeps increasing in, not only California, but the U.S. as a whole, this law hopes to help Americans afford everything they need regardless of occupation or income. Meanwhile, the new speeding laws aim to protect children, citizens, ensure safety, and reduce accidents in critical areas across the state.
These new laws, to some, sound beneficial, and are welcomed as a step towards a better future in California.
“I feel like for others there would be way more tickets, especially in the first year, but I think overall it’s more beneficial for the community.” Junior, Aiden Panaitescu
However, the new laws have sparked drama online.
These bills are expected to be followed by all across California, but law enforcement are instructed to give out warnings for the first 30 days of the new speed laws. In February tickets and fines will be distributed if these requirements are not met.
