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New Laws That Could Impact You in 2025
As we enter 2025, California residents should be aware of several new laws taking effect that could impact their daily lives. From traffic regulations to workplace safety measures, these changes aim to enhance and protect the rights of all Californians.
Here’s what you need to know about some of the most significant new laws.
Traffic and Driving Laws
The “Daylighting” Law
One of the most notable changes is Assembly Bill 413, aka the “Daylighting Law.” Starting January 1, 2025, it will be illegal to park a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. This law applies regardless of whether the curb is painted red, aiming to improve visibility and safety and reduce pedestrian accidents.
A 60-day grace period will be in effect until March 1, 2025, during which warnings may be issued instead of citations. Drivers should be cautious and look for new signage or markings indicating no-parking zones near crosswalks.
Updated Insurance Requirements
Senate Bill 1107 revises minimum insurance liability limits for drivers. The new requirements double the limit for bodily injury or death per person per accident and triple the coverage for property damage.
- Bodily injury or death coverage increases from $15,000 to $30,000 per person
- Total bodily injury or death coverage per accident rises from $30,000 to $60,000
- Property damage coverage triples from $5,000 to $15,000 per accident
These changes represent the first increase in minimum liability coverage since 1967. The new law aims to provide greater financial protection for car accident victims, ensuring they are more adequately compensated for injuries and property damage.
Food Delivery Apps and Unauthorized Drivers
AB 375, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, introduces new requirements for food delivery platforms in California to stop unauthorized drivers. The bill aims to enhance customer and traffic safety by providing identifying information about the person delivering their order.
Exemptions apply if the food facility uses its own delivery drivers or if the order is placed through their website or a third-party service not classified as a “food delivery platform”. This legislation is modeled after similar requirements for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft.
Among the new regulations are:
- Food delivery services must give customers the driver’s first name and photo when their order is out for delivery.
- This law applies to online businesses acting as intermediaries between consumers and multiple food facilities, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats.
- The new law standardizes information provided across platforms, as some already offer this data while others do not.
Combating Sideshows and Street Takeovers
New laws will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat dangerous sideshows and street takeovers:
- Expanded vehicle impoundment authority allows for longer impound periods, up to 30 days for repeat offenders.
- Stricter penalties include license suspensions and potential felony charges for organizers.
- Law enforcement can utilize advanced technology to identify and track participants effectively.
- Broadened definitions of “sideshow” now encompass activities in parking lots and on private property with the owner’s consent.
These measures aim to deter participation and reduce public safety risks associated with illegal gatherings.
Workplace Sexual Harassment Laws
Enhanced Sexual Harassment Training
Assembly Bill 2364 increases fees under the Property Service Worker Protection Act to fund sexual violence and harassment prevention training. This training underscores California’s commitment to creating safer work environments and educating employees about their rights.
New Reporting Requirements for Community Colleges
Assembly Bill 2048 requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2025. This report will include recommendations for establishing systemic campus reforms to prevent, detect, and address sexual harassment on community college campuses.
As these new laws take effect, California residents should stay informed and adjust their behaviors accordingly. While some changes may require adaptation, they collectively aim to create safer roads, workplaces, and communities throughout the state.
Seriously Injured in an Accident? The Dominguez Firm Can Help.
The Dominguez Firm has been providing quality legal representation to those injured in all types of accidents for over 30 years. In that time our personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys have helped thousands of injured clients find justice. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, call us for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818 today.