California drivers, everything is about to change for you and it’s important that you don’t get left behind with the new modifications. So, as you read, starting in 2025, driving in California is going to be a little different. Why? Because the State is implementing new laws to avoid risks behind the wheel and thus improve the safety of all roads. Surely you’ve heard of “Street takeovers”, right? Well, don’t worry, below we’ll tell you what they are and what they have to do with these rules.
What are street takeovers?
Hold on to the wheel because they are illegal events in which several people take to the streets (or intersections) to perform dangerous actions with their vehicles (such as drifts and improvised illegal races). These events are not entirely “improvised” but are organized through social networks to carry them out, and, as you can understand, not only does it have risks for the people who participate, but it also compromises the safety of other drivers on the road and pedestrians who may be nearby.
These practices often end in accidents (and therefore damage to public and private property), so California is trying to eradicate this practice through more severe fines.
Speed changes
It is clear that controlling speed on the roads is the main motivation of the State of California, and especially in the area of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
There will be five speed control cameras in this area, which is one of the busiest in the entire state (and therefore, one of the most dangerous). These cameras will be installed in high-risk areas (such as school areas) to track drivers who exceed the established limits with fines ranging from $50 (if you go 11-15 mph over) to $500 for those who exceed 100 mph over the established limit. So:
- 11-15 mph over the limit: $50 fine.
- 16-25 mph over the limit: $100 fine.
- Over 26 mph: Fine up to $500, if the driver exceeds 100 mph.
And the penalties for street takeovers?
Drivers caught in one of these illegal practices (both participants and spectators, mind you!) will face the following penalties:
- Fines of up to $500 and 90 days in jail for those who attend as spectators
- Suspension of licenses between 90 days and six months for active participants
- The police may confiscate the participating vehicles.
In addition to all this, Governor Gavin Newsom has called these activities “criminal” and wants to send a clear message that “it’s over,” because the road belongs to everyone and we all deserve to drive safely.
More safety for vehicles
The new regulations will also require vehicles to have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), meaning that vehicles must have automatic emergency braking, for example. Vehicles will therefore have to ensure that they meet these requirements, to which emission standards will also be added.
Awareness campaigns
That’s right, in addition to all the sanctions that are going to be implemented, the state is going to carry out educational campaigns to encourage responsibility on the roads, which, together with the regulations, they hope will be effective in reducing the number of road accidents.
Don’t think that these measures are a punishment, but rather an effort by the State to keep us safe on the roads and ensure that we return home in one piece. So, 2025 is full of these changes that will help us avoid problems. If you are one of those who care little about speed and restrictions, think twice because there are many lives at stake!