Flood recovery for Hordes & Boards gaming lounge in Redding
It’s flood recovery time for Hordes & Boards gaming lounge after damaging storms pummeled the Redding area.
- Several new public safety laws in California go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
- Intoxicated drivers will face advanced penalties
A new year is bringing a host of new California-wide public safety-related laws to Redding, Shasta County and the rest of the North State.
Laws dropping or reducing parking penalties for people who are unable to pay, boosting consequences for intoxicated drivers convicted of vehicular manslaughter and adding new requirements for users of off-highway electric motorcycles are among the new provisions passed by legislators and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The laws go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Here’s a look at eight of those new laws that were called out on Friday, Dec. 26 by the California Highway Patrol and state Department of Motor Vehicles.
Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated — Assembly Bill 1087
Increases the term of probation from two years to between three and five years for a person convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Pedestrian safety in school zones — Assembly Bill 382
Allows local law enforcement to lower the school zone speed limit to 20 mph from 25 mph by ordinance or resolution through Jan. 1, 2031. After this date, the speed limit will automatically decrease from 25 to 20 mph in school zones when proper signage is posted.
Authorizes local governments to waive or reduce parking penalties if a person is unable to pay and requires the provision of a payment plan if requested, helping prevent escalating fines, vehicle towing, and lien sales that can disproportionately impact low-income individuals.
License plate obstruction or alteration — Assembly Bill 1085
Makes it an infraction with a fine of $1,000 to manufacture in California a product or device that obscures, or is intended to obscure or interfere with the visual or electronic reading of a license plate, addressing the use of illegal license plate covers that enable toll evasion and other criminal activity.
Off-highway electric motorcycles — Senate Bill 586
Classifies an “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” as an off-highway motor vehicle (OHV), thereby requiring them to follow OHV rules, including displaying a DMV-issued ID plate or placard. This includes a requirement that a person operating an OHV wear a safety helmet and that every OHV not registered under the Vehicle Code display an identification plate or device issued by the DMV. The new law says eMoto vehicles:
- Are designed primarily for off-highway use
- Are powered by an electric motor that does not require a motor number
- Have handlebars for steering, a manufacturer-provided straddle seat and two wheels
- Are not equipped with manufacturer-provided pedals
Abandoned recreational vehicles — Assembly Bill 630
Authorizes Alameda and Los Angeles counties, until Jan. 1, 2030, to remove and dispose of an abandoned recreational vehicle if it is estimated to have a value of $4,000 or less and a public agency has verified that it is inoperable prior to removal.
Electric bicycles/requiring equipment — Assembly Bill 544
Mandates that electric bicycles must have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear during all hours of operation, not just during darkness as the law previously required. The bill also allows the CHP-developed online electric bicycle safety and training program to fulfill the safety course requirement for minors who receive a helmet violation involving electric bicycles.
Makes it a misdemeanor to possess a key programming device, a key duplicating device, or a signal extender with the intent to commit burglary. The offense can result in up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. This bill expands existing law by adding those three tools to the list of tools illegal to possess with the intent to commit burglary.
Michele Chandler covers dining, food, public safety and whatever else comes up for the Redding Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. Accepts story tips at 530-338-7753 and at [email protected]. Please support our entire newsroom’s commitment to public service journalism by subscribing today.
