If you live, drive, rent, or shop in California, several new 2025 laws may change everyday decisions—from where you can park to how subscriptions renew, how medical debt appears on your credit, and what happens after a theft or traffic incident. Below is a plain-English guide to the most relevant updates, what dates matter, and how they could impact injury claims and everyday life in Rancho Cucamonga and across Southern California. In Rancho Cucamonga, law enforcement and courts will apply these same laws, which means local drivers, renters, and injury victims should be especially aware.
1) “Daylighting” Parking Rule: No Parking Within 20 Feet of a Crosswalk
Effective: January 1, 2025
California’s AB 413 makes it illegal to park within 20 feet of the approach to any marked or unmarked crosswalk (or 15 feet where curb extensions exist). This is designed to improve visibility and reduce collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. Even without a red curb, the 20-foot rule still applies. Measure from the crosswalk line toward your vehicle.
How this could affect injury cases:
If a vehicle is illegally parked inside the daylighting zone, that fact can be used in fault and negligence determinations for pedestrian or bicycle injury cases.
Practical tip: When parking, give yourself at least 20 feet from the crosswalk. If you’re ever involved in a crash near a crosswalk, photograph the scene, including distances to parked cars.
2) Tougher Retail-Theft & Vehicle Break-In Laws
Effective: January 1, 2025 (varies by bill)
California permanently codified organized retail theft and expanded felony options. It can now be a felony to possess over $950 of stolen retail goods with intent to resell (AB 2943). Breaking into vehicles to steal $950+ in property with intent to resell is also a felony (SB 905). Additional statutes (AB 1802/SB 982) strengthen the organized retail theft framework statewide.
How this could affect injury cases:
Stronger laws make it easier to document theft incidents and pursue restitution. For victims of smash-and-grabs or vehicle break-ins, this can strengthen the evidence needed for civil claims tied to injury or property damage.
Practical tip: After a theft or vehicle break-in, report it immediately and save any police or insurance documentation. These records are crucial in both criminal and civil claims.
3) Vehicle Tech, Tracking & Domestic-Violence Protections
Key law: SB 1394 (staged effective dates; some requirements begin July 1, 2025, others later)
SB 1394 requires manufacturers to let drivers terminate remote access to vehicles and, by later dates, provide in-car methods to immediately disable access. This law aims to protect survivors when abusers misuse connected-car apps to track or control vehicles. Automakers must also provide a web option to request termination by July 1, 2025, with additional safeguards phasing in through 2026–2028.
How this could affect injury cases:
Misuse of connected-car technology can be part of harassment or abuse claims. Documenting a termination request can support both restraining orders and potential civil injury cases.
Practical tip: If safety is a concern, check your automaker’s website for the remote-access termination request option and keep proof of your submission.
4) DMV–Related Safety Changes You’ll See on the Road
Effective: January 1, 2025 (unless noted)
- Sideshows/Street Takeovers: Expanded impound authority for vehicles involved in speed contests or exhibitions.
- Autonomous Vehicles: Police can issue AV “noncompliance notices” to manufacturers. Additional rules start July 1, 2026 for how AVs interact with first responders.
- E-Bike Youth Safety Pilots: Marin County (helmets/age limits for Class 2) and San Diego County (age limits for Class 1–2).
- License Plate Obstruction: It’s illegal to alter reflective coatings to avoid camera detection (e.g., tolls, traffic enforcement).
How this could affect injury cases:
When accidents involve street takeovers, AVs, or unsafe e-bike use, these new laws give law enforcement more tools to document violations—which can directly impact fault findings in injury cases.
Practical tip: After any crash involving a sideshow, AV, or e-bike, request the police report and keep copies for your attorney. Law enforcement notes may prove critical.
5) Medical Debt & Your Credit
Effective: January 1, 2025 (core reporting restriction)
California now prohibits health providers and debt collectors from reporting medical debt to credit bureaus, meaning unpaid medical bills should not appear on your credit report. (Additional disclosure rules for medical-debt contracts took effect July 1, 2025.)
How this could affect injury cases:
Even though your credit score is protected, the bills themselves remain critical evidence in a personal injury claim. Keep detailed records of all EOBs, invoices, and receipts to show the financial impact of your injuries.
Practical tip: Create a dedicated folder for all medical bills, receipts, and insurance statements. This documentation is invaluable for proving damages.
6) Subscriptions & Auto-Renewals: “Express Affirmative Consent” Required
Effective: July 1, 2025
California’s revised Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) requires businesses to obtain express affirmative consent for auto-renewals, provide clearer disclosures, and offer easier cancellation (like online “click-to-cancel” buttons).
How this could affect injury cases:
While not directly related to accidents, these protections can help injured individuals avoid unexpected charges while managing medical bills and lost wages—keeping financial strain lower during recovery.
Practical tip: Take screenshots of online checkouts and renewal notices. If you’re billed without consent, this proof can help challenge charges.
7) Renters: More Time to Respond to Eviction Papers
Effective: January 1, 2025
Under AB 2347, tenants now have 10 business days (instead of five) to respond to an eviction complaint.
How this could affect injury cases:
For victims sidelined by injury who fall behind on rent, this law provides extra time to secure legal help and coordinate with counsel while their injury claim is pending.
Practical tip: If served with eviction papers, mark the 10-day deadline immediately and contact a legal aid office or attorney right away.
Speak with a Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a traffic collision, pedestrian or bicycle crash, or another incident in 2025, these laws can shape how fault is determined, what evidence matters, and how claims are negotiated. Muhareb Law Group helps clients understand the new rules and pursue full compensation. Call (909) 519-5832 or contact us for a free consultation.
FAQs
When do California’s new laws go into effect?
Most take effect January 1 unless specified (e.g., auto-renew rules July 1, 2025; vehicle remote-access controls phased in 2026–2028).
Does the 20-foot daylighting rule apply even if there’s no red curb or sign?
Yes. AB 413 applies to marked and unmarked crosswalks regardless of curb paint.
Can medical debt still hurt my credit in California?
No. As of Jan 1, 2025, providers and collectors cannot report medical debt to credit agencies.
What changed with subscriptions and auto-renewals?
Starting July 1, 2025, businesses must obtain express consent for auto-renewals and make cancellation simpler.
I’m worried someone is tracking my car. What can I do?
Under SB 1394, automakers must provide ways to terminate remote access. Check your maker’s site and document requests.