California Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)

California Vehicle Code does not require drivers to wear shoes. Driving barefoot is legal and there is no statute prohibiting it. However, drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicle at all times.

Lane splitting is explicitly legal in California under California Vehicle Code §21658.5. Motorcyclists are permitted to ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic when done safely and prudently. The California Highway Patrol provides guidelines for safe lane splitting.

License plate covers of any kind, including clear covers, are illegal in California. A 2026 law increased penalties for selling or using devices that obscure license plates, with fines up to $1,000.

Radar detectors are legal in California for use in private passenger vehicles. California Vehicle Code § 26708 prohibits the use of devices that interfere with police radar, but radar detectors themselves are not banned.

Both radar jammers (federally illegal) and laser jammers are illegal in California. There have been no recent legislative changes in California regarding this law.

Right turn on red is legal in California after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. There have been local discussions about restricting right turns on red in some cities for pedestrian safety, but no statew...

Studded Snow Tires are legal in California. The law allowing for retractable studs year-round is a relatively recent addition, reflecting new tire technology.

Window Tinting is legal in California. Windshield tinting is only allowed above the AS-1 line. These rules are codified in California Vehicle Code § 26708.