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<ns0:Id>20250AB__245398AMD</ns0:Id>
<ns0:VersionNum>98</ns0:VersionNum>
<ns0:History>
<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>INTRODUCED</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-02-20</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>AMENDED_ASSEMBLY</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-03-26</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:SessionYear>2025</ns0:SessionYear>
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<ns0:MeasureType>AB</ns0:MeasureType>
<ns0:MeasureNum>2453</ns0:MeasureNum>
<ns0:MeasureState>AMD</ns0:MeasureState>
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<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>ASSEMBLY</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Michelle Rodriguez</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
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<ns0:Title>
An act to amend Sections 21100 and 38025 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles. </ns0:Title>
<ns0:RelatingClause>vehicles</ns0:RelatingClause>
<ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:Subject>Vehicles: off-highway motor vehicles.</ns0:Subject>
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<ns0:DigestText>
<html:p>Existing law regulates the operation of recreational off-highway motor vehicles on lands, other than a highway, that are open and accessible to the public. Existing law generally prohibits a motor vehicle from being driven upon a highway unless it is registered. However, existing law authorizes off-highway motor vehicles that are issued identification plates or devices to cross highways in certain situations, including, among others, a peace officer operating an off-highway motor vehicle in an emergency response situation.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would expand the above-described provision to additionally authorize first responders, as defined, to operate off-highway motor vehicles in an emergency response situation. The bill would also authorize
peace officers and first responders to operate off-highway motor vehicles upon a highway, at a distance not to exceed 5 miles, for the purpose of accessing off-highway recreational areas or locations of patrol, within jurisdictions that have adopted a policy or plan for the operation of those off-highway motor vehicles pursuant to the provisions described below. The bill would require peace officers and first responders operating off-highway motor vehicles pursuant to these provisions to comply with the terms and requirements of the policy or plan adopted by the applicable local authority.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law prohibits a local authority from enacting or enforcing an ordinance on matters covered by the Vehicle Code unless expressly authorized by the Vehicle Code. Existing law authorizes local authorities to adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution
regarding specified matters.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would authorize a local authority to regulate the operation of off-highway motor vehicles subject to identification by peace officers and first responders upon highways within the local authority’s jurisdiction while performing official duties subject to specified requirements. Among those requirements, the bill would require a local authority, after public review, to adopt a policy or plan for the operation of off-highway motor vehicles by peace officers and first responders while performing official duties and to make the policy or plan available to the public on its internet website. The bill would also require the policy or plan to include, among other things, a requirement that off-highway motor vehicles may only be operated upon a highway for up to 5 miles for the purpose of accessing an off-highway recreational
area or a location of patrol.</html:p>
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<ns0:VoteRequired>MAJORITY</ns0:VoteRequired>
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<ns0:FiscalCommittee>YES</ns0:FiscalCommittee>
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<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_E2312F40-9992-4B87-905D-351242F80CE5">
<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
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Section 21100 of the
<ns0:DocName>Vehicle Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Num>21100.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>Local authorities may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution regarding all of the following matters:</html:p>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating or prohibiting a procession or assemblage on the highways.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Licensing and regulating the operation of vehicles for hire and drivers of passenger vehicles for hire.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating traffic by means of traffic officers.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating traffic by means of official traffic control devices meeting the requirements of Section 21400.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating traffic by means of a person
given temporary or permanent appointment for that duty by the local authority when official traffic control devices are disabled or otherwise inoperable, at the scene of an accident or disaster, or at a location that may require traffic direction for orderly traffic flow.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A person shall not be appointed pursuant to this subdivision unless and until the local authority has submitted to the commissioner or to the chief law enforcement officer exercising jurisdiction in the enforcement of traffic laws within the area in which the person is to perform the duty, for review, a proposed program of instruction for the training of a person for that duty and unless and until the commissioner or other chief law enforcement officer approves the proposed program. The commissioner or other chief law enforcement officer shall approve a proposed program if they reasonably determine that the program will provide sufficient training for persons assigned to
perform the duty described in this subdivision.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating traffic at the site of road or street construction or maintenance by a person authorized for that duty by the local authority.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Licensing and regulating the operation of tow truck service or tow truck drivers whose principal place of business or employment is within the jurisdiction of the local authority, excepting the operation and operators of any auto dismantlers’ tow vehicle licensed under Section 11505 or any tow truck operated by a repossessing agency licensed under Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 7500) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code and its registered employees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The Legislature finds that the safety and welfare of the general public is promoted by permitting local authorities to regulate tow
truck service companies and operators by requiring licensure, insurance, and proper training in the safe operation of towing equipment, thereby ensuring against towing mistakes that may lead to violent confrontation, stranding motorists in dangerous situations, impeding the expedited vehicle recovery, and wasting state and local law enforcement’s limited resources.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This subdivision does not limit the authority of a city or city and county pursuant to Section 12111.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Operation of bicycles and, as specified in Section 21114.5, electric carts by physically disabled persons or persons 50 years of age or older, on public sidewalks.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Providing for the appointment of nonstudent school crossing guards for the protection of persons who are crossing a street or highway in the vicinity of a school or while returning
thereafter to a place of safety.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(j)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating the methods of deposit of garbage and refuse in streets and highways for collection by the local authority or by any person authorized by the local authority.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(k)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating or authorizing the removal by peace officers of vehicles unlawfully parked in a fire lane, as described in Section 22500.1, on private property. A removal pursuant to this subdivision shall be consistent, to the extent possible, with the procedures for removal and storage set forth in Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 22650).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(
<html:i>l</html:i>
)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating mobile billboard advertising displays, as defined in Section 395.5, including the establishment of penalties, which may include, but are not limited to, removal of the mobile billboard advertising display, civil penalties, and misdemeanor criminal
penalties for a violation of the ordinance or resolution. The ordinance or resolution may establish a minimum distance that a mobile billboard advertising display shall be moved after a specified time period.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(m)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Licensing and regulating the operation of pedicabs for hire, as defined in Section 467.5, and operators of pedicabs for hire, including requiring one or more of the following documents:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A valid California driver’s license.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Proof of successful completion of a bicycle safety training course certified by the League of American Bicyclists or an equivalent organization as determined by the local authority.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A valid California identification card and proof of successful completion of the written portion of the California driver’s license
examination administered by the department. The department shall administer, without charging a fee, the original driver’s license written examination on traffic laws and signs to a person who states that they are, or intend to become, a pedicab operator and who holds a valid California identification card or has successfully completed an application for a California identification card. If the person achieves a passing score on the examination, the department shall issue a certificate of successful completion of the examination bearing the person’s name and identification card number. The certificate shall not serve in lieu of successful completion of the required examination administered as part of any subsequent application for a driver’s license. The department is not required to enter the results of the examination into the computerized record of the person’s identification card or otherwise retain a record of the examination or results.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(n)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section does not authorize a local authority to enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution that establishes a violation if a violation for the same or similar conduct is provided in this code, nor does it authorize a local authority to enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution that assesses a fine, penalty, assessment, or fee for a violation if a fine, penalty, assessment, or fee for a violation involving the same or similar conduct is provided in this code.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section does not preclude a local authority from enacting parking ordinances pursuant to existing authority in Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 22500) of Division 11.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(o)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating advertising signs on motor vehicles parked or left standing upon a public street. The ordinance or resolution may establish a minimum distance that the
advertising sign shall be moved after a specified time period.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Paragraph (1) does not apply to any of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Advertising signs that are permanently affixed to the body of, an integral part of, or a fixture of a motor vehicle for permanent decoration, identification, or display and that do not extend beyond the overall length, width, or height of the vehicle.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the license plate frame is installed in compliance with Section 5201, paper advertisements issued by a dealer contained within that license plate frame or any advertisements on that license plate frame.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
As used in paragraph (2), “permanently affixed” means any of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Painted directly on the
body of a motor vehicle.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Applied as a decal on the body of a motor vehicle.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Placed in a location on the body of a motor vehicle that was specifically designed by a vehicle manufacturer, as defined in Section 672, and licensed pursuant to Section 11701, in compliance with both state and federal law or guidelines, for the express purpose of containing an advertising sign.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(p)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Regulating the operation of off-highway motor vehicles subject to identification pursuant to Section 38010 by peace officers, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or first responders, as defined in Section 8562 of the Government Code, on highways within the local authority’s jurisdiction while
performing official duties subject to the following requirements:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The applicable local authority shall adopt a policy or plan for the use of off-highway motor vehicles by peace officers or first-responders on highways while performing official duties after public review. The policy or plan shall be made available to the public on the local authority’s internet website.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The policy or plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A requirement that off-highway motor vehicles may only be operated on a highway for up to five miles for the purpose of accessing an off-highway recreational area or a location of patrol.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A description of the activities or locations for which the local authority seeks to authorize operation of
off-highway motor vehicles pursuant to this subdivision and the approximate timeframe or duration of the authorization.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A description of any training, certification, or safety equipment that will be required by the local authority to ensure the safety of the public, including drivers and passengers.
</html:p>
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<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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Section 38025 of the
<ns0:DocName>Vehicle Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Num>38025.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 4000, a motor vehicle issued a plate or device pursuant to Section 38160 may be operated or driven upon a highway but only as follows:</html:p>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
On a two-lane highway, only to cross the highway at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the roadway and at a place where a quick and safe crossing may be made, or only when the roadway is not maintained by snow removal equipment and is closed to motor vehicles that are subject to registration pursuant to Division 3 (commencing with Section 4000), or only to cross a highway in the manner specified in subdivision (b).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
With respect to the crossing of a highway having more than two lanes, or a highway having limited
access, a motor vehicle may cross a highway but only at a place designated by the Department of Transportation or local authorities with respect to a highway under their respective jurisdictions as a place where a motor vehicle, or specified types of motor vehicle, may cross a highway, and a vehicle shall cross the highway only at that designated place and only in a quick and safe manner.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The Department of Transportation and local authorities with respect to a highway under their respective jurisdictions may designate, by the erection of an appropriate sign of a type approved by the Department of Transportation, a place where a motor vehicle, or specified type of motor vehicle, may cross a highway having more than two lanes or having limited access.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A motor vehicle identified pursuant to Section 38010 may be towed upon a highway, but not driven, if the vehicle displays a
plate or device issued pursuant to Section 38160.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A motorcycle identified pursuant to Section 38010 may be pushed upon a highway, but not ridden, if the motorcycle has displayed upon it a plate or device issued pursuant to Section 38160.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a first responder, as defined in Section 8562 of the Government Code, may operate or drive an off-highway motor vehicle identified pursuant to Section 38010 upon a highway in an emergency response situation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a first responder, as defined in Section 8562 of the Government Code, may operate or drive an off-highway motor vehicle identified pursuant to Section 38010 upon a highway while performing official duties if all of the following apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The distance traveled on the highway by the off-highway motor vehicle does not exceed five miles.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The purpose of the travel is to access an off-highway recreational area or a location of patrol.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local authority, as defined by Section 385, of the jurisdiction in which the off-highway motor vehicle will be operated has adopted a policy or plan for the operation of
off-highway motor vehicles by peace officers or first responders while performing official duties pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 21100.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A peace officer or first responder operating an off-highway motor vehicle pursuant to this subdivision shall comply with the terms and requirements of the policy or plan adopted by the applicable local authority pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 21100.
</html:p>
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