California 2026 New Laws Practice Quiz
California's 2026 vehicle code includes several changes that older study materials don't cover. New insurance minimums, expanded move-over law, and traffic-stop rules are all tested. Test yourself on the latest.
Sample Questions
1. California's 2026 minimum liability insurance for one person's bodily injury is:
A. $15,000
B. $25,000
C. $30,000 ✓
D. $50,000
Why: The 2026 minimum is $30,000 (raised from the old $15,000).
2. California's 2026 minimum liability insurance for property damage is:
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $15,000 ✓
D. $25,000
Why: The 2026 minimum is $15,000 (raised from the old $5,000). The full standard is now 30/60/15.
3. A stationary tow truck is on the shoulder with amber emergency lights flashing. Under the expanded 2026 move-over law, you must:
A. Continue at normal speed
B. Move over to a non-adjacent lane if safe, or slow down ✓
C. Honk to acknowledge
D. Stop completely
Why: California's expanded move-over law now applies to vehicles with flashing amber lights (tow trucks, road work) in addition to emergency vehicles.
4. Under the 2026 update, what must a law enforcement officer do BEFORE asking questions during a traffic stop?
A. Issue a citation immediately
B. State the reason for the stop before any questioning ✓
C. Read Miranda rights
D. Verify ID first
Why: California law (effective 2024 onward) requires officers to state the reason for the stop before beginning any questioning, with limited safety-based exceptions.
5. Who is allowed to ask you about your immigration status during a traffic stop?
A. Any officer
B. State and local police
C. Only federal law enforcement officers ✓
D. Highway Patrol only
Why: California law prohibits state and local officers from asking about immigration status during traffic stops. Only federal officers can ask.
6. After a collision causing more than $1,000 in property damage, you must report to DMV within:
A. 1 day
B. 5 days
C. 10 days ✓
D. 30 days
Why: You have 10 days to file SR 1 (Report of Traffic Accident) with the DMV. Failure suspends your license.
7. If you have NO insurance after a collision, your license can be suspended for up to:
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 4 years ✓
Why: Up to 4 years suspension. You can get the license back during the final 3 years by filing SR 22/SR 1P proof and maintaining it.
8. California's 2026 minimum liability for multiple-injury collisions is:
A. $30,000
B. $60,000 ✓
C. $100,000
D. $300,000
Why: $60,000 minimum for multiple injured persons in one collision (the middle number in 30/60/15).
9. Many older study guides still show 15/30/5. These figures are:
A. Still accurate
B. Out of date as of 2026 ✓
C. Only for commercial vehicles
D. Only for old vehicles
Why: 15/30/5 is the OLD California minimum. As of the 2026 update, the new floor is 30/60/15. Older study material may be wrong.
10. Recording an officer during a traffic stop in public is:
A. Always illegal
B. Generally legal in California ✓
C. Only legal with permission
D. Only legal if you are a journalist
Why: In public spaces, recording officers performing official duties is legal under California law. You should not interfere physically with their work.