VoterBloc
AB 25022025–2026 SessionREPORTEDBIPARTISAN

Vehicles: driving under the influence: driving automation.

Introduced Feb 20, 2026Gail Pellerin (D-CA)1 cosponsor

Summary

Existing law makes it unlawful for a person who has 0.08% or more, by weight, of alcohol in their blood to drive a vehicle or to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and prescribes certain penalties depending on additional facts, such as whether the driving resulted in an injury to another. Existing decisional law holds that the slight volitional movement of the vehicle is sufficient for a driving under the influence violation. This bill would state that for the purposes of a driving under the influence violation, "drive" includes the volitional movement of a vehicle with specified levels of driving automation, as defined. Because this bill would expand the scope of a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Bill text versions

Legislative Journey

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Floor
  4. Passed Chamber 1
  5. Passed Chamber 2
  6. Signed
Feb 20, 2026

Read first time. To print.

House
Feb 21, 2026

From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.

House
Mar 9, 2026

Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

House
Mar 25, 2026

Coauthors revised.

House
Mar 25, 2026

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

House