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AB 1047

Vehicles: statewide application of the code.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Wallis

AB 1047 reaffirms statewide uniform Vehicle Code, preempting local vehicle ordinances unless expressly allowed, while preserving MRCA/JPA authority to enforce public-land rules.

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Bill Summary · AB 1047

AB 1047 — Vehicles: statewide application of the code

A concise, plain-language summary of the bill as introduced, including its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact.

Overview and purpose

  • The bill, AB 1047 (introduced February 20, 2025 by Assemblymember Wallis), aims to address the statewide application of the Vehicle Code.
  • It is described as making technical, nonsubstantive changes to existing law that already provides uniform applicability of vehicle-related provisions across the state, counties, and municipalities.
  • The bill seeks to clarify or reaffirm preemption of local ordinances and enforcement actions in the area covered by the Vehicle Code, unless an express authorization exists within the code.

Key provisions

  • Amends Vehicle Code Section 21 to reaffirm that, except as expressly provided, the Vehicle Code’s provisions are applicable and uniform statewide, including in all counties and municipalities.
  • Prohibits local authorities from enacting or enforcing any ordinance or resolution on matters covered by the Vehicle Code, including regulations, procedures, fines, penalties, assessments, or fees for violations of those provisions, unless expressly authorized by the Vehicle Code.
  • Includes a limited exception: to the extent permitted by current state law, does not impair the lawful authority of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), a joint powers authority (JPA), or any member agency established as of July 1, 2010, to enforce ordinances or resolutions relating to the management of public lands within its jurisdiction.
  • Overall effect: re-emphasizes statewide uniformity and preemption, while preserving existing authority of MRCA/JPA-related entities for public-land management enforcement.

Who is affected

  • Local governments (cities, counties, and other local entities) that currently create or enforce vehicle-related ordinances or regulations would be affected insofar as they would need express authorization within the Vehicle Code to enact/enforce such measures.
  • State agencies enforcing Vehicle Code provisions would maintain the statewide uniform framework.
  • The MRCA and JPAs (and their member agencies as of 2010) retain authority to enforce certain public-land management ordinances.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025.
  • From printer: February 21, 2025 (noted in the bill’s status).
  • Potential committee hearing: March 23, 2025 (as indicated in the bill’s status line).
  • Legislative actions noted: “From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.” and “Read first time. To print.”
  • Fiscal considerations: No appropriation; no fiscal committee involvement; no local program impact specified.

Significance

  • Policy impact is described as technical and nonsubstantive; the bill does not appear to create new regulatory powers or funding but clarifies and reinforces the principle of statewide uniformity in Vehicle Code enforcement.
  • Maintains a narrowly defined carve-out for MRCA/JPA public-land authority enforcement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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