Let's be Safer Together, Carlsbad!

The City of Carlsbad uses the three Es of traffic safety -- education, engineering and enforcement -- to help ensure everyone uses local streets safely. Thanks to your support, it's working! Please continue to look out for one another, follow our safety tips and share your commitment publicly so others will do the same.

New e-bike laws effective March 26, 2026 

The Carlsbad City Council formally adopted new e-bike laws at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The news laws are in effect as of March 26, 2026, starting with a 60-day warning period.

Here is what to expect: 

  • Anyone operating an e-bike must be at least 12 years old, as allowed by Assembly Bill 2234.
  • When a minor breaks the rules and creates an immediate or substantial public safety risk, their e-bike may be impounded. The minor must complete an in-person safety course to retrieve the e-bike, and a parent or guardian must be present when the e-bike is released. 
  • The Police Department can also impound e-motorcycles, which are not street legal. 
  • E-bikes are prohibited at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue Community Parks. 

Additionally, the city's previously existing laws have been updated to provide additional clarity on safe riding behavior, including:

  • Riders must go at a safe speed for the conditions, factoring in weather, whether pedestrians are present and how quickly other traffic is moving.
  • Riders under 18 years old must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
  • Only e-bikes designed for passengers can carry more than one rider.

  • Parents are responsible for knowingly allowing their children to commit violations. 

E-bike chart with e-motorcycles

More information

E-bike laws overview
View the new ordinance  
Watch a recording of the City Council meeting 

Safety classes

The Carlsbad Police Department hosts quarterly bike and e-bike safety classes. Sign up to be the first to know when new classes are added.

Online resources are also available: 

New stop sign at State and Laguna

Post Date:01/16/2026 4:05 PM

New stop signs will be installed at the intersection of State Street at Laguna Drive next month to help address community concerns about safety. The City Council approved the new stop signs at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

What’s changing?

  • Currently, the intersection of State Street and Laguna Drive is a T-intersection, with one stop sign on Laguna Drive and flashing pedestrian signs at the crosswalk on State Street, south of Laguna Drive. When the new stop signs are installed, the existing flashing signs will be removed.
  • A new crosswalk will be added on the east side of the intersection, on Laguna Drive.

Stop signs at State and Laguna

Why add stop signs?

  • In 2024, a new residential development was built on the west side of the intersection of Laguna Drive and State Street. Its driveway aligns directly with Laguna Drive, effectively adding a fourth leg to the intersection.
  • Community members have expressed concerns about navigating this intersection due to limited visibility and speeds on State Street.
  • Stop signs will help offer pedestrians another opportunity to cross the street and make it easier for cars trying to cross or turn onto State Street.

View the staff report

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