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: 

Village lighting improvements

Post Date:04/28/2026 2:20 PM

The city's Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission is scheduled to receive an update on the Village Lighting Project at its next meeting on May 4.

Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
Monday, May 4, 4 p.m.
City Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive

How to participate

New energy-efficient pedestrian lighting and upgrades to existing tree lights are planned throughout the Village to improve public safety, support local businesses and create a more welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors.

This project is the first phase of a broader effort to enhance lighting throughout the Village.

Carlsbad Village street lighting map

Construction on this phase could begin as soon as late 2026.

The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the project, review the proposed plans and stay informed on next steps as improvements move forward in the Village area.

Learn more about the project.

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