Department of Transportation: third-party navigation applications: study and report

Navigation apps can move traffic off state highways onto local streets. The study will inform potential state action to better align app routing with traffic-management goals.

What the law does ​

• Requires the Department of Transportation, with the California State Transportation Agency and relevant regional and local authorities, to conduct a pilot study in a department-selected area.
• Measures congestion shifted to local streets, changes in vehicle miles traveled, pavement wear and maintenance costs, local-road safety, and emergency-response times.
• Requires the department to submit the study and policy recommendations to legislative fiscal and policy committees by January 1, 2029.
• Allows recommendations on app data sharing, compliance with local traffic rules, and technology standards favoring safety and emissions reductions over small travel-time savings.
• Repeals these requirements on January 1, 2033.

Who it affects ​

• Third-party navigation application providers.
• State and local transportation authorities and local emergency responders.
• Drivers, residents, pedestrians, and cyclists on streets affected by app-directed traffic diversion.