Attention, California! New law signed by Gavin Newsom allows to work without a driver's license in 2025
California's new SB 1100 law, signed by Gavin Newsom, eliminates the requirement for a driver's license for many jobs, aiming to increase access to employment opportunities.
California has enacted a historic law that will allow many people to access jobs without the need for a driver's license. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, SB 1100 aims to expand employment opportunities and eliminate unnecessary barriers for those who don't require driving as part of their job responsibilities. Effective from January 1, 2025, this law impacts hiring processes and job applications in the state, addressing the priority of job access for many Californians, including those without a license or with restricted licenses.
The SB 1100 law stipulates that employers in California cannot require a driver's license for most jobs where driving is not essential. The initiative is designed to reduce discrimination based on mobility and promote access to a job in areas where driving is not a key aspect of the job.
What is the SB 1100 law signed by Newsom?
The SB 1100 law, signed by Gavin Newsom, prohibits employers in California from requiring a driver’s license for positions where driving is not part of the job. The new law was approved by the state legislature in 2024 and aims to eliminate an employment barrier, allowing more Californians to participate in the job market without having to meet this unrelated requirement.
According to the California Department of Civil Rights, this law impacts hiring processes, application forms, interviews, and post-hiring requirements. The only exception applies to positions where driving is an essential function, such as delivery drivers, chauffeurs, or field technicians who frequently need to travel.
Who benefits from Gavin Newsom's law in California?
The SB 1100 law directly benefits workers who don't need a driver's license for their job duties but have been limited in accessing certain positions due to this requirement. The following sectors stand to benefit the most from this reform:
- Administrative office staff
- Retail and supermarket workers
- Restaurant employees (waiters, cooks, bartenders)
- Warehouse assistants with no transportation responsibilities
- Manufacturing or production workers
- Receptionist and customer service staff
- Call center employees
- Cleaning or maintenance workers without assigned mobility
- Cashiers and sales staff
- Construction workers not operating vehicles or heavy machinery.
On the other hand, jobs where driving is an integral part of the role, such as drivers, delivery personnel, or commercial transport operators, will still require a driver's license.
Impact of SB 1100 on residents and immigrants in California
The SB 1100 law will have a significant impact on residents who, for personal, economic, or legal reasons, do not have a driver's license. This includes immigrants without regular immigration status who may have an AB 60 special license, even though they cannot use it for federal matters.
The law removes the need for a license to access many jobs, except in cases where driving is essential. This change will also benefit residents who, for various reasons, do not hold a driver's license.
According to a report by the National Employment Law Project, over 15% of job postings in California required a driver's license for positions that did not actually need one. This legislation could serve as a model for other U.S. states looking to remove barriers to employment access.
