California Cities Face Fines Over Truck Route Laws
The state has warned eight local jurisdictions that they must restrict warehouse traffic near homes and schools.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Commercial
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued advisory letters to seven Inland Empire cities and Riverside County regarding their failure to comply with AB 98. This law requires local governments to update their general plans to divert diesel truck traffic away from residential areas and schools.
Why it matters
The state is enforcing these mandates to shield families from the noise, pollution, and safety risks associated with warehouse-bound logistics. With over 1 billion square feet of warehouse space in the region, non-compliant jurisdictions now face potential fines of $50,000 every six months.
The state identified non-compliance across Chino, Moreno Valley, Perris, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Riverside, Ontario, and Riverside County. These jurisdictions missed the January 1, 2026, deadline to redraw routes for trucks serving the region's 1 billion square feet of warehouse space.
The players
Rob Bonta
The Attorney General of California who is enforcing state-wide land-use mandates and consumer protections.
Perris City Council
The local governing body responsible for municipal planning decisions and infrastructure zoning.
The details
Under AB 98, enacted in 2024, cities and counties are legally mandated to amend their land-use plans to separate heavy freight traffic from sensitive community zones. The Attorney General is now pressuring these local entities to finalize route changes that prioritize the safety of residential neighborhoods and childcare facilities. While most recipients are now on notice, the city of Ontario has claimed that it has already met the state requirements.
Timeline
2024: AB 98 was enacted into law.
January 1, 2026: Deadline passed for amending general plans with new truck routes.
October 5, 2026: The Attorney General sent compliance letters to local governments.
December 2026: The Perris City Council expects to approve new truck routes.
The Home Front
This development marks a significant shift in how California manages the environmental and safety impacts of the massive warehouse logistics industry on local residents. It follows the precedent set by AB 98, which established strict regulatory oversight for freight transit in high-density areas.
Residents in the Inland Empire should monitor their local city council meeting agendas for updates on newly proposed truck routes in their neighborhoods. If you live near warehouse districts, you can contact your local planning department to request information on how AB 98 changes will affect traffic flow on your street.
The takeaway
The state is prioritizing household safety by enforcing land-use laws intended to separate residential areas from heavy freight traffic. Homeowners in the affected regions should verify their city’s compliance status through official municipal planning documents or local council records.
Further reading
Learn more about local logistics impacts in our Commercial section.
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Should your local government prioritize stricter truck route regulations to protect neighborhood quality of life?
