California Officials Warned Over Truck Route Rules
The Attorney General flagged seven Inland Empire cities and a county for missing state-mandated truck route deadlines.
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 non-compliance with AB 98. The law requires local governments to redraw truck routes to shield residents from warehouse-related pollution and traffic.
Why it matters
The action seeks to protect local communities from the safety hazards and environmental impacts caused by heavy diesel trucks. Failure to update general plans as required by the 2024 legislation leaves these jurisdictions facing significant financial penalties.
Riverside and San Bernardino counties house over 1 billion square feet of warehouse space. Non-compliant local governments face fines of up to $50,000 every six months.
The players
Rob Bonta
Rob Bonta is the Attorney General of California who oversees the enforcement of state laws and regulatory compliance.
The details
The state alleges that Chino, Moreno Valley, Perris, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Riverside, Ontario, and Riverside County failed to meet the January 1, 2026, deadline for amending their general plans. While the city of Ontario maintains it has already complied with the new requirements, the Attorney General is pushing for immediate action from the remaining jurisdictions to address noise and safety concerns.
Timeline
AB 98 was enacted into law in 2024.
The deadline for cities to amend their general plans was January 1, 2026.
The Attorney General sent letters to the cities and county on October 5, 2026.
The Perris City Council expects to approve new truck routes in December 2026.
Culture Shift
The enforcement of AB 98 marks a significant shift in how California manages industrial logistics near residential areas. This move prioritizes public health and safety over the rapid expansion of the warehouse sector in the Inland Empire.
Residents in the affected cities may see new truck routes designed to divert diesel-powered vehicles away from schools, homes, and daycares. These changes aim to reduce local noise levels, improve traffic safety, and mitigate pollution for the surrounding communities.
The takeaway
The state's aggressive enforcement action signals a major change for logistics planning in high-density warehouse regions. Residents should monitor upcoming city council meetings to see how these mandated route changes will specifically impact their neighborhood traffic patterns.
What happens next
The Perris City Council is scheduled to vote on new truck routes in December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the Commercial regulatory landscape in California.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Redlands Daily Facts.
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