CA AB3138

Establishes that beginning January 1, 2027, any vehicle may be offered an alternative device (electronic license plate or registration card) that includes vehicle location technology.

Requires vehicle location technology to be permanently disableable by nonreversible method and manually disableable/enableable from inside the vehicle without remote access or passwords, with visual indicator when active.

Prohibits alternative devices from recording or transmitting personal identifiable information beyond data necessary to display registration compliance, and requires immediate deletion of unauthorized data received by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Expands types of specialized license plates that may be replicated on alternative devices to include plates approved under Sections 5007, 5060, 5100, and 5151.

Restricts employers from using alternative device monitoring on employees outside work hours and prohibits retaliation against employees who disable monitoring; requires employers to provide advance notice with specific details about monitoring practices and permits Labor Commissioner enforcement with civil penalties.