Over the last couple of years in California, a soft paranoia has come over many of the drivers.
There is more of a sense of being hunted here, and especially as we see how the fines and the hidden fees associated with them climb into unreasonable and predatory ranges.
One of the proofs of that pudding is the fact that fix it tickets(tickets for headlights being out, brake lights not working etc)used to be a warning and you had to have it fixed by a certain date. No fine was involved. Now, in CA, you are fined if you have a tail light or signal light not functioning.
It is all about money and nothing about safety and always has been. Ditto the renewing drivers licenses and registration. These two things should be good for life unless you screw up somehow.