Driving in California 2009

Driving in California20092009

What You Need to Know to Get ACalifornia Driver’s License

Driving in California2009

2

This booklet is a brief summary of California laws about obtaining adriver’s license and driving in California. It condenses or paraphrasesthe actual language of the California Vehicle Code. Bear in mind thatcourts are guided by the full and exact language of the law. Notes tothe text correspond to the relevant vehicle code section numbers, whichare listed in Appendix B. The California Vehicle Code, published inodd-numbered years, may be purchased for $9 at any office of theDepartment of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Information presented in this guide has been carefully researched andwas accurate and up-to-date for laws passed during the 2008 CaliforniaLegislature session. However, the Automobile Club of SouthernCalifornia is not responsible for any subsequent changes in the law, orany errors or omissions that may occur.

To find your local Auto Club office, check your phone book,or visit the Auto Club online at AAA.com.

NOTE: This booklet covers the Vehicle Code provisions needed to

help prepare you to take and pass the written driving exam. The DMV

may include questions on the test about driving practices not covered

by the law that may not be contained in this booklet. Members desir-

ing additional information should contact their local DMV.

DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA

A U T O M O B I L E C L U B O F S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A – D R I V I N G I N C A L I F O R N I A

Published by the Automobile Club of Southern CaliforniaPublic Affairs & Publishing3333 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, California 92626Copyright © 2000-2008 Automobile Club of Southern California. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER: James Hansen, Spring Motoring Scene, 1952. Hansen (1918–1993)was a young art student in Los Angeles when he won the competition to sculptthe statue of Abraham Lincoln that was installed at the Federal Building in L.A.in 1940. He went on to an award-winning career as a commercial artist and pro-vided five paintings for Westways covers in the late 1940s and early 1950s. SpringMotoring Scene captured the promise of the open road.

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DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER’S LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Carrying and Showing Your License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Who Must Have a License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9MILITARY PERSONNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10PERSONS VISITING CALIFORNIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Permitting an Unlicensed Person to Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

California License Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12LICENSE TO DRIVE MAY BE REFUSED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14RESTRICTED LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Other Legal Identification Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15MEDICAL INFORMATION CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15GIFT OF LIFE PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Renewing Your License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16RENEWAL BY MAIL OR ONLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16RENEWAL IN PERSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Changing Your Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Changing Your Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Lost or Damaged License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Unlawful Use of License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Negligent Driving and Loss of License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18PARTICIPATION IN TRAFFIC VIOLATOR SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . .19YOUR DRIVING RECORD IS PUBLIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Reinstatement of Driving Privilege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Obeying Peace Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

LEARNING TO DRIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Instruction Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR DRIVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23DRIVING SCHOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25LICENSE FOR NEW RESIDENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25


TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 Table of Contents


The Driver’s License Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26THE VISION TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26THE DRIVING TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

The Provisional License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28PROVISIONAL LICENSE RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28TEMPORARY LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Financial Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30ADDITIONAL PENALTIES – NO INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

SIGNS AND SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Important Road Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33STOP SIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY SIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33WRONG WAY, DO NOT ENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33TURN SIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33WARNING SIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34REGULATORY SIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34GUIDE SIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE SIGNS . . . .35SCHOOL SIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35HIGHWAY CHANGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Traffic Signal Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Pedestrian Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

DRIVING RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

On the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38DRIVE TO THE RIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38DON’T WEAVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39DON’T FOLLOW TOO CLOSELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39LOOK TO THE SIDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39LOOKING BEHIND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39SPACE TO CROSS OR ENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40SIGNALING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Lines and Lanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41WHITE LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41YELLOW LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42END-OF-LANE MARKINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44CROSSWALKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44LIMIT LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Passing Another Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Table of Contents 5


Right-of-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46THE RIGHT-OF-WAY RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46TURNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47U-TURNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49DRIVING THROUGH A ROUNDABOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50DRIVER’S AND BICYCLIST’S SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Freeway Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51SPACE TO MERGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52LANE NUMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52CARPOOL LANES AND CONTROLLED ON-RAMPS . . . . . . . . . .53

Stopping Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

More Rules You Must Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

SPEED LAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Basic Speed Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56SPEED LIMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56SPEED CONTESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

PARKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Illegal Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Painted Curb Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Parking on a Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

PEDESTRIANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62RESPONSIBILITIES OF DRIVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62RESPONSIBILITIES OF PEDESTRIANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Night Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Weather Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 AVOIDING SKIDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66CONTROLLING SKIDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Maintenance and Construction Work Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67CLOSED LANES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Mountain Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Two-Lane Rural Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Long Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Drivers’ View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69


6 Table of Contents

HIGHWAY EMERGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Crashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71REPORTING THE CRASH TO THE DMV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72FAULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

DRIVER AND PASSENGER SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Rules to Stay Alive By . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74BE PREPARED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74DON’T DRIVE WHEN UPSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74KEEP YOUR VEHICLE SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74KEEP UP WITH YOURSELF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74PRACTICE COURTESY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74BE ALERT FOR CYCLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75WEAR YOUR GLASSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75DRIVE DEFENSIVELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75KNOW THE COMMON CAUSES OF CRASHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Seat Belts, Air Bags and Car Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Child Safety Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Smoking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Mobility and Gridlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Animals on the Highway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Look at the Whole Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Handling Breakdowns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Bicycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80TRAFFIC SIGNALS FOR BICYCLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80BICYCLIST SAFETY TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83KNOW THE “NO ZONES” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Recreational Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Trailer Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Motorcycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Minibikes, Go-Carts, Motorized Bicycles and Motor Scooters . . .86MOTORIZED BICYCLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87MOTORIZED SCOOTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

School Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Emergency Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Buses and Streetcars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Table of Contents 7

Railroad Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91Hazardous Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91Low-Speed Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

GOLF CARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

DRINKING, DRUGS AND DRIVING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93HOW TO USE THESE CHARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93ESTIMATED COSTS OF FIRST MISDEMEANOR

DUI CONVICTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

You Are Responsible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95PUNISHMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95OPEN CONTAINER LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95THE TEST FOR DRUNK DRIVING

(“IMPLIED CONSENT” LAW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97ZERO TOLERANCE LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97RESTRICTED LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98TIPS TO HELP YOU AVOID

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL (DUI) . . .100

OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Emergency Warning Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Mature Driver Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101SAFETY TIPS FOR OLDER DRIVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Vehicle Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102REGISTERING A CALIFORNIA VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102REGISTERING AN OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

APPENDIX A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Practice Quiz on California Vehicle Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105Practice Quiz on Road Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

APPENDIX B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Annotations to the California Vehicle Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

APPENDIX C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Answers to Practice Quiz on California Vehicle Code . . . . . . . .120Answers to Practice Quiz on Road Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121


8


To report a traff ic crash, dangerous road conditions, Adrunk-driver sighting, or other hazard, call 911 or thelocal traff ic police. To find out how to report a smog-belching vehicle in your area, visit the Department ofConsumer Affairs Bureau of Automotive Repair websiteat www.smogcheck.ca.gov/stdhome.asp.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLESHeadquarters: 2415 1st Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818(800) 777-0133dmv.ca.gov

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has many local officesthroughout California. To locate your local office, see the STATE GOVERN-MENT listing near the front of your telephone directory. Office hours aretypically Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;many offices offer extended hours Thursday until 6:30 p.m. Call your localoffice for hours of service or to make an appointment.

Listed below are publications available from the DMV:

• California Vehicle Code

• California Driver Handbook

• Motorcycle Handbook

• Recreation Vehicles and Trailers

• California Commercial Driver Handbook

• Mature Driver Handbook

• Vehicle and Vessel Registration Handbook

• Parent-Teen Training Aid

• Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Supplement

CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROLHeadquarters: 2555 1st Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818Mailing address: P.O. Box 942898, Sacramento, CA 94298-0001(916) 657-7261

For locations in other cities, see the STATE GOVERNMENT listingnear the front of your telephone directory.

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES


9

Driving on public roadways inCalifornia is not a right—it is aprivilege granted by the state. Adriver’s license shows that youhave been given permission todrive by the state.1 You mayapply for a license at any officeof the Department of MotorVehicles (DMV).

Carrying and ShowingYour License

You must have your driver’slicense with you whenever youdrive.2 You must show it to anypolice officer who asks to see it.3

You must also show it to the otherdriver(s) if you are in a crash.4

Do not laminate your license; itis already plastic-coated.

You may be given a licenseafter you:

1. Have properly answeredquestions about the law andsafety rules,5

2. Show that your physicaland mental condition issatisfactory,6

3. Have no outstanding actionson your driving record,7

4. Provide your true full name,8

5. Provide your social securitynumber,9

6. Provide your thumbprint orfingerprint,10

7. Provide proof that you are inthe United States legally,11

8. Pay a $28 fee, unless youpaid it within 12 months foran Instruction Permit (seepage 23).

For your first license, you must:

• Successfully drive a vehiclewhile an examiner gradesyou.12

• Have your picture taken.13

If you have a medical problem ora disability, the DMV mayrequire you to present a state-ment from your doctor regardingyour condition.

Who Must Have a LicenseCALIFORNIA RESIDENTSIf you are a California residentand drive a motor vehicle on apublic highway or parking facilityopen to the public, you must havea California driver’s license.14

Age Requirements—No matterwhat your age, bring your birthcertificate (original or certifiedcopy) or legal presence documentto the DMV the first time youapply for a license.15 The docu-ment will be returned to you.

Adults—If you are over 18 yearsold, meet the requirements, andpass the tests, you may be issueda California driver’s license.There is no upper age limit.

THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER’S LICENSE

Minors—You are legally a minorif you are under 18 years old.16 Ifyou are a minor, your parents orguardian must sign your applica-tion for a license or any changeof class.17 Your parents orguardian are also responsible ifyou are under 18 and drive with-out a license with their express orimplied permission.18 Personsunder 18 years old may not beemployed to drive a motor vehi-cle.19 They may not drive aschool bus carrying pupils.20 Youmust be at least 21 years old todrive most commercial vehiclesfor hire in interstate commerceand to transport hazardous mate-rials or waste.21

Residents who may not need aCalifornia driver’s license:

1. Members of the Armed Forcesor civilian employees of theUnited States Government—but only while driving non-commercial vehicles ownedor controlled by the UnitedStates on federal governmentbusiness.22

2. Persons driving farming vehi-cles that are not normallyused on public highways,with some exceptions.23

3. Persons driving legally regis-tered off-highway vehicles orsnowmobiles while crossing ahighway, but only as follows:24

To cross a highway (other than afreeway) at approximately aright angle.

To cross a highway havingmore than two lanes, or a free-way, at places designated forcrossing by these vehicles.

MILITARY PERSONNEL

California Service Persons Awayfrom HomeIf you are on active military ser-vice in the United States ArmedForces and stationed out of state,your California driver’s licensewill continue to be valid beyondits normal expiration date aslong as you are absent from thestate and less than 30 days pastyour honorable discharge.25

Ask the authorities in the state orcountry where you are stationedif they will honor your extendedlicense.

Your license is not valid if it hasbeen suspended, canceled, orrevoked.26

Your extended license is good foronly 30 days after you return toCalifornia for any reason. If hon-orably discharged, carry both yourdriver’s license and dischargepapers during these 30 days.27

Nonresident Service PersonsStationed HereIf you are 18 years of age orolder, see the rules for “CaliforniaResidents” on page 9 and“Persons Visiting California” onpage 11.


10 The California Driver ’s License

The California Driver ’s License

If you are stationed in Californiaand under 18 years old, you maydrive with your home statelicense for 60 days after enteringthis state before applying for aCalifornia driver’s license.28 Youmay extend your driving privi-lege in California with the validhome state driver’s license by get-ting a Nonresident Minor’sCertificate29 (see below).

PERSONS VISITINGCALIFORNIA

If you are a visitor in California,over 18 years old, and have avalid driver’s license from yourhome state or country (where youlive permanently), you may drivein this state without getting aCalifornia driver’s license as longas your home state or countrylicense remains valid.30

When you make your home hereor take a job, you must get a Cali-fornia driver’s license within 10days.31 Get one if you become a res-ident and/or intend to drive for pay.

Failure to do this could result in acitation and fine for not beingproperly licensed. You are consid-ered a resident of California, forlicensing purposes, by the DMV32

if you:

• Register to vote in California.

• Accept employment or have abusiness here.

• Pay resident tuition at a publicinstitution of higher education.

• Have dependents attendingCalifornia public schools.

• File for a homeowner’s prop-erty tax exemption.

• Rent or lease a home for useas a residence.

• Obtain a license, or any otherprivilege or benefit not ordinar-ily extended to nonresidents.

Minor-age Visitors

If you are a visitor in Californiaand between 16 and 18 years old,you may drive here with yourhome state license or instructionpermit for only 10 days after youarrive in California.33 After the 10days you must have a NonresidentMinor’s Certificate or a Californialicense.34 You may not be com-pensated for work as a driver untilyou are 18 and have a Californialicense.35

A Nonresident Minor’s Certificatelets you drive in California with avalid home state license. This isissued by the DMV to a minorwho has given proof of ability torespond to damages in case of acrash.36 This proof is usually amotor vehicle accident insurancecertificate from an insurance com-pany allowed to conduct businessin California.

Note: Licensees eligible formilitary extensions shouldcarry documentation fromtheir home state to verifytheir status for California lawenforcement officers.


11



Permitting an UnlicensedPerson to Drive

You must not let your child, ward,or employee under the age of 18years drive on a highway or in apublic parking facility unless theminor has a license or permit.38

The law also says that you mustnot employ, permit, or authorizeany person to drive a vehicle on apublic street or highway unless theperson is licensed to drive thatclass of vehicle.39 It is against thelaw to loan your vehicle to an unli-censed person or anyone whoselicense has been suspended.40 If anunlicensed person is stopped by alaw enforcement officer whiledriving your car, your vehicle maybe impounded for 30 days.41

California LicenseClassifications

There are nine classes ofCalifornia driver’s license:

CLASS A:42

Lets you drive any legal combi-nation of vehicles, including

vehicles under classes B and C.

You may tow:

• Any single vehicle with a GrossVehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)of more than 10,000 pounds.

• Any trailer bus, withendorsement.

• More than one vehicle, withendorsement.

• Any vehicle under classes Bor C.

Class A Firefighter:43

Lets you drive only Class A- andClass B-defined combinationfirefighting vehicles and allvehicles listed under Class C.

You may not drive a bus.44

You may tow a single vehiclewith a GVWR of more than10,000 pounds.

Class A Noncommercial:45

You may drive any vehicleunder Class C.

You may tow travel trailersweighing over 10,000 pounds.GVWR or fifth-wheel trailersweighing over 15,000 pounds.GVWR when the trailers are notused for hire (or other compen-sation).

CLASS B:46

You may drive:

• Any single vehicle with aGVWR of more than 26,000

WARNING: Making a falsestatement on a DMV documentis a misdemeanor offense.Signing a false statement underpenalty of perjury is a felonyoffense.37 Both crimes are pun-ishable by fine, imprisonment orboth.

The California Driver ’s License 13


pounds.

• A three-axle vehicle.

• Any bus (except a trailerbus), with endorsement.

• Any farm labor vehicle, withendorsement.

• Motorhomes in excess of 40feet, with a motorhomeendorsement.

• All vehicles under Class C.

You may tow a single vehiclewith a GVWR of 10,000 pounds. or less.

Class B Firefighter:47

You may drive only a Class B-defined single firefighting vehi-cle and all the vehicles listedunder Class C.

You may not drive a bus.48

You may tow a single vehiclewith a GVWR of 10,000 pounds.or less.

CLASS C:49

You may drive:

• Any two-axle vehicle with aGVWR of 26,000 pounds. orless.

• Any three-axle vehicleweighing 6,000 pounds orless, gross.

• A motorhome 40 feet inlength or less.

A farmer, employee of a farmer,and certain credentialed agricul-tural instructors may drive anycombination of vehicles with aGross Combination Weight Rating(GCWR) or GVWR of 26,000

pounds or less if used exclusivelyin agricultural operations and notfor hire or compensation.50

You may tow:

• A single vehicle with a GVWRof 10,000 pounds or lessincluding a tow dolly, ifused.51

• A boat trailer, provided theGCWR does not exceed 26,000pounds when the towing is forrecreational purposes or repair;is not used in commerce orcontract-carrier operations, orin business; is not for hire; anddoesn’t require an oversize per-mit.52 With a vehicle weigh-ing at least 4,000 pounds, youmay tow:53

A trailer coach or fifth-wheeltravel trailer under 10,000pounds GVWR when towingis not for compensation.

Fifth-wheel travel trailerexceeding 10,000 poundsbut less than 15,000 poundsGVWR, when towing is notfor compensation and withendorsement.54

Note: No passenger vehicle,regardless of weight, may towmore than one vehicle.56 Nomotor vehicle under 4,000pounds laden may tow anyvehicle weighing 6,000 poundsor more gross.57 Class Clicensees may not tow morethan one vehicle.58

Class C Commercial:

Class C does not include any two-wheel motorcycle or any two-wheel motor-driven cycle.55

You may drive any Class C vehi-cle carrying hazardous materialthat requires placards. The haz-ardous materials (HAZMAT)endorsement must be on thelicense. Drivers who transport haz-ardous wastes (as defined byHealth & Safety Code § 25115 and§ 25117) are also required to havethe HAZMAT endorsement.

You may tow the same vehicleslisted in Class C.

For further information on spe-cial licensing requirements, con-tact your local DMV.

Vanpools: You may drive a van-pool vehicle with a Class C license,but you must also pass the med-ical examination required for theClass B license. You must certifythat you have not been convictedof reckless driving, drunk driving,or a hit-and-run offense in the pastfive years.59

A vanpool vehicle is designedand used for carrying more than10 persons, but not more than 15persons, including the driver, andis maintained and used primarilyfor the nonprofit work-relatedtransportation of adults for thepurpose of ridesharing.60

Call your local carpool phonenumber and ask for the CalTransVanpool Booklet.

Class M1:61

You can operate any two-wheelmotorcycle, motorized scooter, ormotor-driven cycle. Refer to theMotorcycle Handbook, available atyour local DMV, for more infor-mation.

Class M2:62

You can operate a motorizedbicycle (or moped), motorizedscooter, or any bicycle with anattached motor. Refer to theDMV’s Motorcycle Handbook formore information.

LICENSE TO DRIVE MAY BEREFUSED

• The DMV may refuse to issueyou a driver’s license if you:

• Have a history of alcohol ordrug abuse.65

• Have used the license illegally.66

Note: Class M1 and M2 isadded to any other classlicense after passing law andskill tests.63 The DMV will notissue a license to operate a two-wheel vehicle to anyoneunder 21 years of age unlessthat person has completed aCalifornia Highway Patrol(CHP)-approved motorcycle-rider training program certifiedon the DMV form Certificate ofCompletion of MotorcycleTraining (DL 389).64



15

• Have lied on your application.67

• Do not understand traffic lawsor signs.68

• Do not have the skill to drive.69

• Have a health problem thatcould make driving unsafe.70•Have a failure to appear (FTA)or failure to pay (FTP) for atraffic citation on your drivingrecord.71

• Have not complied with ajudgment or order for familysupport payments.72

• Use a crib sheet for any exam-ination for a license.73

• Impersonate or allow someoneelse to impersonate an appli-cant to fraudulently qualifyfor a license.74

• Refuse to give a thumbprint.75

• Refuse to sign the certificationon the application.76

• Submit a fraudulent birthdate/legal presence documentor social security document,federal tax ID number orother acceptable identifier.77

RESTRICTED LICENSEThe DMV may place restrictionson your license.78 If you cannotpass the eye test without glasses,you will have to wear glasseswhile driving, and this will bestated on your license. If you can-not see well enough at night, youmay be restricted to driving dur-ing daylight. Many other restric-tions are possible. The DMV may

suspend or revoke your license ifyou violate a restriction.79

Other LegalIdentification Cards

IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARDThe DMV issues identificationcards to persons of any age.80 Itis similar to a driver’s license but isused for identification purposesonly and does not permit you todrive. To obtain an identificationcard, you must show a birthdate/legal presence verificationdocument that will prove yourtrue full name, age, and birthdate, as well as provide a docu-ment verifying your social securitynumber.81 The fee for a regular IDcard is $23.82 Low-income individ-uals may qualify to receive an IDcard for a reduced-rate fee of $7.83

The card is good until the sixthbirthday after it is issued.84

If you are age 62 or over, youmay obtain an ID card markedSENIOR CITIZEN.85 The card isfree and good for 10 years.86

MEDICAL INFORMATION CARDAt any DMV office you may get afree card (DMV form DL 390) onwhich to list your blood type,allergies, name of your doctor,and other medical information.87

It can be attached to the back ofyour driver’s license or ID card.

GIFT OF LIFE PROGRAMIf you are at least 18 years old,you must designate whether in

The California Driver ’s License




the event of your death, yourbody, parts of your body, or apacemaker may be donated formedical transplant.88 If you arebetween the ages of 15 and 18,you may also donate with thewritten consent of a parent orguardian.89 The DMV can supplyyou with a donor card to beattached to the back of your dri-ver’s license90 or ID card91 and aDonor sticker to be placed on thefront. The card can also be usedto show you do not wish to be adonor.92

Renewing Your LicenseGenerally, your driver’s license isgood for five years.93 It expireson your birthday in the yearshown in the upper left corner. Itis unlawful for you to drive afterthe expiration date.

The DMV will send you a renewalnotice about two months beforeyour driver’s license expires. Thenotice is also your renewal appli-cation form. If you don’t receive anotice, you must apply forrenewal anyway.94

Every time you apply for renewalof your driver’s license, the DMVlooks at your record. If yourlicense has been suspended orrevoked because of traffic ticketsor crashes, you may not receive arenewal until your driving privi-leges have been reinstated.95 Seepage 18 about treatment of negli-gent operators.

If you have not appeared in court

in response to a traffic citation, orif you have not paid a traffic fine,the DMV will hold your licenseuntil you have settled your oblig-ations and the court has notifiedthe DMV.96

One-Year ExtensionIf you are a legal California resi-dent but are out of state and can-not renew in person, you canrequest a one-year extension ofyour license. You must apply onor before the day it expires.97 A“limited term” license cannot beextended. Mail your request to:

Department of Motor VehiclesP.O. Box 942890Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

RENEWAL BY MAIL ORONLINEYour driver’s license may berenewed by mail or online atthe DMV website without anexamination if:

• You do not have a probation-ary license.98

• You did not have a “failure toappear” (FTA) within the lasttwo years.99

• You are not suspended for dri-ving with an illegal BloodAlcohol Content level, or forrefusing or failing to completea Preliminary AlcoholScreening test within the lasttwo years.100

• You do not have a total viola-tion point count greater thanone.101

• You are under 70 years old.102



Some drivers may earn a second“renewal by mail” if they continueto maintain good records.103

If you are eligible to renew bymail, you may mail the renewalnotice and the $28 fee to theDMV.

RENEWAL IN PERSONWhen applying for renewal inperson, you will need to:

• Present your renewal notice or fill out an informationform.

• Pay the required $28 fee.104

• Pass the eye test.105

• Pass the traffic law test.106

• Give a thumb- or fingerprint.107

• Have your picture taken.108

If you are renewing a Class A,B or other commercial license,see the DMV’s Commercial DriverHandbook for any additionalrequirements; if you are licensedto operate class M1 or M2 vehi-cles, see the DMV’s MotorcycleHandbook.

A road test may be required asa part of any driver’s license

examination. Road tests cannot berequired simply because of age.109

Drivers with physical or medicalproblems may have to be re-examined from time to time by aphysician or be retested moreoften than every five years (limited term license status) by adriver’s license examiner.110

Note: Renewal notices and appli-cations to renew your license bymail may not reach you if theDMV does not have your currentaddress on your driver’s licenserecord. Chang-ing the addressfor your vehicle registration doesnot automatically change theaddress on your driver record.

Changing Your AddressWhen you move, you must giveyour new address to the DMVwithin 10 days.111 If the DMVdoes not have your currentaddress, you may not receiverenewal notices or other DMVcorrespondence. You may go toany DMV or Auto Club office (ifyou are a member) and fill out achange of address form. If youcan’t go in person, you can tele-phone or write the DMV. Giveyour name, the number on yourlicense, your old address andyour new address, including theapartment number or mobilehome space number, if any. Mailyour form to:

Department of Motor VehiclesP.O. Box 942859Sacramento, CA 94259-0001

The DMV recommends that youalso type or handwrite your newaddress in ink on a small piece ofpaper. Sign and date it. Carry thiswith your license; do not tape orstaple the change of address infor-mation to your driver’s license.You can get a Change of AddressCertificate (DMV form DL 43) at

any DMV office to carry with yourlicense. There is no charge to filean address change with the DMV;if you want your new address toappear on the front of your dri-ver’s license or ID card, there is a$22 fee, the cost of a duplicatelicense.

Changing Your NameIf you change your name by mar-riage or for any other reason, youwill need a new driver’s license.112

Take your old license to a DMVoffice in person. You will berequired to provide proof of yournew, true full name.113 A newpicture and thumbprint will betaken. No additional examinationwill be given, but you must pay a$22 fee.114 Your old photo licensewill not be returned.

At the same time, ask for formsto change your vehicle registra-tion if you have a vehicle regis-tered in your name.

Lost or Damaged LicenseIf your driver’s license or stateidentification card is lost or dam-aged, you must apply for a dupli-cate in person and pay a $22 fee.115

If you are a minor, you must haveyour parents’ or guardians’ written permission.116 You will berequired to give a thumbprint orfingerprint, and a new picture will be taken. Once a duplicatelicense has been issued, theoriginal license is no longer in

effect and must be destroyed if

you find it later.117

Unlawful Use of LicenseIt is against the law for any person:

• To display or use any can-celed, revoked, or suspendedlicense.118

• To show or use someone else’slicense.119

• To keep any license after theDMV asks you to return it.120

• To let your driver’s license beused illegally.121

• To make a copy of any driver’slicense so that it would looklike a real license.122

Negligent Driving andLoss of License

Your license can be taken away ifyou become an unsafe driver.123

When a law enforcement officerstops you and cites you for a traf-fic law violation, you sign apromise to appear in trafficcourt.124 There you may pleadguilty or not guilty, or you mayforfeit (pay) bail, which counts asa guilty plea.125

If you ignore the traffic ticket anddon’t keep your promise toappear in court, the failure toappear (FTA) may go on your dri-ving record.126 If you fail to pay(FTP) a fine, the court may notifyDMV and may order it to showon your driving record.127 Evenone FTA or FTP may cause theDMV to suspend your license.128

Ending the suspension will cost




you a reinstatement fee of $125.129

Each time you are convicted of amoving traffic law violation, thecourt notifies the DMV.130 Arecord of this conviction is placedin your driver’s license file.131

One point is charged againstyou:

• In most traffic convictionsinvolving the safe operation ofa motor vehicle on the high-way.132

• Normally, in any accident inwhich the DMV determinesyou are at fault.133

• If you are convicted of carry-ing a child under 6 years oldand weighing less than 60pounds without a childrestraint system.134

Two points are charged againstyou if you are convicted of:135

• Reckless driving.

• Driving under the influence ofliquor and/or any drug.

• Hitting an unattended vehiclewithout notifying the owner.

• Causing property damage,injury, or death by hit-and-run driving.

• Manslaughter (involving avehicle).

• Causing injury or death witha vehicle while evading apeace officer.

• Driving on the wrong side of adivided highway.

• Participating in a speed

contest or exhibition of speed.

• illegal transport of explosives.

• driving with a suspended orrevoked license.

Juvenile court findings of a trafficlaw violation are also reported tothe DMV.136 Any restriction, sus-pension or probation will con-tinue past your 18th birthday forits full term.137

If you get too many “points,” youwill lose your driver’s license.138

You may be considered a negligentoperator of a motor vehicle whenyour driving record shows thefollowing “point count,” regard-less of your license class:139

4 points in 12 months, or6 points in 24 months, or8 points in 36 months.

If you are a minor driving with aProvisional License and get morethan one violation point in 12months, you will be required todrive under adult supervisionagain. If further violations occur,your license will be suspended orrevoked.140

If you receive certain convictionswhile operating a commercial vehi-cle, you will be charged 11⁄2 times asmany points.141 Refer to the Cali-fornia Commercial Driver Handbookfor additional information.

PARTICIPATION IN TRAFFICVIOLATOR SCHOOLWhen you are cited for a trafficviolation, the judge or the courtmay offer you the opportunity to


attend a Traffic Violator School.Drivers who participate mayhave their citation dismissed bythe court.142

The course is intended to giveparticipants an understanding oftraffic safety by emphasizing dri-ver responsibility, proper driverattitude, and traffic laws.143

Traffic Violator Schools arelocated throughout California.

YOUR DRIVING RECORD ISPUBLIC

Most information in your driver’slicense file is open to the pub-lic.144 Only law enforcementagencies, courts, other governmen-tal agencies, and certain commer-cial requesters (such as financialinstitutions and insurance compa-nies) may view your residenceaddress.145 Your mailing address,if different, is less restricted andmay be given to requesters whoprovide a valid reason for wantingthe information, such as for apending lawsuit. Records of thephysical or mental condition of adriver, however, are not public.146

The DMV may not sell or distrib-ute the picture on your license, orany information about yourphysical characteristics, to privateparties without your consent.147

You may obtain a copy of yourdriving record by requesting it atany DMV office and paying asmall fee. You will be required toshow valid identification beforethe information is released.

The DMV keeps a public record of

all your traffic convictions andcrashes (except when shown bythe reporting officer to be thefault of another) for 37 months,and of more serious convictionsfor up to 10 years.148

SUSPENSION ORREVOCATION OF LICENSE

If you receive too many negligentdriver points, the DMV will sus-pend your license for six monthsor revoke your driving privi-lege.149 You are entitled to a hear-ing if your request is postmarkedor received within 10 days of yourreceiving the suspension or revo-cation order.150

At the hearing, a Driver SafetyReferee will talk with you. Youwill have the opportunity toexplain why your license shouldnot be suspended or revoked.151

If you are unable to persuade thereferee, your license will be takenaway for a limited time (sus-pended) and you will be placedon probation, or your license willbe taken away (revoked) for alonger period of time, generallyat least a year. At the end of therevocation period, you may applyfor a new license if there are noother violations on your record.You must also show proof offinancial responsibility (usually acard from your insurance com-pany).152 The DMV will immedi-ately revoke your license if youare convicted of any of thefollowing:153




• Hit-and-run driving or recklessdriving that results in injury.

• Any felony in which a vehicleis used.

• Reckless driving causingbodily injury.Suspension ofLicense by a Judge

A judge may suspend the licenseof anyone convicted of breakingspeed laws or reckless driving forup to 30 days on the first convic-tion, up to 60 days on a secondconviction, and up to six monthson a third or later conviction.154

Suspension of a driver’s license bya court also may result from con-viction for one of the following:

• Driving under the influence ofalcohol or drugs.155

• Hit-and-run.156

• Engaging in lewd conduct andprostitution in a vehicle within1,000 feet of a residence.157

• Failure to stop as required at arailway grade crossing.158

• Felony or misdemeanoroffense of willfully fleeing alaw enforcement officer.159

• Assaulting a driver, passenger,bicyclist, or pedestrian whenthe offense occurs on a high-way (road rage).160

Regardless of point count, manyserious offenses in which a vehi-cle is used are punishable byheavy penalties such as loss oflicense,161 fines and/or imprison-ment. Examples are felony drunkdriving, felony grand theft,

manslaughter, and driving underthe influence of narcotics or otherdangerous drugs. Pursuant tocourt order, the DMV must then-suspend or revoke the offender’sdriver’s license.162

Driving with Suspended orRevoked LicenseYou can be fined and jailed if youdrive with a suspended or revokedlicense163, and your vehicle maybe impounded.164 When the DMVnotifies you by certified mail thatyour license has been suspendedor revoked, the court presumesyou know about the suspension orrevocation.165

Safe Streets ActThe DMV sends all notices oflicense suspension and revocationby certified mail.166 If you are latercaught driving with a suspended orrevoked license, your vehicle maybe impounded and sold.167

Reinstatement ofDriving Privilege

A person convicted of multipleDUIs within 10 years of a priorconviction can have his or herdriving privileges reinstated pro-vided he or she shows proof ofcompleting the initial 12 monthsof either the 18-month or 30-month drinking driver treatmentprogram, installs an ignitioninterlock device, and establishesproof of financial liability.168

Obeying Peace OfficersIf a peace officer signals for youto stop, you must comply. The


officer may flash his or her vehi-cle lights or sound a siren, or ifon a bicycle, use a horn, verbal-command or hand signal to tellyou to pull over. Attempting toevade, flee, or otherwise elude apursuing officer puts you, the offi-cer and other drivers in danger.At the very least, you will face upto a year in a county jail.169

Drivers who attempt to flee whiledisplaying willful or wanton dis-

regard for safety face further-penalties, including six monthsto a year in a state prison orcounty jail, and/or fines of$1,000-$10,000. If, while attempt-ing to flee, you cause anotherperson serious bodily injury ordeath, you could be sentenced tothree to five years in a stateprison, a year in county jail,and/or fines of $2,000-$10,000.170



If you’re a AAA member, you can visit your local Auto Club officefor most DMV transactions: DMV vehicle and vessel registrations,renewals, used vehicle transfers, new and used boat transfers,duplicate registrations and stickers, disabled license plate/parkingplacard application, driver’s license change of address, personal-ized license plate applications, and release of liability.

23

Instruction PermitIf you want to use public roadswhile learning to drive, you musthave an Instruction Permit.

You may use the permit topractice driving with anaccompanying adult who is 18years of age or older (25 years oldif you are under age 18) with avalid California license.171 Thisadult must be with you in thevehicle and close enough to takecontrol of it at any time. Aninstruction permit does not per-mit you to drive alone,172 noteven to a DMV office to take thedriving test.

To apply for an instruction per-mit, you must:

• Fill out the DMV applicationform. Signing this form meansyou have agreed to the follow-ing statement:

“I agree to submit to a chemi-cal test of my blood, breath orurine for the purpose of deter-mining the alcohol or drug con-tent of my blood when testing isrequired by a peace officer act-ing in accordance with Sections23137 or 23157 of the VehicleCode.”173

If you refuse to sign the appli-cation form, DMV will notissue a permit or license.174

• Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence

document.175 No matter whatyour age, bring an original orcertified copy to the DMV thefirst time you apply for a per-mit or license.176 It will bereturned to you.

• Provide a social security number.177

• Pay the $28 fee, which paysfor both the instruction permitand the driver’s license, if youqualify for both within 12months. If you fail the drivingtest, you must pay an addi-tional $6 fee for each drivingtest administered under thatapplication. The fee must bepaid when you apply and willnot be returned.178

• Pass an eye exam.179

• Pass a traffic law and roadsign test.180

To obtain an instruction permitto drive mopeds or motorcycles,you must be at least 151⁄2 yearsold and provide proof you com-pleted driver education andtraining (DL 356 or OL 238).181

You cannot carry passengers(except your instructor) and youmay not drive that vehicle duringthe hours of darkness or on thefreeway.182

REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORDRIVERS

You are legally a minor if you areunder 18 years old.183 If you are a

LEARNING TO DRIVE



24 Learning to Drive

minor, your parents or guardianmust sign your application for alicense or any change of class.184

They are also responsible if youare under 18 and drive without alicense with their express orimplied permission.185

To apply for an instruction per-mit, you also must:

• Be at least 151⁄2 years old, butunder 18 years of age.186

• Obtain your parents’ orguardians’ signatures on theapplication form.187

If you are 151⁄2 years old or older,you may receive an instructionpermit when you:

• have completed driver educa-tion and driver training;188

• have completed driver educa-tion and are taking drivertraining;189 or

• are enrolled and participatingin an integrated driver educa-tion program190 (the AutoClub License to Learn pro-gram qualifies).

If you fail the written test, youmust wait one week before tak-ing it again.191

You may use the instruction per-mit to practice with a parent,guardian, spouse, drivinginstructor, or an adult 25 years ofage or older, who has a validCalifornia driver’s license.192 Anexception exists for permit hold-ers who operate a government-owned vehicle while taking

driver training as administeredby the California NationalGuard.193

Permit RestrictionsYou can receive an instructionpermit at age 151⁄2, but you can-not take the driver test or receivea provisional driver’s licenseuntil you have held a permit forat least six months195 and are atleast 16 years old.196

Requirements for IndividualsAge 171⁄2 and Over:If you are over 171⁄2 years old andcomplete all the other stepsrequired for a permit, you maybe issued an instruction permitwithout driver education or dri-ver training.197

However, to obtain a driver’slicense, you must show proof youhave completed driver educationand driver training (DL 356, OL237, or OL 238 or wait until youare 18 years old.

Note: If you are age 151⁄2, youmay receive an instruction per-mit when you have completeddriver education and drivertraining, or when you have com-pleted driver education and aretaking driver training, or whenyou are currently enrolled andparticipating in an integrateddriver education program194

(the Auto Club License to Learnprogram qualifies).

Learning to Drive 25


DRIVING SCHOOLS

Because the driver training youreceive will mark your drivinghabits for the rest of your life, youshould seek qualified instructionwhen learning to drive. Attendinga driving school is not required ifyou are over age 18 when youapply for a license, but it is agood idea. Both driver education(in a classroom) and driver training (behind the wheel) canbe given in a public or privatehigh school, adult educationclass, or by a state-licensed dri-ving school.

Professional schools and instruc-tors in California are licensed bythe Department of Motor Vehiclesafter meeting qualifying stan-dards.198 Schools must carry lia-bility insurance,199 be bonded,200

and maintain records for DMVinspection.201 Cars must be main-tained in a safe mechanical condi-tion.202 Instructors must passqualifying examinations everythree years or show proof of con-tinuing education in the traffic-safety field.203 If you use the ser-vices of a professional drivingschool, ask to see the instructor’sidentification card.

A high school may issue a student license to a person who is over 15 years old andhas the written consent of a parent or guardian.204 Astudent license lets you driveonly during school-supervised

instruction.205

Licensed driving schools issue twotypes of restricted licenses:

• A student license to a personbetween 15 and up to 171⁄2years of age.206

• A student license to a person171⁄2 years of age and older.207

A restricted license from a drivingschool only lets you drive duringprofessional driver training.208

LICENSE FOR NEW RESIDENTSWhen you make your home ortake a job here, you must get aCalifornia driver’s license within10 days.209 If you have a validdriver’s license from another stateor another country and want aCalifornia driver’s license, youmust:

• be at least 18 years of age.

• complete all the steps requiredfor an instruction permit (dis-cussed above).

Driving tests are required for out-of-country license holders.210 Forlicense renewal, or holders of out-of-state or U.S. territory licenses,driving tests are normally waivedby the DMV.211 It is important tonote, however, that the DMV mayrequire a driving test for any typeof application.

Bring your current out-of-statelicense with you and a birth cer-tificate or passport. No Californiadriver’s license can be given to youuntil you surrender to the DMVany valid license issued to you byany other state or country.212



The Driver’s LicenseExaminationYou may take the written, vision,and driving tests at any DMVoffice that provides driver’slicense services.

Your examination for a driver’slicense includes the following:213

• A vision test.214 If you needglasses to pass this test, youshould wear them. Yourlicense will be marked to showthat you must wear glasseswhile driving.

• A test of traffic laws and dri-ving safety rules, to find out ifyou know how to handle yourvehicle in keeping with thelaws.215 (The tests are avail-able in some foreign lan-guages, but all drivers mustshow ability to read andunderstand simple English asused in highway traffic anddirectional signs.)216

• A road sign test, includingbikeway signs, road markingsand traffic control devices.217

• A driving test (see below).218

If you want a Class A, B, or Mlicense, or any special certificate,you must take more tests. (See theDMV’s Commercial Driver Hand-book for Class A and B require-ments and the DMV’s MotorcycleHandbook for Class M1 and M2requirements.)

THE VISION TESTThe DMV vision guideline is20/40 visual acuity with or with-

out glasses. Visual acuity is mea-sured for both eyes together andthen for each eye separatelywhile both eyes remain open. TheDMV shall not issue a license toany person with a correctedvisual acuity of 20/200 or worsein the better eye.219 You may notuse a bioptic or similar lens tomeet this standard. There are twomethods of testing:

• The Snellen Chart contains fivelines of letters and measuresgeneral visual acuity.

• The Optec 1000 Vision Testerobtains a more precise visionscore through a test situationthat simulates the applicantreading a test target at theother end of a room 26 feetlong.

A permit or temporary licensewill not be issued if you fail theeye exam.

THE DRIVING TESTCall a local DMV office to makean appointment to take the dri-ving test (the test is not givenwithout an appointment).

You must provide the vehicle tobe used during the driving test. Itmust be in safe operating condi-tion and currently and properlyregistered for legal use on publicstreets and highways. You mustalso show proof of financialresponsibility.220

Seat belts in good working orderare required in automobiles builtin 1968 and later,221 in trucks



built in 1972 and later (weighingless than 6,000 pounds), and inhouse cars. Two front seat belts ingood working order are requiredin automobiles built between1962 and 1967.222 If you refuseto use your seat belts during thedriving test, the test will not begiven.223

Be ready to show your vehicle’sturn signals, dimmer switch, andother controls.

You will be asked to show that youknow arm signals. You must usethe vehicle’s turn signals if thevehicle is equipped with them.

No child, other person, or animalmay be in the vehicle with you andthe examiner during the driving test.

The examiner will give you direc-tions. You will not be tricked orasked to do anything against thelaw. The examiner may ask youto back up in a straight line andturn the vehicle around on a nar-row two-way street (“three-pointturn” or “turnabout,” as shown).

During the test, the examiner willscore you on the following:

• How you start your vehicle. Whenleaving the curb, do you lookfor passing vehicles? Do yougive a good signal and waituntil it is safe to enter traffic?

• How you keep control of yourvehicle. Do you use the gaspedal, brake, steering wheel,

and other controls correctly?

• How you drive. Do you use theproper lane? Do you changelanes carefully and with theproper signal and follow othervehicles at a safe distance?When driving away from thecurb or changing lanes, do youturn your head to look backrather than rely entirely onyour side- or rear-view mirrors?

• How you drive through blind orcrowded intersections. Do youpay attention to signs and sig-nals, the right-of-way, pedes-trians, and other vehicles?

• How you steer your vehicle. Doyou turn from the proper laneand into the proper lane, sig-naling the turn in advanceand at the proper distancefrom it? Do you turn toowidely or too sharply?

• How you stop. Do you stopsmoothly and at the properplace? Can you stop quicklyand safely in an emergency?

• How you back the vehicle. Doyou back in a straight line?Do you keep the vehicle fullyunder control?

• How you control your speed. Doyou give attention to the num-ber and speed of nearby vehi-cles, people crossing the street,the condition of the pave-ment, the weather, theamount of light, and the



distance you can see at thetime the examination is beinggiven?

• How you judge distance. Do youkeep a safe distance whenfollowing and passing vehiclesand when passing by peoplewalking or cycling on the high-way?

• How you respect the rights ofothers.

• Whether you pay full attention tothe job of driving.

At the end of the driving test, theexaminer will give you your scoresheet, which you are welcome todiscuss.

The Provisional LicenseIf you are under 18 years old, youwill receive a Provisional Licensewhen you pass your licensing exam.The provisional license is a distinc-tively marked license with certaindriving restrictions.224 It is impor-tant to note that a minor’s licenselooks different. The distinctive col-ored stripe identifies the specialalcohol prohibitions for minors.225

To apply for a provisional license,in addition to the other require-ments, you also must:

• Provide a parent’s signature(certain other persons maysign) on your instruction per-mit stating that you havecompleted all the drivingpractice outlined in the DMV’sParent-Teen Training Aid.226

• Complete 50 hours of super-vised driving practice (10 ofthese hours must be completedat night). Your parents mustcertify to this training.227

If you fail the behind-the-wheeldriving test, you must wait twoweeks before you can be testedagain.228

An exemption to the ProvisionalLicensing Law exists for enlisteesof the California National Guard,ages 16 to 18, while operatingU.S. Army or California NationalGuard vehicles during the courseand scope of their duties in theCalifornia National Guard.229

PROVISIONAL LICENSERESTRICTIONSYou may drive alone with yourprovisional license as long as youare not involved in crashes orhave traffic violations. If you getmore than one violation point in12 months, you will be requiredto drive under adult supervisionagain. If further violations occur,your license will be suspendedor revoked.230 The followingrestrictions apply:

• During the first year after youare licensed you may notcarry passengers under age 20unless you are accompaniedby a licensed driver 25 yearsof age or older. You must beaccompanied by a licenseddriver 25 years of age or olderif you drive between the hoursof 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.231



When you become 18 years old,the “provisional” part of yourlicense ends.232 You may keepthe photo license you have,which will expire on the fifthbirthday after the date youapplied for it, or you may applyfor a duplicate license withoutthe word “provisional” and pay a$21 fee for a duplicate license.

TEMPORARY LICENSEAfter you have passed all thetests, the DMV will take your pic-ture.233 If you are over 18 years

old, you will be given a tempo-rary license, valid for 60 days.234

Regular driver’s licenses aremailed from the DMV headquar-ters. You will receive your photodriver’s license within a few weeksunless your record shows a rea-son why it shouldn’t be issued. Ifyou have not heard from theDMV headquarters within 60days, you should go to your near-est DMV office to notify them.

Your driver’s license will expire onyour fifth birthday after the dayyou applied for it.235

Drivers licensed less than three years may now qualify to receive adiscount of up to 10 percent on their premium when they’re insuredthrough the Auto Club’s affiliated Interinsurance Exchange.Insurance provided to qualified members by the InterinsuranceExchange of the Automobile Club, or by independent insurancecarriers. CA Dept. Insurance Lic. #0003259

30


Financial ResponsibilityCalifornia’s Compulsory FinancialResponsibility Law requires everydriver and every owner of a motorvehicle to maintain financialresponsibility at all times.236

There are four forms of financialresponsibility:

1. Coverage by a motor vehicleliability insurance policy.237

2. A deposit of $35,000 with theDMV.238

3. A surety bond for the sameamount obtained from acompany licensed to do busi-ness in California.239

4. DMV-approved selfinsurance.240

Most drivers choose to have anautomobile liability insurancepolicy as proof of financialresponsibility. This insurancemust provide at least theseamounts for one crash:241

• $15,000 for a single death orinjury.

• $30,000 for death or injury tomore than one person.

• $5,000 for property damage.

You must carry written proof offinancial responsibility wheneveryou drive.242 Proof of insurancemay also be established by electronic verification, if

available.243 Insurance companiesfurnish an identification card asevidence of coverage; this cardmust include:244

• Name of the person(s) coveredby the policy.

• Year, make and vehicle identi-fication number (VIN) of thevehicle.

• The name, NationalAssociation of InsuranceCommissioners number, andaddress of the insurer provid-ing the policy.

• The policy number and effec-tive date.

• A statement from the insurerthat the policy meets thefinancial responsibilityrequirement.

If you don’t have this evidence toshow a peace officer after a cita-tion stop or crash, you may haveto pay a fine and a court mayimpound your vehicle.245 Thecourt can order you to purchaseinsurance.246 You can also befined and/or imprisoned if youprovide false evidence of finan-cial responsibility, and your dri-ver’s license will be suspended orrestricted for one year.247 Certainlow-income “good drivers” (asdefined by the law) may be eligi-ble to purchase low-cost, lower-limit policies that will satisfy the

INSURANCE

Insurance 31


law’s financial responsibilityrequirement. Additional eligibil-ity conditions apply (for example,the insured vehicle cannot be val-ued at more than $20,000). Thesepolicies offer coverage in the fol-lowing amounts:

• $10,000 for a single death orinjury.

• $20,000 for death or injury tomore than one person.

• $3,000 for property damage.

More information about thesepolicies is available through theCalifornia Department of Insurance.

New residents and visitors fromother states are cautioned thatmany out-of-state insurance com-panies are not authorized to dobusiness in California. Shouldyou become involved in a crashin California and you are insuredby a company that is not recog-nized by California, you mustmeet all three of the followingconditions to avoid suspension ofyour driving privilege:

1. Your liability policy must pro-vide bodily injury and prop-erty damage coverage thatequals or exceeds the mini-mums stated above;248 and

2. Your insurance companymust file a power of attorney,allowing the DMV to act asits agent for legal service inCalifornia; 249 and

3. You must have insured yourvehicle before you came toCalifornia.

If you are under 18 years of age,your parents, or the guardianwho consented (expressed orimplied) to your driving, mustaccept liability up to $35,000 forany one crash.250 This assump-tion of liability automaticallyends when you reach age 18.However, the owner of an auto-mobile retains some liability ifthey permit you to use the vehi-cle. It may also be voided for theperson who signed your license,when that person notifies theDMV to have the license can-celed.251 If you are involved in acrash, you may be liable for dam-ages, and if it involved a law vio-lation, you may also be fined.

ADDITIONAL PENALTIES —NO INSURANCE

State law requires you to befinancially responsible wheneveryou drive and for all motor vehi-cles you own. It is illegal to drivewithout being financially respon-sible. If you have a crash, youmay pay a stiff fine and lose yourdriver’s license for at least oneyear and up to four years.252 Ifthe driver is not identified, thevehicle owner will have his or herlicense suspended.253


32 Insurance

Competitively priced auto insurance, including insurance for motor-cycles and RVs, is available through the Auto Club’s affiliatedInterinsurance Exchange. For a free quote, call or visit your localAuto Club office. Insurance provided to qualified Auto Club membersby the Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club, or byindependent insurance carriers. CA Dept. Insurance Lic. #0003259

33

Important Road Signs

STOP SIGNA STOP signmeans that youmust make a fullstop before enter-ing a crosswalk orcrossing a clearlymarked “limit

line.”254 A limit line is a widewhite line painted on thestreet.255 Where a crosswalk orlimit line is not marked, stopbefore entering the intersectionroadway.256 Before proceeding,you must check for approachingtraffic and yield the right-of-wayto any traffic that could be dan-gerous.

On divided highways, a STOPsign for crossing or turning vehi-cles is often placed on the islandor dividing strip. You must alsostop there.

YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY SIGNWhen you come tothis sign, youmust slow downand be preparedto stop if neces-sary. You must

yield the right-of-way to pedestri-ans, cyclists, and vehiclesapproaching on the cross street orroadway.257

WRONG WAY, DO NOT ENTER

The DO NOT ENTER sign tellsyou danger is ahead becausevehicles will be coming towardyou. The WRONG WAY sign maybe used with the DO NOT ENTERsign. If you see either of thesesigns, do not proceed. This is ille-gal and very dangerous. Pull overand stop. You are going againsttraffic. When safe, back out orturn around and return to theroad you were on. At night, roadreflectors will shine red in yourheadlights when you are goingthe wrong way.

TURN SIGNS

A red circle with aslanted red slashalways means “NO.”The picture insidethe circle shows what

is not permitted. The sign may beposted with or without the word-ing under it.

SIGNS AND SIGNALS



34 Signs and Signals

WARNING SIGNSMany road signs warn you toslow down or watch for hazardsahead. Most warning signs areyellow and shaped like a dia-mond. Some common warningsigns are shown below. It is acrime to fail to obey a sign or asignal that has been erected toenhance traffic safety.258

Slippery When Wet

REGULATORY SIGNS

Black-and-white regulatory signssuch as these tell you what to do.You must obey them just like traf-fic laws.

Lane Ends Merge Right/Left

Road Curves or Right/Left

PedestrianCrosswalk

Lane EndsMerge Left

TrafficSignalAhead

DividedHighway

MergingTraffic

Crossroad(another

road crossesup ahead)

Signs and Signals 35


GUIDE SIGNS

Informational signs come in blue,green, or brown and tell driverswhat services are available inthe area.

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTIONAND MAINTENANCE SIGNS

Orange signs with black typeinform drivers about temporaryroad conditions ahead.

SCHOOL SIGNSSigns that warnof school areasand crossings arevery important.Children (espe-

cially young ones) are oftenunpredictable in their actionsand may be hard to see. Always

use extreme caution and slowdown when entering schoolareas. Remember, the speed limitis only 25 mph or slower259 in aschool zone when children arepresent.260 Over time, lime-greensigns will replace the yellowschool zone signs. There is notimetable for this conversion.

HIGHWAY CHANGES

After you pass any of these signsthere will be no median barrierbetween you and vehicles comingtoward you on the other side ofthe road.

Traffic Signal Lights

Traffic signal lights, signs andright-of-way rules tell you whento go or stop at an intersection.

This is what the colors of trafficlights mean:

A red signal lightmeans STOP.261 Youcan make a right turnagainst a red light after

you stop and yield to pedestriansand vehicles in your path.262 DONOT turn if there is a sign postedfor NO TURN ON RED.


36 Signs and Signals

A red arrow meansSTOP until the greensignal or green arrowappears. You may not

make a turn against a redarrow.263

A flashing red traffic light orarrow means exactly the same asa stop sign: STOP.264 But afterstopping, you may proceed whensafe, observing the right-of-wayrules.

A green signal lightmeans GO, but after thesignal changes to green,you must let any vehi-

cles, bicycles, or pedestriansremaining in the intersection getacross the street before you moveahead.265 Look to be sure that allcross traffic has stopped beforeyou enter the intersection. Make aleft turn only if you have enoughspace to complete the turn beforeany oncoming traffic becomes ahazard. Do not enter the intersec-tion, even when the light is green,unless there is enough space tocompletely cross before the lightturns red.266 If heavy trafficahead of you causes you to blocktraffic in an intersection, you canbe cited.

A green arrow meansGO, but you must yieldto any vehicle, bicycle,or pedestrian still in the

intersection.267 The green arrowpointing right or left allows youto make a “protected” turn;oncoming traffic is stopped by a

red light as long as the greenarrow is lighted.

A yellow signal lightwarns you that the redsignal is about toappear.268 When you see

the yellow light, you should stopif you can do so safely.

A yellow arrow means that the“protected” turning time period is

ending.270 Be preparedto obey the next signal,which could be a greenor red light or a redarrow.

A flashing yellow signal lightwarns you to be careful.269 Slowdown and be especially alert.Proceed with caution. A flashingyellow arrow warns of a hazard.Slow down and be especiallyalert.271

Traffic signal blackout. If notraffic signals are workingbecause of an electrical powerfailure, you must stop at theintersection and then proceedwhen it is safe to do so. Otherturning and approaching vehi-cles, bicycles, or pedestrians willalso be stopping.272 A blacked-out traffic signal is the same as astop sign–controlled intersectionin all directions.

Signs and Signals 37


Pedestrian Signals

Many streetcrossings havepedestrian sig-nals that showthe words

WALK and DON’T WALK, or showa walking person in white and araised hand in orange. These sig-nals direct pedestrians (not dri-vers) while crossing the street.The WALK or walking personappears when it is legal to startcrossing.273 When the DON’TWALK or raised hand appears,

you may not start across thestreet.274 When the signal beginsto flash, you should not begin tocross because you may not haveenough time to make it to theother side before vehicles startmoving across your path. If theflashing signal starts after youhave already started to cross, youmay finish crossing the street.275

At a crossing where there are nospecial pedestrian signals, walk-ers must obey the red,276 yel-low,277 or green278 signal lights.


38

StartingYou should always adjust yourseat, mirrors, and seat belt beforestarting the car.

For best control, adjust your seatheight so the top of the steeringwheel is in line with the top ofyour shoulders. Do this beforeputting on your seat belt. If youcan’t see the road 12 feet beyondthe front of your vehicle, use awedge-shape seat cushion.

Before you start driving, alsoadjust your rear-view and sidemirrors. If your vehicle has aday/night mirror, make sure it’sin the proper setting. The nightsetting improves your visibility byreducing the headlight glare fromthe cars behind you.

Be sure all doors are closed andlocked, and fasten your seat andshoulder belts. Make sure every-body in the car does the same.Seat belts are required for all pas-

sengers andthe driver.279

When start-ing from aparkingplace at thecurb, look forbicycles andvehiclesapproachingfrom therear. Use

your left turn signal if you areleaving the right side of the street.If you are leaving the left side of aone-way street, use your right turnsignal. Don’t assume that otherdrivers have seen your signal.

Drive out slowly. Remember, youdon’t have the right of way.280

When backing out of a parkingspace, never assume that all isclear behind you. Don’t rely onyour rear-view mirror. Look backover your shoulder, keeping thearea behind your vehicle in view.Back out slowly.

You must yield the right of way toall traffic when there is no trafficsignal and you are about to enteror cross a highway from any pub-lic or private property or from analley. Traffic refers to pedestriansand ridden animals as well asvehicles.

On the Road

DRIVE TO THE RIGHTDrive on the right side of theroadway, except:281

• When passing vehicles goingin your direction.

• When turning left.

• When the right half of theroadway is closed or blocked.

• On a one-way road.

• When the roadway is not wideenough.

DRIVING RULES

Driving Rules


39

DON’T WEAVEStay in one traffic lane as much aspossible. Before changing lanes,check your mirrors for vehiclesthat may be ready to pass you;also turn your head and checkbeside your vehicle. Signal to anyother vehicle that may be affectedby your lane change.282 Be sure toturn off your turn signals after thelane change.

DON’T FOLLOW TOO CLOSELYMost rear-end collisions arecaused by following too closely.To get a good distance betweenyou and the vehicle ahead, theDMV suggests using the “three-second rule.” When the vehicleahead of you passes a referencepoint, such as a sign, count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two,one-thousand-three.” This takesabout three seconds. If you passthe reference point before you fin-ish counting, you are following tooclosely. At faster speeds the dis-tance should be greater.

Sometimes you will need morethan a three-second cushion.Give yourself more room:

• In adverse weather (rain,snow, fog, etc.).

• On poorly maintained or wetroads.

• When following large vehiclesthat may block your viewahead.

• When you see a bus, schoolbus, or vehicle carryingflammables.

If you find yourself crowded by atailgater, increase the spacebetween your car and the vehiclein front of you. If you must slowdown, you can do so graduallyand lessen your chances of beingstruck from behind. Encourage atailgater to pass you by slowinggradually and moving to theright side of the lane or roadway.

LOOK TO THE SIDESStay alert to the vehicle and pedes-trian traffic around you, especiallyat intersections, where people arelikely to cross in front of you. Anintersection is any place whereone lane of traffic meets another,including cross streets, side streets,alleys, and freeway entrances.

As you approach the intersection,scan the roadway from side toside to ensure you can enter itsafely. Look left (since cars com-ing from this direction are closerto you), right, and left again. Dothis even when traffic is controlledby traffic signals. Other driversdon’t always obey stop signs andtraffic lights. Parked cars or build-ings may obstruct your view of across street. If you can’t see, don’tproceed. Edge forward slowly untilthe view is clear.

LOOKING BEHINDDeveloping skills to check trafficbehind you will help you avoidcrashes when conditions changesuddenly.

Get in the habit of frequentlymonitoring the traffic behind


40 Driving Rules

you. The sooner you notice a dri-ver who is tailgating orapproaching too fast, the greateryour chances of avoiding a rear-end collision. Always look behindyou before changing lanes, slow-ing down quickly, backing up, ordriving down a long or steep hill(large vehicles going downhillcan gather speed very quickly).

Before you change lanes on afreeway or other roadway, enter afreeway from an onramp, or pullinto traffic from a shoulder orcurb, make sure that your actionswill not interfere with currenttraffic flow. Signal and check thetraffic to your rear and sides.Glance in all mirrors, then glanceover your shoulder in the direc-tion you plan to move to checkfor vehicles in your blind spot.Unless you use mirrors withcurved surfaces, a vehicle five feetor more from the side of your cartypically will not be visible unlessit is more than 75 feet behindyou.

A good rule for mirror usage isthis: If a situation ahead calls forpossible speed or position adjust-ment (when you must slow downsuddenly, or are preparing toenter a side street, driveway, orparking space), check your rear-and side-view mirrors.

Backing up is always dangerousbecause it is difficult to see whatis behind your vehicle. Followthese rules when backing up,including from a parking space:

Before entering your vehicle, walkbehind it to check for children,pets and other obstacles that maybe difficult to see from the driver’sseat. Hundreds of children arekilled annually by backingvehicles.

Turn and look over your rightshoulder when backing. Do notjust look in your mirror or out aside window.

Always back slowly. Your car ismuch harder to control and stopwhile backing.

SPACE TO CROSS OR ENTERGive yourself a wide enoughgap—about half a block on citystreets and a full block on thehighway—to safely cross or entertraffic from a full stop. This willgive you enough time to reachthe speed of other vehiclesapproaching in either direction.

Turn or cross lanes only whenyou are sure you can make it allthe way through the intersection.Look for cars or pedestriansblocking your route. Getting stuckin an intersection with trafficcoming at you is dangerous andcould get you a citation for block-ing traffic. It is illegal to enter anintersection—even when youhave a green light—if there is notenough space for you to com-pletely cross it.

Don’t assume other drivers willact as you expect them to. Forexample, in an approaching carwhose signal is on when

Driving Rules 41


approaching an intersection, thedriver may be intending to turnright after the intersection, or thesignal may still be on from a pre-vious turn. Motorcycle signallights don’t always turn off bythemselves. Wait until the otherdriver begins turning (or contin-ues driving straight ahead) beforeyou cross that vehicle’s lane.

SIGNALINGSignal lights let other road usersknow your plans. Use them evenwhen you don’t notice other carsaround. Traffic conditions canchange suddenly.

Signal:

• Before turning or changinglanes. Signal, look over yourshoulder to check the blindspot, then make your lanechange. Note that signallights can be hard to see onsunny days. On these days,using arm signals in additionto vehicle turn signals isadvised.

• During the last 100 feet beforemaking a turn or at least fiveseconds before changing laneson a freeway.

• Before pulling up to or awayfrom a curb.

• When changing direction.

Don’t signal too early. It can sendthe wrong message to other dri-vers who may pull out in front ofyou. If you plan to turn beyondan intersection, for example, waitto signal until your vehicle is

actually in the intersection. Also,be careful when planning to turnat an intersection near a businessdriveway. To avoid confusing dri-vers exiting the business, signalafter the driveway but before theintersection.

Check your signal after complet-ing your turn. If it’s still blinking,switch it off.

Nearly 30 percent of all reportedcollisions are rear-end crashes.Never stop on the road unless it’snecessary for safety reasons or toobey a law. To reduce the chanceof being struck from behind, it isessential that you check to therear and tap the break pedalquickly three or four times (or useyour emergency flashers) to alertdrivers behind you that you areabout to stop. You can also indi-cate your intention to stop bygiving an arm signal. Hold thesteering wheel with your righthand and extend your left armout the window and down, palmfacing to the rear. Arm signalsprovide an additional safetymeasure when there is anincreased chance of being struckfrom behind, such as when youare in a line of moving traffic.

Lines and LanesWHITE LINESWhite lines painted on the road-way separate traffic going in thesame direction (such as one-waystreets). A solid white line marksthe edge of the road. On roads


42 Driving Rules

with two or more lanes going inyour direction, broken whitelines separate lanes.

Heavy broken white lines usuallymark freeway lanes and city streetlanes that are ending. If you are dri-ving in a lane marked with theselines, be prepared to exit or for thelane to end. Look for a traffic sign orpainted street markings to tell youwhat to do (“Right Lane Must Exit,”“Thru Traffic Merge Left,” etc.).

YELLOW LINESYellow lines separate traffic lanesmoving in opposite directions.(Solid double yellow lines are alsoused to separate HOV (carpool)

lanes from traffic moving in thesame direction.) A broken yellowline in the center of a two-wayroadway tells you that passingand turning are allowed in bothdirections. Where a solid and bro-ken yellow line are together, youmust not pass if you are next tothe solid line.283 A left turn acrossthis marking to enter or leave theroadway is allowed if it can bemade safely.284 (Circled letters cor-respond to the illustrations.)

A solid double yellow lineis a no-passing line and sep-

arates traffic moving in oppositedirections. Never cross it to passanother vehicle.285 The line maybe crossed only to enter or leave adriveway or private road, or tomake a permitted U-turn, andonly when safe.286

The sign “DIVIDED HIGHWAYENDS” is placed where a separa-tion strip or barrier ends, warning

Driving Rules 43


you that approaching traffic willbe separated from you only bypainted lines on the highway.

Two sets of solid double yel-low lines mark a strip of

pavement two or more feet wide.Such lines represent a solid bar-rier. Don’t drive on or over such astrip. You may not make a leftturn or U-turn across it. Onlycross at plainly marked openings.

This shows a center left-turnlane in the middle of a

two-way street.287 The lane isbordered on either side by twopainted lines—the inner line isbroken and the outer line is con-tinuous.288 Use this lane onlywhen you want to turn left toleave a street, when turning leftinto the street, or to start apermitted U-turn.289

To turn left from the street, signalfor a left turn and drive completelyinside the lane. Don’t stop at anangle with the rear of your vehicleblocking traffic. Turn only when itis safe.290 Look for vehiclesapproaching you from the oppo-site direction in the same lane tomake their left turns.

You may only drive for 200 feetin the center left-turn lane.291

This is to prevent drivers fromusing this lane as a regular trafficlane or as a passing lane.

To turn left from a sidestreet or driveway, drive

into the center left-turn lanewhen it is safe, then signal yourintent to move into the normalflow of traffic and make the movewhen it is safe.292

You must also use this lane tostart a U-turn if it is permitted293

(see U-turns, page 49).

A bicycle lane is shown bya solid white line along either

side of the street, four or more feetfrom the curb. The line will usuallybe broken near the corner. Thewords BIKE LANE are painted onthe pavement at intervals.


44 Driving Rules

Don’t drive in a bike lane, exceptto park or when preparing toturn at an intersection or drive-way. Enter the bike lane no morethan 200 feet from the intersec-tion or driveway before yourturn.294 Always watch for bicy-cles before entering the bike lane.

Motor vehicles may park withinthe bike lane unless otherwiseprohibited.295

Pedestrians are not allowed inbike lanes when sidewalks areprovided.296 Drivers of motorizedbicycles may use bike lanes withspecial consideration towardbicyclists.297

END-OF-LANE MARKINGSThick broken lines along freewayor surface road lanes tell driversthat their lane is ending. Driversmust prepare to exit or mergeinto the adjacent lane. A signmay provide specific instructionsuch as merge right or left, orexit.

CROSSWALKSEvery intersection where streetswith sidewalks meet at aboutright angles has a crosswalk forpedestrians to cross the street. The

crosswalk is that part of the pave-ment where the sidewalk lineswould extend across the street.298

Many pedestrian crosswalks aremarked by solid white lines.Yellow crosswalks may be paintedat school intersections. Somecrosswalks, especially in residen-tial areas, are not marked. Mostcrosswalks are at intersections,but sometimes they are in themiddle of a block.299

LIMIT LINES

White lines that are one foot ormore wide, painted across trafficlanes, mark where you must stopyour vehicle at intersections. Thiskeeps you out of the way ofpedestrians and cross traffic.These wide lines are called limitlines.

Passing Another VehicleYou should never drive off thepaved or main traveled portion ofthe roadway to pass.300 A solid

Driving Rules 45


white line painted on the roadsurface marks the edge of theroad. When you want to pass avehicle traveling in your direc-tion, pass to the left.301 Passingto the right is permitted under thefollowing conditions:302

• If an open highway is clearlymarked for two or more lanesof vehicles moving in yourdirection of travel.

• In a business or residentialdistrict where the pavement iswide enough for two or morelanes of vehicles moving inthe direction you are going.

• If the driver of the other vehi-cle is making or is about tomake a left turn.303 Neverpass to the left of a driver whohas signaled a left turn.

• On a one-way street.

Never change lanes until you aresure the lane is clear. Don’t relyon rear-view mirrors alone. Checkyour blind spot (areas to the rightand left that can’t be seen in yourrear-view mirror) by looking overyour shoulder on the side towhich you are going to move.

Signal to any drivers ahead orbehind you that you are going tochange lanes.304

Make sure you have time androom to get all the way in front ofthe vehicle you are passing, with-out creating danger for vehiclescoming toward you.305 Wait untilyou can see the front of the vehi-

cle you have passed in your rear-view mirror, look over your shoul-der to the side to be sure the laneis clear, then return to the lane onthe right. This applies to motorcy-cles, bicycles, and mopeds, too.

Always use extreme cautionwhen passing other vehicles ontwo-lane roads or on a hill orcurve. Pay attention to the lanemarkings, which may indicate ano-passing zone. Never try topass when your view is blocked.

You MUST NOT drive on the leftside of a roadway:306

• When coming to a curve orthe top of a hill where youcan’t see enough of the road-way ahead to be sure of pass-ing safely.

• At a street crossing or within100 feet of it.

• At a railroad crossing orwithin 100 feet of it.

• Within 100 feet of a bridge,tunnel, or viaduct where yourview is blocked.


46 Driving Rules

Before you pass another vehicle,look ahead for road conditionsand traffic that may cause othercars to move over into your lane.

When another vehicle comes upbehind you and sounds its hornor flashes its lights, move to theright when safe and let it pass,unless passing on the right is per-mitted.307

It is a good idea to move overeven if you are traveling at theposted speed limit.

You should never speed up whenanother vehicle is passing you.

Right-of-WayRight-of-way rules are an aid tosafe and smooth traffic flow. Theyemphasize courtesy, commonsense, and cooperation. Theyapply to all road users, includingmoped and bicycle users. Neverinsist on taking the right-of-way.If other drivers are not followingthe rules, let them have the right-of-way even if it belongs to you.You will help prevent crashes andmake driving more pleasant.

Do not always insist on othersgoing ahead of you, either. Ifanother driver expects you totake your legal turn, you maydelay traffic by stopping or slow-ing unnecessarily for another per-son to go ahead of you.

THE RIGHT-OF-WAY RULESAt intersections without STOP orYIELD signs or traffic signals, thefirst vehicle in the intersection

should be allowed to goahead.308 At a T intersection,vehicles on the through roadhave the right-of-way.309

When you see a vehicle crossingor beginning to cross the roadahead of you, slow down, prepareto stop, and let it go ahead.

Examples of Right-of-Way Rules

First vehicle rule—At all inter-sections without STOP or YIELDsigns, slow down and be preparedto stop. Yield to vehicles alreadyin the intersection or about toenter it.310

Same time rule—At all intersec-tions without STOP or YIELD signs,or with stops in all directions, yieldto the vehicle on your right if it hasreached the intersection at thesame time as your vehicle.311

Driving Rules 47


Stop signs—Stop at any limit lineor crosswalk. Yield to allapproaching vehicles on thethrough street. Go only when it issafe for you to cross. Approach-ing vehicles should slow downand allow you to get across safely.

Left turn—Signal left turn andyield to approaching traffic untilit is completely safe to finishthe turn.

TURNSYou must give a signal before youturn, change lanes, or move rightor left on a roadway if your moveaffects any other traffic.312 If yourvehicle is equipped with turn sig-nals, you must use them and notjust hand and arm signals.

On right turns, look for bicyclesand motorcycles between yourvehicle and the curb and stay inthe right-hand lanes of bothstreets.313 Don’t turn wide (see

exception under Number 6, onproceeding page). On left turns,avoid turning too soon and cut-ting the corner of the lanebelonging to cross traffic. On allturns, look for pedestrians cross-ing the street.

The diagrams on this page andon pages 48 and 49 show com-mon turn situations. The num-bered vehicles in the illustrationscorrespond to the paragraphs fol-lowing them.

Left turn from a two-waystreet: Start the turn at the

left-hand edge of the lane closestto the middle of the street. Youmay complete the turn in eitherlane of the cross street (as shownby arrows) if it is safe to do so.314

When a left-turn lane (or lanes)is provided as shown, it must beused.315 A left turn from theadjoining lane may be made ifpermitted by signs or arrows.

When making a left turn, youmust give the right-of-way toall vehicles coming from theopposite direction on the sameroadway that are close enough to


48 Driving Rules

bedangerous.316 Make your leftturn only when you can clearlysee that it is safe. On dividedhighways, or highways with sev-eral lanes, look for vehicles com-ing in all lanes you must cross.

Right turn—Complete theturn as close as possible to

the right-hand curb. Do notswing wide into another lane oftraffic.317 Turn from the lanenearest the right-hand curb. Youmay start a right turn from alane other than the far-right laneonly where pavement or over-head markings show that usingthat lane for a right turn is per-mitted (shown by *).318

Left turn from a two-waystreet into a one-way street:

The turn may be made into anylane that is safely open to you.319

Left turn from a one-waystreet into a two-way street:

Start the turn from the far left-hand portion of the roadway.320

The car may turn into either of

the lanes that are safely open, asshown by arrows.

Left turn from a one-waystreet into a one-way street:

The turn must be started from thefar left-hand portion of the road-way.321 Watch for bicycles andskaters between your vehicle andthe curb. In addition, yield tovehicles in or approaching theintersection.322

Right turn from a one-waystreet into a one-way street:

After starting your turn in thefar-right lane, you may use anylane open to traffic in the direc-tion you are going, if it is safeto do so.323

Driving Rules 49


Turn at a “T” intersectionfrom a one-way into a two-

way highway: Yield the right ofway. Then you may turn eitherright or left from the centerlane.324 Watch for traffic insideyour turn.

Right turn against red light:Make a full stop for a red trafficlight. If there is no sign that prohibits a right turn on the redlight, you may turn right,325

being careful that you do notinterfere with pedestrians, bicy-clists, or vehicles moving on theirgreen light.

U-TURNSYou may not make a U-turn(turn around and go back theway you came):

• Where you cannot clearly seetraffic on the road 200 feet in

both directions (because of acurve, hill, fog, or any otherreason).326

• Where a “NO U-TURN” sign isposted.327

• Where vehicles are so nearthat they may hit you.328

• On a one-way street.329

• In front of a fire station.330

Never use a fire station drive-way to turn around.

• Between intersections in abusiness district,331 except atan intersection or throughopenings on a divided road-way. Churches, apartments,multiple-dwelling houses,clubs, and public buildings,other than schools, are consid-ered to be business districts.

At a green light orgreen arrow, a U-turn ispermitted unless a NOU-TURN sign is

posted.332 Make the U-turn onlyfrom the far-left lane on your sideof the road.333

You may make a U-turn in a resi-dential district if no vehicleapproaching you is closer than200 feet and whenever a trafficsign or signal protects you fromapproaching vehicles.334

Before you make a U-turn on adivided highway, be sure youdon’t drive over or across anyroadway section, curb, or strip.This includes two sets of doublepainted lines marking a center

Caution: While waiting to com-plete a left turn, don’t turn yourfront wheels left until it is safe tobegin your turn. If the vehiclefollowing you hits the rear ofyour vehicle, this may keep youfrom being pushed into oncom-ing traffic.


50 Driving Rules

divider—except through an open-ing provided for turns.335 It alsoincludes the unpaved median inthe middle of a freeway.336

You may cross a double white oryellow line to make a U-turn, ifthe turn can be made safely andis otherwise allowed.337

When a two-way left-turn lane isprovided, start your U-turn onlyfrom that lane.338

DRIVING THROUGH AROUNDABOUTA roundabout is an alternativeway of handling traffic wherestreets intersect. By deflectingvehicles so they enter the circulat-ing roadway at low speed, aroundabout generally enhancessafety and reduces the severity ofcollisions that do occur. By consis-tently following the yield-at-entryrule, a roundabout maintainsorderly free flow, reduces confu-sion and delay, and optimizesvehicular capacity.

To drive a roundabout, a driverneeds only to follow these simplerules:

• Select your entry lane basedon your intended destination;advance guide signs will gen-erally be present to help youmake this selection. If right-turning, stay to the right; ifleft-turning, stay to the left. Ifproceeding straight, it is gen-erally okay to select eitherentry lane. Some roundaboutapproaches will flare out to

three or more entry lanes andthe driver will need to exerciseadditional judgment.

• Yield to any pedestrian orbicycle traffic crossing yourentry roadway, and then yieldto any traffic within the circu-lating roadway before enter-ing yourself.

• Once in the circulating road-way, maintain your course.Although the circulating road-way usually will not havelane-striping within it, youshould avoid meandering.Maintain awareness of othervehicles’ positions and theirintended movements. Afteryou have passed the last exitpoint before yours, use yourright directional signal, movesafely as far right as possible,and exit. If you miss your exit,simply go around again andexit.

• Yield to any pedestrian orbicycle traffic crossing yourexit roadway. Since you aredriving a curve as you exit,this will require a high degreeof alertness.

General Tips: Watch for bicyclestraveling with the vehicular traf-fic (as opposed to at pedestrian-like crossings). Watch for trucksand buses and allow them theextra room they need; on thetight curves found at round-abouts, they may take up morethan one lane. Drive defensivelyat all times.

Driving Rules 51


DRIVER’S AND BICYCLIST’SSIGNALSYou must signal to other driverswhen you plan to turn left orright,339 slow down, or stop.340

Signals may be given by hand-and-arm positions only if the signallights are inoperable or the vehicleis not equipped with them.341

Signal your left or right turn dur-ing at least the last 100 feetbefore reaching the turningpoint.342 At highway speeds, it isbest to signal at least five secondsbefore you change lanes. Watch

for signals from other drivers.

If bright sunlight makes signallights hard to see, use hand-and-arm signals also.

Bicycle riders may also give rightturn signals with their right armheld straight out, pointing to theright.343

Slowor

Stop

Right

Turn

Left

Turn

Freeway Driving

If you aren’t sure of the way,study a map before you get on the freeway. Memorize notonly the freeway exit you wantto use, but also the one thatcomes before it. This will giveyou time to move over to theexit lane.

Right Turn

Left Turn


52 Driving Rules

Be sure you are using the on-ramp when you enter the free-way. If you see a DO NOT ENTERor WRONG WAY sign, stop andback up. Vehicles will be comingtoward you. Pavement reflectorswill shine red in your headlightsif you are going the wrong way.

Enter the freeway at or near thespeed of traffic (remember thatthe maximum speed allowed is65 mph unless posted for ahigher speed). Do not stop beforemerging with freeway trafficunless absolutely necessary.Freeway traffic has the right-of-way. Stay with the traffic flow. Ifyou must drive more slowly,move over to the right-hand lane.

Be prepared for rapid changes inroad conditions and traffic flow.Watch for signals from other dri-vers and for merging vehicles aton-ramps and interchanges.

Be alert to vehicles on either side,to the front, and to the rear. Useyour mirrors. Turn your head tolook quickly to the side beforechanging lanes. Leave enoughspace between you and the vehi-cle ahead for safe stops.

Use your signals to let other dri-vers know your plans, and watchfor their signals.

Practice courtesy toward driverswho are trying to merge orchange lanes. If it is safe to do so,speed up or slow down slightly togive others a chance to maneuversafely. When you plan to exit thefreeway, give yourself plenty oftime, and signal your intention toexit.344

SPACE TO MERGEThe two most frequent mergingmistakes are slowing or stoppingsuddenly and merging at speedstoo slow for freeway traffic.

Give yourself a gap of four sec-onds when merging. This willgive both you and the car infront of you a two-second follow-ing distance. Don’t cross multiplelanes at once, which can tie uptraffic and even cause a crash.Instead, cross one lane at a timeas traffic allows.

LANE NUMBERSTraffic lanes are often referred toby number in radio reports ofcrashes, roadwork, or other condi-tions affecting highways on yourroute. The lane nearest the centerdivider on freeways (excludingthe carpool lane), and nearest thecenter line on other highways, isthe number one lane. The lanesto the right of the number onelane are referred to as the num-ber two lane, then the numberthree lane, etc.

Driving Rules 53


Trucks and slow vehicles arerestricted to certain highwaylanes (see page 56).

Stops on free-ways are for-bidden exceptin emergen-cies.345 A dis-

abled vehicle left on a freewayshoulder longer than four hoursmay be towed away by the CHP.

You must use a rigid tow-bar—not just a rope or chain—to tow avehicle on a freeway346 (exceptto move it to the nearest exit347).Tow trucks are required to usetwo chains.348

CARPOOL LANES ANDCONTROLLED ON-RAMPSCarpooling and using publictransportation help save gasolineand reduce congestion.

Some freeway on-ramps havedesignated lanes for carpools,which may require a minimumof twoor three people in a vehicle(including the driver). Signs atthe on-ramp or along the freewaytell you the size of the carpool(number of people) needed to usethat lane and the days and hours

that the requirement applies.349

Only carpools may use these on-

ramps to enter the freeway dur-

ing these hours.

Some freeways have a speciallane for use by buses only350 orbuses and carpools only. Thepavement of these lanes is alsomarked with a diamond symboland the words CARPOOL LANE.Do not cross over the double par-allel solid lines to enter or exitany carpool lane, even if youhave the required number ofpeo-ple; use only entry or exit placesdesignated by signs or a break inthe double line.351


54 Driving Rules

Stopping DistanceTo avoid objects in your path,you need to see them in time tobe able to stop. Estimates forstopping distances vary. TheDMV indicates, assuming you arealert and that you have goodtires, good brakes, and drypavement that,

• At 55 mph it takes 400 feet toreact to something you seeand to bring the car to a com-plete stop.

• At 35 mph it will take 210 feetto react and to bring the carto a complete stop.

According to the DMV, if you can’tsee at least 400 feet ahead, itmeans you can’t drive safely at 55mph. If you can’t see at least 210feet ahead, you can’t drive safelyat 35 mph. By the time you see anobject in your path, it would betoo late to stop without hitting it.Conditions are rarely ideal, soalways allow yourself extra space.

More Rules YouMust Know

You must not drive a vehicle soloaded, either with property orpersons, that you:

• Can’t see ahead or to thesides.352

• Can’t control it.353

You must not carry anything inor on a passenger vehicle thatextends beyond the outer edgeof the fenders on the left side ormore than six inches beyond

the outer edge of the fenders onthe right side.354

A load extending more than fourfeet from the back of the vehiclemust display a red or fluorescentorange flag at least 12 inchessquare or two red lights atnight.355

No one may ride on any part ofyour vehicle not intended for theuse of passengers, such as thehood, fenders, or other outsideparts.356 Riding completelywithin the space intended for aload is permitted if the passenger:

• Uses a federally approvedrestraint system,357 or

• Rides within an enclosedcamper or camper shellequipped with seats and beltsthat will prevent the passen-ger from falling out.358

Animals may not be transportedin the load space of a pickup orother truck unless properlysecured.359

You must not tow anyone whois riding a bicycle, wagon, rollerskates, sled, skis,360 or toyvehicle.361

Sound your horn as a safety warn-ing, and at no other time.362

Don’t throw any lighted orunlighted cigarette, cigar, or anyflaming or glowing substancefrom your vehicle.363 It is illegalto shoot firearms on a highwayor at traffic signs.364

Don’t litter the roadside with bot-

Driving Rules 55


tles, cans, paper, or anythingelse.365 The law says you may befined up to $1,000366 and you maybe forced to pick up what you threwaway.367 Littering convictions areshown in your driving record.368

Abandoning or dumping anunwanted animal on a highwayis punishable by a fine of up to$1,000 or 6 months in a countyjail, or both.369

A driver may not use a headsetor earplugs in both ears.370

(There are exceptions for law enforcement and special-

equipment drivers.)371

Leaving young children unat-tended in motor vehicles is dan-gerous. A parent, legal guardian,or other person responsible for achild age 6 or younger may notleave that child inside a motorvehicle without supervision by aperson age 12 or older if theabsence of supervision presents asignificant risk to the child’shealth or safety, or if the vehicle’sengine is running or the keys arein the ignition, or both.372


56

Basic Speed LawCalifornia’s Basic Speed Law saysthat you must never drive fasterthan is safe for the conditionspresent at that time.373

Regardless of what a sign maysay, the speed limit may beaffected by:

• The number and speed ofother cars on the road.

• The surface of the road—whether smooth or rough orgraveled, wet or dry, wide ornarrow.

• How far ahead you can see.

• Bicyclists or pedestrians walkingon the edge of the roadway.

• Weather conditions such asrain, fog, snow, ice, wind, ordust.

For example, even if you are dri-ving 45 mph in a 55 mph speedzone during a dense fog, youcould be cited by a police officerif you are driving too fast for theconditions.

SPEED LIMITSThe maximum speed limit onmost California highways is 65mph.374 However, on two-laneundivided highways, the maxi-mum speed limit is 55 mph,375

unless posted for a higherspeed.376 On some highways themaximum speed limit is 70 mph,

but only if there are signs postedshowing 70 mph.377

Other speed limit signs tell youthe highest speed at which youcan expect to drive safely in theplaces where the signs are set up.

Remember that you should notdrive faster than the posted ormaximum speed limit, even ifyou think it is safe to do so.378

The only time you may exceedthe posted speed limit (other thana maximum speed limit) is if youcan demonstrate that your speeddid not violate the Basic SpeedLaw at the time, place, and con-ditions then existing.379

On the highway, certain vehiclesare restricted to a maximumspeed of 55 mph and must drivein the right-hand lane or in alane specifically marked forslower vehicles. If no lanes aremarked and there are at leastfour lanes heading in the samedirection, you may drive in eitherof the two lanes closest to theright-hand side.380 These include:

• A truck or tractor-trailer withthree or more axles or towingany other vehicle.

• Any passenger vehicle or bustowing another vehicle.

• A school bus transportingpupils.

SPEED LAWS

Speed Laws


57

• A farm labor vehicle trans-porting passengers.

• A vehicle transportingexplosives.

• A trailer bus.

In business or residential districts,25 mph is the speed limit unlesssigns show other limits.381

When you see a “SCHOOL” sign,the speed limit, unless posted oth-erwise, is 25 mph while childrenare outside or are crossing thestreet during school hours.382 The25 mph school zone is applicablewhen approaching or passingwithin 500 feet of the schoolgrounds.383 The 25 mph limitapplies at all times when aschool ground is unfenced andchildren are outside, even thoughthe road is posted for a higherspeed. The LOWER speed must beobeyed if posted. Look for bicyclesand pedestrians near schools.

Under certain conditions, localofficials can adopt a resolution orordinance establishing a 15 mphspeed limit within 500 feet ofschool grounds. The 25 mphlimit will apply between 500 and1,000 feet. 384

Be alert for school safetypatrols or crossing guards.Their signals and direc-tions must be obeyed.385

When you come within 100 feetof a railroad crossing and you

cannot see the tracks for 400 feetin both directions, the speed limitis 15 mph. This does not apply ifcrossing gates, a warning signal,or a flag person controls thecrossing.386

The 15 mph limit also applies atblind intersections where you can-not see 100 feet in either directionduring the last 100 feet beforecrossing, unless yield or stop signson the side streets give you theright-of-way.387 The 15 mph limitalso applies in any alley.388

Lower limits may be posted

Sometimes, for the safe andorderly movement of traffic, dif-ferent limits may be posted fordifferent lanes of traffic.389

When you drive too slowly You must not drive so slowly thatyou are a danger on the road orinterfere with the normal or rea-sonable flow of traffic. You may becited for driving too slow, as well asfor driving too fast.390 Sometimes,of course, you may have to go slowbecause it is the safe thing to do, orbecause of a steep hill.

If you are driving slower than thenormal flow of traffic, you shoulddrive in the right lane of theroadway, or as far to the right asis safe.391 When you have totravel so slowly as to hold uptraffic, you may temporarily usepart of the highway just off theright side of the road, if it is insafe condition.


58 Speed Laws

Slow-moving vehi-cles such as farmtractors, animal-drawn carts, androad maintenance

vehicles may have an orange tri-angle on the back,392 like thissign.

You must not block another dri-ver who is attempting to passyou. Except where passing on theright is permitted, you must moveout of the left (“fast” or numberone) lane when another vehicle isclose behind you and trying topass. Even though you believeyou are driving at the maximumsafe legal speed for conditions, itis a good idea to let faster driverspass you.

A passenger vehicle towing atrailer, a bus or truck towinganother vehicle, and any three-axle truck must travel in theright-hand lane or in a lanemarked for them by signs.393 On

a highway with four or morelanes in one direction, where spe-cial lanes are not marked, suchvehicles may also use the lanenext to the right-hand lane.

SPEED CONTESTSSpeed contests, in which motorvehicles are raced against eachother or against a clock or othertiming device, are strictly prohib-ited. Drivers, as well as those whoaid and abet speed contests byerecting barricades or obstructingtraffic, for example, can beimprisoned for up to 90 days in astate or county jail and/or facefines of up to $1,000. They alsomay be sentenced to 40 hours ofcommunity service and havetheir non-work-related drivingprivileges suspended for 90 daysto six months. Additional convic-tions within five years of the firstconviction will result in increasedfines and penalties.394

59


PARKING

Never stop on the road, blockingtraffic, unless necessary for safetyor to obey a law enforcement offi-cer.395 To stop on a highway inan emergency or where parking ispermitted, park with all fourwheels well off the pavement, ifpossible.396 On a highway with-out curbs, you must leave enoughspace for other vehicles to passfreely, and your parked vehicleshould be visible 200 feet in eachdirection.397 Legal parking posi-tion is with the front and rearwheels of the vehicle within 18inches of the curb.398 Your parkedvehicle must face in the directionthat normal traffic flows.399

When a roadway has no curb orother barrier, and signs are notposted with other instructions, youmust park parallel to the road.400

Never park in the street parallel toanother vehicle, just because allthe parking places at the curb aretaken.401 “Double parking” isagainst the law, except when nec-essary to avoid conflict with othertraffic or to comply with the direc-tions of a law enforcement officeror official traffic control device.402

Never leave your car until youhave stopped the engine and setthe parking brake.403

Don’t open your door on the traf-fic side until it is safe to do soand doesn’t interfere with traffic.

Look for passing bicycles andmotorcycles. Do not leave thedoor open any longer than isnecessary to load or unload pas-sengers.404 Passengers shouldload and unload the vehicle onthe curb side whenever possible.

This sign marks park-ing spaces and specialfacilities for disabledpersons.405 If you are

able-bodied, it is against the law topark there.406 Holders of disabled-person plates407 or temporaryplacards may park for unlimitedperiods of time in parking spaceswhere a sign indicates a restrictedlength of time.408 Restrictionsother than the length of time, suchas no parking allowed due to streetcleaning, may apply.409

Abuse of the placard can result incancellation or revocation of theplacard, fines, and the loss ofspecial parking privileges.410

Never allow others to use yourplacard, unless you are beingtransported in the vehicle.

Disabled persons who qualifymay obtain, at any DMV office,the special license plates and/orwindow placards that entitlethem to special parking privileges.AAA members may conduct trans-actions at any Auto Club districtoffice to obtain the disabilitylicense plate or window placard.


60 Parking

Illegal ParkingDo not stop, park, or leave yourcar in any of the following places:

• Within an intersection.411

• On a crosswalk (marked orunmarked) or sidewalk.412

• Between a safety zone and acurb.413

• Within 15 feet of a firehydrant414 or the drivewayentrance to any fire station.415

• In a marked fire lane.416

• On or within 71⁄2 feet of a rail-road track.417

• Closer than 3 feet from a side-walk access ramp for the dis-abled.418

• In front of a public or privatedriveway (except with localpermit).419

• On any freeway420—except inan emergency, or when anofficer or device requires astop, or where a stop is specifi-cally permitted. A vehicle thatis stopped, parked, or leftstanding on a freeway (even ifdisabled) for more than fourhours may be removed.421

• Beside any red curb.422

• In a tunnel or on a bridge,except where permitted bysigns.423

• Where signs or marking pro-hibit parking.424

• In a parking space for the dis-abled425 (unless you are dis-abled and have a special plateor placard).

• In the space next to a parkingspace for the disabled if it ispainted with white lines in acrosshatched pattern.426 Thisspace may not display the dis-abled sign.

• Beside or opposite any streetor highway construction(excavation) work where stop-ping or parking wouldobstruct traffic.427

• In front of a curb that has beencut down, lowered, or con-structed to provide wheelchairaccessibility to the sidewalk.428

• In a stall or space reserved fora zero-emission vehicle.429

Note: Under certain conditions,authorized emergency vehiclesare exempt from these prohibi-tions.430 Buses or taxicabs, bylocal law, may be allowed someexceptions to the above.

Painted Curb Markings

Painted curbs mean that parkingis controlled. The colors on curbsmean:

WHITE: Very short stop allowed—only to take on or let off passen-

Parking 61


gers, or to put mail in a mailboxlocated there.431

GREEN: Park for a limited timeonly. The time limit is usuallyshown on a sign next to the greenzone or painted on the curb.432

YELLOW: Loading zone. You maystop only long enough to load orunload freight or passengers433—no longer than the local ordinanceallows. Drivers of noncommercialvehicles are usually required toremain with their vehicles.

RED: No stopping, standing, orparking at any time. (But a busmay stop at a red zone markedor sign-posted as a bus-loadingzone.)434

BLUE: Parking only for properlyidentified vehicles of disabled per-sons.435 Usually posted (seepage 59).

Parking on a HillWhen youpark headeddownhill,turn yourfront wheelsinto the curbor toward theside of theroad.436

When youpark headeduphill, turnyour frontwheels awayfrom thecurb and letyour vehicleroll back afew inches

until the rear of one front wheelgently touches the curb. Then setthe parking brake.

If there isno curb,turn thewheelstoward theside of theroad so thecar will rollaway fromthe center of

the road if the brakes fail.

When you park on a slopingdriveway, turn the wheels so thatthe car will not roll into the streetif the brakes fail.

Always set your parking brake.Leave the vehicle in gear if ithas a manual transmission. Ifyour vehicle has an automatictransmission, set it to the “Park”position.


62

A pedestrian is any person onfoot (walking, jogging, or run-ning) or using a conveyance pro-pelled by human power (rollerskates, skateboards, etc.) otherthan a bicycle.437 This alsoincludes persons who are disabledand use self-propelled wheelchairs,motorized tricycles,438 or motor-ized quadricycles because (by rea-son of physical disability) theyare not able to move about as apedestrian.439 These pedestriansmust be given the same rights asany other pedestrian.

Two-wheeled “electric personalassistive mobility devices”(Segway scooters) are not consid-ered motorized scooters and canbe used on pedestrian walkways,unless prohibited or restricted bylocal jurisdictions. These scootersmust travel under 12.5 mph, hel-mets are not required, and noage restrictions apply.440

Pedestrians have the right-of-wayat intersections and where streetsjoin at approximate right angles,whether or not the crosswalks aremarked by painted whitelines.441 (Crosswalks aredescribed on page 44.)

RESPONSIBILITIES OFDRIVERS

• Stop for any pedestriancrossing at corners or othercrosswalks (marked or

unmarked).442 Do not pass a car that has stopped at acrosswalk443—a pedestrianyou can’t see may be crossing.

• Stop for any person using aguide dog or service animal ora white cane with or withouta red tip. Only blind or nearlyblind persons are allowed touse these canes or guide dogs,and they must be given theright-of-way at all times,whether in or out of a cross-walk.444

• Stop for the safety of anyonecrossing the street on foot.

Do not drive on a sidewalk,except to cross it at a driveway oralley.445 When crossing, yield toany pedestrian.446 Do not stop avehicle so that it unnecessarilyblocks a marked or unmarkedcrosswalk.447

Remember: Just because youmake eye contact with a pedes-trian doesn’t mean that thepedestrian will yield the right-of-way to you.

RESPONSIBILITIES OFPEDESTRIANSAt an intersection where traffic isnot controlled by signals, driversare required to yield the right ofway to pedestrians within anycrosswalk, marked or unmarked,but the pedestrian must give thedriver a chance to yield.448 A

PEDESTRIANS

Pedestrians


63

pedestrian must not stop or delaytraffic unnecessarily while cross-ing a street in a marked orunmarked crosswalk.449

When crossing or walking on aroadway at places that are notintersections or marked crosswalks,a pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to vehicles.450 Jaywalking(crossing the roadway at any placeexcept in a crosswalk) betweenintersections controlled by trafficsignals or police officers is prohibited.451

Pedestrians must not suddenlyleave a curb or other safe placeand walk or run into the path ofa vehicle that is close enough tobe a danger.452 This is true eventhough they are in a crosswalkand the law says that any drivermust take care for the safety ofany pedestrian.453

When walking or jogging on aroadway where there is no side-walk, pedestrians should movefacing traffic—that is, close toyour left-hand edge of theroad.454

Pedestrians should not walk orjog on any freeway where signstell you that pedestrians are notallowed.455 You are not permittedon any toll bridge or highwaycrossing (any vehicle crossing)unless there is a sidewalk morethan three feet wide, and signstell you that pedestrians are per-mitted to use it.456

Pedestriansmust alwaysobey traffic sig-nals.457 Where

signals show the words WALK orDON’T WALK (or the upraisedhand or walker signs) togetherwith the usual traffic lights forvehicles, pedestrians must obeythe rules.458

When a signal first changes togreen, or WALK, pedestrians mustlook left and right and yield theright-of-way to any vehicle thatwas in the intersection before thesignal changed.

If the signal starts to flash DON’TWALK (or upraised hand) afterpedestrians have gone partwayacross the street, they mustquickly finish crossing. They mustnever begin to cross a street if thesignal is flashing DON’T WALK.If the signal stops flashing, pedes-trians must go to a safety zone orpedestrian island and wait thereuntil the signal says it is okay tocontinue.

It is important to note that oneout of every five fatal trafficcrash victims in California is apedestrian. Here are six safetytips to remember:

1. OBEY TRAFFIC SIGNALS.Always use the push buttonto start the WALK signal atan intersection. It allows suf-ficient time for pedestrians tocross the street before thetraffic flow begins again.


64 Pedestrians

2. LOOK IN ALL DIRECTIONS.Before stepping off the curb,look left, right, then leftagain and over your shoulderfor cars that may turn intoyour path. Keep a sharp eyeout for any approachingvehicle and make sure thedriver sees you.

3. KEEP MOVING. Walk asquickly as possible across thestreet. If the flashing DON’TWALK or yellow caution lightappears, continue walking asrapidly as possible to theother side. Never stop in themiddle of the crosswalk.

4. CROSS WITH A GROUP.Whenever possible, cross thestreet with several otherpedestrians. Crossing with a

group is always safer. Alarge number of people walk-ing together is more visibleto motorists than a singlepedestrian.

5. DON’T TRUST CROSSWALKS.Remember that painted cross-walks cannot stop a movingvehicle. Be alert when cross-ing and pay attention to thetraffic. Listen and look forcars as you approach eachtraffic lane.

6. BE SEEN AT NIGHT. If youmust go out at night or inbad weather, wear or carrysomething white. Better yet,wear something retro-reflective or use a flashlightso drivers can see you easily.

65


Night DrivingDon’t try to drive the same speedat night that you do by day. Yousee less at night, and so do otherdrivers. Be sure that you can stopwithin the distance you can seeclearly in your headlights. Beextra alert for bicycles, motorcy-cles, and pedestrians. They aremuch harder to see at night.

You must turn your headlights onwhen you drive from 30 minutesafter sunset until 30 minutesbefore sunrise, and any othertime when you can see less than1,000 feet.459 Headlights must beon whenever windshield wipersare in continuous use.460 It isbest to turn on your headlights atsunset and whenever it is rainingor foggy. A good rule of thumb isto use your headlights wheneveryou are having trouble seeingother vehicles. It is illegal to drivewith only your parking lights on,day or night.461

Do not blind other drivers withyour headlights. Use your highbeams only in open country ordark streets when other cars arenot nearby. Dim your lights byswitching to low beams beforeyou are 500 feet from a vehiclecoming toward you.462 If you arefollowing another vehicle, switchto low beams when you get closerthan 300 feet.463

Drive as far to the right as possibleif a vehicle with one light comestoward you. It could be a bicycleor motorcycle, but it could also bea car with a broken headlight.

When leaving a brightly lit place,drive slowly until your eyesadjust to the darkness.

Turn your rear-view mirror to thenight position. Avoid lookingdirectly into the glare of oncom-ing headlights. Watch the rightedge of your lane, noting theposition of the oncoming vehicleout of the corner of your eye. Donot wear sunglasses when youdrive at night. Consult your eyedoctor before wearing tintedlenses for night driving.

Weather ConditionsSlow down at the first sign of rainor drizzle on the roadway. This iswhen many road pavements aremost slippery because oil anddust have not been washed away.In freezing weather, roadways inshady areas are likely to be slip-pery after rain or snow. If theroad is slippery, your tires willnot have the grip they need. Youmust drive slower than youwould on a dry road.

Adjust your driving to theweather. Rain and fog demandthat you slow down. It is wise toturn on your low-beam head-

HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS


66 Hazardous Conditions

lights when visibility is poor—even in daytime.

California law requires drivers toturn on their headlights when-ever the windshield wipers areused continuously.464

If you drive in rain or snow, youmay have to stop from time totime to wipe slush or snow offyour windshield, headlights, andtail lights. It is important thatyou are able to see and be seen.

If at all possible, try to avoid dri-ving in thick fog. If you mustdrive, sharply reduce your nor-mal driving speed. Turn on yourheadlights. You will probably beable to see farther if you use yourlow beams; high beams mayreflect back and cause glare.Never drive with just parking orfog lights.465 Increase your fol-lowing distance. Be prepared foremergency stops. If the fogbecomes so thick that you canbarely see, pull completely off theroadway, turn off your lights, andstop until the visibility improves.

AVOIDING SKIDS• Increase your following dis-

tance to eight to 10 seconds.

• Slow down as you approachcurves and intersections.

• Avoid fast turns.

• Avoid sudden stops. If you doNOT have antilock brakes,“pump” the brakes to slow orstop. (Antilock brakes shouldnot be pumped, as this will

provide false information tothe onboard computer andprevent the brakes from work-ing properly.)

• Shift to low gear to go down asteep hill.

• Avoid especially slipperyareas, such as ice patches, wetleaves, oil, or deep puddles.

To dry wet brakes, lightly andsimultaneously press the gas andbrake pedals, which will drive thecar against the pressure of thebrakes. Do this only until thebrakes begin working.

CONTROLLING SKIDSA skid occurs when you lose trac-tion and your wheels spin or lock.Although there are no absoluterules for handling a skid, certaintechniques can help to controlskidding.

• Keep your foot off the brake.When your vehicle begins toskid, stay off the brakes.Braking may lock the wheelsand eliminate all directionalcontrol. If the front wheelslock, the vehicle will continueto skid in a straight line andprevent you from avoidingobjects in your path. If therear wheels lock, the wheelswill begin to slide sideways,which increases the probabil-ity that the vehicle will spin180 degrees.

• Counter-steering: Counter-steering means steering in thedirection you want the front of

Hazardous Conditions 67


the vehicle to go. Most driverstend to steer this way instinc-tively in their attempt to cor-rect a skid. When youcounter-steer, straighten thewheels as soon as you feel therear of the vehicle begin torealign. Be careful when youcounter-steer—it is notenough to correct for only thefirst skid. The vehicle mayswing into a skid opposite thefirst. Be ready to counter-steerquickly if second and subse-quent skids occur. You needquick and correct reactions forsuccessful skid control.

• Gradually ease up on theaccelerator: To change yourline of travel, ease up on theaccelerator and counter-steer.To retain control, your vehiclerequires traction between thetires and the road. Even alight touch on the acceleratoror brake while you are drivingon ice can throw your vehicleinto a skid.

Acceleration SkidThis type of skid occurs when yourtires lose traction on the road sur-face. It usually involves the drivewheels. Ease off the gas pedal andstraighten the front wheels as thevehicle begins to straighten out.Do not apply the brakes.

Locked Wheel SkidA locked wheel skid occurs whenyou apply the brakes so hardthat one or more wheels lock. If

brakes are adjusted properly, allwheels generally will lock at thesame time on dry pavement. Thisis not always true when tractionis low. Regardless of which wheelslock, steering control will be lost.You may go into a braking skid ifyou must slow down suddenly inan emergency or brake on roadsthat are wet or covered with sand,gravel, wet leaves, ice, or snow. Toregain control of the vehicle,release the brakes just enough toallow the wheels to turn. Whenthe wheels begin to roll, you willregain steering control. If it is nec-essary to continue braking, con-tinue using steady, firm pressure.

Steering Wheel Locking DeviceNever turn your vehicle’s ignitionto the “lock” position while it isstill in motion. This will cause thesteering to lock if you try to turnit and control will be lost.

Maintenance andConstruction Work AreasIt’s up to you to ensure both yourown and the workers’ safetywhen driving through workareas. The highway worker’s lifeis in your hands. Be careful toavoid workers and equipment.

Workers who must be on highwaysalert drivers to their presence,often with orange signs and flagsindicating danger ahead. Orangeroad equipment travels slowly or isparked along the highway whereroadwork is going on. Orangecones guide traffic around a closed



lane being repaired. Orange shirtsare worn by the men and womenwho build, maintain, or landscapethe roads. When you see an orangesign, be alert, slow down, and pre-pare for changed road conditions.

Traffic fines are doubled in con-struction or maintenance areas.466

CLOSED LANES

One or more lanesmay be closedwhere highwayconstruction ormaintenance work

is going on. Orange signs willwarn you that you are enteringthe work zone and will tell youwhich lanes are closed. A line oforange cones will show you theclosed lane. Do not cross the lineof cones. Many times you will seea flashing arrow sign aheaddirecting you to merge left orright. Always be alert and makeyour lane change early and safely.

Don’t slow down or stop to lookat construction or maintenancework. Move on cautiously asdirected by the signs, barriers,cones, or flag persons.

Mountain DrivingOn narrow mountain roads, driveas far to the right as possible andturn on your headlights. Soundyour horn on curves where youcannot see at least 200 feet ahead

unless you are driving completelyto the right of the center of theroadway.

When you meet another vehicleon a narrow road where neithercan pass, the vehicle facing down-hill must back up until the vehiclegoing uphill can safely pass.467

If you are driving aslow-moving vehicleon a two-lane highwayor road where passingis unsafe, and five ormore vehicles are fol-

lowing you, pull to the side of theroad in a turnout area or wher-ever you can safely do so to letthe other vehicles pass.468

On some two-lane roads, speciallymarked turnout areas have beenconstructed. Signs are placed one-quarter mile ahead and at theturnouts themselves. At otherplaces passing lanes are available.Never coast downhill with thetransmission in neutral.469

On curves, there is tremendousoutward pull on your vehicle.Watch out for it, especially wheregrip on the roadway may bereduced, as on rain, mud, snowor loose gravel. Slow down beforeyou enter the curve. Braking on acurve may cause you to skid.Brakes can quickly get hot andlose stopping power when your caris traveling down steep grades. It is

Hazardous Conditions 69


best to go downhill in a low gearand use brakes sparingly. If brakesstart to fade, stop immediately andlet them cool.

Signs may prohibit any motorvehicle from using horseback orhiking trails or bicycle paths.470

Two-Lane Rural RoadsIt is a good idea to drive withyour headlights on, even onsunny days. This will make yourvehicle more visible to oncomingdrivers and may prevent a head-on crash. Don’t forget to turnthem off when you park.

Long DrivesOn long drives, keep awake andalert. Do not drive if you are tiredor sleepy. Get plenty of rest beforea long trip. Have a cup of coffee.Avoid drinking alcohol or takingover-the-counter or prescriptiondrugs before driving. The solu-tions to drowsy driving are sleep,exercise, and caffeine. If you doget sleepy, park off the road andtake a nap. Even 20 minutes willhelp. When you wake up, getsome exercise—run, walk, orwave your arms. Consume somecaffeine for an extra boost.

Drivers’ ViewDo not place or hang any objector sticker in or on a vehicle thatreduces the driver’s clear viewthrough the windshield or side

windows.471 Stickers, decals, andother similar items are only per-mitted in four places:472

• On the windshield in a 7-inch square in the lower cor-ner farthest from the driver.

• On the windshield in a 5-inch square in the lower cor-ner nearest the driver.

• On the rear window in a 7-inch square in the lower cor-ner farthest from the driver.

• On side windows behind thedriver.

Dirty headlights, mirrors, andwindshields limit visibility. Roadgrime—dirt, oil, dew, ice, andother debris—can reduce light byup to 90 percent. A 30 percent to50 percent visibility loss due todirt or dust is common. To helpcontrol this problem, wipe yourheadlights when you are going todrive at night, and keep exteriormirrors and the inside and out-side of your windshield clean.

Tinted safety glass is allowed in avehicle if the glass meets U.S.Department of Transportationstandards.473 Window tinting isonly permitted on side windows tothe rear of the driver and on rearwindows provided the vehicle isequipped with both left- and right-side rear-view mirrors and the tint-ing does not cover the rear-windowsupplemental brake light.



Motorists with sun-sensitive skincan now use removable sun-screens on their vehicle windowsduring daylight travel if theyhave a doctor’s letter or otherdocument signed by a licensed

optometrist certifying that theymust be shaded from the sun dueto a visual condition.474

Don’t wear eyeglasses with templesso wide that they keep you fromseeing clearly to the sides.475

Get quality insurance at competitive rates with auto insurance through

the Auto Club’s affiliated Interinsurance Exchange. For a free quote,

call or visit your local Auto Club office. Insurance provided to qualified

Auto Club members by the Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile

Club, or by independent insurance carriers. CA Dept. Insurance Lic.

#0003259

71


CrashesIf you see vehicle-warning hazardlights ahead, slow down. Theremay be a crash or other roademergency ahead. Turn on youremergency flashers.476 Stop andgive assistance, or pass verycarefully.

Avoid driving near crashes. If youmust drive near a crash, you mayneed to slow down, but don’t slowdown or stop just to look—youmay cause another crash. Driveby carefully, watching for peopleon the road. Never drive over anunprotected fire hose.477

You must obey any traffic direc-tion, order or signal by a trafficor police officer478or fire-fighter.479 In emergency or spe-cial situations, obey such anorder even if it conflicts withexisting signs, signals, or laws.

You may be arrested if you drivefor sightseeing purposes to thescene of a fire, crash, or other dis-aster and by doing so interferewith the essential services ofpolice, firefighters, ambulancecrews, or other rescue or emer-gency personnel.480

If you are involved in a crash,you must:

1. Stop. Failure to stop at thescene of a crash where yourvehicle caused propertydamage,481 injury, or

death482 makes you a hit-and-run driver, subject tosevere penalties.483

2. Identify yourself. Show yourdriver’s license, vehicle regis-tration, and proof of finan-cial responsibility to the otherdriver(s) or persons involvedor to any peace officer. Youshould exchange the follow-ing information with anyother driver or propertyowner involved:484

• Driver’s name.

• Current home address.

• Driver’s license number.

• Vehicle identification num-ber (VIN).

• Name and address of insur-ance company and policynumber.

3. Notify Authorities. If anyoneis hurt or killed, notify locallaw authorities or aCalifornia Highway Patrol(CHP) officer. If no officertakes a report at the scene,you must make a full writtenreport on the crash to theCHP within 24 hours.485

4. If you hit a parked vehicle ordamage other property, youmust try to find the ownerand identify yourself beforeyou leave the scene. If youcan’t find the owner, leave a

HIGHWAY EMERGENCIES


72 Highway Emergencies

note with your name andaddress (and the name andaddress of the owner of thevehicle you are driving if it isnot your vehicle) on orsecurely attached to the vehi-cle or property you hit. Notifyyour local police or the CHPpromptly.486

5. If your parked vehiclebecomes a runaway vehicleand hits another vehicle,notify the owner and reportto authorities as describedabove.487

6. If your vehicle kills or injuresan animal, stop and try tofind the owner. If this is notpossible, notify the nearesthumane society, local policedepartment, or the CHP. Donot try to aid or move aninjured animal.

REPORTING THE CRASHTO THE DMVWhen you have a crash, youmust report it to the DMV if:488

• More than $750 in damagewas done to the property ofany person.

• Anyone is injured or killed.

It is your responsibility toreport the crash within 10 days.The CHP or police will not makethis report for you. You mustmake this report whether youcaused the crash or not, even ifthe crash occurred on privateproperty. You can get the report

form (DMV Report form SR 1) atany DMV or CHP office or fromyour insurer. When you havecompleted the form, mail it to:

Department of Motor VehiclesFinancial ResponsibilityP.O. Box 942884Mail Station J-237Sacramento, CA 94284-0884

Often, your insurance companywill file this form for you. If youdon’t make this report, your dri-ving privilege will be sus-pended.489 Using the informationin the report, the DMV may askyour insurance company to verifythat you had coverage for thecrash; if you did not have properinsurance coverage, your drivingprivilege will be suspended forone year with an insurance proofrequirement for an additionalthree years.490

Every crash reported to the DMVby law enforcement officials willshow on your driving record491

unless the reporting officer saysanother person was at fault, orthe district attorney determinesthat you were the victim of insur-ance fraud.492

Every crash reported by you oranother party in the crash willshow on your record if any oneperson incurs more than $750 inproperty damage, is injured, ordies. The DMV is required tomaintain the record.493

Highway Emergencies 73


FAULTThe DMV does not decide faultfor crashes. The crash report isrequired even if you were not atfault. Disputes about who was atfault may need to be resolved incourt. If the judge orders an

uninsured motorist to pay dam-ages and the judgment is not sat-isfied, the DMV will suspend hisor her driving privileges.494 Youshould ask the court to forwardunsatisfied judgment documentsto the DMV.


74

Rules to Stay Alive ByThe Auto Club provides thefollowing tips for safer, happierdriving:

BE PREPAREDThink about your trip before youget into the driver’s seat. Don’tguess what the other driver willdo. Plan what to do if someoneahead makes a mistake.

DON’T DRIVE WHEN UPSETAnger, worry, and daydreams area driver’s enemies. Don’t hurry.Allow enough time for unex-pected delays. Be late rather thansorry.

KEEP YOUR VEHICLE SAFEBe sure your vehicle’s brakes,front and rear lights, windshieldglass and wipers, tires, turn sig-nals, exhaust system, steering,horn, and radiator are in goodworking order.

KEEP UP WITH YOURSELFHow is your eyesight? Your hear-ing? Your coordination? Whatmedication have you taken? Areyou nervous or tense? Is yourneck too stiff to look around?

PRACTICE COURTESYSignal. Dim headlights. Yield toothers. Keep to the right. Takeyour time. Give pedestrians andbicycle riders a break.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONSMinimize all distractions whiledriving and focus on the drivingenvironment. A driver’s primaryresponsibility is to pay attentionto the driving task and avoidactivities that could lead tocrashes. Distractions includeadjusting the audio system, hav-ing intense conversations, attend-ing to pets, applying makeup,disciplining children, eating, andusing cellular phones.

Refrain from using a cellularphone to place or receive calls orengage in conversations whilethe car is in motion, except inemergencies. Before using a cellu-lar phone, pull over at a safeplace, or have a passenger makethe call. Do not answer callswhile driving. If your phone hasa voice mail feature, activate itand return calls later when youare no longer driving.

Cell phone use while driving isprohibited, except for drivers 18and older using a hands-free lis-tening and speaking system.Violators will be fined $75 for thefirst offense and $175 for subse-quent offenses.495

If you are under 18, you may notdrive while using a handheld orhands-free cell phone or any othermobile service device, includinglaptop computers, and personal

DRIVER AND PASSENGER SAFETY

Driver and Passenger Safety


75

communication and two-waymessaging devices.496

Commencing January 1, 2009, alldrivers will be prohibited fromtext-messaging or e-mailing whiledriving. Fines are the same as vio-lating the hand-held prohibi-tion.497 Also commencingJanuary 1, 2009, portable GPSdevices can be mounted in a 7-inch square in the lower corner ofthe windshield farthest removedfrom the driver (passenger side) orin the 5-inch square in the lowercorner of the windshield nearestthe driver, if only operated fornavigational purposes while themotor vehicle is being operatedand mounted outside of an airbagdeployment zone. This means thatGPS devices may not be attachedto the windshield anywhere elsethat blocks the windshield.498

BE ALERT FOR CYCLESRemember that many small andhard-to-see motorcycles, motorscooters and bicycles are sharingthe road with you. They are enti-tled to an equal share of the road-way. The space ahead that looksempty, the lane next to you—isthere a motorcycle or bicycle in it?

WEAR YOUR GLASSESIf the need for corrective lenses isnoted on your driver’s license,you must wear them while dri-ving. Failing to do so may resultin a fine. Also, for the safety ofyourself and other road users,make regular appointments with

an eye doctor and follow his orher advice. If he or she tells youto wear corrective lenses whiledriving, do so.

DRIVE DEFENSIVELYDefensive driving is paying atten-tion to your environment whilebehind the wheel to defend your-self against possible crashescaused by bad or drunk drivers,adverse weather conditions,heavy traffic, and the unpre-dictable actions of children, ani-mals, and pedestrians. Driversare required to be aware of andrespond appropriately to manythings in a constantly changingenvironment. They must payattention to the location andmovement of vehicles aroundthem, as well as the actions ofother road users. Look ahead andkeep your eyes moving (scan-ning); you will spot a hazardmore easily. Recognizing a dangerous situation in advanceallows time to plan—and execute—evasive maneuvers.

Don’t assume that bicyclists, chil-dren playing in the streets or dri-vers and passengers sitting inparked cars are aware of yourpresence. If you drive defensively,you can avoid most crashes.

KNOW THE COMMONCAUSES OF CRASHES

• Unsafe speed.

• Violation of the right-of-wayrules.

• Improper turns.


76 Driver and Passenger Safety

• Violation of stop signals andsigns.

• Driving under the influence ofalcohol or drugs.

• Driving on the wrong side ofthe road.

Seat Belts, Air Bags andCar Seats

California law requires the use ofseat belts499 if your vehicle isa(n):

• 1968 or later model car.500

• 1972 or later model truck andweighs less than 6,000 lbs.

• House car.501

• Enclosed three-wheel vehicle(not less than 7x4 feet) withan unladen weight of 900pounds or more.502

• Motor truck or truck tractor(excludes passengers insleeper berth).503

• Certain farm labor vehicles.504

The seat belts must be in goodworking condition.505 Be sureeveryone in the vehicle wears onewhile the vehicle is moving.506 Ifnot, you or your passengers age16 or older may be given a trafficticket for not wearing a seatbelt.507 There are exceptions fordrivers or passengers with a phys-ical or medical condition thatwould prevent proper use of aseat belt. A licensed physician,surgeon or chiropractor must cer-tify these conditions.508

In case of a crash or sudden stop,

seat belts keep passengers frombeing thrown into the windshieldor dashboard or out of the vehi-cle. Kept in place behind thewheel, a driver has a betterchance of maintaining or regain-ing control of the vehicle.

No matter how carefully theydrive, most drivers will be involvedin at least one traffic crash duringtheir lifetime. The chances ofbeing injured or killed are greaterthan you might think. Since thereis no way a driver or passengercan completely eliminate the pos-sibility of being involved in acrash, the best thing is to increaseyour chances of surviving byalways using seat belts.

Many studies of serious crashesshow that drivers and passengerswearing seat belts are more likelyto survive than those notrestrained by seat belts. Seat beltsreduce the risk of fatal injury tofront-seat car occupants by 45 per-cent and reduce the risk ofmoderate-to-critical injury by 50percent. You increase your safetyby using your seat belt all thetime.

Airbags can save lives in carcrashes, but drivers and passen-gers must sit far enough awayfrom them to allow them tosafely deploy. Adjust your seat sothat the center of the steeringwheel is at least 10 inches fromyour breastbone; this is theapproximate space the airbagneeds to inflate. If you cannot

Driver and Passenger Safety 77


maintain control of your vehiclefrom this distance, contact yourvehicle dealer or manufacturerfor alternative ways of movingaway from the airbag.

Child Safety SeatsCar crashes are among the lead-ing preventable causes of death ofchildren. They also cripple or dis-figure thousands of youngstersfor life.

Studies show that seven out ofevery 10 infants and half ofchildren ages 1 to 4 who die inautomobile crashes would havesurvived had they been correctlysecured in a child safety seat.

The law says adults are responsi-ble for children being restrainedby seat belts or, if the child isunder 6 years old or weighs lessthan 60 pounds, in approvedsafety seats while in passengervehicles or light trucks. Policeofficers may now stop vehicles,on a primary basis, for suspectedseat belt and safety seat viola-tions when the violation involvesa passenger under the age of16.509

The fine for a first offense may bewaived if you establish to the satisfaction of the court that youare economically disadvantaged.The court will refer you to a low-cost car seat purchase orloan program.510 The law alsoprohibits an individual from selling or transferring a childpassenger safety seat that was in

use during any collision.511

Infants and toddlers can getalmost complete protection whenplaced in approved crash-testedchild car seats, fastened accord-ing to directions. Older childrencan be raised on a crash-testedsafety booster seat so that theyproperly fit a standardshoulder/lap belt.

Here are some additional safetytips to protect your child:

For children 12 years of age oryounger, the back seat is gener-ally the safest place in the car.

Babies up to 20 pounds andabout age 1 should ride in asafety seat secured to the backseat, facing the rear of the car.Babies and young childrenshould not be placed in the frontpassenger seat if the vehicle hasa passenger-side air bag.

Children over 20 pounds and age1 or older should ride buckled upin a safety seat in the back seat.

Make sure the seat belt is putthrough the correct slot in thechild safety seat. Incorrectly fastened safety seats defeattheir purpose and can result ininjury.

SmokingIt is illegal to smoke a cigarette,pipe or cigar in a motor vehiclewhen minors are present, regard-less of whether the car is inmotion. 512


78 Driver and Passenger Safety

Mobility and Gridlock

Driving and traffic congestionoften go hand in hand inCalifornia. However, according tothe California Office of TrafficSafety (OS), even small changes indriving habits can be beneficial.

Avoid the following behaviors thatcontribute to traffic congestion:

• Rubbernecking—slowing downto get a good look at accidentscenes or other unusual activi-ties along the roadside.

• Tailgating—following othercars too closely. This commonpoor driving habit leads toinnumerable accidents, exacer-bating traffic delays.

• Unnecessary lane changes—weaving in and out of freewaylanes with the mistakenassumption that it willimprove arrival time at thedestination. Instead, it leadsto slowing of all traffic.

• Inattention—not payingattention to the roadway. Thismay result from talking on acell phone, eating, grooming,or reading while driving.

In addition to avoiding the abovebehaviors, you can do your partto improve traffic flow by keepingyour vehicle in good workingorder and not allowing your gasgauge to dip too low. Stalls onfreeway lanes and other road-ways can tie up traffic for hours.

Animals on the HighwayHorse-drawn vehicles and ridersof horses or other animals areentitled to share the road.513

Scaring horses or stampedinglivestock are traffic offenses.514

Slow down or stop if necessaryand when signaled to do so by riders or herders.515 If you see a stray animal in your path,slow down or stop, if it is safe todo so.

Look at the Whole SceneTurn your head. Keep your eyesmoving. Look both near and far.Look to the sides and behind.Check your rear-view mirrorsoften. Because mirrors have blindspots, turn your head beforechanging lanes. Watch for thingsabout to happen (a ball rollinginto the street; a car door opening;a swerving bicycle). Always knowthe position of vehicles near you.Look well beyond the vehicle infront of you. Emergencies are lesslikely to happen when your eyesgive you as much advance warn-ing as possible. Train yourself toobserve signs and signals—don’tjust look at them.

Be particularly careful to lookboth ways in these areas whereinattentive people may step intothe road in front of you:

• Shopping centers and parkinglots.

• Construction areas.

• Busy sidewalks.

Driver and Passenger Safety


79

• Playgrounds and school zones.

• Mountainous or forestedregions where wildlife may bepresent.

• Residential areas (look out forchildren and pets).

Handling BreakdownsHelp other drivers see you in theevent of a breakdown. If you areexperiencing car trouble and mustpull over, park your car out of theway of traffic, if possible, and in aspot that is visible from behind.Stopping around a curve or justover a hill is tempting disaster.Turn on your emergency flashers(or a turn signal) to alert other

drivers. (Drivers who notice acrash or obstacle up ahead canalso use emergency flashers towarn motorists behind them.) If itis safe to get out of your vehicle,lift the hood and place emergencyflares or triangles 200 to 300 feetbehind your vehicle to give driversextra time to change lanes, if nec-essary. (Be very careful whenusing flares. They may cause fires,especially when used near flam-mable liquids.) Get back in yourvehicle and stay there until helparrives. Even if you think you can fix the problem yourself, don’t risk it.

80


Bicycles

Safe bicycling involves more thanwearing the proper safety equip-ment and keeping a bike ingood mechanical order—cyclists

must also learn the rules of the road.

Bicycle riders on public streetshave the same rights and respon-sibilities as other drivers.516

Drivers of motor vehicles musttreat bicycle riders the same asdrivers of other motor vehicles.Bicyclists are not out of place onthe roadway—they are part of thetraffic and share the road withother drivers. They must stop atstop signs and obey traffic lightsand most other traffic laws andsigns,517 but special care must beused near them because any colli-sion with them will probablyresult in their serious injury. This means that automobile dri-vers must leave safe passing roomand must not turn so close tobicyclists that they are in dangerof being hit.

Although bicyclists will normallyride near the right-hand curb oredge of the roadway, they canlegally move left to turn left, topass another vehicle or bicycle,or to avoid debris or parkedcars.518 They may have toswerve to avoid a car door opening suddenly. Expect any ofthese moves by bicyclists in a maintraffic lane. On one-way streets,

cyclists may ride a bicycle in theleft-hand lane.519

When the lane is too narrow topass a cyclist safely, wait until thenext lane is clear and give thecycle all the rights of any otherslow-moving vehicle.

A motorist parked at a curb must not open a door on the traffic side of a vehicle withoutlooking for bicycles, motorcycles,or cars.

Bicycle lanes are pictured onpage 43.

TRAFFIC SIGNALS FORBICYCLES520

A green bicycle signal521 allowsa cyclist to proceed straightthrough, turn left or right, ormake a U-turn (unless prohibitedby sign). The cyclist must yield theright-of-way to other traffic andpedestrians.

A steady yellow bicycle sig-nal522 warns cyclists to slowdown because a red signal isabout to appear.

A steady red bicycle signal523

means cyclists should stop at thelimit line or before entering thecrosswalk or intersection.However, you may turn right (or left from a one-way streetonto a one-way street) as long asyou yield the right of way topedestrians.

OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD

81


Other Vehicles on the Road

Bicycles must:

• Have a brake that can makeat least one wheel skid on dry,level, clean pavement.524

• Have handlebars that are notso high that riders need toraise their hands higher thantheir shoulder to hold thesteering grips.525

• Fit the rider; that is, it mustnot be so large that the ridercannot stop it, support it whilestopped with at least one footon the ground, and start itagain safely.526

• When it is dark, have:527

° A white light either on therider or the bicycle, shiningin front of the bike and visi-ble from 300 feet in frontand from the sides.

° A red reflector on the rearvisible from 500 feet whenin front of a vehicle’s high-beam headlights.

° A white or yellow reflector oneach pedal, shoe, or anklevisible for 200 feet from thefront and rear.

° White or yellow reflectorson each side near the front,and a white or red reflectoron each side near the rear.If the bike has two reflector-ized tires, it does not haveto have side reflectors.

Bicycle riders must:• Ride with traffic—only persons

walking on the roadway faceoncoming traffic.528

• Ride in a straight line exceptwhen necessary to make aturn, avoid hitting someone orsomething, or drive over waterdrains, railroad tracks, holes,or other hazards.529

• Make left and right turns inthe same way that drivers do,using the same turn lanes.530

• Give a hand signal beforeturning left or right.531

However, bicyclists may alsosignal a right turn by holdingthe right arm straight out,pointing right.532

• Ride as near the right curb oredge of the street as practica-ble.533 On one-way streetswith two or more lanes,cyclists should ride near eitherthe left or right curb or theedge of the street.534

•Use bicycle lanes, wheremarked on streets, when ridingslower than other vehicles.535

Leaving marked bicycle lanes ispermitted, but only when it issafe and after giving a correcthand signal.536 Cyclists mayleave a bicycle lane:537

• To overtake or pass anotherbicycle, vehicle, pedestrian, orjogger.

• To prepare for a left turn at anintersection or driveway.

• To avoid debris or other dan-gerous conditions.

82 Other Vehicles on the Road


Bicycle riders must not:• Permit anyone to ride as a

passenger except on a sepa-rate seat attached to thebike.539 Passengers cannotride on the handlebars. If thepassenger is a child weighing40 pounds or less, the seatmust have a device to holdthe child in place and protecthim or her from the bike’smoving parts.540

• Carry anything that preventsholding the handlebars withat least one hand.541 No-hands riding is dangerous.

• Hitch rides by holding onto orattaching the bike to anyother vehicle.542

• Ride on any vehicular cross-ing unless permitted bysign.543

• Ride on freeways that havesigns stating bicycles are pro-hibited.544

• Ride under the influence ofalcohol or drugs. Riding abicycle while intoxicated is amisdemeanor.545

• Park a bicycle on its side, or sothere is no room for personswalking on a sidewalk.546

• Park or place a bicycle so asto impede the normal andreasonable movement of anybicyclist on a bikeway, bicycle

path, or trail, unless necessaryfor its safe operation orotherwise in compliance withthe law.547

• A rider may not use a headsetor earplugs in both ears.548

(There are exceptions for lawenforcement officers.)

BICYCLIST SAFETY TIPSFollow these guidelines for saferbike riding:

• Because bikes are small, dri-vers of motor vehicles maynot see them. Crashes can beavoided if bicycle riders letother drivers know what theyplan to do and make surethey understand.

• Bright, visible clothing and abike helmet are good protec-tion. Riders under 18 years ofage are required to wear abicycle helmet.549

• When passing parked cars,cyclists should look throughthe windows and be on thelookout for drivers and pas-sengers who may open a doorin their path. When in doubt,move out far enough to avoidthe door if it should open(after checking traffic behindyou).

• Sometimes the best way tocross busy intersections is toget off the bicycle and walk itacross using the crosswalks.

• All new bicycles must haveserial numbers stamped in

Riders under 18 years of ageare required to wear an approvedbicycle helmet.538

83



their frames. This numbershould be recorded and keptin a safe place at home foruse in reporting a stolen bicy-cle to the police.550

• Bicycles are not registeredwith DMV, but may be subjectto registration (licensing) bylocal authorities.551 This ishelpful in getting a stolen bikereturned to its owner.

TrucksTrucks with three or more axlesand vehicles pulling a trailer arelimited to the two right lanes,even to pass, irrespective of thenumber of lanes the highwaymay have.552 The law also specif-ically requires vehicles movingslower than the flow of traffic tokeep right.553 Because of this,slow-moving vehicles may be inthe same right lanes with com-mercial vehicles whose drivers areattempting to stay with trafficflow. Automobile drivers maymove to the left of the two rightlanes. Truck drivers may not. Ifyou are moving slowly, it maypromote highway safety to let thetruck through. If you do, watchfor faster cars to your left.

Trucks pulling trailersneed extra room tomake a turn. Thelonger the vehicle, thegreater the space

needed to complete aturn. This is the rea-son why big-rig driversmust often swing outto the left as the first

step in making a right turn.When you follow a truck, look atits turn signals before you start topass. If you think the truck isturning left, wait a second andcheck again. The driver mayactually be turning right.

Cars are difficult to see in atruck’s side mirrors. Tractor-trailerrigs have a large blind spot onboth sides and in the rear.Automobile drivers should moveout of these areas as soon as pos-sible and should never move upalongside a truck signaling toturn in their direction.

Always pass a large truck on theleft, and after you have passedthe truck, wait to move ahead ofit until you are out of thetrucker’s blind spot. If you lingerbeside the truck, you make it dif-ficult for the truck driver to takeevasive action if any obstacleappears in the road ahead.

KNOW THE “NO ZONES”Motorists often think thatbecause truck drivers sit up high,they can see more of the road. Infact, compared with passengervehicles, trucks have more blindspots (commonly called “NoZones”). When you’re near a bigrig, stay alert and avoid the NoZones:



• Side No Zones: Never cruisealongside a truck. A rule ofthumb: if you can’t see thetruck driver’s face in the sidemirror, he or she can’t see you.

• Rear No Zone: Never tailgatea truck. Again, to gauge theproper distance, make sureyou can see at least the truck’sside mirrors.

• Front No Zone: When youpass a truck, remember thattrucks need twice as muchspace to stop as cars do. To besafe, make sure you can see atleast the windshield of thetruck in your rearview mirrorbefore you pull in front of it.

Recreational VehiclesNo passenger vehicle, or anyother motor vehicle under 4,000pounds, may tow more than oneother vehicle (exception: an aux-

iliary dolly or tow dolly may beused with the towed vehicle).554

A towed vehicle must not swervefrom side to side.555

A Class C driver’s license limitsyou to towing only one othervehicle weighing less than 6,000pounds, gross.556 Exception: ifyour vehicle weighs at least 4,000pounds, you may tow a trailercoach (or noncommercial live-stock trailer) weighing not morethan 9,000 pounds fully loaded.

A camper and its load must notexceed the gross vehicle weightrating of the pickup on which itis mounted; there is danger thatit could tip over on an incline orsharp curve, or in a strong wind.

A camper with people in it musthave an unblocked exit door thatcan always be opened from boththe inside and outside.557

You may not tow a trailer coachwhile people are riding in it.558

Riding in a fifth-wheel trailercoach is permitted if it isequipped with:559

• Safety glass.

• An exit door that can beopened both from the insideand outside.

• An audible or visual devicewith which the passengers cansignal the driver.

Any recreational vehicle equippedwith cooking or heating equip-ment is required by law to have atleast one fire extinguisher, filled

85



and ready for use, of the drychemical or carbon dioxide typewith at least a 4-B rating.560 Aliquefied petroleum gas or nat-ural gas tank located in a hard-to-see area of a vehicle must beidentified by the letters “CNG,”“LNG,” or “LPG.” The letters mustbe in a contrasting color, oneinch high or larger, and placed asnear the tank as possible.561

Trailer EquipmentIf a trailer has electric or otherpower brakes, the braking systemmust be operated from the tow-ing vehicle, and the two vehiclesmust be able to stop within 40feet at 20 mph.562

A car towing a heavy trailer orcarrying a heavy trunk load musthave its headlight beamsadjusted to compensate for theupward tilt.

Trailers large enough to needclearance lamps must have rearstop lights visible 500 feetaway.563 Their drivers must carry three emergency reflectors tobe used if the trailer is disabled on

or next to the highway atnight.564 Whenever the stoplights and turn signals from thetowing vehicle cannot be seen,the trailer must have turn sig-nals.565

If a trailer or its load blocks yourview to the rear, your towingvehicle must have a rear-viewmirror on each side so you cansee 200 feet behind you.566

It is safer to attach a towing hitchto the frame, rather than thebumper, of a towing vehicle. Inaddition to the trailer hitch, astrong safety chain must connectthe two vehicles.567

When you are towing a trailer orother vehicle and followinganother towed vehicle or a three-axle truck, stay at least 300 feetbehind it.568 The rule does notapply when you are:569

• In a business or residencedistrict.

• On a highway with two ormore lanes of traffic movingin the same direction.



• overtaking and passing thevehicle ahead.

MotorcyclesMotorcycle riders have the samerights and responsibilities asautomobile drivers. Thougheveryone must follow the sametraffic laws, motorcyclists faceunusual dangers because theyare hard to see and the motorcy-cle requires exceptional handlingability. To increase their visibility,many riders operate with theheadlight on during daylighthours.570

Motorcyclists must wear a feder-ally approved safety helmet whenriding a motorcycle, motor-drivencycle, or motorized bicycle on thehighway;571 it is illegal to oper-ate or ride as a passengerwithout one.572

A motorcycle’s handlebar gripsmay be no higher than six inchesabove the rider’s shoulders whenhe or she is seated.573 Here are afew tips to help drivers share theroad safely with motorcyclists:

• Make a visual check formotorcycles when changinglanes, turning, or entering theroadway. Don’t just rely onyour mirrors. Motorcycles aresmall and can easily be hid-den in your blind spots.

• Allow a four-second followingdistance behind motorcycles.Four seconds will allow youtime to avoid hitting themotorcyclist if he or she falls.

• Motorcycles are entitled to thesame full-lane width asallother vehicles. Although itis not illegal for motorcycles toshare lanes, it may be unsafe.

• Road conditions that may bea minor annoyance to youcan pose major hazards tomotorcyclists. Potholes, gravel,wet or slippery road surfaces,pavement seams, railroadcrossings and grooved pave-ment can cause motorcycliststo change speed or directionunexpectedly. You can helpreduce motorcycle crashes,injuries and fatalities if youare aware of the effect of theseconditions and drive with careand attention.

Minibikes, Go-Carts,Motorized Bicycles, and

Motor ScootersMotorcycles and motorized bicy-cles574 used on a public roadwaymust display current licenseplates. They must be built andequipped to meet legal require-ments regarding lights, brakes,windshield, ground clearance andother standards.575 You must be alicensed driver to ride them.576

Motor scooters and midgetracers such as minibikes or go-carts are not exempt from theserequirements. If you operate amotorcycle, motor-driven cycle ormotorized bicycle, you and yourpassenger must wear helmets.577

Most vehicles driven off the high-

Other Vehicles on the Road 87


way must display off-highwayregistration stickers.578

Parents are liable if they let anunlicensed minor drive anymotor vehicle on a public streetor sidewalk or in a public parkingfacility.

MOTORIZED BICYCLESA motorized bicycle (commonlycalled a moped) is a two- orthree-wheeled vehicle that can bepowered either by a rider usingpedals or by an electric motor.579

The pedals are connected by anautomatic transmission to amotor that produces less than 2gross brake horsepower and canmove the bike at no more than30 mph.580 It is against the lawto drive on the highway a motor-ized bicycle that has been modi-fied so that it no longer conformsto this definition.581

Mopeds must display speciallicense plates.582

You must have a valid Californiadriver’s license of any class tooperate a motorized bicycle onthe highway.583 No specialexamination or special endorse-ment on the license is required. Ifyou want a license only formotorized bicycles, you mustcomplete all of the following:

• Driver education.

• Driver training.

• Class M2 written test.

• Motorized bicycle skill test androad test.

Moped riders are subject to thesame traffic laws that all driversmust follow.584 You must wear ahelmet.585 Violations are enteredin your driver record.

You may not operate a motorizedbicycle if you are younger than151⁄2 years old, even with aninstruction permit.586 If you are151⁄2 to 171⁄2 years old, you mayoperate one only after you havesuccessfully completed approveddriver education and trainingand your instruction permit hasbeen validated by the DMV foroperation of a motorized bicy-cle.587 After age 171⁄2, driver edu-cation and training are notrequired, and the motorized bicy-cle privilege need not be vali-dated by the DMV on the instruc-tion permit.588

You may not drive a motorizedbicycle on freeways,589 eques-trian trails, or hiking or recre-ation trails (unless the path ortrail is on or next to a roadway,or permission to use the trail orroadway is granted by local ordi-nance).590 You may drive amotorized bicycle in a bicyclelane on a roadway at a reason-able speed and with special careregarding visibility, traffic condi-tions, and the condition of theroadway surface of the bicyclelane. Drive in a manner thatdoes not endanger the safety ofany bicyclist.591



MOTORIZED SCOOTERSA motorized scooter is any two-wheeled device that has handle-bars, is designed to be stood orsat upon by the operator, and ispowered by an electric motor thatis capable of propelling the vehi-cle with or without humanpropulsion.592 The Segwayscooter, although motorized, isclassified as an “electric personalassistive mobility device” and isnot subject to the regulations formotorized scooters.593 (SeePedestrian section, page 62, forinformation on these devices).

It is important to remember thatyour insurance policy may notprovide coverage for accidentsinvolving the use of motorizedscooters.594 Every person operat-ing a motorized scooter upon ahighway has all the rights and issubject to all the provisionsapplicable to the driver of a vehi-cle,595 including but not limitedto driving under the influence ofalcohol or drugs.596 This does notinclude the requirements forfinancial responsibility, registra-tion, and license plates.597

You must be at least 16 years oldand have at least an instructionpermit to operate a motorizedscooter.598 You cannot carry anypassengers.599

You must not operate a motorizedscooter at a speed faster than 15 mph.600

Modified or altered exhaust sys-tems must meet legal require-

ments regarding emissions andnoise restrictions.601 When youoperate a motorized scooter upona highway at less than the nor-mal speed of traffic moving inthe same direction, you must rideclose to the right-hand curb orright edge of the roadway,602

except:

• When overtaking and passinganother vehicle proceeding inthe same direction.603

• When preparing to make aleft turn. You are required tostop, dismount, and completethe turn by crossing the road-way on foot.604

• When reasonably necessaryto avoid hazardousconditions.605

• On a one-way street with twoor more marked traffic lanes;you can ride near the left-hand curb or left edge of theroadway.606

You may operate a motorizedscooter on a bicycle path, trailor bikeway unless otherwiseprohibited.607

Motorized scooters must:608

• Have a brake that will makethe braked wheel skid on dry,level, clean pavement.

• Have handlebars that are notso high that the operator mustelevate his or her hands abovehis or her shoulders to graspthe steering grips. Everymotorized scooter operated on

89



a highway during darknessmust be equipped with the following:609

• A lamp emitting a white lightfrom the front visible from adistance of 300 feet.

• A red reflector on the rear visi-ble from a distance of 500feet.

• A white or yellow reflector oneach side visible from thefront and rear of the motor-ized scooter from a distance of200 feet.

You must operate a motorizedscooter so that the electric motoris disengaged or ceases to func-tion when the brakes are applied,or so that the motor is engagedthrough a switch or mechanismthat, when released, will causethe electric motor to disengage orcease to function.610

When operating a motorizedscooter, you must not:611

• Ride on a highway with aspeed limit in excess of 25mph, unless the motorizedscooter is operated within aclass II bicycle lane.

• Ride while carrying any pack-age, bundle or article that pre-vents the operator from keep-ing at least one hand uponthe handlebars.

• Ride upon a sidewalk, exceptas necessary to enter or leaveadjacent property.

• Park a motorized scooter on

its side on a sidewalk, or sothere is no room for personswalking on a sidewalk.

• Hitch rides by holding onto orattaching the motorizedscooter to any other vehicle onthe roadway.

School BusesFlashing yellow lights on a stoppedschool bus warn drivers to prepareto stop. Children are getting readyto enter or exit the bus.

You must stop when you come toa school bus that is stopped oneither side of the roadway withflashing red lights on at the topfront and top rear of the bus.Children may be crossing theroadway to and from the schoolbus. Remain stopped as long asthe red lights are flashing.612

You need not stop if the schoolbus is on the other side of adivided or multilane highway(two or more lanes in each direc-tion).613 The law requires you toyield to a bus that is equippedwith a yield sign and is attempt-ing to re-enter traffic.614



You may be fined up to $250 fora first violation and up to $1,000for a second violation. If you havea third violation within three years,your driving privilege may be sus-pended for a period of one year.615

Emergency VehiclesTake caution when you see orhear a police car, fire engine,ambulance, tow truck, or otheremergency vehicle using a sirenand red light. If not prohibited bylaw, move as far to the right aspossible until the emergency vehicle or tow truck has safelypassed. If you cannot changelanes, slow to a reasonable andprudent speed that is safe for theexisting conditions.616

Don’t stop in an intersection.617

Cautiously continue through theintersection, then pull to the rightas soon as you can.

Sometimes these emergency vehi-cles will use the wrong side of thestreet.

It is against the law to followwithin 300 feet of any fire, police,sheriff or Highway Patrol vehicle,ambulance, or other emergencyvehicle that is answering anemergency call.618

Buses and StreetcarsDo not drive through a safetyzone,619 which is a space setaside for pedestrians that ismarked by raised buttons ormarkers on a roadway.620

When people are boarding orleaving a streetcar where there isno safety zone, you must stopbehind the nearest door or vehi-cle platform621 and wait to pro-ceed until the embarking and dis-embarking passengers havereached a safe place.

When a bus or streetcar is stoppedat a safety zone or at an intersectionwhere traffic is controlled by apolice officer or traffic signal, youmay pass when it is safe to do so,and at no more than 10 mph.622

Do not overtake and pass on theleft of any interurban train orstreetcar, whether it is moving orstanding, except when:623

• You are on a one-way street.

• The tracks are so close to theright side that you cannotpass on the right.

• A traffic officer directs you topass on the left.

Look for approaching streetcarsbefore you turn across the tracks.If the crossing has a signal, com-plete your turn only when it indi-cates you may proceed.624

Trolleys are powered by overheadelectric wires but do not operateon rails.625 They have most ofthe same rights and responsibili-ties on public roadways as othervehicles.626 Here are some spe-cific steps you can take to safelyshare the road with trolleys:

• Be aware of where trolleysoperate.

91



• Never turn in front of anapproaching trolley.627

• Be aware that buildings, trees,etc., cause blind spots for thetrolley operator.

• Maintain a safe distance fromthe trolley if it shares a streetwith vehicular traffic.628

Trolleys, trains and streetcars canpreempt traffic signals, so do notproceed until the signal lightindicates you may.

Railroad CrossingsSigns warn youthat there are rail-road tracks ahead.Look and listen fortrains in both

directions, and be prepared tostop, if necessary. Never stop on arailroad track.629 In heavy traffic,make sure you can drive over thetracks without stopping. Neverstart across if there isn’t room foryour vehicle on the other side ofthe tracks.

Watch for vehicles (buses, schoolbuses, and trucks carrying haz-ardous loads) that must stopbefore crossing the tracks.630

Flashing red lights at a traincrossing mean STOP. You shouldstop at least 15 feet from thetracks when:631

• A person or signal warns thata train is coming.

• You see a train coming.

• You hear the horn or bell of a

train close by. Don’t proceeduntil you can clearly see inboth directions. A second trainmay be approaching fromeither direction.

Hazardous Loads

Diamond-shaped signs like theseon trucks, which may or may notindicate the load on board, warnthat the contents are dangerous.Some loads have code numbers.CHP and fire department officersknow what to do if the load isaccidentally spilled. Vehicles dis-playing these signs must stopbefore crossing railroad tracks.633

Low-Speed VehiclesA low-speed vehicle is generallysubject to all the laws applicableto a motor vehicle and mustmeet federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandards established for low-speed vehicles.634 When youdrive a low-speed vehicle, youare subject to all the provisions

Do not goaround orunder closedcrossinggates.632



applicable to the driver of a motorvehicle.635 A dealer selling a low-speed vehicle shall provide to thebuyer a disclosure statementregarding the operation of thevehicle in compliance with exist-ing California regulations.636

You must not drive a low-speedvehicle on a roadway with aspeed limit in excess of 35mph637 unless you are crossing aroadway and the crossing beginsand ends on a roadway with aspeed limit of 35 mph or less andoccurs at an intersection that isapproximately a right angle.638

You may not cross an uncon-trolled intersection with any statehighway unless that intersection

has been approved and autho-rized by the agency having pri-mary traffic enforcement respon-sibilities for that crossing by alow-speed vehicle.639

GOLF CARTSLocal authorities may establishcrossing zones for use by golfcarts (or any low-speed vehi-cle)640 at any time during day-light hours on any street otherthan a state highway that has aposted speed limit of 45 mph orless and is immediately adjacentto a golf course. The crossingzones shall be at an approximateright angle to the direction of theroadway.

93


DRINKING, DRUGS, AND DRIVING

AlcoholBecause of the strong relation-ship between drinking and dri-ving and traffic crashes,California has passed some ofthe nation’s strictest laws fordriving under the influence(DUI). The DUI laws punishoffenders for operating a motorvehicle while under the influ-ence of alcohol, other drugs, ora combination of alcohol andother drugs. To avoid this, youshould not drive after consum-ing alcoholic drinks.

Alcohol, even in small amounts,increases the chance of having acrash. Just two beers in one hourwill impair most people’s drivingability.

It is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration(BAC) that is .08% or greater.641

Drivers under the age of 21 yearscan be cited if found to have aBAC of .01% or more.642 Thismeans that 1⁄100 of a percent ofalcohol has been absorbed into your bloodstream from yourstomach.

A BAC below .08% does notmean that it is safe or legal todrive. Almost all drivers showsome effects even at much lowerBAC levels. A person can be convicted of drunk driving inCalifornia even with a very lowBAC if he or she demonstrates

clear signs of impairment. Thereis no safe way to drive afterdrinking. The charts on page 96show that even a few drinks canmake you an unsafe driver.They show that drinking affectsyour BAC. The BAC zones forvarious numbers of drinks andtime periods are printed inwhite, gray, and black.

HOW TO USE THESE CHARTSIf you consumed two drinks overthe past hour and want to knowwhether it is legal to drive:

1. Find the chart that includesyour weight. For example, ifyou weigh 160 pounds, usethe “150 to 169” chart.

2. Look under “Total Drinks” atthe “2” on this “150 to 169”chart.

3. Look below the “2” drinks,in the row for one hour.You’ll see your BAC is in thegray-shaded zone. Thismeans that if you drive aftertwo drinks in one hour, youcould be arrested.

In the gray zone, your chancesof having a crash are five timeshigher than if you had no drinks.But, if you had three drinks inone hour, your BAC would be inthe black-shaded area, and your

94 Drinking, Drugs, and Driving


ESTIMATED COSTS OF FIRST

MISDEMEANOR DUI CONVICTION

(fees may vary)

Fines (minimum) $468

Penalties (minimum)*

$780

Tow/Impound Fee $187

Alcohol Education Class $550

Auto Insurance Increase** $8650

Restitution Fund $100

DMV License Re-Issue Fee $125

Attorney & Legal Fees $2500

Booking, fingerprinting and

photo fees $156

Total $13,466

* Penalties vary by county from $663 to$858. The most typical cost is $780.

** Based on premium increases over 10years for a single, 25-year-old motorist.

The costs related to a first-time misdemeanorconviction for driving under the influence(DUI) can easily exceed $12,000.

Costs above do not include:

• Value of lost work time and wages,

• Medical costs,

• Vehicle property damage,

• Cost of ignition interlock device ifrequired by a judge.

chances of having a crash are 25times higher. What’s more, it isILLEGAL to drive at this BAC(.01% or greater) if you are underage 21. After three drinks in onehour, the chart shows you wouldneed three more hours, with nomore drinks, to reach the whiteBAC zone again.

REMEMBER: “One drink” is 10ounces of 5 percent beer, or a 4-ounce glass of 12 percent wine, ora 11⁄4-ounce shot of 80-proofliquor (even if it’s mixed withnonalcoholic drinks). If you havelarger or stronger drinks, or drinkon an empty stomach, or if youare tired, sick, upset, or have takenmedicines or drugs, you can belegally impaired after imbibingfewer drinks. The good news isthat current laws, enforcemen,tand education efforts have sub-stantially reduced the number ofalcohol-related fatalities andinjuries.

DrugsMuch of what has been saidabout alcohol also applies todrugs (both legally prescribedmedicines and illegal drugs). Thestate’s drunk driving law is also adrugged driving law since it refersto “driving under the influence ofalcohol and/or drugs.”643

The law does not have to specifywhich drugs are involved. And iftaken with alcohol, many medi-cines can affect the way youdrive. It is important that youcheck with your doctor before dri-ving if you take any medication.A sleeping pill, tranquilizer, painmedicine, muscle relaxant, andeven cold or allergy medicationcan impair your driving. Moreimportant, it can increase theimpairing effects of alcohol on

ESTIMATED COSTS OF FIRSTMISDEMEANOR DUI CONVICTION

(fees may vary)

Fines (minimum) $468Penalties (minimum)* $780Tow/Impound Fee $187Alcohol Education Class $550Auto Insurance Increase** $8650Restitution Fund $100DMV License Re-Issue Fee $125Attorney & Legal Fees $2500Booking, fingerprinting andphoto fees $156

Total $13,466

* Penalties vary by county from $663 to$858. The most typical cost is $780.

** Based on premium increases over 10years for a single, 25-year-oldmotorist.

The costs related to a first-time misdemeanor conviction for driving under the in influence (DUI) can easily exceed $12,000.

Costs above do not include:

• Value of lost work time and wages.

• Medical costs.

• Vehicle property damage.

• Cost of ignition interlock device ifrequired by a judge.

95


Drinking, Drugs, and Driving

your driving. A person who isaddicted to the use of any drug,other than a person participatingin an approved narcotic treat-ment program, is not permittedto drive.644

Under the law, a law enforcementofficer can require the driver totake a blood or urine test if druguse is suspected.645 Persons refus-ing these tests are subject to thesame license suspensions as alco-hol test refusals (see the Test forDrunk Driving on page 97).646

You Are ResponsibleYou must always drive alert andwith care. You must not driveafter you have taken in any drinkor drug that changes how youdrive, makes you less careful, orslows down your reactions.647

PUNISHMENTSIf you are convicted of drivingwith alcohol or drugs in yourbody, the judge can sentence youto jail time,648 in addition toimposing expensive fines andpenalties.649 Your license will besuspended and you will have tocomplete a several-months-longapproved drinking driver pro-gram.650 Your car may beimpounded651 or an ignitioninterlock device may be placed onyour vehicle.652A person with arestricted license requiring aninterlock device who is caughtdriving a vehicle not equippedwith a functioning certified inter-lock device may have his or her

vehicle impounded.653 Vehicleinsurance after a drunk drivingconviction will be very expensive.

First-time DUI offenders whorefuse a chemical test or register aBAC of .20% or greater, and whoare on probation following con-viction, face six to nine monthsin an alcohol treatment programand 60 program activityhours.654

Additional convictions within 10years will result in increasinglysevere fines and penalties.655

Starting January 1, 2009, if youare caught driving with a bloodalcohol concentration of .01 orgreater while on probation forDUI, your vehicle may be im-pounded and your driving privi-leges may be suspended.656

If any person gets hurt or killedbecause you drove drunk ordrugged, it is an even more seri-ous crime. You will be punishedwith even more severe fines, jailand license suspension or revoca-tion than if no injury wereinvolved. In cases involvingdeath or serious bodily injury,you may be punished underCalifornia’s “Three Strikes Law”or be tried for murder. You couldalso face a civil lawsuit thatcould result in financial disaster.

OPEN CONTAINER LAWCalifornia law is very strict oncarrying alcohol or drugs in avehicle, whether the vehicle is onor off the highway. You must not

96 Drinking, Drugs and Driving


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97


Drinking, Drugs and Driving

drink any alcoholic drink in anyvehicle you are driving657 or inwhich you are a passenger.658

You must not carry on you or inthe car an opened bottle, ca,n orcontainer with an alcoholic drinkin it.659 Any container of liquor,beer, or wine carried in a vehiclemust be full, sealed, and un-opened;660 otherwise, it must beput in the trunk or a place wherepassengers don’t sit.661 Keeping anopened container of an alcoholicdrink in the glove compartmentis against the law.662

If you are under age 21, youmust not carry any alcoholicdrink anywhere in a motor vehi-cle unless your parent, anotheradult designated by your parent,or your guardian is with you.663

The only exception is when youare working for a person who hasa state liquor license.664

The law does not apply to non-driving passengers in a bus, taxi,camper, or motorhome.665

Remember:You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.®

THE TEST FOR DRUNKDRIVING (“IMPLIEDCONSENT” LAW)When you drive in California,you agree to take a test of yourblood, breath, or urine if you arearrested for driving under theinfluence of alcohol or drugs, orboth.666 If you refuse or fail tocomplete the test, you will loseyour license, whether or not you

were under the influence.667Ifyou are arrested because a policeofficer suspected you might havealcohol or drugs in your body,you will be asked to take a test tosee if it is true.668 You maychoose which kind of tests will beused: for alcohol, blood or breath;for drugs, blood, breath orurine.669 If you are taken to aclinic or hospital for medical rea-sons and it does not offer allthree tests, you must take one ofthe tests it offers. You may nottalk to a lawyer or have one pre-sent before deciding on the test orduring its administration.670

If you refuse or fail to complete achemical test, the DMV will sus-pend your license for one year.671

It will be revoked for two years fora person who has had one DUIconviction in the past 10 years, orfor three years for someone whohas had two or more of theseconvictions within 10 years.672

If a law enforcement officer sus-pects you of driving under theinfluence and you’ve had a DUIconviction within the last 10years, and if you refuse to submitto a chemical test or if your blood-alcohol level is .10% or more, yourvehicle may be impounded for fivedays (one conviction) or 15 daysupon your arrest.673

ZERO TOLERANCE LAWThe law is stricter if you area driver under 21 years oldand requires you to take a



Preliminary Alcohol Screening(PAS) test if a peace officerbelieves that you have beendrinking.674 This test is adminis-tered at the scene using a hand-held PAS device.675 If there is noPAS device available, you canchoose between a blood or breathtest.676

If your BAC is .01% or higher, oryou refuse to take or fail to com-plete the PAS (or other chemical)test, the DMV will suspend yourlicense for one year.677

If you are convicted of using alco-hol or drugs and are from 13through 20 years of age, the courtwill order the DMV to suspendyour driving privilege for oneyear.678 If you don’t have a dri-ver’s license yet, the court will tellthe DMV to make you wait a yearlonger before you can apply for alicense.679 You can also be requiredto enroll in a DUI program.680

Review—When your license istaken away, you can ask theDMV, within 10 days, to reviewyour case.681 The suspension orrevocation is independent of anyjail, fine, or other criminalpenalty imposed by a court.682

RESTRICTED LICENSEThe DMV can issue a restrictedlicense (only for a first offense of.08% BAC or more) following a30-day suspension of your licenseif:683

• A chemical test was taken,and

• You were 21 years of age orolder when the offenseoccurred.

You may obtain a restricted licensefor driving to and from a state-licensed DUI program. You mayobtain a five-month restrictedlicense to drive to and from work,during the course of work, and toand from a DUI program if you:684

• Submit evidence of enrollmentin a DUI program.

• File proof of insurance (SR 22)and maintain it for five years.

• Pay all applicable fees.

If you enroll and fail to partici-pate in a DUI program, or do notcomplete the program, the DMVwill immediately revoke yourrestricted license and re-imposethe suspension.685 It will run forthe remainder of the originalsuspension.

Administrative LicenseSuspension (ALS) SystemIn addition to sanctions imposedas a result of a court conviction,DUI offenders face administrativelicense actions (suspensions andrevocations) by the DMV. Theseactions are mandatory (the DMVmust apply them on violators)and independent of any criminalpenalties imposed by a court.

The administrative license sus-pension process begins when adriver is cited for DUI. The dri-ver’s license is taken on the spot

99


Drinking, Drugs, and Driving

by the arresting law enforcementofficer if the driver:

• Violates the civil per se laws(.01 percent for drivers under21; .08 percent for drivers 21and over).

• Refuses a chemical testrequested by an officer.

Licensed offenders are thenserved with a DMV order ofsuspension/revocation that servesas a 30-day license. Drivers have10 days to request a hearing toprevent their license from beingrevoked. Otherwise, suspensionsand revocations take effect auto-matically in 30 days.

At the DMV hearing, only a lim-ited number of issues may beconsidered. For all drivers, theDMV will consider whether:

• The officer had reasonablecause to believe the driver hadan illegally high BAC whiledriving a vehicle.

• The driver was lawfullyarrested (or lawfully detainedif under 21 years of age).

For drivers who refuse (or fail tocomplete) a chemical test, theDMV will also consider whether:

• The driver refused a chemical

test or, if under age 21, a pre-liminary alcohol screening(PAS) test.

• The driver was informed thata refusal would result in sus-pension or revocation. For dri-vers who complete a chemicaltest, the DMV will also con-sider whether the driver’s BACwas .08 percent or greater (.01percent or greater if under age21).

Drivers have a right to appeal thedecision of their ALS hearing. Thefirst appeal is to the DMV for acase review; later reviews are to acourt of law. ALS hearings areindependent of criminal prosecu-tions; that is, proceedings andfindings in one venue do notaffect proceedings and findings inthe other. However, there are twoimportant exceptions to this rule.If the court dismisses the DUIcharge and does not prosecute,drivers over age 21 have arenewed right to another hearing,where the same issues identifiedabove will be considered. Also,a not-guilty verdict in a criminalDUI case overturns an ALS deter-mination and its sanctions.



TIPS TO HELP YOU AVOIDDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL (DUI)

• Set a safe limit in advance and don’t go above it.

• Space your drinks. Try not to have more than one drink

per hour.

• Taper off and STOP DRINKING at least one hour before

you drive.

• Eat before and while you are drinking.

• Don’t drink alcohol if you are taking medicine or drugs.

• Designate a nondrinking driver.

• Arrange alternative transportation.

By strictly following these tips, you can greatly lower your chances

of being arrested or having a crash.

Remember that coffee can’t help sober you up.

101


OTHER MATTERS OF INTERESTEmergency

Warning SignalsFlashing lights are not allowedon non-emergency motor vehi-cles, except for turn signals anddisabled-vehicle warningsignals.686 Motorcycles mayuse modulating-beam head-lights by day.687

Disabled-vehicle warning signalsmust be at least two lights infront and two in the rear. Allsuch lights must flash at thesame time.688 Do not use left- orright-turn lights alone. Flashingwarning lights must be used to:

• Mark a vehicle disabled on(or within 10 feet of) theroadway.689

• Warn other drivers of a crashor hazard on the roadway.690

• Identify vehicles in a funeralprocession.691

Mature Driver ProgramThe Mature Driver ImprovementProgram is an eight-hour coursefor drivers age 55 and older.692

After completing the initial eight-hour course, a driver may renewthe completion certificate bycompleting a four-hour renewalcourse. It is specifically designedfor their safe driving needs. Thecourse addresses changes thatoccur with aging, how thesechanges affect driving skills, andhow to compensate for them. The

course provides strategies toimprove how you predict,interpret, and react to what ishappening in the traffic environ-ment, particularly at intersectionswhere many traffic collisionsoccur.

The Auto Club offers an onlineMature Driver ImprovementProgram through its partner IDRIVE SAFELY. Members receive20 percent off when they sign upfrom AAA.com.

Drivers who complete the programand receive a completion certifi-cate from the DMV may qualifyfor insurance discounts;693 callthe Auto Club to see if you qualifyfor this discount.

California has no driving agelimit. If you are an older driverand can handle your vehiclesafely and skillfully, you candrive as long as your healthpermits.

Safety is a serious issue for olderdrivers. Based on miles driven,the traffic crash rate for driversage 75 and older is exceededonly by the rate for drivers under25 years of age. Many ofthese crashes are attributable tobehaviors associated with theaging process, such as forgetful-ness, shortened attention span,medication side effects, andreduced ability to respond quick-lyto emergency situations. As you

102 Other Matters of Interest


age, you may experience theonset of physical limitations suchas diminished vision and hearingand slowed reaction time; thesemay require you to stop drivingand find other means of trans-portation.

Older drivers, particularly thoseover 75 years of age, need toperiodically assess their abilitiesand skills to determine if anyproblems exist that might endan-

ger their own safety and thesafety of others.

Vehicle RegistrationThis is a brief summary ofCalifornia’s vehicle registrationrequirements. Contact the DMVfor more complete details.

Auto Club members can registeror renew the registration of vehi-cles at any DMV office or AutoClub office.

SAFETY TIPS FOR OLDER DRIVERS

• Get a doctor’s advice about your driving. If you are advised to avoid heavyor fast traffic or night driving, follow this advice.

• Have an eye examination to test your ability to perceive distances andobjects at night. If you need new glasses, get them before continuing todrive.

• Don’t drive after taking medication unless your doctor has indicated yourdriving abilities will not be affected.

• Never drive after drinking alcohol.

• Have a driving instructor check your driving and make suggestions. Anexperienced instructor can help you polish your driving skills, as well asspot faulty habits and provide advice to overcome them.

• Keep up-to-date on traffic laws and rules for safe driving.

• Plan every trip—short or long—before leaving. Avoid heavily traveled orhigh-speed routes. Getting there is more important than arriving quickly.Stay away from routes or areas that cause you stress.

• Avoid driving too slowly for traffic conditions. It is nearly as dangerous asdriving too fast. By traveling too slow, vehicles may tailgate or go aroundyou, increasing the risk of a crash.

• Finally, always use your seat belts, and require your passengers to usetheirs as well. Seat belts provide protection in a crash or other emergency.Also, it’s the law.

103


Other Matters of Interest

REGISTERING A CALIFORNIAVEHICLEWhen you purchase a new orused vehicle from a licensedCalifornia dealer, the dealer col-lects State Board of Equalizationsales tax and DMV fees necessaryto register and title the vehicle.

A dealer sends to the DMV thefees and documents to registerand title the vehicle694 and givesyou papers showing temporaryoperating authority. You canlegally drive with this until yournew license plates and registra-tion card arrive.695 The dealer isallowed 30 days from the date ofsale to submit the forms and feesto the DMV.696 Usually within sixto eight weeks of your purchase,you will receive a RegistrationCard and stickers from the DMV.If appropriate and there is no lienholder, you will also be sent aCertificate of Title. If you pur-chase a vehicle from a privateparty, you are responsible fortransferring the vehicle within 10days. The DMV will collect fromyou any applicable sales tax andthe appropriate transfer and reg-istration fees.697

You will need the following itemsto register a vehicle:

• Certificate of Title orApplication for Duplicate Title(DMV form REG 227), properlyendorsed and completed bythe seller and buyer.698

• Purchase price and date.

• Smog certification providedby the seller, if required.699

• Use tax payment, ifapplicable.

• Odometer Mileage Disclosurestatement, if applicable.700

• Appropriate DMV fees(which include registrationand transfer fees).701

• Proof of financialresponsibility.702

When you sell or transfer a vehi-cle, you must report it to the DMVwithin 5 days on DMV form Noticeof Release of Liability (REG138).703 You must enter the nameand address of the purchaser andthe date of transfer.704

REGISTERING AN OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLEIf you own a vehicle currentlyregistered in another state or for-eign country, you must registerthe vehicle in California within20 days following the establish-ment of residency or employmenthere.705 An exemption exists fornonresident daily commuters.706

Nonresident military personneland their spouses are permittedto operate their vehicles inCalifornia with their valid home-state license plates until theyexpire. They may either renewtheir vehicle registration in theirhome state (before the end of theregistration period) or register the vehicle in California.707 Youwill need the following items to

104 Other Matters of Interest


register the vehicle:

• Completed Application forRegistration (DMV formREG 343).708

• Out-of-state title.709 This alsoincludes surrender of the out-of-state license plates.

• Last-issued out-of-state regis-tration card.

• Smog certification (1976

and newer motor vehiclesonly).710

• Weight certificate (for com-mercial vehicles and trailersonly).

• Appropriate DMV fees (whichinclude registration and usetax, if due).711

• Odometer Mileage Disclosurestatement, if applicable.712

105


APPENDIX A

1) When pulling out from acurb parking space:

a) Do not start until you canmove with reasonablesafety.

b) Give an arm signal andsound your horn as awarning, then start mov-ing away from the curb.

c) Signal, then pull out intotraffic after yielding tothree vehicles.

2) When entering or crossing ahighway from public or pri-vate property or from analley, which must yield theright of way?

a) The car entering the high-way.

b) The car traveling on thehighway.

c) Neither car.

3) When two vehicles enter anintersection at the same timefrom different highways notcontrolled by stop signs, traf-fic signals, or yield right-of-way signs:

a) The driver of the vehicleon the right shall yieldthe right-of-way to thevehicle on the left.

b) The driver of the vehicleon the left shall yield theright-of-way to the vehicleon the right.

c) Both vehicles must stop.

4) You must never leave a childunder 6 years of age in avehicle unless the child issupervised by a person:

a) Age 10 or older.

b) Age 12 or older.

c) Age 18 or older.

5) California has an allowableBlood Alcohol Concentration(BAC) of less than .10%.Drivers age 21 and older arepresumed to be DrivingUnder the Influence (DUI)with a BAC of at least:

a) .10%

b) .08%

c) .05%

6) All states have a ZeroTolerance Law for driversunder age 21 to prevent theirdriving with any “measur-able” amount of alcohol. InCalifornia, drivers youngerthan 21 may not drive amotor vehicle with a BAC of:

a) .01% or more.

Practice Quiz on California Vehicle Code

Listed below are practice questions to help you prepare for your DMV written test.

106 Appendix A


b) .04% or more.

c) .08% or more.

7) If you are arrested for dri-ving under the influence andyou refuse to submit to achemical test of the alcoholin your body, your licensewill be suspended for:

a) 90 days.

b) 6 months.

c) 1 year.

8) Abandoning or dumping anunwanted animal on a high-way may be punished by:

a) A fine up to $1,000.

b) Up to 6 months in countyjail.

c) Both the fine and jailsentence.

9) You must never drive faster,under the Basic Speed Law,than:

a) The speed of other traffic.

b) It is safe, with due consid-eration to weather, visibil-ity, traffic, and the safetyof others.

c) You determine is reasonable.

10) When passing school groundswhere a school warning signis posted and children aregoing to or coming fromschool, the speed limit is:

a) 25 mph, unless postedlower.

b) 35 mph.

c) 30 mph after 12 noon.

11) The speed limit in a businessdistrict is:

a) 25 mph.

b) 30 mph.

c) 35 mph.

12) If a vehicle is moving slowlyon a two-lane highway, hold-ing up traffic, it must turnoff at a turnout or other safeplace if closely followed by:

a) Three vehicles.

b) Five vehicles.

c) Neither of these. It shouldspeed up to the speed ofthe following vehicles.

13) Turn signals must be givencontinuously for:

a) 200 feet before turning.

b) 100 feet before turning.

c) 3 to 5 seconds beforeturning.

14) A two-way left-turn lane inthe middle of a street willshow pavement striping oneach side of this lane asfollows:

a) Two solid lines.

b) Solid lines outside, dashedlines inside.

c) Dashed outside lines, solidinside lines.

107


Appendix A

15) If a left turn can be madefrom two designated left-turnlanes, you can start a U-turnfrom:

a) Either lane.

b) Only the left-most turnlane.

c) Both lanes, unless a signprevents it.

16) The correct position in thestreet from which to make aleft-hand turn is:

a) From any part of thestreet, provided you signal,as well as look into therearview mirror.

b) From the extreme left-hand lane lawfully avail-able to traffic moving inthe same direction oftravel.

c) It doesn’t matter unlessyou cut the corner by turn-ing before entering theintersection.

17) A driver may make a rightturn at an intersection:

a) Only from the lane next tothe right curb.

b) From the right-most lane,or from another lane orlanes marked for a rightturn.

c) Only if other drivers areturning from the addi-tional lane or lanes.

18) Pedestrians have the right ofway in crosswalks:

a) Only in business districts.

b) When crossing in amarked crosswalk orunmarked crosswalk at anintersection.

c) Only in a marked crosswalk.

19) When another car hasstopped at a marked orunmarked crosswalk at anintersection to permit apedestrian to cross, you maypass the stopped car:

a) On the right if the pedes-trian is crossing toward theleft, or on the left if thepedestrian is crossingtoward the right.

b) On either side if the pedes-trian is in front of thestopped vehicles.

c) Under no circumstances.

20) A driver must stop for astopped school bus with itsred lights flashing when:

a) The bus is on the oppositeside of a divided highway.

b) The bus is on the oppositeside of a multilane highway.

c) The bus is at an intersec-tion controlled by a trafficsignal.

21) A driver convicted of passinga stopped school bus display-ing flashing red lights canbe punished as follows:

a) By a fine of up to $100 foreach violation, no matterhow many.

108 Appendix A


b) Not at all—because thebus is stopped, it’s not amoving violation.

c) By a $150–$250 first-offense fine, a $500–$1,000second-offense fine, and aone-year suspension for athird offense within threeyears.

22) If your vehicle is disabled onthe roadway and is equippedwith a working four-wayflasher device:

a) You may activate theflashers if you reasonablybelieve your vehicle createsa hazard.

b) You must activate theflashers as a warning toother motorists.

c) You need activate theflashers only if disabled30 minutes or later aftersunset.

23) The driver of a vehicleinvolved in any accidentresulting in injury to ordeath of any person mustmake a written report to theCalifornia Highway Patrolor, if in a city, to either theCHP or the local policedepartment:

a) Within 10 days.

b) Within 24 hours.

c) At the scene of the

accident.

24) Which of these painted curb

colors—and parking indica-

tors—is not authorized?

a) Red—no stopping, stand-

ing, or parking except for

buses.

b) Orange—parking for con-

struction workers.

c) Blue—parking for the

disabled.

25) A child must be buckled into

an approved safety seat if he

or she is:

a) under 6 years old and less

than 60 pounds.

b) under 6 years old or less

than 60 pounds.

c) under 8 years old and less

than 80 pounds.

26) The penalty for attempting

to evade, flee, or otherwise

elude a pursuing officer is:

a) Five years in state prison.

b) Up to one year in the

county jail.

c) Three years in the

county jail.

109


Appendix A

1)

a) Watch for cars enteringfrom the side

b) One-lane road—nopassing

c) Highway ahead is divided

2)

a) Watch for school busunloading passengers

b) School area—slow downand proceed with caution

c) School pedestrian crossing

3)

a) Sidewalk ends

b) Pedestrian crossing

c) Yield to oncoming traffic

4)

If a parking space shows this sym-bol it means parking only for:

a) Cars with special plates orsigns issued to the disabled

b) Shopping carts

c) Compact cars

5)

a) Rough road

b) Pavement ends

c) Railroad crossing

6)

a) No passing

b) Cross traffic must give youthe right-of-way

c) Let cross traffic go by first

Practice Quiz on Road Signs

110 Appendix A


7)

a) Not a through street

b) Signalized intersectionahead

c) Divided road

8)

a) Reduce speed

b) Stop, if necessary

c) Make complete stop at alltimes

9)

a) Snakes on road ahead

b) Slippery when wet

c) Caution, visibility restrictedwhen road curves ahead

10)

a) Rain ahead

b) Right lane ends, mergeleft

c) Service road enters

111


1 V.C. § 12500(a)

2 V.C. § 12951(a)

3 V.C. § 12951(b)

4 V.C. § 20002(a)(1)

5 V.C. § 12804.9(a)

6 V.C. § 12804.9(a)

7 V.C. § 12807(c)

8 V.C. § 12811

9 V.C. § 12800 andV.C. § 12801

10 V.C. § 12800(c)

11 V.C. § 12801.5

12 V.C. § 12803

13 V.C. § 12800.5(a)

14 V.C. § 12500

15 V.C. § 12800.7 andV.C. § 12801.5

16 V.C. § 17700

17 V.C. § 17701

18 V.C. § 17708

19 V.C. § 12515(a)

20 V.C. § 12516

21 V.C. § 12515(b)

22 V.C. § 12501(a)

23 V.C. § 12501(b)

24 V.C. § 12501(c)

25 V.C. § 12817

26 V.C. § 12817

27 V.C. § 12817

28 V.C. § 12518

29 V.C. § 12518

30 V.C. § 12502(a)(1)

31 V.C. § 12505(c)

32 V.C. § 516 and V.C.§ 12505(a)

33 V.C. § 12504(a)

34 V.C. § 12504(b)

35 V.C. § 12515

36 V.C. § 12504(b)(2)

37 V.C. § 4000.5 andV.C. § 20

38 V.C. § 14607

39 V.C. § 14606

40 V.C. § 14604

41 V.C. § 14602.6(a)

42 V.C. § 12804.9 (b)(1)

43 V.C. § 15250.5

44 V.C. § 1525.6(b)

45 V.C. § 12804.12(a)

46 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(2)

47 V.C. § 15250.5

48 V.C. § 15250.6(b)

49 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(3)

50 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(3)(G)

51 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(3)(E)

52 V.C. § 35780

53 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(3)(F)

54 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(3)F)(ii)

55 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(3)(G)

56 V.C. § 21715(a)

57 V.C. § 21715(b)

58 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(1)(B)

59 V.C. § 12804.9(j)

60 V.C. § 668

61 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(4)

62 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(5)

63 V.C. § 12804.9(b)(4)and (5)

64 V.C. § 12804.9(i)(4)

65 V.C. § 12806(a)

66 V.C. § 12809(c)

67 V.C. § 12809(d)

68 V.C. § 12805(b)

69 V.C. § 12805(c)

70 V.C. § 12806(c)

71 V.C. § 12807(c)

72 Wel. and Inst. Code§ 11350.6

APPENDIX B

Annotations to the California Vehicle Code

112 Appendix B


73 V.C. § 12809(d)

74 V.C. § 12809(d)

75 V.C. § 12800(c)

76 V.C. § 12809(d)

77 V.C. § 12809(d)

78 V.C. § 12813(a)

79 V.C. § 13360

80 V.C. § 13000(a)

81 V.C. § 12801.2

82 V.C. § 14902(a)

83 V.C. § 14902

84 V.C. § 13002(a)

85 V.C. § 13000(b)

86 V.C. § 14902(b) andV.C. § 13002(b)

87 V.C. § 12811.1(a)

88 Health and SafetyCode § 7150.5

89 Health and SafetyCode § 7150.5(a)

90 V.C. § 12811(b)

91 V.C. § 13005(b)

92 V.C. § 12811(b)

93 V.C. § 12814.5 andV.C. § 12816

94 V.C. § 12816

95 V.C. § 12807

96 V.C. § 12807(c)

97 V.C. § 12814(a)

98 V.C. § 12814.5(a)

99 V.C. § 12814.5(a)

100 V.C. § 12814.5(a)

101 V.C. § 12814.5(a)

102 V.C. § 12814.5(c)

103 V.C. § 12814.5(f)

104 V.C. § 14900.1

105 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(E)

106 V.C. § 12800(h)

107 V.C. § 12800(c)

108 V.C. § 12800.5(a)

109 V.C. § 12814(a)

110 V.C. § 12813

111 V.C. § 14600

112 V.C. § 12815

113 V.C. § 533 and V.C.§ 12815

114 V.C. § 14901

115 V.C. § 12815(a) andV.C. § 14901

116 V.C. § 12815(a)

117 V.C. § 12815(a)

118 V.C. § 14610(a)(1)

119 V.C. § 14610(a)(3)

120 V.C. § 14610(a)(4)

121 V.C. § 14610(a)(5)

122 V.C. § 14610(a)(7)

123 V.C. § 13359

124 V.C. § 40500

125 V.C. § 1803(a)

126 V.C. § 40509.5(a)

127 V.C. § 40509.5(b)

128 V.C. § 12808 andV.C. § 12808.1

129 V.C. § 14905(a)

130 V.C. § 1803(a) andV.C. § 27314(b)

131 V.C. § 1806

132 V.C. § 12810(e)

133 V.C. § 12810(f)

134 V.C. § 12810(j)

135 V.C. § 12810

136 V.C. § 1803(a)

137 V.C. § 12814.6(b)

138 V.C. § 12810.5

139 V.C. § 12810.5(a)

140 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(7)

141 V.C. § 12810.5(b)(2)

142 V.C. § 42005(b) andV.C. § 41501

143 V.C. § 11202

144 V.C. § 1808

145 V.C. § 1808.21

146 V.C. § 1808.5

147 V.C. § 12800.5

148 V.C. § 1808(b)

149 V.C. § 12810.5

150 V.C. § 13950 andV.C. § 14100

151 V.C. § 14104.7

152 V.C. § 13351(b)

153 V.C. § 13350(a)

154 V.C. § 13200

155 V.C. § 23160(c)

156 V.C. § 13201(a)

157 V.C. § 13201.5

113


Appendix B

158 V.C. § 13201(c)

159 V.C. § 13201(d)

160 V.C. § 13210

161 V.C. § 13350

162 V.C. § 13350

163 V.C. § 14601.1(b)(1)

164 V.C. § 14602(a)(1)

165 V.C. § 13106(a)

166 V.C. § 13106(a)

167 V.C. § 14602(a)

168 V.C. § 13352

169 V.C. § 2800.1

170 V.C. § 2800.3

171 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(1)and V.C. § 12509(c)

172 V.C. § 12509(c)

173 V.C. § 23159.5(b)

174 V.C. § 23159.5(a)

175 V.C. § 12801.5 andV.C. § 12800.5

176 V.C. § 12800.7 andV.C. § 12801.5

177 V.C. § 12801

178 V.C. § 12509 andV.C. § 14900

179 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)

180 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(C)

181 V.C. § 12509(d)

182 V.C. § 12509(d)

183 V.C. § 17700

184 V.C. § 17701

185 V.C. § 17708

186 V.C. § 12509(a)

187 V.C. § 17701

188 V.C. § 12509(a)

189 V.C. § 12509(a)

190 V.C. § 12509(a)

191 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(2)

192 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(1)

193 V.C. § 12509

194 V.C. § 12509(a) (1)(2)

195 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(3)

196 V.C. § 12814.6(e)

197 V.C. § 12509(a)(4)

198 V.C. § 11102.5

199 V.C. § 11103

200 V.C. § 11102(a)(3)

201 V.C. § 11108(a) and(b)

202 V.C. § 11109

203 V.C. § 11105.1(c)(2)

204 V.C. § 12650

205 V.C. § 12652

206 V.C. § 12660(d)(2)

207 V.C. § 12660(d)(2)

208 V.C. § 12505(c)

209 V.C. § 12652

210 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(D)

211 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(D)

212 V.C. § 12511

213 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)

214 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(E)

215 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(A)

216 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(B)

217 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(c)

218 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(D)

219 V.C. § 12805(b)

220 V.C. § 12804.9(a)(1)(D)

221 V.C. § 25314(b)

222 V.C. § 27314(a)

223 V.C. § 27315(d)

224 V.C. § 12814.6

225 V.C. § 12814.6(e)

226 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(5)

227 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(5)

228 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(2)

229 V.C. § 12814.7

230 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(7)

231 V.C. § 12814.6(a)(8)(A)(1)

232 V.C. § 12811(a)(2)

233 V.C. § 12811

234 V.C. § 12506

235 V.C. § 12816

236 V.C. § 16020 andV.C. § 17050

237 V.C. § 16021(b)

114 Appendix B


238 V.C. § 16021(d),V.C. § 16054.2 andV.C. § 16435

239 V.C. § 16021(b) andV.C. § 16055

240 V.C. § 16021(a) andV.C. § 16053

241 V.C. § 16430 andV.C. § 16056(a)

242 V.C. § 16020

243 V.C. § 16020

244 V.C. § 16020(b)(1)and V.C. § 4000.37

245 V.C. § 16029

246 V.C. § 16029(e)(1)

247 V.C. § 16030

248 V.C. § 16056(a)

249 V.C. § 16056(b)

250 V.C. § 17708 andV.C. § 17709

251 V.C. § 17711

252 V.C. § 16072

253 V.C. § 16070(a)

254 V.C. § 22450(a)

255 V.C. § 377

256 V.C. § 22450(a)

257 V.C. § 21356

258 V.C. § 21461

259 V.C. § 22358.4

260 V.C. § 22352(a)(2)(B)

261 V.C. § 21453(a)

262 V.C. § 21453(b)

263 V.C. § 21453(c)

264 V.C. § 21457(a)

265 V.C. § 21452(a)

266 V.C. § 22526(a)

267 V.C. § 21451(b)

268 V.C. § 21452(a)

269 V.C. § 21457(b)

270 V.C. § 21452(a)

271 V.C. § 21457(b)

272 V.C. § 21800(d)

273 V.C. § 21456(a) andV.C. § 21456.1

274 V.C. § 21456(b) andV.C. § 21456.1

275 V.C. § 21456(b)

276 V.C. § 21453(d)

277 V.C. § 21452(b)

278 V.C. § 21451(c)

279 V.C. § 27315

280 V.C. § 21804(a)

281 V.C. § 21650

282 V.C. § 22107

283 V.C. § 21460(b)(1)

284 V.C. § 21460(c)

285 V.C. § 21460(a)

286 V.C. § 21460(c)

287 V.C. § 21460.5(a)

288 V.C. § 21460.5(b)

289 V.C. § 21460.5(c)

290 V.C. § 21460.5(c)

291 V.C. § 21460.5(c)

292 V.C. § 21460.5(c)

293 V.C. § 21460.5(c)

294 V.C. § 21209(a)

295 V.C. § 21209(a)

296 V.C. § 21966

297 V.C. § 21209(b)

298 V.C. § 275

299 V.C. § 275

300 V.C. § 21755

301 V.C. § 21750

302 V.C. § 21754(c)

303 V.C. § 21754(a)

304 V.C. § 22107

305 V.C. § 21751

306 V.C. § 21752(a)

307 V.C. § 21753

308 V.C. § 21800(a)

309 V.C. § 21800(b)(2)

310 V.C. § 21800(a)

311 V.C. § 21800(b)(1)and V.C. § 21800(c)

312 V.C. § 22107

313 V.C. § 22100(a)

314 V.C. § 22100(b)

315 V.C. § 22100(b)

316 V.C. § 21801(a)

317 V.C. § 22100(a)

318 V.C. § 22100(a)

319 V.C. § 22100(b)

320 V.C. § 22100(b)

321 V.C. § 22100(b)

322 V.C. § 21453

115


Appendix B

323 V.C. § 22100(a)(2)

324 V.C. § 22100(b)(1)

325 V.C. § 21453(b)

326 V.C. § 22105

327 V.C. § 22101(d)

328 V.C. § 22107

329 V.C. § 21657

330 V.C. § 22104

331 V.C. § 22102

332 V.C. § 21451(b)

333 V.C. § 22100.5

334 V.C. § 22103

335 V.C. § 21651(a)(2)

336 V.C. § 21651(a)

337 V.C. § 21460(c)

338 V.C. § 22107

339 V.C. § 22107

340 V.C. § 22109

341 V.C. § 22110

342 V.C. § 22108

343 V.C. § 22111(b)

344 V.C. § 22107

345 V.C. § 21718(a)

346 V.C. § 29006(a)

347 V.C. § 29006(b)

348 V.C. § 29004(a)(2)

349 V.C. § 21655.5(b)

350 V.C. § 21655.7

351 V.C. § 21655.8(a)

352 V.C. § 21700

353 V.C. § 21700 andV.C. § 21701

354 V.C. § 35111

355 V.C. § 24604

356 V.C. § 21712(b)

357 V.C. § 23116(c)

358 V.C. § 23116(e)

359 V.C. § 23117(a)

360 V.C. § 21712(e)

361 V.C. § 21203

362 V.C. § 27001(a) and(b)

363 V.C. § 23111

364 V.C. § 21464(a)

365 V.C. § 23112(a) and(b)

366 V.C. § 42001.7(a)

367 V.C. § 42001.7(b)

368 V.C. § 1803(a)

369 V.C. § 1666.5

370 V.C. § 27400

371 V.C. § 27400(a) and(b)

372 V.C. § 15620

373 V.C. § 22350

374 V.C. § 22356 andV.C. § 22366

375 V.C. § 22349(a)

376 V.C. § 22349(b) andV.C. § 22356

377 V.C. § 22356(a)(b)

378 V.C. § 22357 et seq.

379 V.C. § 22351(b)

380 V.C. § 22406

381 V.C. § 22352(a)(2)(A)

382 V.C. § 22352(a)(2) (B)

383 V.C. § 22353

384 V.C. § 23358.4

385 V.C. § 2815

386 V.C. § 22352(a)(1)(A)

387 V.C. § 22352(a)(1) (B)

388 V.C. § 22352(a)(1) (C)

389 V.C. § 22364

390 V.C. § 22400(a)

391 V.C. § 21654(a)

392 V.C. § 24615

393 V.C. § 21654(a) andV.C. § 21655(b)

394 V.C. § 23109.1

395 V.C. § 22500 et seq.

396 V.C. § 22504(a)

397 V.C. § 22504(a)

398 V.C. § 22502(a)

399 V.C. § 22502(b)

400 V.C. § 22502(a)

401 V.C. § 22500(h)

402 V.C. § 22500

403 V.C. § 22515(a)

404 V.C. § 22517

405 V.C. § 22511.5

406 V.C. § 22507.8 andV.C. § 22511.8

116 Appendix B


407 V.C. § 5007(a)

408 V.C. § 22511.6

409 V.C. § 22511.5(a)(3)

410 V.C. § 22511.56,V.C. § 4461 andV.C. § 4461.5

411 V.C. § 22500(a)

412 V.C. § 22500(b)

413 V.C. § 22500(c)

414 V.C. § 22514

415 V.C. § 22500(d)

416 V.C. § 22500.1

417 V.C. § 22521

418 V.C. § 22522

419 V.C. § 22500(e)

420 V.C. § 21718

421 V.C. § 22651(f)

422 V.C. § 21458(a)(1)

423 V.C. § 22500(j)

424 V.C. § 22505(b)

425 V.C. § 22507.8

426 V.C. § 22507.8(2)

427 V.C. § 22500(g)

428 V.C. § 12814.7

429 V.C. § 22511.1

430 V.C. § 21055

431 V.C. § 21458(a)(3)(A) and (B)

432 V.C. §21458(a)(4)

433 V.C. § 21458(a)(2)

434 V.C. § 21458(a)(1)

435 V.C. § 21458(a)(5)

436 V.C. § 22509

437 V.C. § 467(a)

438 V.C. § 467

439 V.C. § 467(b)

440 V.C. § 313 andV.C. § 467

441 V.C. § 21950(a)

442 V.C. § 21950(a)

443 V.C. § 21951

444 V.C. § 21963 andV.C. § 21964

445 V.C. § 21663

446 V.C. § 21952

447 V.C. § 21970

448 V.C. § 21950(a) and(b)

449 V.C. § 21950(b)

450 V.C. § 21954(a)

451 V.C. § 21955

452 V.C. § 21950(b)

453 V.C. § 21954(b)

454 V.C. § 21956

455 V.C. § 21960(a)

456 V.C. § 23331

457 V.C. § 21461.5 and21462

458 V.C. § 21461.5 andV.C. §21462

459 V.C. § 280 and24250

460 V.C. § 24400

461 V.C. § 24800

462 V.C. § 24409(a)

463 V.C. § 24409(b)

464 V.C. § 28400

465 V.C. § 24800

466 V.C. § 42009

467 V.C. § 21661

468 V.C. § 21656

469 V.C. § 21710

470 V.C. § 23127

471 V.C. § 26708(a)(1)and (2)

472 V.C. § 26708(b)(3)and (4)

473 V.C. § 26708.5(b)(1)and (2)

474 V.C. § 26708(b)(10)

475 V.C. § 23120

476 V.C. § 25251(b)

477 V.C. § 21708

478 V.C. § 2800

479 V.C. § 2801

480 V.C. § 21707

481 V.C. § 20002(a)

482 V.C. § 20001(a)

483 V.C. § 20001 andV.C. § 20002(c)

484 V.C. § 20003 andV.C. § 16025

485 V.C. § 20008

486 V.C. § 20002

487 V.C. § 20002(b)

488 V.C. § 16000

489 V.C. § 16004

Appendix B 117


490 V.C. § 16072

491 V.C § 1806

492 Insurance Code §1872.45(a)

493 V.C. § 1807

494 V.C. § 16370

495 V.C. § 23123 and V.C. § 23123.5

496 V.C. § 23124

497 V.C. § 23123.5

498 V.C. § 26708

499 V.C. § 27315

500 V.C. § 27314

501 V.C. § 27315(c)

502 V.C. § 27315.1

503 V.C. § 27315(c)

504 V.C. § 31405

505 V.C. § 27315(f)

506 V.C. § 27315 et seq.

507 V.C. § 27315(h)

508 V.C. § 27315(g)

509 V.C. § 27360

510 V.C. § 27360(c)(1)

511 V.C. § 27362.1

512 V.C. § 12814.6

513 V.C. § 21050

514 V.C. § 21759

515 V.C. § 21759

516 V.C. § 21200

517 V.C. § 21200

518 V.C. § 21202(a)(1)and (3)

519 V.C. § 21202(b)

520 V.C. § 214056.3

521 V.C. § 21456.3(a)

522 V.C. § 21456.3(b)

523 V.C. § 21456.3(c)

524 V.C. § 21201(a)

525 V.C. § 21201(b)

526 V.C. § 21201(c)

527 V.C. § 21201(d)

528 V.C. § 21202(a)

529 V.C. § 21202(a)

530 V.C. § 21200

531 V.C. § 22111

532 V.C. § 22211(b)

533 V.C. § 21202(a)

534 V.C. § 21202(b)

535 V.C. § 21208(a)

536 V.C. § 21208(b)

537 V.C. § 21208(a)

538 V.C. § 21212(a)

539 V.C. § 21204(a)

540 V.C. § 21204(b)

541 V.C. § 21205

542 V.C. § 21203

543 V.C. § 23330

544 V.C. § 21960(a)

545 V.C. § 21200.5

546 V.C. § 21210

547 V.C. § 21211(b)

548 V.C. § 27400

549 V.C. § 21212(a)

550 V.C. § 39007

551 V.C. § 39002(a)

552 V.C. § 21655(b)

553 V.C. § 21654(a)

554 V.C. § 21715

555 V.C. § 21711

556 V.C. § 21715(b)

557 V.C. § 23129

558 V.C. § 21712(d)

559 V.C. § 21712(f)

560 V.C. § 28060(a)

561 V.C. § 27909

562 V.C. § 26302(d)

563 V.C. § 24952

564 V.C. § 25300(a)

565 V.C. § 24605(c)

566 V.C. § 26709(b)(2)

567 V.C. § 29004(a)

568 V.C. § 21704

569 V.C. § 21704

570 V.C. § 25650.5

571 V.C. § 27803(a)

572 V.C. § 27803(b) and(c)

573 V.C. § 27801

574 V.C. § 5030

575 V.C. § 24016

576 V.C. § 12500(b)

577 V.C. § 27803

578 V.C. § 38010

579 V.C. § 406

118 Appendix B


580 V.C. § 406

581 V.C. § 23135

582 V.C. § 5030

583 V.C. § 12500(b)

584 V.C. § 24016(b)(2)

585 V.C. § 27803(a)

586 V.C. § 24016(b)(4)

587 V.C. § 12509(d)

588 V.C. § 12509(d)

589 V.C. § 21960(a)

590 V.C. § 21207.5

591 V.C. § 21209(b)

592 V.C. § 407.5(a)

593 V.C. § 313

594 V.C. § 407.5(b)(2)(B)

595 V.C. § 21221

596 V.C. § 21221.5

597 V.C. § 21224(a)

598 V.C. § 21235

599 V.C. § 21235

600 V.C. § 22411

601 V.C. § 407.5 andV.C. § 21226

602 V.C. § 21228(a)

603 V.C. § 21228(a)(1)

604 V.C. § 21228(a)(2)

605 V.C. § 21228(a)(3)(A)

606 V.C. § 21228(a)(4)

607 V.C. § 22130

608 V.C. § 21235

609 V.C. § 21223

610 V.C. § 21227

611 V.C. § 21235

612 V.C. § 22454(a)

613 V.C. § 22454

614 V.C. § 21810

615 V.C. § 22454.5

616 V.C. § 21809

617 V.C. § 22500(a)

618 V.C. § 21706

619 V.C. § 21709

620 V.C. § 540

621 V.C. § 21756(a)

622 V.C. § 21756(b)

623 V.C. § 21757

624 V.C. § 22107

625 V.C. § 650

626 V.C. § 21051(c)

627 V.C. § 21703

628 V.C. § 22107

629 V.C. § 22451(a)

630 V.C. § 22452(a)

631 V.C. § 22451(a)(1)and (2)

632 V.C. § 22451(b)

633 V.C. § 22452(a)

634 V.C. § 21253

635 V.C. § 21251

636 V.C. § 21252

637 V.C. § 21260(a)

638 V.C. § 21260(b)(1)

639 V.C. § 21260(b)(2)

640 V.C. § 21115.1

641 V.C. § 23152(b)

642 V.C. § 23136(a)

643 V.C. § 23152(a)

644 V.C. § 23152

645 V.C. § 23612(a)(1)(B)

646 V.C. § 23159

647 V.C. § 23152(a)

648 V.C. § 23536(a)

649 V.C. § 23536

650 V.C. § 13352.4

651 V.C. § 23594

652 V.C. § 23575

653 V.C. § 14602.6

654 V.C. § 23538 andV.C. § 23556

655 V.C. § 1808,V.C. § 13352.6,V.C. § 133531.1,V.C. § 13353.8,V.C. § 23217,V.C. § 23502,V.C. § 23546,V.C. § 23550,V.C. § 23560,V.C. § 23566,V.C. § 23575,V.C. § 23612,V.C. § 23622 andV.C. §23646

656 V.C. § 2265 andV.C. § 13353.2

657 V.C. § 23221(a)

658 V.C. § 23221(b)

Appendix B 119


659 V.C. § 23222(a)

660 V.C. § 23222 andV.C. § 23223

661 V.C. § 23225

662 V.C. § 23225(a)(2)

663 V.C. § 23224

664 V.C. § 23224

665 V.C. § 23229

666 V.C. § 23612(a)(1)

667 V.C. § 13353

668 V.C. § 23612

669 V.C. § 25251(a)(3)

670 V.C. § 23612(a)(4)

671 V.C. § 13353(a)

672 V.C. § 13353(a)

673 V.C. § 14602.8

674 V.C. § 13388(a)

675 V.C. § 13388

676 V.C. § 13388

677 V.C. § 13388(a)(1)

678 V.C. § 13202.5(a)

679 V.C. § 13202.5(a)

680 V.C. § 23502

681 V.C. § 13353(c)

682 V.C. § 13353.2(e)

683 V.C. § 13352(a)(1)

684 V.C. § 13352.5(a)

685 V.C. § 13352.5(f)

686 V.C. § 25250 andV.C. § 25251

687 V.C. § 25251.2

688 V.C. § 25251(a)(2)

689 V.C. § 25251(b)

690 V.C. § 25251(a)(3)

691 V.C. § 25251(a)(5)

692 V.C. § 1675

693 V.C. § 1675(d)

694 V.C. § 4456(a)

695 V.C. § 4456(c)

696 V.C. § 4456(a)(2)

697 V.C. § 5902

698 V.C. § 5902

699 V.C. § 4000.1

700 V.C. § 5906.5(a) andV.C. § 5900(b)

701 V.C. § 5902

702 V.C. § 4000.37

703 V.C. § 5900(a)

704 V.C. § 5900(a)

705 V.C. § 6700

706 V.C. § 6700.2

707 V.C. § 6701

708 V.C. § 4300

709 V.C. § 4301

710 V.C. § 4000.1 andV.C. § 4000.2

711 V.C. § 4300.5

712 V.C. § 23538,V.C. § 23556 andV.C. § 5906.5

120


1. A (V.C. § 22106, 7)

2. A (V.C. § 21804)

3. B (V.C. § 21800(b)

4. B (V.C. § 15620.5)

5. B (V.C. § 23152(b)

6. A (V.C. § 23136(a)

7. C (V.C. § 13353(a)

8. C (V.C. § 1666.5)

9. B (V.C. § 22350)

10. A (V.C. § 22352(b),V.C. § 22358.4)

11. A (V.C. § 22352(b)

12. B (V.C. § 21656)

13. B (V.C. § 22108)

14. B (V.C. § 21460.5)

15. B (V.C. § 22100.5)

16. B (V.C. § 22100(b)

17. B (V.C. § 22100(a)(3)

18. B (V.C. § 21950)

19. C (V.C. § 21951)

20. C (V.C. § 22454)

21. C (V.C. § 22454.5)

22. B (V.C. § 25251(b)

23. B (V.C. § 20008(a)

24. B (V.C. § 21458)

25. B (V.C. § 27360)

26. B (V.C. § 2800.1,

V.C. § 2800.3)

APPENDIX C

Answers to Practice Quiz on California Vehicle Code

Answers to Practice Quiz on Road Signs

1. A

2. B

3. B

4. A

5. C

6. C

7. B

8. C

9. C

10. B


121

NOTES

Driving in California 2009

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