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ENGLISH

2010

California
Driver Handbook

O F CALIFO Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor


TE R
State of California
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Dale E. Bonner, Secretary


Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
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George Valverde, Director


Department of Motor Vehicles
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Governor’s Message
California Driver Handbook

My Fellow Californians:
As Governor, I want you, your family, and all those
living in our beautiful state to be safe while driv-
ing on California roadways. The California Driver
Handbook is an educational tool written to assist you
in understanding the rules of the road. I urge you to
study this handbook and apply its contents to help
keep you and your loved ones safe. The handbook
is also available online and in audio files, at www.
dmv.ca.gov. More than ever, Californians are saving
time by utilizing the many online services offered at
www.dmv.ca.gov. This website provides the ability
to easily conduct business online, including: renewing vehicle registration or
driver license; providing access to forms and driver safety information; report-
ing the sale of a vehicle; and many other transactions that can be completed
without having to visit a field office. Doing business with the Department of
Motor Vehicles has never been easier.
I trust you will find the California Driver Handbook helpful safeguarding our
Golden State’s drivers and roads, which is important to all Californians. When-
ever you plan on getting behind the wheel, please remember to pay attention,
do not send text messages, be a courteous driver, and never drink and drive.
Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

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...for what you love
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
New 2010 Laws........................viii MISCELLANEOUS LICENSING
New Information........................... viii INFORMATION.........................13
Where to Write.............................. viii To Replace a Lost/Stolen or
dmv INFORMATION..................... ix Damaged License......................13
Name Changes.............................13
GENERAL INFORMATION................ 1 License Renewals.........................13
Disclaimer.......................................1 Renewal by Mail or Internet...........13
Accurate Identification.....................1 License Extension.........................14
Basic Information............................1 License in Your Possession...........14
THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER LICENSE.... 2 Address Changes..........................14
Who Must Have a License?............2 Medical Information Card..............14
California Residents......................2 Organ and Tissue Donation...........15
California Resident Unlicensed Drivers........................15
Military Personnel Diplomatic Driver Licenses............15
(U.S. Armed Forces)...................2 Identification (ID) Card..................15
Nonresident Military Personnel Free ID Cards for Physical and
Stationed in California................2 Mental (P&M) Conditions...........16
New Residents.............................2 Driving Schools.............................16
Adults Visiting California...............2 Mature Driver Program..................16
Minors Visiting California...............3 Pedestrian Responsibilities*..........16

OBTAINING A DRIVER LICENSE......... 3 SEAT BELTS...............................17


Acceptable Documents...................3 Mistaken Beliefs about
Application Requirements for a Seat Belts...................................19
Basic Class C Driver License.......4 Child Restraint System and
Adults’ Permit Requirements...........4 Safety Seats...............................20
Adults’ License Requirements.........5 Riding Safely with Air Bags...........20
Side-Impact Air Bags.....................21
LICENSE CLASSES........................ 5 Unattended Children in
THE EXAMINATION PROCESS........... 7 Motor Vehicles............................21
Where to Take the Tests..................7 Traffic Lights and Signs..........21
DMV Examinations..........................7 Traffic Signal Lights.......................21
Special Section - Minors............ 8 Pedestrian Signal Lights................22
Minors’ Permit Requirements...........8 Traffic Signs...................................23
Minors’ Permit Restrictions............10 LAWS AND RULES OF THE ROAD.....26
Minors’ License Requirements......10 Right-of-Way Rules.......................26
Exceptions - Minors License General Information....................26
Restrictions.................................10 Pedestrians.................................26
Traffic Violations ........................... 11 Crosswalks..................................27
Teenage Traffic Deaths................ 11 Intersections...............................27
Actions against the Provisional Roundabouts..............................28
License....................................... 11 On Mountain Roads....................29
Keeping Your Provisional Speed Limits.................................29
License..................................... 11 Maximum Speed Limit...................29
Habitual Truant—Persons Reduced Speeds...........................29
Age 13 to 18.............................12 Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather......29
Minors and Cell Phones................12 Towing Vehicles, Buses, or
Large Trucks.............................30

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Around Children..........................30 Horn, Headlights, and
Blind Intersections......................31 Emergency Signals....................51
Alleys...........................................31 Use Your Horn.............................51
Near Railroad Tracks...................31 Do Not Use Your Horn.................51
Light Rail Transit Vehicle Use Your Headlights....................51
Crossings.................................32 Use Your Emergency Signals......52
Near Streetcars, Trolleys, or Following Distances......................52
Buses.......................................32 Taking Dangers One
Business or Residential at a Time...................................52
Districts....................................32 Splitting the Difference................52
Near Animals...............................32 Problem Drivers..........................53
Merging in/out of Traffic.................53
TRAFFIC LANES..........................32
Space to Merge..........................53
Line Colors....................................32
Space to Cross or Enter..............54
Choosing a Lane...........................33
Space to Exit...............................54
Changing Lanes............................33
Passing Other Traffic.....................54
Bicycle Lanes................................33
Space and Speed to Pass..........54
Passing Lanes...............................34
Space to Return..........................55
Carpool/High Occupancy
Vehicles (HOV) Lanes ...............34 SHARING THE ROAD WITH OTHER
Center Left Turn Lanes..................35 VEHICLES...............................55
Turnout Areas and Lanes..............35 Large Trucks (Big Rigs) and
End-of-Lane Markings...................36 RVs.............................................55
TURNS.....................................36 Braking.......................................55
Examples of Right and Trucker’s Blind Spots—the
Left Turns....................................37 “No Zone”................................55
Legal U-Turns................................38 Turning........................................56
Illegal U-Turns...............................38 Maneuverability..........................56
Buses, Streetcars, and
PARKING..................................39 Trolleys.......................................57
Parking on a Hill............................39 Light-Rail Vehicles.........................57
Parking at Colored Curbs..............39 Emergency Vehicles......................58
Illegal Parking................................40 Slow Moving Vehicles....................58
Special Parking Rules...................41 Neighborhood Electric Vehicles
SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES.............41 (NEV) and Low-Speed
Signaling.......................................41 Vehicles (LSV)............................59
Steering......................................45 Animal-Drawn Vehicles..................59
Scanning.......................................45 Motorcycles...................................59
Know What Is Ahead...................46 Bicycles.........................................60
Know What Is at Your Side..........47 Pedestrians Who Are Blind............61
Know What Is Behind You...........48 Road Workers and
Clean Windows and Mirrors........49 Work Zones (“Cone Zones”).......62
Adjust Seat and Mirrors..............49 Double Fine Zones........................63
How Well Can You Stop?.............49 Move Over and Slow Down...........63
Driving in the Fog..........................49 Vehicles with Hazardous
Driving in Darkness.......................50 Loads..........................................63
Driving in Rain or Snow.................50
Driving in Hill Country....................51

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Important Driving Tips.............63 ACTIONS THAT RESULT IN LOSS OF
Dealing with Traffic LICENSE................................78
Congestion.................................63 Financial Responsibility.................78
Dealing with Aggressive Insurance......................................78
Drivers and Road Rage..............65 Insurance Requirements.............78
Text Messaging and Collisions on Your Record...........79
Cell Phones................................65 Collisions, Insurance, and
Collision Avoidance.......................65 Minors......................................79
Keep Your Car Visible..................65 Alcohol/Drugs while Driving..........79
What is the Road Like.................66 Alcohol/Drugs and Driving Is
Curves.........................................66 Dangerous...............................79
Driving in Heavy Traffic................66 Carrying Alcohol in a Vehicle......82
Traffic Speeds.............................66 Drivers Under 21
Driving Hazards.............................66 (Possession of Alcohol)............82
Water on the Road......................66 Drivers of All Ages.......................83
Slippery Roads...........................67 Blood Alcohol Concentration
Skids on Slippery Surfaces........67 (BAC) Limits.............................83
Mechanical Tips............................68 Admin Per Se................................83
Acceleration Skids......................68 Court DUI Convictions...................84
Locked Wheel Skids...................68 Drivers 21 and Older­—DUI
Steering Wheel Locking Programs and Restricted
Device......................................68 Licenses...................................85
Collisions are not Accidents..........68 Designated Driver Program...........85
Causes of Collisions...................68 Getting a Ticket..............................86
Involved in a Collision.................68 Evading a Police Officer................86
Reporting a Collision..................69 Points on the Driver Record..........86
ADDITIONAL DRIVING Vandalism/Graffiti—All Ages..........87
Speed Contests/Reckless
laws/RULES..........................69
Driving........................................87
Things You Must Not Do:...............69
Possessing Firearms.....................87
Things You Must Do:......................71
Traffic Violator School
HEALTH AND SAFETY....................71 Dismissals..................................87
Safety for the Aging Driver.............71 Suspension or Revocation
Good Vision for All Drivers.............71 by DMV.......................................87
Hearing..........................................73 Suspension by Judge....................88
Alertness.......................................73
Medications...................................73
vehicle registration
Health and Emotions.....................74 requirements.......................89
Conditions Physicians California Vehicles.........................89
Must Report................................74 Out-of-State Vehicles.....................90
Safety Tips.....................................74 Related Fast Facts and
Record Confidentiality...................75 Other Publications
Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips.........75 (available online):........................91
Traffic Breaks . ..............................76 Sample Test #1..............................93
What a Driver Should Do Sample Test #2..............................94
During an Enforcement Stop......77

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New 2010 Laws
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Pilot Program
Effective July 1, 2010
• A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) pilot program will be implemented that
requires a first time or multiple DUI offender to install an Ignition Interlock
Device (IID) in certain areas.
• Reduces the mandatory suspension period for a repeat DUI offender who
opts for an IID restricted driver license by enrolling in or partially complet-
ing a DUI treatment program and installing an IID. These individuals must
meet all other reinstatement requirements.
New Information
• Neighbor Electric Vehicles (NEV) and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) have
become fixtures on our roadways and part of the California driving culture.
See the NEV and LSV section on (page 59) for more information on these
new class of passenger vehicles.

• Information that applies to minors is identified by brown headings.

Where to Write
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publication,
please send them to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Customer Communications Section
MS H165
PO Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
© Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2010
All rights reserved
This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. DMV owns the copyright of this work.
Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted work; (2)
distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation of derivative works
based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the copyrighted work publicly; or
(5) performing the copyrighted work publicly. All requests for permission to make
copies of all or any part of this publication should be addressed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Legal Office MS C128
PO Box 932382
Sacramento, CA 94232-3820

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dmv INFORMATION
DMV offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and
Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. A few offices offer only driver
license or vehicle registration services. Go online or call the toll-free number
below to find the office locations and service options of an office near you.
Go online at: www.dmv.ca.gov for:
• Field office locations, hours, directions, and phone numbers
• Making appointments (except for commercial driving tests)
• Ordering personalized plates
• Driver license and identification card information
• Vehicle/vessel registration information
• Downloadable forms
• Publications—handbooks, brochures, and sample tests
• Senior driver information
• Teen driver information
• Links to other state and federal agencies
• Renew your driver license or vehicle registration with the Renewal
Identification Number (RIN) provided on your renewal notice

• Call 1-800-777-0133 during nor- • Call 1-800-777-0133 for auto-


mal business hours to: mated service 24 hours a day, 7
– Get driver license and vehicle days a week to:
registration information, – Access DMV’s voice recog-
forms, and publications. nition system.
– Find office locations and – Renew your vehicle regis-
hours. tration with the Renewal
– Make a driving test appoint- Identification Number pro-
ment. vided on your billing notice
and pay with a credit card.
– Speak to a DMV representa-
tive. – Make an office appointment.

Advertising sponsorship, instead of your fees, helps defray the printing costs of this
publication. The products and services provided by the advertising sponsors are not
promoted or endorsed by DMV, but the significant contribution by the advertising
sponsors is most appreciated.

If you would like to advertise in this publication, please call the Office of State
Publishing Advertising Department at 1-866-824-0603.

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dmv.ca.gov

You get to Choose.


Valid driver’s license?
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GENERAL INFORMATION

Disclaimer
Fees mentioned in the California Driver Handbook are subject to legislative
change. This handbook is only a summary of the laws and regulations in the
California Vehicle Code. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), law
enforcement, and courts follow the full and exact language of the California
Vehicle Code. The California Vehicle Code is available online at www.dmv.
ca.gov or at the Legislative website at www.leginfo.ca.gov, or you may buy
a copy at any DMV office.
Accurate Identification
The reliability, integrity, and confidentiality of the California driver license
(DL) and identification card­ (ID) is of prime concern to all levels of govern-
ment, and the private sector.
It is critical that these documents be completely authenticated and accurate.
The California Legislature has declared that the DL or ID card is the primary
identification document in this state. California law requires that all applicants
who apply for an original California DL/ID card submit proof of legal presence
in the U.S. as authorized under federal law. Your true full name as shown on
your legal presence document will appear on your DL/ID card.
Basic Information
A California driver license shows that you have been given permission by the
state to drive on public roadways. You may apply for a driver license at most
DMV offices. (See page ix.)
It is a misdemeanor to drive in California without a valid driver license. If
you do, you can be cited, your vehicle may be impounded, and you may have
to appear in court.
If you do not have outstanding actions on your record, you will receive a
license after you pay the application fee, pass an exam about the law and
safety rules, show that your physical and/or mental condition is satisfactory,
and demonstrate your ability to drive safely. If you have a medical condition
or a disability, DMV may require you to take a driving test and/or present a
statement from your physician regarding your condition.

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THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER NOTE: Your license is not valid if
LICENSE it has been suspended, canceled or
revoked.
Who Must Have a License? Military dependents do not qualify
California Residents for this extension.
California residents who drive on Nonresident Military Personnel
Stationed in California
public highways or use public park-
ing facilities must have a California If you are 18 years of age or older, see
driver license, unless they are: the rules for “California Residents”
and “Adults Visiting California.”
• Members of the Armed Forces or
Licensees eligible for military exten-
a United States (U.S.) Govern-
sions should carry documentation
ment civilian employee who only
from their home state to verify their
drives vehicles owned or con-
status to law enforcement.
trolled by the U.S. Government
on federal business. New Residents
When you become a California
• Persons who drive farming ve-
hicles not normally used on public resident and you want to drive in
highways. California, you must apply for a
California driver license within 10
• Persons who drive registered off- days.
highway vehicles or snowmobiles
across a highway (other than a Residency is established by: be-
freeway). ing registered to vote in California
elections; paying resident tuition at
California Resident Military
Personnel (U.S. Armed Forces) a California college or university;
filing for home owner’s property tax
If you are out-of-state on active
exemption; obtaining a California
military duty and have a valid Cali-
driver license; or receiving any other
fornia driver license, your license
privilege or benefit not ordinarily
will be valid for the full time you
extended to nonresidents.
are absent from California and for
30 days from your discharge date, Adults Visiting California
if honorably discharged outside of Visitors over 18 years old with a
California. Carry both your driver valid driver license from their home
license and discharge or separa- state or country may drive in Cali-
tion papers during those 30 days. fornia without getting a California
(CVC §12817) driver license as long as their home
Call 1-800-777-0133 to obtain an state license is valid.
Extension of License for Person in Minors Visiting California
Armed Forces (DL 236) card which Visitors between 16 and 18 years
extends your California license. old may drive with their home state

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license or instruction permit for only an impressed seal or an original
10 days after arriving in California. stamped impression. The certified
After 10 days, they must have a: copy will be returned to you. If you
• Current California driver license, make a copy of the certified copy,
or the DMV will not accept it for birth
• Nonresident Minor’s Certificate date/legal presence or true full name
(which is issued by DMV) to a verification.
minor with proof of financial Examples of acceptable birth date/
responsibility. legal presence documents are: U.S.
Birth Certificate, Proof of Indian
Blood Degree, U.S. Passport, U.S.
OBTAINING A DRIVER Armed Forces ID Cards, Certifi-
LICENSE cate of Naturalization, Permanent
Resident Card, or a foreign passport
When you apply for an original or Mexican Border Crossing Card
DL/ID card, you must present an with a valid I-94. A complete list of
acceptable birth date/legal presence birth date/legal presence documents
document and provide your Social is available online at www.dmv.
Security Number (SSN). Depend- ca.gov or in Fast Facts brochure
ing on the birth date/legal presence Birth Date and Legal Presence
document you present, your first Requirements (FFDL 05).
California DL/ID card may expire
Examples of true full name verifica-
on the same date as your legal pres-
tion documents are:
ence document. If the name on your
birth date/legal presence document • Adoption documents containing
is different from the name on your your legal name as a result of the
DL/ID card application, you must adoption.
also bring an acceptable true full • Name change documents contain-
name document. Your thumb print, ing your legal name both before
signature, and picture will also be and after the name change.
taken (See page 4.) For any other • Marriage Certificate.
DL/ID card transaction, you must • A certificate, declaration, or
present photo identification. registration document verifying
Acceptable Documents the information of a domestic
partnership.
An acceptable birth date/legal pres-
ence or true full name document is • Dissolution of marriage docu-
issued by a county or state. This ment containing your legal name,
document is a certified copy of the as a result of the court order.
original (the original is retained by
the county or state) and contains

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Application Requirements resubmit documents, repay the
for a Basic Class C Driver application fee, and retake the
License required tests.
To apply for a driver license, you • Pass a vision test. You must be
must: able to pass a vision test, with or
without corrective lenses, with
• Submit a completed and signed visual acuity better than 20/200
DMV Driver or Identification in at least one eye without the
Card application (DL 44) form. use of a bioptic telescopic lens or
Signing this form means you similar bioptic device to meet the
agree to submit to a chemical minimum vision acuity standard.
test to determine the alcohol or You are allowed to use a bioptic
drug content of your blood when lens for the behind-the-wheel
required by a police officer. If you road test. A bioptic lens restriction
refuse to sign this statement, the and daytime driving only restric-
DMV will not issue a permit or tion will be added to your driver
license. record.
• Present an acceptable birth date/ • Have your picture taken.
legal presence document.
• Give a thumb print.*
• Provide your true full name.
• Sign your name.
• Provide your SSN, which will be
electronically verified with the Adults’ Permit Requirements
Social Security Administration. If you are at least 18 years old, meet
• Pay a nonrefundable application the application requirements, and
fee when you apply for any new or pass the required tests, you may
change of class permit or license. be issued a California instruction
This fee will not be returned. The permit.
fee is good for 12 months and al- You must have an instruction per-
lows you to take the appropriate mit while learning to drive. Your
law test(s) three times. If you fail accompanying driver must be 18
the law test and/or drive test three years of age or older and have a
times your application is void. A valid California driver license. The
new application and fee is needed. person must be seated close enough
This fee pays for both the instruc-
to take control of the vehicle at any
tion permit and driver license, if
time. An instruction permit does
you qualify for both documents
not permit you to drive alone–not
within the 12-month period. If
even to a DMV office to take the
the application expires, you must
driving test.
* The term thumb print means a thumb print or
fingerprint, if you have no thumbs.

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If you want to obtain professional • Bring your valid out-of-state
driver education and driver training, driver license. Your out-of-
refer to page 16. state driver license will be
If you have a motorcycle permit, invalidated and returned to you
you can not carry passengers, you unless you are applying for a
must ride during daylight hours only, commercial license.
and you can not ride on the freeway. NOTE: The behind-the-wheel
To get a motorcycle permit you must: driving test for holders of out-of-
state or U.S. territory licenses are
• Be at least 18 years of age.
normally waived. However, the
• Complete the application require- department may require a behind-
ments. the-wheel driving test for any
• Pass a traffic laws and road signs type of driver license application.
test. Behind-the-wheel driving tests
are mandatory for out-of-country
Adults’ License Requirements driver license holders.
If you have never been licensed, you
must meet the following criteria:
LICENSE CLASSES
• Be at least 18 years old.
This handbook is primarily for a
• Comply with the requirements basic Class C driver license.
for a permit, and when you are
ready you must schedule your Class C license -
behind-the-wheel driving test. • You may drive:
• Make an appointment and bring -- any 2-axle vehicle with a
your instruction permit with you Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
to your behind-the-wheel driving (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less.
test. -- any 3-axle vehicle weighing
• Pass the behind-the-wheel driving 6,000 lbs. or less gross.
test. If you fail the test, you must -- any housecar 40 feet or less.
pay a retest fee for a second or -- 3-wheel motorcycle.
subsequent test and schedule a
-- a vanpool vehicle designed to
behind-the-wheel driving test for
carry more than 10, but no more
another day.
than 15 persons including the
If you have an out-of-state or driver. The driver must have a
out-of-country driver license, valid medical certification on
you must: file with the DMV and carry a
• Complete all the steps required valid medical card. The driver
for a permit. shall keep in the vanpool ve-
hicle a statement, signed under

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penalty of perjury, that he/she Other classes of driver licenses/
has not been convicted of reck- endorsements are:
less driving, drunk driving, or • Commercial Class A
hit-and-run in the last five years.
• Restricted Class A Fire Fighter
(CVC §12804.9[j])
• Noncommercial Class A
• You may tow:
• Commercial Class B
– a single vehicle with a GVWR
of 10,000 lbs. or less including • Commercial Endorsement for
a tow dolly, if used. Doubles/Triples
• With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. • Commercial Endorsement for
or more unladen, you may tow: Hazardous Materials
– a trailer coach or 5th-wheel • Commercial Endorsement for
travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. Passenger
GVWR when towing is not for • Commercial Endorsement for
compensation. Tank
– a 5th-wheel travel trailer ex- • Restricted Class B Fire Fighter
ceeding 10,000 lbs. but under • Noncommercial Class B
15,000 lbs. GVWR, when tow- • Basic Class C
ing is not for compensation and
with endorsement. • Commercial Class C
• Motorcycle Class M1
• A farmer or employee of a farmer • Motorcycle Class M2
may drive:
• Ambulance Driver Certificate
– any combination of vehicles
with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. • Verification of Transit Training
or less if used exclusively in Certificate
agricultural operations and it • School Bus Endorsement
is not for hire or compensation. Detailed information on other li-
NOTE: cense types and endorsements can be
• Class C licensees may not tow found in the California Commercial
more than one vehicle. Driver Handbook, the Recreational
• A passenger vehicle, regardless Vehicles and Trailers Handbook, the
of weight, may not tow more than Ambulance Drivers Handbook, the
one vehicle. Parent-Teen Training Guide, and the
California Motorcycle Handbook.
• No motor vehicle under 4,000
Please refer to the above handbooks
lbs. unladen weight may tow
for additional information.
any vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs.
or more gross. (CVC §21715)

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THE EXAMINATION • A test of traffic laws, and road
PROCESS signs.
• A behind-the-wheel driving test,
Where to Take the Tests if required. You must have an
You may take the written, vision, appointment to take the behind-
and behind-the-wheel driving tests the-wheel driving test. For the
at any DMV field office which pro- test, bring:
vides driver license services. – your old driver license or in-
To save time, make an appointment struction permit, if you have
online: www.dmv.ca.gov or call one.
1-800-777-0133 during normal – a licensed driver age 18 years
business hours. or older with a valid driver
NOTE: To allow you sufficient license.
time for testing the DMV will not – proof that the vehicle is prop-
administer written or audio exams erly insured.
after 4:30 p.m.
– a vehicle that is safe to drive
Written and vision tests are required with valid registration and
when you apply for an original or displays a front and rear license
upgrade to a different class of driver plate. The vehicle’s brake
license. lights, horn, parking brake,
The use of testing aids is strictly and electric signals must work
prohibited. This includes, but is not properly, and the vehicle can
limited to: The California Driver not have bald tires. The driver’s
Handbook, cheat sheets, or elec- side window must roll down.
tronic communication devices such The windshield must allow a
as a cell phone, etc. If any testing full unobstructed field of vision
aid(s) are used during the written and there must be two rear view
test, the written test will be marked mirrors (one on the left outside
as a “failure.” An action may also be of the vehicle).
taken by the DMV against your driv- You will be asked to locate
ing privilege or the driving privilege the controls for the vehicle’s
of anyone else who assists the ap- headlights, windshield wip-
plicant in the examination process. ers, defroster, and emergency
flashers. You must demonstrate
DMV Examinations how to use the parking brake.
Your driver license examinations If you use a rental vehicle for
include: the driving test, the driver’s
• A vision test. (Bring your name must show on the contract
eyeglasses or contact lenses to as the insured. You must also
the exam.) wear your seat belt.

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NOTE: The behind-the-wheel driv- • If you are 151/2 to 171/2 years of
ing test will be rescheduled if the age, you will need to provide proof
vehicle does not meet the above that you:
requirements, or if you refuse to use -- Completed driver education
your seat belt during the driving test. (Form DL 387 Certificate of
For more information, refer to the Completion of Classroom
Fast Facts brochure How to Prepare Driver Education or OL 237
for Your Driving Test (FFDL 22) and Certificate of Completion of
sample tests which are available Driver Education) OR
online at www.dmv.ca.gov. -- Completed driver education
and driver training (DL 387,
Special Section - DL 387A-E, DL 388A-C
Certificate of Completion
Minors of Driver Training, OL 237,
Minors’ Permit Requirements Certificate of Completion of
A minor is a person under 18 years Driver Education, or OL 238,
of age. Minors must have their Certificate of Completion of
application for a driver license, or Behind-the-Wheel Training)
any change of driver license class, OR
signed by his/her parent(s) or legal -- Are enrolled and participat-
guardian(s). ing in an approved integrated
NOTE: Minors may not work driver education/driver training
as a driver for pay and they may program (DL 400). Certificate
not drive a school bus containing of Enrollment in an Integrated
pupils. (Classroom) Driver Education
and Driver Training Program.
To get a permit you must:
The provisional permit is not
• Be at least 151/2, but under 18
valid until you start your behind-
years of age.
the-wheel driver training with an
• Complete the Driver or Identifi- instructor or reach age 171/2.
cation Card application (DL 44)
requirements. (See pages 3 and 4.) If you are applying for a motor-
cycle learner’s permit, you must be
• Have your parent(s) or guardian(s) between the ages of 151/2 and 171/2
sign the DL 44. and provide proof of driver educa-
• Pass a traffic laws and road signs tion and driver training completion.
test. If you fail the test, you must
If you have a permit and you plan
wait one week before taking the
to drive outside of California, check
test again.
licensing requirements in that state
or country.

-8-
When a car is
no longer a toy...

Visit dmv.ca.gov for the


Parent-Teen Training Guide
NOTE: If you are at least 171/2, you Parent-Teen Training Guide (DL
may obtain a permit without com- 603). Visit the Teen Website at
pleting driver education or driver www.dmv.ca.gov/teenweb/ or
training. However, you can not get call 1-800-777-0133 to request
a license before you are 18 years this booklet.
old, or you must provide proof of • Pass the behind-the-wheel driving
driver education and driver training test. You have three chances to
completion. pass the test while your permit is
Minors’ Permit Restrictions valid. If you fail the behind-the-
wheel driving test, you must pay
You must practice with a licensed
a retest fee for a second or sub-
California driver: parent, guardian,
sequent test and wait two weeks
spouse, or an adult 25 years of age
before you are tested again.
or older. The person must sit close
enough to you to take control of the Once you have your provisional
vehicle at any time. A provisional license, you may drive alone as long
permit does not allow you to drive as you do not have any collisions or
alone–not even to a DMV office to traffic violations.
take a driving test. When you become 18 years old, the
If you have an M1 or M2 motorcycle “provisional” part of your license
permit, you can not carry passengers, ends. You may keep the photo li-
you must ride during daylight hours cense you have or pay a fee for a
only, and you can not ride on the duplicate license without the word
freeway. “provisional.”
During the first 12 months after
Minors’ License Requirements you are licensed, you can not drive
You must: between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and you
• Be at least 16 years old. can not transport passengers under
• Prove that you have finished age 20 unless you are accompanied
both driver education and driver by your licensed parent or guardian,
training. (DL 387, DL 387A–E, a licensed driver 25 years of age
DL 388A–C, OL 237 or OL 238) or older, or a licensed or certified
• Have had a California instruction driving instructor.
permit for at least six months. Exceptions - Minors License
• Provide parent(s) or guardian(s) Restrictions
signature(s) on your instruction The law allows the following excep-
permit stating you have completed tions when reasonable transportation
the 50 hours of supervised driv- is not available, and it is necessary
ing practice (10 hours must be for you to drive. A signed note must
night driving) as outlined in the be kept in your possession for any of

- 10 -
the following exceptions explaining The most common is speeding,
the necessity to drive and the date which often results in loss of vehicle
when the driving necessity will end control and accounts for about 50%
(except emancipated minors): of all teen traffic convictions.
• Medical necessity to drive when When you violate traffic laws, you
reasonable transportation alter- increase your chances of having a
natives are inadequate. The note collision.
must be signed by a physician Teenage Traffic Deaths
with the diagnosis and probable Drivers 15–19 years old have the
date of recovery. highest traffic conviction, collision,
• Schooling or school-authorized and injury rates of any other group.
activity. The note must be signed Traffic collisions are the leading
by your school principal, dean, or cause of death for teenagers. If you
designee. are under 18 years old, your risk of
• Employment necessity and the a fatal collision is about 21/2 times
need to operate a vehicle as part that of the “average” driver. Your
of your employment. The note risk of an injury collision is three
must be signed by your employer times higher than the average driver.
verifying employment.
Actions against
• Your necessity to drive an im-
the Provisional License
mediate family member with
Teenagers as a group average twice
both a physician’s note and a note
as many collisions as adult drivers,
signed by your parent(s) or legal
while driving only half as many
guardian(s) stating the reason and
miles. This makes the teenage colli-
probable end date of necessity.
sion rate per mile four times as great
EXCEPTION: These require- as that of adult drivers.
ments do not apply to emancipated
Studies show that the traffic deaths
minors. You must have declared
of new drivers are deadly combina-
yourself emancipated and pro-
tions of their inexperience, lack of
vided DMV with Proof of Financial
familiarity with their vehicle, and
Responsibility (SR1P) in lieu of
need to push themselves and their
your parent(s) or guarantor(s)
vehicle to the limit.
signature(s).
Keeping Your Provisional License
Traffic Violations The DMV will be tracking your
Nearly half of the drivers between driving record and will take actions
ages 15 and 19 years old are con- based upon any collisions or viola-
victed of a traffic violation in their tions as follows:
first year of driving.

- 11 -
• If you get a traffic ticket and fail a driver license the court orders
to appear in court, the DMV will DMV to delay your eligibility to
suspend your driving privilege apply for a driver license. You
until you appear in court. can also be required to complete
• If you get a traffic ticket and fail a Driving-Under-the-Influence
to pay the fine, the DMV will (DUI) program.
suspend your driving privilege Any restriction, suspension, or pro-
until you pay the fine. bation will continue past your 18th
• If you have one “at fault” collision birthday for its full term.
or conviction within 12 months, Other, stronger actions can be taken
the DMV will send you a warning if your driving record justifies them.
letter. Remember, if your driving privilege
• If you have a second “at fault” has been suspended or revoked, you
collision or conviction (or combi- may not drive in California.
nation of both) within 12 months, Habitual Truant—
you can not drive for 30 days Persons Age 13 to 18
unless accompanied by your The court will suspend, restrict, de-
licensed parent or other licensed lay, or revoke your driving privilege
adult who is at least 25 years of for one year if you are convicted of
age. being a habitual truant from school.
• If you have a third “at fault” Minors and Cell Phones
collision or conviction (or any
• It is against the law for a minor
combination) within 12 months,
to use a cell phone while driving.
you will be suspended for six
If your cell phone rings, do not
months and placed on probation
answer the call.
for one year.
• Convictions for violations of this
• If you have additional “at fault”
law are subject to fines.
collisions or point count convic-
tions while you are on probation, • Exceptions: You can use a cell
you will be suspended again. phone to contact law enforcement,
(Traffic law violations resolved in a health care provider, the fire
Juvenile Court are also reported department, or another emergency
to the DMV.) entity in an emergency situation.
• If you are convicted of using
alcohol or a controlled substance
and you are between the ages of 13
and 21, the court orders the DMV
to suspend your driver license
for one year. If you do not have

- 12 -
MISCELLANEOUS A new picture, thumb print, and sig-
LICENSING nature will be taken. Your old photo
DL/ID card will be invalidated and
INFORMATION returned to you.
To Replace a Lost/Stolen or License Renewals
Damaged License The DMV sends a renewal notice
If your driver license is lost, stolen, to your address of record about two
or damaged, you must go to a DMV months before your license expires.
office and pay a fee for a replace- Follow the instructions on the re-
ment. You should also present newal notice. If you do not receive
photo identification. If the DMV can a renewal notice, go online or call to
not confirm your identity, you will make an appointment. (See page ix.)
not be issued a temporary license.
Qualified drivers may be eligible
If you are a minor, your parent(s) to renew by mail or online at the
or guardian(s) must sign the DMV DMV’s website.
application form (DL 44).
The DMV issues a driver license for
Once a replacement license has been five years. The license expires on
issued, the previous license is no your birthday in the year shown on
longer valid. Destroy the license if the license. It is against the law to
you find it later. drive with an expired driver license.
Name Changes A driving test may be required as
When you change your name be- part of any driver license transac-
cause of marriage or for other valid tion. Driving tests are not required
reasons, change your name with simply because of age.
the Social Security Administration If the DMV can not confirm your
(SSA). identity, you will not be issued a
Bring your driver license to DMV temporary license.
in person, along with your marriage For other types of licenses refer to
certificate or other acceptable veri- the California Commercial Driver
fication of your “true full name.” Handbook, the Recreational Ve-
(See page 3.) You must complete hicles and Trailers Handbook, or the
the Driver License or Identification California Motorcycle Handbook.
Card application (DL 44) and pay the
applicable fee. DMV will electroni- Renewal by Mail or Internet
cally verify your name, birth date, If you have not received two con-
and social security number (SSN) secutive five-year extensions, you
with the SSA. may be eligible to renew by mail,
without taking a law test, if:

- 13 -
• Your current license expires be- sion, you must show it to the other
fore age 70. driver(s) involved. (See page 68.)
• You do not have a probationary Address Changes
license. (CVC §14250)
When you move, you must give
• You have not violated a written the DMV your new address within
promise to appear in court or to 10 days. There is no fee to change
pay a fine within the last two years. your address. You may notify
• You are not suspended for driv- DMV of your address change for
ing with an illegal Blood Alcohol your driver license, identifica-
Concentration (BAC) level, or for tion card, and vehicle(s) online at
refusing, or for failing to com- www.dmv.ca.gov. You may also
plete, a chemical or preliminary download a Change of Address
alcohol screening test within the (DMV 14) form and mail it to the
last two years. address on the form, or call DMV at
• You do not have a total violation 1-800-777-0133, and request that
point count greater than one point. a DMV 14 form be mailed to you.
NOTE: You may renew by Inter- A new driver license is not issued
net, if your renewal-by-mail notice when you change your address. A
includes a Renewal Identification space is provided on the back of
Number (RIN). your driver license or identification
card to record your address change.
License Extension
You may also type or write your new
If you are away from California (up
address on a small piece of paper,
to one year), you may request a free
sign, and date the paper and carry it
one-year extension before your
(do not use tape or staples) with your
driver license expires. Limited
driver license or identification card.
term drivers are not eligible for
this extension. Mail your request to If you change your address at a
DMV, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, field office, the DMV representative
CA 94290-0001. Include your name, will give you a Change of Address
driver license number, birth date, Certificate (DL 43) to complete and
California residence address, and carry with your license.
your out-of-state address. Reminder: The U.S. Postal
Service does not forward DMV
License in Your Possession correspondence.
You must always have your driver
license with you when you drive. Medical Information Card
Show it to any police officer who Call 1-800-777-0133 to obtain a
asks to see it. If you are in a colli- free Medical Information Card (DL
390) to list your blood type, aller-

- 14 -
gies, name of your physician, and valid driver license or permit. The
other medical information. It can be law also states that you must not
carried along with your DL/ID card. employ, permit, or authorize any
person to drive your vehicle on a
Organ and Tissue Donation public street or highway, unless the
You may sign up to donate your person is licensed to drive that class
organs and tissue for transplantation of vehicle.
after your death. When you apply for
A person must be at least 21 years old
or renew your driver license or ID
to drive most commercial vehicles
card, check “YES! I want to be an
for hire in interstate commerce and
organ and tissue donor” to place your
to transport hazardous materials or
name on the Donate Life California
wastes.
Organ Tissue Donor Registry. You
may also financially contribute at Diplomatic Driver Licenses
this time, or by visiting the Donate Nonresidents who possess a valid
Life California website. diplomatic driver license issued by
If you are older than 13, and under the U.S. Department of State are
18, you may still register with Do- exempt from California’s driver
nate Life California, provided your licensing r­ equirement.
parent(s) or guardian(s) authorize
the donation. Identification (ID) Card
DMV issues ID cards to persons of
For more information about
any age. To obtain an original ID
the donor registry, adding re-
card, you must present a birth date/
strictions to your gift, and the
legal presence verification docu-
donation process, visit the Do-
ment (see page 3) and provide your
nate Life California website at
social security number (see page
donateLIFEcalifornia.org, or call
13.) The ID card is good until the
1-866-797-2366.
sixth birthday after it is issued. The
Unlicensed Drivers fee for an ID card may be reduced
It is against the law to loan your if you meet certain income require-
vehicle to a person who is unli- ments for specific public assistance
censed or whose driving privilege programs.
has been suspended. If the person Note: Governmental or non-profit
is caught driving, your vehicle organizations determine whether an
may be impounded for 30 days. individual meets the requirements
(CVC §14607.6) for a reduced-fee ID card.
No person of any age may drive If you are age 62 or over, you may
on a highway or in a public park- obtain a free Senior Citizen ID card
ing facility unless the person has a that is good for 10 years.

- 15 -
Free ID Cards for Physical to the fast fact brochure Selecting a
and Mental (P&M) Conditions Driving School (FFDL 33) for ad-
Drivers with physical or mental ditional information.
(P&M) conditions may need to be Mature Driver Program
reexamined from time to time by a The Mature Driver Program is an
physician, or be retested more often eight-hour course for drivers age
than every five years (limited term 55 and older. The course covers a
license status), by a DMV examiner. variety of topics of special interest
Drivers who are no longer able to the mature driver and is available
to drive safely because of a P&M from course providers approved by
condition may exchange their the DMV.
valid driver license for a no-fee ID Your insurance company may offer
card, if certain guidelines are met. discounts for those who complete
Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov or the class and receive a completion
call 1-800-777-0133 for additional certificate­. The certificate is valid
information. for three years and can be renewed
Driving Schools by completing a four-hour course.
When learning to drive, you should Pedestrian Responsibilities*
seek qualified instruction, either in Pedestrians should practice defen-
an accredited public or private high sive walking and be aware of traffic
school, or in a state licensed profes- conditions around them. Look out
sional driving school. for aggressive drivers before assum-
DMV licenses professional schools ing that you have the right-of-way.
and instructors in California that Be aware that hybrid and electric
meet rigid qualifying standards. vehicles are virtually silent when
Schools must carry liability insur- running on electric power and you
ance, be bonded, and maintain may not hear them approaching an
complete records for DMV inspec- intersection.
tion. ­Vehicles are subject to annual
Yield the right-of-way to vehicles
inspection. Instructors must pass
when you cross a street between
a written examination every three
intersections, where no pedestrian
years or show proof of continuing
crosswalks or signals are provided.
education in the traffic safety field.
If you use the services of a profes- Remember: Making eye contact
sional driving school, ask to see the with the driver does not mean that
instructor’s identification card. Go the driver will yield the right-of-way.
online at www.dmv.ca.gov or refer Do not suddenly leave a curb or other
safe place and walk or run into the
*Joggers must obey pedestrian rules.

- 16 -
path of a vehicle close enough to be
a danger to you. This is true even
though you are in a crosswalk. The
law states that drivers must always
yield the right-of-way to a pedes-
trian–but if the driver can not stop
in time to avoid hitting you the law
will not prevent you from being hit.
Always obey traffic signals. Wheth-
er the intersection has pedestrian At night, make yourself more vis-
signals or traffic lights, you must ible by:
obey the pedestrian rules. (See
• wearing white, light , or reflective
pages 22-23.) At an intersection
material clothing.
where traffic is not controlled by
signals, drivers are required to yield • carrying a flashlight.
the right-of-way to you within any
crosswalk, marked or unmarked. SEAT BELTS
When a signal first changes to green Seat belts, both the lap belt and
or “WALK”, look left, right, and then shoulder harness, must be in good
left again, and yield the right-of-way working order. You may not operate
to any vehicle in the intersection your vehicle unless you and all your
before the signal changes. passengers 6 years of age or over,
If the signal begins blinking or or who weigh 60 lbs. or more, are
changes to “DON’T WALK,” or wearing seat belts. You and your pas-
to an upraised hand after you have sengers must wear seat belts while
gone part way across a divided street, your vehicle is moving on public
you may continue across the street. roads and on private property, such
as public parking lots. If seat belts are
Do not stop or delay traffic unneces-
not worn, you may be given a traffic
sarily while crossing a street.
ticket. Also, you will be given the
Pedestrians are not permitted on ticket if a passenger, younger than
any toll bridge or highway cross- 16, is not wearing his/her seat belt.
ing unless there is a sidewalk and
Always use your seat belts (includ-
signs stating pedestrian traffic is
ing the shoulder harness) even if the
permitted.
vehicle is equipped with air bags.
If there are no sidewalks, walk facing You can have shoulder harnesses
oncoming traffic (see the picture). or seat belts installed in older ve-
Do not walk or jog on any freeway hicles. Even if you wear only a lap
where signs tell you that pedestrians belt when driving, your chances of
are not allowed. living through a collision are twice

- 17 -
It may be boring,
but it’s the law–
CliCk it or tiCket!
Visit dmv.ca.gov for
more life-saving information
as high as someone who does not • “Seat belts are good on long
wear a lap belt. If you wear a lap trips, but I don’t need them if I’m
and shoulder belt, your chances driving around town.” More than
are three to four times better to live half of all traffic deaths happen
through a collision. within 25 miles of home. Do not
Pregnant women should wear the lap take chances with your life or the
belt as low as possible under the ab- lives of your passengers. Buckle
domen, and the shoulder strap should up every time you drive regardless
be placed between the breasts and of travel distance.
to the side of the abdomen’s bulge. • “Some people are thrown from
WARNING: Using seat belts re- a vehicle in a crash and walk
duces the chance of being thrown away with hardly a scratch.” Your
from your vehicle in case of a col- chances of surviving a collision
are five times better if, upon im-
lision. If you do not install and use a
pact, you are not thrown from the
shoulder harness with the seat (lap)
vehicle. A seat belt can keep you
belt, serious or fatal injuries may
from being thrown into the path
happen in some crashes. Lap-only
of another vehicle.
belts increase the chance of spinal
column and abdominal injuries— • “I’m only going to the store. My
especially in children. Shoulder little brother or sister doesn’t need
harnesses may be available for your to be secured in a safety seat.”
vehicle, if it is not already equipped Car collisions are the number
with them. one preventable cause of death
for children. Buckle children
Mistaken Beliefs about Seat into a federally-approved child
Belts passenger restraint system. The
Many studies and actual crash tests law requires that you do.
have proven safety belts can reduce The following pictures illustrate
injuries and deaths. Have you heard what can happen in a collision. Your
these myths? vehicle stops when you collide, but
• “Seat belts can trap you inside you keep going at the same speed
a vehicle.” It actually takes less you were traveling until you hit the
than a second to take off a seat dashboard or windshield. At 30 mph
belt. This myth often describes a this is like hitting the ground from
vehicle that caught fire or sank in the top of a three-story building.
deep water. A seat belt may keep
you from being “knocked out.”
Therefore, your chances to escape
are better if you are conscious.

- 19 -
• There is no rear seat or the rear
seats are either side-facing jump
seats or rear-facing seats.
• The child passenger restraint sys-
tem can not be installed properly
in the rear seat.
• All rear seats are already occupied
by children under the age of 12
years.
• A medical reason requires the
child to ride in the front seat.
A child may not ride in the front
If you were struck from the side, seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle
the impact could push you back if the child:
and forth across the seat. Belts and
• Is under one year of age.
straps keep you in a better position
to control the vehicle. • Weighs less than 20 lbs.
• Is riding in a rear-facing child
Child Restraint System and passenger restraint system.
Safety Seats Children ages six years and older,
Any child under the age of six years but less than 16 years, and children
and weighing less than 60 lbs., must under age six years, who weigh
be secured in a federally-approved more than 60 lbs., must be properly
child passenger restraint system and secured in an appropriate child pas-
ride in the back seat of a vehicle. senger restraint system or safety
Proper child passenger restraint belt which meets federal safety
system installation can be checked standards.
by contacting local law enforcement
agencies or fire departments, who Riding Safely with Air Bags
may provide this service or refer Most people can take steps to
you to a Child Passenger Safety eliminate or reduce air bag risk
(CPS) Technician in your area. As without turning off air bags. The
your child grows, check with these biggest risk is being too close to the
agencies to confirm that the car seat air bag. An air bag needs about 10
is the correct size for your child. inches of space to inflate. Ride at
least 10 inches (measured from the
A child under the age of six years,
center of the steering wheel to your
and weighing less than 60 lbs. may
breastbone) from the air bag cover,
ride in the front seat of a vehicle
if you can do this while maintaining
when:
full control of the vehicle. If you can

- 20 -
not safely sit 10 inches away from Example: Leaving a child in a
the air bag, contact your vehicle closed vehicle on a very hot day.
dealer or manufacturer for advice • The vehicle’s engine is running,
about additional ways of moving keys are in the ignition, or both.
back from your air bag. Children may start or move the
Passengers should also sit at least vehicle causing injuries and/or
10 inches away from the passenger- deaths to themselves or others.
side air bag. EXCEPTION: The child may
be left under the supervision of a
Side-Impact Air Bags person 12 years of age or older.
Side-impact air bags can provide
extra safety benefits to adults in side- The court may fine violators and
impact crashes. However, children require the person to attend a com-
who are seated next to a side air bag munity education program. Also,
may be at risk of serious or fatal the DMV and court penalties for
leaving an unattended child in a
injury. Since there are differences
vehicle are more severe if the child
in the design and performance of
is injured, requires emergency
side air bags, you should consider
medical services, or dies.
the benefits and risks associated
with the use of side air bags if you Traffic Lights
transport children. Studies have
shown that children who are leaning
and Signs
against a side air bag when it inflates Traffic Signal Lights
are at risk of serious injury. These Solid Red–A red signal
studies also show that children who light means “STOP.” You
are traveling in a correctly installed can make a right turn
child restraint system appropriate against a red light after you stop then
to age and weight, are not at risk of yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and
serious injury. These children are vehicles close enough to be a hazard.
usually not in the path of a side air Make the right turn only when it is
bag when it inflates. safe. Do not turn if a “NO TURN
ON RED” sign is posted.
Unattended Children in
Motor Vehicles Red Arrow–A red arrow
means “STOP.” Remain
It is illegal to leave a child six years
stopped until the green
of age or younger unattended in a
signal or green arrow appears. Do
motor vehicle. Be aware if:
not turn against a red arrow.
• Weather conditions or other con-
Flashing Red–A flashing
ditions present a significant risk
to the child’s health or safety. red signal light means
“STOP.” After stopping,

- 21 -
you may proceed when it is safe. pedestrian. Do not enter the intersec-
Observe the right-of-way rules. tion if you can not get completely
Solid Yellow–A yellow across before the light turns red. If
signal light means you block the intersection, you can
“CAUTION.” The red signal be cited.
is about to appear. When you see Green Arrow–A green
the yellow light, stop if you can do arrow means “GO.” You
so safely. If you can not stop safely, must turn in the direction
cross the intersection cautiously. the arrow is pointing after you
Yellow Arrow–A yellow yield to any vehicle, bicyclist, or
arrow means “protected” pedestrian still in the intersection.
turning time period is end- The green arrow allows you to
ing. Be prepared to obey the next make a “protected” turn. This means
signal, which could be the green or oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and
red light or the red arrow. pedestrians are stopped by a red light
as long as the green arrow is lighted.
Flashing Yellow–A flash-
ing yellow signal light Traffic Signal Blackout–If a traffic
warns you to “PROCEED signal light is not working, proceed
WITH CAUTION.” You do not need as if the intersection is controlled by
to stop for a flashing yellow light, a stop sign in all directions.
but you must slow down and be Pedestrian Signal Lights
especially alert before entering the Pedestrian signals show words or
intersection. pictures similar to the following
F l a s h i n g Ye l l o w examples:
A r ro w – T h i s s i g n a l “Walk” or “Walking
means turns are permitted Person” lights mean it is
(unprotected), but you legal to cross the street.
must first yield to oncoming traffic
and pedestrians and then proceed “ D o n ’ t Wa l k ” o r
with caution. “Raised Hand” lights mean you
may not start crossing the street.
Solid Green–Give the
right-of-way to any vehi- Flashing “Don’t Walk”
cle, bicyclist, or pedestrian or Flashing “Raised
in the intersection. A green light Hand” lights mean do
means “GO.” If you are turning left, not start crossing the street
make the turn only if you have because the traffic signal is about to
enough space to complete the turn change. If the flashing starts after
before creating a hazard for any you have already started to cross,
oncoming vehicle, bicyclist, or finish crossing the street as quickly
as possible.

- 22 -
Countdown signals indicate how A square red and white
DO NOT
many seconds remain for crossing, regulatory sign means DO NOT
ENTER
and allows pedestrians the flexibility you must follow the
ENTER
to speed up if the crossing phase is sign’s instruction. For WRONG
about to expire. example, the DO NOT WRONG WAY

Some signals may provide a beep- ENTER sign means do WAY

ing or chirping sound or a verbal not enter a road or off


message. These signals are designed ramp where the sign is posted, usu-
to help blind or visually impaired ally on a freeway off ramp. The
pedestrians cross the street. WRONG WAY sign may or may
not be posted with the DO NOT
At many traffic signals, you need
ENTER sign. If you see one or both
to push the pedestrian push button
of these signs, drive to the side of
to activate the “Walk” or “Walk-
the road and stop. You are going
ing Person” signal. If there are no
against traffic. When safe, back out
pedestrian signals, obey the traffic
or turn around and return to the road
signal lights.
you were on. At night if you are
Traffic Signs going the wrong way, the road reflec-
The shape and color of a sign gives tors will shine red in your
you a clue about the information headlights.
contained on the sign. Here are the If a sign has a red circle with
common shapes used: a red line through it, it al-
An eight-sided red STOP ways means “NO.” The
sign means you must make STOP picture inside the circle shows what
a full “STOP” whenever you can not do. The sign may be
you see a STOP sign. Stop before shown with or without words.
entering a crosswalk or at a white A yellow and black circular
limit line which is a wide white line sign means you are ap- R R
painted on the street. If a crosswalk proaching a railroad
or limit line is not painted on the crossing.
street, stop at the corner. X-shaped signs with a white
R

G
A

IN

A three-sided red YIELD


IL

background that states


S
S R
O
O

sign means you must slow


R

RAILROAD CROSSING
C

down and be ready to stop, means you must slow down and be
if necessary, to let any vehicle, bi- ready to stop, if necessary, to let any
cyclist, or pedestrian pass before trains pass before you proceed.
you proceed. A five-sided sign means
you are near a school.
Stop if children are in the
crosswalk.

- 23 -
Red and White Regulatory Signs

No U-turn No Left Turn No Right Turn

White Regulatory Signs

Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs

Guide Signs

Hazardous Loads Placards Slow Moving Vehicle

-- 24
78 -
Warning Signs

Slippery Merging Divided


When Wet Traffic Highway

Sharp Two Way Lane


Turn Traffic Ends

End Divided Traffic Pedestrian


Highway Signal Crossing
Ahead

Added Lane Crossroad Stop Ahead

Yield Ahead Curve “T”


Intersection

Directional Reverse Winding


Arrow Turn Road

- -7925- -
A four-sided diamond-shaped sign or traffic light, speeding, making
warns you of specific road condi- unsafe lane changes, or illegal turns.
tions and dangers ahead. Many Statistics show that right-of-way
warning signs are diamond-shaped. violations cause a high percentage
A white rectangular sign means you of injury collisions in California.
must obey important rules. Pedestrians
Some warning signs have a flo- Pedestrian safety is a serious issue.
rescent yellow-green background. A pedestrian is a person on foot or
These signs warn of conditions who uses a conveyance such as roller
related to pedestrians, bicyclists, skates, skateboard, etc., other than a
schools, playgrounds, school buses, bicycle. A pedestrian can also be a
and school passenger loading zones. person with a disability on a tricycle
Obey all warning signs regardless or quadricycle or in a wheelchair.
of their shape. One-in-six traffic fatalities is a
See the pages 24 and 25 for pedestrian. Drive cautiously when
examples. pedestrians are near because they
may cross your path.
Since hybrid and electric vehicles
LAWS AND RULES are almost silent when operating,
OF THE ROAD pedestrians may be at risk when
Right-of-Way Rules crossing roads and walking through
General Information parking lots because they can not
Right-of-way rules, together with hear the vehicles as they approach.
courtesy and common sense, help to Use extra caution when driving near
promote traffic safety. It is important pedestrians.
to respect the right-of-way of others, • Respect the right-of-way of
especially pedestrians, motorcycle pedestrians. Always stop for any
riders, and bicycle riders. Never pedestrian crossing at corners
assume other drivers will give you or other crosswalks, even if the
the right-of-way. crosswalk is in the middle of
the block and at corners with or
Respecting the right-of-way of
without traffic lights, whether or
others is not limited to situations
not the crosswalks are marked by
such as yielding to pedestrians in
painted lines.
crosswalks, or watching carefully
to ensure the right-of-way of bicy- • Do not pass a vehicle that has
clists and motorcyclists. Motorists stopped at a crosswalk. A pe-
must respect the right-of-way of destrian you can not see may be
others by not violating traffic laws crossing.
such as failing to stop at a stop sign

- 26 -
• Do not drive on a sidewalk, ex- painted lines on the street. Most
cept to cross it at a driveway or crosswalks are at corners, but they
alley. When crossing, yield to any can also be in the middle of the
pedestrian. block. Before turning a corner, watch
• Do not stop in a crosswalk. for people about to cross the street.
You will place pedestrians in Pedestrians have the right-of-way
danger. in crosswalks.
• Remember, if a pedestrian makes Crosswalks are often marked with
eye contact with you, he or she is white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines
ready to cross the street. Yield to may be painted at school crossings.
the pedestrian. Most often, crosswalks in residential
• Allow older pedestrians, disabled areas are not marked.
pedestrians and women with Some crosswalks have flashing
young children more time to cross lights to warn you that pedestrians
the street. may be crossing. Look for pe-
• Important: Blind pedestrians destrians and be prepared to stop,
rely on the sound of your vehicle whether or not the lights are flashing.
to be aware of your vehicle’s Intersections
presence, so it is important that An intersection is any place where
you stop your vehicle within 5 one line of roadway meets an-
feet of the crosswalk. Drivers of other. Intersections include cross
hybrid or electric vehicles need to streets, side streets, alleys, freeway
remain especially aware that the entrances, and any other location
lack of engine noise may lead a where vehicles traveling on different
blind pedestrian to assume there highways or roads join each other.
is not a vehicle nearby. Follow
Driving through an intersection is
this cue:
one of the most complex traffic
When a blind person pulls in his/ situations motorists encounter. Inter-
her cane and steps away from the section collisions account for more
intersection, this gesture usually than 45% of all reported crashes and
means for you to go. Additional 21% of fatalities according to the
information regarding blind pe- Federal Highway Administration.
destrians can be found on pages
• At intersections without “STOP”
61 and 62.
or “YIELD” signs, slow down
Crosswalks and be ready to stop. Yield to
A crosswalk is the part of the road- vehicles and bicycles already in
way set aside for pedestrian traffic. the intersection or just entering
Most intersections have a pedestrian it. Also, yield to the vehicle or
crosswalk whether or not there are bicycle which arrives first, or

- 27 -
to the vehicle or bicycle on your direction. Vehicles entering or ex-
right if it reaches the intersection iting the roundabout must yield to
at the same time as you do. vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists,
• At “T” intersections without and pedestrians.
“STOP” or “YIELD” signs, yield
to vehicles and/or bicycles on
the through road. They have the
right-of-way.
• When you turn left, give the right-
of-way to all vehicles approaching
that are close enough to be danger-
ous. Also, look for motorcyclists,
bicyclists, and pedestrians. When
you turn right, be sure to check for
pedestrians crossing the street and
bicyclists coming up behind you Multiple and single lane roundabout
on the right. On divided highways,
or highways with several lanes, When you approach a round-about:
watch for vehicles coming in any • Slow down as you approach the
lane you cross. Turn either left or roundabout.
right only when it is safe. • Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists
• When there are “STOP” signs at crossing the roadway.
all corners, stop first then follow • Watch for signs and/or pavement
the above rules. markings that guide you or pro-
• If you have parked off the road hibit certain movements.
or are leaving a parking lot, etc., • Enter the roundabout when there
yield to traffic before entering the is a big enough gap in traffic.
road again
• Drive in a counter-clockwise di-
Safety suggestion: While waiting to rection. Do not stop or pass other
turn left keep your wheels pointed vehicles.
straight ahead until it is safe to start
• Use your turn signals when you
your turn. If your wheels are pointed
change lanes or exit the round-
to the left, and a vehicle hits you
about.
from behind, you could be pushed
into oncoming traffic. • If you miss your exit, continue
around until you return to your
Roundabouts
exit.
A roundabout is an intersection
where traffic travels around a cen- For roundabouts with multiple
tral island in a counter-clockwise lanes, choose your entry or exit lane

- 28 -
based on your destination as shown • Bicyclists or pedestrians walking
in the graphic. For example, to: on the road’s edge or crossing the
• Turn right at the intersection, street.
choose the right-hand lane and • Whether it is raining, foggy, snow-
exit in the right-hand lane (blue ing, windy, or dusty.
car.)
Maximum Speed Limit
• Go straight through the intersec-
The maximum speed limit on most
tion, choose either lane, and exit
California highways is 65 mph. You
in the lane you entered (red car.)
may drive 70 mph where posted. Un-
• Turn left, choose the left lane, and less otherwise posted, the maximum
exit (yellow car.) speed limit is 55 mph on two-lane
On Mountain Roads undivided highways and for vehicles
When two vehicles meet on a steep towing trailers.
road where neither can pass, the Other speed limit signs are posted
vehicle facing downhill must yield for the type of roads and traffic
the right-of-way by backing up in each area. All speed limits are
until the vehicle going uphill can based on ideal driving conditions.
pass. The vehicle facing downhill Construction zones usually have
has the greater amount of control reduced speed zones.
when backing.
Driving faster than the posted speed
Speed Limits limit or than is safe for current condi-
California has a “Basic Speed Law.” tions, on any road, is dangerous and
This law means you may never drive illegal. High speed increases your
faster than is safe for current condi- stopping distance. The faster you
tions. For example, if you are driving go, the less time you have to avoid
45 mph in a 55 mph speed zone dur- a hazard or collision. The force of
ing a dense fog, you could be cited a 60 mph crash is not just twice as
for driving “too fast for conditions.” great as a 30 mph crash, it’s four
You may never legally drive faster times as great!
than the posted speed limit, even if Reduced Speeds
you think it is safe to do so.
Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather
Regardless of the posted speed limit, You must drive slower when there
your speed should depend on: is heavy traffic or bad weather.
• The number and speed of other However, if you block the normal
vehicles on the road. and reasonable movement of traf-
• Whether the road surface is fic by driving too slowly, you may
smooth, rough, graveled, wet, be given a ticket. If you choose to
dry, wide, or narrow. drive slower than other traffic, do

- 29 -
not drive in the “Number 1” (fast)
lane. (See page 33.) When traveling
below the speed limit always move
to the right when another driver is
close behind you and wishes to drive
faster, unless you are already in the
extreme right lane.
Towing Vehicles, Buses, or Large
Trucks
When you tow a vehicle or trailer, All vehicles must stop
or drive a bus or three or more axle
truck, you must drive in the right Near schools, look for:
hand lane or in a lane specially • Bicyclists and pedestrians.
marked for slower vehicles. If no • School safety patrols or school
lanes are marked and there are four crossing guards and obey their di-
lanes or more in your direction, you rections. For the crossing guard’s
may only drive in either of the two safety, allow him or her to safely
lanes closest to the right edge of get to the side of the road before
the road. driving ahead.
Around Children • Stopped school buses and children
When driving within 500 to 1,000 crossing the street. Some school
feet of a school while children are buses flash yellow lights when
outside or crossing the street, the preparing to stop to let children
speed limit is 25 mph unless oth- off the bus. The yellow flashing
erwise posted. Also, if the school lights warn you to slow down and
grounds have no fence and children prepare to stop. When the bus
are outside, never drive faster than flashes red lights (located at the
25 mph. Some school zones may top front and back of the bus), you
have speed limits as low as 15 mph. must stop from either direction
Always drive more carefully near until the children are safely across
schools, playgrounds, parks, and the street and the lights stop flash-
residential areas because children ing. The law requires you remain
may suddenly dart into the street. stopped as long as the red lights
Also, many children have not yet are flashing (CVC §22454). If you
developed the ability to judge speeds fail to stop, you may be fined up to
and distances well enough to cross $1,000 and your driving privilege
streets safely when cars are mov- could be suspended for one year. If
ing fast. the school bus is on the other side
of a divided or multilane highway

- 30 -
(two or more lanes in each direc- stop before crossing, if neces-
tion), you do not need to stop. sary. Cross railroad tracks only
Blind Intersections at designated crossings and only
The speed limit for a blind intersec- when it is safe to do so.
tion is 15 mph. An intersection is • Expect a train on any track at any
considered “blind” if there are no time traveling in either direction.
stop signs at any corner and you can If you need to stop after crossing
not see for 100 feet in either direc- the tracks, make sure your vehicle
tion during the last 100 feet before clears the tracks before you stop.
crossing. Trees, bushes, buildings, • Never stop on the railroad tracks.
or parked cars at intersections can Remember that a train can not stop
block your view to the side. If your quickly or swerve out of the way.
view is blocked, edge forward If you are on the tracks you risk
slowly until you can see. injury or death.
Alleys • Watch for vehicles that must stop
The speed limit in any alley is 15 before they cross train tracks.
mph. These vehicles include buses,
Near Railroad Tracks school buses, and trucks trans-
porting hazardous loads.
The speed limit is 15 mph within 100
feet of a railroad crossing where you • Remember that flashing red lights
can not see the tracks for 400 feet mean STOP! Stop at least 15 feet,
in both directions. You may drive but not more than 50 feet, from
faster than 15 mph if the crossing the nearest track when the cross-
is controlled by gates, a warning ing devices are active or a person
signal, or a flag man. warns you a train is coming. Stop
if you see a train coming or you
At railroad or train crossings:
hear the whistle, horn, or bell of
an approaching train.
• Do not go under lowering gates
or around lowered gates. Flashing
red lights indicate you must stop
and wait. Do not proceed over the
crossing until the red lights stop
flashing, even if the gate rises. If
the gates are lowered and you do
not see a train approaching, call
the posted railroad emergency
• Look in both directions and listen toll-free number or 9-1-1. Be
for trains. Many crossings have ready to give a detailed descrip-
multiple tracks, so be ready to tion of your location.

- 31 -
Light Rail Transit Vehicle TRAFFIC LANES
Crossings
Examples of lane markings
The same rules apply to light rail
transit vehicle crossings as to freight
train crossings. Do not proceed
across the tracks until you can see
clearly in both directions and are sure
there are no light rail transit vehicles
or trains coming. Do not go around
or under any lowered gate. (1) Solid yellow line: No passing if
solid yellow line is on your side.
NOTE: Light rail transit vehicles (2) Double solid lines: DO NOT pass.
are very quiet and accelerate more (3) Broken yellow line: May pass if
movement can be made safely.
quickly than freight trains.
Near Streetcars, Trolleys, or Line Colors
Buses
Solid yellow lines mark the center
The passing speed limit, when safe
of a road used for two-way traffic.
to pass, is no more than 10 mph. This
speed limit applies at a safety zone Broken yellow lines mean you may
or an intersection where a streetcar, pass if the broken line is next to your
trolley, or bus is stopped and traffic driving lane.
is controlled by a police officer or Two solid yellow lines mean no
traffic signal. A safety zone is marked passing. Never drive to the left of
by raised buttons or markers on the these lines unless you are:
road and is set aside for pedestrians. • Turning left at an intersection.
You will most often see safety zones • Turning into or out of a private
in areas where street cars or trolleys road or driveway.
and vehicles share the roadway.
• In a carpool lane that has a des-
Business or Residential Districts ignated entrance on the left.
The speed limit is 25 mph, unless
• Instructed by construction or other
otherwise posted.
signs to drive on the other side
Near Animals of the road because your side is
If you see animals or livestock, slow closed or blocked.
down and follow directions from the Two sets of solid double yellow
person in charge of the animals. If lines spaced two or more feet
you see a stray animal in your path, apart are considered a barrier. Do
slow down or stop, if safe to do so. not drive on or over this barrier or
make a left turn or a U-turn across
it except at designated openings.
(See diagram .)

- 32 -
Do not weave in and out of traffic.
B Stay in one lane as much as possible.
Once you start through an intersec-
tion, keep going. If you start to make
a turn, follow through. Last second
changes may cause collisions. If you
miss a turn, continue until you can
Solid white lines mark traffic lanes
safely and legally turn back.
going in the same direction, such as
one-way streets. Changing Lanes
Broken white lines separate traffic Changing lanes includes:
lanes on roads with two or more • Moving from one lane to another.
lanes in the same direction.
• Entering the freeway from an
Choosing a Lane on-ramp.
Traffic lanes are often referred to • Entering the road from a curb or
by number. The left or “fast” lane the shoulder.
is called the “Number 1 Lane.” The Before changing lanes, signal, look
lane to the right of the “Number in all your mirrors, and:
1 Lane” is called the “Number 2 • Check traffic behind and beside
Lane”, then the “Number 3 Lane”, you.
etc.
• Glance over your left or right
Example of numbered traffic lanes shoulder to make sure the lane
you want is clear.
• Look for vehicles, motorcyclists,
and bicyclists in your blind spot.
• Be sure there is enough room for
your vehicle in the next lane.
Drive in the lane with the smoothest
flow of traffic. If you can choose Bicycle Lanes
among three lanes, pick the middle A bicycle lane is shown by a solid
lane for the smoothest driving. To white line along either side of the
drive faster, pass, or turn left, use street, four or more feet from the
the left lane. When you choose to curb. The white line will usually
drive slowly or enter or turn off the be broken near the corner and the
road, use the right lane. words “BIKE LANE” will be
If there are only two lanes in your painted in the lane. When you are
direction, pick the right lane for the making a right turn and are within
smoothest driving. 200 feet of the corner or other
driveway entrance, you must enter

- 33 -
the bicycle lane to make the turn. Be patient when passing a bicyclist,
Do not drive in the bicycle lane at and pass on the left. Slow down and
any other time. pass only when it is safe. Do not
You may park in a bicycle lane squeeze a bicyclist off the road, and
if your vehicle does not block a allow a safe clearance when passing
bicyclist and/or there is not a “No a bicyclist.
Parking” sign posted. Right Wrong

Pedestrians are not allowed in


bicycle lanes when sidewalks are
available. Drivers of motorized
bicycles should use bicycle lanes
carefully to avoid collisions with
bicyclists.
Passing Lanes
Before you pass, look ahead for
road conditions and traffic that may
cause other vehicles to move into Carpool/High Occupancy
your lane. Vehicles (HOV) Lanes
Never drive off the paved or main- A carpool lane is a special freeway
traveled portion of the road or on lane only for motorcycles, buses,
the shoulder to pass. The edge of and/or carpools. You may use a
the main-traveled portion of the carpool lane or on-ramp if your
road may have a painted white vehicle carries the minimum number
line on the road’s surface. Passing of people required for the carpool
other vehicles at crossroads, railroad lane, or you drive a low-emission
crossings, and shopping center en- vehicle displaying a special DMV-
trances is dangerous. issued decal. Motorcycle riders may
Pass traffic on the left. You may pass use designated carpool lanes, unless
on the right only when: otherwise posted.
• An open highway is clearly
marked for two or more lanes of
travel in your direction.
• The driver ahead of you is turning
left and you do not drive off the
roadway to pass. Never pass on
the left, if the driver is signaling
a left turn.
Signs at the on-ramp or along the
freeway tell you the minimum num-
ber of people per vehicle required for

- 34 -
the carpool lane(s). They also list the Make sure the lane is clear in both
days of the week and the hours when directions and then turn only when
the carpool requirement applies. it is safe. Look for vehicles coming
The pavement in this lane is marked toward you in the same lane to start
with a diamond symbol and the their left turn.
words “Carpool Lane.” These lanes When turning left from a side street
are also known as high-occupancy or driveway, signal and wait until it
vehicle (HOV) lanes. Do not cross is safe. Then you may drive into the
over double parallel solid lines to center left turn lane. Enter traffic
enter or exit any carpool lane except only when it is safe.
at designated entry or exit places.
You may drive across a center left
Vehicles towing trailers are typi- turn lane to turn left or to turn into
cally not allowed to use carpool a driveway.
lanes, because they must drive more
slowly and are usually restricted to Turnout Areas and Lanes
the right-hand lane. Special “turnout” areas
are sometimes marked
Center Left Turn Lanes on two-lane roads. Drive
A center left turn lane is in the into these areas to allow
middle of a two-way street and is cars behind you to pass.
marked on both sides by two painted
Some two-lane roads have passing
lines. The inner line is broken and
lanes. If you are driving slowly on
the outer line is solid. If a street has
a two-lane highway or road where
a center left turn lane, you must use
passing is unsafe, and five or more
it when you turn left (CVC §21460.5
vehicles are following you, drive
[c]) or start a permitted U-turn. You
into the turnout areas or lanes to let
the vehicles pass.
LANE
BIKE

LANE
BIKE

may only drive for 200 feet in the


center left turn lane. This lane is not
a regular traffic lane or a passing
lane. To turn left from this lane,
signal, look over your shoulder, and
drive completely inside the center
left turn lane. Do not stop with the
back of your vehicle blocking traffic.

- 35 -
End-of-Lane Markings your turn. If your wheels are pointed
Freeway lanes, as well as some city to the left and a vehicle hits you
street lanes, which are ending will from behind, you could be pushed
usually be marked by large broken into oncoming traffic.
lines painted on the pavement. If Left turn against a red light can only
you are driving in a lane marked be made from a one-way street onto
with these broken lines, be prepared a one way street. Signal and stop for
to exit the freeway or for the lane to a red traffic light at the limit line
end. Look for a sign that tells you or corner. You may turn left into a
to exit or merge, etc. left-moving, one-way street if there
is no sign to prohibit the turn. Yield
to pedestrians, bicyclists, or other
vehicles moving on their green light.
Right turns–To make a right turn,
drive close to the right edge of the
road. If there is a bike lane, drive
into the bike lane no more than 200
feet before the turn. Watch for bicy-
TURNS clists or motorcyclists who may get
between your vehicle and the curb.
Left turns–To make a left turn, drive
close to the center divider line or Begin signaling about 100 feet be-
into the left turn lane. Begin signal- fore the turn. Look over your right
ing about 100 feet before the turn. shoulder and reduce your speed.
Look over your left shoulder and Stop behind the limit line. Look both
reduce your speed. Stop behind the ways and turn when it is safe. Do
limit line. Look left, then right, then not turn wide into another lane.
left again, and make the turn when Complete your turn in the right lane.
it is safe. When you turn left, do not Example of a right turn

turn too soon and “cut the corner” DO NOT


T
UR

of the lane belonging to the vehicles


N WIDE

coming towards you.


Example of a left turn
ER

Right turn against a red light–Sig-


RN

O
TC
CU
OT
DO N nal and stop for a red traffic light at
the limit line or at the corner. If there
Safety suggestion: While waiting to is no sign to prohibit the turn, you
turn left, keep your wheels pointed may turn right. Yield to pedestrians,
straight ahead until it is safe to start

- 36 -
motorcyclists, bicyclists, or other 3. Left turn from a two-way street
vehicles moving on their green light. into a one-way street. Start the
No turn against a red arrow–You turn from the lane closest to the
may not turn right or left against a middle of the street. Turn into any
red arrow. lane that is safely open, as shown
by the arrows.
Examples of Right and Left
Turns
The numbers on the cars in the
diagrams refer to the numbered
sentences on these pages. Always
use your turn signals.
1. Left turn from a two-way street.
Start the turn in the left lane clos-
est to the middle of the street. 4. Left turn from a one-way street
Complete the turn, if safe, in either into a two-way street. Start the turn
lane of the cross street (shown by from the far left lane. Turn into
arrows.) Use the center left turn either of the lanes that is safely
lane if there is one. A left turn open, as shown by the arrows.
may be made from the other lane,
5. Left turn from a one-way street
if permitted by signs or arrows.
into a one-way street. Start the turn
from the far left lane. Watch for
1 pedestrians, motorcyclists, and
bicyclists between your vehicle
and the curb because they can
legally use the left turn lane for
1
*2 their left turns. Turn into any lane
that is safely open, as shown by
the arrows.
2. Right turn. Begin and end the turn
in the lane nearest the right-hand 6. Right turn from a one-way street
curb. Do not swing wide into into a one-way street. Start the
another lane of traffic. Watch for turn in the far right lane. If safe,
pedestrians, motorcyclists, and you may end the turn in any lane.
bicyclists between your vehicle Sometimes, signs or pavement
and the curb. Sometimes, signs markings will let you turn right
or pavement markings will let from another lane as shown by
you turn right from another lane the *.
as shown by the *.

- 37 -
– Whenever a traffic sign, light,
on e
wa
y
or signal protects you from
approaching vehicles.
• At an intersection on a green light
5
or green arrow, unless a “No U-
turn” sign is posted.
6
• On a divided highway, only if an
* opening is provided in the center
divider.
7. Turn at a “T” intersection from
a one-way street into a two-way Illegal U-Turns
street. Through traffic has the Never make a U-turn:
right-of-way. You may turn either • At or on a railroad crossing.
right or left from the center lane. • On a divided highway by crossing
Watch for vehicles, motorcyclists a dividing section, curb, strip of
and bicyclists inside your turn. land, or two sets of double yellow
lines.
• Where you can not see clearly 200
feet in each direction because of
a curve, hill, rain, fog, or other
reason.
7 • Where a “No U-Turn” sign is
posted.
• When other vehicles may hit you.
• On a one-way street.
Legal U-Turns • In front of a fire station. Never
A U-turn is turning your vehicle use a fire station driveway to turn
around in the street to go back the around.
way you came. To make a U-turn, • In business districts. Areas with
signal and use the far left lane or the churches, apartments, multiple
center left turn lane. You may make dwelling houses, clubs, and public
a legal U-turn: buildings (except schools) are also
• Across a double yellow line when considered to be business dis-
it is safe and legal. tricts. Turn only at an intersection
or where openings are provided
• In a residential district:
for turns.
– If there are no vehicles ap-
proaching you within 200 feet.

- 38 -
PARKING Green–Park for a limited time. Look
for a sign next to the green zone
Parking on a Hill for time limits or for the time limit
When you park: painted on the curb.
• On a sloping driveway, turn the Yellow–Stop no longer than the time
wheels so the vehicle will not roll posted to load or unload passengers
into the street if the brakes fail. or freight. Drivers of noncommercial
• Headed downhill, turn your front vehicles are usually required to stay
wheels into the curb or toward the with the vehicle.
side of the road. Set the parking
brake.
• Headed uphill, turn your front
wheels away from the curb and
let your vehicle roll back a few
inches. The wheel should gently
touch the curb. Set the parking
brake.
• Headed either uphill or downhill
when there is no curb, turn the Red–No stopping, standing, or park-
wheels so the vehicle will roll ing. (Buses may stop at a red zone
away from the center of the road marked for buses.)
if the brakes fail. Blue–Parking is permit-
Always set your parking brake and ted only for a disabled
leave the vehicle in gear or in the person who displays a
“park” position. placard or a special license plate
for disabled persons or disabled
veterans. Disabled people with
a placard or special plates may
park in special areas for unlimited
periods of time, regardless of time
restrictions. No one else may park
down hill up hill no curb-up hill
or down hill
there. A crosshatched (diagonal
lines) area adjacent to a designated
Parking at Colored Curbs disabled parking space is a no
Painted colored curbs have the fol- parking area. Qualified persons
lowing special parking rules: may apply at any DMV office or
visit the DMV website at www.
White–Stop only long enough to
dmv.ca.gov to obtain a form for a
pick up or drop off passengers or
parking placard or special plates.
mail.

- 39 -
An identification card will be is- Illegal Parking
sued to holders of disabled person Never park or leave your vehicle:
or disabled veteran license plates.
• Where a “No Parking” sign is
Example of crosshatched posted.
(diagonal lines) area
• On a marked or unmarked cross-
walk, on a sidewalk or partially
blocking a sidewalk, or in front
of a driveway.
• Within three feet of a sidewalk
ramp for disabled persons or
in front of or on a curb which
provides wheelchair access to a
sidewalk.
• In a disabled person parking
space, unless you are disabled
NOTE: Placard abuse results in and display a placard or special
loss of special parking privileges. plates.
It is also a misdemeanor and is
• In the space next to a disabled
punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, person parking space, if it is
imprisonment in county jail for up painted in a crosshatched (diago-
to six months, or both. nal) pattern. (CVC §22507.8)
Examples of placard abuse: • In a space designated for parking
• Using a placard after it has been or fueling zero-emission vehicles
reported lost/stolen (the person which display an identifying
finds the placard after reporting decal.
it lost and then continues to use • In a tunnel or on a bridge, except
it without reporting it has been where permitted by signs.
found)
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Loaning your placard to friends or a fire station driveway.
or family members (disabled or
• On or within 71/2 feet of a railroad
not)
track.
• Interchanging placards with
• Between a safety zone and the
friends or family members
curb.
• Using a placard when the person it
• “Double parked.” (Parking in
was issued to is not in the vehicle
the street when all legal parking
with you (disabled child, family
places at the curb are taken.)
member, deceased person, etc.)
• On the wrong side of the street.

- 40 -
• At a red curb. SAFE DRIVING
• On a freeway, except: PRACTICES
– in an emergency, or
Signaling
– when an officer or device re-
Always signal to other drivers and
quires a stop, or
pedestrians when you plan to turn
– where a stop is specifically left, right, slow down, or stop. Sig-
permitted. A vehicle (even nals may be given by hand-and-arm
if disabled) that is stopped, positions or by using the vehicle’s
parked, or left standing on signal lights. If bright sunlight makes
a freeway for more than the signal lights hard to see, use
four hours may be removed. hand-and-arm signals also.
(CVC §22651[f])
Motorcyclists often use hand signals
NOTE: If you must stop on a to make themselves more visible.
freeway, park completely off the Bicyclists may give right turn-sig-
pavement and stay in your vehicle nals with their right arm held straight
with the doors locked until help ar- out, pointing right.
rives. Leave enough space for other
vehicles to pass freely. Your vehicle
should be visible at least 200 feet in
each direction.
Special Parking Rules
• When you park alongside a curb LEFT TURN RIGHT TURN
on a level street, the front and
back wheels must be parallel and
within 18 inches of the curb. Park
parallel to the street if there is no
curb.
• Never leave your vehicle until SLOW or STOP
you have stopped the engine and
set the parking brake. Always signal:
• Do not open the driver’s side • Your left or right turn during the
door unless it is safe and you do last 100 feet before reaching the
not interfere with traffic. Look turning point. Caution!­—Even
for passing vehicles, bicyclists, though you signal, do not auto-
and motorcyclists. Do not leave matically assume that the space
the door open any longer than you want to occupy is clear.
necessary.

- 41 -
AD AIS
pl
ac
em
en
t
AD AIS
pl
ac
em
en
t
ExprEss yoursElf.
Signaling can save lives.
Visit dmv.ca.gov for the
California Driver Handbook
• Before every lane change. Also, Pull-Push Steering–Use pull-push
look over your shoulder and check steering for most turning maneuvers.
your blind spot before changing Put your hands in the 8 and 4 o’clock
lanes. positions. Pull down with one hand
• At least five seconds before you and push up with the other. This re-
change lanes at freeway speeds. sults in smooth steering and reduces
• To let other drivers and pedestri- the potential for over steering, which
ans know your plans. can lead to loss of control. Keep your
hands and thumbs on the outside of
• Before pulling next to or away
the wheel.
from the curb.
Hand-Over-Hand Steering–Use
• When you change directions.
hand-over-hand steering when
• Even when you do not see other steering movements are critical,
vehicles around. A vehicle you do such as when:
not see might hit you.
• Parking.
If you plan to turn beyond an inter-
• Performing sharp right turns.
section, start signaling when you are
in the intersection. If you signal too • Correcting a skid.
early, the other driver may think you Use quick movements on entry to
plan to turn into the intersection and the maneuver, and then use slow,
he/she may pull out in front of you. smooth movements when straight-
Remember to cancel your signal ening the wheel.
after turning. One-Hand Steering–Use one-hand
Steering steering for:
Steering Control–Modern vehicles • Backing maneuvers that do not
require very little steering to turn. require full left or right turns, or
Look at the steering wheel as a clock • When operating vehicle controls
face and place your hands at 9 and 3 for information, safety, or com-
o’clock or slightly lower at 8 and 4 fort.
o’clock. These are the desired hand Steering errors are directly related
positions that reduce the possibility to vision errors
of turning the wheel too sharply.
To reduce forearm and hand inju- Scanning
ries, hands should be placed on the Scanning your surroundings (keep-
lower half of the steering wheel, ing your eyes moving) includes
with knuckles on the outside and keeping a safe distance around your
thumbs stretched along the rim of vehicle. When another driver makes
the steering wheel. a mistake, you need time to react.
Give yourself this time by keeping a
“space cushion” on all sides of your

- 45 -
vehicle. This space cushion will give • Signs warning of problems ahead.
you room to brake or maneuver if • Signs giving you directions.
you need it.
Know What Is Ahead
To avoid last minute moves, look
down the road 10 to 15 seconds
ahead of your vehicle so you can see
hazards early. Constantly staring at
the road just in front of your vehicle The shaded areas are your blind spots.
is dangerous. As you scan ahead,
be alert for vehicles around you. Before changing lanes, look into
your rear view mirror for nearby
Where is the green vehicle headed?
vehicles and also over your shoulder
to check your blind spots. These
blind spots can hide a motorcyclist,
a bicyclist, or a vehicle. Watch for
things about to happen, like a ball
rolling into the street or a vehicle
door opening.
Watch for hazards–Look beyond
the vehicle ahead of you. Do not de-
velop a “fixed stare.” Keep scanning.
Check your rear view mirrors every
two to five seconds so you know the
position of vehicles near you.
Use your mirrors. Allow enough On the freeway, be ready for changes
space between you and the vehicle in traffic conditions. Watch for
ahead to give yourself an “out.” signals from other drivers. Expect
Mistakes cause collisions. In the merging vehicles at on-ramps and
city, 10 to 15 seconds is about one interchanges. Be prepared for rapid
block. On the highway, 10 to 15 changes in road conditions and traf-
seconds is about a quarter of a mile. fic flow. Know which lanes are clear
Take in the whole scene–If you so you can use them if necessary.
only look at the middle of the road, Do not be a tailgater! Many driv-
you will miss what is happening on ers do not see as far ahead as they
the side of the road and behind you. should because they follow too
Scanning helps you to see: closely (tailgate), and the vehicle
• Cars and people that may be in the ahead blocks their view.
road by the time you reach them.

- 46 -
The more space you allow between • Following large vehicles that
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, block your view ahead. The extra
the more time you will have to see a space allows you to see around
hazard and the more time you will the vehicle.
have to stop or avoid that hazard. • You see a bus, school bus, or
Most rear end collisions are caused a placarded vehicle at railroad
by tailgating. To avoid tailgating, use crossings. These vehicles must
the “three-second rule.” When the stop at railroad crossings, so slow
vehicle ahead of you passes a certain down early and allow plenty of
point such as a sign, count “one- room.
thousand-one, one-thousand-two, • Merging onto a freeway.
one-thousand-three.” This takes If you follow too closely and another
about three seconds. If you pass the driver “cuts” in front of you, just
same point before you finish count- take your foot off the gas. This gives
ing, you are following too closely. you space between your vehicle and
You should allow a four-second or the other driver, without having to
more cushion when: slam on your brakes or swerve into
• Being crowded by a tailgater. another lane.
Allow extra room ahead, do Know What Is at Your Side
not brake suddenly. Slow down Any time you come to a place where
gradually or merge into another people may cross or enter your path
lane to prevent being hit from or one line of traffic meets another,
behind by the tailgater! you should look to the left and right
• Driving on slippery roads. sides of your vehicle to make sure no
• Following motorcyclists on wet one is coming. Always look to each
or icy roads, on metal surfaces side at intersections, crosswalks, and
(e.g., bridge gratings, railroad railroad crossings.
tracks, etc.), and on gravel. Mo- At intersections:­
torcyclists can fall more often on • Look both ways even if other traf-
these surfaces. fic has a red light or a stop sign:
• The driver behind you wants to – Look to the left first, since
pass. Allow room in front of your vehicles coming from the left
vehicle so the driver will have are closer to you than vehicles
space to move into. coming from the right.
• Towing a trailer or carrying a – Look to the right.
heavy load. The extra weight
– Take one more look to the left
makes it harder to stop.
in case there is a vehicle or a
pedestrian you did not see the
first time.

- 47 -
• Do not rely on traffic signals. Know What Is Behind You
Some drivers do not obey traffic It is very important to check behind
signals so before you enter an you before you:
intersection, look left, right, and • Change lanes. Look over your
ahead for approaching traffic. shoulder to make sure you are not
To maintain a space cushion on each getting in the way of vehicles in
side of your vehicle: the lane you want to enter.
• Do not stay in another driver’s • Reduce your speed. Take a quick
blind spot. The other driver may glance in your mirrors. Also check
not see your vehicle and could your mirrors when you are pre-
change lanes and hit you. paring to turn into a side road or
• Avoid driving directly alongside driveway and when you are stop-
other vehicles on multilane streets ping to pull into a parking space.
with or without traffic in the op- • Drive down a long or steep hill.
posite direction. Another driver Watch for large vehicles because
might crowd your lane or change they can gather speed very
lanes without looking and crash quickly.
into you. Drive either ahead of or • Back up. Backing up is always
behind the other vehicle. dangerous because it is hard to
• If possible and when safe, make see behind your vehicle. When
room for vehicles entering free- you are backing out of a parking
ways even though you have the space:
right-of-way. – check in front and behind the
• At freeway exits, do not drive vehicle before you get in.
alongside other cars. A driver may – know where your kids are.
decide to exit suddenly or swerve Make sure they are away from
back on to the freeway. your vehicle and in full view
• Keep a space between yourself before moving your vehicle.
and parked cars. Someone may – if other children are nearby,
step out from between them. A make sure you can see them
vehicle door may open or a vehicle before backing up.
may pull out suddenly.
– do not depend only on your
• Be careful when driving near mo- mirrors or only looking out a
torcyclists or bicyclists. Always side window.
leave plenty of room between your
– turn and look over your right
vehicle and any motorcyclist or
and left shoulders before you
bicyclists.
begin backing. As a safety
measure, also look over your

- 48 -
right and left shoulders again has a day/night mirror, learn how to
while backing. use it. The night setting reduces the
– back slowly to avoid collisions. headlight glare from the cars behind
you and helps you see better.
Check traffic behind you often to
know if you are being tailgated How Well Can You Stop?
(another driver is following too If something is in your path, you
closely). If you are being tailgated, need to see it in time to stop. As-
be careful! Brake slowly before suming you have good tires, good
stopping. Tap your brakes lightly a brakes, and dry pavement:
few times to warn the tailgater you • At 55 mph, it takes about 400 feet
are slowing down. to react and bring the vehicle to a
“Lose” the tailgater as soon as you complete stop.
can, by changing lanes and allowing • At 35 mph, it takes about 210 feet
the tailgater to pass you or slowing to react and bring the vehicle to a
down to allow enough “cushion” complete stop.
between you and the car in front of Adjust your driving speed to the
you. If this does not work, pull off weather and road conditions (“Basic
the road when it is safe and let the Speed Law” page 29.) Turn on your
tailgater pass. lights during the day, if it is hard to
Clean Windows and Mirrors see or you can not see at least 1,000
Keep your windshield and side win- feet ahead of you.
dows clean inside and out. Bright
sun or headlights on a dirty window
Driving in the Fog
make it hard to see out. Clear off The best advice for driving in the
ice, frost, or dew from all windows fog is DON’T. You should consider
before you drive. postponing your trip until the fog
clears. However, if you must drive,
Make sure you can see and be seen. then drive slowly and use your low
If you drive in rain or snow, you beam headlights. The light from the
may have to stop sometimes to wipe high beams will reflect back and
mud or snow off your windshield, cause glare.
headlights, and taillights.
Never drive with just your parking
Adjust Seat and Mirrors or fog lights.
Adjust your seat before you put on
Increase your following distance
your seat belt. You should sit high
and be prepared to stop within the
enough to see the road. If you still
space you can see ahead. Avoid
can not see, use a seat cushion.
crossing or passing lanes of traffic
Adjust your rear and side mirrors be- unless absolutely necessary. Listen
fore you start driving. If your vehicle for traffic you can not see. Use your

- 49 -
wipers and defroster as necessary When you drive at night, remember:
for best vision. • Pedestrians and bicyclists are
If the fog becomes so thick that you much harder to see at night, so
can barely see, pull completely off stay alert for them.
the road. Do not continue driving • Motorcycles are also harder to see
until you can see better. Turn off at night because most have only
your lights and keep your foot off one taillight.
the brake pedal or someone may see • More highway construction takes
your taillights, think you are moving, place at night. Reduce your speed
and drive into your vehicle. in highway construction zones.
Driving in Darkness • When you leave a brightly-lit
Drive more slowly at night because place, drive slowly until your eyes
you can not see as far ahead and adjust to the darkness.
you will have less time to stop for • Drive as far to the right as pos-
a hazard. Make sure you can stop sible, when a vehicle with one
within the distance lighted by your light drives toward you. It could
­headlights. be a bicyclist or motorcyclist,
Use your low beam headlights at but it could also be a vehicle with
night when it rains. Do not drive a missing headlight.
using only your parking lights. Driving in Rain or Snow
Use your high beams whenever pos- Many road pavements are the most
sible in open country or dark city slippery when it first starts to rain or
streets, as long as it is not illegal. snow because oil and dust have not
Do not blind other drivers with your yet washed away. Slow down at the
high beam headlights. Dim your first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow on
lights when necessary. If another the road. Turn on your windshield
driver does not dim his/her lights: wipers, headlights, and defroster.
• Do not look directly into the In a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm,
oncoming headlights. you may not be able to see more
• Look toward the right edge of than 100 feet ahead. When you can
your lane. not see any farther than that, you
• Watch the oncoming vehicle out can not safely drive faster than 30
of the corner of your eye. mph. You may have to stop from
• Do not try to “get back” at the time to time to wipe mud or snow
other driver by keeping your off your windshield, headlights, and
bright lights on. If you do, both taillights.
of you may be blinded.

- 50 -
If you drive in snowy areas, carry Do Not Use Your Horn
the correct number of chains and be • If a driver is going slowly, and
sure they will fit your drive wheels. you want him or her to drive
Learn how to put the chains on be- faster. The driver may be ill, lost,
fore you need to use them. intoxicated, or having problems
with the vehicle.
Driving in Hill Country
• Instead of slowing or stopping
You never know what is on the other
your vehicle to prevent a colli-
side of a steep hill or a sharp curve.
sion. It’s safer to use the brakes
When you come to a hill or curve,
than honk the horn.
slow down so you can stop for any
hazard. You must be going slowly • To alert other drivers that they
enough to stop. made a mistake. Your honking
may cause them to make more
Any time your view is blocked by a
mistakes or to become angry and
hill or a curve, you should assume
retaliate.
there is another vehicle ahead. Only
pass the vehicle if a hill or curve is • Because you may be angry or
at least one-third of a mile away, upset.
because you need at least that much • To honk at pedestrians, bicyclists,
room to pass safely. or motorcyclists unless necessary
Do not drive on the left side of the to avoid a collision. Remember
road when coming to a curve or the that your horn sounds much louder
outside a vehicle.
top of a hill, because you can not
see far enough ahead to know if it Use Your Headlights
is safe to pass. • When it is cloudy, raining,
snowing, or foggy. If weather
Horn, Headlights, and conditions require you to use your
Emergency Signals windshield wipers, you must turn
Use Your Horn on your headlights.
• Only when necessary, to avoid • On frosty mornings, when other
collisions. drivers’ windows may be icy or
• To try to get “eye contact” with “fogged.”
other drivers. Tap your horn to • Any time conditions prevent you
alert another driver, who might from seeing other vehicles. Other
turn in front of you and cause a drivers may have trouble seeing
collision. you, too.
• On narrow mountain roads, • On small country or mountain
where you can not see at least 200 roads, even on sunny days. This
feet ahead. helps other drivers see you and

- 51 -
may help you avoid a head-on necessary. Be very careful when
crash. using flares. They may cause
• When necessary to get another fires, especially when used near
driver’s attention. flammable liquids.
Use Your Emergency Signals • If you do not have emergency
If you can see a collision ahead, warn flares, follow the rules listed
the drivers behind you by turning on above and stay in your vehicle
your emergency flashers or tapping until help arrives. Be careful for
your brake pedal quickly three or your safety and stay off the road.
four times. You can also use the hand Remember, do not try to change a
signal when slowing and stopping. tire if it means you have to stand
in a traffic lane.
Never stop on the road, unless neces-
sary for safety or to obey a law. If Following Distances
you need to stop, then start braking Taking Dangers One at a Time
early as a signal to the cars behind Suppose there is an oncoming
you. If your vehicle breaks down vehicle to your left and a child on
on the road, make sure that other a bicycle to your right. Instead of
drivers can see it. If you are having driving between the vehicle and
vehicle trouble, and need to stop, the child, take one danger at a time.
follow these rules: First, slow down and let the vehicle
• Pull off the road away from all pass. Then, move to the left to allow
traffic, if possible. plenty of room to pass the child.
• If you can not get completely off Splitting the Difference
the road, stop where people can Sometimes there will be dangers
see you and your vehicle from on both sides of the road at the
behind. Do not stop just over a same time. For example, there will
hill or just around a curve. be parked cars to the right and on-
• Turn on your emergency flashers coming cars to the left. In this case,
if you are not moving. If your the best thing to do is “split the
vehicle doesn’t have flashers, turn difference.” Steer a middle course
signals may be used instead. between the oncoming cars and the
• If it is safe, lift the hood to signal parked cars.
an emergency. If one danger is greater than the
• Give other drivers plenty of warn- other, give the most room to the
ing. Place emergency flares or most dangerous. Suppose there are
triangles 200 to 300 feet behind oncoming cars to the left of you and
the vehicle. This allows other a child on a bike to the right. The
drivers time to change lanes, if child is most likely to make a sudden
move. Therefore, slow down, and

- 52 -
if safe, use as much of your lane to • Confused people, such as:
the left as possible until you pass – tourists, often at complicated
the child. intersections.
Problem Drivers – drivers who are looking for
Increase your following distance a house number or who slow
and allow a bigger space cushion down for no apparent reason.
for drivers who may be potentially
dangerous. Persons who present Merging in/out of Traffic
dangers are: Whenever you enter traffic, signal
and be sure you have enough room
• Drivers who can not see you
to enter safely. You have to share
because their view is blocked by
space with traffic already on the
buildings, trees, or other cars.
road, and you must know how much
• Drivers backing out of driveways space you need to merge with traffic,
or parking spaces with the ve- to cross or enter traffic, and to exit
hicle’s windows covered by snow out of traffic.
or ice.
Space to Merge
• Drivers who pass you when there
Enter the freeway at or near the
is a curve or oncoming vehicle(s)
speed of traffic. (Remember that
ahead.
the maximum speed allowed is 65
• Drivers about to be forced into mph on most freeways.) Do not
your lane to avoid a vehicle, a stop before merging into freeway
pedestrian, a bicyclist, an obstruc- traffic unless absolutely necessary.
tion, or because of fewer lanes Freeway traffic has the right-of-way.
ahead.
Any time you merge with other traf-
• Pedestrians with umbrellas in fic, you need a gap of at least four
front of their faces or hats pulled seconds, which gives both you and
down over their eyes. the other vehicle only a two-second
• Distracted people, such as: following distance. When it is safe,
– delivery persons. go back to following the “three-
– construction workers. second rule.” (See page 47.)
– children, who often run into • Do not try to squeeze into a gap
the street without looking. that is too small. Leave yourself
a big enough space cushion.
– drivers talking on cell phones
or to their passengers. • Watch for vehicles around you.
Use your mirrors and turn signals.
– drivers taking care of chil-
Turn your head to look quickly
dren, eating, or looking at
over your shoulder before chang-
maps while driving.
ing lanes. Leave three seconds of

- 53 -
space between you and the vehicle Space to Exit
ahead. Make sure you can stop When you plan to exit the freeway,
safely if necessary. give yourself plenty of time. You
• If you need to cross several free- should know the name or number
way lanes, cross them one at a of the freeway exit you want as well
time. If you wait until all lanes as the one that comes before it. To
are clear, you may cause traffic exit safely:
delays or a collision. • Signal, look over your shoulder,
Space to Cross or Enter and change lanes one at a time,
Whenever you cross or enter city until you are in the proper lane to
or highway traffic from a full stop, exit the freeway.
you will need a large enough gap • Signal your intention to exit for
(from vehicles approaching in either approximately five seconds be-
direction) to get up to the speed of fore reaching the exit.
other vehicles. You need a gap that • Be sure you are at the proper speed
is about: for leaving the traffic lane–not too
• Half a block on city streets. fast (so you remain in control)
• A full block on the highway. and not too slow (so the flow of
traffic can still move freely).
If you are crossing lanes or turning,
make sure there are no vehicles or Passing Other Traffic
people blocking the path ahead or Space and Speed to Pass
to the sides. You do not want to be Always signal before passing. Do
caught in an intersection with traffic not pull out to pass unless you know
coming at you. you have enough space to pull back
Even if you have the green light, do into your lane.
not start across the intersection, if Avoid passing other vehicles, in-
there are vehicles blocking your way. cluding motorcycles and bicycles,
When turning left, do not start the on two-lane roads. It is dangerous.
turn just because an approaching Every time you pass, you increase
vehicle has its right turn signal on. your chances of having a collision.
The driver may plan to turn just Be patient when passing a bicyclist.
beyond you, or the signal may have Slow down and pass only when it
been left on from an earlier turn. This is safe. Do not squeeze the bicyclist
is particularly true of motorcycles. off the road.
Their signal lights often do not turn At highway speeds of 50 to 55 mph,
off automatically. Wait until the you need a 10 to 12 second gap in
other driver actually starts to turn oncoming traffic to pass safely. At
before you continue. 55 mph, you will travel over 800

- 54 -
feet in 10 to 12 seconds. So will SHARING THE ROAD WITH
an oncoming vehicle. That means OTHER VEHICLES
you need over 1,600 feet (or about
one-third of a mile) to pass safely. Large Trucks (Big Rigs) and
It is harder to judge the speed of RVs
oncoming vehicles one-third of a To reduce the chance of having a
mile away or more. collision with a large truck or RV,
You must judge whether or not you you must be familiar with a big
have enough room to pass whenever rig’s physical capabilities and how
you approach: it maneuvers.
• An oncoming vehicle. Braking
• A hill or a curve. Large trucks take longer to stop than
vehicles traveling at the same speed.
• An intersection.
The average passenger vehicle trav-
• A road obstruction. eling at 55 mph can stop within 400
Vehicles appear to move slower than feet. However, a large truck traveling
they really are moving. A vehicle at the same speed can take almost
that is far enough away generally 800 feet to stop. Do not move in
appears to be standing still. In fact, front of a large truck and suddenly
if you can see it moving closer to slow down or stop. The trucker will
you, it is probably too close for you not be able to stop quickly enough
to start to pass. to avoid crashing into you.
Space to Return Trucker’s Blind Spots—the “No
Before you return to your driving Zone”
lane, be sure you are not dangerously
close to the vehicle you have just
passed. One way to do this is to look
for the vehicle in your inside rear
view mirror. When you can see both
headlights in your rear view mirror,
you have enough room to return to
your driving lane. Do not count on
Shaded areas are the driver’s blind spots.
having enough time to pass several
vehicles at once, or that other drivers Passenger vehicle drivers incor-
will make room for you. rectly assume that a trucker can see
the road better because he or she is
higher off the road. While truckers
do have a better forward view and
bigger mirrors, they still have large
blind spots, and your vehicle can get

- 55 -
lost in those blind spots. You block • Cutting off a truck in traffic
the trucker’s ability to take evasive or on the highway to reach an
action to avoid a dangerous situa- exit or turn. Cutting into the
tion if you stay in those blind spots. open space in front of a truck is
Generally speaking, if you can not dangerous. Trying to beat a truck
see the truck driver in his or her side through a single-lane construction
mirror, he or she can not see you. zone, for example, removes the
These blind spots are often called truck driver’s cushion of safety
the “NO ZONE.” and places you in danger. Slow
Turning down and take your turn enter-
When any vehicle makes a turn, the ing the construction zone. Do
rear wheels follow a shorter path not speed up to pass a truck so
than the front wheels. The longer the you can exit the roadway. Take
a moment to slow down and exit
vehicle, the greater the difference.
behind a truck—it will only take
This is why big rig drivers must often
you a few extra seconds.
swing wide to complete a right turn.
When you follow a big rig, look at • Lingering alongside a truck
its turn signals before you start to when passing. Always pass a
pass. If the truck appears to be turn- large truck on the left side, and
ing left, check the turn signals again; after you pass the truck, move
the driver may actually be turning ahead of it. Do not linger, other-
right but first swinging wide. wise you make it very difficult, if
not impossible, for the trucker to
Maneuverability
take evasive action if an obstacle
Trucks are designed to transport appears in the road ahead.
products and they are not as ma-
• Following too closely or tailgat-
neuverable as passenger vehicles.
ing. When you follow so closely
Large trucks have longer stopping
behind a truck that you can not
and starting distances. They take
see the truck driver’s side view
more space for turns and they weigh
mirrors, the trucker can not see
more. On multilane highways and
you and has no way of knowing
freeways, large trucks usually stay
you are there. Tailgating a truck, or
in the center portion of the lane to
any vehicle, is dangerous because
help the flow of traffic. This also
you take away your own cushion
increases the trucker’s options if he
of safety if the vehicle in front of
or she must change lanes to avoid you stops quickly.
a hazard.
• Underestimating the size and
Avoid these mistakes when driving speed of an approaching tractor-
around large trucks: trailer. A large tractor-trailer
often appears to be traveling at a

- 56 -
slower speed because of its large Light-Rail Vehicles
size. Many collisions involving Light-rail vehicles have the same
a passenger vehicle and a large rights and responsibilities on public
truck occur at intersections when roadways as other ­vehicles. Al-
the passenger vehicle driver did though everyone must follow the
not realize how close the truck same ­traffic laws, light-rail vehicles
was or how fast it was traveling. require exceptional ­handling ability
Buses, Streetcars, and because of their size.
Trolleys Safely share the road with light-rail
Do not drive through a safety zone, vehicles by:
which is a space set aside for pedes- • Being aware of where light-rail
trians and marked by raised buttons vehicles operate. Buildings, trees,
or markers on a roadway. etc., cause blind spots for the trol-
When people are boarding or leav- ley operator.
ing a streetcar or trolley where there • Never turning in front of an ap-
is no safety zone, stop behind the proaching light-rail vehicle.
vehicle’s nearest door or vehicle Do not turn in front of light rail vehicles
platform and wait until the people
have reached a safe place.
When a bus, streetcar, or trolley is
stopped at a safety zone or at an inter-
section where traffic is controlled by
a police officer or traffic signal, you
may pass at no more than 10 mph.
Do not overtake and pass any light
rail vehicle or streetcar on the
left side, whether it is moving or
• Maintaining a safe distance from
standing.
the light-rail vehicle if it shares a
Exceptions: street with vehicular traffic.
• When you are on a one-way street.
Safety Zones are marked by dotted white lines
• When the tracks are so close to
the right side that you can not
pass on the right.
• When a traffic officer directs you
to pass on the left.

- 57 -
• Looking for approaching light-rail It is against the law to follow within
vehicles before you turn across 300 feet behind any fire engine,
the tracks. Complete your turn police vehicle, ambulance, or other
only if a signal indicates you may emergency vehicle with a siren or
proceed. flashing lights (CVC §21706).
NOTE: Light-rail vehicles can inter- If you drive for sight-seeing pur-
rupt traffic signals, so do not proceed poses to the scene of a fire, collision,
until the signal light indicates you or other disaster you may be arrested.
may proceed. Casual observers interfere with the
essential services of police, fire-
Emergency Vehicles fighter, ambulance crews, or other
You must yield the right-of-way to rescue or emergency personnel.
any police vehicle, fire engine, am-
bulance, or other emergency vehicle Slow Moving Vehicles
using a siren and red lights. Drive Some vehicles are not designed to
to the right edge of the road and keep up with the speed of traffic.
stop until the emergency vehicle(s) Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts,
have passed. However, never stop and road maintenance vehicles
in an intersection. If you are in an usually travel 25 mph or less. Slow-
intersection when you see an emer- moving vehicles have an orange/
gency vehicle, continue through the red triangle on the back. It looks
intersection and then drive to the like the sign in the picture. Look for
right as soon as you can and stop. these vehicles and adjust your speed
Emergency vehicles often use the before you reach them.
wrong side of the street to continue
on their way. They sometimes use
a loud speaker to talk to drivers
blocking their path.
Yield to emergency vehicles.

A Slow Moving Vehicle

Also, be aware that large trucks


and small, underpowered cars lose
speed on long or steep hills and
You must obey any traffic direc-
take longer to get up to speed when
tion, order, or signal by a traffic or
entering traffic.
police officer or a fire fighter even
if it conflicts with existing signs,
signals, or laws.

- 58 -
Certain other types of slow-moving motorcycles require exceptional
motorized vehicles (such as wheel- handling ability and are harder to
chairs, scooters, and golf carts) may see. Therefore, many motorcycles
legally operate on public roads. keep their headlight on even during
Adjust your speed accordingly to daylight hours.
accommodate them. From ahead or behind, a motor-
Neighborhood Electric cycle’s outline is much smaller than a
passenger vehicle’s and most drivers
Vehicles (NEV) and Low- are expecting to see larger vehicles
Speed Vehicles (LSV) on the road and are not looking for
You may have seen lanes marked as motorcycles.
NEV USE ONLY on roadways in
Motorcyclists can do many things to
some California towns, especially
make it easier for others to recognize
those near retirement communities
them and increase their chances of
and golf courses. NEVs and LSVs
being seen.
are restricted from roadways where
the speed limit is greater than 35 • Wear a bright colored jacket, vest
mph (CVC §§385.5 and 21260). and a helmet.
The NEV and LSV vehicles reach • Wear reflective material on their
a maximum speed of 25 mph. helmet and clothes.
Owners of registered NEVs and • Use turn signals anytime they plan
LSVs must comply with financial to change lanes or turn.
responsibility laws and a driver • Flashing their brake light before
license is needed to operate the they slow down to help others
vehicle. notice them.
Animal-Drawn Vehicles Follow these rules to respect the
Horse-drawn vehicles and riders of right-of-way and safely share the
horses or other animals are entitled road with motorcyclists:
to share the road with you. It is a • When you change lanes or enter a
traffic offense to scare horses or major thoroughfare, make a visual
stampede livestock. Slow down or check for motorcycles. Also use
stop, if necessary, or when requested your mirrors. Motorcycles are
to do so by the riders or herders. small, and they can easily disap-
pear into a vehicle’s blind spots.
Motorcycles • Allow a four-second following
Motorcyclists have the same rights distance. You will need this space
and responsibilities as automobile to avoid hitting the motorcyclist if
drivers. While everyone must follow he or she brakes suddenly or falls.
the same traffic laws, motorcyclists Motorcycles generally can stop
face unusual dangers because faster than passenger vehicles.

- 59 -
• Allow the motorcycle a full lane Bicycles
width. Although it is not illegal Bicyclists on public streets have
to share lanes with motorcycles, the same rights and responsibilities
it is unsafe. as automobile and
• Never try to pass a motorcycle motorcycle drivers.
in the same lane you are sharing Respect the right-
with the motorcycle. of-way of bicyclists
• When you make a turn, check because they are en-
for motorcyclists and gauge their titled to share the road
speed before turning. with other drivers.
• Look carefully for motorcyclists Here are some critical points for
before opening doors next to drivers and bicyclists to remember:
moving traffic or before turning Motor vehicle drivers must:
right.
• Pass a bicyclist as they would a
• Motorcycles may travel faster slow moving-vehicle. Pass with
than traffic during congested road caution, and only when safe.
conditions and can legally travel
• Look carefully for bicyclists be-
in the unused space between two
fore opening doors next to moving
lines of moving or stationary ve-
traffic or before turning.
hicles, which is commonly called
“lane splitting.” • Safely merge toward the curb or
into the bike lane.
• Remember that road conditions
which are minor annoyances to • Not overtake a bicyclist just be-
you pose major hazards to mo- fore making a turn. Merge first,
torcyclists. Potholes, gravel, wet then turn.
or slippery surfaces, pavement • Be careful when approaching or
seams, railroad crossings, and passing a bicyclist on a freeway.
grooved pavement can cause Bicyclists:
motorcyclists to change speed • Must obey all traffic signals and
or direction suddenly. If you are stop signs.
aware of the effect of these con-
ditions and drive with care and • Are lawfully permitted to ride on
attention, you can help reduce mo- certain sections of freeways, in
torcyclist injuries and fatalities. some rural areas where there is
For more information regarding no alternate route.
motorcycle safety, contact the
California Motorcyclist Safety
Program at 1-877-RIDE-411 or
www.ca-msp.org

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RIDE A STRAIGHT LINE—DON’T TURN IN AND OUT

• Must signal all their intentions


STOP, LOOK BETWEEN PARKED CARS. LEAVE SPACE TO AVOID
Turns for bicyclists
BEFORE CROSSING SUDDENLY OPENED DOORS.

to motorists and bicyclists near


them.
• Must wear a helmet if under the
age of 18.
• Should carry identification.
• Shall not operate a bicycle on a
roadway during darkness unless
Intersections with special lanes the bicycle is equipped with:
-- A brake which will enable the
operator to make one braked
wheel skid on dry level, clean
pavement.
-- A front lamp emitting a white
light visible from a distance of
MERGE LEFT TO PASS
VEHICLE TURNING RIGHT 300 feet.
-- A rear red reflector visible from
• Must ride in the same direction a distance of 500 feet.
as other traffic, not against it.
-- A white or yellow reflector
• Shall ride as near to the right curb on each pedal visible from a
or edge of the roadway as practi- distance of 200 feet.
cal–not on the sidewalk.
• May legally move left to turn Pedestrians Who Are Blind
left, to pass a parked or moving Pedestrians using guide dogs or
vehicle, bicycle, animal, make white canes with or without a red
a turn or avoid debris and other tip must be given the right-of-way
hazards. at all times. These pedestrians are
partially or totally blind.
• May choose to ride near the left
curb or edge of a one-way street. When these pedestrians are in your
• Should ride single file on a busy vicinity be especially careful when
or narrow street. turning corners or backing up par-
ticularly if you are driving a quiet
• Must make left and right turns hybrid vehicle.
in the same way that drivers do,
using the same turn lanes. If the Here are some suggestions for help-
bicyclist is traveling straight ing pedestrians who are blind:
ahead, he or she should use a • Do not stop your vehicle more
through traffic lane rather than than five feet from the crosswalk
ride next to the curb and block unless there is an advance stop
traffic making right turns. bar (line). A blind pedestrian

- 61 -
uses the sound of your engine as a • Do not honk your horn at a blind
guide, so drive up to the crosswalk person. The blind person has no
to allow the person to hear you. idea who you are honking at and
Important: Drivers of electric may be startled by the noise.
and hybrid vehicles must be extra • Do not block any sidewalk.
alert to blind pedestrians, as they
may be unaware of your presence Road Workers and
due to the nearly silent nature of Work Zones (“Cone Zones”)
these vehicles. Pay more attention where road work
• Stop at all crosswalks where is being performed. Signs and mes-
pedestrians are waiting. sage boards warn you of workers,
• Do not stop in the middle of a slow moving equipment, and closed
crosswalk. This forces the blind lanes ahead. Cones and/or drums
pedestrian to go around your will guide you through the work
vehicle and into traffic outside zone. Merge as soon as it is safe to
of the crosswalk. do so and without crossing the cones
or drums. Reduce your speed and be
• Do not give the blind pedestrian
prepared to slow down or stop for
verbal directions. A blind pedes-
highway equipment. In work zones
trian listens to all traffic sounds
where lanes are narrow or where
before deciding to cross the street.
the shoulder is closed, watch for
• Do not wait too long for the blind bicycles and “share the road” when
pedestrian to cross the street. they are present.
When a blind person pulls in his/
her cane and steps away from the The most common
intersection, this gesture usually cause of deaths and
means for you to go. injuries in work zones
is rear-end collisions.
• Do not turn right without
In fact, most of the
looking first. Look for any
people killed in work
pedestrians, especially a blind
zones are drivers and
pedestrian or traffic before start-
passengers. For your own safety
ing your turn. Blind pedestrians
and the safety of your passengers
who have a green light are not
remember to slow down, allow extra
expecting a driver to make a right
following room between vehicles,
turn in front of them. Turning
merge early, expect sudden slow-
may result in the blind pedestrian
becoming disoriented and vulner- ing or stopping, watch for drivers
able to being hit by another right changing lanes at the last minute,
turning vehicle when attempting and minimize distraction. Avoid
to cross the street. using your hands-free cell phone
while in the “Cone Zone.” Fines

- 62 -
Guide Signs

for traffic viola- Vehicles with Hazardous


tions in the “Cone Loads
Zone” can be up
to $1,000. Anyone Hazardous Loads Placards
convicted of as-
saulting a highway
worker faces fines of up to $2,000
and imprisonment for up to one year. A diamond-shaped sign on a truck
- 78 -
Keep your eyes on the road and means that the load on the truck
other vehicles around you. Do not is potentially dangerous (gas, ex-
stop to watch the road work. Obey plosives, etc.) California Highway
special signs or instructions from Patrol (CHP) or fire department of-
workers. Driving carefully through ficers know what to do if the load is
work zones improves safety for accidentally spilled. Vehicles which
drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and display these signs are required to
road workers. stop before crossing railroad tracks.
Remember to “Slow for the Cone
Zone.” Important Driving Tips
Double Fine Zones Dealing with Traffic
Due to increased collision-related Congestion
injuries and fatalities certain roads Small changes in your driving habits
are designated as “Safety Enhanced- can help relieve chronic traffic con-
Double Fine Zones.” Fines for gestion, according to the California
violations are doubled in these zones Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
and also in highway construction or Avoid the following driving
maintenance zones when workers behaviors:
are present. (CVC §42010) • Rubbernecking–slowing down
Move Over and Slow Down to look at collisions or virtu-
ally anything else out of the
Drivers are required to move over
ordinary.
and slow down when approaching
a roadside emergency along a state • Ta i l g a t i n g – f o l l o w i n g t o o
highway or freeway. The law is closely.
designed to reduce the deaths of • Unnecessary lane changes–weav-
police officers, tow truck drivers, ing in and out of freeway lanes.
paramedics, and other emergency • Inattention–­eating, grooming,
personnel who are aiding stranded talking on a cell phone or text
or injured motorists. Use caution if messaging, and reading the news-
lane changes are required. paper, etc.

- 63 -
ARE YOU AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER?
DO YOU (Check the appropriate box):
Y N Y N
Overtake other vehicles only Use your horn sparingly.
on the left. Avoid unnecessary use of
Avoid blocking passing lanes. high beam headlights.
Yield to faster traffic by Yield and move to the right
moving to the right. for emergency vehicles.
Keep to the right as much as Refrain from flashing
possible. headlights.
Maintain appropriate Make slow, deliberate
following distance. U-turns.
Provide appropriate distance Maintain proper speeds
when cutting in after passing around roadway crashes.
vehicles. Avoid returning inappropriate
Use headlights in cloudy, gestures.
rainy, low light conditions. Avoid challenging other
Yield to pedestrians. drivers.
Come to a complete stop at Try to get out of the way of
stop signs, etc. aggressive drivers.
Stop for red traffic lights. Focus on driving and avoid
Approach intersections and distracting activities.
pedestrians at slow speeds. Do you avoid:
Follow right-of-way rules at Driving when drowsy.
four-way stops. Blocking the right-turn lane.
Drive below the posted speed Taking more than one parking
limit when conditions warrant. space.
Drive at slower speeds in Parking in a space
construction zones. designated for the disabled.
Maintain speeds appropriate Letting your door hit the
for conditions. vehicle parked next to you.
Use vehicle turn signals for Using the cell phone while
turns and lane changes. driving.
Make eye contact and signal Stopping in the road to talk.
intention where needed. Inflicting loud music on
Acknowledge intention of neighboring cars.
others.
Score Yourself:
Count the number of “No” Answers
(1-3) Safe Driver (4-7) Good Driver
(8-11) Semi-Aggressive Driver (12+) Aggressive Driver

- 64 -
• Poorly-maintained vehicles– Text Messaging and
vehicles malfunctioning or stall- Cell Phones
ing on freeways or running out Regardless of age, it is illegal to
of fuel. drive a motor vehicle while using
Dealing with Aggressive an electronic wireless communica-
Drivers and Road Rage tion device to write, send, or read
text messages, instant messages,
Aggressive driving and road rage
and e-mail(s).
happens when crowded roads, rush-
ing, and impatience cause one driver NOTE: With certain exceptions,
to react angrily to another driver. adults may not use a cell phone while
Some suggestions for avoiding driving unless hands-free equipment
aggressive driving and road rage is used. Minors may not use a cell
situations are: phone except in certain emergencies.
(See page 12.)
• Allow plenty of time to reach your
destination. Cell phones can be a lifesaver in
emergency situations. Use your
• Do not cut off other drivers.
cell phone in the following safe
• Do not drive slowly in the left and responsible ways while driving:
(fast) lane.
• Use hands-free devices.
• Do not tailgate.
• If your cell phone rings, do not
• Do not make gestures to other answer it.
drivers.
• Let the call go to voicemail if you
• Use your horn for emergencies have this feature.
only.
• Do not use the cell phone during
Prevent a potentially violent inci- hazardous conditions.
dent by:
• Do not engage in distracting
• Avoiding eye contact with an conversations.
angry driver.
• Pay attention to the road.
• Giving an angry driver plenty of
space. • Use your cell phone to call for
help in an emergency.
• Take the questionnaire on the
previous page to determine the Collision Avoidance
type of driver that you are. Keep Your Car Visible
The driver’s blind spots are shown
on page 46. You can not see vehicles
in these blind spots, if you only look
in your mirrors. Turn your head to
see if a vehicle is in one of these

- 65 -
blind spots. Do not linger in another • Over narrow bridges and through
driver’s blind spot. As quickly as you tunnels.
can, drop back or pass the vehicle. • Through toll plazas.
What is the Road Like • Near schools, playgrounds, and
The faster your speed, the less con- in residential areas.
trol you have of your vehicle. Rather Traffic Speeds
than driving at the legal posted speed Collisions are more likely to happen
limit, consider what else may affect when one driver goes faster or slower
the safe operation of your vehicle. than the other cars on the road.
For example, should you drive 35
mph (the posted speed limit) on a If you drive faster than other traffic,
curve down an icy mountain road? you increase your chances of being
Many inexperienced drivers do not involved in a collision. Studies have
adjust their driving speed for road shown that speeding does not save
conditions. That is one reason why more than a few minutes in an hour
inexperienced drivers have more of driving time.
“out-of-control” collisions than Driving slower than other vehicles
experienced drivers. or stopping suddenly can be just as
Curves dangerous as speeding, if not more
dangerous because you may cause
On curves, there is a strong outward
a rear end collision or cause other
pull on your vehicle, especially when
drivers to swerve to avoid hitting
the road is slippery. Rain, mud, snow,
you. If you notice that vehicles are
ice and gravel make the road slip-
passing you, move into the right lane
pery. If a speed limit is not posted
and let them pass.
before a curve, you must judge how
sharp the curve is and change your Driving Hazards
speed. Slow down before you enter Water on the Road
the curve. Braking on a curve may Slow down when there is a lot of
cause you to skid. water on the road. In a heavy rain
Driving in Heavy Traffic at speeds of 50 mph or more, your
Drive slower in heavy traffic, so tires can lose all contact with the road
you can stop within the distance and then your vehicle will be riding
you have. on water or “hydroplaning.” A slight
As a general rule, drive more slowly: change of direction or a gust of wind
could throw your vehicle into a skid.
• In shopping centers, parking lots,
If your vehicle starts to hydroplane,
and downtown areas.
slow down gradually–do not apply
• On roads with heavy traffic. the brakes.
• When you see the brake lights of
several vehicles ahead of you.

- 66 -
Slippery Roads if you are driving too fast or going
Slow down at the first sign of rain. downhill. If you start to skid:
This is when many roads are the • Ease off the gas pedal,
most slippery, because oil and dust • Stop braking, and
have not washed away. A slippery
road will not give your tires the grip • Turn the steering wheel in the
they need. Drive more slowly than direction of the skid.
you would on a dry road. Adjust If you can not control your vehicle
your speed as follows: on a slippery surface, try to find
• Wet road–go five to ten miles something to stop you. Try to get
slower. a wheel on dry pavement or on the
shoulder of the road. You may have
• Packed snow–reduce your speed to edge slowly into a snow bank or
by half.
some bushes to stop.
• Ice–slow to a crawl.
To prevent skidding on slippery
Some road surfaces are more slip- surfaces:
pery than others when wet and
• Drive more slowly and stay farther
usually have warning signs. Here behind the vehicle ahead.
are some clues to help you spot
slippery roads: • Slow down, as you approach
curves and intersections.
• On cold, wet days, shade from
trees or buildings can hide spots • Avoid fast turns.
of ice. These areas freeze first and • Avoid quick stops. “Pump” the
dry out last. brakes to slow or stop. (Do not
• Bridges and overpasses tend to pump antilock brakes.)
freeze before the rest of the road • Shift to low gear before going
does. They can hide spots of ice. down a steep hill.
• If it starts to rain on a hot day, the • Avoid especially slippery areas,
pavement can be very slippery such as ice patches, wet leaves,
for the first several minutes. Heat oil, or deep puddles.
causes oil in the asphalt to come If the brakes get wet, dry them by
to the surface. The oil makes the lightly pressing the gas pedal and
road slippery until it is washed brake pedal at the same time so that
off. the vehicle drives against the pres-
Skids on Slippery Surfaces sure of the brakes. Do this only until
A road that is normally safe can be- the brakes dry.
come dangerous when it is slippery.
Ice and packed snow on the road can
cause your vehicle to skid, especially

- 67 -
Mechanical Tips Avoid driving near collisions, if you
Acceleration Skids can. Those injured will be helped
An acceleration skid usually hap- faster if other vehicles aren’t block-
pens when the drive wheels lose ing the road. If you must drive near
traction on the road surface. To a collision, do not stop or slow down
maintain control of a skidding ve- just to look. You may cause another
hicle, do not apply the brakes. Ease crash. Drive by carefully, watching
off the gas pedal and straighten the for people in the road.
front wheels as the vehicle begins Causes of Collisions
to straighten out. The most common causes of colli-
Locked Wheel Skids sions are:
This type of skid is usually caused • Unsafe speed.
by braking too hard at a high rate of • Driving on the wrong side of the
speed and locking the wheels. The road.
vehicle will skid no matter which • Improper turns.
way the steering wheel is turned.
• Violating the right-of-way rules.
Take your foot off the brake to un-
lock the wheels. Then straighten the • Violating stop signals and signs.
front wheels as the vehicle begins • Driver distractions.
to straighten out. Slow the vehicle Involved in a Collision
­gradually until you are at a safe speed If you are involved in a collision:
to continue driving.
• You must stop. Someone could
Steering Wheel Locking Device be injured and need your help.
Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to If you do not stop, you may be
the “lock” position while it is still in convicted of “hit and run” and
motion or the steering will lock and could be severely punished.
you will lose control of your vehicle. • Call 9-1-1, if anyone is hurt.
Collisions are not Accidents • Move your vehicle out of the
An “accident” implies an unforeseen traffic lane if no one is injured or
event that occurs without anyone’s killed.
fault or negligence. Most often in • Show your driver license, regis-
traffic, that is not the case. tration card, evidence of financial
If you see a vehicle’s hazard lights responsibility, and current address
ahead, slow down. There may be a to the other driver or persons
collision or other road emergency involved, or to any police officer.
ahead. Stop and give assistance • You (or your insurance agent,
if asked by anyone, or pass very broker, or legal representative)
carefully. must make a written report to the

- 68 -
police or CHP within 24 hours of form. The CHP or police will not
the collision if someone is killed make this report for you.
or injured. You must make this report whether
• You (or your insurance agent, or not you caused the collision, even
broker, or legal representative) if the collision occurred on private
must make a written report to property.
DMV within 10 days. Your driving privilege will be
• If you hit a parked vehicle or suspended:
other property, leave a note with • If you do not make this report.
your name, phone number, and
• For up to four years, if you did not
address in or securely attached
have proper insurance coverage.
to the vehicle or property you
During the last three years of the
hit. Report the collision to the
suspension, your license can be
city police or, in unincorporated
returned to you if you provide a
areas, to the CHP.
California Insurance Proof Cer-
• If your parked car rolls away and tificate (SR 22) and maintain it
hits another vehicle, try to find the during the three-year period.
owner and report the incident to
authorities as mentioned above.
ADDITIONAL DRIVING
• If you kill or injure an animal,
call the nearest humane society, laws/RULES
the police, or CHP. Do not try to Things You Must Not Do:
move an injured animal or leave • Do not smoke when a minor is in
an injured animal to die. the vehicle at any time. You can
Reporting a Collision be fined up to $100.
When you have a collision, report it • Do not dump or abandon animals
to the DMV within 10 days if: on a highway. This crime is pun-
• More than $750 in damage was ishable by a fine of up to $1,000,
done to the property of any person. six months in jail, or both.
• Anyone was injured (no matter • Do not operate a cell phone with-
how slightly) or killed. out the use of a hands-free device.
Each driver (or the driver’s insurance (Minors, see page 12.)
agent, broker, or legal representa- • Do not drive a motor vehicle while
tive) must make a report to DMV using a wireless communications
using the Report of Traffic Accident device to write, send, or read text-
Occurring in California (SR 1) form. based communications.
Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov or • Do not wear a headset over, or
call 1-800-777-0133 and ask for the earplugs in, both your ears.
Report of Traffic Accident (SR 1)

- 69 -
• Do not drive a vehicle so loaded, away. Littering convictions show
either with property or people, that on your driving record.
you can not control it, see ahead, • Do not wear eyeglasses with
or to the sides of your vehicle. temples wide enough to keep you
• Do not carry anything in or on a from seeing clearly to the sides.
passenger vehicle which extends • Do not drive a vehicle equipped
beyond the fenders on the left side with a video monitor if the
or more than six inches beyond monitor is visible to the driver
the fenders on the right side. and displays anything other than
Cargo extending more than four vehicle information or global
feet from the back of the vehicle mapping displays.
must display a 12-inch red or
• Do not honk your horn unless
fluorescent orange square flag or
it is a safety warning to avoid a
two red lights at night.
collision.
• Do not allow anyone to ride on any
• Do not throw any cigarette, ci-
part of your vehicle not intended
gar, or other flaming or glowing
for passengers.
substance from your vehicle.
• Do not allow anyone to ride in the
• Do not shoot firearms on a high-
trunk of your vehicle. Convictions
way or at traffic signs.
will result in penalties for both the
driver and the person(s) riding in • Do not block your view by putting
the trunk. signs or other objects on the front
windshield or the back and side
• Do not allow a person to ride in
windows. Do not hang objects on
the back of a pickup or other truck
the mirror. Windshield/window
unless the vehicle is equipped with
stickers, etc., are permitted in
seats and the person uses both the
these locations only:
seat and a safety belt.
– a seven-inch square on either
• Do not transport animals in the
the passenger’s side wind-
back of a pickup or other truck
shield, lower corner; or the
unless the animal is properly
lower corner of the rear win-
secured.
dow.
• Do not tow anyone who is riding
– a five-inch square on the lower
a bicycle, in a wagon, on roller
corner of the driver’s side.
skates, on a sled, on skis, or on a
toy vehicle. – side windows behind the driver.
• Do not litter the roadside. The • Do not drive any motor vehicle
fine is $1,000, and you may be into a designated wilderness area.
forced to pick up what you threw (CVC §38301.5)

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• Do not drive with illegally • You must turn on your headlights
tinted safety glass. If you have if snow, rain, fog, or low-visibility
sun-sensitive skin you may use (1,000 feet or less) require the use
removable sun screens during of windshield wipers.
daylight travel if you have a letter • You must move your vehicle
from your physician. out of the traffic lane (unless it
• Do not block or hinder a funeral is disabled) when it is safe to do
procession. Vehicles taking part so, if you are involved in a colli-
in a funeral procession have the sion. Law enforcement may tow
right-of-way, and if you interfere, or impound your vehicle if it is
obstruct, or interrupt the funeral left in an unsafe area and causes
procession you are subject to a safety concerns.
citation (CVC §2817). A funeral
procession is led by a traffic of- HEALTH AND SAFETY
ficer, and all vehicles taking part
in the procession have windshield Safety for the Aging Driver
markers to identify them and have The department has published a
their headlights on. handbook specifically for senior
• Do not ride, or allow a child to drivers. Please go online at www.
ride, a “pocket bike” on a public dmv.ca.gov to view or download a
street or highway. These vehicles copy of the Senior Guide for Safe
are not manufactured or designed Driving or call 1-800-777-0133 to
for highway use, and they do not request a copy be mailed to you or
meet federal safety standards. contact the Senior Driver Ombuds-
man Program in your area.
Things You Must Do:
• You must drive as far to the right Good Vision for All Drivers
as reasonably possible on narrow You need good vision to drive safely.
mountain roads, and if you can not If you can not see clearly, you can
see at least 200 feet ahead honk not judge distances or spot trouble,
your horn. and you will not be able to make the
• You must use your headlights best judgements. You also need to
30 minutes after sunset and leave see peripherally or “out of the corner
them on until 30 minutes before of your eye” to spot cars coming up
sunrise. beside you, while your eyes are on
• You must dim your lights to low the road ahead.
beams within 500 feet of a vehicle You may see clearly and still not be
coming toward you or within 300 able to judge distances. You need
feet of a vehicle you are following. good distance judgment so you know
how far you are from other cars.

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Continue
driving
as long as
you can safely
do so.
Visit dmv.ca.gov for the
Senior Guide for Safe Driving
Many people who may see clearly are sleepy, the only safe cure is to
in the daytime have trouble at night. get off the road and get some sleep.
Some see poorly in dim light. Others To keep from getting tired on a
may have trouble with the glare of long trip:
headlights.
• Get a normal night’s sleep before
Have your eyes checked every you start.
year or two. You may never know
• Do not take any drugs that can
about poor peripheral vision or poor
make you drowsy.
distance judgment unless you have
your eyes checked. • Do not drive long hours, and try
not to drive late at night.
Hearing • Take regular rest stops even if
Hearing is more important to driv- you are not tired.
ing than many people realize. The
• Keep shifting your eyes from one
sound of horns, a siren, or screech-
part of the road to another. Look
ing tires can warn you of danger.
at objects near and far, left and
Sometimes you can hear a vehicle,
right.
but can not see it especially if it is
in your blind spots. • Try chewing gum or singing along
with the radio/CD.
Even people with good hearing can
not hear well if the radio or CD player • Roll your window down to get
is blaring. While driving do not wear some fresh air.
a headset or earplugs in both ears. If you are tired all the time and fall
Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, asleep often during the day, ask
can come on so slowly that you do your physician to check for a sleep
not notice them. Have your hearing disorder.
checked periodically. Drivers who Medications
know they are deaf or hearing- Remember that all medications,
impaired can adjust. They can learn pre­­­­­­scrip­tion or over-the-counter,
to rely more on their seeing habits. are potentially ­dangerous. Over-
Alertness the-counter medicines that you take
When you are tired, you are less alert. for colds and allergies can make
The body naturally wants to sleep you drowsy and affect your driving
at night. Most drivers are less alert ability. If you must take medication
at night especially after midnight. before driving, find out the effects of
You may not see hazards as soon the medication from your physician
or react as quickly as when you are or pharmacist. It is your responsi-
rested and alert, so your chances of bility to know the effects of the
having a crash may be greater. If you medications you take.

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Before you decide to drive, do not: Safety Tips
• Mix medications, unless directed According to the CHP, if your
by your physician. vehicle becomes disabled on the
• Take medications prescribed for freeway:
someone else. • Safely pull to the right shoulder.
• Mix alcohol with your medi- Ideally, park the vehicle next to
cations. This applies to both a call box, if possible. (There is
prescribed and over-the-counter a call box every quarter mile to
medications. two miles.)
• If you must exit the vehicle, exit
Health and Emotions on the right side of your vehicle.
Your personality affects the way
you drive. Do not let your emotions • Once you arrange for assistance,
return to your vehicle, get back in
interfere with safe driving. Use all
on the right side and put on the
of your good judgment, common
seatbelts.
sense, and courtesy when you drive
and follow all the recommended safe • Stay inside your vehicle with the
driving rules. seatbelts on until help arrives.
Discuss health concerns such as poor In certain circumstances, exit your
vision, heart problems, diabetes, or vehicle, such as when there is not
epilepsy with your physician and fol- enough shoulder space or if there is
low his or her advice. Tell the DMV a guard rail or an area to safely stay
if you have a condition that might away from the freeway lanes, and
affect your ability to drive safely. away from your vehicle. Use your
emergency blinking lights at your
Conditions Physicians Must discretion according to weather
Report conditions. The lights may be help-
Physicians and surgeons are required ful, but they could also attract drunk
to report patients at least 14 years drivers.
of age and older who are diagnosed The California Highway Patrol’s
as having lapses of consciousness, Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)
Alzheimer’s Disease, or related provides free emergency roadside
disorders. (Health & Safety Code services during commute periods.
§103900) If you get stuck on the freeway
Although not required by law, your because your automobile stops run-
physician may report any other med- ning, FSP will:
ical condition he/she believes may • Offer you a gallon of gas if you
affect your ability to drive safely. run out.

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• “Jump start” your vehicle if the Call 1-800-TELLCHP (835-5247)
battery is dead. to find out if the FSP operates where
• Refill your radiator and tape you are and how to contact the FSP.
hoses. Record Confidentiality
• Change a flat tire. Most information in your driver
The FSP program: license file is available to the public.
• Can not tow your vehicle to a Your residence address may only be
private repair service or residence. viewed by authorized agencies. Your
• Does not recommend tow service mailing address, if different from
companies or repair and body your residence, is less restricted.
shops. Records on the physical or men-
• Does not tow motorcycles. tal condition of a driver remain
confidential.
• Does not assist vehicles which
have been involved in a collision You may obtain a copy of your driv-
unless directed by the CHP. ing record at any DMV office for a
fee with valid identification.
• Does report any collision to the
CHP. Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips
If FSP can not get your vehicle go- If you follow the suggestions below,
ing, it will be towed free of charge you can minimize your chances
to a location approved by the CHP. of becoming the victim of vehicle
FSP will also contact additional theft. In the United States, a ve-
assistance for you. The CHP will no- hicle is stolen an average of every
tify an auto club or towing service. 21 minutes. Vehicle theft results in
The FSP serves the following areas: costs to the victim and it increases
insurance premiums. Also, vehicle
• Valley Division–the Sacramento
thieves often use the stolen vehicles
metro and Tracy areas
to commit other crimes.
• Golden Gate Division–the San
Vehicle thefts occur more often
Francisco bay area
where large groups of cars are parked
• Central Division–the Fresno area at any time of day for extended
• Southern Division–the Los An- periods of time, such as shopping
geles basin centers, colleges, sporting events,
• Inland Division–the Riverside movie complexes, and large apart-
area ment complexes.
• Border Division–the San Diego Here are some tips you can use to
and Orange County areas avoid being the victim of vehicle
• Coastal Division–the Monterey theft:
and Santa Cruz areas

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• Never leave: you and not in the car. The po-
– Your vehicle running and unat- lice will need this information,
tended even to dash into a store. if your vehicle is stolen.
– The keys in the ignition. Do Traffic Breaks
not leave keys inside a locked Traffic breaks are used by law en-
garage or in hide-a-key box. forcement to:
– Valuables such as purses, lap- – Slow or stop traffic to remove
tops, etc., in plain view even if hazards from the roadway.
your vehicle is locked. Place
– Conduct emergency opera-
them out of sight.
tions.
– Personal identification docu-
– Prevent traffic collisions in
ments such as the ownership
heavy fog or unusually heavy
title or credit cards in the ve-
traffic.
hicle.
During a traffic break, the officer
• Always:
turns on the rear emergency lights,
– Roll up your windows and lock slows the vehicle, and drives across
your vehicle even if it is parked the lanes of traffic in a serpentine
in front of your house. manner. To assist the officer in
– Park in high-traffic, well-light- conducting a traffic break:
ed areas whenever possible. – Activate your emergency flash-
– Report a stolen vehicle imme- ers to warn other drivers there
diately to the police. is a hazard ahead.
• Suggestions: – Slowly begin to decrease your
– Install a mechanical device speed. Do not slow abruptly
that locks the steering wheel, unless it is necessary to avoid
column, or brakes. a collision. Slow to the same
– Think about purchasing a speed as the officer while keep-
vehicle theft tracking/security ing a safe distance from the
system, especially if you own patrol vehicle ahead of you.
one of the frequently-stolen – Do not attempt to drive past the
model vehicles. patrol vehicle. Do not acceler-
– When you must leave your key ate until the patrol vehicle has
with a valet, attendant, or me- turned off its emergency lights
chanic, only leave the ignition and traffic conditions ahead al-
key. low the return to normal speeds.
– Copy your license plate and
vehicle information on a card,
and keep that information with

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What a Driver Should Do Remain inside your vehicle unless
During an Enforcement Stop otherwise directed by the officer.
Acknowledge the officer’s pres- Never step out of your vehicle, un-
ence by turning on your right turn less an officer directs you to do so.
signal. Activating your signal lets During an enforcement stop, the
the officer know that you recognize officer’s priorities are your safety,
his/her presence. An officer may be- the safety of your passengers, and
come alarmed if you fail to recognize the officer’s own personal safety. In
him/her and might perceive that you most situations, the safest place for
have a reason to avoid yielding or you and your passengers is inside
that you might be impaired. your vehicle. Exiting your vehicle
Move your vehicle to the right without first being directed by an
shoulder of the road. The officer officer can increase the risk of being
will guide you, using his/her patrol struck by a passing vehicle and/or
vehicle. Do not move onto the center increase the officer’s level of feeling
median. Do not stop in the center threatened.
median of a freeway or on the op- Place your hands in clear view,
posite side of a two lane roadway. including all passengers’ hands
This places both the driver and the such as on steering wheel, on top
officer in danger of being hit by of lap, etc. During an enforcement
oncoming traffic. stop, an officer’s inability to see the
On a freeway, move completely hands of the driver and all occupants
onto the right shoulder, even if in the vehicle increases the officer’s
you’re in the carpool lane. Stop level of feeling threatened. Most
in well lit areas when possible. Pull violent criminal acts against a law
your vehicle as far off the roadway enforcement officer occur through
as possible. When it is dark, look for the use of a person’s hands such
locations that have more light such as use of a firearm, use of a sharp
as areas with street or freeway lights, object, etc. If your windows are
near restaurants or service stations. tinted, it is recommended that you
roll down your windows after you
End your cell phone conversa- have stopped your vehicle on the
tion and turn off your radio. The right shoulder of the roadway and
officer needs your full attention to before the officer makes contact
communicate with you to complete with you.
the enforcement stop in the least
amount of time needed.

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ACTIONS THAT RESULT IN the driver is not identified, the owner
LOSS OF LICENSE of the motor vehicle involved in a
collision will have his or her driver
Financial Responsibility license suspended.
The California’s Compulsory Fi- The minimum amount your insur-
nancial Responsibility Law requires ance* must cover per collision is:
every driver and every owner of a
• $15,000 for a single death or
motor vehicle to maintain financial
injury.
responsibility (liability coverage) at
all times. There are four forms of • $30,000 for death or injury to
financial responsibility: more than one person.
• A motor vehicle liability insur- • $5,000 for property damage.
ance policy. Call 1-800-927-HELP, before you
• A deposit of $35,000 with DMV. purchase insurance to confirm that
your agent/broker and insurer are
• A surety bond for $35,000 ob-
licensed by the California Depart-
tained from a company licensed
to do business in California. ment of Insurance.
• A DMV issued self-insurance If you are visiting California or have
certificate. just moved here, be aware that not
all out-of-state insurance companies
You must carry written evidence of are authorized to do business in
financial responsibility whenever California. Before you drive here,
you drive, and show it to a police ask your insurance company if you
officer after a traffic stop or collision are covered in case of a collision. If
when asked. You may have to pay a you have a collision in California,
fine or have your vehicle impounded all three of the following conditions
if you do not comply with this law. must be met to avoid suspension of
Insurance your driving privilege:
Insurance Requirements 1. Your liability policy must provide
The law states you must be bodily injury and property dam-
financially responsible for your age coverage which equals or
actions whenever you drive and for exceeds the limits stated.
all motor vehicles you own. Most
drivers choose to have a liability
insurance policy as proof of financial
responsibility. If you have a collision
* Low cost automobile policies are available in Alameda,
not covered by your insurance, or Contra Costa, Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles,
you do not have insurance, your Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino,
San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo,
driver license will be suspended. If Santa Clara, and Stanislaus counties. Please contact
your insurance agent.

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2. Your insurance company must file Alcohol/Drugs while Driving
a power of attorney allowing the Alcohol/Drugs and Driving Is
DMV to act as its agent for legal Dangerous
service in California. Alcohol and/or drugs impairs your
3. You must have insured the vehicle judgment. Impaired judgment or
before you came to California. good sense, affects how you react
You can not renew the out-of- to sounds and what you see. It is
state policy once the vehicle is also dangerous to walk in traffic or
registered in California. bicycle while under the influence of
Collisions on Your Record alcohol or drugs. It takes about an
Every collision reported to DMV by: hour for the body to get rid of each
“drink.” If a person has had more
• Law enforcement, unless the
than one drink an hour, one hour
reporting officer states another
of “sobering up” time should be
person was at fault.
allowed for each extra drink before
• You, or another party involved in driving. Better still, someone who
the collision, if any one person has has not been drinking should drive.
over $750 in damage or if anyone (See page 85.)
is injured or dies.
Much of what has been said about
It does not matter who caused the alcohol also applies to drugs.
collision, DMV must keep this California’s drunk driving law is
record. also a drug driving law. It refers
Collisions, Insurance, and Minors to “driving under the influence of
If you are under 18 years of age, alcohol and/or drugs.” If an officer
your parent(s) or guardian(s) must suspects that you are under the
sign your license application and influence of drugs, the officer can
assume financial responsibility for legally require you to take a blood
your driving. When you reach age or urine test. Drivers who refuse
18, your parent(s) or guardian(s) these tests are subject to longer
liability automatically ends. license suspensions and revocations.
If you are involved in a collision Anyone convicted of possessing,
your parent(s) or guardian(s) may selling, or manufacturing illegal
be liable for civil damages and you drugs is subject to a six-month ­driver
may also be fined. license suspension.
EXCEPTION: Your parent(s) or The use of any drug (the law does not
guardian(s) can have your license distinguish between prescription,
cancelled at any time while you over-the-counter, or illegal drugs)
are a minor. which impairs your ability to drive
safely is illegal. Check with your
physician or pharmacist and read

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If you see a drunk driver
on the road, call 911.

Provide law enforcement with the:

exact location
vehicle make & model
license plate

One call could save a life.


IF YOU DRINK AND DRIVE, THE COST OF A DUI AR-
REST CAN TOTAL $8,240*
*If you use an attorney, the cost is even greater.

ALCOHOL IMPAIRMENT CHART


DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS IS ILLEGAL*
There is no safe way to drive while under the influence. Even one drink can make you an unsafe driver.
Drinking alcohol affects your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). change if you are drinking ale, malt liquors, fortified wines, port, brandy,
It is illegal to drive with a BAC that is .08% or more (.04% or more if different proof liquor, or if you are drinking on an empty stomach, are
you drive commercial vehicles; .01% or more if under 21). However, tired, sick, upset, or have taken medicines or drugs.
a BAC below .08% does not mean that it is safe or legal to drive. The How to use these charts: Find your weight chart. Then, look for the
charts below show the BAC zones for various numbers of drinks and total number of drinks you have had and compare that to the time shown.
time periods. Remember: “One drink” is a 1 1/2-ounce shot of 80-proof If your BAC level is in the grey zone, your chances of having an accident
liquor (even if mixed with non-alcoholic drinks), a 5-ounce glass of 12% are 5 times higher than if you had no drinks, and 25 times higher if your
wine, or a 12-ounce glass of 5% beer. These “one drink” equivalents BAC level falls in the black zone.
BAC Zones: 90 to 109 lbs. 110 to 129 lbs. 130 to 149 lbs. 150 to 169 lbs. 170 to 189 lbs. 190 to 209 lbs. 210 lbs. & Up
TIME TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS
FROM 1st
DRINK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 hr
2 hrs
3 hrs
4 hrs
Technical note: These charts are not legal evidence of actual BAC. Although it is possible for anyone to exceed the designated limits, the charts have been constructed so that fewer than
5 persons in 100 will exceed these limits when drinking the stated amounts on an empty stomach. Actual values can vary by body type, sex, health status, and other factors.
Legend: (.01%–.04%) Possible DUI—Definitely unlawful if under 21 years old (.05%–.07%) Likely DUI—Definitely unlawful if under 21 years old (.08% Up) Definitely DUI
* VC §§23152, 23153, 23136, 23140 DUI=Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs. DL 606MO (REV. 10/2004)
the warning label if you are not sure In a bus, taxi, camper, or motor
that taking the medication will affect home, the law does not apply to
your driving. Here are some facts: non-driving passengers.
• Most drugs taken for colds, hay Refer to page 85 for the Designated
fever, allergy, or to calm nerves Driver Program.
or muscles can make a person Drivers Under 21 (Possession of
drowsy. Alcohol)
• Medicines taken together, or used If you are under 21 years of age:
with alcohol can be dangerous. • You may not carry liquor, beer, or
Many drugs have unexpected side wine inside a vehicle unless you
effects when taken with alcohol. are accompanied by a parent or
• Pep pills, “uppers,” and diet pills other person as specified by law,
can make a driver more alert for and the container must be full,
a short time. Later, however, they sealed, and unopened.
can cause a person to be nervous, • If you are caught with an alcoholic
dizzy, and not able to concentrate. beverage in your vehicle, it may be
They can also affect vision. impounded for up to 30 days. The
Any drug that “may cause drowsi- court may fine you up to $1,000
ness or dizziness” is one you should and either suspend your driving
not take before driving. Make sure privilege for one year or require
you read the label and know the ef- the DMV to delay the issuance
fects of any drug you use. of your first license for up to
Carrying Alcohol in a Vehicle one year, if you are not already
licensed.
The law is very strict about carrying
alcohol or drugs in a vehicle whether • Your driving privilege will be
the vehicle is on or off the highway. revoked for one year, if you are
You must not drink any amount of convicted of either driving with a
alcohol in any vehicle. BAC of 0.01% or higher or driv-
ing while under the influence of
A container of liquor, beer, or wine
alcohol and/or drugs. On the first
carried inside the vehicle must
offense you will be required to
be full, sealed, and unopened.
complete the educational portion
Otherwise, it must be in the trunk
of a licensed driving-under-the-
of the vehicle or in a place where
influence (DUI) program. A
passengers do not sit. Keeping an subsequent offense may require
opened alcoholic drink in the glove a longer DUI program and you
compartment is specifically against will not have a restricted license
the law. to attend the DUI program.

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Exception: You may carry Similar provisions (Harbors and
alcoholic beverages in closed Navigation Code) apply when you
containers while working for operate any vessel, aquaplane, water
someone with an off-site liquor skis, or similar devices. These con-
sales license. victions are placed on your driving
Drivers of All Ages record and will be used by the court
It is illegal to drive after consuming to determine “prior convictions”
excessive alcohol in any form (in- for motor vehicle DUI sentencing.
cluding medications such as cough These convictions are also used
syrup), or taking any drug (including when determining the length of a
prescription medications), or using suspension or revocation action or
any combination of alcohol or drugs. the reinstatement requirements be-
cause of a violation you committed
Blood Alcohol Concentration
(BAC) Limits while driving a motor vehicle.
It is illegal for any person to operate Admin Per Se
a vehicle with a: When you drive in California, you
• BAC of 0.08% or higher, if the consent to have your breath, blood
person is age 21 or older. or, under certain circumstances,
• BAC of 0.01% or higher, if the urine tested if you are arrested for
person is under age 21. driving under the influence of alco-
• BAC of 0.01% or higher at any hol, drugs, or a combination of both.
age if the person is on DUI proba- Under 21—Zero Tolerance for Al-
tion. cohol Use. If you are under 21, you
• BAC of 0.04% or higher, in any must submit to a hand-held breath
vehicle requiring a commercial test, Preliminary Alcohol Screening
driver license (with or without a (PAS), or one of the other chemical
CDL issued to the driver). tests if you have been detained and a
police officer has reason to believe
The DMV can take an administrative
you were drinking alcohol. If your
action against your driving privilege
BAC measures 0.01% or higher on
after you are detained or arrested
the PAS, the officer may take your
and the court may take a separate
license and issue you a temporary
action (suspend, revoke or delay
license for only 30 days, give you
the license) for the same offense.
an order of suspension for one year,
DMV’s action is related only to your
and then determine whether to re-
driving privilege. The court’s action
lease you, turn you over to juvenile
may involve payment of a fine, jail
authorities, or contact your parent(s)
time, suspension, or revocation of
or guardian(s). You may request a
your driving privilege and comple-
DMV administrative hearing within
tion of a DUI program.
10 days.

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If your PAS shows a BAC of 0.05%, Court DUI Convictions
the officer may require you to sub- If you are convicted of driving with
mit to either a breath or blood test. excessive BAC, or while under the
Some PAS devices provide a record influence of either alcohol or drugs
which may be submitted to the court or both (DUI), you may be sentenced
as evidence. Other PAS devices do to serve up to six months in jail and
not provide a record, so the officer pay a fine between $390 and $1,000
may ask for a breath or blood test (plus about three times the fine in
after the PAS. You do not have a penalty assessments) the first time
right to consult with a lawyer before you are convicted. Your vehicle
selecting or completing a test. may be impounded and is subject
If a subsequent test reveals a BAC to storage fees.
of 0.05% or higher, the officer will On the first conviction the court will
issue you an order of suspension, suspend your driving privilege for six
arrest you for DUI (CVC §23140), months and require you to complete
and detain you until you can be a DUI program before you can be
turned over to your parent(s) or reinstated. The length of the program
guardian(s) or juvenile authorities. may vary. If your BAC is 0.15% or
If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, the higher, and you already have a record
police officer may arrest you. (CVC of violations for other reasons, or you
§§23152 or 23153) refuse to submit to a chemical test,
If the officer reasonably believes the court may order you to complete
you are under the combined influ- a nine-month or longer program. If
ence of alcohol and drugs and you your BAC is 0.20% or higher, and
have already submitted to a PAS the court refers you to an enhanced
and/or a breath test, you may still be DUI treatment program, your license
required to submit to a blood or urine will be suspended for 10 months.
test because the breath test does not You could also be required to install
detect the presence of drugs. an ignition interlock device (IID) on
If you refuse to submit to any of the your vehicle. A court may also order
tests, your driving privilege may you to install an IID if your BAC is
be suspended for the refusal. Even 0.15% or higher, or you have 2 or
if you change your mind later and more prior moving violations, or you
agree to a test and if your BAC mea- refuse a chemical test at the time of
sures 0.01% or higher on the PAS, your arrest. An IID prevents you from
your driving privilege may be sus- starting your vehicle if you have any
pended for both reasons, although alcohol on your breath. If anyone was
both actions will run concurrently. injured as a result of your driving
under the influence, the suspension
period is one year.

- 84 -
In cases involving serious injury or Second and subsequent DUI convic-
death, you may be punished under tions result in increased penalties,
California’s Three Strikes Law. You including a two-year suspension or a
also could face a civil lawsuit. All revocation of up to four years. After
DUI convictions will remain on you complete a prescribed period
DMV’s records for ten years. The of your suspension/revocation and
courts and/or DMV may impose either enroll in, or complete a por-
more stringent penalties for subse- tion of, a DUI program, you may
quent violations during that period. obtain a restricted license to drive
A BAC below legal limits does not anywhere necessary, if you:
mean that you are safe to drive. • Install an IID on your vehicle.
Almost all drivers show impairment • Agree not to drive any vehicle-
by alcohol at levels lower than the without an IID.
legal limit. The impairment you
• Agree to complete the prescribed
exhibit at the time you are stopped
DUI program.
may be enough to convict you of
driving under the influence even • File an SR 22.
without a BAC measurement. • Pay the reissue and restriction
Drivers 21 and Older­—DUI fees.
Programs and Restricted Licenses
Designated Driver Program
Completion of a DUI program is
The Designated Driver Program is
required for all DUI convictions.
an anti-DUI effort that works. The
Generally, if you are over 21 and program encourages one individual
enroll in a DUI program, file a Cali- to abstain from consuming alcoholic
fornia Insurance Proof Certificate beverages for an outing, so he or she
(SR 22), and pay the restriction and can be responsible for transporting
reissue fees, the DMV will issue you other person(s) safely.
a restricted driver license, which al-
To participate as a designated driver,
lows you to drive to/from work and
an individual:
during the course of employment
(unless you hold a commercial driver • Should be at least 21 years of age
license) and to/from a DUI program. and must possess a valid driver
However, if you are considered a license.
“traffic safety” or “public safety” • Must be part of a group of two
risk, if permitted to drive, the court or more persons and verbally
may order the DMV to not grant you identify himself or herself as the
a restricted driver license. Other ac- designated driver to the server.
tions against you may also prohibit • Must abstain from consuming
the issuance of a restricted license. alcoholic beverages for the dura-
tion of the outing.

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• Must not be an otherwise impaired jail for not more than one year.
driver. (CVC §2800.1)
• Must understand that manage- If a person is convicted of causing
ment reserves the right to refuse serious bodily injury during the
service to anyone at any time. course of a police pursuit (CVC
§2800.3[a]), he/she is subject to:
Getting a Ticket
If you are stopped by a police officer • Imprisonment in a state prison for
and cited for a traffic law violation, three, five, or seven years or in a
you sign a promise to appear in county jail for not more than one
year.
traffic court. When you go to court,
you may plead guilty or not guilty, • A fine of not less than $2,000 nor
or you may forfeit (pay) the citation more than $10,000.
fine. Paying the fine is the same as • Both a fine and imprisonment.
a guilty plea. If a person is convicted of killing
If you ignore the traffic ticket and anyone during the course of a police
do not keep your promise to appear pursuit (CVC §2800.3[b]), he/she is
in court, the failure to appear (FTA) subject to imprisonment in a state
goes on your driver record. If you prison for four, six, or ten years.
fail to pay a fine (FTP), the court
will notify the DMV, and this will
Points on the Driver Record
also show on your driver record. The DMV keeps a public record
Even one FTA or FTP can cause the of all your traffic convictions and
department to suspend your license. collisions. Each occurrence stays on
Ending the suspension will cost you your record for 36 months, or longer,
a reissue fee of $55. depending on the type of conviction.
Each time you are convicted of a The Negligent Operator Treatment
moving traffic law violation, the System (NOTS) is based on negli-
court notifies the DMV, and the gent operator points and consists of
conviction is placed on your driver a computer generated series of warn-
license record. Convictions reported ing letters and progressive sanctions
by other states are also added to your against the driving privilege.
driver record. You may be considered a negligent
operator when your driving record
Evading a Police Officer shows one of the following “point
Any person who willfully flees or count” totals.
attempts to evade a police officer
• 4 points in 12 months
performing his/her duties is guilty
of a misdemeanor punishable • 6 points in 24 months
by imprisonment in a county • 8 points in 36 months

- 86 -
Some examples of one point • Imprisonment in a county jail or
violations: state prison for a minimum of 30
• A traffic conviction. days to 6 months,
• An at-fault collision. • A fine ranging from $220 to
$1,000, or
Some examples of two point
violations: • Both a fine and imprisonment.
(CVC §§23105 and 23109.1)
• Reckless driving or hit-and-run
driving Possessing Firearms
• Driving under the influence of The court will:
alcohol/drugs • Suspend or revoke the driving
• Driving while driver license is privilege of any minor convicted
suspended or revoked of possessing a concealable
If you get 4 points in 12 months you weapon or live ammunition, or
will lose your driver license. A viola- • Impose driver license sanctions
tion received in a commercial vehicle for minors convicted of misde-
carries one and one-half times the meanors involving firearms.
point count normally assessed. For
Traffic Violator School
detailed point count information
refer to the California Commercial Dismissals
Driver Handbook. When a driver is cited for a one point
traffic violation, the judge may offer
Vandalism/Graffiti— the driver the opportunity to attend
All Ages a Traffic Violator School. Drivers
California law allows the courts to who do not have a commercial li-
suspend the driver license for up to cense may participate once in any
two years of a person convicted of 18-month period to have a citation
engaging in vandalism, including dismissed from their driving record.
graffiti. If you are convicted and do NOTE: If you have a commercial
not have a driver license, the courts license and attend traffic school, the
can delay the issuance of your driver citation will still appear on your driv-
license for up to three years from the ing record, regardless of the type of
date you are legally eligible to drive. vehicle you were driving when cited.
Speed Contests/Reckless Suspension or Revocation
Driving by DMV
A person convicted of driving If you get too many negligent driver
recklessly or engaging in a speed points, the DMV will place you
contest which causes bodily injury on probation for one year (which
to another person is subject to: includes a six-month suspension)

- 87 -
or revoke your driving privilege. • Hit-and-run.
(See page 86.) Your suspension or • Engaging in lewd conduct and
revocation order informs you of your prostitution in a vehicle within
right to a hearing. 1,000 feet of a residence.
At the end of the suspension or re- • Assaulting a driver, passenger,
vocation period, you may apply for bicyclist, or pedestrian when the
a new license, and you must show offense occurs on a highway (road
proof of financial responsibility. rage).
The DMV will revoke your license • Failure to stop as required at a
if you are convicted of a hit-and-run railway grade crossing.
or reckless driving, which results • Felony or misdemeanor offense of
in injury. recklessly fleeing a law enforce-
Suspension by Judge ment officer.
A judge may suspend a person’s Regardless of the point count, many
license if convicted of one of the serious offenses in which a vehicle
following: is used are punishable by heavy
• Breaking speed laws or reckless penalties such as fines and/or im-
driving. prisonment. If you use your vehicle
as a weapon your driver license may
• Driving under the influence of
be permanently revoked.
alcohol or drugs.

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vehicle registration requirements
The following is a brief summary of California’s vehicle registration require-
ments. Visit the DMV website for detailed information at www.dmv.ca.gov.
California Vehicles
When you purchase a new or used vehicle from a licensed California dealer, the
dealer collects use tax and fees to register and title the vehicle.
The dealer submits the fees and documents to the DMV and gives you temporary
operating authority. Usually within six to eight weeks after your purchase date,
you will receive a registration card, license plates, stickers, and a Certificate
of Title, if appropriate.
If you obtain or purchase a vehicle from a private party, you must transfer
the ownership within 10 days. Submit the following to the DMV:
• A properly endorsed and completed Certificate of Title or Application for
Duplicate Title (REG 227).
• Smog certification provided by the seller if required.
• Use tax payment if required.
• Odometer Mileage Disclosure Statement if applicable.
• Appropriate DMV fees.
When you sell or transfer a vehicle, report it to the DMV within 5 days. You
can complete the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form (REG 138)
online, download and mail the completed form, or call DMV at 1-800-777-
0133 to request a form be mailed to you.

- 89 -
Out-of-State Vehicles
Vehicles registered in another state or foreign country must be registered
in California within 20 days after you become a resident or get a job.
(See page 2.)
Nonresident military personnel and their spouses may operate their vehicles
in California with their valid home state license plates or until the plates is-
sued from the state of their last assigned duty station expire. They may renew
the registration in their home state before it expires or register the vehicle in
California.
The items needed to register any out-of-state vehicle are:
• Completed and signed Application for Title or Registration
(REG 343).
• Verification of the vehicle completed by the DMV, law enforcement agent,
or an auto club employee.
• Out-of-state title and/or last issued out-of-state registration card, if the title
is not submitted.
• Smog certification (1976 and newer motor vehicles only).
• Weight certificate for commercial vehicles only.
• Appropriate DMV fees and use tax if applicable.
• Completed Odometer Mileage Disclosure statement if applicable.

- 90 -
Related Fast Facts and Other Publications (available online):
• FFDL 05 Birth Date and Legal Presence Requirements
• FFDL 08 Social Security Number Requirements for a
Driver License or Identification Card
• FFDL 08A Supplemental Social Security Information for Applications with
VISA E1/E2 and L1/L2 (and others)
• FFDL 10 Potentially Unsafe Driver
• FFDL 14 Vision Requirements For Driving Class C Vehicles
• FFDL 15 Retention of Driver Record Information
• FFDL 16 Collisions, What To Do
• FFDL 19 Provisional Licensing Changes
• FFDL 22 How to Prepare for Your Driving Test
• FFDL 24 Identity Theft
• FFDL 25 Identity Fraud
• FFDL 26 A Guide to the Driver Safety Administrative Hearing Process
• FFDL 27 DMV’s Reexamination Process
• FFDL 28 Driver Distractions
• FFDL 29 Federal Hazardous Materials Requirements -
USA Patriot Act of 2001
• FFDL 31 Ignition Interlock Devices
• FFDL 32 Limited Term for Legal Presence -
Driver License and Identification Card Applications
• FFDL 33 Selecting a Driving School
• FFDL 34 Organ and Tissue Donation
• FFDL 35 Driving Under the Influence -
Immediate Driver License Suspension:
Drivers age 21 and Older
• FFDL 36 Driving Under the Influence - Immediate Driver License
Suspension: Drivers Under Age 21 With a 0.01% BAC
• FFDL 37 Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Motorists
• FFDL 40 Diabetes and Driving
• Senior Guide for Safe Driving (DL 625)
• Parent-Teen Training Guide (DL 603)
• Driving Test Criteria (DL 955)

- 91 -
Don’t Be A Statistic
Focus, with your
eyes on the road,
mind on the road,
hands on the
steering wheel.

Visit dmv.ca.gov for


Driver Distractions
Fast Facts
Sample Test #1
1. When you drive through a construction zone, you should:
a. Slow down to watch the workers.
b. Decrease your following distance.
c. Pass the construction zone carefully and not “rubberneck”.
2. To make a right turn at the corner, you:
a. May not enter the bicycle lane.
b. Should only merge into the bicycle lane if you stop before turning.
c. Must merge into the bicycle lane before turning.
3. If a traffic signal light is not working, you must:
a. Stop, then proceed when safe.
b. Stop before entering the intersection and let all other traffic go first.
c. Slow down or stop, only if necessary.
4. A pedestrian is crossing your lane but there is no crosswalk. You should:
a. Make sure the pedestrian sees you, but continue driving.
b. Carefully drive around the pedestrian.
c. Stop and let the pedestrian cross the street.
5. Always use your seat belt:
a. Unless the vehicle was built before 1978.
b. Unless you are in a limousine.
c. When the vehicle is equipped with seat belts.
6. The extra space in front of a large truck is needed for:
a. Other drivers when merging onto a freeway.
b. The truck driver to stop the vehicle.
c. Other drivers when they want to slow down.
7. Roads are slippery after it first starts to rain. When the road is slippery you
should:
a. Avoid making fast turns and fast stops.
b. Test your tires’ traction while going uphill.
c. Decrease the distance you look ahead of your vehicle.
8. Collisions can happen more often when:
a. All vehicles are traveling about the same speed.
b. One lane of traffic is traveling faster than the other lanes.
c. One vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic.

ANSWERS: 1c, 2c, 3a, 4c, 5c, 6b, 7a, 8c

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Sample Test #2
1. When you enter traffic from a stop (away from the curb), you:
a. Should drive slower than other traffic for 200 feet.
b. Need a large enough gap to get up to the speed of traffic.
c. Should wait for the first two vehicles to pass, then drive into the lane.
2. When passing another vehicle, it is safe to return to your lane if you:
a. Can not see the vehicle directly to your right.
b. See the vehicle’s headlights in your rearview mirror.
c. Have passed the other vehicle’s front bumper.
3. Dim your headlights for oncoming vehicles or when you are within 300 feet
of a vehicle:
a. You are approaching from behind.
b. Approaching you from behind.
c. You have already passed.
4. If you see orange construction signs and cones on a freeway, you must:
a. Slow down because the lane ends ahead.
b. Be prepared for workers and equipment ahead.
c. Change lanes and maintain your current speed.
5. U-turns in residential districts are legal:
a. On a one-way street on a green arrow.
b. When there are no vehicles approaching nearby.
c. Across two sets of solid double, yellow lines.
6. You consent to take a blood test for the alcohol content of your blood, breath,
or urine:
a. Only if you have been drinking alcohol.
b. Whenever you drive in California.
c. Only if you have a collision.
7. On a green arrow, you must:
a. Yield to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian in the intersection.
b. Yield to pedestrians only in the intersection.
c. Wait four seconds before proceeding.
8. When driving at night on a dimly lit street, you should:
a. Drive slowly enough so you can stop within the area lighted by your
headlights.
b. Turn on your high beam headlights to better see the vehicles ahead of you.
c. Keep the instrument panel lights bright to be more visible to other drivers.

GO ONLINE AT Www.dmv.ca.gov FOR MORE SAMPLE TESTS


ANSWERS: 1b; 2b; 3a; 4b; 5b; 6b; 7a; 8a

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Visit dmv.ca.gov for the


California Motorcycle Handbook
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DL 600  ENGLISH  (REV. 1/2010)

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