$5 Dollar Traffic School Online Chapter 1

10/21/2018 $5 Dollar Traﬃc School Online
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Below is the entire Section 1 of the course. You may use this window while taking the
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Chapter 1: Introduction

TVS: 5 D O L L A R TRAFFIC SCHOOL ONLINE

OLN: E0873
Welcome and thank you for choosing the California DMV licensed 5 Dollar Traffic School Online Traffic
Violator School. We know it's not fun to get a traffic ticket, but we want your traffic school experience
to be painless, educational, and convenient. Our course uses plain English, gives you lots of examples,
and doesn't bog you down with too many details. We want to change the way you are driving, and we
feel the best way to do this is by changing your motivation to drive better. Rather than just tell you
what you should be doing on the road, we try to give you the internal motivation to do the right thing.
We also repeat the same concepts several times throughout the course, to help you pass the final
exam in the end.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Reduce Traffic Collisions

Traffic collisions can be life-altering events that in many cases could have been avoided. In this
course we will cover the different ways in which you can avoid traffic collisions and become a safer
driver. What is a safer way to drive in bad weather? How can you share the road, making it safer for all
road users? Understanding and applying the answers to these and other questions will make the road
a safer place for everyone.
Reduce Traffic Law Violations

Have you forgotten when it is legal to make a u-turn? Do you remember what you need to do at a
four-way stop? We will tackle all of these important points, helping you become a law-abiding driver.
If you follow traffic laws you are less likely to receive a ticket. More importantly, you will also play an
important part in keeping the roads safe, ensuring your own safety and the safety of those around
you. The roads can't be safe if we don't all follow the law!
https://www.5dollartraﬃcschoolonline.com/course/CourseReview.php?SectionNum=1 1/23
Responsibility
Driving is part of our daily routine, but this does not mean that it is not a serious task. As soon as you sit
behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, you take on a huge responsibility. Throughout this course, we will
show you what an important part you play in road safety. Once you sit behind that wheel, you are no
longer only responsible for yourself, but for the community of drivers and road users around you. Don't
take this role on lightly!
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
In order to pass the course, you have to read and study all the material. Remember, you have to be
mentally present to study the material. Make sure you are awake and alert when you are studying! If
you get tired, take a break. It's important to remain alert and focused while taking the course. To
complete each section, you must take a short review quiz for that section. Each review quiz consists of
4 questions. In order to pass a review quiz, you must answer 3 questions (70%) correctly. Once you
have completed all sections of the course, you will take a final exam. The final exam will consist of 25
questions. In order to pass the final exam and complete the course, you must answer 18 of these
questions (70%) correctly. After you have passed the final exam, we ask that you complete the DMV
course evaluation form.

WHAT TO EXPECT
The 5 Dollar Traffic School Online course is separated into four (4) short sections. You can study the
material at your own pace, and you can log off and log on as many times as you need. You can re-
enter the course by going to the Returning Students area located on the right side of the home page.
Test Yourself Questions

Throughout the course you will see Test Yourself Questions at the bottom of many pages. These
questions are there to help prepare you for the review quizzes and final exam. Don't skip over them!
Take a few minutes and find the answers to these questions and write them down. They will help you
pass the review quizzes and final exam.
The Review Quizzes

After each section you must complete a short 4-question review quiz. You must answer 70% (3
questions) correctly in order to pass. If you don't score 70%, you will be required to retake the quiz until
you pass. Pay attention to the quizzes; they will help you pass the final exam.
The Final Exam

At the end of the course you will have a 25-question final exam. You must answer at least 70% (18
questions) correctly in order to pass the course and get your certificate of completion. If you don't get
70% right the first time, per §345.30 (d)(1)(E) of the California Code of Regulations, Article 4.7, you will
have one week to take the final exam a second time. If you still do not pass, you can take the course
again at no cost!
Warning
By registering for this program you certify under penalty of perjury that you will be studying the course
material and taking the final exam without any outside help. 5 Dollar Traffic School Online retains the
right to monitor your participation and cancel your enrollment contract if we believe someone other
than the enrolled student has been participating in the course. You will not be eligible for a refund.
The information and graphics contained in the pages of the 5 Dollar Traffic School Online website and
course curriculum are copyright protected and remain the property of 5 Dollar Traffic School Online. It
is unlawful to copy or share any part of this website or course curriculum without the written consent
of 5 Dollar Traffic School Online.
Thank you again for choosing 5 Dollar Traffic School Online. If you have any questions, please call our
customer service department at 800-518-9079. Good luck!
California Department of Motor Vehicles Legal Notice and Disclaimer
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recognizes the right of private enterprises to
advertise and distribute information related to their business functions. DMV promotes the free
exchange of information, ideas, and opinions, except when the content may invade personal
privacy, violate property rights, constitute libel, or be a violation of any applicable federal, state,
or local laws.
While this lesson plan content may have been approved by DMV, the distribution, advertising,
and other information provided by this vendor is not guaranteed by DMV, nor does it represent
the views of the department.
You are advised that DMV, unless statutorily required, has no continuing obligation to provide
information to an approved course web site or printed publication.
DMV assumes no responsibility for erroneous, incomplete, or out-of-date information. The user
should contact the provider and/or DMV to ensure that the information herein is current and
accurate. All warranties of any kind, including, but not limited to, the IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, freedom from contamination by
computer viruses, and non-infringement of proprietary rights ARE DISCLAIMED.
You are advised that DMV is not responsible for the content of any off-site web pages
referenced from or to an approved course web site or home study publication. In addition, DMV
and the State of California are not responsible for the content of files that are uploaded for
inclusion.
The user should not rely on the presentation of statutes or regulations referenced in an
approved web site or printed publication, but should consult the actual text of the law. Legal
requirements frequently change and the user may wish to seek the advice of counsel.
If you find any errors, omissions, or have a complaint regarding the educational content, we
encourage you to report them to the education provider. In the event the issue is not resolved to
your satisfaction you may call the department at (916) 229-3154.
This course is not intended as training from a licensed driving school. It does not meet the
standards, training, or requirements in preparation for being issued a driver license. This course
has been reviewed and approved to meet the requirements for the traffic violator school
program. Completion documentation will not be issued to those not meeting the traffic violator
school program criteria.
Pursuant to Vehicle Code section 1808.7, the following situations are not eligible for masking a
traffic safety violation on a California driver record:
(1) The driver has already attended a traffic violator course within 18 months of the conviction.
(2) The driver holds a commercial license and is cited while operating a commercial vehicle as
defined in Vehicle Code section 15210. (3) The driver holds a commercial driver license from out
of state. (4) The violation occurred in a commercial motor vehicle as defined in Vehicle Code
section 15210. (5) The violator has not paid a deposit of fees or bail, and has not pleaded guilty,
no contest, or been convicted by the court of jurisdiction. (6) The conviction would result in a
violation point count of more than one point pursuant to Vehicle Code section 12810. A list of
Vehicle Code two point violations may be found on the Department of Motor Vehicles web site,
www.dmv.ca.gov.
This site will require your California driver license or California identification number, or, if you do
not have a California driver license or California identification card, your birthdate, the court
reference number (docket, ticket or citation number) and the court code. These are
requirements for receiving a completion receipt and to have the information sent to the court
of jurisdiction should you successfully pass this course. If you are unable to provide the required
information, your participation shall not be credited toward satisfying the requirement.
The office business hours shall be listed. An instructor shall be available during business hours to
answer questions. An instructor shall respond to a call received after business hours on the next
business day.
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Chapter 2: Purpose of Traffic Laws

RECENT CHANGES IN THE LAW AND THE REASONING BEHIND

THEM
Every year on January 1, a new set of traffic laws are put into effect. They often reflect technological
changes or changes in driver habits. It's important to be aware of these annual changes and how
they will affect your driving habits. Here are some of the current and upcoming law changes.

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018

Marijuana Use in Vehicles
It is illegal to smoke or ingest marijuana or any marijuana product while driving a motor vehicle upon
a highway or while riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle being driven upon a highway.

Motorcycle Training Courses
Applicants 21 years old or older will now have more motorcycle training program options.

Buses and Seatbelts
Effective July 1, 2018, it is required that a passenger in a bus equipped with seat belts to be properly
restrained by a safety belt, except as specified. Parents, legal guardians, or chartering parties are
prohibited from transporting on a bus, or permitting to be transported on a bus, a child who is at least
8 years old but under 16 years old, unless they are properly restrained by a safety belt.

DMV
Effective April 2018, DMV will begin offering in online driver license and identification application
process. Applicants will have the opportunity to begin their electronic application before visiting the
DMV. Be sure to bring your application confirmation with you to your office visit.

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RECENT CHANGES IN THE LAW AND THE REASONING BEHIND

THEM (continued)
Changes to Technology
As technology changes the law must address these technological developments. As we incorporate
more and more gadgets and gizmos into our driving habits, the laws have to change accordingly.
Dashboard
The dashboard of a car has changed drastically over the past years. Whereas it once housed the
speedometer, odometer and a few other necessities, it's now a complex system with navigation
systems, built in phones and more. Cell phones, smart phones and navigation systems are
everywhere, even inside cars!
Don't Try to Multitask

All these tools can be helpful. If you're driving on an unfamiliar road, you can use your navigation
system to guide you. If your car breaks down, you no longer have to search for a call box to call the
towing company or the police. You have your cell phone and access to all the resources it offers.
Unfortunately, many drivers think they can multitask while driving. Distracted driving is very
dangerous and is one of the most common causes of collisions.
New Laws and Technology

For this reason, state legislators are passing laws to address the problems caused by people using
these gadgets while they drive. Laws regarding cell phone use and texting for example are intended
to ensure that the driver is focused on the road. These laws are passed for your own safety and for the
safety of other road users. Don't ignore them!
Changes to Driving Techniques

Technological advancements are not restricted to dashboards, cell phones, and navigation systems.
Technology has also advanced car performance and safety. Cars drive differently than they used to
and their drivers have to adjust accordingly. Cars now come equipped with airbags, ABS (anti-lock
braking system) brakes, front wheel and rear wheel driver, electronic traction control system and
computerized engine components.
Since cars have changed drastically over the past ten years, driving techniques have changed as
well. Drivers have had to adapt to these new technologies. The techniques our parents learned to
drive are very different from the ones we would learn today. Let's look at a couple of examples that will
illustrate this point.
Braking Systems
When cars were equipped with non-ABS brakes, drivers were instructed to pump the brakes in order
to prevent the brakes from locking. Pumping non-ABS brakes made them more effective and reduced
the braking distance (the distance required to bring the car to a stop). But with the standardization of
ABS brakes in all newer cars, people are now taught to keep their foot on the brake pedal as hard as
they can because the ABS does the pumping for them.
Seat Belt Pretensioners

The modern car is also equipped with extensive safety measures that protect the driver and its
passengers in the case of a collision. Seat belts have been found in cars for over fifty years. These seat
belts however looked like the ones we have in airplanes today. It was assumed that drivers and
passengers would adjust the belt so that it fit snuggly. Many people however were careless when it
came to this. Even today, when you are on a plane, look around you. How many have actually tightly
fastened their seat belts? Oftentimes they are loosely hanging around their waists or even hips! If the
plane experiences turbulence or worse, the passenger with the loose seat belt will get tossed around
inevitably. This is an even more dangerous prospect in a car, which unlike a plane, we use to travel on
a daily basis. Car companies began to consider alternatives. In the 1980s they introduced seat belt
pretensioners. Pretensioners automatically tighten the belt to prevent the individual from jerking
forward in a collision or at a sudden stop. You no longer have to pull the adjustable strap to fit your
body. This means that you are securely fastened, lowering your chances of moving around in a crash.
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REASONS FOR TRAFFIC LAWS

John, Pablo and Maria carpool to work together every morning. The traffic today is especially bad and
Pablo is getting frustrated. He has an important presentation at work today and wanted to get to the
office a few minutes early to prepare. At this rate, he might even be late for the presentation. “Go
faster so you can make the pass the red light!” “Pass the car in front of you, he is going too slowly!”
“Look, there’s the center lane, get in there so you can zip into the left turn only lane before everybody
else!” says Pablo.
But John doesn’t listen because he knows better. Maria says, “Pablo, I know you are in a hurry, but is it
really worth it to break all those rules to save a few minutes? There are good reasons for traffic laws –
By telling drivers what they can and can’t do, other drivers know what to expect. If John did what you
were asking him to, other drivers who weren’t expecting us to pass the red light, or cut them off to the
left turn lane, might not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting us. Even if we were in a smallest fender
bender, don’t you think that would make you late for work? What if it were a bigger crash?”
“You’re right, Maria, I wasn’t thinking clearly. But at least we could have sped up and passed a few cars
on our way to the green light ahead.”
“So you wanted us to weave in and out of traffic?” says Maria. “All that would do is slow traffic
down. Sure we might save a minute or two ourselves, but it’s exactly that kind of driving that creates
problems on the road for everyone. I don’t see the point of doing that either.”
Some traffic laws seem to be a hassle and often an expensive hassle. You might ask yourself, why did
someone think this was necessary? Why do we have so many traffic laws? If you are playing a board
game or a sport, you always have a set of rules that you must follow. Without them, everyone would
do as they pleased. How would you know how to play? How would you know who won or who lost?
People could just play without taking turns. Eventually, you would have to stop the game because no
one would know what they were doing or why they were doing it. The same applies for laws about
driving. Traffic laws reduce chaos, keep traffic moving and give all road users a common
understanding of how the road should be used. Most importantly, though, their primary purpose is
to keep everyone safe.
Common Understanding
In the case of driving however, rules and laws are even more essential. Driving is not just a game
where your only options are winning or losing. Every time you step into a vehicle, hop on a bicycle or
go for walk, you could risk your life. Laws allow drivers to know what to do and what to expect of other
drivers. They allow drivers to anticipate the actions of other drivers and limit the number of surprises
on the road.
Keeping Order and Movement in Traffic

Traffic laws also ensure that the road remains orderly. Imagine the chaos if everyone who used the
road did anything they wanted? If we didn't have traffic laws, what would stop someone from driving
in oncoming traffic or making a right turn from the left lane? Traffic would come to a stop and there
would be chaos! It's because of laws that all the road users know when to stop and when to go, when
and where to turn from and more. These laws help traffic move efficiently.
Safety
Without order we would be driving in chaos. And that can only mean one thing: danger. Traffic laws
ensure the safety of everyone who uses the road. What if people drove through intersections at 60
mph? The lives of other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists would be endangered. Rules
help make the road a safer place.
Sometimes it feels like there are too many laws, restricting what we do in the car. Occasionally, they
may be an inconvenience to follow these laws. You might think to yourself, "They passed another law?
Another reason I can get a ticket?" Before you even consider breaking the law however, think about
why that law was passed. It's not to inconvenience you or to annoy you; rather these laws are here to
protect us all. Driving is a wonderful privilege but can be very hazardous. These laws minimize the risks
and dangers of the road. Protect yourself and other road users. Follow the rules of the road!

CLOSE WINDOW

Chapter 3: The Price You Pay for Careless

Driving

DAMAGE TO CARS AND PROPERTY
Minor Damage to Your Car

A minor collision, even a small dent or scrape, can be a hassle and force you to put your life on hold. If
you decide to get your car repaired, you have to take pictures of the damage, make time-consuming
phone calls to insurance companies and research repair shops. Then when the time comes to leave
your car at the repair shop for several days, you have to figure out how you will get around. Will you
rent a car or rely on friends and family? If you have children, you will have to remove that tricky car
seat and install it in another car and then put it back into yours. In other words, this will just add to your
long list of errands that are already taking away from your free time.
Major Damage to Your Car

Major car damage has far worse consequences with an out-of-pocket cost that can make it difficult
or impossible to get your car repaired. If the repair is hugely expensive you will have a limited number
of options: getting into debt to pay for the repairs or if it's possible, to hold off on the repairs until you
can pay for them. If the damage is more than cosmetic, however, that won't be an option. If you've
damaged someone else's property, you'll have to pay for that too. Can you afford to pay for all of this?
Isn't it better to drive in a way that avoids these problems?
PEOPLE CAN BE INJURED OR KILLED
Minor Injuries
Even a small injury can take weeks to heal and could be potentially painful. Minor injuries will still mean
scheduling numerous and costly doctor's visits and taking medications that might interfere with your
daily life.
Major Injuries
Minor injuries are often a nuisance; but major injuries can be devastating, either for a short time or
forever. A broken bone, such as a broken leg, could leave you home bound for up to six weeks. These
are six weeks that you will have to take off work, possibly without pay. Also, you will be unable to
function as you normally would, having to inconvenience yourself and those around you. Those six
weeks will be filled with hospital and doctor's visits, x-rays, and casts that will be re-fitted accordingly.
A broken bone will eventually heal, but more severe injuries are also possible. Back injuries are some of
the most common types of injuries that happen after car collisions. Back problems can stay with you
for the rest of your life, forcing you to change your lifestyle. If you are an active person and enjoy
running, hiking, or skiing, a back injury can jeopardize your ability to do what you love. A spinal cord
injury can leave you paralyzed forever.
Death
Collisions can lead to the death of a loved one, a stranger or yourself. The knowledge that you were
responsible for killing another human being, can leave you emotionally scarred for life. Nightmares,
anxiety and depression can take over your ability to function. Being killed and leaving behind your
grieving family and friends to deal with the loss isn't much better. Therefore, it is in your interest and in
the interest of those around you to be a careful driver.

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HOW YOUR AUTO INSURANCE IS AFFECTED
How Insurance Works

In the state of California, it is mandatory to have auto insurance. There are, however, different kinds of
coverage that vary in the types of damage and personal injury they cover and how much they cost.
The most basic (and required by law) is called minimum liability coverage. This type of insurance
pays for the damages done to another person's vehicle or body and only for the amount of the
coverage. In other words, if you are at fault for a crash and only have a $15,000 liability policy, your
insurance will only pay for $15,000 of the damages done to the other person and their car. Anything
more than the $15,000 is your responsibility. Your own medical expenses and car repairs are your own
responsibility too.
In many cases, even a small at-fault crash will cost you a lot of money. Most insurance policies have
a deductible that you have to pay before the insurance kicks in. Let's say you're in a crash and it's
going to cost $7,500 to get the other driver's car fixed and your deductible is $1,000. This means you
have to pay $1,000 out of your own pocket before the insurance company pays the rest of the $6,500
to get the car completely fixed. And this doesn't even count your own expenses. Even with car
insurance, there's good financial incentive to avoid any type of collision.

Collisions Are Expensive

What happens to your insurance rate if you do get into a collision? If you are at-fault for a minor
collision (which will stay on your record for three years), the insurance company, trying to recover the
costs from the collision pay out, will charge you a higher premium until it is off your record. Even
worse, if you decided to get the cheapest option (the insurance with minimum coverage) and are in a
major crash, there will be some serious out-of-pocket expenses. For example, according to the
California Highway Patrol (CHP) the estimated cost for a victim who was severely injured in an auto
collision is $247,000. The minimum insurance coverage of $15,000 doesn't even cover 10% of that. Even
minor injuries cost $26,000. How will you pay for the rest?
Minimum insurance won't cover your own medical expenses or car repairs either - only the other
driver's and only for the specific dollar amounts. This means you are responsible for and will have to
pay for any damages that are more than the minimum amount. Aren't there better ways to spend
your money?
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FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND DMV PROBLEMS
Financial Impact
As we've just seen, even if you have the minimum insurance required by the DMV, a collision can cost
you a small fortune. If you only have minimum coverage, you'll have to pay for the damage to your
own car, and for the medical attention that you and your passengers require. And don't forget your
deductible. The typical $1000 deductible is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before
your insurance even goes into effect to pay the rest. Finally, expect to pay higher insurance premiums
for at least 3 years.
Legal Action
In addition to your own costs, if the collision was your fault, you will probably have to pay the other
driver's costs too. Even if you have insurance, the other driver can sue you for negligence and win. If
you rear-end someone, for example, you will be considered responsible for the collision and might get
sued by the driver or his insurance company. If someone dies in the collision, the victim's family could
go after you for wrongful death. If they do seek out legal action, then you will have to get a lawyer to
defend yourself. If the property damage is more than the insurance coverage (after all, there's only so
much your insurance will pay for), you could lose your house, car, and other assets.
DMV Action
Finally, you have to think about how this will affect your driving record and even your privilege to drive.
The California DMV operates on a demerit point system to track careless and dangerous drivers. Every
at-fault collision and traffic violation will add points to your record. For example, a minor at-fault
collision will cost you one point and stays on your driving record for three years. More serious
violations such as reckless driving and speeding over 100 mph have a penalty of two points and stay
on your record for seven years. A DUI will stay on your record for a full 10 years! Get four or more points
in 12 months (six points in 24 months or eight points in 36 months) and your license can be suspended
or revoked. If you are eligible to get your license reinstated, you'll have to wait at least 30 days. You will
then have to pay hundreds of dollars in fees and fines.
Accident Reportability Threshold

(VC 1656.2, 1808, 1808.1, 12517.1, 13369, 13558, 16000, 16000.1, 16020.1, 16020.2, 16075, 16251, 16430, & 16434)
A driver of a motor vehicle involved in a collision with property damages greater than $1,000 must
submit a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) to DMV. DMV is authorized to impose
sanctions following an uninsured reportable collision.
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QUALITY OF LIFE
Careless driving also impacts your quality of life. Much of your free time is devoted to dealing with the
aftermath of a collision. The out-of-pocket costs for repairs, lawyers' fees, and higher insurance
premiums mean less money to spend on yourself and your favorite activities. If you are injured
because of a collision, acute or chronic pain could alter your mood and prevent you from having an
active lifestyle. Finally, if you have a major collision and seriously injure or kill someone else, you could
carry around guilt and pain for the rest of your life. Is it worth it?
WHAT CAUSES COLLISIONS?

There are a number of factors that can increase your chances of being in a collision. In this section,
we will look at why drivers have car crashes and what we can do to avoid them. The US Department of
Transportation has listed the following as some of the most likely contributors to collisions.
Alcohol and Drugs

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most common factors that lead to
collisions, and one that can be easily avoided. When you are driving, you need to use your eyes,
hands, and feet to control the vehicle, but it is the brain that controls all these parts of the body. When
you use drugs or alcohol, your brain has a hard time telling your body what to do. You can't make
quick and safe decisions, which puts you and those around you at risk.
Distracted Driving
Inattention is another factor that can lead to minor and serious collisions. Remember, in order to drive
safely, you need to use a number of senses and skills, including sight, judgment, and proper reaction
time. If you are distracted while you are driving by fiddling with the gadgets and gizmos on the
dashboard, eating, applying makeup, or doing any number of things that drivers are known to do, you
are not giving your full attention to the most important task ahead of you - driving.
Sleepy Driver
A sleepy driver is as dangerous as a drunk driver. Just like someone who is driving while using drugs or
alcohol, a sleepy driver has a slow reaction time, difficulty processing what he sees and hears and
making safe decisions. Some of the most common signs of a sleepy driver include constant yawning,
trouble keeping your head up and your eyes focused, and as a result, swerving into other lanes. The
only solution for drowsiness is to pull over into a well-lit, safe place and take a nap.
If you are feeling any of these symptoms, coffee or another caffeinated drink may improve your
alertness temporarily. This is a short term improvement, however, not solution. It doesn't replace a
good night's sleep.
Speeding
Even if you are a sober, alert, and focused driver, if you are speeding your chances of getting into a
collision dramatically increase. In fact, speeding is one of the top causes of collisions. In 2010, the
California Highway Patrol reported that speeding was the primary factor in 29% of fatal and injury
collisions. The higher the speed the less likely the driver can respond in time to any obstacles or other
drivers. If you do get into a collision and you or the other party is speeding, you also increase your
chances of getting seriously injured and damaging your car. The faster you are driving, the greater
the force and intensity with which you will hit the other car, the pole, the tree, or whatever it is that you
collide with.
Move Over/Slow Down (VC 21809, 25253)

The new law makes two previous laws indefinite. VC Section 21809 requires that if you are driving on a
freeway and approach in a lane immediately adjacent to a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing
emergency lights or a tow truck with flashing warning lights, or a marked Department of
Transportation vehicle with flashing warning lights you must change your lane to give them space or
slow down. VC 25253 requires tow trucks that are used to tow disabled vehicles to be equipped with
flashing amber warning lights. If a tow truck is providing service to a vehicle, then its amber lights can
be flashing. The law however prohibits tow trucks from flashing these lights on a freeway unless there
is an unusual traffic hazard or an extremely hazardous situation.
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THE DMV POINT SYSTEM

The California DMV, Highway Patrol and traffic court system take driving safety very seriously. Driving
is a privilege, not a right. The DMV point system, called NOTS, was designed to keep track of drivers'
offenses so they can suspend or revoke a license if needed. If you can't follow the rules of driving
safely, you will lose your privilege to drive.
Negligent Operator Treatment System

The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) is a program the DMV uses to keep track of bad
drivers. The system adds points to the driver's record for convictions involving a moving vehicle
violation (traffic tickets) and at-fault collisions. These points stay on your record for 36 months. There
are serious consequences for drivers who have too many points.
Conviction for most traffic citations will add one point to your record. The exceptions, which count for
two points, are:
Reckless driving
Leaving the scene of a collision
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
Driving the wrong way on a freeway
Speeding in excess of 100 mph
Participating in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway
Vehicular manslaughter or causing injury or death while evading police
Using a motor vehicle while committing a crime
Transporting explosives illegally
If the driver causes a crash while committing a traffic violation, one extra point is added to his
record in addition to the violation points. That means a driver who was in a collision because he was
driving recklessly will get a total of three (3) points on his record. A driver is a negligent operator if
he/she accumulates:
Four (4) points in one year.

Six (6) points in two years.
Eight (8) points over three years.
The driver can be put on probation for one year (including a six month suspension) or lose their
license. At the end of the suspension or revocation period, drivers need to re-apply for a license to
drive.
DUI CHANGES LIVES FOREVER

One night of drinking and driving can change your life and the lives of others forever.
A DUI is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and/or jail time. If anyone is injured from a collision while
a driver is under the influence, the charge becomes a felony. A felony is punishable by a heavy fine, an
automatic jail term, an extended probationary period, and a permanent criminal record as a
convicted felon.
Your Emotional Health

Getting a DUI can be a traumatic event. If you end up in jail for your DUI, it can be embarrassing to
explain this to friends and family. The emotional impact will be much more devastating if your drunk-
driving has injured or killed someone else.
DUI Is Expensive
DUIs are also very expensive offenses. The trial and attorney fees could range between $5,000 to
$8,000 and more. Fines and penalties on average cost about $4,000. And of course, your insurance
rates will skyrocket. Over the course of ten years you could be paying an extra $20,000 to $30,000 for
car insurance. Over a ten-year period, all of these expenses could add up to over $40,000!
Keep in mind that this is only for the DUI itself. This doesn't include any of the costs associated with
causing a crash while under the influence, such as hospital expenses. The victim or his family could
also file a lawsuit against you and if they win, you can lose everything you have.
DUI Will Take Away Your Freedom

Apart from the financial burden, a DUI also has other repercussions. You will face a mandatory jail
time of 96 hours to six months and your license can be suspended for up to six months. If the vehicle is
registered in the driver's name, it may be impounded for up to 30 days. You may also be required to
have an ignition interlock device for up to three years which will prevent the operation of the vehicle
when alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.
The Victims and their Families

Sometimes the drunk driver escapes a crash unharmed, but leaves behind a victim who is severely
injured or killed. The victim's family must live with this for the rest of their lives.
Society
Drunk drivers are not only a burden on themselves and their victims, but also on society as a whole. It
costs local and state authorities millions of dollars a year to pay for the paramedics, police, and fire
department that are responding to those drunk driving crashes. That's why we have tax increases
and service cutbacks every year.
Chemical Testing for DUI (VC 23612)

Prior to January 1, 2013, persons lawfully arrested for a DUI had the option of a blood, breath, or urine
chemical test. Under current legislation, however, the individual only has the option of a breath or
blood test unless there is special situation. A urine test may be used if:
Both blood and breath tests are unavailable.

The individual is a hemophiliac.
The individual is taking anticoagulant medication.
Driving Under the Influence (VC 13352, 13352.5, 23109, 23550, 23550.5, 23552, 23566, 23568)
If you have been convicted of a DUI, you are not allowed to drive with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .01
percent or greater while on probation for the DUI. If you are pulled over and asked to submit a to a
Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test (a breathalyzer test) you have to accept. If you refuse or if you
agree and have a BAC of .01 or greater, a citation will be issued, your license will be taken, driving
privileges will be suspended and your car will be impounded.
If you have been convicted of two misdemeanor DUIs, your license will be suspended for 90 days. After
this point, you can obtain a restricted driver’s license. Regardless of whether it’s a second or third
conviction, you must enroll in a DUI program and must install and maintain an IID in your vehicle.
If you are convicted of alcohol-related reckless driving and you have had a prior conviction for
alcohol-related reckless driving or DUI within the past ten years, the court will order you to participate
in a licensed DUI program for at least nine months. If you do not enroll in, participate in, or complete a
licensed DUI program, the court has to revoke your probation.
If you are arrested with a BAC of .15 percent or greater, the court can consider installing an IID for a
first-time offender convicted of an alcohol-related DUI.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Repeat Offenders (VC 23597)

Under this law, if you have been convicted of three or more DUIs, the court could revoke your license
for ten years. However, you will have the opportunity to apply for a reinstatement of your license after
five years, if you have installed an Ignition Interlock Device in your car.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) Pilot Program

A pilot program will be in effect from July 1, 2010 to January 1, 2019. This pilot program has been
extended from its original end date of December 31, 2015 and will be tested, in the counties of
Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare. If you have been convicted of a DUI and want to have
your license reissued, you have to install an IID in any vehicle you operate. The new law also
establishes the requirements for installation. The length of time the IID will be installed will depend on
the number of DUIs you have and whether they were misdemeanors or felonies. (VC 23702)
CLOSE WINDOW
Chapter 4: Rights and Responsibilities of a

Pedestrian

We all know that we have to be careful when we drive. Even if you're walking however you have to be
cautious. The only way to make sure that both the driver and the pedestrian are safe is to know the
rights and responsibilities of pedestrians.
What should and shouldn't a pedestrian do? Let's see what Maria, a typical suburban California
mom, does when she is a pedestrian. Maria has decided to take a day off from driving. Instead of
driving to the grocery store like she usually does, she's going to walk there. What are some of the
things that Maria has to remember?
CROSS AT INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSWALKS

First of all, Maria knows that when she crosses the street she has to cross at intersections and inside
crosswalks. Maria knows that the grocery store is in the middle of the block and there is no crosswalk
there. It would be easier to run across the street, directly across the grocery store. But she also knows
that it would be illegal and dangerous. So instead, she walks to the end of the block, where there is a
crosswalk.
Once she reaches the crosswalk, she makes sure to look at the signal light. Even though the light is
green, she sees the red hand which tells her not to cross. After the light has turned green she can
safely cross, but only after looking left, right, and left before crossing. She also makes eye contact with
the drivers, so that she knows that they have seen her.
FACE TRAFFIC
Maria lives in a neighborhood where there are sidewalks, so it's very clear as to where she should be
walking. What do you do if there is no sidewalk? By law, if you are walking in an area outside of a
business or residential district and there are no sidewalks, you are required to walk facing traffic on
the left hand side of the road. The only exception to this law is if you have no safe place to cross the
street to get to the left side then you may walk on the right side of the road with traffic. For safety
reasons anytime there are no sidewalks it is best to walk in the direction facing traffic even if you are
within a business or residential district. It's only by facing the cars that you can ensure that drivers see
you. This is also the best way to see a problem, such as a possible collision, before it happens. Also,
stay as far to the side of the road as possible so that you are away from traffic. By following these two
rules, you will have more time to avoid a dangerous and possibly deadly situation.
BLIND PEDESTRIANS
The final point drivers and pedestrians should remember is that blind or partially blind pedestrians
always have the right-of-way. These people can be identified by their white canes or seeing eye
dogs. They are the most vulnerable of all road users so it is up to the drivers to ensure that they are
not endangered. Drivers are always responsible for these pedestrians.
Blind pedestrians navigate the streets differently and use different ways of communicating. For
example they rely on the sound of your vehicle to understand if a car is near, or if they should begin to
cross. So drivers should be sure to stop within 5 feet of the crosswalk to give the pedestrian ample
opportunity to hear the car. Drivers of electric or hybrid cars should be extra cautious around blind
pedestrians, because with a car so quiet it may be impossible for the pedestrian to hear you
approaching. Also, when a blind person pulls in his or her cane and steps away from the intersection,
this gesture usually means that they will not be crossing at this time and for the driver to go.
It is up to the driver to ensure that these pedestrians are safe. If there is any collision or injury to an
impaired pedestrian it is always the driver's fault.
Remember, we are all using the road together, so we should make sure it's safe for everyone.
Pedestrians should know that they should cross at crosswalks and follow light signals. Drivers should
always be aware of pedestrians, scan the road, and make sure to let pedestrians cross.
CLOSE WINDOW

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10/21/2018 $5 Dollar Traﬃc School Online

TVS: 5 D O L L A R TRAFFIC SCHOOL ONLINE

Reduce Traffic Collisions

Reduce Traffic Law Violations

Test Yourself Questions

The Review Quizzes

The Final Exam

California Department of Motor Vehicles Legal Notice and Disclaimer

Chapter 2: Purpose of Traffic Laws

RECENT CHANGES IN THE LAW AND THE REASONING BEHIND

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018

RECENT CHANGES IN THE LAW AND THE REASONING BEHIND

Don't Try to Multitask

New Laws and Technology

Changes to Driving Techniques

Seat Belt Pretensioners

REASONS FOR TRAFFIC LAWS

Keeping Order and Movement in Traffic

Chapter 3: The Price You Pay for Careless

DAMAGE TO CARS AND PROPERTY

Minor Damage to Your Car

Major Damage to Your Car

PEOPLE CAN BE INJURED OR KILLED

HOW YOUR AUTO INSURANCE IS AFFECTED

How Insurance Works

Collisions Are Expensive

FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND DMV PROBLEMS

Accident Reportability Threshold

WHAT CAUSES COLLISIONS?

Alcohol and Drugs

Move Over/Slow Down (VC 21809, 25253)

THE DMV POINT SYSTEM

Negligent Operator Treatment System

Four (4) points in one year.

DUI CHANGES LIVES FOREVER

Your Emotional Health

DUI Will Take Away Your Freedom

The Victims and their Families

Chemical Testing for DUI (VC 23612)

Both blood and breath tests are unavailable.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Repeat Offenders (VC 23597)

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) Pilot Program

Chapter 4: Rights and Responsibilities of a

CROSS AT INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSWALKS

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