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Driver Handbook Driver Handbook Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor State of California Sunne Wright McPeak, Secretary Business, Transportation and Housing Agency California 2006 2006 California

CA Driver's Manual

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Page 1: CA Driver's Manual

Driver HandbookDriver Handbook

Arnold Schwarzenegger, GovernorState of CaliforniaSunne Wright McPeak, SecretaryBusiness, Transportation and Housing Agency

California

20062006

California

Page 2: CA Driver's Manual

WORD ON THE STREET...

RACING KILLS!The choices you make today

determine your tomorrow. Don’t putyourself, your friends, and your future at

risk... don’t participate inillegal street racing events.

Penalties/Consequencesof Street Racing:

♦ Vehicle impound for up to 30 days (atyour expense)

♦ Loss of driving privileges (90 days or upto 6 months)

♦ County jail (minimum 24 hours, with amaximum of 90 days)

Don’t risk your life, your freedomand your future...

DON’T STREET RACE.

Page 3: CA Driver's Manual

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Governor’s MessageCalifornia Driver Handbook

My Fellow Californians:

This year, we have made great strides instreamlining the Department of Motor Vehiclesand making it more responsive to your needs.

Californians can now use the Internet to renewdrivers’ licenses and vehicle registrations. DMV’sautomated telephone system allows you toprocess your registration or schedule anappointment, and wait times in local field officesand telephone busy signals have been reduced.More exciting changes are planned for the monthsahead.

Please continue to drive responsibly and wear yourlap and shoulder belts. Make sure your passengersdo the same, and don’t take drugs or drink alcoholbefore you drive. It is critical that each of us drivesensibly and defensively. This booklet will get youstarted—the rest is up to you. Thanks for helpingto make California an even better and safer place toraise our families.

Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

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SAVE LIVES!Simply by signing up at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org, you cansave up to eight lives as an organ donor and improve another 50lives as a tissue donor.

In the past, a pink “donor dot” on your California drivers licensedemonstrated your wish to donate life. But it didn’t record yourdecision on a list that could ensure your wish was fulfilled.That’sall changed. Now you can go online and sign up to be organ and

tissue donor. Your personal information will be kept secure andconfidential. It will be accessible only to authorized organ andtissue recovery personnel.

After you sign up you’ll be able to send an e-mail to family andfriends sharing your decision to give life. It’s that easy. It takesonly minutes to sign up – minutes that could mean years of lifefor someone else.

Sign up to be an organ and tissue donor at

www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org

www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org

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VR REQUIREMENTS ................... VI I I

DMV INFORMATION ....................... IX

GENERAL INFORMATION ............... 1DISCLAIMER ....................................1WHO MUST HAVE A LICENSE .............1

California residents ........................ 1California military personnel .......... 1Nonresident military personnel ..... 1New residents ............................... 1Adults visiting California ................ 2Minors visiting California ............... 2

THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER LICENSE ......2Accurate Identification .................. 2Basic Information ........................... 2Duplicate Licenses ........................ 2Address Changes ......................... 3Name Changes ............................... 3License Renewals ......................... 3

LICENSE CLASSES ............................4OBTAINING A DRIVER LICENSE ............6

Acceptable Documents ................. 6Application Requirements For All

Drivers ......................................... 7Minors’ Permit Requirements ......... 7Minors’ Permit Restrictions ............ 8Minors’ License Requirements ...... 8Exceptions—Minors’ License

Restrictions ................................. 9Adults’ Permit Requirements ......... 9Adults’ License Requirements .... 10

THE EXAMINATION PROCESS ........... 10Where To Take The Tests ............ 10DMV Wants You To Pass ............. 11DMV’s Examinations ..................... 11The Driving Test ........................... 12

MISCELLANEOUS LICENSINGINFORMATION .............................. 13License Refusal ........................... 13Limited Term Licenses ................. 13License Extension ....................... 14License In Your Possession ....... 14Unlicensed Drivers ...................... 14Renewal By Mail or Internet ........ 14Medical Information Card ............. 14Organ Donation ............................ 15

LAWS AND RULES OFTHE ROAD. ...................................... 15

RIGHT OF WAY RULES .................. 15General information ..................... 15Pedestrians .................................. 15Crosswalks .................................. 16Intersections ................................ 16Roundabouts ................................ 17On mountain roads ...................... 18

TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS ................ 18

TABLE OF CONTENTSPEDESTRIAN SIGNAL LIGHTS ........... 19TRAFFIC SIGNS ............................ 19SPEED LIMITS .............................. 20MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT .................. 20REDUCED SPEEDS ........................ 20

Heavy traffic or bad weather ..... 21Towing vehicles, buses, or large

trucks ........................................ 21Around children ........................... 21Blind intersections ....................... 22Alleys ........................................... 22Near railroad tracks ..................... 22Near light rail vehicle crossings. 23Near streetcars, trolleys,

or buses .................................... 23Business or residence districts. . 23Near animals ................................ 23

TRAFFIC LANES ............................ 23LINE COLORS ................................ 23CHOOSING A LANE ......................... 24CHANGING LANES .......................... 24BICYCLE LANES ............................. 24PASSING LANES ............................. 25CARPOOL LANES AND ONRAMPS ....... 25CENTER LEFT TURN LANES .............. 26TURNOUT AREAS AND LANES ............ 26END-OF-LANE MARKINGS ................ 26

TURNS ............................................. 27EXAMPLES OF RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS.28LEGAL U-TURNS ........................... 29ILLEGAL U-TURNS ......................... 29

PARKING ......................................... 30PARKING ON A HILL ....................... 30PARKING AT COLORED CURBS ........ 30ILLEGAL PARKING .......................... 31SPECIAL PARKING RULES ............... 32

SIGNALING ..................................... 32

ADDITIONAL DRIVING RULES .... 33THINGS YOU MUST NOT DO .......... 33THINGS YOU MUST DO .................. 34

SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES ........ 35SCANNING ................................... 35

Know what is ahead ................... 35Know what is at your side ......... 36Know what is behind you ........... 37Clean windows and mirrors ....... 40Adjust seat and mirrors ............... 40How well can you stop? ............. 40

DRIVING IN THE FOG ..................... 40DRIVING IN DARKNESS ................... 41DRIVING IN RAIN OR SNOW ............ 41

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DRIVING IN HILL COUNTRY ............. 42HORN, HEADLIGHTS, AND EMERGENCYSIGNALS .................................... 42Use your horn .............................. 42Don’t use your horn ..................... 42Use your headlights .................... 42Use your emergency signals ...... 43

FOLLOWING DISTANCES .................. 43Taking dangers one at a time ...... 43Splitting the difference ................ 43Problem drivers ............................ 43

MERGING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC . 44Space to merge ............................ 44Space to cross or enter .............. 45Space to exit ................................ 45

PASSING OTHER TRAFFIC .............. 45Space to pass .............................. 45Space to return ............................ 46

SEAT BELTS .................................... 46MISTAKEN BELIEFS ABOUTSEATBELTS. ............................... 47

CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM ANDSAFETY SEATS ........................... 47

RIDING SAFELY WITH AIR BAGS ...... 48SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGS .................. 48UNATTENDED CHILDREN INMOTOR VEHICLES ........................ 49

SHARING THE ROAD WITH OTHERVEHICLES ....................................... 50

LARGE TRUCKS AND RVS .............. 50Braking ......................................... 50Turning ......................................... 50Trucker’s blind spots—the “NO”

zone ........................................... 50Maneuverability ............................ 50

BUSES, STREETCARS, & TROLLEYS .. 52LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES .................... 52EMERGENCY VEHICLES .................. 52SLOW MOVING VEHICLES ................ 53ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES .............. 53MOTORCYCLES .............................. 53BICYCLES .................................... 54PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND ....... 55ROAD WORKERS .......................... 56VEHICLES WITH HAZARDOUS LOADS 56

AVOID HIGHWAY GRIDLOCK ....... 57DEALING WITH TRAFFICCONGESTION .............................. 57

DEALING WITH ROAD RAGE ........... 57DEALING WITH TECHNOLOGY .......... 57ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE .................... 57

Keep your car visible .................. 57What is the road like .................... 58Curves .......................................... 58Water on the road ........................ 58Slippery roads .............................. 58

Driving in heavy traffic ................ 59Traffic speeds ............................. 59

HANDLING EMERGENCIES ............... 59Skids on slippery surfaces ......... 59Acceleration skids ....................... 60Locked wheel skids .................... 60Steering wheel locking device .... 60Causes of accidents. .................. 60

ACCIDENTS .................................. 60Involved in an accident ................ 61

ACTIONS THAT RESULT IN LOSSOF LICENSE ................................... 61

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ............. 61INSURANCE .................................. 62

Insurance requirements .............. 62Reporting the accident ................ 62Accidents on your record ........... 63Accidents, Insurance, & Minors . 63

DRINKING WHILE DRIVING .............. 63Drinking and driving is

dangerous ................................. 63Drugs and driving ........................ 63Carrying alcohol in a vehicle ....... 64Drivers under 21 (Possession of

Alcohol) ..................................... 64Drivers of all ages ....................... 65BAC limits ..................................... 65

ADMIN PER SE ............................ 66COURT DUI CONVICTIONS ............ 66

Drivers 21 & Older—DUI Programs,Restricted Licenses. ................ 67

THE COST OF A DRINK .................. 68BAC CHART ............................... 69ACTIONS AGAINST AN ADULT’SLICENSE .................................... 70

POINTS ON THE DRIVER RECORD .. 70ACTIONS AGAINST THE PROVISIONALLICENSE .................................... 70Traffic violations increase

accidents .................................. 71Teenage traffic deaths ................ 71Keeping your provisional

license ....................................... 71Vandalism—all ages .................... 72Speed contests ............................ 72Evading a peace officer .............. 72Habitual truant—persons age

13 to 18 ..................................... 72Possessing firearms ................... 72

TRAFFIC VIOLATOR SCHOOLDISMISSALS ................................ 73

SUSPENSION OR REVOCATIONBY DMV ................................... 73

SUSPENSION BY JUDGE ................. 73HEALTH AND SAFETY .................... 74

SAFETY FOR THE AGING DRIVER .... 74Health problems affecting aging

drivers ....................................... 74

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Tips for safer driving ................... 74REFERRING AN UNSAFE DRIVER ..... 74VISION ........................................ 75HEARING ..................................... 75ALERTNESS .................................. 75MEDICATIONS ................................ 76HEALTH AND EMOTIONS ................. 76CONDITIONS PHYSICIANS

MUST REPORT ........................... 76

MISCELLANEOUS ......................... 77DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM ...... 77

© Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2006.

All rights reserved.

This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. DMV owns the copyrightof this work. Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of thecopyrighted 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 copyrightedwork publicly. All requests for permission to make copies of all or any partof this publication should be addressed to:

Department of Motor VehiclesLegal Office M/S E128P. O. Box 932382Sacramento, CA 94232-3820

DIPLOMATIC DRIVER LICENSE ......... 77DRIVING SCHOOLS ........................ 77FREE ID CARDS FOR

P&M CONDITIONS ...................... 77IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARD ............ 78MATURE DRIVER PROGRAM ............ 78PEDESTRIAN RESPONSIBILITIES ........ 78RECORD CONFIDENTIALITY ............. 79VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION TIPS ... 79

EXAMPLES OF ROAD SIGNS 81, 83

SAMPLE TESTS ....................... 85, 86

Where To WriteIf you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publication,please send them to:

Department of Motor VehiclesCustomer Communications SectionM/S E165P.O. Box 932345Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

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This is a brief summary ofCalifornia’s vehicle registrationrequirements. Visit the Departmentof Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) website for detailed information.

CALIFORNIA VEHICLESWhen you purchase a new or usedvehicle from a licensed Californiadealer, the dealer collects use taxand fees to register and title thevehicle.

The dealer submits the fees anddocuments to DMV and gives youtemporary operating authority.Usually within six to eight weeksafter your purchase date, you willreceive a registration card, licenseplates, stickers, and a Certificateof Title, if appropriate.

If you obtain or purchase a vehiclefrom a private party, you musttransfer the ownership within 10days. Submit the following to DMV:

• A properly endorsed andcompleted Certificate of Title orApplication for Duplicate Title(REG 227).

• Smog certification provided bythe seller, if required.

• Use tax payment, if required.

• Odometer Mileage Disclosurestatement, if applicable.

• Appropriate DMV fees.

When you sell or transfer avehicle, report it to DMV within 5days on the Notice of Transferand Release of Liability form(REG 138). Complete the entire

form including the name andaddress of the purchaser and thedate you sold or transferred thevehicle. Mail it to the address shownon the form.

OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLESVehicles registered in another stateor foreign country must beregistered in California within 20days after you become a residentor get a job. (See page 1)

Nonresident military personnel andtheir spouses may operate theirvehicles in California with validhome state license plates or untilthe plates issued from their lastduty station expire. They mayrenew the registration in their homestate before it expires or registerthe vehicle in California.

The items needed to register anyout-of-state vehicle are:

• Completed and signedApplication for Title orRegistration (REG 343).

• Verification of the vehiclecompleted by DMV or an autoclub employee.

• Out-of-state title and/or lastissued out-of-state registrationcard, if the title is not submitted.

• Smog certification (1976 andnewer motor vehicles only).

• Weight certificate for commercialvehicles only.

• Appropriate DMV fees and usetax, if applicable.

• Completed Odometer MileageDisclosure statement, ifapplicable.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

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DMV INFORMATION

DMV field offices are open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday,Thursday, and Friday and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday. Someoffices are open the third Saturday of every month. A few offices offer onlydriver license or vehicle registration service. Call one of the toll-freenumbers below or go online to find the locations and service options of anoffice near you.

• Call 1-800-777-0133 between8 AM and 5 PM to:

- Get driver license andvehicle registrationinformation, forms, andpublications.

- Find office locations andhours.

- Make a driving testappointment.

- Speak to a DMVrepresentative.

• Call 1-800-921-1117, 24 hoursa day, 7 days a week, to:

- Access DMV’s voicerecognition system.

- Renew your vehicleregistration using a creditcard and the RenewalIdentification Numberprovided on your billingnotice.

- Make a non-driving testappointment.

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

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

Go online at: www.dmv.ca.gov for:

• Field offices—locations, hours, directions, 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, sample tests• Senior driver information• Teen driver information• Links to other state and federal agencies

Page 12: CA Driver's Manual

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Visit our Senior Webpagesfor information specificallydeveloped for senior drivers.Maintain your drivingindependence for as longas you can!

Page 13: CA Driver's Manual

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GENERAL INFORMATION

DISCLAIMERFees mentioned in this handbookare subject to legislative change.

This handbook is only a summaryof the laws and regulations. TheDepartment of Motor Vehicles(DMV), law enforcement, andcourts follow the full and exactlanguage of the CaliforniaVehicle Code. You may buy acopy of the Vehicle Code at anyDMV office or go online atwww.dmv.ca.gov.

WHO MUST HAVE A LICENSE?

California ResidentsCalifornia residents who drive onpublic highways or in publicparking facilities must have aCalifornia driver license, unlessthey are:

• Members of the ArmedForces or United States(U.S.) Government civilianemployees who only drivevehicles owned or controlledby the U.S. on federalgovernment business.

• Persons who drive farmingvehicles not normally used onpublic highways.

• Persons who drive legallyregistered off-highway vehiclesor snowmobiles straight acrossa highway (other than afreeway).

California Military PersonnelIf you are out of state on activemilitary service in the U.S. ArmedForces and have a valid Californiadriver license, your license willbe valid for the full time you areabsent from the state and for 30days from your discharge date, ifhonorably discharged outside ofCalifornia. Carry both your driverlicense and discharge papersduring those 30 days.

Call 1-800-777-0133 and ask fora card (DL 236) which extendsyour license. Military dependentsdo not qualify for this extension.

Nonresident Military PersonnelIf you are 18 years of age orolder, see the rules for “NewResidents” and “Adults VisitingCalifornia.” Licensees eligible formilitary extensions should carrydocumentation from their homestate to verify their status to locallaw enforcement.

New ResidentsWhen you make your home hereor take a job and you want todrive in California, you must applyfor a California driver licensewithin 10 days.

Residency is established by:voting in California elections;paying resident tuition at aCalifornia college or university;filing for a home owner’s propertytax exemption; obtaining alicense; or receiving any otherprivilege or benefit not ordinarilyextended to nonresidents.

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Adults Visiting CaliforniaVisitors over 18 years old with avalid driver license from theirhome state or country may drivein California without getting adriver license as long as theirhome state license remains valid.

Minors Visiting CaliforniaVisitors between 16 and 18 yearsold may drive with their homestate license or instruction permitfor only 10 days after arrivingin California. After the 10 days,they must have either a:

• California driver license, or

• Nonresident Minor’s Certifi-cate which is issued by DMVto a minor who has given proofof financial responsibility.

THE CALIFORNIADRIVER LICENSE

ACCURATE IDENTIFICATIONThe reliability, integrity, andconfidentiality of the Californiadriver license (DL) andidentification (ID) card is of primeconcern to all levels ofgovernment, and the privatesector as well.

It is critical that these documentsbe completely authenticated andaccurate. The CaliforniaLegislature has declared theDL/ID card as the primaryidentification documents in thisstate. California law requires thatall customers who apply for an

original California DL/ID cardsubmit proof of legal presence inthe U.S. as authorized underfederal law. Your true full name,as shown on your legal presencedocument, will appear on yourDL/ID card.

BASIC INFORMATIONA driver license shows that youhave been given permission bythe state to drive on publicroadways. You may apply for adriver license at most DMVoffices. (See page ix.)

If you have no outstanding actionson your record, you will receive alicense after you pay the fee,correctly answer questions aboutthe law and safety rules, showthat your physical and mentalcondition is satisfactory, anddemonstrate your ability to drivesafely. If you have a medicalcondition or a disability, DMVmay require you to take a drivingtest and/or present a statementfrom your physician regardingyour condition.

A person must be at least 21years old to drive mostcommercial vehicles for hire ininterstate commerce and totransport hazardous materials orwastes.

DUPLICATE LICENSESTo replace a lost or damageddriver license, you must go to aDMV office and pay the $20 feefor a duplicate. You must alsopresent photo identification. If

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DMV cannot confirm youridentity, you will not be issued atemporary license. If you are aminor, your parents must sign theDMV application form(DL 44).

Once a duplicate license has beenissued, the previous license is notvalid. Destroy it if you find itlater.

ADDRESS CHANGESWhen you move, give DMV yournew address within 10 days. Eachdriver must complete and sign aNotice of Change of Address(DMV 14) form. This form alsoallows you to change the addressfor your vehicle registration. Mailthe completed and signed DMV14 to the address shown on theform. You can call 1-800-777-0133 and ask to have a DMV 14mailed to you or go online atwww.dmv.ca.gov.

Type or write your new addresson a small piece of paper. Signand date the paper and carry itwith your DL/ID card. Or youcan call 1-800-777-0133 andrequest a Change of AddressCertificate card (DL 43) tocomplete and carry with yourDL/ID card. There is no chargeto change your address.

Reminder: The post officedoes not forward DMVcorrespondence.

NAME CHANGESIf you change your name, youmust take your old DL/ID card to

a DMV office with acceptableverification of your “true fullname.” (See page 6.) Noadditional examination will begiven, but the $20 fee will becharged. A new picture andthumb print will be taken. Yourold photo DL/ID card will beinvalidated and returned to you.

LICENSE RENEWALSIf you are renewing a CaliforniaDL, you must be at least 18 yearsold.

DMV issues a regular DL for afive-year term. The licenseexpires on your birthday in theyear shown on the license. It isagainst the law to drive afteryour license expires.

DMV sends a renewal notice toyour address of record about twomonths before your licenseexpires. Follow the instructionson the renewal notice. If you donot receive a renewal notice, callto make an appointment. (Seepage ix.)

If DMV cannot confirm youridentity, you will not be issued atemporary license.

A driving test may be required aspart of any driver licensetransaction. Driving tests are notrequired simply because of age.

Qualified drivers may be eligibleto renew by mail or online atDMV’s website. (See page 14.)

Refer to the Commercial DriverHandbook, the RecreationalVehicles and Trailers

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Handbook, or the CaliforniaMotorcycle Handbook foradditional license information.

LICENSE CLASSESTell DMV the type of license youneed. The ten license classes aredefined as follows:

NOTE: Class M1 or M2 is addedto any other class license afterpassing law and skill tests.

Commercial Class A

You may drive any legalcombination of vehicles, includingvehicles under Classes B and C.

You may tow:

- any single vehicle with a GrossVehicle Weight Rating(GVWR) of more than10,000 lbs.

- any trailer bus, withendorsement.

- more than one vehicle, withendorsement.

- any vehicle under Classes B(an additional endorsementmay be required) or C.

Restricted Class A Fire Fighter

You may drive only Class A andClass B defined combination firefighting vehicles and all vehicleslisted under Class C.

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

Noncommercial Class A

You may drive any vehicle listedunder Class C.

You may tow a travel trailerweighing over 10,000 lbs. GVWRor a 5th-wheel travel trailerweighing over 15,000 lbs. GVWRwhen the trailer is not used forhire (pay or other compensation).Refer to the RecreationalVehicles and Trailers booklet.

Commercial Class B

You may drive:

- any single vehicle with aGVWR of more than26,000 lbs.

- a 3-axle vehicle weighing over6,000 lbs.

- any bus (except a trailer bus),with endorsement.

- any farm labor vehicle, withendorsement.

- all vehicles listed underClass C.

You may tow a single vehiclewith a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. orless.

NOTE: Employees of schooldistricts, private schools,community colleges, andCalifornia state universities whooperate vans manufactured tocarry 15 passengers, includingthe driver, must have acommercial driver licensewith a passenger transportendorsement.

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Restricted Class B Fire Fighter

You may drive only a Class Bdefined single fire fightingvehicle and all the vehicles listedunder Class C.

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

Noncommercial Class B

You may drive:

- any vehicle listed underClass C.

- a housecar over 40 feet butnot over 45 feet, withendorsement.

You may tow any vehicle listedunder Class C. Refer to theRecreational Vehicles andTrailers booklet.

Basic Class C

You may drive:

- any 2-axle vehicle with aGVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less.

- any 3-axle vehicle weighing6,000 lbs. or less gross.

- any housecar 40 feet or less.

- a vanpool vehicle, designedto carry more than 10 but lessthan 15 persons including thedriver. The driver must havea valid medical on file andcarry a valid medical card.The driver must also have asigned certification stating he/she has not been convictedof reckless driving, drunk

driving, or hit-and-run inthe last five years.(VC §12804.9[j])

A farmer or employee of afarmer may drive:

- any combination of vehicleswith a Gross CombinationWeight Rating (GCWR) of26,000 lbs. or less if usedexclusively in agriculturaloperations and it is not forhire or compensation.

You may tow:

- a single vehicle with a GVWRof 10,000 lbs. or less includinga tow dolly, if used.

With a vehicle weighing at least4,000 lbs., you may tow a:

- trailer coach or 5th-wheeltravel trailer under 10,000 lbs.GVWR when towing is notfor compensation.

- 5th-wheel travel trailerexceeding 10,000 lbs. butunder 15,000 lbs. GVWR,when towing is not forcompensation and withendorsement.

NOTE:

• Class C licensees may not towmore than one vehicle.

• No passenger vehicleregardless of weight, may towmore than one vehicle.

• No motor vehicle under 4,000lbs. unladen may tow anyvehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. ormore gross. (VC §21715)

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Commercial Class C

You may drive any Class Cvehicle carrying hazardousmaterials or wastes (Health &Safety Code §§25115 and 25117)which requires placardswith a hazardous materialsendorsement.

You may tow the same vehicleslisted in Class C.

Motorcycle Class M1You may operate any 2-wheelmotorcycle, motor-driven cycle,or motorized scooter.

Motorcycle Class M2You may operate any motorizedbicycle, moped, any bicycle withan attached motor, or a motorizedscooter.

Ambulance Driver CertificateIf you wish to drive an ambulanceused commercially in emergencyservice (VC §2512), apply at anyDMV office. You may purchasean Ambulance DriverHandbook for $5.

Verification of TrainingDocumentIf you wish to drive a transit bus,you must have a Class A or Blicense with a passenger transportendorsement.

OBTAINING A DRIVERLICENSE

When you apply for an originalDL/ID card, you must present anacceptable birth date/legalpresence document and provideyour social security number.Depending on the birth date/legalpresence document you present,your first California DL/ID cardmay expire on the same date asthat document. If the name onyour birth date/legal presencedocument is different from thename on your DL/ID cardapplication, you must also bringan acceptable true full namedocument. (See next page.) Yourthumb print* and picture will alsobe taken. For any other DL/IDcard transaction, you mustpresent photo identification.

ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTSAn acceptable birth date/legalpresence or true full namedocument is issued by a county orstate. This document is a certifiedcopy of the original (the originalis always retained by the countyor state) and contains animpressed seal or an originalstamped impression. The certifiedcopy will be returned to you. Ifyou make a copy of the certifiedcopy, DMV will not accept it forbirth date/legal presence or truefull name verification.

* The term thumb print means a thumbprint or fingerprint, if you have no thumbs.

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Some acceptable birth date/legal presence documents are:U.S. Birth Certificate, Proof ofIndian Blood Degree, U.S.Passport, U.S. Armed ForcesID Cards, Certificate ofNaturalization, PermanentResident Card, or a foreignpassport or Mexican BorderCrossing Card with a valid I-94.

Your social security number willbe verified with the SocialSecurity Administration.

True full name verificationdocuments are:

• Adoption documents—containing your legal name as aresult of the adoption.

• Name change documents—containing your legal name bothbefore and after the namechange.

• Marriage Certificate.

• Dissolution of marriagedocument—containing yourlegal name as a result of thecourt action.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

FOR ALL DRIVERSTo apply for a driver license, youmust:

• Submit a completed DMVapplication form (DL 44).Signing this form means youagree to submit to a chemicaltest to determine the alcohol ordrug content of your blood whenrequired by a peace officer. Ifyou refuse to sign this statement,

DMV will not issue a permit orlicense.

• Present an acceptable birthdate/legal presence document.

• Provide your true full name.

• Provide your Social SecurityNumber. It will be verifiedwith the Social SecurityAdministration.

• Pay the $26 application feewhen you apply for any new orchange of class permit orlicense. It will not be returned.The fee is good for 12 monthsand allows you to take theappropriate law test(s) threetimes, if needed, during thatperiod. The fee pays for boththe instruction permit and driverlicense, if you qualify for bothwithin the 12-month period. Ifthe application expires, you mustresubmit documents, repay theapplication fee, and retake therequired tests.

• Pass an eye exam. Any personwith a best corrected vision of20/200 or worse in the bettereye cannot be issued a driverlicense or use a bioptictelescopic or similar lens toqualify for a driver license.

• Have your picture taken.

• Give a thumb print.

MINORS’ PERMIT

REQUIREMENTSA minor is a person under 18years of age. Minors must havetheir application for a driver

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license or any change of licenseclass signed by their parents orlegal guardians.

NOTE: Minors may not work asa driver for pay until they are 18years old and licensed inCalifornia and they may not drivea school bus containing pupils.

To get a permit, you must:

• Be at least 151/2, but under 18years of age.

• Complete the applicationrequirements.

• Have your parents’ orguardians’ signatures on theDL 44.

• Pass a traffic laws and roadsigns test. If you fail the test,you must wait one week beforetaking it again. This will giveyou time to study.

• If you are between 151/2 and171/2, provide proof that youhave met one of the followingrequirements:

- completed driver education(DE) and driver training (DT).(DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A,OL 237, or OL 238)

- completed DE and are takingDT. (DL 387, DL 392,OL 237, or OL 392)

- enrolled and participatingin an approved integratedDE/DT program. (DL 400)

The provisional permit is notvalid until you start yourbehind-the-wheel driver

training with an instructor orreach age 171/2.

If you only have a provisionalpermit and you plan to driveoutside of California, contact thedriver licensing office in that stateor country before you drive.

NOTE: If you are at least171/2, you may obtain a permitwithout completing DE or DT.However, to get a license beforeyou are 18 years old, you mustprovide proof of DE/DTcompletion.

MINORS’ PERMIT

RESTRICTIONSYou must practice with a parent,guardian, spouse, or an adult 25years of age or older, who has avalid California driver license.The person must be close enoughto take control of the vehicle atany time. A provisional permitdoes not let you drive alone—noteven to a DMV office to take adriving test.

If you have an M1 or M2 permit,you cannot carry passengers, youmust ride during daylight hoursonly, and you cannot ride on thefreeway.

MINORS’ LICENSE

REQUIREMENTSYou must:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Prove that you have finishedboth DE and DT. (DL 387,DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, orOL 238)

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• Have had a Californiainstruction permit for at leastsix months.

• Provide a parent’s signature onyour instruction permit statingyou have completed the 50 hoursof supervised driving practice(10 hours must be night driving)outlined in the Parent-TeenTraining Guide. Call 1-800-777-0133 to request this booklet.

• Pass the behind-the-wheeldriving test. You have threechances to pass the driving testwhile your permit is valid. Ifyou fail the first driving test,you must pay a $5 retest fee fora second or third attempt andwait two weeks before you aretested again.

Once you have your provisionallicense, you may drive alone aslong as you do not have accidentsor traffic violations. (See page70.)

When you become 18 years old,the “provisional” part of yourlicense ends. You may keep thephoto license you have or pay$20 for a duplicate license withoutthe word “provisional.”

During the first 12 months afteryou are licensed, you cannot drivebetween 11 PM and 5:00 AM andyou cannot transport passengersunder age 20 unless you areaccompanied by your parent orguardian, a licensed driver 25years of age or older, or a licensedor certified driving instructor.

EXCEPTIONS—MINORS’LICENSE RESTRICTIONSThe law allows the followingexceptions when reasonabletransportation is not available andit is necessary for you to drive. Anote is required to explain thenecessity and the date when thedriving necessity will end.

• Medical necessity. The notemust be signed by yourphysician.

• School or school-authorizedactivity. The note must be signedby your school principal, dean,or his/her designee.

• Employment necessity. Thenote must be signed by youremployer and verifyemployment.

• Immediate need of your familymember. The note must be signedby your parent or legal guardian.

• Emancipated minor. Nodocumentation is needed.However, you must havealready declared yourselfemancipated and providedDMV with Proof of FinancialResponsibility (SR 1P) in lieuof your guarantors’ signatures.

ADULTS’ PERMIT

REQUIREMENTSIf you are 18 years old, meet theapplication requirements, andpass the tests, you may be issueda California driver license. Thereis no upper age limit.

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If you want to obtain professionaldriver education and drivertraining, refer to page 77.

You must have an instructionpermit while learning to drive.Your accompanying driver mustbe 18 years of age or older andhave a valid California driverlicense. The person must be withyou in the vehicle, close enoughto take control of it at any time.An instruction permit does notpermit to you drive alone—noteven to a DMV office to take thedriving test.

If you have an M1 or M2 permit,you cannot carry passengers, youmust ride during daylight hoursonly, and you cannot ride on thefreeway.

To get a permit, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Complete the applicationrequirements.

• Pass a traffic laws and roadsigns test.

ADULTS’ LICENSE

REQUIREMENTSIf you have never been licensed,you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Complete all the steps requiredfor a permit.

• Bring your instruction permitwith you.

• Pass a behind-the-wheel drivingtest. If you fail the first drivingtest, you must pay a $5 retest

fee for a second or third attemptand wait until the next day orthe next available appointmentbefore you are tested again.

If you have an out-of-state orout-of-country license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Complete all the steps requiredfor a permit. (A temporarylicense will not be issued if yourvisual acuity is worse than 20/70 in both eyes together.)

• Surrender your valid out-of-county driver license.Out-of-state licenses will beinvalidated and returned.

NOTE : Driving tests forholders of out-of-state or U.S.territory licenses are normallywaived. However, thedepartment may require adriving test for any type ofapplication. Driving tests arerequired for out-of-countrylicense holders.

THE EXAMINATIONPROCESS

WHERE TO TAKE THE TESTSYou may take the written, vision,and driving tests at any DMVoffice which provides driverlicense services. Written andvision tests are required whenyou apply for an original orupgrade to a different class oflicense. Written tests may berequired for a license renewal.

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Driving tests are usually waivedfor the class of license youcurrently have. However, thedepartment may require a drivingtest for any type of application.Appointments are available forall DMV services. Anappointment is usuallyrequired to take any drivingtest.

DMV WANTS YOU TO PASSDMV wants you to pass yourtest. There are law exams in manydifferent languages. However,you must have the ability to readtraffic signs in English. If thelanguage you read is not available,you may take the exam with thehelp of an interpreter. Audioexams and an English exam inlarge print are also available. Ifyou have difficulty with an exam,tell the DMV employee. You canbe more successful by followingthese suggestions:

• Read this handbook. Take afew days to review theinformation.

• Ask a family member or a friendto test your knowledge.

• Read the test questionscarefully. Don’t read anythingextra into the question. Thereis only one correct answer.

• All test questions are based onthis handbook. If you miss aquestion, the DMV employeecan tell you where to find thecorrect answer.

• Review the sample testquestions on pages 85 and 86.Sample questions are alsoavailable online atwww.dmv.ca.gov.

DMV’S EXAMINATIONSYour driver license examinationsinclude:

• A vision test. If you needglasses or corrective contactlenses to pass this test, youmust wear them. Your licensewill show that you must wear“corrective lenses” whiledriving. If you do not pass thevision test, you will be referredto your vision specialist. Adriving test may be required.

• A test of traffic laws, road signs,and driving safety rules (writtenor audio) to find out if you knowhow to legally drive yourvehicle.

• A driving test, if required. Thistest is usually given byappointment only. For thedriving test, bring:

- your old license or instructionpermit, if you have one.

- a licensed driver.

- proof that the vehicle isproperly insured.

- a vehicle that is safe to driveand displays a front and rearlicense plate. The vehicle’sbrake lights, horn, parkingbrake, and electric signalsmust work properly and thevehicle cannot have bald

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t ires. The driver’s sidewindow must roll down. Thewindshield must allow a fullunobstructed field of visionand there must be two rearview mirrors (one on the leftoutside of the vehicle).

You will be asked to locatethe controls for the vehicle’sheadlights, windshield wipers,defroster, and emergencyflashers. You mustdemonstrate how to use theparking brake. You mustshow that your car is properlyinsured. If you use a rentalcar for the driving test, thedriver’s name must show onthe contract as the insured.You must also wear your seatbelt.

NOTE: The driving test will bepostponed if the vehicle does notmeet the above requirements orif you refuse to use your seat beltduring the driving test.

THE DRIVING TESTThe driving test is your chance toshow that you can drive safely.Only you and the examiner (orother DMV personnel) can be inthe vehicle. No animal may be inthe vehicle. The examiner willgive you directions and will nottrick you or ask you to do anythingillegal. The driving test is onlygiven after all the applicationrequirements have been met.

You will be asked to show thearm signals. (See page 32.)However, during the test, you

must use the vehicle’s turn signallights.

During the driving test, theexaminer will note:

• How you start your vehicle.When leaving the curb, do youuse your mirrors and turn yourhead and look back for passingcars? Do you signal, and waituntil it is safe before enteringtraffic?

• How you drive in hazardousweather conditions. Do youturn on your headlights whenusing your windshield wipersand when it is snowing, raining,or foggy or when you can’t seeclearly 1000 feet ahead of you?

• How you control your vehicle.Do you use the gas pedal, brake,steering wheel (hands onopposite sides), and othercontrols correctly?

• How you drive in traffic. Doyou use the proper lane? Doyou signal, turn your head andlook back before pulling awayfrom the curb or when youchange lanes? Do you signalthe proper distance beforeturning? Do you follow othervehicles at a safe distance?

• How you obey the trafficsignals and posted signs (suchas speed limit signs).

• How you drive through blind orcrowded intersections. Do youscan carefully for signs, signals,pedestrians, and othervehicles? Do you yield and takethe right of way correctly?

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• How you steer your vehicle.Do you turn from the properlane into the proper lane? Isyour turn too wide or too sharp?

• How you stop. Do you stopsmoothly and at the limit line orat the corner? Can you stopquickly and safely in anemergency? In a vehicle with amanual transmission, do youkeep the vehicle in gear whenslowing to a stop?

• How you back up. Do you lookover your right shoulder whilebacking? Can you back in astraight line? Do you havecomplete control of the vehicle?

• How you change your speedbased on the posted speed limitand the amount of nearbytraffic, the people crossing thestreet, and the distance you cansee ahead.

• Do you follow the basic speedlaw and never drive faster thanis safe for road conditions?

• How you respect the rights ofothers. Are you courteous toother drivers and pedestrians?Do you yield or accept yourright of way appropriately?

• Whether you pay full attentionto the job of driving.

At the end of the driving test, theexaminer will discuss the resultswith you and give you a copy ofyour score sheet. If you pass thedriving test, you will be issued a60-day interim license.

MISCELLANEOUSLICENSING

INFORMATION

LICENSE REFUSALDMV takes the strongest actionpossible against anyone who altersor otherwise attempts to falsify adriver license. DMV may alsorefuse to issue you a license ifyou:

• Have a history of alcohol ordrug abuse.

• Have used the license illegallyor lied on your application orcheated on any licenseexamination.

• Do not understand traffic lawsor signs.

• Do not have the skill to drive orhave a health problem thatmakes your driving unsafe.

• Have an outstanding courtaction.

• Impersonate an applicant orallow someone else toimpersonate you to fraudulentlyqualify for a license.

• Submit a fraudulent birth date/legal presence document orsocial security document.

• Refuse to sign the certificationon the application form(DL 44) or give a thumb print.

Also see Actions That Result InLoss Of License on page 61.

LIMITED TERM LICENSESDrivers with physical or medicalconditions may need to be

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reexamined from time to time bya physician or be retested moreoften than every five years(limited term license status) by aDMV examiner. See the Health& Safety Section for moreinformation.

LICENSE EXTENSIONIf you are away from California(up to one year), you may requesta free one-year extension beforeyour driver license expires.Limited term drivers are noteligible for this extension. Mailyour request to DMV, P.O. Box942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. Include your name, driverlicense number, birth date,California residence address, andyour out-of-state address.

LICENSE IN YOUR POSSESSIONYou must always have your driverlicense with you when you drive.Show it to any police officer whoasks to see it. If you are in anaccident, you must show it to theother driver(s) involved. (Seepage 61.)

UNLICENSED DRIVERSIt is against the law to loan yourvehicle to a person who isunlicensed or whose drivingprivilege has been suspended. Ifthe person is caught driving, yourvehicle may be impounded for 30days. (VC §14602.6)

No person of any age may driveon a highway or in a public parkingfacility unless the person has avalid driver license or permit. The

law also states that you must notemploy, permit, or authorize anyunlicensed person to drive yourvehicle on a public street orhighway unless the person islicensed to drive that class ofvehicle.

RENEWAL BY MAIL OR

INTERNETIf you have not already receivedtwo consecutive five-yearextensions, you may be eligible torenew by mail, without taking alaw test, if:

• Your current license expiresbefore age 70.

• You do not have a probationarylicense. (VC §14250)

• You have not violated a writtenpromise to appear in courtwithin the last two years.

• You are not suspended fordriving with an illegal bloodalcohol content (BAC) level, orfor refusing, or for failing tocomplete, a chemical orpreliminary alcohol screeningtest within the last two years.

• You do not have a total violationpoint count greater than one.

NOTE: You may renew byInternet if your renewal-by-mailnotice includes a RenewalIdentification Number (RIN).

MEDICAL INFORMATION CARDCall 1-800-777-0133 and ask fora free card (DL 390) to list yourblood type, allergies, name of yourphysician, and other medicalinformation. It can be carriedalong with your DL/ID card.

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ORGAN DONATIONYou may choose to donate yourbody, body parts, or a pacemakerfor medical transplantation,research, or both after your death.

Starting July 1, 2006, you mayregister as an organ donor withDonate Life California Organ andTissue Registry by checking abox on your driver license oridentification card application.When you check “yes,” you aregiving your consent to be an organand tissue donor upon your death.This information will be sent toDonate Life to be included in theorgan and tissue registry. If youare under 18, your parents willmake the final decision regardingdonation at the appropriate time.You will also have the opportunityto contribute to Donate Life whenyou pay your application fee.

For information about the donorprogram, go online at:www.dmv.ca.gov or contact theDonate Life California Organ andTissue Donor Registry at:www.donatelifecalifornia.org.You may also contact thefollowing organizations for organ/tissue donations or to make amonetary donation:

• California Transplant DonorNetwork: 1-888-570-9400

• Golden State Donor Services:916-567-1600

• Lifesharing: 619-521-1983

• OneLegacy: 1-800-786-4077

LAWS AND RULESOF THE ROAD

RIGHT OF WAY RULES

General InformationRight-of-way rules help peopledrive safely. These rules go alongwith courtesy and common sense.Bicyclists, moped riders, andpedestrians must follow theserules, too.

Never insist on taking the right ofway. If another driver does notyield to you when he or she should,forget it. Let the other driver gofirst. You will help preventaccidents and make driving morepleasant.

However, if another driverexpects you to take your legalturn, take it. If you don’t, youmay delay traffic or cause anaccident.

PedestriansPedestrian safety is a seriousissue. One in six traffic fatalitiesis a pedestrian. Drive cautiouslywhen pedestrians are nearbecause they may cross yourpath.

A pedestrian is a person on footor who uses a conveyance suchas roller skates, skateboards, etc.,other than a bicycle. A pedestriancan also be a person with adisability on a tricycle orquadricycle or in a self-propelledwheelchair.

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• Always stop for any pedestriancrossing at corners or othercrosswalks. Do not pass a carfrom behind that has stopped ata crosswalk. A pedestrian youcan’t see may be crossing.

• Do not drive on a sidewalk,except to cross it at a drivewayor alley. When crossing, yieldto any pedestrian.

• Do not stop in a crosswalk.You will place pedestrians indanger.

• Remember—if a pedestrianmakes eye contact with you, heor she is ready to cross thestreet. Yield to the pedestrian.

• Pedestrians have the right ofway at corners with or withouttraffic lights, whether or notthe crosswalks are marked bypainted white lines.

• Allow older pedestrians moretime to cross the street. Theyare more likely to die as a resultof a crash than youngerpedestrians.

Information regarding ped-estrians who are blind is onpage 55.

CrosswalksA crosswalk is that part of thepavement where the sidewalklines would extend across thestreet and it is set aside forpedestrian traffic. Everyintersection has a pedestriancrosswalk whether or not thereare painted lines on the street.Most crosswalks are at corners

but they can also be in the middleof the block. Before turning acorner, watch for people about tocross the street. Pedestrianshave the right of way incrosswalks.

Crosswalks are often markedwith white lines. Yellowcrosswalk lines may be paintedat school crossings. Most often,crosswalks in residential areasare not marked.

Some crosswalks have flashinglights to warn you that pedestriansmay be crossing. Look forpedestrians and be prepared tostop, whether or not the lights areflashing.

IntersectionsAn intersection is any place whereone line of traffic meets another.Intersections include crossstreets, side streets, alleys,freeway entrances, and any otherlocation where vehicles travelingon different highways or roadsjoin each other.

• At intersections without STOPor YIELD signs, slow downand be ready to stop. Yield tovehicles already in theintersection or just entering it.Also, yield to the car whicharrives first or to the car onyour right if it reaches theintersection at the same timeas you do.

• At “T” intersections withoutSTOP or YIELD signs, yield tovehicles on the through road.They have the right of way.

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• When there are STOP signs atall corners, stop first, thenfollow the above rules.

• When you turn left, give theright of way to all vehiclesapproaching you that are closeenough to be dangerous. Also,look for motorcyclists,bicyclists, and pedestrians. Ondivided highways, or highwayswith several lanes, watch forvehicles coming in any lane youmust cross. Turn left only whenit is safe.

Safety suggestion: Whilewaiting to turn left, keep yourwheels pointed straight aheaduntil it is safe to start your turn.If your wheels are pointed tothe left and a vehicle hits youfrom behind, you could bepushed into oncoming traffic.

• Yield to traffic before enteringthe road again if you haveparked off the road or areleaving a parking lot, etc.

RoundaboutsA roundabout is an intersectionwhere traffic travels around acentral island in a counter-clockwise direction. Vehiclesentering or exiting the roundaboutmust yield to vehicles, bicyclists,and pedestrians.

When you approach a roundabout:

• Slow down as you approachthe intersection.

• Yield to pedestrians andbicyclists crossing the roadway.

• Watch for signs and pavementmarkings that guide you orprohibit certain movements.

• Enter the roundabout whenthere is a big enough gap intraffic.

• Drive in a counter-clockwisedirection. Do not stop or passother vehicles.

• Use your turn signals when youchange lanes or exit theroundabout .

• If you miss your exit, continuearound until you return to yourexit.

For roundabouts with multiplelanes, choose your entry or exitlane based on your destination.For example, to:

• Turn right at the intersection,choose the right-hand lane andexit in the right-hand lane.(Blue car)

• Go straight through theintersection, choose either lane,

Multiple and single lane roundabout

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and exit in the lane youentered. (Red car)

• Turn left, choose the left lane,and exit. (Yellow car)

On Mountain RoadsWhen two vehicles meet on asteep road where neither can pass,the vehicle facing downhill mustyield the right of way by backingup until the vehicle going uphillcan pass. The vehicle facingdownhill has the greater amountof control when backing.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTSSolid Red . A redsignal light means“STOP.” You canmake a right turnagainst a red light afteryou stop and yield to pedestrians,bicyclists, and vehicles that areclose enough to be a hazard. Makethe right turn only when it is safe.Do not turn if a “NO TURN ONRED” sign is posted.

Red Arrow. A redarrow means “STOP.”Remain stopped untilthe green signal or greenarrow appears. Do notturn against a red arrow.

Flashing Red. Aflashing red signal lightmeans “STOP.” Afterstopping, you mayproceed when it issafe. Observe theright-of-way rules.

Solid Yellow. Ayellow signal light means“CAUTION.” The redsignal is about to appear.When you see theyellow light, stop if you can do sosafely. If you can’t stop safely,enter the intersection cautiously.

Yellow Arrow. Ayellow arrow means the“protected” turning timeperiod is ending. Beprepared to obey thenext signal which could be thegreen or red light or the red arrow.

Flashing Yellow. Aflashing yellow signallight warns you to becareful. You do not needto stop for a flashingyellow light but you must slowdown and be especially alertbefore entering the intersection.

Solid Green. A greenlight means “GO” butfirst give the right of wayto any vehicle, bicyclist,or pedestrian in theintersection. If you are turningleft, make the turn only if youhave enough space to completethe turn before any oncomingvehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrianbecomes a hazard. Do not enterthe intersection if you cannot getcompletely across before the lightturns red. If you block theintersection, you can be cited.

Green Arrow. A greenarrow means “GO.” Youmust turn in the direction

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the arrow is pointing after youyield to any vehicle, bicyclist, orpedestrian still in the intersection.The green arrow allows you tomake a “protected” turn. Thismeans oncoming vehicles,bicyclists, and pedestrians arestopped by a red light as long asthe green arrow is lighted.

Traffic Signal Blackout. If atraffic signal light is not working,proceed as if the intersection iscontrolled by a stop sign in alldirections.

PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL LIGHTSPedestrian signals show wordsor pictures as follows:

• “Walk” or “Walking Person”lights mean it is legalto cross the street.

• “Don’t Walk” or“Raised Hand”lights mean you maynot start across thestreet.

• Flashing “Don’tWalk” or “RaisedHand” lights meando not start across the street.The traffic signal is about tochange. If the flashing startsafter you have already startedto cross, finish crossing thestreet as quickly as possible.

At many traffic signals, you needto push the pedestrian push buttonto activate the “Walk” or“Walking Person” signal. If thereare no pedestrian signals, obeythe traffic signal lights.

TRAFFIC SIGNSThe shape of a sign gives you aclue about the informationcontained on the sign. Here arethe common shapes used.

Eight-sided red STOPsigns mean you mustmake a full stopwhenever you see aSTOP sign. Stop before enteringa crosswalk or at a white “limitline” which is a wide white linepainted on the street. If acrosswalk or limit line is notpainted on the street, stop at thecorner.

Three-sided redYIELD signs meanyou must slow downand be ready to stop,if necessary, to let anyvehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrianpass before you proceed.

Square red andwhite regulatorysigns mean you mustfollow the sign’sinstruction. Forexample, the “DONOT ENTER” signmeans do not enter aroad or off ramp where the sign isposted, usually on a freeway offramp. The “WRONG WAY” signmay or may not be posted withthe “DO NOT ENTER” sign. Ifyou see one or both of thesesigns, drive to the side of the roadand stop. You are going againsttraffic. When safe, back out orturn around and return to the road

STOP

DO NOT

ENTER

WRONGWAY

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you were on. At night if you aregoing the wrong way, the roadreflectors will shine red in yourheadlights.

If a sign has a red circlewith a red line throughit, it always means NO.The picture inside thecircle shows what you cannot do.The sign may be shown with orwithout words.

Circular signs meanyou are approaching arailroad crossing.

Five-sided signsmean you are near aschool.

Four-sided diamond-shapedsigns warn you of specific roadconditions and dangers ahead.Many warning signs are diamond-shaped. Obey all warning signsregardless of their shape.

White rectangular signs meanyou must obey important rules.

See pages 81 and 83 for additionalexamples.

SPEED LIMITSCalifornia has a “Basic SpeedLaw.” This law means you maynever drive faster than is safe forcurrent conditions. For example,if you are driving 45 mph in a 55mph speed zone during a densefog, you could be cited for driving“too fast for conditions.” Youmay never legally drive fasterthan the posted speed limit, evenif you think it is safe to do so.

Regardless of the posted speedlimit, your speed should dependon:

• The number and speed of othervehicles on the road.

• Whether the road surface issmooth, rough, graveled, wet,dry, wide, or narrow.

• Bicyclists or pedestrianswalking on the road’s edge.

• Whether it is raining, foggy,snowing, windy, or dusty.

MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITThe maximum speed limit on mostCalifornia highways is 65 mph.You may drive 70 mph whereposted. Unless otherwise posted,the maximum speed limit is 55mph on two-lane undividedhighways and for vehicles towingtrailers.

Other speed limit signs are postedfor the type of roads and traffic ineach area. All speed limits arebased on ideal driving conditions.Construction zones usually havereduced speed zones.

Driving faster than the postedspeed limit, or than is safe forcurrent conditions, on any road isdangerous and illegal. High speedincreases your stopping distance.The faster you go, the less timeyou have to avoid a hazard oraccident. The force of a 60 mphcrash isn’t just twice as great asa 30 mph crash, it’s four times asgreat!

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REDUCED SPEEDS

Heavy traffic or bad weatherYou must drive slower when thereis heavy traffic or bad weather.However, if you block the normaland reasonable movement oftraffic by driving too slowly, youmay be given a ticket. If youchoose to drive slower than othertraffic, do not drive in the “No. 1”(fast) lane. (See page 24.)Always move to the right whenanother driver is close behind youand wishes to drive faster.

Towing Vehicles, Buses, orLarge TrucksWhen you tow a vehicle or trailer,or drive a bus or three- or more-axle truck, you must drive in theright-hand lane or in a lanespecially marked for slowervehicles. If no lanes are markedand there are four lanes or morein your direction, you may onlydrive in either of the two lanesclosest to the right edge of theroad.

Around childrenWithin 500 feet of a school whilechildren are outside or crossingthe street, the speed limit is 25mph, unless otherwise posted.Also, if the school ground has nofence and children are outside,never drive faster than 25 mph.Always drive more carefully nearschools, playgrounds, parks, andresidential areas because childrenmay suddenly dart into the street.

Near schools, look for:

• Bicyclists and pedestrians.• School safety patrols or school

crossing guards and obey theirdirections. For the crossingguard’s safety, allow him orher to safely get to the side ofthe road before driving ahead.

• Stopped school buses andchildren crossing the street.Some school buses flash yellowlights when preparing to stopand let children off the bus.The yellow flashing lights warnyou to slow down and prepareto stop. When the bus flashesred lights (located at the topfront and back of the bus), youmust stop from either directionuntil the children are safelyacross the street and the lightsstop flashing. The law requiresyou to remain stopped as longas the red lights are flashing(VC §22454). If you fail tostop, you may be fined up to$1000 and your driving privilegecould be suspended for oneyear. If the school bus is on theother side of a divided orAll vehicles must stop

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multilane (two or more lanes ineach direction) highway, youdo not need to stop.

Blind intersectionsThe speed limit for a blindintersection is 15 mph. Anintersection is considered “blind”if there are no stop signs at anycorner and you cannot see for100 feet in either direction duringthe last 100 feet before crossing.Trees, bushes, buildings, or parkedcars at intersections can blockyour view to the side. If yourview is blocked, edge forwardslowly until you can see.

AlleysThe speed limit in any alley is 15mph.

Near railroad tracksThe speed limit is 15 mph within100 feet of a railroad crossingwhere you cannot see the tracksfor 400 feet in both directions.You may drive faster than 15mph if the crossing is controlledby gates, a warning signal, or aflagman.

At railroad or train crossings:

• Look in both directions andlisten for trains. Many crossings

have multiple tracks so be readyto stop before crossing, ifnecessary. Cross railroadtracks only at designatedcrossings and only when it issafe to do so.

• Expect a train on any track atany time traveling in eitherdirection. If you need to stopafter crossing the tracks, makesure your vehicle clears thetracks before you stop.

• Never stop on the railroadtracks. Remember that a traincannot stop quickly or swerveout of the way. If you are onthe tracks, you risk injury ordeath.

• Watch for vehicles that muststop before crossing traintracks. These vehicles includebuses, school buses, and truckstransporting hazardous loads.

• Remember that flashing redlights mean STOP! Stop at least15 feet from the nearest trackwhen the crossing devices areactive or a person warns you atrain is coming. Stop if you seea train coming or you hear thewhistle, horn, or bell of anapproaching train.

• Do not go around or underlowered crossing gates, even ifyou do not see a train. Wait forthe gates to rise. If the gatesare not working correctly, callthe railroad emergency numberposted near the crossing ornotify the local police orCalifornia Highway Patrol.

YESNO

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Near light rail vehicle crossingsThe same rules apply to light railvehicle crossings as to traincrossings. Do not proceed acrossthe tracks until you can see clearlyin both directions and are surethat no other light rail vehicle ortrain is coming. Do not go aroundor under any closed gate. NOTE:Light rail vehicles are very quietand move more quickly thanfreight trains.

Near streetcars, trolleys, orbusesThe passing speed limit, whensafe to pass, is no more than 10mph. This speed limit applies at asafety zone or an intersectionwhere a streetcar, trolley, or busis stopped and traffic is controlledby a police officer or trafficsignal. A safety zone is markedby raised buttons or markers onthe road and is set aside forpedestrians. You will most oftensee safety zones in areas wherestreet cars or trolleys and vehiclesshare the roadway.

Business or residence districtsThe speed limit is 25 mph, unlessotherwise posted.

Near AnimalsIf you see animals or livestock,slow down and obey the personin charge of the animals. If yousee a stray animal in your path,slow down or stop, if safe to doso.

TRAFFIC LANES

LINE COLORSSolid yellow lines mark thecenter of a road used for two-way traffic.

Broken yellow lines mean youmay pass if the broken line is nextto your driving lane.

Two solid yellow lines mean nopassing. Never drive to the left ofthese lines unless you are:

• Turning left at an intersection.

• Turning into or out of a privateroad or driveway.

• In a carpool lane that has adesignated entrance on the left.

• Instructed to drive on the otherside of the road because yourside is closed or blocked.

Two sets of solid double yellowlines spaced two or more feetapart are considered a barrier.Do not drive on or over this barrieror make a left turn or a U-turn

(1) Solid yellow line: No passing if solidyellow line is on your side.

(2) Double solid lines: DO NOT pass.

(3) Broken yellow line: May pass ifmovement can be made safely.

Examples of lane markings

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across it except at designatedopenings. (See “B” above.)

Solid white lines mark trafficlanes going in the same direction,such as one-way streets.

Broken white lines separatetraffic lanes on roads with two ormore lanes in the same direction.

CHOOSING A LANETraffic lanes are often referredto by number. The left or “fast”lane is called the “No. 1 Lane.”The lanes to the right of the No.1 lane are called the No. 2 lane,then the No. 3 lane. etc.

Drive in the lane with thesmoothest flow of traffic. If youcan choose among three lanes,pick the middle lane for thesmoothest driving. To drive faster,pass, or turn left, use the leftlane. When you choose to driveslowly or enter or turn off theroad, use the right lane.

If there are only two lanes in yourdirection, pick the right lane forthe smoothest driving.

Don’t weave in and out of traffic.Stay in one lane as much aspossible. Once you start throughan intersection, keep going. Ifyou start to make a turn, followthrough. Last second changesmay cause accidents. If youmissed a turn, continue to thenext intersection and workyour way back to where you wantto go.

CHANGING LANESChanging lanes includes:

• Moving from one lane toanother.

• Entering the freeway from anonramp.

• Entering the road from a curbor the shoulder.

Before changing lanes, signal,look in all your mirrors, and:

• Check traffic behind and besideyou.

• Glance over your left or rightshoulder to make sure the laneyou want is clear.

• Look for vehicles ormotorcyclists in your blind spot.

• Be sure there is enough roomfor your vehicle in the nextlane.

BICYCLE LANESA bicycle lane is shown by a solidwhite line along either side of thestreet, four or more feet from thecurb. The white line will usuallybe broken near the corner andthe words “BIKE LANE” will be

Example of numbered traffic lanes

B

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painted in the lane. When you aremaking a right turn and are within200 feet of the corner or otherdriveway entrance, you mustenter the bike lane for the turn.Do not drive in the bike lane atany other time.

You may park in a bike laneunless a “No Parking” sign isposted.

Pedestrians are not allowed inbike lanes when sidewalks areavailable. Drivers of motorizedbicycles should use bike lanescarefully to avoid accidents withbicyclists.

PASSING LANESBefore you pass, look ahead forroad conditions and traffic thatmay cause other vehicles to moveinto your lane.

Never drive off the paved or main-traveled portion of the road or onthe shoulder to pass. The edge ofthe main-traveled portion of theroad has a painted white line onthe road’s surface. Passing othervehicles at crossroads, railroadcrossings, and shopping centerentrances is dangerous.

Pass traffic on the left. You maypass on the right only when:

• An open highway is clearlymarked for two or more lanesof travel in your direction.

• The driver ahead of you isturning left and you do not driveoff the roadway. Never passon the left if the driver issignaling a left turn.

When passing a bicyclist, pass onthe left. If you are in a narrowtraffic lane, wait until the trafficclears in the opposite lane beforepassing a bicyclist. Do notsqueeze past the bicyclist.

CARPOOL LANES AND

ONRAMPSA carpool lane is a specialfreeway lane only for buses and/or carpools. You may use acarpool lane or onramp if yourvehicle carries the minimumnumber of people required forthe carpool lane or you drive alow-emission vehicle displayinga special DMV-issued decal.Motorcycle riders may usedesignated carpool lanes, unlessotherwise posted.

Signs at the onramp or along thefreeway tell you the minimum

Right Wrong

CARPOOL IS2 OR MORE

PERSONSPER VEHICLE

MOTORCYCLESOK

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number of people required forthe carpool and the hours thecarpool requirement applies. Thepavement in this lane is markedwith a diamond symbol ( ) andthe words “Carpool Lane.” Theselanes are also known as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.Do not cross over double parallelsolid lines to enter or exit anycarpool lane except at designatedentry or exit places.

Vehicles towing trailers aretypically not allowed to usecarpool lanes because they mustdrive more slowly and are usuallyrestricted to the right-hand lane.

CENTER LEFT TURN LANESA center left turn lane is in themiddle of a two-way street and ismarked on both sides by twopainted lines. The inner line isbroken and the outer line is solid.If a street has a center left turnlane, you must use it when youturn left (VC §21460.5[c]) orstart a permitted U-turn. Youmay only drive for 200 feet in thecenter left turn lane. This lane isnot a regular traffic lane or apassing lane. To turn left fromthis lane, signal and drivecompletely inside the center leftturn lane. Do not stop with theback of your vehicle blocking

traffic. Make sure the lane isclear in both directions and thenturn only when it is safe. Look forvehicles coming toward you inthe same lane to start their leftturn.

When turning left from a sidestreet or driveway, signal andwait until it is safe. Then driveinto the center left turn lane. Entertraffic only when it is safe.

You may drive across a centerleft turn lane.

TURNOUT AREAS AND LANESSpecial “turnout”areas are sometimesmarked on two-laneroads. Drive into theseareas to allow carsbehind you to pass.

Some two-lane roadshave passing lanes. If you aredriving slowly on a two-lanehighway or road where passing isunsafe, and five or more vehiclesare following you, drive into theturnout areas or lanes to let thevehicles pass.

END-OF-LANE MARKINGSFreeway lanes (as well as some

BIKELANE

BIKELANE

<

<

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city street lanes) which are ending,will usually be marked by largebroken lines painted on thepavement. If you are driving in alane marked with these brokenlines, be prepared to exit thefreeway or for the lane to end.Look for a sign that tells you toexit or merge, etc.

TURNSLeft turns. To make a left turn,drive close to the center dividerline or into the left turn lane.Begin signaling about 100 feetbefore the turn. Look over yourleft shoulder and reduce yourspeed. Stop behind the limit line.Look left, then right, then leftagain and make the turn when itis safe. When you turn left, do notturn too soon and “cut the corner”of the lane belonging to thevehicles coming towards you.

Safety suggestion: While waitingto turn left, keep your wheels

pointed straight ahead until it issafe to start your turn. If yourwheels are pointed to the left anda vehicle hits you from behind,you could be pushed intooncoming traffic.

Left turn against a red light ona one-way street only. Signaland stop for a red traffic light atthe limit line or corner. You mayturn left into a left-moving one-way street if there is no sign toprohibit the turn. Yield topedestrians, bicyclists or othervehicles moving on their greenlight.

Right turns. To make a rightturn, drive close to the right edgeof the road. If there is a bike lane,drive into the bike lane no morethan 200 feet before the turn.Watch for bicyclists ormotorcyclists who may getbetween your vehicle and thecurb. Begin signaling about 100feet before the turn. Look overyour right shoulder and reduceyour speed. Stop behind the limitline. Look both ways and turnwhen it is safe. Do not turn wide.Complete your turn in the rightlane.

Right turn against a red light.Signal and stop for a red trafficlight at the limit line or at thecorner. If there is no sign toprohibit the turn, you may turnright. Yield to pedestrians,bicyclists or other vehicles movingon their green light.

Example of a left turn

Example of a right turn

DO NOT TURNWIDE

DO NOT CUT CORNER

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No turn against a red arrow.You may not turn right or leftagainst a red arrow.

EXAMPLES OF RIGHT AND

LEFT TURNSThe numbers on the cars refer tothe numbered sentences on thesepages. Always use your turnsignals.

1.Left turn from a two-waystreet. Start the turn in the leftlane closest to the middle of thestreet. Complete the turn ineither lane of the cross street(shown by arrows), if safe. Usethe center left turn lane if thereis one. A left turn may be madefrom the other lane, if permittedby signs or arrows.

2.Right turn. Begin and end theturn in the lane nearest the right-hand curb. Do not swing wideinto another lane of traffic.Watch for bicyclists betweenyour vehicle and the curb.Sometimes, signs or pavementmarkings will let you turn rightfrom another lane (shownby *).

3.Left turn from a two-waystreet into a one-way street.Start the turn from the laneclosest to the middle of thestreet. Turn into any lane that issafely open, as shown by thearrows.

4.Left turn from a one-waystreet into a two-way street.Start the turn from the far leftlane. Turn into either of the

lanes that is safely open, asshown by the arrows.

5.Left turn from a one-waystreet into a one-way street.

7

5

6

*

1

1

2*

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Start the turn from the far leftlane. Watch for bicyclistsbetween your vehicle and thecurb because they can legallyuse the left turn lane for theirleft turns. Turn into any lanethat is safely open, as shown bythe arrows.

6.Right turn from a one-waystreet into a one-way street.Start the turn in the far rightlane. If safe, you may end theturn in any lane. Sometimes,signs or pavement markings willlet you turn right from anotherlane (shown by *).

7.Turn at a “T” intersectionfrom a one-way street into atwo-way street. Throughtraffic has the right of way.You may turn either right orleft from the center lane. Watchfor vehicles and bicyclists insideyour turn.

LEGAL U-TURNSA U-turn is turning around in thestreet to go back the way youcame. To make a U-turn, signaland use the far left lane or thecenter left turn lane. You maymake a U-turn:

• Across a double yellow linewhen it is safe and legal.

• In a residential district:

- if no vehicle approaching youis closer than 200 feet.

- whenever a traffic sign orsignal protects you fromapproaching vehicles.

• At an intersection on a greenlight or green arrow unless a“No U-turn” sign is posted.

• On a divided highway only ifan opening is provided in thecenter divider.

ILLEGAL U-TURNSNever make a U-turn:

• On a divided highway bycrossing a dividing section, curb,strip of land, or two sets ofdouble lines.

• Where you cannot clearly see200 feet in each directionbecause of a curve, hill, rain,fog, or other reason.

• Where a “No U-Turn” sign isposted.

• When other vehicles may hityou.

• On a one-way street.

• In front of a fire station. Neveruse a fire station driveway toturn around.

• In business districts. Areas withchurches, apartments, multipledwelling houses, clubs, andpublic buildings (exceptschools) are also considered tobe business districts. Turn onlyat an intersection or whereopenings are provided for turns.

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PARKING

PARKING ON A HILLWhen you park:

• On a sloping driveway, turn thewheels so the car will not rollinto the street if the brakes fail.

• Headed downhill, turn yourfront wheels into the curb ortoward the side of the road. Setthe parking brake.

• Headed uphill, turn your frontwheels away from the curb andlet your vehicle roll back a fewinches. The back of the frontwheel should gently touch thecurb. Set the parking brake.

• Headed either uphill or downhilland there is no curb, turn thewheels so the car will roll awayfrom the center of the road ifthe brakes fail.

Always set your parking brakeand leave the vehicle in gear orthe “park” position.

PARKING AT COLORED CURBSPainted colored curbs have thefollowing special parking rules:

White: Stop only long enough topick up or drop off passengers ormail.

Green: Park for a limited time.Look for a sign next to the greenzone or for the time painted onthe curb.

Yellow: Stop no longer than thetime posted to load or unloadpassengers or freight. Drivers ofnoncommercial vehicles areusually required to stay with thevehicle.

Red: No stopping, standing, orparking. (Buses may stop at a redzone marked for buses.)

Blue : Parking ispermitted only for adisabled person whodisplays a placard ordisabled person ordisabled veteran licenseplates. Disabled people with aplacard or special plates may parkin special areas for unlimitedperiods of time, regardless of timerestrictions. No one else may parkthere. Qualified persons mayapply at any DMV office for aparking placard or special plates.

NO CURB– UP HILL or DOWN HILL

UP HILLDOWN HILL

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An identification card will beissued to holders of disabledperson or disabled veteran licenseplates.

NOTE: Placard abuse results inloss of special parking privileges.It is also a misdemeanor and ispunishable by a fine of up to$1000, imprisonment in countyjail for up to six months, or both.

ILLEGAL PARKINGNever park or leave your vehicle:

• Where a “No Parking” sign isposted.

• On a marked or unmarkedcrosswalk, on a sidewalk, or infront of a driveway.

• Within three feet of a sidewalkramp for disabled persons or infront of or on a curb whichprovides wheelchair access toa sidewalk.

• In a disabled person parkingspace unless you are disabledand display a placard or specialplates.

• In the space next to a disabled

person parking space if it ispainted in a crosshatchedpattern. (VC §22507.8)

• In a space designated forparking or fueling zero-emissionvehicles which display anidentifying decal.

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

• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrantor a fire station driveway.

• On or within 71/2 feet of arailroad track.

• Between a safety zone and thecurb.

• “Double parked.” (Parking inthe street when all legal parkingplaces at the curb are taken.)

• On the wrong side of the street.

• At a red curb.

• On a freeway, except:

- in an emergency or

- when an officer or devicerequires a stop or

- where a stop is specificallypermitted. A vehicle (even ifdisabled) that is stopped,parked, or left standing on afreeway for more than fourhours may be removed.(VC §22651[f])

NOTE: If you must stop on ahighway, park completely off thepavement and stay in your vehiclewith the doors locked until helparrives. Leave enough space forother vehicles to pass freely.

Example of crosshatched pattern

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Your car should be visible at least200 feet in each direction.

SPECIAL PARKING RULES• When you park alongside a curb

on a level street, the front andback wheels must be paralleland within 18 inches of thecurb. Park parallel to the streetif there is no curb.

• Never leave your car until youhave stopped the engine andset the parking brake.

• Do not open the driver’s sidedoors unless it is safe and youdo not interfere with traffic.Look for passing bicyclists andmotorcyclists. Do not leave thedoor open any longer thannecessary.

SIGNALINGAlways signal to other driverswhen you plan to turn left, right,slow down, or stop. Signals maybe given by hand-and-armpositions or by using the vehiclessignal lights. If bright sunlightmakes the signal lights hard tosee, use hand-and-arm signalsalso.

Motorcyclists often use handsignals to make themselves morevisible. Bicyclists may give rightturn signals with their right armheld straight out, pointing right.

Always signal:

• Your left or right turn duringthe last 100 feet before reaching

the turning point. Caution—Even though you signal, do notautomatically assume that thespace you wish to occupy isclear.

• Before every lane change.Also, look over your shoulderand check your blind spot beforechanging lanes.

• At least five seconds beforeyou change lanes at freewayspeeds.

• To let other drivers know yourplans.

• Before pulling next to or awayfrom the curb.

• When you change directions.

• Even when you don’t see othervehicles around. A vehicle youdon’t see might hit you.

If you plan to turn beyond anintersection, start signaling when

SLOW

OR

STOP

LEFT

TURN

RIGHT

TURN

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you are in the intersection. If yousignal too early, the other drivermay think you plan to turn into theintersection and he/she may pullout in front of you.

Remember to cancel your signalafter turning if it doesn’t turn offby itself.

ADDITIONAL DRIVINGRULES

THINGS YOU MUST NOT DO:• Do not drive a vehicle so

loaded, either with property orpeople, that you cannot controlit, see ahead, or to the sides ofyour vehicle.

• Do not carry anything in or ona passenger vehicle whichextends beyond the fenders onthe left side or more than sixinches beyond the fenders onthe right side. A load extendingmore than four feet from theback of the vehicle must displaya 12-inch red or fluorescentorange square flag or two redlights at night.

• Do not allow anyone to ride onany part of your vehicle notintended for passengers.

• Do not allow a person to ride inthe back of a pickup or othertruck unless the vehicle isequipped with seats and theperson uses both the seat and asafety belt.

• Do not transport animals in theback of a pickup or other truckunless the animal is properlysecured.

• Do not dump or abandonanimals on a highway. Thiscrime punishable by a fine ofup to $1000, six months in jail,or both.

• Do not tow anyone who isriding a bicycle, in a wagon, onroller skates, on a sled, on skis,or on a toy vehicle.

• Do not litter the roadside. Thefine is $1000 and you may beforced to pick up what youthrew away. Litteringconvictions show on yourdriving record.

• Do not wear a headset over, orearplugs in, both your ears.

• Do not wear eyeglasses withtemples wide enough to keepyou from seeing clearly to thesides.

• Do not drive a vehicle equippedwith a video monitor if themonitor is visible to the driverand displays anything other thanvehicle information or globalmapping displays.

• Do not honk your horn unless itis a safety warning.

• Do not throw any cigarette,cigar, or other flaming orglowing substance from yourvehicle.

• Do not shoot firearms on ahighway or at traffic signs.

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• Do not block your view byputting signs or other objectson the front windshield or theback and side windows. Do nothang objects on the mirror.Windshield/window stickers,etc., are permitted in theselocations only:

- A seven-inch square oneither the passenger’s sidewindshield, lower corner; orthe rear window, lowercorner.

- A five-inch square on thedriver’s side, lower corner.

- Side windows behind thedriver.

• Do not drive any motor vehicleinto a designated wildernessarea. (VC §38301.5)

• Do not drive with tinted safetyglass. If you have sun-sensitiveskin, you may use removablesun screens during daylighttravel if you have a letter fromyour physician.

• Do not block or hinder a funeralprocession. Vehicles takingpart in a funeral processionhave the right of way and if youinterfere, obstruct, or interruptthe funeral procession, you aresubject to a citation.(VC §2817) The funeralprocession is led by a trafficofficer and all vehicles takingpart in the procession havewindshield markers to identifythem.

• Do not ride, or allow a child toride, a “pocket bike” on a publicstreet or highway. Thesevehicles are not manufacturedor designed for highway useand they do not meet federalsafety standards.

THINGS YOU MUST DO:• You must drive as far to the

right as reasonably possible onnarrow mountain roads, and ifyou cannot see at least 200 feetahead, honk your horn.

• You must use your headlights30 minutes after sunset andleave them on until 30 minutesbefore sunrise.

• You must dim your lights tolow beams within 500 feet of avehicle coming toward you orwithin 300 feet of a vehicle youare following.

• You must turn on yourheadlights if snow, rain, fog, orlow-visibility (1000 feet or less)require the use of windshieldwipers.

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SAFE DRIVINGPRACTICES

SCANNINGScanning your surroundings(keeping your eyes moving)includes keeping a safe distancearound your vehicle. Whenanother driver makes a mistake,you need time to react. Giveyourself this time by keeping a“space cushion” on all sides ofyour vehicle. This space cushionwill give you room to brake ormaneuver if you need it.

Know What Is AheadTo avoid last minute moves, lookdown the road 10 to 15 secondsahead of your vehicle so you cansee hazards early. Constantlystaring at the road just in front ofyour car is dangerous. As youscan ahead, be alert for vehiclesaround you. Use your mirrors.Allow enough space between youand the vehicle ahead to give

yourself an “out.” Mistakes causeaccidents.

In the city, 10 to 15 seconds isabout one block. On the highway,10 to 15 seconds is about a quarterof a mile.

Take in the whole scene. Ifyou only look at the middle of theroad, you will miss what ishappening on the side of the roadand behind you. Scanning helpsyou to see:

• Cars and people that may be inthe road by the time you reachthem.

• Signs warning of problemsahead.

• Signs giving you directions.

Turn your head before changinglanes, because your mirrors haveblind spots. These blind spots canhide a motorcyclist or a bicyclist.Watch for things about to happen,like a ball rolling into the street ora car door opening.

Watch for hazards. Look beyondthe car ahead of you. Don’tdevelop a “fixed stare.” Keepscanning. Check your rear viewmirrors every two to five seconds

Where is the green vehicle headed?

The shaded areas are your blind spots.

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so you know the position ofvehicles near you.

On the freeway, be ready forchanges in traffic conditions.Watch for signals from otherdrivers. Expect merging vehiclesat onramps and interchanges. Beprepared for rapid changes inroad conditions and traffic flow.Know which lanes are clear soyou can use them if you need to.

Don’t be a tailgater! Many driversdon’t see as far ahead as theyshould because they follow tooclosely (tailgate), and the vehicleahead blocks their view.

The more space you allowbetween your car and the carahead, the more time you willhave to see a hazard and themore time you will have to stop oravoid that hazard.

Most rear end accidents arecaused by tailgating. To avoidtailgating, use the “three-secondrule.” When the vehicle ahead ofyou passes a certain point such asa sign, count “one-thousand-one,one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.” This takes about threeseconds. If you pass the samepoint before you finish counting,you are following too closely.

You should allow a four-secondor more cushion when:

• Being crowded by a tailgater.Allow extra room ahead. Then,if you need to, you can slowdown gradually and avoid

braking suddenly—and beinghit from behind by the tailgater!

• Driving on slippery roads.

• Following motorcyclists on wetor icy roads, on metal surfaces(i.e., bridge gratings, railroadtracks, etc.), and on gravel.Motorcyclists can fall moreoften on these surfaces.

• The driver behind you wants topass. Allow room in front ofyour car so the driver will havespace to move into.

• Towing a trailer or carrying aheavy load. The extra weightmakes it harder to stop.

• Following large vehicles thatblock your view ahead. Theextra space allows you to seearound the vehicle.

• You see a bus, school bus, or aplacarded vehicle at railroadcrossings. These vehicles muststop at railroad crossings soslow down early and allowplenty of room.

• Merging on a freeway.

If you follow too closely andanother driver “cuts” in front ofyou, just take your foot off thegas. This gives you space betweenyour car and the other driverwithout having to slam on yourbrakes or swerve into anotherlane.

KNOW WHAT IS AT YOUR SIDEAny time you come to a placewhere people may cross or enteryour path or one line of traffic

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meets another, you should look tothe left and right sides of yourvehicle to make sure no one iscoming. Always look to each sideat intersections, crosswalks, andrailroad crossings.

At intersections:

• Look both ways even if othertraffic has a red light or a stopsign:

- look to the left first, sincecars coming from the left arecloser to you.

- look to the right.

- take one more look to the leftin case there is someone youdidn’t see the first time.

• Don’t rely on traffic signals.Some drivers do not obey trafficsignals so before you enter anintersection, look left, right, andahead for approaching traffic.

To maintain a space cushion oneach side of your vehicle:

• Don’t stay in another driver’sblind spot. The other driver maynot see your car and couldchange lanes and hit you.

• Avoid driving alongside othervehicles on multilane streets.Another driver may crowd yourlane or change lanes withoutlooking and crash into you.Drive either ahead of or in backof the other vehicle.

• If possible, make room forvehicles entering freewayseven though you have the right-of-way.

• At freeway exits, don’t drivealongside other cars. A drivermay decide to exit suddenly orswerve back on.

• Keep a space between yourselfand parked cars. Someone maystep out from between them. Acar door may open or a car maypull out suddenly.

• Be careful when riding nearbicyclists. Always leave plentyof room between your vehicleand any bicyclist.

Know What Is Behind YouIt is very important to checkbehind you before:

• Changing lanes. Be sure youare not getting in the way ofvehicles in the lane you want toenter.

• Slowing down quickly. Take aquick glance in your mirrors.Also check your mirrors whenyou are preparing to turn into aside road or driveway, andwhen you are stopping to pullinto a parking space.

• Driving down a long or steephill. On long, steep downgrades,watch for large vehicles. Theycan gather speed very quickly.

• Backing up. Backing up isalways dangerous because it ishard to see behind your vehicle.When you back up or back outof a parking space:

- check behind the car beforeyou get in.

Page 50: CA Driver's Manual

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- turn and look over your rightshoulder while backing. As asafety measure, also look overyour left shoulder before youbegin backing.

- do not depend only on yourmirrors or only looking out aside window.

- back slowly to avoidaccidents.

Check traffic behind you often toknow if you are being tailgated(another driver is following tooclosely). If you are being tailgated,be careful! Brake slowly beforestopping. Tap your brake lightly afew times to warn the tailgateryou are slowing down.

“Lose” the tailgater as soon asyou can by changing lanes orslowing down enough toencourage the tailgater to goaround you. If this does not work,pull off the road when it is safeand let the tailgater pass.

Clean Windows And MirrorsKeep your windshield and sidewindows clean inside and out.Bright sun or headlights on a dirtywindow make it hard to see out.Clear ice, frost, or dew from allwindows before you drive.

Make sure you can see and beseen. If you drive in rain or snow,you may have to stop sometimesto wipe mud or snow off yourwindshield, headlights, andtaillights.

Adjust Seat And MirrorsAdjust your seat before you puton your seat belt. You should sithigh enough to see the road. Ifyou still can’t see, use a seatcushion.

Adjust your rear and side mirrorsbefore you start driving. If yourvehicle has a day/night mirror,learn how to use it. The nightsetting reduces the headlight glarefrom the cars behind you andhelps you see better.

How Well Can You Stop?If something is in your path, youneed to see it in time to stop,assuming you have good tires,good brakes, and dry pavement:

• At 55 mph, it takes about 400feet to react and bring the carto a complete stop.

• At 35 mph, it takes about 210feet to react and bring the carto a complete stop.

Adjust your driving speed to theweather and road conditions(basic speed law). (See page 20.)Turn on your lights during the dayif it is hard to see or you can’t seeat least 1000 feet ahead.

DRIVING IN THE FOGThe best advice for driving in thefog is DON’T. You shouldconsider postponing your trip untilthe fog clears. However, if youmust drive, then drive slowly anduse your low beam headlights.The light from high beams willreflect back and cause glare.

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Never drive with just yourparking or fog lights.

Increase your following distanceand be prepared to stop within thespace you can see ahead. Avoidcrossing or passing lanes of trafficunless absolutely necessary.Listen for traffic you cannot see.Use your wipers and defroster asnecessary for best vision.

If the fog becomes so thick thatyou can barely see, pullcompletely off the road. Do notcontinue driving until you can seebetter. Turn off your lights orsomeone may see your taillightsand drive into you.

DRIVING IN DARKNESSDrive more slowly at nightbecause you cannot see as farahead and you have less time tostop for a hazard. Make sure youcan stop within the distance lightedby your headlights.

Use your low beam headlights atnight when it rains. Don’t drivewith only your parking lightson.

Use your high beams wheneverpossible as long as it is not illegal(i.e., in open country or on darkcity streets). Do not blind otherdrivers with your high beamheadlights. Dim your lights whennecessary. If another driver doesnot dim his/her lights:

• Don’t look directly intooncoming headlights.

• Look toward the right edge ofyour lane.

• Watch the oncoming car out ofthe corner of your eye.

• Do not try to “get back” at theother driver by keeping yourbright lights on. If you do, bothof you may be blinded.

When you drive at night,remember:

• Motorcycles are harder to seeat night because most have onlyone taillight.

• More highway constructiontakes place at night. Reduceyour speed in highwayconstruction zones.

• When you leave a brightly litplace, drive slowly until youreyes adjust to the darkness.

• Drive as far to the right aspossible when a vehicle withone light drives towards you. Itcould be a bicyclist ormotorcyclist, but it could alsobe a vehicle with a missingheadlight.

DRIVING IN RAIN OR SNOWMany road pavements are themost slippery when it first startsto rain or snow because oil anddust have not yet been washedaway. Slow down at the first signof rain, drizzle, or snow on theroad. Turn on your windshieldwipers, headlights, and defroster.

In a heavy rainstorm orsnowstorm, you may not be ableto see more than 100 feet ahead.When you can’t see any fartherthan that, you cannot safely drive

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faster than 30 mph. You mayhave to stop from time to time towipe mud or snow off yourwindshield, headlights, andtaillights.

If you drive in snowy areas, carrythe correct number of chains andbe sure they will fit your drivewheels. Learn how to put thechains on before you need to usethem.

DRIVING IN HILL COUNTRYYou never know what is on theother side of a steep hill or a sharpcurve. When you come to a hill orcurve, slow down so you can stopfor any hazard. You must be goingslowly enough to stop.

Any time your view is blocked bya hill or a curve, you shouldassume there is another vehicleahead. Only pass if a hill or curveis at least one-third of a mileaway because you need at leastthat much room to pass safely.

Do not drive on the left side of theroad when coming to a curve ortop of a hill because you can’t seefar enough ahead to know if it issafe to pass.

HORN, HEADLIGHTS, AND

EMERGENCY SIGNALS

Use Your Horn• When necessary to avoid

accidents. Don’t honk at othertimes.

• To try to get “eye contact” withother drivers. Tap your horn toalert another driver who mightturn in front of you.

• On narrow mountain roads,where you cannot see at least200 feet ahead.

Don’t Use Your Horn• If a driver is going slowly, and

you want him or her to drivefaster. The driver may be ill,lost, or having problems withthe vehicle.

• If slowing or stopping your carwill prevent an accident. It’ssafer to use the brakes thanhonk the horn.

• To show other drivers that theymade a mistake. Your honkingmay cause them to make moremistakes.

• Because you are angry or upset.

Use Your Headlights• When it is cloudy, raining,

snowing, or foggy. If weatherconditions require you to useyour windshield wipers, youmust turn on your headlights.

• On frosty mornings when otherdrivers’ windows may be icy or“fogged.”

• Any time you have troubleseeing other cars. Other driverswill be having trouble seeingyou, too.

• On small country or mountainroads, even on sunny days. Thishelps other drivers see you andmay help you avoid a head-oncrash.

• When necessary to get anotherdriver’s attention.

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Use Your Emergency SignalsIf you can see an accident ahead,warn the drivers behind you byturning on your emergencyflashers or tapping your brakepedal quickly three or four times.You can also use the hand signalwhen slowing and stopping.

Never stop on the road, unlessnecessary for safety or to obey alaw. If you need to stop, thenstart braking early as a signal tothe cars behind you. If your carbreaks down on the road, makesure that other drivers can see it.If you are having car trouble, andneed to stop, follow these rules:

• Pull off the road away from alltraffic, if possible.

• If you cannot get completelyoff the road, stop where peoplecan see you and your car frombehind. Don’t stop just over ahill or just around a curve.

• Turn on your emergencyflashers if you are not moving.If your car doesn’t haveflashers, turn signals may beused instead.

• If it is safe, lift the hood tosignal an emergency.

• Give other drivers plenty ofwarning. Place emergencyflares or triangles 200 to 300feet behind the car. This allowsother drivers time to changelanes, if necessary. Be verycareful when using flares. Theymay cause fires, especiallywhen used near flammableliquids.

• If you don’t have emergencyflares, follow the rules listedabove and stay in your vehicleuntil help arrives. Be carefulfor your safety and stay off theroad. Remember, don’t eventry to change a tire if it meansyou have to stand in a trafficlane.

FOLLOWING DISTANCES

Taking Dangers One At A TimeSuppose there is an oncoming carto your left and a child on abicycle to your right. Instead ofdriving between the car and thechild, take one danger at a time.First, slow down and let the carpass. Then, move to the left toallow plenty of room before youpass the child.

Splitting The DifferenceSometimes there will be dangerson both sides of the road at thesame time. For example, therewill be parked cars to the rightand oncoming cars to the left. Inthis case, the best thing to do is“split the difference.” Steer amiddle course between theoncoming cars and the parkedcars.

If one danger is greater than theother, give the most room to theworst danger. Suppose there areoncoming cars to the left of youand a child on a bike to the right.The child is most likely to make asudden move. Therefore, give himor her the most room by movingcloser to the oncoming cars.

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Problem DriversAllow a space cushion for driverswho may be potentiallydangerous. Persons who presentdangers are:

• Drivers who cannot see youbecause their view is blockedby buildings, trees, or other cars

• Drivers backing out ofdriveways or parking spaceswith windows covered by snowor ice

• Drivers who pass you whenthere is a curve or oncomingcar ahead.

• Drivers about to be forced intoyour lane by a vehicle, apedestrian, a bicyclist, anobstruction, or fewer lanesahead.

• Pedestrians with umbrellas infront of their faces or hats pulleddown over their eyes.

• Distracted people such as:

- delivery persons.

- construction workers.

- children, who often run intothe street without looking.

- drivers talking on cellulartelephones or to theirpassengers.

- drivers taking care ofchildren, or looking at mapswhile driving.

• Confused people such as:

- tourists, often at complicatedintersections.

- drivers who are looking for ahouse number or who slowdown for no apparent reason.

MERGING IN AND OUT OF

TRAFFICWhenever you enter traffic, signaland be sure you have enoughroom to enter safely. You have toshare space with traffic alreadyon the road and you must knowhow much space you need tomerge with traffic, to cross orenter traffic, and to exit out oftraffic.

Space To MergeEnter the freeway at or near thespeed of traffic. (Remember thatthe maximum speed allowed is 65mph on most freeways.) Do notstop before merging withfreeway traffic unless absolutelynecessary. Freeway traffic hasthe right of way.

Any time you merge, you need agap of at least four seconds.However, this gives both you andthe other vehicle only a two-second following distance.

• Don’t try to squeeze into a gapthat is too small. Leave yourselfa big enough space cushion.

• Watch for vehicles around you.Use your mirrors and turnsignals. Turn your head to lookquickly to the side beforechanging lanes. Leave threeseconds of space between youand the vehicle ahead. Makesure you can stop safely if youmust.

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• If you need to cross severalfreeway lanes, cross them oneat a time. If you wait until alllanes are clear, you may causetraffic delays or an accident.

Space To Cross Or EnterWhenever you cross or enter cityor highway traffic from a fullstop, you will need a large enoughgap (from cars approaching ineither direction) to get up to thespeed of other vehicles. You needa gap that is about:

• Half a block on city streets.

• A full block on the highway.

If you are crossing lanes orturning, make sure there are nocars or people blocking the pathahead or to the sides. You don’twant to be caught in anintersection with traffic comingat you.

Even if you have the green light,do not start across if there arecars blocking your way.

Don’t start a turn just because anapproaching vehicle has its turnsignal on. The driver may plan toturn just beyond you. The signalmay have been left on from anearlier turn. This is particularlytrue of motorcycles. Their signallights don’t always turn off bythemselves. Wait until the otherdriver actually starts to turnbefore you continue.

Space To ExitWhen you plan to exit the freeway,give yourself plenty of time. You

should know the freeway exityou want as well as the one thatcomes before it. To exit safely:

• Change lanes one at a time untilyou are in the proper lane toexit the freeway.

• Signal your intention to exit—approximately five seconds.

• Be sure you are at the properspeed for leaving the trafficlane—not too fast (so you won’tlose control) and not too slow(so the flow of traffic can stillmove freely).

PASSING OTHER TRAFFIC

Space To PassAlways signal before passing.Don’t pull out to pass unless youknow you have enough space toreturn.

Avoid passing other vehicles,including motorcycles andbicycles, on two-lane roads. It isdangerous. Every time you pass,you increase your chances ofhaving an accident. Be patientwhen passing a bicyclist. Slowdown and pass only when it issafe. Do not squeeze the bicyclistoff the road.

At highway speeds of 50 to 55mph, you need a 10 to 12 secondgap in oncoming traffic to passsafely. At 55 mph, you will travelover 800 feet in 10 to 12 seconds.So will an oncoming vehicle. Thatmeans you need over 1600 feet(or about one-third of a mile) topass safely. It is hard to judge the

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speed of oncoming vehicles one-third of a mile away.

You must judge whether or notyou have enough room to passwhenever you approach:

• An oncoming car.

• A hill or a curve.

• An intersection.

• A road obstruction.

Vehicles don’t seem to be comingas fast as they really are. Avehicle that is far enough awaygenerally appears to be standingstill. In fact, if you can really seeit moving closer to you, it isprobably too close for you to startto pass.

Space To ReturnBefore you return to your drivinglane, be sure you aren’tdangerously close to the car youhave just passed. One way to dothis is to look for the car in yourinside rear view mirror. Whenyou can see both headlights inyour rear view mirror, you haveenough room to return to yourdriving lane. Don’t count onhaving enough time to pass severalcars at once. Also, don’t count onother drivers making room foryou.

SEAT BELTSSeat belts, both the lap belt andshoulder harness, must be in goodworking order. You may notoperate your vehicle unless you

and all your passengers 16 yearsof age or over, or who weigh 60lbs. or more, are wearing seatbelts. If seat belts are not worn,you may be given a traffic ticket.Also, the driver will be given theticket if a passenger, youngerthan 16, is not wearing his/herseat belt.

Always use your seat belts(including the shoulder harness)if your vehicle is equipped withthem and even if the vehicle isequipped with air bags. If youwear only a lap belt when driving,your chances of living through anaccident are twice as good assomeone who doesn’t wear a lapbelt. If you wear a lap andshoulder belt, your chances arethree to four times better.

Pregnant women should wear thelap belt as low as possible underthe abdomen and the shoulderstrap between the breasts and tothe side of the abdomen’s bulge.

WARNING: Using seat beltsreduces the chance of beingthrown from your vehicle in caseof an accident. If you don’t installand use a shoulder harness withthe seat (lap) belt, serious or fatalinjuries may happen in somecrashes. Lap-only belts increasethe chance of spinal column andabdominal injuries—especially inchildren. Shoulder harnesses maybe available for your vehicle, if itis not already equipped with them.

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MISTAKEN BELIEFS ABOUT

SEAT BELTSSafety belts can reduce injuriesand deaths. Many studies andactual crash tests have proventhis. Have you heard thesestories?

• “Seat belts can trap you insidea car.” It actually takes lessthan a second to take off a seatbelt. This scare tactic oftendescribes a car that caught fireor sank in deep water. A seatbelt may keep you from being“knocked out.” Your chance toescape is better if you areconscious.

• “Seat belts are good on longtrips, but I don’t need them ifI’m driving around town.” Halfof all traffic deaths happenwithin 25 miles of home. Don’ttake chances with your life orthe lives of your passengers.Buckle up every time you drive.

• “Some people are thrown clearin a crash and walk away with

hardly a scratch.” Your chancesof surviving an accident arefive times as good if you stayinside the car. A seat belt cankeep you from being throwninto the path of another car.

• “I’m only going to the store.My little brother or sisterdoesn’t need a child’s car seat,anyway. It’s too much hassle.”Car accidents are the No. 1preventable cause of death forchildren. Buckle them up in anapproved safety seat. It’s worthit, and the law requires thatyou do.

The pictures illustrate what canhappen in an accident. Your carstops, but you keep on going atthe same speed you were travelinguntil you hit the dashboard orwindshield. At 30 mph this is likehitting the ground from the top ofa three-story building.

If you were struck from the side,the impact could push you backand forth across the seat. Beltsand straps keep you in a betterposition to control the car.

CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMAND SAFETY SEATSAny child under the age of sixweighing less than 60 pounds mustbe secured in a federally approvedchild passenger restraint systemand ride in the back seat of avehicle.

A child under the age of sixweighing less than 60 pounds may

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ride in the front seat of a vehiclewhen:

• There is no rear seat or the rearseats are either side-facing jumpseats or rear-facing seats.

• The child passenger restraintsystem cannot be installedproperly in the rear seat.

• All rear seats are alreadyoccupied by children under theage of 12 years.

• A medical reason requires thechild to ride in the front seat.

A child may not ride in the frontseat of an airbag-equipped vehicleif the child:

• Is under one year of age.

• Weighs less than 20 pounds.

• Is riding in a rear-facing childpassenger restraint system.

Children ages six and older but lessthan 16 and children under age sixbut who weigh more than 60 pounds,must be properly secured in anappropriate child passengerrestraint system or safety belt whichmeets federal safety standards.

RIDING SAFELY WITH AIRBAGSMost people can take steps toeliminate or reduce risk withoutturning off air bags. The biggestrisk is being too close to the airbag. An air bag needs about 10inches of space to inflate. Ride atleast 10 inches (measured fromthe center of the steering wheel

to your breastbone) from the airbag cover if you can do this whilemaintaining full control of thevehicle. If you cannot safely sit10 inches away from the air bag,contact your vehicle dealer ormanufacturer for advice aboutadditional ways of moving backfrom your air bag.

Passengers should also sit at least10 inches away from thepassenger-side air bag.

SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGSSide-impact air bags can provideextra safety benefits to adults inside-impact crashes. However,children who are seated next to aside air bag may be at risk ofserious or fatal injury. Since thereare differences in the design andperformance of side air bags, youshould consider the benefits andrisks associated with the use ofside air bags if you transportchildren. Studies have shown thatchildren who are leaning againsta side air bag when it inflates areat risk of serious injury. Thesestudies also show that childrenwho are traveling in an age-and weight-appropriate, andcorrectly installed childrestraint system, are not at riskof serious injury. These childrenare usually not in the path of aside air bag when it inflates.

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UNATTENDED CHILDRENIN MOTOR VEHICLESIt is illegal to leave a child sixyears of age or youngerunattended in a motor vehiclewhen:

• There are conditions thatpresent a significant risk to thechild’s health or safety.Example: Leaving a child in aclosed car on a very hot day.

• The vehicle’s engine is running,the keys are in the ignition, orboth. Children can start or movethe car causing injuries and/ordeaths to themselves or others.

Exception: The child may beleft under the supervision of aperson 12 years of age or older.

The court may fine violators andrequire the person to attend acommunity education program.Also, the penalties for leaving anunattended child in a vehicle aremore severe if the child is injured,requires emergency medicalservices, or dies.

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SHARING THE ROADWITH OTHER VEHICLES

LARGE TRUCKS AND RVSTo reduce the chance of havingan accident with a large truck orRV, you must be familiar with abig rig’s physical capabilities andhow they maneuver.

BrakingLarge trucks take longer to stopthan a car traveling at the samespeed. The average passengervehicle traveling at 55 mph canstop in about 400 feet. However,a large truck traveling at the samespeed can take almost 800 feet tostop. Don’t move in front of alarge truck and suddenly slowdown or stop. The trucker will notbe able to stop quickly enough toavoid crashing into you.

TurningWhen any vehicle makes a turn,the rear wheels follow a shorterpath than the front wheels. Thelonger the vehicle, the greater thedifference. This is why big rigdrivers must often swing wide tocomplete a right turn. When you

follow a big rig, look at its turnsignals before you start to pass.If you think the truck is turningleft—wait a second and checkthe turn signals again. The drivermay actually be turning right.

Trucker’s Blind Spots—The“No Zone”Passenger vehicle driversincorrectly assume that a truckercan see the road better becausehe or she is higher off the road.While truckers do have a betterforward view and bigger mirrors,they still have serious blind spotsand your vehicle can get lost inthose blind spots. You block thetrucker’s ability to take evasiveaction to avoid a dangeroussituation if you stay in those blindspots. Generally speaking, if youcan’t see the truck driver in his orher side mirror, he or she can’tsee you. These blind spots areoften called the “NO ZONE.”

ManeuverabilityTrucks are designed to transportproducts and they are not asmaneuverable as passengervehicles. Large trucks havelonger stopping and startingdistances. They take more spacefor turns and they weigh more.On multilane highways andfreeways, large trucks usuallystay in the center portion of thelane to help the flow of traffic.This also increases the trucker’soptions in case he or she mustchange lanes to avoid a hazard.

Shaded areas are the driver’s blind spots.

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Avoid these mistakes whendriving around large trucks.

• Cutting off a truck in trafficor on the highway to reachan exit or turn. Cutting intothe open space in front of atruck is dangerous. Trying tobeat a truck through a single-lane construction zone, forexample, removes the truckdriver’s cushion of safety andplaces you in danger. Slowdown and take your turn enteringthe construction zone. Don’tspeed up to pass a truck so youcan exit the roadway. Take amoment to slow down and exitbehind a truck—it will only takeyou a few extra seconds.

• Don’t linger alongside atruck when passing. Alwayspass a large truck on the leftside and after you pass thetruck, move ahead of it. Don’tlinger, because if you do youmake it very difficult, if notimpossible, for the trucker totake evasive action if anobstacle appears in the roadahead.

• Following too closely ortailgating. When you followso closely behind a truck thatyou cannot see the truck driver’sside view mirrors, the truckerhas no way of knowing you arethere. Tailgating a truck, or anyvehicle, is dangerous becauseyou take away your own cushionof safety. Where will you gowhen the vehicle in front of youstops quickly?

• Never underestimate thesize and speed of anapproaching tractor-trailer.A large tractor-trailer oftenappears to be traveling at aslower speed because of itslarge size. Many passengervehicle vs. large truck accidentstake place at intersectionsbecause the passenger vehicledriver did not realize how closethe truck was or how quickly itwas traveling.

Do not turn in front of light rail vehicles

YES NO

Safety Zones are marked by dotted white lines

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BUSES, STREETCARS, AND

TROLLEYSDo not drive through a safetyzone, which is a space set asidefor pedestrians and marked byraised buttons or markers on aroadway.

When people are boarding orleaving a streetcar or trolleywhere there is no safety zone,stop behind the vehicle’s nearestdoor or vehicle platform and waituntil the people have reached asafe place.

When a bus, streetcar, or trolleyis stopped at a safety zone or atan intersection where traffic iscontrolled by a police officer ortraffic signal, you may pass, aslong as it is safe to do so, and atno more than 10 mph.

Do not overtake and pass anylight rail vehicle or streetcar onthe left side, whether it is movingor standing. Exceptions:

• When you are on a one-waystreet.

• When the tracks are so close tothe right side that you cannotpass on the right.

• When a traffic officer directsyou to pass on the left.

LIGHT RAIL VEHICLESLight rail vehicles have the samerights and responsibilities onpublic roadways as other vehicles.Although everyone must followthe same traffic laws, light railvehicles, because of their size,

require exceptional handlingability.

Safely share the road with lightrail vehicles by:

• Being aware of where light railvehicles operate. Buildings,trees, etc., cause blind spotsfor the trolley operator.

• Never turning in front of anapproaching light rail vehicle.

• Maintaining a safe distancefrom the light rail vehicle if itshares a street with vehiculartraffic.

• Looking for approaching lightrail vehicles before you turnacross the tracks. Completeyour turn only if a signal (ifinstalled) indicates you mayproceed.

NOTE: Light rail vehicles caninterrupt traffic signals, so do notproceed until the signal lightindicates you may.

EMERGENCY VEHICLESYou must yield the right of way toany police car, fire engine,ambulance, or other emergencyvehicle using a siren and red lights.Drive as close to the right edge ofthe road as possible and stop until

Yield to emergency vehicles.

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the emergency vehicle(s) haspassed. However, never stopin an intersection. If you are inan intersection when you see anemergency vehicle, continuethrough the intersection and thendrive to the right as soon as youcan and stop. Emergency vehiclesoften use the wrong side of thestreet to continue on their way.They sometimes use a loudspeaker to talk to drivers blockingtheir path.

You must obey any trafficdirection, order, or signal by atraffic or police officer or a firefighter even if it conflicts withexisting signs, signals, or laws.

It is against the law to followwithin 300 feet of any emergencyvehicle which is answering anemergency call.

If you drive for sight-seeingpurposes to the scene of a fire,accident, or other disaster youmay be arrested. Casualobservers interfere with theessential services of police, firefighter, ambulance crews, or otherrescue or emergency personnel.

SLOW MOVING VEHICLESSome vehicles are not designedto keep up with the speed oftraffic. Look for these vehiclesand adjust your speed before youreach them.

Farm tractors, animal-drawncarts, and road maintenancevehicles usually travel 25 mph orless. Slow-moving vehicles have

an orange triangle on the back. Itlooks like the sign in the picture.

Also, be aware that large trucksand small, underpowered cars losespeed on long or steep hills andthey take longer to get up tospeed when entering traffic.

Certain other types of slow-moving motorized vehicles (suchas wheelchairs, scooters and golfcarts) may legally operate onpublic roads. Adjust your speedaccordingly.

ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLESHorse-drawn vehicles and ridersof horses or other animals areentitled to share the road withyou. It is a traffic offense toscare horses or stampedelivestock. Slow down or stop, ifnecessary, or when requested todo so by the riders or herders.

MOTORCYCLESMotorcyclists have the samerights and responsibilities asautomobile drivers. Whileeveryone must follow the sametraffic laws, motorcyclists faceunusual dangers becausemotorcycles are hard to see

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(many motorcycles keep theirheadlight on, even during daylighthours) and they requireexceptional handling ability.

Here is how you can share theroad safely with motorcyclists:

• When you change lanes or entera major thoroughfare, make avisual check for motorcycles.Also use your mirrors.Motorcycles are small and theycan easily disappear into avehicle’s blind spots.

• Allow a four-second followingdistance. You will need thisspace to avoid hitting themotorcyclist if he or she falls.

• Allow the motorcycle a fulllane width. Although it is notillegal to share lanes withmotorcycles, it is unsafe.

• When you make a turn, checkfor motorcyclists and knowtheir speed before turning.

• Remember that road conditionswhich are minor annoyancesto you pose major hazards tomotorcyclists. Potholes, gravel,wet or slippery surfaces,pavement seams, railroadcrossings, and groovedpavement can causemotorcyclists to change speedor direction suddenly. If youare aware of the effect of theseconditions and drive with careand attention, you can helpreduce motorcyclist injuries andfatalities.

Turns for bicyclists

Intersections with special lanes

BICYCLESBicyclists on public streets havethe same rights and responsibilitiesas automobile drivers. Bicyclistsare part of the normal trafficflow and are entitled to share theroad with other drivers. Here aresome critical points for driversand cyclists to remember:

• Bicyclists:

- must ride in the samedirection as other traffic, notagainst it.

- must ride in a straight line asnear to the right curb or edgeof the roadway as practical—not on the sidewalk.

- must make left and right turnsin the same way that driversdo, using the same turn lanes.

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- may legally move left to turnleft, to pass a parked ormoving vehicle, anotherbicycle, an animal, or to makea turn, avoid debris, or otherhazards.

- may choose to ride near theleft curb or edge of a one-way street.

- may use a left turn lane. Ifthe bicyclist is travelingstraight ahead, he or sheshould use a through trafficlane rather than ride next tothe curb and block trafficmaking right turns.

- are lawfully permitted to rideon certain sections offreeways, when signs areposted. Be careful whenapproaching or passing abicyclist on a freeway.

• Drivers must:

- look carefully for bicyclistsbefore opening doors next tomoving traffic or beforeturning right.

- safely merge toward the curbor into the bike lane.

- not overtake a bicyclist justbefore making a right turn.Merge first, then turn.

PEDESTRIANS WHO AREBLINDPedestrians using guide dogs orwhite canes with or without a redtip must be given the right of wayat all times. These pedestriansare partially or totally blind, so be

especially careful when turningcorners or backing up.

Here are some suggestion forhelping pedestrians who are blind:

• Don’t stop your car morethan five feet from thecrosswalk . The blindpedestrian uses the sound ofyour engine as a guide, so driveup to the crosswalk to allow theperson to hear you.

• Don’t give the blindpedestrian verbal directions.The blind pedestrian listens toall traffic sounds before decidingto cross the street.

• Don’t wait too long for theblind pedestrian to cross thestreet. If the person takes astep back and pulls in his or hercane, that’s a definite sign thatyou should go.

• Don’t turn right on redwithout looking first. Lookfor any pedestrian or othertraffic first before starting yourturn.

• Stop at all crosswalks wherepedestrians are waiting.

• Don’t stop in the middle of acrosswalk. This forces theblind pedestrian to go aroundyour car andinto trafficoutside of thecrosswalk.

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• Don’t block any sidewalk.

• Don’t honk at a blindperson. The blind person hasno idea who you are honking atand may be scared by the noise.

ROAD WORKERSHighway workers warn you oftheir presence by using orangesigns and wearing reflectivevests. It’sup to you toensure bothyour ownand thew o r k e r s ’safety byd r i v i n gs l o w l ythrough construction zones.Remember to “Slow for the ConeZone.” The highway worker’slife is in your hands.

Vehicles used to maintain thehighways are painted white withan orange stripe. Be prepared toslow down or stop forconstruction equipment. Whenyou are in a construction zone,workers will be nearby.

One or more lanes may be closedwhen road work is going on.Orange signs and changeablemessage boards warn you thatpeople and slow movingequipment are ahead. Signs willtell you which lanes are closedand a line of orange cones ordrums will direct you to the openlanes. Do not cross the line ofcones or drums.

Don’t stop or slow down to watchroad work. Keep going at theposted speed limit for theconstruction zone. Obey anyspecial signs or instructions fromflaggers in construction zones.

NOTE: Fines are doubled inhighway construction ormaintenance zones whenworkers are present.(VC §42010)

VEHICLES WITH HAZARDOUS

LOADSDiamond shaped signs mean thatthe load on the truck is potentiallydangerous (gas, explosives, etc.).(See page 81.) CHP or firedepartment officers know whatto do if the load is accidentallyspilled. Vehicles which displaythese signs, are required to stopbefore crossing railroad tracks.

Hazardous Loads Placards

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AVOID HIGHWAYGRIDLOCK

DEALING WITH TRAFFIC

CONGESTIONSmall changes in your drivinghabits can help relieve chronictraffic congestion, according tothe California Office of TrafficSafety (OTS).

Avoid these driving behaviors:

• Rubbernecking—slowing downto look at accidents or virtuallyanything else out of the ordinary.

• Tailgating—following tooclosely.

• Unnecessary lane changes—weaving in and out of freewaylanes.

• Inattention—eating, groomingin the rearview mirror, talkingon a cellular telephone, andreading the newspaper, etc.

• Poorly maintained vehicles—vehicles malfunctioning orstalling on freeways or runningout of fuel.

DEALING WITH ROAD RAGERoad rage happens when onedriver reacts angrily to anotherdriver. Some suggestions foravoiding road rage situations are:

• Don’t cut off other drivers.

• Don’t drive slowly in the left(fast) lane.

• Don’t tailgate.

• Don’t make gestures to otherdrivers.

• Use your horn for emergenciesonly.

Prevent a potentially violentincident by:

• Avoiding eye contact with anangry driver.

• Giving an angry driver plenty ofspace.

DEALING WITH TECHNOLOGYCellular telephones can be alifesaver in an emergency. In non-emergency situations, they canbe a great tool if used properly.Use your cellular telephone in thefollowing safe and responsibleways:

• Drive to the side of the road touse your cellular telephone.

• Take advantage of your cellulartelephone’s features.

• Use hands-free devices.

• Have your phone within easyreach.

• Don’t use the telephone duringhazardous conditions.

• Pay attention to the road.

• Be sensible about dialing.

• Don’t engage in distractingconversations.

• Use your phone to call for help.

ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE

Keep Your Car VisibleThe driver’s blind spots are shownon page 35. You cannot seevehicles in these blind spots if youonly look in your mirrors. Turn

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your head to see if a car is in oneof these blind spots. Drive throughanother driver’s blind spot asquickly as you can or drop back.

What Is The Road LikeThe faster your speed, the lesscontrol you have of your car.Rather than driving at the legalposted speed limit, consider whatelse may affect the safe operationof your car. For example, shouldyou drive 35 mph (the postedspeed limit) on a curve down anicy mountain road? Manyinexperienced drivers do not adjusttheir driving speed for each road’sconditions. That is one reasonwhy inexperienced drivers havemore “out-of-control” accidentsthan experienced drivers.

CurvesOn curves, there is a strongoutward pull on your vehicleespecially when the road isslippery. Rain, mud, snow, orgravel make the road slippery. Ifa speed limit is not posted beforea curve, you must judge how sharpthe curve is and change yourspeed. Slow down before youenter the curve. Braking on acurve may cause you to skid.

Water On The RoadSlow down when there is a lot ofwater on the road. In a heavy rainat about 50 mph, your tires canlose all contact with the road andthen your vehicle will be riding onwater or “hydroplaning.” A slightchange of direction or a gust of

wind could throw your vehicleinto a skid. If your vehicle startsto hydroplane, slow downgradually—don’t apply thebrakes.

Slippery RoadsSlow down at the first sign ofrain. This is when many roads arethe most slippery because oil anddust have not been washed away.A slippery road will not give yourtires the grip they need. Drivemore slowly than you would on adry road. Adjust your speed asfollows:

• Wet road—go five to ten milesslower.

• Packed snow—reduce yourspeed by half.

• Ice—slow to a crawl.

Some road surfaces are moreslippery than others when wetand usually have warning signs.Here are some clues to help youspot slippery roads:

• On cold, wet days, shade fromtrees or buildings can hide spotsof ice. These areas freeze firstand dry out last.

• Bridges and overpasses tend tofreeze before the rest of theroad does. They can hide spotsof ice.

• If it starts to rain on a hot day,the pavement can be veryslippery for the first severalminutes. Heat causes oil in theasphalt to come to the surface.The oil makes the road slipperyuntil it is washed off.

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Driving In Heavy TrafficDrive slower in heavy traffic soyou can stop in the distance youhave.

As a general rule, drive moreslowly:

• In shopping centers, parkinglots, and downtown areas.

• On roads with heavy traffic.

• When you see brake lightscoming on several vehiclesahead of you.

• Over narrow bridges andthrough tunnels.

• Through toll plazas.

• Near schools, playgrounds, andin residential areas.

Traffic SpeedsAccidents are more likely tohappen when one driver goesfaster or slower than other carson the road.

If you drive faster than othertraffic, you will have to keeppassing other cars. Each timeyou pass another car, there ismore risk of an accident. True, itmay not be a big risk, but if youare passing one car after another,the risks begin to add up. Studieshave shown that speeding doesnot save more than a few minutesin an hour’s driving.

Driving slower than other cars orstopping all of a sudden can bejust as bad as speeding. It tendsto make cars bunch up behindyou and it could cause a rear-end

crash. If many cars are passingyou, move into the right lane andlet them pass.

HANDLING EMERGENCIES

Skids On Slippery SurfacesA road that is normally safe canbecome dangerous when it’sslippery. Ice and packed snow onthe road can cause your car toskid, especially if you are drivingtoo fast or going downhill. If youstart to skid:

• ease off the gas pedal,

• stop braking, and

• turn the steering wheel in thedirection of the skid.

If you can’t control your car on aslippery surface, try to findsomething to stop you. Try to geta wheel on dry pavement or onthe shoulder of the road. Youmay have to edge slowly into asnow bank or some bushes tostop.

To prevent skidding on slipperysurfaces:

• Drive more slowly and stayfarther behind the vehicleahead.

• Slow down as you approachcurves and intersections.

• Avoid fast turns.

• Avoid quick stops. “Pump” thebrakes to slow or stop. (Do notpump antilock brakes.)

• Shift to low gear before goingdown a steep hill.

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• Avoid especially slippery areas,such as ice patches, wet leaves,oil, or deep puddles.

If the brakes get wet, dry them bylightly pressing the gas pedal andbrake pedal at the same time sothat the car drives against thepressure of the brakes. Do thisonly until the brakes dry.

Acceleration SkidsAn acceleration skid usuallyhappens when the drive wheelslose traction on the road surface.To maintain control of the vehicle,do not apply the brakes. Ease offthe gas pedal and straighten thefront wheels as the vehicle beginsto straighten out.

Locked Wheel SkidsThis type of skid is usually causedby braking too hard at a high rateof speed and locking the wheels.The vehicle will skid no matterwhich way the steering wheel isturned. Take your foot off thebrake to unlock the wheels. Thenstraighten the front wheels as thevehicle begins to straighten out.Slow the vehicle gradually untilyou are at a safe speed to continuedriving.

Steering Wheel Locking DeviceNever turn your vehicle’s ignitionto the “lock” position while it isstill in motion or the steering willlock and you will lose control ofyour vehicle.

Causes Of AccidentsThe most common causes ofaccidents are:

• Unsafe speed

• Driving on the wrong side ofthe road

• Improper turns

• Violating the right-of-way rules

• Violating stop signals and signs

ACCIDENTSIf you see a vehicle’s hazardlights ahead, slow down. Theremay be an accident or other roademergency ahead. Stop and giveassistance if asked, or pass verycarefully.

Avoid driving near accidents, ifyou can. Those injured will behelped faster if other vehiclesaren’t blocking the road. If youmust drive near an accident, don’tslow down or stop just to look.You may cause another crash.Drive by carefully, watching forpeople in the road.

It is against the law to followclosely behind any fire engine,police car, ambulance, or otheremergency vehicle with a sirenor flashing lights.

Never drive to the scene of anaccident, fire, or other disaster tolook. You may be arrested fordoing this. You may also blockthe way for police, fire fighters,and ambulances.

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Obey any order from a policeofficer or fire fighter even if youneed to ignore normal traffic lawsor signs.

Involved In An AccidentIf you are involved in an accident:

• You must stop. Someone couldbe injured and need your help.If you don’t stop, you may beconvicted of “hit and run” andcould be severely punished.

• Call 9-1-1, if anyone is hurt.

• Move your vehicle out of thetraffic lane, if no one is injuredor killed.

• Show your driver license,registration card, evidence offinancial responsibility, andcurrent address to the otherdriver or persons involved, or toany peace officer.

• You (or your insurance agent,broker, or legal representative)must make a written report tothe police or CHP within 24hours of the accident if someoneis killed or injured.

• You (or your insurance agent,broker, or legal representative)must make a written report toDMV within 10 days, ifrequired. (See page 62.)

• Leave a note with your nameand address in the car orsecurely attached to it if you hita parked vehicle or otherproperty. Report the accidentto the city police or, inunincorporated areas, to theCHP.

• Find the owner and report toauthorities as mentioned above,if your parked vehicle rollsaway and hits another vehicle.

• Call the nearest humane societyor call the police or CHP, if youkill or injure an animal. Do nottry to move an injured animal orleave an injured animal to die.

ACTIONS THAT RESULTIN LOSS OF LICENSE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITYCalifornia’s Compulsory FinancialResponsibility Law requires everydriver and every owner of a motorvehicle to maintain financialresponsibility (liability coverage)at all times. There are four formsof financial responsibility:

• A motor vehicle liabilityinsurance policy.

• A deposit of $35,000 withDMV.

• A surety bond for $35,000obtained from a companylicensed to do business inCalifornia.

• A DMV issued self-insurancecertificate.

You must carry written evidenceof financial responsibilitywhenever you drive and you mustshow it to a peace officer after acitation stop or accident. Youmay have to pay a fine or haveyour vehicle impounded if youdon’t.

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INSURANCE

Insurance RequirementsThe law states you must befinancially responsible for youractions whenever you drive andfor all motor vehicles you own.Most drivers choose to have aliability insurance policy as proofof financial responsibility. If youhave an accident not covered byyour insurance or you have noinsurance, your driver license willbe suspended. If the driver is notidentified, the owner of the motorvehicle involved will have his orher driver license suspended.

The minimum amount yourinsurance* must cover peraccident is:

• $15,000 for a single death orinjury.

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

• $5,000 for property damage.

Call 1-800-927-HELP before youpurchase insurance to make sureyour agent/broker and insurer arelicensed by the CaliforniaDepartment of Insurance.

If you are visiting California, orhave just moved here, be awarethat many out-of-state insurancecompanies are not authorized todo business in California. Beforeyou drive here, ask your insurancecompany if you are covered in

case of an accident. If you havean accident in California, all threeof the following conditions mustbe met to avoid suspension ofyour driving privilege:

1. Your liability policy mustprovide bodily injury andproperty damage coveragewhich equals or exceeds thelimits stated above;

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

3. You must have insured thevehicle before you came toCalifornia. You cannot renewthe out-of-state policy oncethe vehicle is registered inCalifornia.

Reporting The AccidentWhen you have an accident, reportit to DMV within 10 days if:

• More than $750 in damage wasdone to the property of anyperson.

• Anyone was injured (no matterhow slightly) or killed.

Each driver (or the driver’sinsurance agent, broker, or legalrepresentative) must make areport to DMV using the Reportof Traffic Accident Occurring inCalifornia form (SR 1). The CHPor police will not make this reportfor you. Call 1-800-777-0133 andask for the SR 1 or go online atwww.dmv.ca.gov.

* Low cost automobile policies are available inAlameda, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange,Riverside, San Diego, and San Franciscocounties. Please contact your insurance agent.

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You must make this report:

• Whether or not you caused theaccident and

• Even if the accident occurredon private property.

Your driving privilege will besuspended:

• If you don’t make this report.

• For four years, if you did nothave proper insurancecoverage. During the last threeyears of the suspension, yourlicense can be returned if youprovide a California InsuranceProof Certificate (SR 22) andmaintain it during this period.

Accidents On Your RecordEvery accident reported to DMVby:

• Law enforcement shows onyour driving record unless thereporting officer says anotherperson was at fault.

• You, or another party in theaccident, shows on your recordif any one person has over $750in damage or if anyone is injuredor dies.

It does not matter who causedthe accident, DMV must keepthis record.

Accidents, Insurance, andMinorsIf you are under 18 years of age,your parents sign your licenseapplication and assume financialresponsibility for your driving

unless they ask DMV to cancelyour license. When you reachage 18, your parents’ liabilityautomatically ends.

If you are involved in an accidentyou may be liable for civildamages and you may also befined.

DRINKING WHILE DRIVING

Drinking And Driving IsDangerousYou lose your judgment whenyou drink alcohol or use drugs. Itis often the first thing about youthat changes. Loss of judgment,or good sense, affects how youreact to sounds, what you see,and the speed of other vehiclesaround you. It takes about anhour for the body to get rid ofeach “drink.” If a person has hadmore than one drink an hour, onehour of “sobering up” time shouldbe allowed for each extra drink.Better still, someone who hasnot been drinking should drive.(See page 77.)

Drugs And DrivingMuch of what has been said aboutalcohol also applies to drugs.California’s drunk driving law isalso a drug driving law. It refersto “driving under the influence ofalcohol and/or drugs.” If anofficer suspects that you areunder the influence of drugs, theofficer can require you to take ablood or urine test. Drivers whorefuse these tests are subject to

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longer license suspensions andrevocations. Anyone convictedof possessing, selling, ormanufacturing illegal drugs issubject to a six-month suspension.

The use of any drug (and the lawdoes not distinguish betweenprescription, over-the-counter, orillegal drugs) which impairs yourability to drive safely is illegal.Check with your physician orpharmacist and read the warninglabel if you are not sure you shoulddrive after taking any medication.Here are some facts:

• Most drugs taken for colds, hayfever, allergy, or to calm nervesor muscles can make a persondrowsy.

• Medicines taken together, orused with alcohol can bedangerous. Many drugs haveunexpected side effects whentaken with alcohol.

• Pep pills, “uppers,” and dietpills can make a driver morealert for a short time. Later,however, they can cause aperson to be nervous, dizzy,and not able to concentrate.They can also affect vision.

Any drug that “may causedrowsiness or dizziness” is oneyou should not take before driving.Make sure you read the label andknow the effects of any drug youuse.

Carrying Alcohol In A VehicleThe law is very strict aboutcarrying alcohol or drugs in avehicle whether the vehicle is onor off the highway. You must notdrink any amount of alcohol inany vehicle.

A container of liquor, beer, orwine carried inside the vehiclemust be full , sealed, andunopened. Otherwise, it must bein the trunk or in a place wherepassengers don’t sit. Keeping anopened alcoholic drink in the glovecompartment is specificallyagainst the law.

In a bus, taxi, camper, or motorhome, the law does not apply tonon-driving passengers.

Refer to page 77 for theDesignated Driver Program.

Drivers Under 21 (Possessionof Alcohol)If you are under 21 years of age:

• You may not have beer, wineor liquor in your vehicle unlessaccompanied by a parent orother person specified by law.Exception: You may carryalcoholic beverages whileworking for someone with anoff-site liquor sales license.

• You may not have an alcoholicbeverage in your possession inyour vehicle. If you are caughtwith an alcoholic beverage inyour vehicle, i t may beimpounded for up to 30 days.The court may fine you up to

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$1,000 and either suspend yourdriving privilege for one yearor require DMV to delay theissuance of your first licensefor up to one year, if you are notalready licensed.

• Your driving privilege will berevoked for one year, if you areconvicted of either driving witha blood alcohol concentration(BAC) of .01% or higher ordriving while under the influenceof an alcoholic beverage. Onthe first offense you will berequired to complete theeducational portion of a licenseddriving-under-the-influence(DUI) program. A subsequentoffense may require a longerDUI program and you will nothave a restricted license toattend the DUI program.

Drivers of All AgesIt is illegal to drive after consumingexcessive alcohol in any form(including medications such ascough syrup), or taking any drug(including prescription med-ications), or using any combinationof alcohol or drugs.

BAC LimitsIt is illegal for any person tooperate:

• a motor vehicle with a BAC of.08% or higher.

• a vehicle requiring acommercial driver license witha BAC of .04% or higher.

• a motor vehicle with a BAC of.01% or higher, if the person isunder age 21.

• a motor vehicle with anymeasurable BAC, if the personis under age 18.

A court may suspend the drivingprivilege of a person under 21,delay issuance of a license to aperson who does not have alicense, or require DMV to revokea person’s driving privilege forDUI violations.

DMV can take an administrativeaction against your drivingprivilege after you are arrestedand the court may take a separateaction for the same offense.DMV’s action is related only toyour driving privilege. The court’saction may involve payment of afine, jail time, suspension orrevocation of your drivingprivilege, and completion of a DUIprogram.

Similar provisions apply when youoperate any vessel, aquaplane,water skis, or similar devices.(Harbors and Navigation Code)These convictions are placed onyour driving record and will beused by the court to determine“prior convictions” for motorvehicle DUI sentencing. Theseconvictions are also used whendetermining the length of asuspension or revocation actionor the reinstatement requirementsbecause of a violation youcommitted while driving a motorvehicle.

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ADMIN PER SEWhen you drive in California, youconsent to take a test of yourbreath or blood or, under certaincircumstances, your urine if youare arrested for driving under theinfluence of alcohol, drugs or acombination of both.

Under 21 – Zero Tolerance forAlcohol Use. If you are under 21you must submit to a preliminaryalcohol screening (PAS) or oneof the other chemical tests if youhave been detained and a peaceofficer has reason to believe youwere drinking alcohol. If yourBAC measures .01% or a higheron the PAS, the officer may takeyour license, issue you atemporary license for 30 days,give you an order of suspensionfor one year, and then determinewhether to release you, turn youover to juvenile authorities, or tocontact your parents. You mayrequest a DMV administrativehearing within 10 days.

If your PAS showed a BAC of.05%, the officer may requireyou to submit to either a breath orblood test. Some PAS devicesprovide a record which may besubmitted in court as evidence.Other PAS devices do not providea record, so the officer may askfor a breath or blood test after thePAS. You do not have a right toconsult with a lawyer beforeselecting or completing a test.

If a subsequent test reveals a

BAC of .05% or higher, the officerwill issue you an order ofsuspension, arrest you for DUI(VC §23140), and detain you untilyou can be turned over to yourparents or juvenile authorities. Ifyour BAC is .08% or higher, thepeace officer may arrest you.(VC §§23152 or 23153)

If the officer reasonably believesyou are under the combinedinfluence of alcohol and drugsand you have already submittedto a PAS and/or a breath test, youmay still be required to submit toa blood or urine test because thebreath test does not detect thepresence of drugs.

If you refuse to submit to any ofthe tests, your driving privilegemay be suspended for the refusal.Even if you change your mindlater and agree to a test, yourdriving privilege may besuspended for both reasons,although both actions will runconcurrently.

COURT DUI CONVICTIONSIf you are convicted of drivingwith excessive BAC or whileunder the influence of eitheralcohol or drugs or both (DUI),you may be sentenced to serveup to six months in jail and to paya fine between $390 and $1000(plus about three times the fine inpenalty assessments) the firsttime you are convicted. Yourvehicle may be impounded andsubject to storage fees.

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On the first conviction the courtwill suspend your driving privilegefor six months and require you tocomplete a DUI program beforeyou can be reinstated. The lengthof the program may vary. If yourBAC was .15% or higher and youalready had a record of violationsfor other reasons or you refusedto submit to a chemical test, thecourt may order you to completea nine-month or longer program.You could also be required toinstall an ignition interlock device(IID) on your vehicle. An IIDprevents you from starting yourvehicle if you have any alcohol onyour breath. If anyone was injuredas a result of your driving, thesuspension period is one year.

In cases involving serious injuryor death, you may be punishedunder California’s Three StrikesLaw. You also could face a civillawsuit. All DUI convictions willremain on DMV’s records forten years and the courts and theDMV may impose more stringentpenalties for subsequent violationsduring that period.

A BAC below legal limits doesnot mean that you are safe todrive. Almost all drivers showimpairment by alcohol at levelslower than the legal limit. Theimpairment you exhibit at the timeyou are stopped may be enoughto convict you of driving underthe influence even without a BACmeasurement.

Drivers 21 and Older—DUIPrograms and RestrictedLicensesCompletion of a DUI program isrequired for all DUI convictions.

Generally, if you are over 21 andenroll in a DUI program, file aCalifornia Insurance ProofCertificate (SR 22), pay therestriction and reissue fees, DMVwill issue you a restricted driverlicense which allows you to driveto/from work and during thecourse of employment (unless youhold a commercial driver license)and to/from a DUI program.However, if you would beconsidered a “traffic safety” or“public safety risk” if permittedto drive, the court may order DMVnot to grant you a restricted driverlicense. Other actions against youmay also prohibit the issuance ofa restricted license.

Second and subsequent DUIconvictions result in increasedpenalties, including a two-yearsuspension or a revocation of upto four years. After you completea prescribed period of yoursuspension/revocation and eitherenroll in, or complete a portion of,a DUI program, you may obtain arestricted license to driveanywhere necessary if you:

• install an IID on your vehicle.

• agree not to drive any vehiclewithout an IID.

• agree to complete theprescribed DUI program.

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THE COST OF A DRINK

If you drink and drive, these are the approximate costs you could payfor a DUI:

Vehicle towing ---------------------------------------------------------- $150

Storage------------------------------------------------------------$50 per day

Booking, fingerprinting, and photo fee------------------------------ $156

Driver license reinstatement fee ------------------------------------ $125

Car insurance increase ----------------------------------- $1000 per year (3-year mandatory insurance requirement)

1st offense DUI fine -------------------------------------------------- $1588

Assessment for the court system------------------------------------ $816

Community service fee ------------------------------------------------ $150

DUI victims fund ------------------------------------------------------- $100

Alcohol abuse education fund ------------------------------------------ $50

DUI classes -------------------------------------------------------------- $550

DUI Victims’ Impact sessions ----------------------------------------- $20

Time payment charge ---------------------------------------------------- $35

Public transportation for one year ------------------------- $500 to $800

Minimum total fees, fines, and assessments ------------ $8240*

* If you use an attorney, the initial consultation could range from $750 to $1,000

THERE IS NO SAFE WAY TO DRIVE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.EVEN ONE DRINK CAN MAKE YOU AN UNSAFE DRIVER.

___________________________________________________

Source: California Office of Traffic Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, The Century Council

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Page 82: CA Driver's Manual

- 70 -

• file an SR 22.

• pay the reissue and restrictionfees.

ACTIONS AGAINST AN ADULT’SLICENSEIf you are stopped by a policeofficer and cited for a traffic lawviolation, you sign a promise toappear in traffic court. When yougo to court, you may plead guiltyor not guilty, or you may forfeit(pay) bail. Paying bail is the sameas a guilty plea.

If you ignore the traffic ticket anddon’t keep your promise to appearin court, the failure to appear(FTA) goes on your driver record.If you fail to pay a fine (FTP), thecourt will notify DMV and thiswill also show on your driverrecord. Even one FTA or FTPcan cause the department tosuspend your license. Ending thesuspension will cost you a reissuefee of $55.

Each time you are convicted of amoving traffic law violation, thecourt notifies the DMV and theconviction is placed on your driverlicense record. Convictionsreported by other states are alsoadded to your driver record.

POINTS ON THE DRIVER

RECORDDMV keeps a public record of allyour traffic convictions andaccidents. Each occurrence stayson your record for 36 months orlonger, depending on the type ofconviction.

You may be considered anegligent operator when yourdriving record shows any one ofthe following “point count” totalsregardless of your license class:

4 points in 12 months6 points in 24 months8 points in 36 months

Some examples of one pointviolations:

• A traffic conviction.

• An at-fault accident.

Some examples of two pointviolations:

• Reckless driving or hit-and-rundriving

• Driving under the influence ofalcohol/drugs

• Driving while suspended orrevoked

If you get too many “points,” youwill lose your driver license. Aviolation received in a commercialvehicle carries one and one-halftimes the point count normallyassessed.

ACTIONS AGAINST THE

PROVISIONAL LICENSETeenagers as a group averagetwice as many accidents as adultdrivers, while driving only half asmany miles. This makes theteenage accident rate per milefour times as great as that ofadult drivers.

Studies show that the trafficdeaths of new drivers is a deadly

Page 83: CA Driver's Manual

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combination of their inexperience,their lack of familiarity with theircar, and their need to pushthemselves and their vehicle tothe limit.

Traffic Violations IncreaseAccidentsNearly half of the drivers betweenages 15 and 19 are convicted of atraffic violation in their first yearof driving.

Speeding (which often results inloss of vehicle control) is the mostcommon moving violation forteenage drivers. About 50% ofall their traffic convictions arespeed violations.

When you violate traffic laws,you increase your chances ofhaving an accident.

Teenage Traffic DeathsDrivers 15 to 19 years old havevery high traffic accident, injury,and conviction rates. Trafficaccidents are the leading causeof death for teenagers. If you areunder 18 years old, your risk of afatal accident is about 21/2 timesthat of the “average” driver. Yourrisk of an injury accident is threetimes higher than the averagedriver.

Keeping Your ProvisionalLicenseDMV will be watching yourdriving record and will take actionsbased upon any accidents orviolations as follows:

• If you get a traffic ticket andfail to appear in court, DMVwill suspend your drivingprivilege until you appear incourt.

• If you get a traffic ticket andfail to pay the fine, DMV willsuspend your driving privilegeuntil you pay the fine.

• If you have one “at fault”accident or conviction within12 months, DMV will send youa warning letter.

• If you have a second “at fault”accident or conviction (orcombination of both) within 12months, you cannot drive for 30days unless accompanied byyour parent or other licensedadult who is at least 25 years ofage.

• If you have a third “at fault”accident or conviction (or anycombination) within 12 months,you will be suspended for sixmonths and be placed onprobation for one year.

• If you have additional “at fault”accidents or point countconvictions while you are onprobation, you will besuspended again. (Traffic lawviolations resolved in JuvenileCourt are also reported toDMV.)

• If you are convicted of usingalcohol or a controlledsubstance and you are betweenthe ages of 13 and 21, the courttells DMV to suspend you for

Page 84: CA Driver's Manual

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one year. If you don’t have adriver license yet, the court tellsDMV to make you wait a yearlonger before you can apply fora license. You can also berequired to go to a DUIprogram.

Any restriction, suspension orprobation will continue pastyour 18th birthday for its fullterm.

Other, stronger actions can betaken if your driving recordjustifies them. Remember, if yourdriving privilege has beensuspended or revoked, you maynot drive in California with anylicense or permit.

Vandalism—All AgesVandalism is defacing propertywith paint or any other liquid or byscraping or writing on anysurface. The court will suspend,restrict, or delay for one year thedriving privilege of a minor age13 years or older.

Adult drivers will also have theirlicenses suspended for one yearif convicted of similar acts ofvandalism.

Speed ContestsIf you drive a vehicle and engagein a speed contest which causesbodily injury to someone otherthan yourself, you are subject to aminimum of 30 days to a maximumof six months in jail.

Evading a Peace OfficerAny person who willfully flees orattempts to evade a peace officerperforming his/her duties is guiltyof a misdemeanor punishable byimprisonment in a county jail fornot more than one year.(VC §2800.1)

If a person is convicted of causingserious bodily injury during thecourse of a police pursuit(VC §2800.3[a]), he/she is subjectto:

• imprisonment in a state prisonfor three, five, or seven yearsor in a county jail for not morethan one year

• a fine of not less than $2,000nor more than $10,000

• both a fine and imprisonment

If a person is convicted of killinganyone during the course of apolice pursuit (VC §2800.3[b]),he/she is subject to imprisonmentin a state prison for four, six, orten years.

Habitual Truant—Persons Age13 To 18The court will suspend, restrict,delay, or revoke your drivingprivilege for one year if you areconvicted of being a habitualtruant from school.

Possessing FirearmsThe court will:

• Suspend or revoke the drivingprivilege of any minor convicted

Page 85: CA Driver's Manual

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of possessing a concealableweapon or live ammunition or

• Impose driver license sanctionsfor minors convicted ofmisdemeanors involvingfirearms.

TRAFFIC VIOLATOR SCHOOL

DISMISSALSWhen a driver is cited for a trafficviolation, the judge may offer thedriver the opportunity to attend aTraffic Violator School. Driversmay participate once in any 18-month period to have a citationdismissed from their drivingrecord this way.

SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION

BY DMVIf you get too many negligentdriver points, DMV will placeyou on probation for one year(which includes a six-monthsuspension) or revoke yourdriving privilege. (See page 70.)Your suspension or revocationorder informs you of your right toa hearing.

At the end of the suspension orrevocation period, you may applyfor a new license and you mustshow proof of financialresponsibility.

DMV will revoke your license ifyou are convicted of hit-and-rundriving or reckless driving whichresults in injury.

SUSPENSION BY JUDGEA judge may suspend a person’slicense if convicted of thefollowing:

• Breaking speed laws or recklessdriving.

• Driving under the influence ofalcohol or drugs.

• Hit-and-run driving.

• Engaging in lewd conduct andprostitution in a vehicle within1000 feet of a residence.

• Assaulting a driver, passenger,bicyclist, or pedestrian whenthe offense occurs on a highway(road rage).

• Failure to stop as required at arailway grade crossing.

• Felony or misdemeanor offenseof recklessly fleeing a lawenforcement officer.

Regardless of point count, manyserious offenses in which avehicle is used are punishable byheavy penalties such as fines and/or imprisonment.

Page 86: CA Driver's Manual

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

SAFETY FOR THE AGING

DRIVERGenerally, older drivers,especially over the age of 70,have more crashes per mile thanany other group except teenagersand young adults. Also, it is moredifficult for older drivers torecover from injuries suffered ina crash. If you are concernedabout an aging driver, see“Referring An Unsafe Driver.”

Health Problems AffectingAging DriversHealth problems in older adultscause slower reaction time,reduced vision and hearing,impaired body movement, andslower decision making. Healthconditions such as glaucoma,arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer’sdisease, etc., should be consideredwhen making decisions aboutdriving. In cases where a person’sdriving must be restricted, DMVmay issue a conditional licenserather than revoking the person’sdriving privilege.

Tips For Safer DrivingBe aware of the changes in yourdriving ability and that of youraging family members or friends.Here are some things you can do:

• Don’t drive at night, at dusk, orin bad weather conditions.

• Use a seat cushion or talk toyour vehicle dealer about ex-tensions for brake and

accelerator pedals or othervehicle modifications.

• Make sure your windshield andheadlights are clean to helpreduce glare.

• Make sure your eyeglasseshave an up-to-date prescription.

• Talk to your physician forrecommendations to help youdrive safely.

• Take a Mature Driver Programtraining class. (See page 78.)For a list of approved programs,go online at www.dmv.ca.gov.

• Attend a driver assessment orrehabilitation program.

• Never drink alcohol and drivebecause your body can be moresensitive to the effects ofalcohol, especially whencombined with medications.

• Consider using alternativemeans of transportation. Callyour local Area Agency onAging for a list of transportationproviders in your area.

REFERRING AN UNSAFE

DRIVERIf you are concerned that a familymember, friend, or other personcan no longer drive safely, writeto the address below. You mayalso use the Request for DriverReexamination (DS 699) locatedon DMV’s website. Provide theperson’s name, birth date, driverlicense number and currentaddress, and explain what youobserved that led you to believe

Page 87: CA Driver's Manual

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the person is an unsafe driver.The letter must be signed. Mailyour letter to:

DMVDriver Safety Actions UnitM/S J234P.O. Box 942890Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

DMV will contact the person fora reexamination. A driving testwill be given to the person whenthe:

• Physician reports the personhas lapses of consciousness.

• Traffic officer requests a DMVreview and the officer believesthe driver is incapable ofoperating a vehicle safely.

• Family member makes a good-faith report to DMV stating thedriver cannot safely operate avehicle.

VISIONYou need good vision to drivesafely. If you cannot see clearly,you cannot judge distances orspot trouble, so you won’t be ableto do something about it. You alsoneed to see peripherally or “outof the corner of your eye” to spotcars coming up beside you whileyour eyes are on the road ahead.

You may see clearly and still notbe able to judge distances. Youneed good distance judgment soyou know how far you are fromother cars. Many people who maysee clearly in the daytime havetrouble at night. Some see poorlyin dim light. Others may have

trouble with the glare ofheadlights.

Have your eyes checked everyyear or two. You may never knowabout poor peripheral vision orpoor distance judgment unless youhave your eyes checked.

HEARINGHearing is more important todriving than many people realize.The sound of horns, a siren, orscreeching tires can warn you ofdanger. Sometimes you can heara car but you cannot see it,especially if it is in your blindspots.

Even people with good hearingcannot hear well if the radio, CD,or tape deck is blaring. Whiledriving, do not wear a headset orearplugs in both ears.

Hearing problems, like badeyesight, can come on so slowlythat you do not notice them.Drivers who know they are deafor hearing-impaired can adjust.They can learn to rely more ontheir seeing habits.

ALERTNESSWhen you are tired, you are lessalert. The body naturally wants tosleep at night and most driversare less alert at night, especiallyafter midnight. You may not seehazards as soon or react asquickly, so your chances of havinga crash are greater. If you aresleepy, the only safe cure is to getoff the road and get some sleep.

Page 88: CA Driver's Manual

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To keep from getting tired on along trip:

• Get at least a normal night’ssleep before you start.

• Don’t take any drugs that canmake you drowsy.

• Don’t drive long hours and trynot to drive late at night.

• Take regular rest stops, even ifyou are not tired.

• Keep shifting your eyes fromone part of the road to another.Look at objects near and far,left and right.

• Try chewing gum or singingalong with the radio.

• Roll your window down and getsome fresh air.

If you are tired all the time andfall asleep often during the day,ask your physician to check for asleep disorder.

MEDICATIONSRemember that all medications,prescription and over-the-counter, are potentiallydangerous. Over-the-countermedicines that you take for coldsand allergies can make youdrowsy and affect your drivingability. If you must takemedication before driving, findout the effects of the medicationfrom your physician orpharmacist. It is yourresponsibility to know theeffects of the medications youtake.

Before you decide to drive, donot:

• Mix medications unless directedby your physician.

• Take medications prescribed forsomeone else.

• Mix alcohol with yourmedications. This applies toboth prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

HEALTH AND EMOTIONSYour personality affects the wayyou drive. Don’t let your emotionsinterfere with safe driving. Useall of your good judgment, commonsense, and courtesy when youdrive and follow all therecommended safe driving rules.

Discuss poor vision, heartproblems, diabetes, or epilepsywith your physician and followhis or her advice. Tell DMV ifyou have a condition that mightaffect your ability to drive safely.

CONDITIONS PHYSICIANS

MUST REPORTPhysicians and surgeons arerequired to report patients at least14 years of age and older who arediagnosed as having lapses ofconsciousness, dementia (mentaldisorders) conditions, or relateddisorders. (Health & Safety Code§103900)

Although not required by law,your physician may report anyother medical condition he/shebelieves may affect your abilityto drive safely.

Page 89: CA Driver's Manual

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MISCELLANEOUS

DESIGNATED DRIVER

PROGRAMThe Designated Driver Programis an anti-DUIeffort thatworks. Thep r o g r a mencourages oneindividual toabstain fromc o n s u m i n galcoholic beverages for an outingso that he or she can beresponsible for transporting theother members of the groupsafely.

To participate as a designateddriver, an individual:

• Should be at least 21 years ofage and must possess a validdriver license.

• Must be part of a group of twoor more persons and verballyidentify himself or herself asthe designated driver to theserver.

• Must abstain from consumingalcoholic beverages for theduration of the outing.

• Must not be an otherwiseimpaired driver.

• Must understand thatmanagement reserves the rightto refuse service to anyone atanytime.

DIPLOMATIC DRIVER LICENSESNonresidents who possess a validdiplomatic driver license issuedby the U.S. Department of Stateare exempt from California’sdriver licensing requirement.

DRIVING SCHOOLSWhen learning to drive, you shouldseek qualified instruction eitherin bona fide public or private highschools or in state licensedprofessional driving schools.

Professional schools andinstructors in California arelicensed by the DMV aftermeeting rigid qualifyingstandards. Schools must carryliability insurance, be bonded, andmaintain complete records forDMV inspection. Vehicles aresubject to annual inspection.Instructors must pass a qualifyingwritten examination every threeyears, or show proof of continuingeducation in the traffic safetyfield. If you use the servicesof a professional driving school,ask to see the instructor’sidentification card.

FREE ID CARDS FOR P&MCONDITIONSDrivers who are no longer able todrive safely because of a physicalor mental (P&M) condition mayexchange their valid driver licensefor an ID card for no fee, ifcertain guidelines are met. Call1-800-777-0133 for additionalinformation.

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IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARDDMV issues ID cards to personsof any age. To obtain an originalID card, you must present a birthdate/legal presence verificationdocument and provide your socialsecurity number. (See page 6.)For a replacement or renewal IDcard, bring a photo ID. The feefor a REGULAR ID card is $21.The card is good until the sixthbirthday after it is issued.

If you are age 62 or over, youmay obtain a free Senior CitizenID card good for 10 years.

See page 3 to change youraddress.

MATURE DRIVER PROGRAMThe Mature Driver Program isan eight-hour course availablefrom some insurance companiesfor drivers aged 55 and older.The course covers a variety oftopics of special interest to themature driver.

Your insurance company mayoffer discounts for those whocomplete the class and receive acompletion certificate.

PEDESTRIAN

RESPONSIBILITIES*Yield the right-of-way to vehicleswhen you:

• Cross or walk whereintersections or crosswalks arenot marked.

*Joggers must obey pedestrian rules.

• “Jaywalk” across a streetbetween intersections, whereno pedestrian crosswalks areprovided.

Remember: Making eye contactwith the driver does not meanthat the driver will see you oryield the right of way.

Do not suddenly leave a curb orother safe place and walk or runinto the path of a vehicle closeenough to be a danger to you.This is true even though you arein a crosswalk. The law statesthat drivers must take care forthe safety of any pedestrian—but if the driver can’t stop in timeto avoid hitting you, the law won’thelp you.

Always obey traffic signals.Whether the intersection haspedestrian signals or the usualtraffic lights, you must obey thepedestrian rules. (See page 19.)At an intersection where trafficis not controlled by signals, driversare required to yield the right ofway to you within any crosswalk,marked or unmarked.

When a signal first changes togreen or “WALK” for you, look

Page 91: CA Driver's Manual

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left, right, and then left again, andyield the right of way to anyvehicle in the intersection beforethe signal changed.

If the signal begins blinking orchanges to “DON’T WALK,” orto an upraised hand after youhave gone part way across adivided street, you may continueacross the street.

Do not stop or delay trafficunnecessarily while crossing astreet.

Pedestrians are not permitted onany toll bridge or highway crossingunless there is a sidewalk andsigns stating pedestrian traffic ispermitted.

If there is no sidewalk, walkfacing the oncoming traffic (seethe picture). Don’t walk or jog onany freeway where signs tell youthat pedestrians are not allowed.

At night, make yourself morevisible by wearing white clothingand retroreflective materials, orcarrying a flashlight.

RECORD CONFIDENTIALITYMost information in your driverlicense file is available to thepublic. Your residence addressmay only be viewed by authorizedagencies. Your mailing address,if different from your residence,is less restricted.

Records on the physical or mentalcondition of a driver, however,remain confidential.

You may obtain a copy of your

driving record at any DMV officefor a fee and by providing valididentification.

VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION

TIPSIf you follow the suggestionsbelow, you can minimize yourchances of becoming the victimof vehicle theft. In the UnitedStates, a vehicle is stolen anaverage of every 21 minutes.Vehicle theft costs the victim timeand money and it costs society byincreasing insurance premiums.Also, vehicle thieves often usethe stolen vehicles to commitother crimes.

Vehicle thefts seem to occurmore often where large groupsof cars are parked for extendedperiods of time, such as shoppingcenters, colleges, sporting events,movie complexes, and largeapartment complexes. Vehiclethefts can occur anytime—atrandom, on different days of theweek and various times of theday.

Here are some tips you can useto avoid being the victim of vehicletheft:

• Never leave:

- your vehicle running andunattended, even to dash intoa store.

- the keys in the ignition or inthe vehicle. Don’t leave theminside a locked garage or inhide-a-key boxes.

Page 92: CA Driver's Manual

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- valuables in plain view, evenif your vehicle is locked.Place them out of sight.

- personal identificationdocuments such as theownership title or credit cardsin the vehicle.

• Always:

- roll up your windows and lockyour vehicle, even if it’sparked in front of your house.

- park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas, wheneverpossible.

- report a stolen vehicleimmediately to the police.

• Suggestions:

- Install a mechanical devicethat locks the steering wheel,column, or brakes.

- Investigate the purchase of avehicle theft tracking/securitysystem, especially if you ownone of the frequently-stolenmodel vehicles.

- When you must leave yourkey with a valet, attendant, ormechanic, only leave theignition key.

- Copy your license plate andvehicle information on a cardand keep that information withyou. The police will need thisinformation, if your vehicle isstolen.

Page 93: CA Driver's Manual

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Red and White Regulatory Signs

Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs

Guide Signs

Hazardous Loads Placards

White Regulatory Signs

No U-turn No LeftTurn

No RightTurn

Page 94: CA Driver's Manual

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Teen

Driver

... online at

www.dmv.ca.gov

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

S T A T E O F C A L I F O R N I A

Key www.dmv.ca.govfor service 24/7:

• Visit our teen web site• Take a sample driver

license test• Access forms, brochures,

and handbooks• Find answers to your

questions

• Make appointments

Call 1-800-777-0133for service 24/7:

• Listen to generalinformation

• Make an appointment• Request forms,

brochures, andhandbooks

Call 1-800-921-1117for DMV’s AutomatedVoice Recognitionservice• Make an appointment

Remember...Speed Kills

Page 95: CA Driver's Manual

- 83 -

Warning Signs

SlipperyWhen Wet

SharpTurn

MergingTraffic

DividedHighway

LaneEnds

Two WayTraffic

TrafficSignalAhead

PedestrianCrossing

Stop Ahead

“T”Intersection

WindingRoad

ReverseTurn

CrossroadAdded Lane

Yield Ahead

DirectionalArrow

End DividedHighway

Curve

Page 96: CA Driver's Manual

Do you have the special skills andprofessional attitude to safely operate

large trucks and buses?California’s licensing and testing requirements for driversof commercial vehicles equals or exceeds federal standards.Only professional drivers receive and keep a CommercialDriver License (CDL).

Visit the Commercial Driver License InformationPages and see if you have what it takes to drivethe big trucks. Click on Commercial Licenses at

www.DMV.ca.gov

Page 97: CA Driver's Manual

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SAMPLE TEST 1

1. Increase the space in front of your car when you:

Drive slower than the posted speed limit

Follow another passenger vehicle

Are being tailgated

2. Your turn lane is controlled by a green arrow. Which of the followingstatements is true?

All vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection must yield to you

Oncoming vehicles are stopped by red lights

You may make your turn without checking traffic

3. The extra space in front of a large truck is needed for:

Other drivers when merging onto a freeway

The truck driver to stop the vehicle

Other drivers when they want to slow down

4. Roads are slippery after it first starts to rain. When the road isslippery you should:

Avoid making fast turns and fast stops

Test your tires’ traction while going uphill

Decrease the distance you look ahead of your vehicle

5. Accidents can happen more often when:

All vehicles are traveling about the same speed

One lane of traffic is traveling faster than the other lanes

One vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic

Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov for more sample tests.

ANSWERS1. Are being tailaged.

2. Oncoming vehicles are stopped by red lights.

3. The truck driver to stop the vehicle.

4. Avoid making fast turns and fast stops.

5. One vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic.

Page 98: CA Driver's Manual

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SAMPLE TEST 2

1. When you drive through a construction zone, you should:

Slow down to watch the workers

Decrease your following distance

Pass the construction zone carefully and not “rubberneck”

2. To make a right turn at the corner, you:

May not enter the bicycle lane

Should only merge into the bicycle lane if you stop beforeturning

Must merge into the bicycle lane before turning

3. If a traffic signal light is not working, you must:

Stop, then proceed when safe

Stop before entering the intersection and let all other traffic gofirst

Slow down or stop, only if necessary

4. A pedestrian is crossing your lane but there is no crosswalk. Youshould:

Make sure the pedestrian sees you and continue driving

Carefully drive around the pedestrian

Stop and let the pedestrian cross the street

5. Always use your seat belt:

Unless the vehicle was built before 1978

Unless you are in a limousine

When the vehicle is equipped with seat belts

ANSWERS1. Pass the contruction zone carefully and not “rubberneck.”

2. Must merge into the bicycle lane before turning.

3. Stop, then proceed when safe.

4. Stop and let the pedestrian cross the street.

5. When the vehicle is equipped with seat belts.

OSP 06 96615

Page 99: CA Driver's Manual

The California Motorcyclist SafetyProgram (CMSP) is California’s officialmotorcycle safety and training programadministered by the California HighwayPatrol.CMSP offers the Basic RiderCoursefor beginning motorcyclists and anExperienced RiderCourse Suite forriders who are interested in improvingtheir skills.

Call 1-(877) RIDE-411 for theRidercourse nearest you.

BASIC

RIDERCOURSE