California Driver Handbook 20072007

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor State of California Dale E. Bonner, Secretary Business, Transportation and Housing Agency George Valverde, Director Department of Motor Vehicles Governor’s Message California Driver Handbook

My Fellow Californians: 2007 promises to be an especially good year when it comes to the safety and reliability of the driving experience - and together we will make that happen. Your state government has exerted every effort to make your business transactions with the DMV as seamless as possible. For example, on www.dmv.ca.gov, you can conduct routine tasks such as renewing your car registration or driver license online - rather than in line. In addition, new legislation has been passed to further promote highway safety such as increased penalties for illegal street racing. As governor, I have always been supportive of you, the driver. Whether it’s cutting the car tax or rebuilding our transportation system, I will continue to look for ways to further improve the California driving experience. However, the government’s efforts are not enough to ensure safety on our roads; I also need your help. You can help me and your fellow Californians keep our roads safe by reading this important booklet and applying what you have read. Please drive carefully and respect the rights of pedestrians and other drivers. The safety of our families and friends depends on you. Thank you for helping to make California a fantastic place to live. Wishing you a safe drive,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

- i - CCheckheck outout thesethese 24/7 OnlineOnline Services:Services: Telephone Services

• Renew your driver license and vehicle registration

• Complete a change of address

• Make appointments (except commercial driving test)

• Complete a release of liability

• Take a sample driver license test

• Order special plates

• Get forms, brochures, and handbooks

• Find answers to your questions

• Calculate registration fees

wwww.dmv.ca.govww.dmv.ca.gov - ii - Check out these 24/724/7 Online Services: TTelephoneelephone ServicesServices Call 1-800-921-1117 and use the Automated Voice Recognition System to:

• Make appointments (except driving test)

• Pay registration renewals or call 1-800-777-0133 to:

• Get forms and publications

• Listen to general information

• Get fi eld offi ce locations, hours, and driving directions

• Make an appointment for a driving test — Between 8-5, Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. — Between 9-5 on Wed.

www.dmv.ca.gov - iii - - v - DRIVING IN HILL COUNTRY...... 42 Keep your car visible ...... 58 HORN, HEADLIGHTS, AND EMERGENCY What is the road like ...... 58 SIGNALS ...... 42 Curves ...... 58 Use your horn ...... 42 Water on the road ...... 58 Don’t use your horn ...... 42 Slippery roads ...... 58 Use your headlights ...... 42 Driving in heavy traffic ...... 59 Use your emergency signals ...... 43 Traffic speeds ...... 59 HANDLING EMERGENCIES ...... 59 FOLLOWING DISTANCES ...... 43 Taking dangers one at a time ...... 43 Skids on slippery surfaces ...... 59 Splitting the difference ...... 43 Acceleration skids ...... 60 Problem drivers ...... 44 Locked wheel skids ...... 60 Steering wheel locking device ...... 60 MERGING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC 44 Space to merge ...... 44 Causes of accidents...... 60 Space to cross or enter ...... 45 ACCIDENTS ...... 60 Space to exit ...... 45 Involved in an accident ...... 61 PASSING OTHER TRAFFIC ...... 45 ACTIONS THAT RESULT IN LOSS OF Space to pass ...... 45 LICENSE ...... 61 Space to return ...... 46 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ...... 61 SEAT BELTS ...... 46 INSURANCE ...... 62 MISTAKEN BELIEFS ABOUT Insurance requirements ...... 62 SEAT BELTS...... 47 Reporting the accident ...... 62 CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND Accidents on your record ...... 63 SAFETY SEATS ...... 47 Accidents, Insurance, & Minors .....63 RIDING SAFELY WITH AIR BAGS ...... 48 DRINKING WHILE DRIVING ...... 63 SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGS ...... 48 Drinking and driving is dangerous ...... 63 UNATTENDED CHILDREN IN Drugs and driving ...... 63 MOTOR VEHICLES ...... 49 Carrying alcohol in a vehicle ...... 64 SHARING THE ROAD WITH OTHER Drivers under 21 (Possession of VEHICLES ...... 50 Alcohol) ...... 64 Drivers of all ages ...... 65 LARGE TRUCKS AND RVS ...... 50 Braking ...... 50 BAC limits ...... 65 Turning ...... 50 ADMIN PER SE ...... 66 Trucker’s blind spots—the “NO” COURT DUI CONVICTIONS ...... 66 zone ...... 50 Drivers 21 & Older—DUI Programs, Maneuverability ...... 50 Restricted Licenses...... 67 BUSES, STREETCARS, & TROLLEYS .. 52 BAC CHART/THE COST OF A DRINK 69 LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES ...... 52 ACTIONS AGAINST AN ADULT’S EMERGENCY VEHICLES ...... 52 LICENSE ...... 70 SLOW MOVING VEHICLES...... 53 POINTS ON THE DRIVER RECORD.... 70 ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES ...... 53 ACTIONS AGAINST THE PROVISIONAL MOTORCYCLES ...... 53 LICENSE ...... 70 BICYCLES ...... 54 Traffic violations increase accidents ...... 71 PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND ...... 55 Teenage traffic deaths ...... 71 ROAD WORKERS & WORK ZONES ... 56 Keeping your provisional DOUBLE FINE ZONES ...... 56 license ...... 71 MOVE OVER & SLOW DOWN ...... 56 Vandalism/Graffiti—all ages ...... 72 VEHICLES WITH HAZARDOUS LOADS 56 Speed Contests/Reckless Driving .72 AVOID HIGHWAY GRIDLOCK ...... 57 Evading a peace officer ...... 72 DEALING WITH TRAFFIC Habitual truant—persons age CONGESTION ...... 57 13 to 18 ...... 72 DEALING WITH ROAD RAGE ...... 57 Possessing firearms ...... 72 CELLULAR TELEPHONES ...... 57 TRAFFIC VIOLATOR SCHOOL ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE ...... 58 DISMISSALS ...... 73

- vi - SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION MISCELLANEOUS ...... 77 BY DMV ...... 73 DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM ...... 77 SUSPENSION BY JUDGE...... 73 DIPLOMATIC DRIVER LICENSE ...... 77 HEALTH AND SAFETY ...... 74 DRIVING SCHOOLS ...... 77 FREE ID CARDS FOR SAFETY FOR THE AGING DRIVER ..... 74 Health problems affecting aging P&M CONDITIONS ...... 77 drivers ...... 74 IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARD ...... 78 Tips for safer driving ...... 74 MATURE DRIVER PROGRAM ...... 78 REFERRING AN UNSAFE DRIVER ...... 74 PEDESTRIAN RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 78 VISION ...... 75 RECORD CONFIDENTIALITY ...... 79 HEARING ...... 75 VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION TIPS ... 79 ALERTNESS ...... 75 TRAFFIC BREAKS ...... 80 MEDICATIONS ...... 76 EXAMPLES OF ROAD SIGNS ...... 81, 82 HEALTH AND EMOTIONS ...... 76 WHAT TO DO DURING AN CONDITIONS PHYSICIANS ENFORCEMENT STOP ...... 85 MUST REPORT ...... 76 SAMPLE TEST ...... 86

WHERE TO WRITE If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publi- cation, please send them to: Department of Motor Vehicles Customer Communications Section M/S E165 P.O. Box 932345 Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

© Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2007. All rights reserved. This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. DMV owns the copyright of this work. Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted work; (2) distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation of derivative works based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the copyrighted work publicly; or (5) performing the copyrighted work publicly. All requests for permission to make copies of all or any part of this publication should be addressed to:

Department of Motor Vehicles Legal Office M/S E128 P. O. Box 932382

- vii - VEHICLE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS This is a brief summary of download the form and mail it, or California’s vehicle registration call DMV if you need a form to be requirements. Visit the Department mailed to you. of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) web site for detailed information. OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLES Vehicles registered in another CALIFORNIA VEHICLES state or foreign country must be When you purchase a new or used registered in California within 20 vehicle from a licensed California days after you become a resident dealer, the dealer collects use tax or get a job. (See page 1.) and fees to register and title the Nonresident military personnel vehicle. and their spouses may operate The dealer submits the fees and their vehicles in California with documents to DMV and gives you valid home state license plates or temporary operating authority. until the plates issued from their Usually within six to eight weeks last duty station expire. They may after your purchase date, you will renew the registration in their home receive a registration card, license state before it expires or register the plates, stickers, and a Certificate vehicle in California. of Title, if appropriate. The items needed to register any If you obtain or purchase a out-of-state vehicle are: vehicle from a private party, you • Completed and signed must transfer the ownership within Application for Title or 10 days. Submit the following to Registration (REG 343). DMV: • Verification of the vehicle • A properly endorsed and completed by DMV or an auto completed Certificate of Title club employee. or Application for Duplicate • Out-of-state title and/or last issued Title (REG 227). out-of-state registration card, if • Smog certification provided by the title is not submitted. the seller, if required. • Smog certification (1976 and • Use tax payment, if required. newer motor vehicles only). • Odometer Mileage Disclosure • Weight certificate for commer- statement, if applicable. cial vehicles only. • Appropriate DMV fees. • Appropriate DMV fees and use When you sell or transfer a tax, if applicable. vehicle, report it to DMV within • Completed Odometer Mileage 5 days. You can complete the Disclosure statement, if Notice of Transfer and Release of applicable. Liability form (REG 138) online, - viii - 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. Some offices are open the third Saturday of every month. A few offices offer only driver license or vehicle registration service. Call one of the toll-free numbers below or go online to find the locations and service options of an office near you. • Call 1-800-777-0133 between • Call 1-800-921-1117, 24 hours a 8 AM and 5 PM to: day, 7 days a week, to: - Get driver license and vehicle - Access DMV’s voice registration information, forms, recognition system. and publications. - Renew your vehicle - Find office locations and registration using a credit card hours. and the Renewal Identification - Make a driving test Number provided on your appointment. billing notice. - Speak to a DMV representative. - Make a non-driving test appointment.

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

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

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

- ix - GENERAL INFORMATION California Military Personnel If you are out-of-state on active DISCLAIMER military service in the U.S. Armed Fees mentioned in this handbook Forces and have a valid California are subject to legislative change. driver license, your license will This handbook is only a summary be valid for the full time you are of the laws and regulations. The absent from the state and for 30 Department of Motor Vehicles days from your discharge date, if (DMV), law enforcement, and honorably discharged outside of courts follow the full and exact California. Carry both your driver language of the California license and discharge papers during Vehicle Code. You may buy a copy those 30 days. of the Vehicle Code at any DMV office or go online at www.dmv. Call 1-800-777-0133 and ask for a ca.gov. card (DL 236) which extends your license. Military dependents do not WHO MUST HAVE A LICENSE? qualify for this extension. California Residents Nonresident Military Personnel California residents who drive If you are 18 years of age or on public highways or in public older, see the rules for “New parking facilities must have a Residents” and “Adults Visiting California driver license, unless California.” Licensees eligible for they are: military extensions should carry • Members of the Armed Forces or documentation from their home United States (U.S.) Government state to verify their status to local civilian employees who only law enforcement. drive vehicles owned or controlled by the U.S. on federal New Residents government business. When you make your home here • Persons who drive farming or take a job and you want to drive vehicles not normally used on in California, you must apply for public highways. a California driver license within • Persons who drive legally 10 days. registered off-highway vehicles Residency is established by: voting or snowmobiles straight in California elections; paying across a highway (other than a resident tuition at a California freeway). college or university; filing for a home owner’s property tax exemption; obtaining a license; or receiving any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents. - 1 - Adults Visiting California submit proof of legal presence in Visitors over 18 years old with the U.S. as authorized under federal a valid driver license from their law. Your true full name, as shown home state or country may drive in on your legal presence document, California without getting a driver will appear on your DL/ID card. license as long as their home state BASIC INFORMATION license remains valid. A driver license shows that you Minors Visiting California have been given permission by the Visitors between 16 and 18 years state to drive on public roadways. old may drive with their home You may apply for a driver license state license or instruction permit at most DMV offices. (See page for only 10 days after arriving ix.) in California. After the 10 days, If you have no outstanding actions they must have either a: on your record, you will receive • California driver license, or a license after you pay the fee, • Nonresident Minor’s Certificate correctly answer questions about which is issued by DMV to a the law and safety rules, show that minor who has given proof of your physical and mental condition financial responsibility. is satisfactory, and demonstrate your ability to drive safely. If THE CALIFORNIA you have a medical condition or a DRIVER LICENSE disability, DMV may require you to take a driving test and/or present ACCURATE IDENTIFICATION a statement from your physician The reliability, integrity, and regarding your condition. confidentiality of the California A person must be at least 21 years driver license (DL) and old to drive most commercial identification (ID) card is of prime vehicles for hire in interstate com- concern to all levels of government, merce and to transport hazardous and the private sector as well. materials or wastes. It is critical that these documents be completely authenticated DUPLICATE LICENSES and accurate. The California To replace a lost or damaged driver Legislature has declared the license, you must go to a DMV DL/ID card as the primary office and pay the $21 fee for a identification documents in this duplicate. You should also present state. California law requires that photo identification. If DMV all customers who apply for an cannot confirm your identity, original California DL/ID card you will not be issued a temporary license. If you are a

- 2 - minor, your parents must sign does not forward DMV the DMV application form correspondence. (DL 44). NAME CHANGES Once a duplicate license has been If you change your name, you must issued, the previous license is take your old DL/ID card to a DMV not valid. Destroy it if you find office with acceptable verification it later. of your “true full name.” (See page ADDRESS CHANGES 6.) You must pay the applicable When you move, you must give fee and a new picture and thumb DMV your new address within print will be taken. Your old photo 10 days. There is no fee to change DL/ID card will be invalidated and your address. You may notify returned to you. DMV of your address change for LICENSE RENEWALS your driver license, identification If you are renewing a California card, and vehicle(s) online at www. DL, you must be at least 18 years dmv.ca.gov, download a Change old. of Address (DMV 14) and mail it to the address on the form, or DMV issues a regular DL for a five- call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and year term. The license expires on request a DMV 14 be mailed to your birthday in the year shown on you. the license. It is against the law to drive after your license expires. A new driver license is not issued when you change your address. A DMV sends a renewal notice space is provided on the back of to your address of record about your driver license or identification two months before your license card to record your address expires. Follow the instructions on change. the renewal notice. If you do not receive a renewal notice, go online You may also type or write your or call to make an appointment. new address on a small piece of (See page ix.) paper, sign and date the paper and carry it (do not tape or staple) with If DMV cannot confirm your your driver license or identification identity, you will not be issued a card. temporary license. If you change your address in a field A driving test may be required office, the DMV representative as part of any driver license will give you a Change of Address transaction. Driving tests are not Certificate (DL 43) to complete and required simply because of age. carry with your license. Qualified drivers may be eligible to Reminder: The post office renew by mail or online at DMV’s website. (See page 14.) - 3 - Refer to the Commercial Driver You may tow a travel trailer Handbook, the Recreational weighing over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Vehicles and Trailers Handbook, or a 5th-wheel travel trailer or the California Motorcycle weighing over 15,000 lbs. GVWR Handbook for additional license when the trailer is not used for hire information. (pay or other compensation). Refer to the Recreational Vehicles and LICENSE CLASSES Trailers booklet. Tell DMV the type of license you Commercial Class B need. The ten license classes are You may drive: defined as follows: - any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than Commercial Class A 26,000 lbs. You may drive any legal combina- - a 3-axle vehicle weighing over tion of vehicles, including vehicles 6,000 lbs. under Classes B and C. - any bus (except a trailer bus), You may tow: with endorsement. - any single vehicle with - any farm labor vehicle, with a Gross Vehicle Weight endorsement. Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 lbs. - all vehicles listed under Class C. - any trailer bus, with endorsement. You may tow a single vehicle with - more than one vehicle, with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less. endorsement. NOTE: Employees of school - any vehicle under Classes B districts, private schools, (an additional endorsement community colleges, and may be required) or C. California state universities who Restricted Class A Fire Fighter operate vans manufactured to You may drive only Class A and carry 15 passengers, including Class B defined combination fire the driver, must have a fighting vehicles and all vehicles commercial driver license listed under Class C. with a passenger transport endorsement. You may tow a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. Restricted Class B Fire Fighter You may drive only a Class Noncommercial Class A B defined single fire fighting You may drive any vehicle listed vehicle and all the vehicles listed under Class C. under Class C.

- 4 - You may tow a single vehicle 26,000 lbs. or less if used with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. exclusively in agricultural or less. operations and it is not for hire or compensation. Noncommercial Class B You may drive: You may tow: - any vehicle listed under - a single vehicle with a GVWR Class C. of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used. - a housecar over 40 feet but not over 45 feet, with With a vehicle weighing at least endorsement. 4,000 lbs., you may tow a: You may tow any vehicle listed - trailer coach or 5th-wheel under Class C. Refer to the travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. Recreational Vehicles and Trailers GVWR when towing is not for compensation. booklet. - 5th-wheel travel trailer Basic Class C exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under You may drive: 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when - any 2-axle vehicle with a towing is not for compensation GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or and with endorsement. less. NOTE: - any 3-axle vehicle weighing • Class C licensees may not tow 6,000 lbs. or less gross. more than one vehicle. - any housecar 40 feet or less. • No passenger vehicle, regardless - a vanpool vehicle, designed to of weight, may tow more than carry more than 10 but no more one vehicle. than 15 persons including the • No motor vehicle under 4,000 driver. The driver must have lbs. unladen may tow any a valid medical on file and vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or carry a valid medical card. more gross. (VC §21715) The driver must also have a signed certification stating Commercial Class C he/she has not been convicted You may drive any Class C of reckless driving, drunk vehicle carrying hazardous driving, or hit-and-run in materials or wastes (Health the last five years. & Safety Code §§25115 and (VC §12804.9[j]) 25117) which requires placards A farmer or employee of a farmer with a hazardous materials may drive: endorsement. - any combination of vehicles You may tow the same vehicles with a Gross Combination listed in Class C. Weight Rating (GCWR) of

- 5 - Motorcycle Class M1 OBTAINING A DRIVER You may operate any 2-wheel LICENSE motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, When you apply for an original or motorized scooter. DL/ID card, you must present an Motorcycle Class M2 acceptable birth date/legal presence You may operate any motorized document and provide your social bicycle, moped, any bicycle with security number. Depending on the an attached motor, or a motorized birth date/legal presence document scooter. you present, your first California NOTE: If you already have a DL/ID card may expire on the license, the Class M1 or M2 will same date as that document. If be added after you pass law tests the name on your birth date/legal and the motorcycle skill test. presence document is different from the name on your DL/ID Ambulance Driver Certificate card application, you must also If you wish to drive an ambulance bring an acceptable true full name used commercially in emergency document. (See next page.) Your service (VC §2512), apply at any thumb print* and picture will also DMV office. You may purchase be taken. For any other DL/ID card an Ambulance Driver Handbook transaction, you should present for $5. photo identification. Verification of Transit Training Certificate ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS An acceptable birth date/legal If you wish to drive a transit bus, presence or true full name document you must have a Class A or B license is issued by a county or state. This with a passenger endorsement and document is a certified copy of a certificate issued by DMV. (VC the original (the original is always §12804.6a) retained by the county or state) and School Bus Endorsement contains an impressed seal or an In addition to the certificate issued original stamped impression. The by CHP, a commercial license certified copy will be returned to with a passenger/school bus you. If you make a copy of the endorsement is required to operate certified copy, DMV will not accept a school bus. (VC §§12517 (a) and it for birth date/legal presence or 15275) true full name verification. Some acceptable birth date/ legal presence documents are: * The term thumb print means a thumb print or fingerprint, if you have no thumbs.

- 6 - U.S. Birth Certificate, Proof you refuse to sign this statement, of Indian Blood Degree, U.S. DMV will not issue a permit or Passport, U.S. Armed Forces license. ID Cards, Certificate of • Present an acceptable birth date/ Naturalization, Permanent Resident legal presence document. Card, or a foreign passport or • Provide your true full name. Mexican Border Crossing Card • Provide your Social Security with a valid I-94. Number. It will be verified Your social security number will with the Social Security be verified with the Social Security Administration. Administration. • Pay the $27 application fee when True full name verification you apply for any new or change documents are: of class permit or license. It will • Adoption documents— not be returned. The fee is good containing your legal name as for 12 months and allows you to a result of the adoption. take the appropriate law test(s) three times, if needed, during • Name change documents— that period. The fee pays for both containing your legal name the instruction permit and driver both before and after the name license, if you qualify for both change. within the 12-month period. If • Marriage Certificate. the application expires, you must resubmit documents, repay the • A certificate, declaration, or application fee, and retake the registration document verifying required tests. the formation of a domestic partnership. • Pass an eye exam. Any person with a best corrected vision of • Dissolution of marriage 20/200 or worse in the better eye document—containing your cannot be issued a driver license legal name as a result of the court or use a bioptic telescopic or action. similar lens to qualify for a driver license. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL DRIVERS • Have your picture taken. To apply for a driver license, you • Give a thumb print. must: MINORS’ PERMIT • Submit a completed DMV application form (DL 44). REQUIREMENTS Signing this form means you A minor is a person under 18 years agree to submit to a chemical of age. Minors must have their test to determine the alcohol or application for a driver license drug content of your blood when or any change of license class required by a peace officer. If signed by their parents or legal guardians. - 7 - NOTE: Minors may not work as If you only have a provisional a driver for pay until they are 18 permit and you plan to drive outside years old and licensed in California of California, contact the driver and they may not drive a school bus licensing office in that state or containing pupils. country before you drive. To get a permit, you must: NOTE: If you are at least 1 1 • Be at least 15 /2, but under 18 17 /2, you may obtain a permit years of age. without completing DE or DT. • Complete the application However, to get a license before you requirements. are 18 years old, you must provide proof of DE/DT completion. • Have your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the MINORS’ PERMIT DL 44. RESTRICTIONS • Pass a traffic laws and road signs You must practice with a parent, test. If you fail the test, you must guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 wait one week before taking it years of age or older, who has a again. This will give you time valid California driver license. The to study. person must be close enough to take • If you are between 151/2 and control of the vehicle at any time. A 1 17 /2, provide proof that you provisional permit does not let you have met one of the following drive alone—not even to a DMV requirements: office to take a driving test. - completed driver education If you have an M1 or M2 permit, (DE) and driver training (DT). (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, you cannot carry passengers, you OL 237, or OL 238) must ride during daylight hours only, and you cannot ride on the - completed DE and are taking freeway. DT. (DL 387, DL 392, OL 237, or OL 392) MINORS’ LICENSE - enrolled and participating in REQUIREMENTS an approved integrated DE/DT You must: program. (DL 400) • Be at least 16 years old. The provisional permit is not • Prove that you have finished valid until you start your behind- both DE and DT. (DL 387, the-wheel driver training with an DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or instructor or reach age 171/2. OL 238)

- 8 - • Have had a California instruction or older, or a licensed or certified permit for at least six months. driving instructor. • Provide a parent’s signature on EXCEPTIONS—MINORS’ your instruction permit stating you have completed the 50 hours LICENSE RESTRICTIONS of supervised driving practice The law allows the following (10 hours must be night driving) exceptions when reasonable outlined in the Parent-Teen transportation is not available and Training Guide. Call 1-800-777- it is necessary for you to drive. 0133 to request this booklet or A note is required to explain the go online. necessity and the date when the • Pass the behind-the-wheel driving necessity will end. driving test. You have three • Medical necessity. The note must chances to pass the driving test be signed by your physician. while your permit is valid. If you • School or school-authorized fail the first driving test, you must activity. The note must be signed pay a $6 retest fee for a second or by your school principal, dean, third attempt and wait two weeks or his/her designee. before you are tested again. • Employment necessity. The note Once you have your provisional must be signed by your employer license, you may drive alone as and verify employment. long as you do not have accidents or • Immediate need of your family traffic violations. (See page 70.) member. The note must be When you become 18 years old, the signed by your parent or legal “provisional” part of your license guardian. ends. You may keep the photo • Emancipated minor. No license you have or pay $21 for a documentation is needed. duplicate license without the word However, you must have already “provisional.” declared yourself emancipated During the first 12 months after and provided DMV with Proof you are licensed, you cannot drive of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P) in lieu of your guarantors’ between 11 PM and 5 AM and you signatures. cannot transport passengers under age 20 unless you are accompanied ADULTS’ PERMIT by your parent or guardian, a REQUIREMENTS licensed driver 25 years of age If you are 18 years old, meet the application requirements, and pass the tests, you may be issued

- 9 - a California driver license. There • Pass a behind-the-wheel driving is no upper age limit. test. If you fail the first driving If you want to obtain professional test, you must pay a $6 retest driver education and driver training, fee for a second or third attempt and wait until the next day or refer to page 77. the next available appointment You must have an instruction before you are tested again. permit while learning to drive. If you have an out-of-state or out- Your accompanying driver must of-country license, you must: be 18 years of age or older and have a valid California driver • Be at least 18 years of age. license. The person must be with • Complete all the steps required you in the vehicle, close enough for a permit. (A temporary to take control of it at any time. license will not be issued if your visual acuity is worse than 20/70 An instruction permit does not in both eyes together.) permit to you drive alone—not even to a DMV office to take the • Surrender your valid out-of-state driving test. driver license. Your out-of-state license will be invalidated and If you have an M1 or M2 permit, returned unless you are applying you cannot carry passengers, you for a commercial license. must ride during daylight hours only, and you cannot ride on the NOTE: Driving tests for holders freeway. of out-of-state or U.S. territory licenses are normally waived. To get a permit, you must: However, the department may • Be at least 18 years of age. require a driving test for any • Complete the application type of application. Driving tests requirements. are required for out-of-country license holders. • Pass a traffic laws and road signs test. THE EXAMINATION ADULTS’ LICENSE PROCESS REQUIREMENTS If you have never been licensed, WHERE TO TAKE THE TESTS you must: You may take the written, vision, • Be at least 18 years of age. and driving tests at any DMV • Complete all the steps required office which provides driver for a permit. license services. Written and vision tests are required when you apply • Bring your instruction permit for an original or upgrade to a with you to your drive test. different class of license. Written

- 10 - tests may be required for a license • Review the sample test questions renewal. Driving tests are usually on page 86. Sample questions are waived for the class of license also available online at www. you currently have. However, the dmv.ca.gov. department may require a driving DMV’S EXAMINATIONS test for any type of application. Your driver license examinations Appointments are available for all include: DMV services. An appointment • A vision test. If you need glasses is usually required to take any or corrective contact lenses to driving test. pass this test, you must wear DMV WANTS YOU TO PASS them. Your license will show DMV wants you to pass your test. that you must wear “corrective lenses” while driving. If you There are law exams in many do not pass the vision test, you different languages. However, you will be referred to your vision must have the ability to read traffic specialist. A driving test may be signs in English. If the language required. you read is not available, you • A test of traffic laws, road signs, may take the exam with the help and driving safety rules (written of an interpreter. Audio exams or audio) to find out if you and an English exam in large know how to legally drive your print are also available. If you vehicle. have difficulty with an exam, tell • A driving test, if required. the DMV employee. You can be This test is usually given by more successful by following these appointment only. For the suggestions: driving test, bring: • Read this handbook. Take a few - your old license or instruction days to review the information. permit, if you have one. • Ask a family member or a friend - a licensed driver. to test your knowledge. - proof that the vehicle is • Read the test questions carefully. properly insured. Don’t read anything extra into - a vehicle that is safe to drive the question. There is only one and displays a front and rear correct answer. license plate. The vehicle’s • All test questions are based on brake lights, horn, parking this handbook. If you miss a brake, and electric signals question, the DMV employee must work properly and the can tell you where to find the vehicle cannot have bald tires. correct answer. The driver’s side window must

- 11 - roll down. The windshield During the driving test, the must allow a full unobstructed examiner will note: field of vision and there must • How you start your vehicle. be two rear view mirrors When leaving the curb, do you (one on the left outside of the use your mirrors and turn your vehicle). head and look back for passing You will be asked to locate cars? Do you signal, and wait the controls for the vehicle’s until it is safe before entering headlights, windshield wip- traffic? ers, defroster, and emergency • How you drive in hazardous flashers. You must demon- weather conditions. Do you strate how to use the parking turn on your headlights when brake. You must show that using your windshield wipers your car is properly insured. and when it is snowing, raining, If you use a rental car for the or foggy or when you can’t driving test, the driver’s name see clearly 1000 feet ahead of must show on the contract as you? the insured. You must also wear your seat belt. • How you control your vehicle. Do you use the gas pedal, NOTE: The driving test will be brake, steering wheel (hands postponed if the vehicle does not on opposite sides), and other meet the above requirements or controls correctly? if you refuse to use your seat belt • How you drive in traffic. Do during the driving test. you use the proper lane? Do you signal, turn your head and look THE DRIVING TEST back before pulling away from The driving test is your chance to the curb or when you change show that you can drive safely. lanes? Do you signal the proper Only you and the examiner (or distance before turning? Do you other DMV personnel) can be in the follow other vehicles at a safe vehicle. No animal may be in the distance? vehicle. The examiner will give you • How you obey the traffic signals directions and will not trick you or and posted signs (such as speed ask you to do anything illegal. The limit signs). driving test is only given after all • How you drive through blind or the application requirements have crowded intersections. Do you been met. scan carefully for signs, signals, You will be asked to show the arm pedestrians, and other vehicles? signals. (See page 32.) However, Do you yield and take the right during the test, you must use the of way correctly? vehicle’s turn signal lights. • How you steer your vehicle. Do you turn from the proper lane into

- 12 - the proper lane? Is your turn too MISCELLANEOUS wide or too sharp? LICENSING • How you stop. Do you stop smoothly and at the limit line INFORMATION or at the corner? Can you LICENSE REFUSAL stop quickly and safely in an DMV takes the strongest action emergency? In a vehicle with possible against anyone who alters a manual transmission, do you or otherwise attempts to falsify keep the vehicle in gear when slowing to a stop? a driver license. DMV may also refuse to issue you a license if • How you back up. Do you you: look over your right shoulder while backing? Can you back • Have a history of alcohol or drug in a straight line? Do you abuse. have complete control of the • Have used the license illegally vehicle? or lied on your application • How you change your speed or cheated on any license based on the posted speed limit examination. and the amount of nearby traffic, • Do not understand traffic laws the people crossing the street, and or signs. the distance you can see ahead. • Do not have the skill to drive or • Do you follow the basic speed have a health problem that makes law and never drive faster than your driving unsafe. is safe for road conditions? • Have an outstanding court • How you respect the rights of action. others. Are you courteous to • Impersonate an applicant or allow other drivers and pedestrians? Do someone else to impersonate you you yield or accept your right of to fraudulently qualify for a way appropriately? license. • Whether you pay full attention • Submit a fraudulent birth date/ to the job of driving. legal presence document or At the end of the driving test, the social security document. examiner will discuss the results • Refuse to sign the certification with you and give you a copy of on the application form your score sheet. If you pass the (DL 44) or give a thumb print. driving test, you will be issued a Also see Actions That Result In 60-day interim license. Loss Of License on page 61.

LIMITED TERM LICENSES Drivers with physical or medical conditions may need to be

- 13 - reexamined from time to time by a The law also states that you must physician or be retested more often not employ, permit, or authorize than every five years (limited term any unlicensed person to drive license status) by a DMV examiner. your vehicle on a public street See the Health & Safety Section for or highway unless the person more information. is licensed to drive that class of vehicle. LICENSE EXTENSION If you are away from California (up RENEWAL BY MAIL OR INTERNET to one year), you may request a free If you have not already received two one-year extension before your consecutive five-year extensions, driver license expires. Limited you may be eligible to renew by term drivers are not eligible for mail, without taking a law test, this extension. Mail your request if: to DMV, P.O. Box 942890, • Your current license expires Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. before age 70. Include your name, driver license • You do not have a probationary number, birth date, California license. (VC §14250) residence address, and your out- • You have not violated a written of-state address. promise to appear in court within LICENSE IN YOUR POSSESSION the last two years. You must always have your driver • You are not suspended for license with you when you drive. driving with an illegal blood Show it to any police officer alcohol content (BAC) level, who asks to see it. If you are in or for refusing, or for failing to complete, a chemical or an accident, you must show it to preliminary alcohol screening the other driver(s) involved. (See test within the last two years. page 61.) • You do not have a total violation UNLICENSED DRIVERS point count greater than one. It is against the law to loan NOTE: You may renew by Internet your vehicle to a person who if your renewal-by-mail notice is unlicensed or whose driving includes a Renewal Identification privilege has been suspended. If Number (RIN). the person is caught driving, your vehicle may be impounded for 30 MEDICAL INFORMATION CARD days. (VC §14602.6) Call 1-800-777-0133 and ask for No person of any age may drive on a free card (DL 390) to list your a highway or in a public parking blood type, allergies, name of facility unless the person has a your physician, and other medical valid driver license or permit. information. It can be carried along with your DL/ID card. - 14 - ORGAN DONATION LAWS AND RULES You may choose to donate your OF THE ROAD body, body parts, or a pacemaker for medical transplantation, research, RIGHT-OF-WAY RULES or both after your death. General Information Right-of-way rules together with You may register as an organ donor courtesy and common sense with Donate Life California Organ help to promote traffic safety. and Tissue Registry by checking It is important to respect the a box on your driver license or right-of-way of others, especially identification card application. pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and When you check “yes,” you are bicycle riders. giving your consent to be an organ and tissue donor upon your death. Respecting the right-of-way of This information will be sent to others is not limited to situations Donate Life to be included in the such as yielding to pedestrians in organ and tissue registry. If you crosswalks, or watching carefully are under 18, your parents will to ensure the right-of-way of make the final decision regarding bicyclists and motorcyclists. donation at the appropriate time. Motorists must respect the right- You will also have the opportunity of-way of others by not violating to contribute to Donate Life when traffic laws such as failing to stop at you pay your application fee. a stop sign or traffic light, speeding, making unsafe lane changes or For information about the donor illegal turns. Statistics show that a program, go online at: www. high percentage of injury accidents dmv.ca.gov or contact the in California are caused by right- Donate Life California Organ and of-way violations. Tissue Donor Registry at: www. donatelifecalifornia.org. You Pedestrians may also contact the following Pedestrian safety is a serious issue. organizations for organ/tissue One in six traffic fatalities is a donations or to make a monetary pedestrian. Drive cautiously when donation: pedestrians are near because they • California Transplant Donor may cross your path. Network: 1-888-570-9400 A pedestrian is a person on foot • Golden State Donor Services: or who uses a conveyance such 916-567-1600 as roller skates, skateboards, etc., other than a bicycle. A pedestrian • Lifesharing: 619-521-1983 can also be a person with a disability • OneLegacy: 1-800-786-4077 on a tricycle or quadricycle or in a wheelchair.

- 15 - • Respect the right-of-way of street. Pedestrians have the right pedestrians. Always stop for any of way in crosswalks. pedestrian crossing at corners or Crosswalks are often marked with other crosswalks and at corners with or without traffic lights, white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines whether or not the crosswalks may be painted at school crossings. are marked by painted lines. Most often, crosswalks in residen- tial areas are not marked. • Do not pass a car from behind that has stopped at a crosswalk. Some crosswalks have flashing A pedestrian you can’t see may lights to warn you that pedestrians be crossing. may be crossing. Look for • Do not drive on a sidewalk, pedestrians and be prepared to except to cross it at a driveway stop, whether or not the lights are or alley. When crossing, yield to flashing. any pedestrian. Intersections • Do not stop in a crosswalk. An intersection is any place You will place pedestrians in where one line of traffic meets danger. another. Intersections include • Remember—if a pedestrian cross streets, side streets, alleys, makes eye contact with you, he freeway entrances, and any other or she is ready to cross the street. location where vehicles traveling Yield to the pedestrian. on different highways or roads join • Allow older pedestrians more each other. time to cross the street. • At intersections without STOP or Information regarding YIELD signs, slow down and be pedestrians who are blind is on ready to stop. Yield to vehicles page 55. already in the intersection or just entering it. Also, yield to the car Crosswalks which arrives first or to the car A crosswalk is that part of the on your right if it reaches the pavement where the sidewalk lines intersection at the same time as would extend across the street and you do. it is set aside for pedestrian traffic. • At “T” intersections without Every intersection has a pedestrian STOP or YIELD signs, yield crosswalk whether or not there are to vehicles on the through road. painted lines on the street. Most They have the right-of-way. crosswalks are at corners but they • When there are STOP signs at can also be in the middle of the all corners, stop first, then follow block. Before turning a corner, the above rules. watch for people about to cross the • When you turn left, give the right-of-way to all vehicles

- 16 - approaching you that are close Roundabouts enough to be dangerous. Also, A roundabout is an intersection look for motorcyclists, bicyclists, where traffic travels around and pedestrians. On divided a central island in a counter- highways, or highways with clockwise direction. Vehicles several lanes, watch for vehicles coming in any lane you must entering or exiting the roundabout cross. Turn left only when it is must yield to vehicles, bicyclists, safe. and pedestrians. Safety suggestion: While waiting When you approach a to turn left, keep your wheels roundabout: pointed straight ahead until • Slow down as you approach the it is safe to start your turn. If intersection. your wheels are pointed to the • Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists left and a vehicle hits you from crossing the roadway. behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic. • Watch for signs and pavement markings that guide you or • Yield to traffic before entering prohibit certain movements. the road again if you have parked off the road or are leaving a • Enter the roundabout when there parking lot, etc. is a big enough gap in traffic. • Drive in a counter-clockwise direction. Do not stop or pass other vehicles. • Use your turn signals when you change lanes or exit the roundabout . • If you miss your exit, continue around until you return to your exit. For roundabouts with multiple lanes, choose your entry or exit Multiple and single lane roundabout lane based on your destination. For example, to: • Turn right at the intersection, choose the right-hand lane and exit in the right-hand lane. (Blue car) • Go straight through the intersection, choose either lane, and exit in the lane you entered. (Red car) - 17 - • Turn left, choose the left lane, Solid Yellow. A and exit. (Yellow car) yellow signal light On Mountain Roads means “CAUTION.” When two vehicles meet on a steep The red signal is about road where neither can pass, the to appear. When you see the yellow vehicle facing downhill must yield light, stop if you can do so safely. the right-of-way by backing up If you can’t stop safely, enter the until the vehicle going uphill can intersection cautiously. pass. The vehicle facing downhill Yellow Arrow. A has the greater amount of control yellow arrow means when backing. the “protected” turning time period is ending. TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS Be prepared to obey the next signal Solid Red. A red signal which could be the green or red light means “STOP.” light or the red arrow. You can make a right Flashing Yellow. A turn against a red light flashing yellow signal after you stop and yield to light warns you to be pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles careful. You do not that are close enough to be a hazard. need to stop for a flashing yellow Make the right turn only when it is light but you must slow down and safe. Do not turn if a “NO TURN be especially alert before entering ON RED” sign is posted. the intersection. Red Arrow. A red Solid Green. A green arrow means “STOP.” light means “GO” but Remain stopped until first give the right of the green signal or way to any vehicle, bicyclist, or green arrow appears. pedestrian in the intersection. If Do not turn against a you are turning left, make the turn red arrow. only if you have enough space Flashing Red. A to complete the turn before any flashing red signal oncoming vehicle, bicyclist, or light means “STOP.” pedestrian becomes a hazard. Do After stopping, you not enter the intersection if you may proceed when it cannot get completely across before is safe. Observe the the light turns red. If you block the right-of-way rules. intersection, you can be cited. Green Arrow. A green arrow means “GO.” You must turn in the direction

- 18 - the arrow is pointing after you TRAFFIC SIGNS yield to any vehicle, bicyclist, or The shape of a sign gives you a clue pedestrian still in the intersection. about the information contained The green arrow allows you to make on the sign. Here are the common a “protected” turn. This means shapes used. oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and Eight-sided red STOP pedestrians are stopped by a red signs mean you must STOP light as long as the green arrow make a full stop whenever is lighted. you see a STOP sign. Stop before Traffic Signal Blackout. If a entering a crosswalk or at a white traffic signal light is not working, “limit line” which is a wide white proceed as if the intersection is line painted on the street. If a controlled by a stop sign in all crosswalk or limit line is not painted directions. on the street, stop at the corner. PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL LIGHTS Three-sided red YIELD Pedestrian signals show words or signs mean you must pictures as follows: slow down and be ready • “Walk” or to stop, if necessary, “Walking Person” to let any vehicle, bicyclist, lights mean it is or pedestrian pass before you legal to cross the proceed. street. Square red and white • “Don’t Walk” or regulatory signs mean DO NOT “Raised Hand” you must follow the ENTER lights mean you sign’s instruction. For may not start across example, the “DO WRONG the street. NOT ENTER” sign WAY • Flashing “Don’t Walk” or means do not enter a “Raised Hand” lights mean do road or off ramp where the sign is not start across the street. The posted, usually on a freeway off traffic signal is about to change. ramp. The “WRONG WAY” sign If the flashing starts after you have already started to cross, may or may not be posted with the finish crossing the street as “DO NOT ENTER” sign. If you see quickly as possible. one or both of these signs, drive to the side of the road and stop. You At many traffic signals, you need are going against traffic. When to push the pedestrian push button safe, back out or turn around and to activate the “Walk” or “Walking return to the road you were on. At Person” signal. If there are no night if you are going the wrong pedestrian signals, obey the traffic signal lights. - 19 - way, the road reflectors will shine Regardless of the posted speed red in your headlights. limit, your speed should depend If a sign has a red circle on: with a red line through • The number and speed of other it, it always means NO. vehicles on the road. The picture inside the • Whether the road surface is circle shows what you cannot do. smooth, rough, graveled, wet, The sign may be shown with or dry, wide, or narrow. without words. • Bicyclists or pedestrians walking Circular signs mean on the road’s edge. you are approaching a • Whether it is raining, foggy, railroad crossing. snowing, windy, or dusty. Five-sided signs mean MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT you are near a school. The maximum speed limit on most Four-sided diamond-shaped signs California highways is 65 mph. warn you of specific road conditions You may drive 70 mph where and dangers ahead. Many warning posted. Unless otherwise posted, signs are diamond-shaped. Obey the maximum speed limit is 55 mph all warning signs regardless of on two-lane undivided highways their shape. and for vehicles towing trailers. White rectangular signs mean you Other speed limit signs are posted must obey important rules. for the type of roads and traffic See pages 81 and 82 for additional in each area. All speed limits are examples. based on ideal driving conditions. Construction zones usually have SPEED LIMITS reduced speed zones. California has a “Basic Speed Law.” This law means you may Driving faster than the posted never drive faster than is safe for speed limit, or than is safe for current conditions. For example, current conditions, on any road is if you are driving 45 mph in a 55 dangerous and illegal. High speed mph speed zone during a dense fog, increases your stopping distance. you could be cited for driving “too The faster you go, the less time you fast for conditions.” You may never have to avoid a hazard or accident. legally drive faster than the posted The force of a 60 mph crash isn’t speed limit, even if you think it is just twice as great as a 30 mph crash, safe to do so. it’s four times as great!

- 20 - REDUCED SPEEDS Around children Heavy traffic or bad weather Within 500 feet of a school while You must drive slower when there children are outside or crossing is heavy traffic or bad weather. the street, the speed limit is 25 However, if you block the normal mph, unless otherwise posted. and reasonable movement of traffic Also, if the school ground has no by driving too slowly, you may fence and children are outside, be given a ticket. If you choose never drive faster than 25 mph. to drive slower than other traffic, Always drive more carefully near do not drive in the “No. 1” (fast) schools, playgrounds, parks, and lane. (See page 24.) Always move residential areas because children to the right when another driver may suddenly dart into the street. is close behind you and wishes to Near schools, look for: drive faster. • Bicyclists and pedestrians. Towing Vehicles, Buses, or • School safety patrols or school Large Trucks crossing guards and obey their When you tow a vehicle or trailer, directions. For the crossing or drive a bus or three- or more-axle guard’s safety, allow him or her truck, you must drive in the right- to safely get to the side of the hand lane or in a lane specially road before driving ahead. marked for slower vehicles. If no • Stopped school buses and lanes are marked and there are four children crossing the street. lanes or more in your direction, Some school buses flash yellow you may only drive in either of the lights when preparing to stop and let children off the bus. The two lanes closest to the right edge yellow flashing lights warn you of the road. to slow down and prepare to stop. When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top front and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. The law requires you to remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing (VC §22454). If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1000 and your driving All vehicles must stop privilege could be suspended for one year. If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane (two or more lanes

- 21 - in each direction) highway, you necessary. Cross railroad tracks do not need to stop. only at designated crossings and only when it is safe to do so. Blind intersections The speed limit for a blind • Expect a train on any track at any intersection is 15 mph. An time traveling in either direction. If you need to stop after crossing intersection is considered “blind” the tracks, make sure your if there are no stop signs at any vehicle clears the tracks before corner and you cannot see for 100 you stop. feet in either direction during the • Never stop on the railroad tracks. last 100 feet before crossing. Trees, Remember that a train cannot bushes, buildings, or parked cars stop quickly or swerve out of at intersections can block your the way. If you are on the tracks, view to the side. If your view is you risk injury or death. blocked, edge forward slowly until • Watch for vehicles that must you can see. stop before crossing train Alleys tracks. These vehicles include The speed limit in any alley is 15 buses, school buses, and trucks mph. transporting hazardous loads. Near railroad tracks • Remember that flashing red The speed limit is 15 mph within lights mean STOP! Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track 100 feet of a railroad crossing when the crossing devices are where you cannot see the tracks active or a person warns you for 400 feet in both directions. You a train is coming. Stop if you may drive faster than 15 mph if the see a train coming or you hear crossing is controlled by gates, a the whistle, horn, or bell of an warning signal, or a flagman. approaching train. At railroad or train crossings: • Do not go around or under • Look in both directions and lowered crossing gates, even listen for trains. Many crossings if you do not see a train. Wait have multiple tracks so be for the gates to rise. If the gates ready to stop before crossing, if are not working correctly, call the railroad emergency number posted near the crossing or notify the local police or California Highway Patrol.

NO YES

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

- 23 - Don’t weave in and out of traffic. B Stay in one lane as much as possible. Once you start through an intersection, keep going. If you start to make a turn, follow through. Last second it except at designated openings. changes may cause accidents. If (See “B” above.) you missed a turn, continue to Solid white lines mark traffic lanes the next intersection and work going in the same direction, such your way back to where you want as one-way streets. to go. Broken white lines separate traffic CHANGING LANES lanes on roads with two or more Changing lanes includes: lanes in the same direction. • Moving from one lane to another. CHOOSING A LANE Traffic lanes are often referred to • Entering the freeway from an by number. The left or “fast” lane on-ramp. is called the “No. 1 Lane.” The • Entering the road from a curb or lanes to the right of the No. 1 lane the shoulder. are called the No. 2 lane, then the Before changing lanes, signal, look No. 3 lane. etc. in all your mirrors, and: Drive in the lane with the smoothest • Check traffic behind and beside flow of traffic. If you can choose you. among three lanes, pick the middle • Glance over your left or right lane for the smoothest driving. To shoulder to make sure the lane drive faster, pass, or turn left, use you want is clear. the left lane. When you choose to • Look for vehicles or motorcy- drive slowly or enter or turn off the clists in your blind spot. road, use the right lane. • Be sure there is enough room for If there are only two lanes in your your vehicle in the next lane. direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest driving. BICYCLE LANES A bicycle lane is shown by a solid Example of numbered traffic lanes white line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb. The white line will usually be broken near the corner and the words “BIKE LANE” will be painted in the lane. When you are

- 24 - making a right turn and are within Right Wrong 200 feet of the corner or other driveway entrance, you must enter the bike lane for the turn. Do not drive in the bike lane at any other time. You may park in a bike lane unless a “No Parking” sign is posted. Pedestrians are not allowed in bike lanes when sidewalks are available. Drivers of motorized bicycles When passing a bicyclist, pass on should use bike lanes carefully to the left. If you are in a narrow traffic avoid accidents with bicyclists. lane, wait until the traffic clears in the opposite lane before passing a PASSING LANES bicyclist. Do not squeeze past the Before you pass, look ahead for bicyclist. road conditions and traffic that may cause other vehicles to move CARPOOL LANES AND into your lane. ONRAMPS Never drive off the paved or main- A carpool lane is a special freeway traveled portion of the road or on lane only for buses and/or carpools. the shoulder to pass. The edge of You may use a carpool lane or the main-traveled portion of the onramp if your vehicle carries road has a painted white line on the minimum number of people the road’s surface. Passing other required for the carpool lane or vehicles at crossroads, railroad you drive a low-emission vehicle crossings, and shopping center displaying a special DMV-issued entrances is dangerous. decal. Motorcycle riders may use Pass traffic on the left. You may designated carpool lanes, unless pass on the right only when: otherwise posted. • An open highway is clearly Signs at the onramp or along the marked for two or more lanes freeway tell you the minimum of travel in your direction. • The driver ahead of you is turning left and you do not drive off the roadway. Never pass on the left CARPOOL IS if the driver is signaling a left 2 OR MORE PERSONS turn. PER VEHICLE MOTORCYCLES OK

- 25 - number of people required for traffic. Make sure the lane is clear the carpool and the hours the in both directions and then turn only carpool requirement applies. The when it is safe. Look for vehicles pavement in this lane is marked coming toward you in the same with a diamond symbol ( ) and the lane to start their left turn. words “Carpool Lane.” These lanes When turning left from a side street are also known as high-occupancy or driveway, signal and wait until it vehicle (HOV) lanes. Do not cross is safe. Then drive into the center over double parallel solid lines to left turn lane. Enter traffic only enter or exit any carpool lane except when it is safe. at designated entry or exit places. You may drive across a center left Vehicles towing trailers are turn lane. typically not allowed to use carpool lanes because they must drive more TURNOUT AREAS AND slowly and are usually restricted to LANES the right-hand lane. Special “turnout” areas are sometimes marked CENTER LEFT TURN LANES on two-lane roads. Drive A center left turn lane is in the into these areas to allow cars behind middle of a two-way street and you to pass. is marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is Some two-lane roads have passing broken and the outer line is solid. lanes. If you are driving slowly on If a street has a center left turn a two-lane highway or road where lane, you must use it when you passing is unsafe, and five or more turn left (VC §21460.5[c]) or start vehicles are following you, drive a permitted U-turn. You may only into the turnout areas or lanes to drive for 200 feet in the center left let the vehicles pass. turn lane. This lane is not a regular END-OF-LANE MARKINGS traffic lane or a passing lane. To Freeway lanes (as well as some city turn left from this lane, signal and street lanes) which are ending, will drive completely inside the center left turn lane. Do not stop with the back of your vehicle blocking LANE BIKE LANE BIKE

- 26 - usually be marked by large broken hits you from behind, you could be lines painted on the pavement. If pushed into oncoming traffic. you are driving in a lane marked Left turn against a red light on with these broken lines, be prepared a one-way street only. Signal and to exit the freeway or for the lane stop for a red traffic light at the limit to end. Look for a sign that tells line or corner. You may turn left you to exit or merge, etc. into a left-moving one-way street if there is no sign to prohibit the TURNS turn. Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists Left turns. To make a left turn, or other vehicles moving on their drive close to the center divider green light. line or into the left turn lane. Begin Right turns. To make a right turn, signaling about 100 feet before the drive close to the right edge of the turn. Look over your left shoulder road. If there is a bike lane, drive and reduce your speed. Stop behind into the bike lane no more than the limit line. Look left, then right, 200 feet before the turn. Watch then left again and make the turn for bicyclists or motorcyclists who when it is safe. When you turn left, may get between your vehicle and do not turn too soon and “cut the the curb. Begin signaling about corner” of the lane belonging to the 100 feet before the turn. Look over vehicles coming towards you. your right shoulder and reduce your Safety suggestion: While waiting speed. Stop behind the limit line. to turn left, keep your wheels Look both ways and turn when it is pointed straight ahead until it is safe safe. Do not turn wide. Complete to start your turn. If your wheels your turn in the right lane. are pointed to the left and a vehicle Right turn against a red light. Signal and stop for a red traffic light Example of a left turn at the limit line or at the corner.

ER If there is no sign to prohibit the RN CO UT T C turn, you may turn right. Yield O NO D to pedestrians, bicyclists or other vehicles moving on their green light.

Example of a right turn

DO N OT T UR N W

I D

E

- 27 - No turn against a red arrow. You may not turn right or left against 1 a red arrow.

EXAMPLES OF RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS * 2 The numbers on the cars refer to 1 the numbered sentences on these pages. Always use your turn signals. 1. Left turn from a two-way street. Start the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street. Complete the turn in either lane of the cross street (shown by arrows), if safe. Use the center left turn lane if there is one. A left turn may be made from the other lane, if permitted by signs or arrows. 2. Right turn. Begin and end the turn in the lane nearest the right-hand curb. Do not swing wide into another lane of traffic. 7 Watch for bicyclists between your vehicle and the curb. Sometimes, signs or pavement markings will let you turn right from another lane (shown by *). 3. Left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street. Start the turn from the lane closest to the 5 middle of the street. Turn into any lane that is safely open, as 6 shown by the arrows. * 4. Left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street. Start the 5. Left turn from a one-way street turn from the far left lane. Turn into a one-way street. Start the into either of the lanes that is turn from the far left lane. Watch safely open, as shown by the for bicyclists between your arrows.

- 28 - vehicle and the curb because ILLEGAL U-TURNS they can legally use the left turn Never make a U-turn: lane for their left turns. Turn into any lane that is safely open, as • On a divided highway by shown by the arrows. crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double 6. Right turn from a one-way street lines. into a one-way street. Start the turn in the far right lane. If safe, • Where you cannot clearly see 200 you may end the turn in any lane. feet in each direction because of Sometimes, signs or pavement a curve, hill, rain, fog, or other markings will let you turn right reason. from another lane (shown by • Where a “No U-Turn” sign is *). posted. 7. Turn at a “T” intersection from • When other vehicles may hit a one-way street into a two-way you. street. Through traffic has the • On a one-way street. right of way. You may turn either right or left from the center lane. • In front of a fire station. Never Watch for vehicles and bicyclists use a fire station driveway to turn inside your turn. around. • In business districts. Areas LEGAL U-TURNS with churches, apartments, A U-turn is turning around in the multiple dwelling houses, clubs, street to go back the way you came. and public buildings (except To make a U-turn, signal and use schools) are also considered to be the far left lane or the center left turn business districts. Turn only at an lane. You may make a U-turn: intersection or where openings are provided for turns. • Across a double yellow line when it is safe and legal. • In a residential district: - if no vehicle approaching you is closer than 200 feet. - whenever a traffic sign or signal protects you from approaching vehicles. • At an intersection on a green light or green arrow unless a “No U-turn” sign is posted. • On a divided highway only if an opening is provided in the center divider.

- 29 - PARKING Green: Park for a limited time. Look for a sign next to the green PARKING ON A HILL zone or for the time painted on When you park: the curb. • On a sloping driveway, turn the Yellow: Stop no longer than the wheels so the car will not roll time posted to load or unload into the street if the brakes fail. passengers or freight. Drivers • Headed downhill, turn your front of noncommercial vehicles are wheels into the curb or toward the usually required to stay with the side of the road. Set the parking vehicle. brake. Red: No stopping, standing, or • Headed uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb and parking. (Buses may stop at a red let your vehicle roll back a few zone marked for buses.) inches. The back of the front Blue: Parking is wheel should gently touch the permitted only for a curb. Set the parking brake. disabled person who • Headed either uphill or downhill displays a placard or and there is no curb, turn the disabled person or wheels so the car will roll away disabled veteran license plates. from the center of the road if the Disabled people with a placard or brakes fail. special plates may park in special Always set your parking brake areas for unlimited periods of time, and leave the vehicle in gear or the regardless of time restrictions. No “park” position. one else may park there. Qualified persons may apply at any DMV office for a parking placard or special plates. An identification card will be issued to holders of disabled person or disabled veteran license plates.

DOWN HILL UP HILL NO CURB– UP HILL or DOWN HILL

PARKING AT COLORED CURBS Painted colored curbs have the following special parking rules: White: Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail.

- 30 - NOTE: Placard abuse results in which display an identifying loss of special parking privileges. decal. It is also a misdemeanor and is • In a tunnel or on a bridge, except punishable by a fine of up to $1000, where permitted by signs. imprisonment in county jail for up • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant to six months, or both. or a fire station driveway. 1 ILLEGAL PARKING • On or within 7 /2 feet of a railroad Never park or leave your vehicle: track. • Where a “No Parking” sign is • Between a safety zone and the posted. curb. • On a marked or unmarked • “Double parked.” (Parking in crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or in the street when all legal parking front of a driveway. places at the curb are taken.) • Within three feet of a sidewalk • On the wrong side of the street. ramp for disabled persons or • At a red curb. in front of or on a curb which provides wheelchair access to a • On a freeway, except: sidewalk. - in an emergency or • In a disabled person parking - when an officer or device space unless you are disabled requires a stop or and display a placard or special - where a stop is specifically plates. permitted. A vehicle (even • In the space next to a disabled if disabled) that is stopped, person parking space if it is parked, or left standing on painted in a crosshatched pattern. a freeway for more than (VC §22507.8) four hours may be removed. • In a space designated for parking (VC §22651[f]) or fueling zero-emission vehicles NOTE: If you must stop on a highway, park completely off the Example of crosshatched pattern pavement and stay in your vehicle with the doors locked until help arrives. Leave enough space for other vehicles to pass freely. Your car should be visible at least 200 feet in each direction.

SPECIAL PARKING RULES • When you park alongside a curb on a level street, the front and back wheels must be parallel and within 18 inches of the curb. - 31 - Park parallel to the street if there • At least five seconds before is no curb. you change lanes at freeway • Never leave your car until you speeds. have stopped the engine and set • To let other drivers know your the parking brake. plans. • Do not open the driver’s side • Before pulling next to or away doors unless it is safe and you from the curb. do not interfere with traffic. • When you change directions. Look for passing bicyclists and motorcyclists. Do not leave • Even when you don’t see other the door open any longer than vehicles around. A vehicle you necessary. don’t see might hit you. If you plan to turn beyond an SIGNALING intersection, start signaling when you are in the intersection. If you Always signal to other drivers signal too early, the other driver when you plan to turn left, right, may think you plan to turn into the slow down, or stop. Signals may be intersection and he/she may pull given by hand-and-arm positions or out in front of you. by using the vehicles signal lights. If bright sunlight makes the signal Remember to cancel your signal lights hard to see, use hand-and-arm after turning if it doesn’t turn off signals also. by itself. Motorcyclists often use hand signals to make themselves more visible. Bicyclists may give right turn signals with their right arm held straight out, pointing right. Always signal: • Your left or right turn during the last 100 feet before reaching the LEFT RIGHT turning point. Caution—Even TURN TURN though you signal, do not automatically assume that the space you wish to occupy is clear. • Before every lane change. Also, look over your shoulder and check your blind spot before SLOW changing lanes. or STOP

- 32 - ADDITIONAL DRIVING • Do not tow anyone who is riding a bicycle, in a wagon, on roller RULES skates, on a sled, on skis, or on THINGS YOU MUST NOT DO: a toy vehicle. • Do not drive a vehicle so loaded, • Do not litter the roadside. The either with property or people, fine is $1000 and you may be that you cannot control it, see forced to pick up what you threw ahead, or to the sides of your away. Littering convictions vehicle. show on your driving record. • Do not carry anything in or on a • Do not wear a headset over, or passenger vehicle which extends earplugs in, both your ears. beyond the fenders on the left • Do not wear eyeglasses with side or more than six inches temples wide enough to keep beyond the fenders on the right you from seeing clearly to the side. A load extending more than sides. four feet from the back of the vehicle must display a 12-inch • Do not drive a vehicle equipped red or fluorescent orange square with a video monitor if the flag or two red lights at night. monitor is visible to the driver and displays anything other than • Do not allow anyone to ride vehicle information or global on any part of your vehicle not mapping displays. intended for passengers. • Do not honk your horn unless it • Do not allow anyone to ride is a safety warning. in the trunk of your vehicle. Convictions will result in • Do not throw any cigarette, cigar, penalties for both the driver or other flaming or glowing and the person(s) riding in the substance from your vehicle. trunk. • Do not shoot firearms on a • Do not allow a person to ride in highway or at traffic signs. the back of a pickup or other truck • Do not block your view by unless the vehicle is equipped putting signs or other objects with seats and the person uses on the front windshield or the both the seat and a safety belt. back and side windows. Do • Do not transport animals in the not hang objects on the mirror. back of a pickup or other truck Windshield/window stickers, unless the animal is properly etc., are permitted in these secured. locations only: • Do not dump or abandon - A seven-inch square on animals on a highway. This either the passenger’s side crime punishable by a fine of up windshield, lower corner; to $1000, six months in jail, or or the rear window, lower both. corner.

- 33 - - A five-inch square on the • You must use your headlights driver’s side, lower corner. 30 minutes after sunset and leave - Side windows behind the them on until 30 minutes before driver. sunrise. • Do not drive any motor vehicle • You must dim your lights to into a designated wilderness low beams within 500 feet of a area. (VC §38301.5) vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you • Do not drive with tinted safety are following. glass. If you have sun-sensitive skin, you may use removable sun • You must turn on your headlights screens during daylight travel if snow, rain, fog, or low- if you have a letter from your visibility (1000 feet or less) physician. require the use of windshield wipers. • Do not block or hinder a funeral procession. Vehicles taking • You must move your vehicle part in a funeral procession out of the traffic lane (unless have the right of way and it is disabled) when it is safe to if you interfere, obstruct, or do so, if you are involved in an interrupt the funeral procession, accident. Law enforcement may you are subject to a citation. tow or impound your vehicle if (VC §2817) The funeral it is left in an unsafe area and procession is led by a traffic causes safety concerns. officer and all vehicles taking part in the procession have windshield markers to identify them. • Do not ride, or allow a child to ride, a “pocket bike” on a public street or highway. These vehicles are not manufactured or designed for highway use and they do not meet federal safety standards.

THINGS YOU MUST DO: • You must drive as far to the right as reasonably possible on narrow mountain roads, and if you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead, honk your horn.

- 34 - SAFE DRIVING yourself an “out.” Mistakes cause PRACTICES accidents. In the city, 10 to 15 seconds is SCANNING about one block. On the highway, Scanning your surroundings 10 to 15 seconds is about a quarter (keeping your eyes moving) of a mile. includes keeping a safe distance Take in the whole scene. If you around your vehicle. When only look at the middle of the road, another driver makes a mistake, you will miss what is happening on you need time to react. Give the side of the road and behind you. yourself this time by keeping a Scanning helps you to see: “space cushion” on all sides of your vehicle. This space cushion • Cars and people that may be in will give you room to brake or the road by the time you reach them. maneuver if you need it. • Signs warning of problems Know What Is Ahead ahead. To avoid last minute moves, look down the road 10 to 15 seconds • Signs giving you directions. ahead of your vehicle so you can Turn your head before changing see hazards early. Constantly lanes, because your mirrors have staring at the road just in front blind spots. These blind spots can of your car is dangerous. As you hide a motorcyclist or a bicyclist. scan ahead, be alert for vehicles Watch for things about to happen, around you. Use your mirrors. like a ball rolling into the street or Allow enough space between a car door opening. you and the vehicle ahead to give Watch for hazards. Look beyond the car ahead of you. Don’t develop

Where is the green vehicle headed? a “fixed stare.” Keep scanning. Check your rear view mirrors every two to five seconds so you know the position of vehicles near you.

The shaded areas are your blind spots.

- 35 - On the freeway, be ready for • Driving on slippery roads. changes in traffic conditions. • Following motorcyclists on wet Watch for signals from other or icy roads, on metal surfaces drivers. Expect merging vehicles (i.e., bridge gratings, railroad at onramps and interchanges. Be tracks, etc.), and on gravel. prepared for rapid changes in road Motorcyclists can fall more often conditions and traffic flow. Know on these surfaces. which lanes are clear so you can • The driver behind you wants to use them if you need to. pass. Allow room in front of your Don’t be a tailgater! Many drivers car so the driver will have space to move into. don’t see as far ahead as they should because they follow too closely • Towing a trailer or carrying a (tailgate), and the vehicle ahead heavy load. The extra weight makes it harder to stop. blocks their view. The more space you allow between • Following large vehicles that block your view ahead. The extra your car and the car ahead, the more space allows you to see around time you will have to see a hazard the vehicle. and the more time you will have to • You see a bus, school bus, or stop or avoid that hazard. a placarded vehicle at railroad Most rear end accidents are caused crossings. These vehicles must by tailgating. To avoid tailgating, stop at railroad crossings so slow use the “three-second rule.” When down early and allow plenty of the vehicle ahead of you passes a room. certain point such as a sign, count • Merging on a freeway. “one-thousand-one, one-thousand- If you follow too closely and two, one-thousand-three.” This another driver “cuts” in front of takes about three seconds. If you you, just take your foot off the gas. pass the same point before you This gives you space between your finish counting, you are following car and the other driver without too closely. having to slam on your brakes or You should allow a four-second or swerve into another lane. more cushion when: • Being crowded by a tailgater. KNOW WHAT IS AT YOUR SIDE Allow extra room ahead. Then, if Any time you come to a place you need to, you can slow down where people may cross or enter gradually and avoid braking your path or one line of traffic suddenly—and being hit from meets another, you should look behind by the tailgater! to the left and right sides of your

- 36 - vehicle to make sure no one is • Keep a space between yourself coming. Always look to each side and parked cars. Someone may at intersections, crosswalks, and step out from between them. A railroad crossings. car door may open or a car may pull out suddenly. At intersections: • Be careful when riding near • Look both ways even if other bicyclists. Always leave plenty traffic has a red light or a stop of room between your vehicle sign: and any bicyclist. - look to the left first, since cars coming from the left are closer Know What Is Behind You to you. It is very important to check behind you before: - look to the right. • Changing lanes. Be sure you are - take one more look to the left not getting in the way of vehicles in case there is someone you in the lane you want to enter. didn’t see the first time. • Slowing down quickly. Take a • Don’t rely on traffic signals. quick glance in your mirrors. Some drivers do not obey traffic Also check your mirrors when signals so before you enter an you are preparing to turn into a intersection, look left, right, and side road or driveway, and when ahead for approaching traffic. you are stopping to pull into a To maintain a space cushion on parking space. each side of your vehicle: • Driving down a long or steep • Don’t stay in another driver’s hill. On long, steep downgrades, blind spot. The other driver may watch for large vehicles. They not see your car and could change can gather speed very quickly. lanes and hit you. • Backing up. Backing up is always • Avoid driving alongside other dangerous because it is hard to vehicles on multilane streets. see behind your vehicle. When Another driver may crowd your you back up or back out of a lane or change lanes without parking space: looking and crash into you. Drive - check in front and behind the either ahead of or in back of the car before you get in. other vehicle. - if children are nearby, make • If possible, make room for sure you can see them before vehicles entering freeways even backing up. though you have the right-of- way. - know where your kids are. Make sure they are away from • At freeway exits, don’t drive your vehicle and in full view alongside other cars. A driver before moving your car. may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back on. - 37 - INSURANCEFor FREE help with questions or problems...

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A service of the California Department of Insurance - turn and look over your right Adjust Seat And Mirrors shoulder while backing. As a Adjust your seat before you put on safety measure, also look over your seat belt. You should sit high your left shoulder before you enough to see the road. If you still begin backing. can’t see, use a seat cushion. - do not depend only on your Adjust your rear and side mirrors mirrors or only looking out a side window. before you start driving. If your vehicle has a day/night mirror, learn - back slowly to avoid how to use it. The night setting accidents. reduces the headlight glare from Check traffic behind you often to the cars behind you and helps you know if you are being tailgated see better. (another driver is following too How Well Can You Stop? closely). If you are being tailgated, If something is in your path, you be careful! Brake slowly before need to see it in time to stop, stopping. Tap your brake lightly a assuming you have good tires, good few times to warn the tailgater you brakes, and dry pavement: are slowing down. • At 55 mph, it takes about 400 “Lose” the tailgater as soon as you feet to react and bring the car to can by changing lanes or slowing a complete stop. down enough to encourage the • At 35 mph, it takes about 210 tailgater to go around you. If this feet to react and bring the car to does not work, pull off the road a complete stop. when it is safe and let the tailgater Adjust your driving speed to the pass. weather and road conditions (basic Clean Windows And Mirrors speed law). (See page 20.) Turn on Keep your windshield and side your lights during the day if it is windows clean inside and out. hard to see or you can’t see at least Bright sun or headlights on a dirty 1000 feet ahead. window make it hard to see out. Clear ice, frost, or dew from all DRIVING IN THE FOG windows before you drive. The best advice for driving in the Make sure you can see and be seen. fog is DON’T. You should consider If you drive in rain or snow, you postponing your trip until the fog may have to stop sometimes to wipe clears. However, if you must drive, mud or snow off your windshield, then drive slowly and use your low headlights, and taillights. beam headlights. The light from high beams will reflect back and cause glare.

- 40 - Never drive with just your • Look toward the right edge of parking or fog lights. your lane. Increase your following distance • Watch the oncoming car out of and be prepared to stop within the the corner of your eye. space you can see ahead. Avoid • Do not try to “get back” at the crossing or passing lanes of traffic other driver by keeping your unless absolutely necessary. Listen bright lights on. If you do, both for traffic you cannot see. Use your of you may be blinded. wipers and defroster as necessary When you drive at night, for best vision. remember: If the fog becomes so thick that you • Motorcycles are harder to see at can barely see, pull completely off night because most have only one the road. Do not continue driving taillight. until you can see better. Turn off • More highway construction takes your lights or someone may see place at night. Reduce your speed your taillights and drive into you. in highway construction zones. • When you leave a brightly lit DRIVING IN DARKNESS place, drive slowly until your Drive more slowly at night because eyes adjust to the darkness. you cannot see as far ahead and you have less time to stop for a • Drive as far to the right as hazard. Make sure you can stop possible when a vehicle with one light drives towards you. It could within the distance lighted by your be a bicyclist or motorcyclist, but headlights. it could also be a vehicle with a Use your low beam headlights at missing headlight. night when it rains. Don’t drive with only your parking lights DRIVING IN RAIN OR SNOW on. Many road pavements are the most slippery when it first starts to rain or Use your high beams whenever snow because oil and dust have not possible as long as it is not illegal yet been washed away. Slow down (i.e., in open country or on dark city at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or streets). Do not blind other drivers snow on the road. Turn on your with your high beam headlights. windshield wipers, headlights, and Dim your lights when necessary. defroster. If another driver does not dim his/her lights: In a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, you may not be able to see more • Don’t look directly into oncom- ing headlights. than 100 feet ahead. When you can’t see any farther than that, you cannot safely drive faster than 30

- 41 - mph. You may have to stop from • On narrow mountain roads, time to time to wipe mud or snow where you cannot see at least off your windshield, headlights, 200 feet ahead. and taillights. Don’t Use Your Horn If you drive in snowy areas, carry • If a driver is going slowly, and the correct number of chains and be you want him or her to drive sure they will fit your drive wheels. faster. The driver may be ill, Learn how to put the chains on lost, or having problems with the vehicle. before you need to use them. • If slowing or stopping your car DRIVING IN HILL COUNTRY will prevent an accident. It’s safer You never know what is on the to use the brakes than honk the other side of a steep hill or a sharp horn. curve. When you come to a hill or • To show other drivers that they curve, slow down so you can stop made a mistake. Your honking for any hazard. You must be going may cause them to make more slowly enough to stop. mistakes. Any time your view is blocked by a • Because you are angry or hill or a curve, you should assume upset. there is another vehicle ahead. Only Use Your Headlights pass if a hill or curve is at least • When it is cloudy, raining, one-third of a mile away because snowing, or foggy. If weather you need at least that much room conditions require you to use to pass safely. your windshield wipers, you must turn on your headlights. Do not drive on the left side of the road when coming to a curve or • On frosty mornings when other top of a hill because you can’t see drivers’ windows may be icy or far enough ahead to know if it is “fogged.” safe to pass. • Any time you have trouble seeing other cars. Other drivers will be HORN, HEADLIGHTS, AND having trouble seeing you, too. EMERGENCY SIGNALS • On small country or mountain Use Your Horn roads, even on sunny days. This • When necessary to avoid helps other drivers see you and accidents. Don’t honk at other may help you avoid a head-on times. crash. • To try to get “eye contact” with • When necessary to get another other drivers. Tap your horn to driver’s attention. alert another driver who might turn in front of you.

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

- 43 - Problem Drivers MERGING IN AND OUT OF Allow a space cushion for drivers TRAFFIC who may be potentially dangerous. Whenever you enter traffic, signal Persons who present dangers are: and be sure you have enough room • Drivers who cannot see you to enter safely. You have to share because their view is blocked by space with traffic already on the buildings, trees, or other cars road and you must know how • Drivers backing out of driveways much space you need to merge with or parking spaces with windows traffic, to cross or enter traffic, and covered by snow or ice to exit out of traffic. • Drivers who pass you when Space To Merge there is a curve or oncoming car Enter the freeway at or near the ahead. speed of traffic. (Remember that • Drivers about to be forced the maximum speed allowed is into your lane by a vehicle, 65 mph on most freeways.) Do a pedestrian, a bicyclist, an not stop before merging with obstruction, or fewer lanes freeway traffic unless absolutely ahead. necessary. Freeway traffic has the • Pedestrians with umbrellas in right of way. front of their faces or hats pulled down over their eyes. Any time you merge, you need a gap of at least four seconds. • Distracted people such as: However, this gives both you and - delivery persons. the other vehicle only a two-second - construction workers. following distance. - children, who often run into the • Don’t try to squeeze into a gap street without looking. that is too small. Leave yourself a big enough space cushion. - drivers talking on cellular telephones or to their • Watch for vehicles around you. passengers. Use your mirrors and turn signals. Turn your head to look quickly to - drivers taking care of children, or the side before changing lanes. looking at maps while driving. Leave three seconds of space • Confused people such as: between you and the vehicle - tourists, often at complicated ahead. Make sure you can stop intersections. safely if you must. - drivers who are looking for • If you need to cross several a house number or who slow freeway lanes, cross them one at down for no apparent reason. a time. If you wait until all lanes are clear, you may cause traffic delays or an accident.

- 44 - Space To Cross Or Enter • Change lanes one at a time until Whenever you cross or enter city you are in the proper lane to exit or highway traffic from a full stop, the freeway. you will need a large enough gap • Signal your intention to exit— (from cars approaching in either approximately five seconds. direction) to get up to the speed • Be sure you are at the proper of other vehicles. You need a gap speed for leaving the traffic that is about: lane—not too fast (so you won’t • Half a block on city streets. lose control) and not too slow (so the flow of traffic can still move • A full block on the highway. freely). If you are crossing lanes or turning, make sure there are no cars or PASSING OTHER TRAFFIC people blocking the path ahead or Space To Pass to the sides. You don’t want to be Always signal before passing. caught in an intersection with traffic Don’t pull out to pass unless you coming at you. know you have enough space to Even if you have the green light, return. do not start across if there are cars Avoid passing other vehicles, blocking your way. including motorcycles and bicycles, Don’t start a turn just because an on two-lane roads. It is dangerous. approaching vehicle has its turn Every time you pass, you increase signal on. The driver may plan to your chances of having an accident. turn just beyond you. The signal Be patient when passing a bicyclist. may have been left on from an Slow down and pass only when it is earlier turn. This is particularly safe. Do not squeeze the bicyclist true of motorcycles. Their signal off the road. lights don’t always turn off by At highway speeds of 50 to 55 themselves. Wait until the other mph, you need a 10 to 12 second driver actually starts to turn before gap in oncoming traffic to pass you continue. safely. At 55 mph, you will travel Space To Exit over 800 feet in 10 to 12 seconds. When you plan to exit the freeway, So will an oncoming vehicle. That give yourself plenty of time. You means you need over 1600 feet (or should know the freeway exit you about one-third of a mile) to pass want as well as the one that comes safely. It is hard to judge the speed before it. To exit safely: of oncoming vehicles one-third of a mile away.

- 45 - You must judge whether or not driver will be given the ticket if a you have enough room to pass passenger, younger than 16, is not whenever you approach: wearing his/her seat belt. • An oncoming car. Always use your seat belts • A hill or a curve. (including the shoulder harness) if • An intersection. your vehicle is equipped with them and even if the vehicle is equipped • A road obstruction. with air bags. If you wear only a lap Vehicles don’t seem to be coming belt when driving, your chances of as fast as they really are. A vehicle living through an accident are twice that is far enough away generally as good as someone who doesn’t appears to be standing still. In fact, wear a lap belt. If you wear a lap if you can really see it moving closer and shoulder belt, your chances are to you, it is probably too close for three to four times better. you to start to pass. Pregnant women should wear the Space To Return lap belt as low as possible under Before you return to your driving the abdomen and the shoulder strap lane, be sure you aren’t dangerously between the breasts and to the side close to the car you have just passed. of the abdomen’s bulge. One way to do this is to look for the WARNING: Using seat belts car in your inside rear view mirror. reduces the chance of being thrown When you can see both headlights from your vehicle in case of an in your rear view mirror, you have accident. If you don’t install and enough room to return to your use a shoulder harness with the driving lane. Don’t count on having seat (lap) belt, serious or fatal enough time to pass several cars at injuries may happen in some once. Also, don’t count on other crashes. Lap-only belts increase drivers making room for you. the chance of spinal column and abdominal injuries—especially in SEAT BELTS children. Shoulder harnesses may Seat belts, both the lap belt and be available for your vehicle, if it is shoulder harness, must be in good not already equipped with them. working order. You may not operate your vehicle unless you and all your passengers 16 years of age or over, or who weigh 60 lbs. or more, are wearing seat belts. If seat belts are not worn, you may be given a traffic ticket. Also, the

- 46 - MISTAKEN BELIEFS ABOUT SEAT times as good if you stay inside BELTS the car. A seat belt can keep you Safety belts can reduce injuries and from being thrown into the path of another car. deaths. Many studies and actual crash tests have proven this. Have • “I’m only going to the store. My you heard these stories? little brother or sister doesn’t need a child’s car seat, anyway. It’s too • “Seat belts can trap you inside a much hassle.” Car accidents are car.” It actually takes less than the No. 1 preventable cause of a second to take off a seat belt. death for children. Buckle them This scare tactic often describes up in an approved safety seat. It’s a car that caught fire or sank in worth it, and the law requires that deep water. A seat belt may keep you do. you from being “knocked out.” Your chance to escape is better The pictures illustrate what can if you are conscious. happen in an accident. Your car • “Seat belts are good on long stops, but you keep on going at trips, but I don’t need them if the same speed you were traveling I’m driving around town.” Half until you hit the dashboard or of all traffic deaths happen within windshield. At 30 mph this is like 25 miles of home. Don’t take hitting the ground from the top of chances with your life or the a three-story building. lives of your passengers. Buckle If you were struck from the side, up every time you drive. the impact could push you back • “Some people are thrown clear and forth across the seat. Belts and in a crash and walk away with straps keep you in a better position hardly a scratch.” Your chances of surviving an accident are five to control the car. CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND SAFETY SEATS Any child under the age of six weighing less than 60 pounds must be secured in a federally approved child passenger restraint system and ride in the back seat of a vehicle. A child under the age of six weighing less than 60 pounds may ride in the front seat of a vehicle when:

- 47 - • There is no rear seat or the rear cannot safely sit 10 inches away seats are either side-facing jump from the air bag, contact your seats or rear-facing seats. vehicle dealer or manufacturer for • The child passenger restraint advice about additional ways of system cannot be installed moving back from your air bag. properly in the rear seat. Passengers should also sit at least • All rear seats are already occupied 10 inches away from the passenger- by children under the age of 12 side air bag. years. • A medical reason requires the SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGS child to ride in the front seat. Side-impact air bags can provide extra safety benefits to adults in A child may not ride in the front side-impact crashes. However, seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle children who are seated next to if the child: a side air bag may be at risk of • Is under one year of age. serious or fatal injury. Since there • Weighs less than 20 pounds. are differences in the design and • Is riding in a rear-facing child performance of side air bags, passenger restraint system. you should consider the benefits and risks associated with the use Children ages six and older, but of side air bags if you transport less than 16, and children under children. Studies have shown that age six who weigh more than 60 children who are leaning against pounds, must be properly secured a side air bag when it inflates are in an appropriate child passenger at risk of serious injury. These restraint system or safety belt which studies also show that children meets federal safety standards. who are traveling in an age- RIDING SAFELY WITH AIR and weight-appropriate, and BAGS correctly installed child restraint Most people can take steps to system, are not at risk of serious eliminate or reduce risk without injury. These children are usually turning off air bags. The biggest not in the path of a side air bag risk is being too close to the air when it inflates. bag. An air bag needs about 10 inches of space to inflate. Ride at least 10 inches (measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone) from the air bag cover if you can do this while maintaining full control of the vehicle. If you

- 48 - UNATTENDED CHILDREN IN MOTOR VEHICLES It is illegal to leave a child six years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle when: • There are conditions that present a significant risk to the child’s health or safety. Example: Leaving a child in a closed car on a very hot day. • The vehicle’s engine is running, the keys are in the ignition, or both. Children can start or move the car causing injuries and/or deaths to themselves or others. Exception: The child may be left under the supervision of a person 12 years of age or older. The court may fine violators and require the person to attend a community education program. Also, the penalties for leaving an unattended child in a vehicle are more severe if the child is injured, requires emergency medical services, or dies.

- 49 - SHARING THE ROAD signals before you start to pass. WITH OTHER VEHICLES If you think the truck is turning left—wait a second and check the LARGE TRUCKS AND RVS turn signals again. The driver may To reduce the chance of having actually be turning right. an accident with a large truck or Trucker’s Blind Spots—The “No RV, you must be familiar with a Zone” big rig’s physical capabilities and Passenger vehicle drivers how they maneuver. incorrectly assume that a trucker Braking can see the road better because he Large trucks take longer to stop or she is higher off the road. While than a car traveling at the same truckers do have a better forward speed. The average passenger view and bigger mirrors, they still vehicle traveling at 55 mph can have serious blind spots and your stop in about 400 feet. However, vehicle can get lost in those blind a large truck traveling at the same spots. You block the trucker’s speed can take almost 800 feet to ability to take evasive action to stop. Don’t move in front of a large avoid a dangerous situation if you truck and suddenly slow down or stay in those blind spots. Generally stop. The trucker will not be able speaking, if you can’t see the truck to stop quickly enough to avoid driver in his or her side mirror, he crashing into you. or she can’t see you. These blind Turning spots are often called the “NO ZONE.” When any vehicle makes a turn, the rear wheels follow a shorter Maneuverability path than the front wheels. The Trucks are designed to transport longer the vehicle, the greater the products and they are not as difference. This is why big rig maneuverable as passenger drivers must often swing wide to vehicles. Large trucks have longer complete a right turn. When you stopping and starting distances. follow a big rig, look at its turn They take more space for turns and they weigh more. On multilane highways and freeways, large trucks usually stay in the center portion of the lane to help the flow of traffic. This also increases the trucker’s options in case he or she must change lanes to avoid a hazard.

Shaded areas are the driver’s blind spots.

- 50 - Avoid these mistakes when driving Do not turn in front of light rail vehicles around large trucks. • Cutting off a truck in traffic or on the highway to reach an exit or turn. Cutting into the open space in front of a YES NO truck is dangerous. Trying to beat a truck through a single- lane construction zone, for example, removes the truck driver’s cushion of safety and places you in danger. Slow down and take your turn entering the construction zone. Don’t speed up to pass a truck so you can exit • Following too closely or the roadway. Take a moment tailgating. When you follow so to slow down and exit behind closely behind a truck that you a truck—it will only take you a cannot see the truck driver’s few extra seconds. side view mirrors, the trucker has no way of knowing you are • Don’t linger alongside a truck there. Tailgating a truck, or any when passing. Always pass vehicle, is dangerous because a large truck on the left side you take away your own cushion and after you pass the truck, of safety. Where will you go move ahead of it. Don’t linger, when the vehicle in front of you because if you do you make it stops quickly? very difficult, if not impossible, for the trucker to take evasive • Never underestimate the size action if an obstacle appears in and speed of an approaching the road ahead. tractor-trailer. A large tractor- trailer often appears to be Safety Zones are marked by dotted white lines traveling at a slower speed because of its large size. Many passenger vehicle vs. large truck accidents take place at intersections because the passenger vehicle driver did not realize how close the truck was or how quickly it was traveling.

- 51 - BUSES, STREETCARS, AND Safely share the road with light rail TROLLEYS vehicles by: Do not drive through a safety • Being aware of where light rail zone, which is a space set aside for vehicles operate. Buildings, pedestrians and marked by raised trees, etc., cause blind spots for the trolley operator. buttons or markers on a roadway. • Never turning in front of an When people are boarding or approaching light rail vehicle. leaving a streetcar or trolley where there is no safety zone, stop behind • Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle’s nearest door or vehicle the light rail vehicle if it shares a street with vehicular traffic. platform and wait until the people have reached a safe place. • Looking for approaching light rail vehicles before you turn When a bus, streetcar, or trolley across the tracks. Complete your is stopped at a safety zone or at turn only if a signal (if installed) an intersection where traffic is indicates you may proceed. controlled by a police officer or NOTE: Light rail vehicles can traffic signal, you may pass, as interrupt traffic signals, so do long as it is safe to do so, and at not proceed until the signal light no more than 10 mph. indicates you may. Do not overtake and pass any light rail vehicle or streetcar on the EMERGENCY VEHICLES left side, whether it is moving or You must yield the right of way standing. Exceptions: to any police car, fire engine, • When you are on a one-way ambulance, or other emergency street. vehicle using a siren and red lights. • When the tracks are so close to Drive as close to the right edge the right side that you cannot of the road as possible and stop pass on the right. until the emergency vehicle(s) has passed. However, never stop • When a traffic officer directs you to pass on the left. in an intersection. If you are in an intersection when you see LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES an emergency vehicle, continue Light rail vehicles have the same rights and responsibilities on Yield to emergency vehicles. public roadways as other vehicles. Although everyone must follow the same traffic laws, light rail vehicles, because of their size, require exceptional handling ability.

- 52 - through the intersection and then drive to the right as soon as you can and stop. Emergency vehicles often use the wrong side of the street to continue on their way. They sometimes use a loud speaker to talk to drivers blocking their path. Also, be aware that large trucks You must obey any traffic direction, and small, underpowered cars lose order, or signal by a traffic or police speed on long or steep hills and they officer or a fire fighter even if take longer to get up to speed when it conflicts with existing signs, entering traffic. signals, or laws. Certain other types of slow- It is against the law to follow moving motorized vehicles (such within 300 feet of any emergency as wheelchairs, scooters and golf vehicle which is answering an carts) may legally operate on emergency call. public roads. Adjust your speed If you drive for sight-seeing accordingly. purposes to the scene of a fire, accident, or other disaster you ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES may be arrested. Casual observers Horse-drawn vehicles and riders of interfere with the essential services horses or other animals are entitled of police, fire fighter, ambulance to share the road with you. It is a crews, or other rescue or emergency traffic offense to scare horses or personnel. stampede livestock. Slow down or stop, if necessary, or when SLOW MOVING VEHICLES requested to do so by the riders Some vehicles are not designed or herders. to keep up with the speed of traffic. Look for these vehicles MOTORCYCLES and adjust your speed before you Motorcyclists have the same rights reach them. and responsibilities as automobile drivers. While everyone must Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts, follow the same traffic laws, and road maintenance vehicles motorcyclists face unusual dangers usually travel 25 mph or less. Slow- because motorcycles are hard to moving vehicles have an orange see (many motorcycles keep their triangle on the back. It looks like headlight on, even during daylight the sign in the picture. hours) and they require exceptional handling ability.

- 53 - Follow these rules to respect the BICYCLES right-of-way and safely share the Bicyclists on public streets have road with motorcyclists: the same rights and responsibilities • When you change lanes or enter as automobile drivers. Respect the a major thoroughfare, make a vi- right-of-way of bicyclists because sual check for motorcycles. Also they are entitled to share the road use your mirrors. Motorcycles with other drivers. Here are some are small and they can easily critical points for drivers and disappear into a vehicle’s blind spots. cyclists to remember: • Bicyclists: • Allow a four-second following distance. You will need this space - must ride in the same direction to avoid hitting the motorcyclist as other traffic, not against if he or she falls. it. • Allow the motorcycle a full lane - must ride in a straight line as width. Although it is not illegal near to the right curb or edge of to share lanes with motorcycles, the roadway as practical—not it is unsafe. on the sidewalk. • When you make a turn, check - must make left and right turns for motorcyclists and know their in the same way that drivers do, speed before turning. using the same turn lanes. • Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances Turns for bicyclists to you pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pave- ment seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement can cause motorcyclists to change speed or direction suddenly. If you are aware of the effect of these conditions and drive with care and attention, you can help Intersections with special lanes reduce motorcyclist injuries and fatalities.

- 54 - - may legally move left to Here are some suggestion for turn left, to pass a parked helping pedestrians who are or moving vehicle, another blind: bicycle, an animal, or to make • Don’t stop your car more than a turn, avoid debris, or other five feet from the crosswalk. hazards. The blind pedestrian uses the - may choose to ride near the sound of your engine as a guide, left curb or edge of a one-way so drive up to the crosswalk to street. allow the person to hear you. - may use a left turn lane. If the • Don’t give the blind pedestrian bicyclist is traveling straight verbal directions. The blind ahead, he or she should use a pedestrian listens to all traffic through traffic lane rather than sounds before deciding to cross ride next to the curb and block the street. traffic making right turns. • Don’t wait too long for the - are lawfully permitted to blind pedestrian to cross the ride on certain sections of street. If the person takes a step freeways, when signs are back and pulls in his or her cane, posted. Be careful when that’s a definite sign that you approaching or passing a should go. bicyclist on a freeway. • Don’t turn right on red without • Drivers must: looking first. Look for any - look carefully for bicyclists pedestrian or other traffic first before opening doors next before starting your turn. to moving traffic or before • Stop at all crosswalks where turning right. pedestrians are waiting. - safely merge toward the curb • Don’t stop in the middle of a or into the bike lane. crosswalk. This forces the blind - not overtake a bicyclist just pedestrian to go around your car before making a right turn. and into traffic outside of the Merge first, then turn. crosswalk. • Don’t block any sidewalk. PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE • Don’t honk your horn at a BLIND blind person. The blind person Pedestrians using guide dogs or has no idea who you are honking white canes with or without a red at and may be scared by the tip must be given the right of way noise. at all times. These pedestrians are partially or totally blind, so be especially careful when turning corners or backing up.

- 55 - ROAD WORKERS & DOUBLE FINE ZONES WORK ZONES Due to increased accidents, Pay more attention where road injuries, and fatalities, certain work is being performed. Signs roads are designated as “Safety and message boards warn you of Enhanced-Double Fine Zones.” workers, slow moving equipment, Fines are doubled in these areas and closed lanes ahead. Cones and/ and also in highway construction or or drums will direct you to open maintenance zones when workers lanes. Merge as soon as possible are present. (VC §42010) without crossing the cones or MOVE OVER & SLOW DOWN drums. Reduce your speed and be Effective January 1, 2007, drivers prepared to slow down or stop for are required to Move Over and highway equipment. Slow Down when approaching The most common cause of motor- a roadside emergency along a ist deaths and injuries in work zones state highway is rear-end colli- or freeway. The sions. For your law is designed own safety and to reduce the the safety of deaths of police your passen- officers, tow- gers, remember truck drivers, to slow down, paramedics and other emergency allow extra fol- personnel who are aiding stranded lowing room, motorists. Use caution if lane merge early, expect sudden slow- changes are required. ing or stopping, watch for drivers changing lanes at the last minute, VEHICLES WITH HAZARDOUS and do not use your telephone while LOADS in the Cone Zone. Diamond shaped signs mean that Keep your eyes on the road and the load on the truck is potentially vehicles ahead. Do not stop dangerous (gas, explosives, etc.). to watch the road work. Obey (See page 81.) CHP or fire depart- special signs or instructions from ment officers know what to do if workers. the load is accidentally spilled. Vehicles which display these signs, It’s for your own safety and the are required to stop before crossing safety of road workers that you railroad tracks. drive carefully through highway Hazardous Loads Placards work zones. Remember to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

- 56 - AVOID HIGHWAY • Use your horn for emergencies only. GRIDLOCK Prevent a potentially violent DEALING WITH TRAFFIC incident by: CONGESTION • Avoiding eye contact with an Small changes in your driving angry driver. habits can help relieve chronic • Giving an angry driver plenty of traffic congestion, according to space. the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). CELLULAR TELEPHONES Avoid these driving behaviors: Cellular telephones can be a lifesaver in an emergency. In non- • Rubbernecking—slowing down to look at accidents or emergency situations, they can be a virtually anything else out of the great tool if used properly. Use your ordinary. cellular telephone in the following safe and responsible ways: • Tailgating—following too closely. • Drive to the side of the road to use your cellular telephone. • Unnecessary lane changes— weaving in and out of freeway • Use hands-free devices. lanes. • Have your phone within easy • Inattention—eating, grooming in reach. the rearview mirror, talking on • Don’t use the telephone during a cellular telephone, and reading hazardous conditions. the newspaper, etc. • Pay attention to the road. • Poorly maintained vehicles— • Be sensible about dialing. vehicles malfunctioning or stalling on freeways or running • Don’t engage in distracting out of fuel. conversations. • Use your phone to call for DEALING WITH ROAD RAGE help. Road rage happens when one driver reacts angrily to another driver. NOTE: Beginning July 1, 2008, Some suggestions for avoiding road with certain exceptions, you rage situations are: may not use a cellular telephone while driving unless hands-free • Don’t cut off other drivers. equipment is used. • Don’t drive slowly in the left (fast) lane. • Don’t tailgate. • Don’t make gestures to other drivers.

- 57 - ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE Water On The Road Keep Your Car Visible Slow down when there is a lot of The driver’s blind spots are shown water on the road. In a heavy rain on page 35. You cannot see vehicles at about 50 mph, your tires can lose in these blind spots if you only look all contact with the road and then in your mirrors. Turn your head your vehicle will be riding on water to see if a car is in one of these or “hydroplaning.” A slight change blind spots. Drive through another of direction or a gust of wind could driver’s blind spot as quickly as you throw your vehicle into a skid. If can or drop back. your vehicle starts to hydroplane, What Is The Road Like slow down gradually—don’t apply The faster your speed, the less the brakes. control you have of your car. Slippery Roads Rather than driving at the legal Slow down at the first sign of posted speed limit, consider what rain. This is when many roads are else may affect the safe operation the most slippery because oil and of your car. For example, should dust have not been washed away. you drive 35 mph (the posted A slippery road will not give your speed limit) on a curve down tires the grip they need. Drive an icy mountain road? Many more slowly than you would on inexperienced drivers do not adjust a dry road. Adjust your speed as their driving speed for each road’s follows: conditions. That is one reason why • Wet road—go five to ten miles inexperienced drivers have more slower. “out-of-control” accidents than • Packed snow—reduce your experienced drivers. speed by half. Curves • Ice—slow to a crawl. On curves, there is a strong outward Some road surfaces are more pull on your vehicle especially slippery than others when wet and when the road is slippery. Rain, usually have warning signs. Here mud, snow, or gravel make the are some clues to help you spot road slippery. If a speed limit is slippery roads: not posted before a curve, you • On cold, wet days, shade from must judge how sharp the curve trees or buildings can hide spots is and change your speed. Slow of ice. These areas freeze first down before you enter the curve. and dry out last. Braking on a curve may cause you • Bridges and overpasses tend to skid. to freeze before the rest of the road does. They can hide spots of ice. - 58 - • If it starts to rain on a hot day, the Driving slower than other cars or pavement can be very slippery stopping all of a sudden can be for the first several minutes. Heat just as bad as speeding. It tends causes oil in the asphalt to come to make cars bunch up behind to the surface. The oil makes the you and it could cause a rear-end road slippery until it is washed crash. If many cars are passing off. you, move into the right lane and Driving In Heavy Traffic let them pass. Drive slower in heavy traffic so you can stop in the distance you have. HANDLING EMERGENCIES Skids On Slippery Surfaces As a general rule, drive more A road that is normally safe can slowly: become dangerous when it’s • In shopping centers, parking lots, slippery. Ice and packed snow and downtown areas. on the road can cause your car to • On roads with heavy traffic. skid, especially if you are driving • When you see brake lights too fast or going downhill. If you coming on several vehicles ahead start to skid: of you. • ease off the gas pedal, • Over narrow bridges and through • stop braking, and tunnels. • turn the steering wheel in the • Through toll plazas. direction of the skid. • Near schools, playgrounds, and If you can’t control your car on in residential areas. a slippery surface, try to find Traffic Speeds something to stop you. Try to get Accidents are more likely to a wheel on dry pavement or on the happen when one driver goes shoulder of the road. You may have faster or slower than other cars on to edge slowly into a snow bank or the road. some bushes to stop. If you drive faster than other traffic, To prevent skidding on slippery you will have to keep passing other surfaces: cars. Each time you pass another • Drive more slowly and stay car, there is more risk of an accident. farther behind the vehicle True, it may not be a big risk, but ahead. if you are passing one car after • Slow down as you approach another, the risks begin to add up. curves and intersections. Studies have shown that speeding • Avoid fast turns. does not save more than a few minutes in an hour’s driving. • Avoid quick stops. “Pump” the brakes to slow or stop. (Do not

- 59 - pump antilock brakes.) Causes Of Accidents • Shift to low gear before going The most common causes of down a steep hill. accidents are: • Avoid especially slippery areas, • Unsafe speed such as ice patches, wet leaves, • Driving on the wrong side of the oil, or deep puddles. road If the brakes get wet, dry them by • Improper turns lightly pressing the gas pedal and • Violating the right-of-way brake pedal at the same time so that rules the car drives against the pressure • Violating stop signals and of the brakes. Do this only until the signs brakes dry. Acceleration Skids ACCIDENTS An acceleration skid usually If you see a vehicle’s hazard lights happens when the drive wheels ahead, slow down. There may be an lose traction on the road surface. accident or other road emergency To maintain control of the vehicle, ahead. Stop and give assistance if do not apply the brakes. Ease off asked, or pass very carefully. the gas pedal and straighten the Avoid driving near accidents, if front wheels as the vehicle begins you can. Those injured will be to straighten out. helped faster if other vehicles aren’t Locked Wheel Skids blocking the road. If you must drive This type of skid is usually caused near an accident, don’t slow down by braking too hard at a high rate of or stop just to look. You may cause speed and locking the wheels. The another crash. Drive by carefully, vehicle will skid no matter which watching for people in the road. way the steering wheel is turned. It is against the law to follow closely Take your foot off the brake to behind any fire engine, police car, unlock the wheels. Then straighten ambulance, or other emergency the front wheels as the vehicle vehicle with a siren or flashing begins to straighten out. Slow the lights. vehicle gradually until you are at a Never drive to the scene of an safe speed to continue driving. accident, fire, or other disaster Steering Wheel Locking Device to look. You may be arrested for Never turn your vehicle’s ignition doing this. You may also block the to the “lock” position while it is way for police, fire fighters, and still in motion or the steering will ambulances. lock and you will lose control of Obey any order from a police your vehicle. officer or fire fighter even if you

- 60 - need to ignore normal traffic laws if your parked vehicle rolls away or signs. and hits another vehicle. Involved In An Accident • Call the nearest humane society If you are involved in an or call the police or CHP, if you accident: kill or injure an animal. Do not try to move an injured animal or • You must stop. Someone could leave an injured animal to die. be injured and need your help. If you don’t stop, you may be convicted of “hit and run” and ACTIONS THAT RESULT could be severely punished. IN LOSS OF LICENSE • Call 9-1-1, if anyone is hurt. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Move your vehicle out of the California’s Compulsory Financial traffic lane, if no one is injured or killed. Responsibility Law requires every driver and every owner of a motor • Show your driver license, vehicle to maintain financial registration card, evidence of responsibility (liability coverage) financial responsibility, and current address to the other driver at all times. There are four forms or persons involved, or to any of financial responsibility: peace officer. • A motor vehicle liability • You (or your insurance agent, insurance policy. broker, or legal representative) • A deposit of $35,000 with must make a written report to the DMV. police or CHP within 24 hours of • A surety bond for $35,000 ob- the accident if someone is killed tained from a company licensed or injured. to do business in California. • You (or your insurance agent, • A DMV issued self-insurance broker, or legal representative) certificate. must make a written report to DMV within 10 days, if required. You must carry written evidence of (See page 62.) financial responsibility whenever • Leave a note with your name you drive and you must show it and address in the car or securely to a peace officer after a citation attached to it if you hit a parked stop or accident. You may have vehicle or other property. Report to pay a fine or have your vehicle the accident to the city police or, impounded if you don’t. in unincorporated areas, to the CHP. • Find the owner and report to authorities as mentioned above,

- 61 - INSURANCE company if you are covered in Insurance Requirements case of an accident. If you have an The law states you must be accident in California, all three of financially responsible for your the following conditions must be actions whenever you drive and met to avoid suspension of your for all motor vehicles you own. driving privilege: Most drivers choose to have a 1. Your liability policy must pro- liability insurance policy as proof vide bodily injury and property of financial responsibility. If you damage coverage which equals have an accident not covered by or exceeds the limits stated above; your insurance or you have no insurance, your driver license will 2. Your insurance company must be suspended. If the driver is not file a power of attorney, allowing identified, the owner of the motor the DMV to act as its agent for legal service in California; and vehicle involved will have his or her driver license suspended. 3. You must have insured the vehicle before you came to The minimum amount your California. You cannot renew insurance* must cover per the out-of-state policy once accident is: the vehicle is registered in • $15,000 for a single death or California. injury. Reporting The Accident • $30,000 for death or injury to When you have an accident, report more than one person. it to DMV within 10 days if: • $5,000 for property damage. • More than $750 in damage was Call 1-800-927-HELP before you done to the property of any purchase insurance to make sure person. your agent/broker and insurer • Anyone was injured (no matter are licensed by the California how slightly) or killed. Department of Insurance. Each driver (or the driver’s If you are visiting California, or insurance agent, broker, or legal have just moved here, be aware representative) must make a report that many out-of-state insurance to DMV using the Report of Traffic companies are not authorized to Accident Occurring in California do business in California. Before form (SR 1). The CHP or police you drive here, ask your insurance will not make this report for you. Call 1-800-777-0133 and ask for * Low cost automobile policies are available in Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Imperial, Kern, the SR 1 or go online at www. Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San dmv.ca.gov. Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Stanislauis counties. Please contact your insurance agent. - 62 - You must make this report: age 18, your parents’ liability • Whether or not you caused the automatically ends. accident and If you are involved in an accident • Even if the accident occurred on you may be liable for civil damages private property. and you may also be fined. Your driving privilege will be DRINKING WHILE DRIVING suspended: Drinking And Driving Is • If you don’t make this report. Dangerous • For four years, if you did not You lose your judgment when have proper insurance coverage. you drink alcohol or use drugs. It During the last three years of is often the first thing about you the suspension, your license that changes. Loss of judgment, can be returned if you provide or good sense, affects how you a California Insurance Proof react to sounds, what you see, and Certificate (SR 22) and maintain the speed of other vehicles around it during this period. you. It takes about an hour for the Accidents On Your Record body to get rid of each “drink.” If a Every accident reported to DMV person has had more than one drink by: an hour, one hour of “sobering up” • Law enforcement shows on time should be allowed for each your driving record unless the extra drink. Better still, someone reporting officer says another who has not been drinking should person was at fault. drive. (See page 77.) • You, or another party in the Drugs And Driving accident, shows on your record Much of what has been said about if any one person has over $750 alcohol also applies to drugs. in damage or if anyone is injured or dies. California’s drunk driving law is also a drug driving law. It refers It does not matter who caused the to “driving under the influence accident, DMV must keep this of alcohol and/or drugs.” If an record. officer suspects that you are under Accidents, Insurance, and the influence of drugs, the officer Minors can require you to take a blood or If you are under 18 years of age, urine test. Drivers who refuse these your parents sign your license tests are subject to longer license application and assume financial suspensions and revocations. responsibility for your driving Anyone convicted of possessing, unless they ask DMV to cancel selling, or manufacturing illegal your license. When you reach drugs is subject to a six-month suspension. - 63 - The use of any drug (and the law Carrying Alcohol In A Vehicle does not distinguish between The law is very strict about carrying prescription, over-the-counter, or alcohol or drugs in a vehicle illegal drugs) which impairs your whether the vehicle is on or off the ability to drive safely is illegal. highway. You must not drink any Check with your physician or amount of alcohol in any vehicle. pharmacist and read the warning A container of liquor, beer, or label if you are not sure you should wine carried inside the vehicle drive after taking any medication. must be full, sealed, and unopened. Here are some facts: Otherwise, it must be in the trunk or • Most drugs taken for colds, hay in a place where passengers don’t fever, allergy, or to calm nerves sit. Keeping an opened alcoholic or muscles can make a person drink in the glove compartment is drowsy. specifically against the law. • Medicines taken together, or used In a bus, taxi, camper, or motor with alcohol can be dangerous. Many drugs have unexpected home, the law does not apply to side effects when taken with non-driving passengers. alcohol. Refer to page 77 for the Designated • Pep pills, “uppers,” and diet pills Driver Program. can make a driver more alert for Drivers Under 21 (Possession a short time. Later, however, of Alcohol) they can cause a person to be If you are under 21 years of age: nervous, dizzy, and not able to • You may not have beer, wine concentrate. They can also affect or liquor in your vehicle unless vision. accompanied by a parent or Any drug that “may cause other person specified by law. drowsiness or dizziness” is one Exception: You may carry you should not take before driving. alcoholic beverages while Make sure you read the label and working for someone with an know the effects of any drug you off-site liquor sales license. use. • You may not have an alcoholic beverage in your possession in your vehicle. If you are caught with an alcoholic beverage in your vehicle, it may be impounded for up to 30 days. The court may fine you up to $1,000 and either suspend your driving privilege for one year

- 64 - or require DMV to delay the • a motor vehicle with any issuance of your first license measurable BAC, if the person for up to one year, if you are not is under age 18. already licensed. DMV can take an administrative • Your driving privilege will action against your driving privilege be revoked for one year, if after you are arrested and the court you are convicted of either may take a separate action (suspend, driving with a blood alcohol revoke or delay the license) for concentration (BAC) of .01% or higher or driving while under the same offense. DMV’s action the influence of an alcoholic is related only to your driving beverage. On the first offense you privilege. The court’s action may will be required to complete the involve payment of a fine, jail time, educational portion of a licensed suspension or revocation of your driving-under-the-influence driving privilege, and completion (DUI) program. A subsequent of a DUI program. offense may require a longer DUI program and you will not have Similar provisions apply when a restricted license to attend the you operate any vessel, aquaplane, DUI program. water skis, or similar devices. (Harbors and Navigation Code) Drivers of All Ages These convictions are placed on It is illegal to drive after consuming your driving record and will be used excessive alcohol in any form by the court to determine “prior (including medications such as convictions” for motor vehicle DUI cough syrup), or taking any drug sentencing. These convictions are (including prescription med- also used when determining the ications), or using any combination length of a suspension or revocation of alcohol or drugs. action or the reinstatement BAC Limits requirements because of a violation It is illegal for any person to you committed while driving a operate: motor vehicle. • a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher. • any vehicle requiring a commercial driver license (with or without a CDL issued to the driver), with a BAC of .04% or higher. • a motor vehicle with a BAC of .01% or higher, if the person is under age 21.

- 65 - ADMIN PER SE If a subsequent test reveals a BAC When you drive in California, of .05% or higher, the officer will you consent to take a test of your issue you an order of suspension, breath or blood or, under certain arrest you for DUI (VC §23140), circumstances, your urine if you and detain you until you can be are arrested for driving under the turned over to your parents or influence of alcohol, drugs or a juvenile authorities. If your BAC combination of both. is .08% or higher, the peace officer may arrest you. (VC §§23152 or Under 21 – Zero Tolerance for 23153) Alcohol Use. If you are under 21 you must submit to a preliminary If the officer reasonably believes alcohol screening (PAS) or one you are under the combined of the other chemical tests if you influence of alcohol and drugs have been detained and a peace and you have already submitted officer has reason to believe you to a PAS and/or a breath test, you were drinking alcohol. If your may still be required to submit BAC measures .01% or higher to a blood or urine test because on the PAS, the officer may take the breath test does not detect the your license, issue you a temporary presence of drugs. license for 30 days, give you an If you refuse to submit to any of order of suspension for one year, the tests, your driving privilege and then determine whether to may be suspended for the refusal. release you, turn you over to Even if you change your mind later juvenile authorities, or to contact and agree to a test, your driving your parents. You may request privilege may be suspended for a DMV administrative hearing both reasons, although both actions within 10 days. will run concurrently. If your PAS showed a BAC of COURT DUI CONVICTIONS .05%, the officer may require you If you are convicted of driving to submit to either a breath or blood with excessive BAC or while test. Some PAS devices provide a under the influence of either record which may be submitted alcohol or drugs or both (DUI), in court as evidence. Other PAS you may be sentenced to serve up devices do not provide a record, to six months in jail and to pay so the officer may ask for a breath a fine between $390 and $1000 or blood test after the PAS. You (plus about three times the fine in do not have a right to consult penalty assessments) the first time with a lawyer before selecting or you are convicted. Your vehicle completing a test. may be impounded and subject to storage fees. - 66 - On the first conviction the court impairment you exhibit at the time will suspend your driving privilege you are stopped may be enough for six months and require you to to convict you of driving under complete a DUI program before the influence even without a BAC you can be reinstated. The length measurement. of the program may vary. If your Drivers 21 and Older —DUI BAC was .15% or higher and you Programs and Restricted already had a record of violations Licenses for other reasons or you refused Completion of a DUI program is to submit to a chemical test, the required for all DUI convictions. court may order you to complete Generally, if you are over 21 a nine-month or longer program. and enroll in a DUI program, If your BAC was .20% or higher file a California Insurance Proof and the court refers you to an Certificate (SR 22), pay the enhanced DUI treatment program, restriction and reissue fees, DMV your license will be suspended for will issue you a restricted driver 10 months. license which allows you to drive You could also be required to install to/from work and during the course an ignition interlock device (IID) on of employment (unless you hold your vehicle. An IID prevents you a commercial driver license) and from starting your vehicle if you to/from a DUI program. However, have any alcohol on your breath. if you would be considered a If anyone was injured as a result of “traffic safety” or “public safety your driving, the suspension period risk” if permitted to drive, the court is one year. may order DMV not to grant you In cases involving serious injury or a restricted driver license. Other death, you may be punished under actions against you may also California’s Three Strikes Law. prohibit the issuance of a restricted You also could face a civil lawsuit. license. All DUI convictions will remain Second and subsequent DUI on DMV’s records for ten years convictions result in increased and the courts and the DMV may penalties, including a two-year impose more stringent penalties suspension or a revocation of up for subsequent violations during to four years. After you complete that period. a prescribed period of your A BAC below legal limits does suspension/revocation and either not mean that you are safe to enroll in, or complete a portion of, drive. Almost all drivers show a DUI program, you may obtain a impairment by alcohol at levels restricted license to drive anywhere lower than the legal limit. The necessary if you: • install an IID on your vehicle. - 67 - If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.

Provide law enforcement with the:

exact location vehicle make & model license plate

One call could save a life.

- 68 - er if your accident e shown. e port, brandy, port, DL 606MO (REV. 10/2004) 8% Up) Definitely DUI (.0 AL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS * 1234567812345678 type, sex, health status, and other factors. Find your weight chart. Then, look for the LLEGAL I if you are drinking on an empty stomach, S d limits, the charts have been constructed so that fewer than I or RUGS D Definitely unlawful if under 21 years old R level is in the grey zone, your chances of having an /O 12345678 ne drink can make you an unsafe driver. ND BAC A level falls in the black zone. 169 lbs. 170 to 189 lbs. 190 to 209 lbs.Up & lbs. 210 If your tired, sick, upset, or have taken medicines or drugs. How to use these charts: total number of drinks you have had and compare that to the tim are 5 times higher than if you had no drinks, and 25 high BAC change if you are drinking ale, malt liquors, fortified wines, different proof liquor, LCOHOL A F (.05%–.07%) Likely DUI— 12345678 er, O ents ss of 12% NFLUENCE I lcohol and/or other drugs. REST CAN TOTAL $8,240* TOTAL REST CAN HE T ted amounts on an empty stomach. Actual values can vary by body ALCOHOL IMPAIRMENT CHART BAC. Although it is possible for anyone to exceed the designate -ounce shot of 80-proof NDER 2 / 1 U *If you use an attorney, the cost is even greater. RIVING D IF YOU DRINK AND DRIVE, THE COST OF A DUI AR- DRINK AND DRIVE, YOU IF 1234567812345678 Definitely unlawful if under 21 years old that is .08% or more (.04% if Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). zones for various numbers of drinks and “One drink” is a 1 BAC BAC TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOTAL DRINKS TOT 12345678 There is no safe way to drive while under the influence. Even o Remember: These charts are not legal evidence of actual (.01%–.04%) Possible DUI— TIME DRINK FROM 1st 1 hr 2 hrs 3 hrs 4 hrs below .08% does not mean that it is safe or legal to drive. The BAC Zones: 90 to 109 lbs.109 to 90 Zones: BAC 110 to 129 lbs. 130 to 149 lbs. 150 to 23152, 23153, 23136, 23140 DUI=Driving under the influence of a §§ BAC you drive commercial vehicles; .01% or more if under 21). Howev vehicles; you drive commercial a charts below show the time periods. liquor (even if mixed with non-alcoholic drinks), a 5-ounce gla wine, or a 12-ounce glass of 5% beer. These “one drink” equival It is illegal to drive with a Drinking alcohol affects your 5 persons in 100 will exceed these limits when drinking the sta Technical note: Legend: * VC

- 69 - • agree not to drive any vehicle accidents. Each occurrence stays without an IID. on your record for 36 months or • agree to complete the prescribed longer, depending on the type of DUI program. conviction. • file an SR 22. You may be considered a negligent • pay the reissue and restriction operator when your driving record fees. shows any one of the following “point count” totals regardless of ACTIONS AGAINST AN ADULT’S your license class: LICENSE 4 points in 12 months If you are stopped by a police 6 points in 24 months officer and cited for a traffic law violation, you sign a promise to 8 points in 36 months appear in traffic court. When you Some examples of one point go to court, you may plead guilty violations: or not guilty, or you may forfeit • A traffic conviction. (pay) bail. Paying bail is the same • An at-fault accident. as a guilty plea. Some examples of two point If you ignore the traffic ticket and violations: don’t keep your promise to appear • Reckless driving or hit-and-run in court, the failure to appear (FTA) driving goes on your driver record. If you fail to pay a fine (FTP), the court • Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs will notify DMV and this will also show on your driver record. Even • Driving while suspended or one FTA or FTP can cause the revoked department to suspend your license. If you get too many “points,” you Ending the suspension will cost you will lose your driver license. A a reissue fee of $55. violation received in a commercial Each time you are convicted of vehicle carries one and one-half a moving traffic law violation, times the point count normally the court notifies the DMV and assessed. the conviction is placed on your ACTIONS AGAINST THE driver license record. Convictions PROVISIONAL LICENSE reported by other states are also Teenagers as a group average twice added to your driver record. as many accidents as adult drivers, POINTS ON THE DRIVER while driving only half as many miles. This makes the teenage RECORD DMV keeps a public record of accident rate per mile four times as all your traffic convictions and great as that of adult drivers. - 70 - Studies show that the traffic to appear in court, DMV will deaths of new drivers is a deadly suspend your driving privilege combination of their inexperience, until you appear in court. their lack of familiarity with • If you get a traffic ticket and their car, and their need to push fail to pay the fine, DMV will themselves and their vehicle to suspend your driving privilege the limit. until you pay the fine. Traffic Violations Increase • If you have one “at fault” accident Accidents or conviction within 12 months, DMV will send you a warning Nearly half of the drivers between letter. ages 15 and 19 are convicted of a traffic violation in their first year • If you have a second “at fault” accident or conviction (or of driving. combination of both) within 12 Speeding (which often results in months, you cannot drive for 30 loss of vehicle control) is the most days unless accompanied by your common moving violation for parent or other licensed adult teenage drivers. About 50% of all who is at least 25 years of age. their traffic convictions are speed • If you have a third “at fault” violations. accident or conviction (or any When you violate traffic laws, you combination) within 12 months, you will be suspended for increase your chances of having an six months and be placed on accident. probation for one year. Teenage Traffic Deaths • If you have additional “at Drivers 15 to 19 years old have very fault” accidents or point count high traffic accident, injury, and convictions while you are on conviction rates. Traffic accidents probation, you will be suspended are the leading cause of death for again. (Traffic law violations teenagers. If you are under 18 years resolved in Juvenile Court are old, your risk of a fatal accident also reported to DMV.) 1 is about 2 /2 times that of the • If you are convicted of using “average” driver. Your risk of an alcohol or a controlled substance injury accident is three times higher and you are between the ages of than the average driver. 13 and 21, the court tells DMV to suspend you for one year. If Keeping Your Provisional you don’t have a driver license License yet, the court tells DMV to make DMV will be watching your driving you wait a year longer before you record and will take actions based can apply for a license. You can upon any accidents or violations also be required to go to a DUI as follows: program. • If you get a traffic ticket and fail - 71 - Any restriction, suspension or Evading a Peace Officer probation will continue past your Any person who willfully flees or 18th birthday for its full term. attempts to evade a peace officer Other, stronger actions can be performing his/her duties is guilty taken if your driving record justifies of a misdemeanor punishable them. Remember, if your driving by imprisonment in a county privilege has been suspended or jail for not more than one year. revoked, you may not drive in (VC §2800.1) California with any license or If a person is convicted of causing permit. serious bodily injury during Vandalism/Graffiti—All Ages the course of a police pursuit California law allows the courts (VC §2800.3[a]), he/she is subject to suspend the driver license for to: two years of a person convicted of • imprisonment in a state prison engaging in vandalism, including for three, five, or seven years or graffiti. If you are convicted and do in a county jail for not more than not have a license, the courts can one year delay the issuance of a license for • a fine of not less than $2,000 nor up to three years from the date you more than $10,000 are legally eligible to drive. • both a fine and imprisonment Speed Contests/ If a person is convicted of killing Reckless Driving anyone during the course of a police A person convicted of driving pursuit (VC §2800.3[b]), he/she is recklessly or engaging in a speed subject to imprisonment in a state contest which causes bodily injury prison for four, six, or ten years. to another person is subject to: Habitual Truant—Persons Age -imprisonment in a county jail or 13 To 18 state prison for a minimum of 30 The court will suspend, restrict, days to six months delay, or revoke your driving -a fine ranging from $220 to privilege for one year if you are $1000 or convicted of being a habitual truant -both fine and imprisonment from school. (VC §23105 and VC §23109.1) Possessing Firearms The court will: • Suspend or revoke the driving privilege of any minor convicted of possessing a concealable weapon or live ammunition or

- 72 - • Impose driver license SUSPENSION BY JUDGE sanctions for minors convicted A judge may suspend a person’s of misdemeanors involving license if convicted of the firearms. following: TRAFFIC VIOLATOR SCHOOL • Breaking speed laws or reckless DISMISSALS driving. When a driver is cited for a traffic • Driving under the influence of violation, the judge may offer the alcohol or drugs. driver the opportunity to attend a • Hit-and-run driving. Traffic Violator School. Drivers • Engaging in lewd conduct and who do not have a commercial prostitution in a vehicle within license may participate once in any 1000 feet of a residence. 18-month period to have a citation • Assaulting a driver, passenger, dismissed from their driving record bicyclist, or pedestrian when this way. the offense occurs on a highway NOTE: If you have a commercial (road rage). license and attend traffic school the • Failure to stop as required at a citation will still appear on your railway grade crossing. driving record regardless of the • Felony or misdemeanor offense type of vehicle you were driving of recklessly fleeing a law when cited. enforcement officer. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION BY Regardless of point count, many DMV serious offenses in which a vehicle If you get too many negligent is used are punishable by heavy driver points, DMV will place you penalties such as fines and/or on probation for one year (which imprisonment. includes a six-month suspension) or revoke your driving privilege. (See page 70.) Your suspension or revocation order informs you of your right to a hearing. At the end of the suspension or revocation period, you may apply for a new license and you must show proof of financial responsibility. DMV will revoke your license if you are convicted of hit-and-run driving or reckless driving which results in injury.

- 73 - HEALTH AND SAFETY • Make sure your windshield and headlights are clean to help SAFETY FOR THE AGING DRIVER reduce glare. Generally, older drivers, especially • Make sure your eyeglasses have over the age of 70, have more an up-to-date prescription. crashes per mile than any other • Talk to your physician for group except teenagers and young recommendations to help you adults. Also, it is more difficult drive safely. for older drivers to recover from • Take a Mature Driver Program injuries suffered in a crash. If training class. (See page 78.) For you are concerned about an aging a list of approved programs, go driver, see “Referring An Unsafe online at www.dmv.ca.gov. Driver.” • Attend a driver assessment or Health Problems Affecting rehabilitation program. Aging Drivers Health problems in older adults • Never drink alcohol and drive because your body can be more cause slower reaction time, reduced sensitive to the effects of alcohol, vision and hearing, impaired body especially when combined with movement, and slower decision medications. making. Health conditions such • Consider using alternative means as glaucoma, arthritis, stroke, of transportation. Call your local Alzheimer’s disease, etc., should be Area Agency on Aging for a list considered when making decisions of transportation providers in about driving. In cases where a your area. person’s driving must be restricted, DMV may issue a conditional REFERRING AN UNSAFE DRIVER license rather than revoking the If you are concerned that a family person’s driving privilege. member, friend, or other person Tips For Safer Driving can no longer drive safely, write to the address below. You may Be aware of the changes in your also use the Request for Driver driving ability and that of your Reexamination (DS 699) located aging family members or friends. on DMV’s website. Provide the Here are some things you can do: person’s name, birth date, driver • Don’t drive at night, at dusk, or license number and current address, in bad weather conditions. and explain what you observed that • Use a seat cushion or talk led you to believe the person is an to your vehicle dealer about unsafe driver. The letter must be extensions for brake and signed. Mail your letter to: accelerator pedals or other vehicle modifications.

- 74 - DMV about poor peripheral vision or poor Driver Safety Actions Unit distance judgment unless you have M/S J234 your eyes checked. P.O. Box 942890 HEARING Sacramento, CA 94290-0001 Hearing is more important to DMV will contact the person for a driving than many people realize. reexamination. A driving test will The sound of horns, a siren, or be given to the person when the: screeching tires can warn you of • Physician reports the person has danger. Sometimes you can hear a lapses of consciousness. car but you cannot see it, especially • Traffic officer requests a DMV if it is in your blind spots. review and the officer believes the Even people with good hearing driver is incapable of operating a cannot hear well if the radio, CD, or vehicle safely. tape deck is blaring. While driving, • Family member makes a good- do not wear a headset or earplugs faith report to DMV stating the in both ears. driver cannot safely operate a vehicle. Hearing problems, like bad eye- sight, can come on so slowly that VISION you do not notice them. Drivers You need good vision to drive who know they are deaf or hear- safely. If you cannot see clearly, ing-impaired can adjust. They can you cannot judge distances or spot learn to rely more on their seeing trouble, so you won’t be able to do habits. something about it. You also need to see peripherally or “out of the ALERTNESS corner of your eye” to spot cars When you are tired, you are less coming up beside you while your alert. The body naturally wants eyes are on the road ahead. to sleep at night and most drivers are less alert at night, especially You may see clearly and still not be after midnight. You may not see able to judge distances. You need hazards as soon or react as quickly, good distance judgment so you so your chances of having a crash know how far you are from other are greater. If you are sleepy, the cars. Many people who may see only safe cure is to get off the road clearly in the daytime have trouble and get some sleep. at night. Some see poorly in dim light. Others may have trouble with To keep from getting tired on a the glare of headlights. long trip: • Get at least a normal night’s sleep Have your eyes checked every before you start. year or two. You may never know

- 75 - • Don’t take any drugs that can • Mix alcohol with your make you drowsy. medications. This applies to both • Don’t drive long hours and try prescribed and over-the-counter not to drive late at night. medications. • Take regular rest stops, even if HEALTH AND EMOTIONS you are not tired. Your personality affects the way • Keep shifting your eyes from one you drive. Don’t let your emotions part of the road to another. Look interfere with safe driving. Use all at objects near and far, left and of your good judgment, common right. sense, and courtesy when you drive • Try chewing gum or singing and follow all the recommended along with the radio. safe driving rules. • Roll your window down and get Discuss poor vision, heart problems, some fresh air. diabetes, or epilepsy with your If you are tired all the time and physician and follow his or her fall asleep often during the day, advice. Tell DMV if you have a ask your physician to check for a condition that might affect your sleep disorder. ability to drive safely.

MEDICATIONS CONDITIONS PHYSICIANS MUST Remember that all medications, REPORT pre scrip tion and over-the-counter, Physicians and surgeons are are potentially dangerous. Over- required to report patients at least the-counter medicines that you 14 years of age and older who take for colds and allergies can are diagnosed as having lapses of make you drowsy and affect your consciousness, dementia (mental driving ability. If you must take disorders) conditions, or related medication before driving, find out disorders. (Health & Safety Code the effects of the medication from §103900) your physician or pharmacist. It Although not required by law, your is your responsibility to know physician may report any other the effects of the medications medical condition he/she believes you take. may affect your ability to drive Before you decide to drive, do safely. not: • Mix medications unless directed by your physician. • Take medications prescribed for someone else.

- 76 - MISCELLANEOUS DIPLOMATIC DRIVER LICENSES Nonresidents who possess a valid DESIGNATED DRIVER diplomatic driver license issued by PROGRAM the U.S. Department of State are The Designated Driver Program is exempt from California’s driver an anti-DUI ef- licensing requirement. fort that works. The program DRIVING SCHOOLS encourages one When learning to drive, you should individual to seek qualified instruction either abstain from in bona fide public or private consuming alco- high schools or in state licensed holic beverages professional driving schools. for an outing so that he or she can Professional schools and instructors be responsible for transporting in California are licensed by the other members of the group the DMV after meeting rigid safely. qualifying standards. Schools To participate as a designated must carry liability insurance, be driver, an individual: bonded, and maintain complete • Should be at least 21 years of age records for DMV inspection. and must possess a valid driver Vehicles are subject to annual license. inspection. Instructors must pass • Must be part of a group of two a qualifying written examination or more persons and verbally every three years, or show proof of identify himself or herself as the continuing education in the traffic designated driver to the server. safety field. If you use the services • Must abstain from consuming of a professional driving school, ask alcoholic beverages for the to see the instructor’s identification duration of the outing. card. • Must not be an otherwise FREE ID CARDS FOR P&M impaired driver. CONDITIONS • Must understand that Drivers who are no longer able to management reserves the right drive safely because of a physical to refuse service to anyone at or mental (P&M) condition may anytime. exchange their valid driver license for an ID card for no fee, if certain guidelines are met. Call 1-800-777- 0133 for additional information.

- 77 - IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARD PEDESTRIAN DMV issues ID cards to persons RESPONSIBILITIES* of any age. To obtain an original Yield the right-of-way to vehicles ID card, you must present a birth when you: date/legal presence verification • Cross or walk where intersections document and provide your social or crosswalks are not marked. security number. (See page 6.) • “Jaywalk” across a street The ID card is good until the sixth between intersections, where birthday after it is issued. The fee no pedestrian crosswalks are for an ID may be reduced if you provided. meet certain income requirements Remember: Making eye contact for specific public assistance with the driver does not mean that programs. the driver will see you or yield the Note: Governmental or non- right-of-way. profit organizations determine Do not suddenly leave a curb or whether an individual meets other safe place and walk or run into the requirements for a reduced the path of a vehicle close enough -fee ID. to be a danger to you. This is true If you are age 62 or over, you may even though you are in a crosswalk. obtain a free Senior Citizen ID card The law states that drivers must good for 10 years. take care for the safety of any See page 3 to change your pedestrian—but if the driver can’t address. stop in time to avoid hitting you, the law won’t help you. MATURE DRIVER PROGRAM The Mature Driver Program is an Always obey traffic signals. eight-hour course for drivers aged Whether the intersection has 55 and older. The course covers a pedestrian signals or the usual variety of topics of special interest traffic lights, you must obey the to the mature driver and is available pedestrian rules. (See page 19.) from course providers approved At an intersection where traffic is by DMV. Your insurance company may offer discounts for those who complete the class and receive a completion certificate . The certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing a four-hour course.

*Joggers must obey pedestrian rules.

- 78 - not controlled by signals, drivers different from your residence, is are required to yield the right of less restricted. way to you within any crosswalk, Records on the physical or mental marked or unmarked. condition of a driver, however, When a signal first changes to green remain confidential. or “WALK” for you, look left, You may obtain a copy of your right, and then left again, and yield driving record at any DMV office the right-of-way to any vehicle in for a fee and by providing valid the intersection before the signal identification. changed. If the signal begins blinking or VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION TIPS changes to “DON’T WALK,” or If you follow the suggestions to an upraised hand after you have below, you can minimize your gone part way across a divided chances of becoming the victim of street, you may continue across vehicle theft. In the United States, the street. a vehicle is stolen an average of every 21 minutes. Vehicle theft Do not stop or delay traffic costs the victim time and money unnecessarily while crossing a and it costs society by increasing street. insurance premiums. Also, vehicle Pedestrians are not permitted on thieves often use the stolen vehicles any toll bridge or highway crossing to commit other crimes. unless there is a sidewalk and Vehicle thefts seem to occur more signs stating pedestrian traffic is often where large groups of cars permitted. are parked for extended periods If there is no sidewalk, walk facing of time, such as shopping centers, the oncoming traffic (see the colleges, sporting events, movie picture). Don’t walk or jog on any complexes, and large apartment freeway where signs tell you that complexes. Vehicle thefts can pedestrians are not allowed. occur anytime—at random, on At night, make yourself more different days of the week and visible by wearing white clothing various times of the day. and retro-reflective materials, or Here are some tips you can use to carrying a flashlight. avoid being the victim of vehicle theft: RECORD CONFIDENTIALITY Most information in your driver license file is available to the public. Your residence address may only be viewed by authorized agencies. Your mailing address, if

- 79 - • Never leave: vehicle information on a card - your vehicle running and and keep that information with unattended, even to dash into you. The police will need this a store. information, if your vehicle is stolen. - the keys in the ignition or in the vehicle. Don’t leave them TRAFFIC BREAKS inside a locked garage or in Traffic breaks are used by law hide-a-key boxes. enforcement for several reasons: - valuables in plain view, even - to slow or stop traffic to if your vehicle is locked. Place remove hazards from the them out of sight. roadway. - personal identification - conducting emergency documents such as the operations. ownership title or credit cards - prevent traffic accidents in in the vehicle. heavy fog or unusually heavy • Always: traffic. - roll up your windows and During a traffic break, the officer lock your vehicle, even if turns on the rear emergency lights, it’s parked in front of your slows the vehicle and drives across house. the lanes of traffic in a serpentine - park in high-traffic, well- manner. To assist the officer in lighted areas, whenever conducting a traffic break, follow possible. these rules: - report a stolen vehicle - activate your emergency immediately to the police. flashers to warn other drivers • Suggestions: there is a hazard ahead. - Install a mechanical device - slowly begin to decrease your that locks the steering wheel, speed. Do not slow abruptly column, or brakes. unless it is necessary to avoid a collision. Slow to the same - Investigate the purchase of a speed while keeping a safe vehicle theft tracking/security distance from the patrol car system, especially if you own ahead of you. one of the frequently-stolen model vehicles. - do not attempt to drive past the patrol vehicle. Do not - When you must leave your accelerate until the patrol key with a valet, attendant, vehicle has turned off its or mechanic, only leave the emergency lights and traffic ignition key. conditions ahead allow the - Copy your license plate and return of normal speeds.

- 80 - Red and White Regulatory Signs

No U-turn No Left No Right Turn Turn

White Regulatory Signs

Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs

Guide Signs

Hazardous Loads Placards

- 81 - Warning Signs

Slippery Merging Divided When Wet Traffic Highway

Sharp Two Way Lane Turn Traffic Ends

End Divided Traffic Pedestrian Highway Signal Crossing Ahead

Added Lane Crossroad Stop Ahead

Yield Ahead Curve “T” Intersection

Directional Reverse Winding Arrow Turn Road

- 82 - WHAT A DRIVER SHOULD DO DURING AN ENFORCEMENT STOP Acknowledge the officer’s presence by turning on your right turn signal. An officer may become alarmed if you fail to recognize him/her and might perceive that you have a reason to avoid yielding or that you might be impaired. Activating your signal lets the officer know that you recognize his/her presence. Move your vehicle to the right shoulder of the road. The officer will guide you utilizing his/her patrol vehicle. Do not move onto the center median. Too often drivers yield to the left and stop in the center median of a freeway or on the opposite side of a two lane roadway. This places both the driver and the officer in danger of being hit by oncoming traffic. On a freeway, move completely onto the right shoulder even if you’re in the carpool lane. Stop in well lit areas when possible. Pull your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible. When it is dark, look for locations that have more light (i.e., areas with street or freeway lights, near restaurants, service stations). Hang up your cell phone and turn off your radio. The officer needs your full attention to communicate with you and complete the enforcement stop with you in the least amount of time needed. Turn off your radio and refrain from phone conversation during the traffic stop. Remain inside your vehicle unless otherwise directed by the officer. Never step out of your vehicle unless an officer directs you to do so. During an enforcement stop, the officer’s priorities are your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the officer’s own personal safety. In most situations, the safest place for you and your passengers is inside your vehicle. Exiting your vehicle without first being directed to by an officer can increase the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle. Place your hands in clear view, including all passengers (i.e., on steering wheel, on top of lap, etc.). During an enforcement stop, an officer’s inability to see the hands of the driver and all occupants in the vehicle increases the officer’s level of threat. Most violent criminal acts against a law enforcement officer occur through the use of a person’s hands (i.e., use of a firearm, use of a sharp object). If your windows are tinted, it is recommended that you roll down your windows after you have stopped your vehicle on the right shoulder of the roadway, and before the officer makes contact with you.

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

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

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DL-600 ENGLISH (REV. 06/2007)