ca driver handbook

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DRIVER HANDBOOK CALIFORNIA ENGLISH 2011 See It, Touch It, Trust It. NEW Cards & Security Features 6 7 $ 7 ( 2 ) & $ / , ) 2 5 1 , $ ® Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor State of California George Valverde, Director Department of Motor Vehicles

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California Driver Handbook

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Page 1: CA Driver Handbook

Driver HanDbookCalifornia

ENGLISH2011

See It, Touch It, Trust It.

NEW Cards

& Security Features

®

Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor State of California

George Valverde, Director Department of Motor Vehicles

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new 2011 lAws

Effective January 1, 2011Motorcycle License Applicants Under 21 • Applicantsunder21yearsofageapplyingforamotorcyclelicensemustcomplete an approved motorcycle training class, before applying for apermitandmustholdthepermit6monthsbeforethemotorcyclelicensecanbeissued.

Firefighter Endorsement Change• Afirefighter,includingatilleroperator,isrequiredtohaveavalidnoncom-mercialClassClicense,orCommercialClassAorBlicenseandafirefighterendorsementissuedbytheDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV)tooperatefirefightingequipment.

Pedicab Operator Requirements• Operatorsofpedicabsforhirearerequiredtoholdoneormoreofthefol-lowingdocuments:1. AvalidCaliforniadriverlicense.2. Proofofsuccessfulcompletionofabicyclesafetytrainingcoursecerti-

fiedbytheLeagueofAmericanBicyclistsoranequivalentorganizationasdeterminedbythelocalauthority,OR avalidCaliforniaidentifica-tioncardandproofofsuccessfulcompletionofthewrittenportionoftheCaliforniadriver’slicenseexaminationadministeredbytheDMV.

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dmv.ca.gov

Save timeand resources

Go onlinefor speedy DMV transactions

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dmv.ca.gov

Save timeand resources

Go onlinefor speedy DMV transactions

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TABLE OF CONTENTSnew 2011 lAws .......................... i

new informAtion 2011 ............ viiiWhere to Write ............................. viii

Dmv informAtion .....................ix

GenerAl informAtion ............... 1Disclaimer ......................................1Accurate Identification ....................1Basic Information ...........................1

tHe cAliforniA Driver license ................................ 2Who Must Have a License? ...........2

California Residents .....................2California Resident

Military Personnel (U.S. Armed Forces) ..................2

Nonresident Military Personnel Stationed in California ...............2

New Residents.............................2Adults Visiting California ..............2Minors Visiting California ..............3

oBtAininG A Driver license ........ 3Acceptable Documents ..................3Application Requirements for a

Basic Class C Driver License ......4Adults’ Permit Requirements ..........4Adults’ License Requirements ........5

license clAsses ....................... 5

tHe eXAminAtion process .......... 7Where to Take the Tests .................7DMV Examinations .........................7

speciAl section - minors ........... 8Minors’ Permit Requirements ..........8Minors’ Permit Restrictions .............9Minors’ License Requirements........9Exceptions - Minors License

Restrictions ..................................9Traffic Violations ...........................10

Teenage Traffic Deaths ...............10Actions against the

Provisional License ....................10Keeping Your

Provisional License .................10Habitual Truant—Persons

13 – 18 Years of Age ................11Minors and Cell Phones ...............12

miscellAneoUs licensinG informAtion ........................12To Replace a Lost/Stolen or

Damaged License .....................12Name Changes ............................12License Renewals ........................12Renewal by Mail or Internet ..........12License Extension ........................14License in Your Possession ..........14Address Changes .........................14Medical Information Card .............14Organ and Tissue Donation ..........14Unlicensed Drivers .......................15Diplomatic Driver Licenses ...........15Identification (ID) Card .................15Free ID Cards for Physical and

Mental (P&M) Conditions ..........15Driving Schools ............................16Mature Driver Program .................16Pedestrian Responsibilities ..........16

seAt Belts ..............................17Mistaken Beliefs about

Seat Belts ..................................18Child Restraint System and

Safety Seats ..............................19Riding Safely with Air Bags ..........19Side-Impact Air Bags ....................19Unattended Children in

Motor Vehicles ...........................20

trAffic liGHts AnD siGns .........20Traffic Signal Lights ......................20Pedestrian Signal Lights ...............21Traffic Signs ..................................22

lAws AnD rUles of tHe roAD.....23Right-of-Way Rules ......................23

General Information ...................23Pedestrians ................................23Crosswalks .................................26Intersections...............................26Roundabouts .............................27On Mountain Roads ...................27

Speed Limits ................................28Maximum Speed Limit ..................28Reduced Speeds ..........................28

Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather ...28Towing Vehicles, Buses,

or Large Trucks .......................28

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Around Children .........................29Blind Intersections .....................29Alleys ..........................................29Near Railroad Tracks ..................29Light Rail Transit Vehicle

Crossings ................................30Near Streetcars, Trolleys,

or Buses ..................................30Business or Residential

Districts ...................................31Near Animals ..............................31

trAffic lAnes .........................31Line Colors ...................................31Choosing a Lane ..........................31Changing Lanes ...........................32Passing Lanes ..............................32Carpool/High Occupancy

Vehicles (HOV) Lanes ..............34Center Left Turn Lanes .................34Turnout Areas and Lanes .............35End-of-Lane Markings ..................35Bicycle Lanes ...............................35Shared Roadway Bicycle

Markings (Sharrows) .................35

tUrns ....................................36Examples of Right and

Left Turns ...................................37Legal U-Turns ...............................38Illegal U-Turns ..............................39

pArKinG .................................39Parking on a Hill ...........................39Parking at Colored Curbs .............39Illegal Parking ...............................41Special Parking Rules ..................41

sAfe DrivinG prActices ............45Signaling ......................................45

Steering .....................................45Scanning ......................................46

Know What Is Ahead ..................46Know What Is at Your Side .........48Know What Is Behind You ..........48Clean Windows and Mirrors .......49Adjust Seat and Mirrors .............49How Well Can You Stop? ............49

Driving in the Fog .........................50Driving in Darkness ......................50Driving in Rain or Snow ................51Driving in Hill Country ...................51Horn, Headlights, and

Emergency Signals ...................51Use Your Horn ............................51Do Not Use Your Horn ................51Use Your Headlights ...................52Use Your Emergency Signals .....52

Following Distances .....................53Taking Dangers One

at a Time ..................................53Splitting the Difference ...............53Problem Drivers .........................53

Merging in/out of Traffic ................53Space to Merge .........................54Space to Cross or Enter .............54Space to Exit ..............................54

Passing Other Traffic ....................55Space and Speed to Pass .........55Space to Return .........................55

sHArinG tHe roAD....................55Large Trucks (Big Rigs)

and RVs .....................................55Braking ......................................55Trucker’s Blind Spots—

the “No Zone” ..........................56Turning .......................................56Maneuverability .........................56

Buses, Streetcars, and Trolleys ....58Light-Rail Vehicles ........................58Emergency Vehicles .....................59Slow-Moving Vehicles ...................60Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

(NEV) and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) ...........................60

Animal-Drawn Vehicles .................60Motorcycles ..................................60Bicycles ........................................61Pedestrians Who Are Blind ...........62Road Workers and Work Zones

(“Cone Zones”) ..........................63Double Fine Zones .......................64Move Over and Slow Down ..........64Vehicles with Hazardous Loads ...64

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importAnt DrivinG tips ............64Dealing with Traffic Congestion ....66Dealing with Aggressive Drivers and

Road Rage ................................66Text Messaging and

Cell Phones ...............................66Collision Avoidance ......................67

Keep Your Car Visible .................67What is the Road Condition .......67Curves ........................................67Driving in Heavy Traffic ...............67Traffic Speeds ............................67

Driving Hazards ............................68Water on the Road .....................68Slippery Roads ..........................68Skids on Slippery Surfaces .......68

Mechanical Tips............................69Acceleration Skids .....................69Locked Wheel Skids ..................69Accelerator Malfunction .............69Steering Wheel Locking

Device .....................................69Collisions are not Accidents .........69

Causes of Collisions ..................70Involved in a Collision ................70Reporting a Collision .................70

ADDitionAl DrivinG lAws/rUles..........................71Things You Must Not Do: ..............71Things You Must Do: .....................72

HeAltH AnD sAfetY ...................73Safety for the Aging Driver ............73Good Vision for All Drivers ............73Hearing .........................................73Alertness ......................................74Medications ..................................74Hot Weather Risks........................74Health and Emotions ....................75Conditions Physicians

Must Report ...............................75Safety Tips ....................................75Record Confidentiality ..................76Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips ........76Traffic Breaks ...............................77What a Driver Should Do

During an Enforcement Stop .....77

Actions tHAt resUlt in loss of license ...............................78Financial Responsibility ................78Insurance .....................................79

Insurance Requirements ............79Collisions on Your Record ..........79Collisions, Insurance,

and Minors ..............................82Alcohol/Drugs while Driving .........82

Alcohol/Drugs and Driving Is Dangerous ...........................82

Carrying Alcohol in a Vehicle .....82Drivers Under 21

(Possession of Alcohol) ...........83Drivers of All Ages ......................83Blood Alcohol Concentration

(BAC) Limits ............................83Admin Per Se ...............................84Court DUI Convictions ..................85

Drivers 21 and Older —DUI Programs and Restricted Licenses ..................................85

Designated Driver Program ..........86Getting a Ticket .............................86Evading a Police Officer ...............87Points on the Driver Record .........87Vandalism/Graffiti—All Ages .........88Speed Contests/Reckless

Driving .......................................88Possessing Firearms ....................88Traffic Violator School

Dismissals .................................88Suspension or Revocation

by DMV ......................................88Suspension by Judge ...................89

veHicle reGistrAtion reqUirements ......................89California Vehicles ........................89Out-of-State Vehicles ....................90Related Fast Facts and

Other Publications (available online): .......................91

Sample Test #1 .............................93Sample Test #2 .............................94

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Page 10: CA Driver Handbook

Where to Write

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publication, please send them to:Department of Motor VehiclesCustomer Communications SectionMS H165PO Box 932345Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

© Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2011All rights reserved

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

Department of Motor Vehicles Legal Office MS C128 PO Box 932382 Sacramento, CA 94232-3820

new informAtion 2011

• TheCaliforniaDMVbeganissuinganewlydesigned,moresecureCalifor-niadriverlicenseandidentificationcard.Thenewcardsaredistinguishedbyadditionalsecurityfeatures,andhaveadifferentlookandfeel.Thenewcardshavethelatestsecuritytechnologyandhaveseveralfeaturestoprotectthemagainstfraud,tamperingandcounterfeiting.Someofthenewfeaturesincludeaverticallayoutforpersonsunder21;thecardholders’dateofbirthandsignaturescanbefeltbytouch;imagesthatcanonlybeseenwiththeuseofanultravioletlight;andalaserperforationoutlineoftheCaliforniaBrownBear,whichcanonlybeseen from the frontof thecardwhenaflashlightispressedagainstthebackofthecard.VisitDMV’swebsiteatwww.dmv.ca.govtoviewtheredesignedDL/IDcards.

• Sharedlanemarkings,commonlycalled“Sharrows”arepavementmarkingsandareusedtoreminddriversthatbicyclingisallowedandencouragedinatravellanewhenconditionswarrant.Seeillustrationonpage35.

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Dmv informAtion

DMVofficesareopen8a.m.to5p.m.onMonday,Tuesday,Thursday,andFridayandfrom9a.m.to5p.m.onWednesday.Afewofficesofferonlydriverlicenseorvehicleregistrationservices.Goonlineorcallthetoll-freenumberbelowtofindtheofficelocationsandserviceoptionsofanofficenearyou.Goonlineat:www.dmv.ca.govfor:

• Fieldofficelocations,hours,directions,andphonenumbers• Makingappointments(exceptforcommercialdrivingtests)• Orderingpersonalizedplates• Driverlicenseandidentificationcardinformation• Vehicle/vesselregistrationinformation• Downloadableforms• Publications—handbooks,brochures,andsampletests• Seniordriverinformation• Teendriverinformation• Linkstootherstateandfederalagencies• Renewyourdriverlicenseorvehicleregistration

• Call1-800-777-0133duringnor-malbusinesshoursto:– Get driver license and ve-hicleregistrationinformation,forms,andpublications.– Findofficelocationsandhours.– Makeadrivingtestappoint-ment.– SpeaktoaDMVrepresenta-tive.

• Call 1-800-777-0133 for auto-matedservice24hoursaday,7daysaweekto:– RenewyourdriverlicenseorvehicleregistrationwiththeRenewalIdentificationNum-berprovidedonyourbillingnotice.Youcanpaywithacreditcard.– Makeanofficeappointment.

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

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

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dmv.ca.gov

Be courteous – We all want to get home safely!

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GenerAl informAtion

DisclaimerFeeslistedintheCalifornia Driver Handbookaresubjecttolegislativechange.ThishandbookprovidesasummaryofthelawsandregulationsoutlinedintheCalifornia Vehicle Code (CVC).TheDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV),lawenforcement,andthecourtsfollowthefullandexactlanguageoftheCVC.TheCVCandCalifornia Code of Regulations(CCR)areavailableonlineatwww.dmv.ca.gov ortheLegislativewebsiteatwww.leginfo.ca.gov. You mayalsobuyacopyoftheCVCatanyDMVoffice.

accurate iDentificationThereliability,integrity,andconfidentialityoftheCaliforniadriverlicense(DL)andidentificationcard(ID)isofprimeconcerntoalllevelsofgovern-mentandtheprivatesector.Itiscriticalthatthesedocumentsbecompletelyauthenticatedandaccurate.TheCaliforniaLegislaturehasdeclaredthattheDLorIDcardistheprimaryidentificationdocumentinthisstate.CalifornialawrequiresthatallapplicantswhoapplyforanoriginalCaliforniaDL/IDcardsubmitproofoflegalpresenceintheU.S.asauthorizedunderfederallaw.YourtruefullnameasshownonyourlegalpresencedocumentwillappearonyourDL/IDcard.

Basic informationACaliforniadriverlicenseshowsthatyouhavebeengivenpermissionbythestatetodriveonpublicroadways.YoumayapplyforadriverlicenseatmostDMVoffices(seepageix).ItisamisdemeanortodriveinCaliforniawithoutavaliddriverlicense.Ifyoudo,youcanbecited,yourvehiclemaybeimpounded,andyoumayhavetoappearincourt.Ifyoudonothaveoutstandingactionsonyourrecord,youwillreceivealicenseafteryoupaytheapplicationfee,passallapplicableexaminations,showthatyourphysicaland/ormentalconditionissatisfactory,anddemonstrateyourabilitytodrivesafely.Ifyouhaveamedicalconditionoradisability,DMVmayrequireyoutotakeadrivingtest.Youmayalsohavetoprovideastate-mentfromyourphysicianregardingyourcurrenthealthcondition.

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tHe cAliforniA Driver license

Who must have a license?California ResidentsCalifornia residentswhodriveonpublichighwaysorusepublicpark-ingfacilitiesmusthaveaCaliforniadriverlicense,unlesstheyare:• MembersoftheArmedForcesoraUnited States (U.S.)Govern-mentcivilianemployeewhoonlydrives vehicles owned or con-trolledbytheU.S.Governmentonfederalbusiness.

• Personswho drive farming ve-hiclesnotnormallyusedonpublichighways.

• Personswhodriveregisteredoff-highwayvehiclesorsnowmobilesacross a highway (other than afreeway).

California Resident Military Personnel (U.S. Armed Forces)Ifyouareout-of-stateonactivemili-tarydutyandhaveavalidCaliforniadriverlicense,yourlicensewillbevalidforthefulltimeyouareabsentfromCaliforniaandfor30daysfol-lowingyourdischargedate,ifyouarehonorablydischargedoutsideofCalifornia.Carrybothyourdriverlicenseanddischargeorseparationpapersduringthose30days(CVC§12817).Call 1-800-777-0133 toobtain anExtensionofLicenseforPersoninArmedForces(DL236)cardwhichextendsyourCalifornialicense.

NOTE:Yourlicenseisnotvalidifithasbeensuspended,cancelledorrevoked.Militarydependentsdonotqualifyforthisextension.Nonresident Military Personnel Stationed in CaliforniaIfyouare18yearsofageorolder,seetherulesfor“CaliforniaResidents”and “Adults Visiting California.”Licenseeseligibleformilitaryexten-sions should carry documentationfromtheirhomestatetoverifytheirstatustolawenforcement.New ResidentsWhen you become a Californiaresident andyouwant todrive inCalifornia, you must apply for aCalifornia driver license within10 days.Residency is establishedinavarietyofways,includingthefollowing:• BeingregisteredtovoteinCali-forniaelections.

• PayingresidenttuitionataCali-forniacollegeoruniversity.

• Filingforahomeowner’sprop-ertytaxexemption.

• Receivinganyotherprivilegeorbenefitnotordinarilyextendedtononresidents.

Adults Visiting CaliforniaVisitors over 18 years oldwith avaliddriverlicensefromtheirhomestateorcountrymaydriveinCali-forniawithoutgettingaCaliforniadriverlicenseaslongastheirhomestatelicenseisvalid.

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Minors Visiting CaliforniaVisitorsbetween16–18yearsoldmay drive with their home statelicense for only 10 days after ar-rivinginCalifornia.After10days,theymusthavea:• CurrentCaliforniadriverlicense,or

• NonresidentMinor’sCertificate(which is issuedbyDMV) toaminor with proof of financialresponsibility.

oBtAininG A Driver license

When you apply for an originalDL/ID card, youmust present anacceptablebirthdate/legalpresencedocumentandprovideyoursocialsecurity number (SSN). Depend-ingonthebirthdate/legalpresencedocument you present, your firstCaliforniaDL/IDcardmayexpireonthesamedateasyourlegalpres-encedocument.Ifthenameonyourbirthdate/legalpresencedocumentisdifferentfromthenameonyourDL/IDcardapplication,youmustalso bring an acceptable true fullnamedocument.Your fingerprint,signature,andpicturewillalsobetaken (seepage4).For anyotherDL/IDcard transaction,youmustpresentphotoidentification.

acceptaBle DocumentsAnacceptablebirthdate/legalpres-enceortruefullnamedocumentisissued by a county or state. Thisdocumentisacertifiedcopyoftheoriginal(theoriginalisretainedbythe county or state) and containsan impressed seal or an originalstampedimpression.DMVwillnotacceptaphotocopy ofthecertifiedcopyforbirthdate/legalpresenceortruefullnameverification.Examplesofotheracceptablebirthdate/legalpresencedocumentsare:U.S.BirthCertificate,ProofofIn-dianBloodDegree,U.S.Passport,U.S.ArmedForcesIDCards,Cer-tificateofNaturalization,PermanentResidentCard,oraforeignpassportorMexicanBorderCrossingCardwithavalidI-94.TheI-94expirationdatemustbemore than2monthsfrom the DL/ID card applicationdate.Acompletelistofbirthdate/legalpresencedocumentsisavail-ableonlineatwww.dmv.ca.gov orintheFastFactbrochureBirth Date and Legal Presence Requirements(FFDL05).Examples of true full name veri-fication documents include thefollowing:• Adoptiondocumentscontainingyourlegalnameasaresultoftheadoption.

• Namechangedocumentscontain-ingyourlegalnamebothbeforeandafterthenamechange.

• MarriageCertificate.

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• A certificate, declaration, orregistration document verifyingthe information of a domesticpartnership.

• Dissolution of marriage docu-mentcontainingyourlegalname,asaresultofthecourtorder.

application requirements for a Basic class c Driver licenseToapplyforadriver license,youmust:• SubmitacompletedandsignedDMV Driver or IdentificationCardapplication(DL44) form.Signing this form means youagree to submit to a chemicaltest todetermine thealcoholordrugcontentofyourbloodwhenrequestedbyapoliceofficer. Ifyourefusetosignthisstatement,DMVwillnotissueapermitorlicense.

• Presentanacceptablebirthdate/legalpresencedocument.

• Provideyourtruefullname.• ProvideyourSSN,whichwillbeelectronically verified with theSocialSecurityAdministration.

• Payanonrefundableapplicationfeewhenyouapplyforanyneworchangeofclasspermitorlicense.Thisfeewillnotbereturned.Thefeeisgoodfor12monthsandal-lowsyoutotaketheappropriatelawtest(s)threetimes.Ifyoufailthelawtestand/ordrivetestthreetimes your application will be

void,andanewapplicationandfee are required. This fee paysfor both the instruction permitanddriverlicense,ifyouqualifyfor both documents within the12-monthperiod.Iftheapplica-tionexpires,youmustresubmitdocuments,repaytheapplicationfee,andretaketherequiredtests.

• Passavision test.Youmustbeabletopassavisiontest,withorwithout corrective lenses, withvisualacuitybetterthan20/200in at least one eye without theuseofabioptictelescopiclensorsimilarbiopticdevicetomeettheminimumvisionacuitystandard.Youareallowedtouseabiopticlens for the behind-the-wheelroadtest.Abiopticlensrestric-tion and daytime driving onlyrestrictionwillbeaddedtoyourdriverrecord.

• Haveyourpicturetaken.• Giveafingerprintscan.• Signyourname.

aDults’ permit requirementsIfyouareatleast18yearsold,meetthe application requirements, andpass the required tests, you maybe issued a California instructionpermit.Youmusthaveaninstructionper-mit while learning to drive.Youraccompanying driver must be 18years of age or older and have avalidCaliforniadriverlicense.Thispersonmustbeseatedcloseenough

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toyouthatheorsheisabletotakecontrolofthevehicleatanytime.Aninstructionpermitdoesnotpermityou to drive alone–not even to aDMVofficetotakethedrivingtest.Ifyouwanttoobtainprofessionaldrivereducationanddrivertraining,refertopage16.If you have amotorcycle permit,you cannot carry passengers, youmustrideduringdaylighthoursonly,andyoucannotrideonthefreeway.Togetamotorcyclepermityoumust:• Beatleast18yearsofage.• Completetheapplicationrequire-ments.

• Passatrafficlawsandroadsignstest.

aDults’ license requirementsIfyouhaveneverbeenlicensed,youmustmeetthefollowingcriteria:• Beatleast18yearsold.• Complywiththerequirementsforadrivingpermit,andwhenyouarereadyyoumustscheduleyourbehind-the-wheeldrivingtest.

• Makeanappointmentandbringyourinstructionpermitwithyouto thebehind-the-wheeldrivingtest.

• Passthebehind-the-wheeldrivingtest.Ifyoufailthetest,youmustpaya retest fee forasecondorsubsequent test and schedule abehind-the-wheeldrivingtestforanotherday.

If you have an out-of-state orout-of-country driver license,youmust:• Completeallthestepsrequiredforapermit.

• Bring your valid out-of-statedriver license to DMV.Yourout-of-statedriverlicensewillbeinvalidatedandreturnedtoyouunlessyouareapplyingforacommerciallicense.

NOTE:Thebehind-the-wheeldriv-ingtestforholdersofout-of-stateorU.S.territorylicensesarenormallywaived. However, the departmentmay require a behind-the-wheeldrivingtestforany typeofdriverli-censeapplication.Behind-the-wheeldrivingtestsare mandatory forout-of-countrydriverlicenseholders.

license clAssesThis handbook is primarily for abasicClassCdriverlicense.Class C license -• You may drive a:

– 2-axlevehiclewithaGrossVe-hicleWeightRating(GVWR)of26,000lbs.orless.– 3-axlevehicleweighing6,000lbs.orlessgross.– Housecar40feetorless.– 3-wheelmotorcycle.– Vanpool vehicle designed tocarry more than 10 persons,but nomore than 15 personsincludingthedriver.

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NOTE: The driver must have avalidmedical certification on filewithDMVandcarryavalidmedicalcard.Thedrivermustkeep in thevanpoolvehicleastatementsignedunder penalty of perjury, that heor she has not been convicted ofrecklessdriving,drunkdriving,orhit-and-run in the last five years(CVC§12804.9(j)).• You may tow a:

– SinglevehiclewithaGVWRof10,000lbs.orless,includingatowdolly,ifused.

• With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. or more, unladen, you may tow a:– Trailer coach or 5th-wheeltraveltrailerunder10,000lbs.GVWRwhentowingisnotforcompensation.– 5th-wheeltraveltrailerexceed-ing10,000lbs.butunder15,000lbs. GVWR, when towing isnotforcompensation,and withendorsement.

• A farmer or employee of a farmer may drive:– Any combination of vehicleswithaGVWRof26,000lbs.orless,ifusedexclusivelyinagriculturaloperationsand itisnotforhireorcompensation.

NOTE:• ClassC licenseesmaynot towmorethanonevehicle.

• Apassenger vehicle, regardlessofweight,maynottowmorethanonevehicle.

• Nomotorvehicleunder4,000lbs.unladenweightmaytowanyvehicleweighing6,000lbs.ormoregross.(CVC§21715)

Other classes of driver licenses/endorsements are:• NoncommercialClassA• NoncommercialClassB• CommercialClassA• CommercialClassB• CommercialClassC• MotorcycleClassM1• MotorcycleClassM2• Commercial Endorsement for:

– Doubles/Triples– HazardousMaterials– PassengerTransportation– TankVehicle

• AmbulanceDriverCertificate• FirefighterEndorsement• SchoolBusEndorsement• TowTruckDriverCertificate• Verification of Transit TrainingCertificate

Detailed information on other li-censetypesandendorsementscanbefoundintheCalifornia Commercial Driver Handbook, Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook,Ambulance Drivers Handbook,Parent-Teen Training Guide, andCalifornia Motorcycle Handbook.Pleaserefertotheabovehandbooksforadditionalinformation.

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tHe eXAminAtion process

Where to take the testsYoumay take thewritten, vision,andbehind-the-wheeldrivingtestsatanyDMVfieldofficewhichpro-videsdriverlicenseservices.Tosavetime,makeanappointmentonline: www.dmv.ca.gov or call1-800-777-0133 during normalbusinesshours.NOTE:DMVwillnotadministerwrittenor audioexamsafter4:30p.m.,toensureyouhavesufficienttimefortesting.Writtenandvisiontestsarerequiredwhenyouapplyforanoriginaldriverlicenseorupgradetoadifferentclassofdriverlicense.The use of testing aids is strictlyprohibited.Thisincludes,butisnotlimited to: TheCalifornia Driver Handbook, cheat sheets, or elec-troniccommunicationdevicessuchasacellphone,hand-heldcomputer,etc. If any testing aid(s) are usedduringthewrittentest,thewrittentestwillbemarkedasa“failure.”An action may also be taken byDMVagainstyourdrivingprivilegeorthedrivingprivilegeofanyoneelsewhoassiststheapplicantintheexaminationprocess.

Dmv examinationsYour driver license examinationsinclude:• A vision test. (Bring youreyeglasses or contact lenses totheexam.)

• A test of traffic laws and roadsigns.

• Abehind-the-wheeldrivingtest,if required. You must have anappointmenttotakethebehind-the-wheel driving test. For thedrivingtest,bring:– Yourolddriverlicenseorin-struction permit, if you haveone.– Alicenseddriverage18yearsor older with a valid driverlicense.– Proofthatthevehicleisprop-erlyinsured.– Avehiclethatissafetodrivewith valid registration anddisplaysafrontandrearlicenseplate. The vehicle’s brakelights, horn, parking brake,andelectricsignalsmustworkproperly,andthevehiclecannothave bald tires. The driver’ssidewindowmustrolldown.Thewindshieldmust allowafullunobstructedfieldofvisionandtheremustbetworearviewmirrors(oneontheleftoutsideofthevehicle).You will be asked to locatethe controls for the vehicle’sheadlights, windshield wip-ers,defroster,andemergency

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Page 20: CA Driver Handbook

flashers.Youmustdemonstratehowtousetheparkingbrake.Ifyouusearentalvehicleforthedrivingtest,thedriver’snamemustshowonthecontractasthe insured driver.You mustalsowearyourseatbelt.

NOTE:Thebehind-the-wheeldriv-ing testwillbe rescheduled if thevehicle does not meet the aboverequirements,orifyourefusetouseyourseatbeltduringthedrivingtest.Formoreinformation,refertotheFastFactsbrochureHow to Prepare for Your Driving Test(FFDL22)andsample tests which are availableonlineatwww.dmv.ca.gov.

speciAl section - minors

minors’ permit requirementsAminorisapersonunder18yearsof age. Minors must have theirapplicationforadriverlicense,oranychangeofdriverlicenseclass,signedbyhis/herparent(s)orlegalguardian(s).NOTE: Minors may not workasadriver forpayand theymaynotdriveaschoolbuscontainingpupils.Togetapermityoumust:• Beatleast151/2yearsofage,butunder18yearsofage.

• Complete theDriverLicenseorIdentification Card application(DL44)(seepages4and5).

• Haveyourparent(s)orguardian(s)signtheDL44form.

• Passatrafficlawsandroadsignstest.Ifyoufailthetest,youmustwait one week before retakingthetest.

• Ifyouare151/2–171/2yearsofage,youwill need to provide proofthatyou:– Completed driver education(CertificateofCompletionofDriverEducation)OR– Are enrolled and participat-inginanapprovedintegrateddriver education/driver train-ing program. (Certificate ofEnrollment in an Integrated[Classroom]DriverEducationandDriverTrainingProgram.)For more information, referto the Fast Fact Provisional Licensing Changes(FFDL19)atwww.dmv.ca.gov.

The provisional permit is notvaliduntilyou startyourbehind-the-wheel driver training with aninstructororreachage171/2.If you have a permit and plan todriveoutsideofCalifornia, checklicensingrequirementsinthatstateorcountry.NOTE: If you are at least 171/2 years of age, you may obtain apermit without completing drivereducationordrivertraining.How-ever,youcannotgetalicensebeforeyouare18yearsold,oryoumustprovide proof of driver educationanddrivertrainingcompletion.

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minors’ permit restrictionsYourpermit isnotvaliduntilyoubegindrivertraining;yourinstruc-torwillsignthepermittovalidateit.YoumustpracticewithalicensedCaliforniadriver:parent,guardian,drivinginstructor,spouse,oranadult25yearsofageorolder.Thepersonmustsitcloseenoughtoyoutotakecontrolofthevehicleatanytime.Aprovisionalpermitdoesnotallowyoutodrivealone–noteventoaDMVofficetotakeadrivingtest.

minors’ license requirementsYoumust:• Beatleast16yearsold.• Prove that you have finishedbothdrivereducationanddrivertraining.

• HavehadaCaliforniainstructionpermitforatleastsixmonths.

• Provideparent(s)orguardian(s)signature(s)onyour instructionpermit stating that you havecompleted50hoursofsuperviseddrivingpractice(10hoursmustbenightdriving) asoutlined intheParent-Teen Training Guide (DL603).VisittheTeenwebsiteatwww.dmv.ca.gov/teenweb/orcall 1-800-777-0133 to requestthisbooklet.

• Passthebehind-the-wheeldrivingtest.Youhave three chances topassthetestwhileyourpermitisvalid.Ifyoufailthebehind-the-wheeldrivingtest,youmustpayaretestfeeforasecondorsub-

sequenttestandwaittwoweeksbeforeyouareretested.

Once you have your provisionallicense,youmaydrivealone,aslongasyoudonothaveanycollisionsortrafficviolations.Whenyoubecome18yearsold,the“provisional”part of your licenseends.Youmaykeepyourprovisionalphoto license or pay a fee for aduplicatelicensewithouttheword“provisional.”During the first 12 months afteryouarelicensed,youcannotdrivebetween11p.m. and5a.m. and youcannot transportpassengersunder20yearsofage,unlessyouareac-companiedbyalicensedparentorguardian,alicenseddriver25yearsofageorolder,oralicensedorcerti-fieddrivinginstructor.

exceptions - minors license restrictionsThe law allows the followingexceptionswhenreasonabletrans-portationisnotavailable,anditisnecessaryforyoutodrive.Asignednotemustbekeptinyourpossessionforthefollowingexceptions,whichexplainsthenecessitytodriveandthedatewhenthisdrivingnecessitywill end (emancipatedminors areexcludedfromthisrequirement):• Medicalnecessitytodrivewhenreasonable transportation alter-nativesareinadequate.Thenotemust be signed by a physicianwiththediagnosisandprobabledateofrecovery.

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• Schooling or school-authorizedactivity.Thenotemustbesignedbytheschoolprincipal,dean,ordesignee.

• Employment necessity and theneedtooperateavehicleaspartof your employment. The notemustbesignedbytheemployerverifyingemployment.

• Thenecessitytodriveanimmedi-atefamilymember.Aphysician’snoteandanote signedbyyourparent(s)or legalguardian(s) isrequired, stating the reasonandprobableenddateof theneces-sitytodrivetheimmediatefamilymember.

EXCEPTION:Theserequirementsdo not apply to an emancipatedminor. You must have declaredyourself emancipated and pro-videdDMVwithProofofFinancialResponsibility (SR1P) in lieu ofyour parent(s) or guarantor(s)signature(s).

traffic violations Nearly 50 percent of the driversbetween15–19yearsofageareconvicted of a traffic violation intheirfirstyearofdriving.Themostcommonviolationisforspeeding,whichoftenresultsinthelossofvehiclecontrolandaccountsforabout50percentofallteentrafficconvictions.Whenyouviolatetrafficlaws,youincreaseyourchancesofhavingacollision.

Teenage Traffic DeathsDrivers 15–19years old have thehighesttrafficconviction,collision,andinjuryratesofanyagegroup.Traffic collisions are the leadingcauseofdeathforteenagers.Ifyouareunder18yearsold,yourriskofafatalcollisionisabout21/2timesthatofthe“average”driver.Yourriskofaninjurycollisionisthreetimeshigherthantheaveragedriver’srisk.

actions against the provisional licenseTeenagersasagroupaveragetwiceasmanycollisionsasadultdrivers,while driving only half as manymiles.Theteenagecollisionratepermileisfourtimesgreaterthantheadultdrivercollisionratepermile.Studiesshowthatthetrafficdeathsofnewdriversaredeadlycombina-tionsoftheirinexperiencedriving,lackoffamiliaritywiththevehicle,andtheirneedtopushthemselvesandthevehicletothelimit.Keeping Your Provisional LicenseTheDMVwilltrackyourdrivingre-cordandtakeactionsbaseduponanycollisionsorviolationsasfollows:• Ifyougetatrafficticketandfailto appear in court, DMV willsuspend your driving privilegeuntilyouappearincourt.

• Ifyougetatrafficticketandfailtopaythefine,DMVwillsuspendyourdrivingprivilegeuntilyoupaythefine.

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dmv.ca.gov

Cell phone use on the road... Get the picture?It is illegal and dangerous.

Page 24: CA Driver Handbook

• If you have one “at fault” col-lision or conviction within 12months,DMVwill send you awarningletter.

• If youhave a second“at fault”collisionorconviction(orcom-bination of both) within 12months, you cannot drive for30 days, unless accompaniedbyyourlicensedparentorotherlicensedadultwhoisatleast25yearsofage.

• If you have a third “at fault”collision or conviction (or anycombination)within12months,you will be suspended for sixmonthsandplacedonprobationforoneyear.

• Ifyouhaveadditional“atfault”collisionsorpointcountconvic-tionswhileonprobation,youwillbesuspendedagain.(Trafficlawviolations resolved in JuvenileCourtarealsoreportedtoDMV.)

• If you are convicted of usingalcoholoracontrolledsubstanceandyouarebetween13–21yearsofage,thecourtorderstheDMVto suspend your driver licenseforoneyear.IfyoudonothaveadriverlicensethecourtordersDMVtodelayyoureligibilitytoapply for a driver license.Youmayalsoberequiredtocompletea Driving-Under-the-Influence(DUI)program.

Anyrestriction,suspension,orpro-bationwillcontinueforitsfulltermpastyour18thbirthday.

Other,strongeractionsmaybetakenifyourdrivingrecordjustifiesthem.Remember,ifyourdrivingprivilegehasbeensuspendedorrevoked,you may not driveinCalifornia.Habitual Truant— Persons 13 – 18 Years of AgeThecourtwillsuspend,restrict,de-lay,orrevokeyourdrivingprivilegeforoneyearifyouareconvictedofbeingahabitualtruantfromschool.

minors anD cell phones• Itisagainstthelawforaminorto use a cell phonewhile driv-ing.Ifyourcellphonerings,donotanswerthecallorrespondtothetext.

• Convictionsforviolationsofthislawaresubjecttofines.

• Exceptions:Youmayuseacellphonetocontactlawenforcement,a health care provider, the firedepartment,oranotheremergencyentityinanemergencysituation.

miscellAneoUs licensinG

informAtionto replace a lost/stolen or DamageD licenseIfyourdriverlicenseislost,stolen,ordamaged,youmustgotoaDMVofficeandpayafeeforareplacementlicense. You should also presentphotoidentification.IfDMVcannotconfirmyouridentity,youwillnotbeissuedatemporarylicense.

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Ifyouareaminor,yourparent(s)orguardian(s)mustsigntheDMVapplicationform(DL44).Onceareplacementlicenseisissued,the previous license is no longervalid.Destroytheoldlicenseifyoufinditlater.

name changesWhenyoulegallychangeyournamebecauseofmarriageorotherreasons,besuretochangeyournamewiththeSocialSecurityAdministration(SSA)beforecomingintoDMV.BringyourdriverlicensetoDMVin person, along with your mar-riagecertificateorotheracceptableverificationofyour“truefullname”(see page 3).Youmust completetheDriverLicenseorIdentificationCardapplication(DL44)andpaytheapplicablefee.DMVwillelectroni-callyverifyyourname,birthdate,andsocialsecuritynumber(SSN)withtheSSA.A new picture, fingerprint, andsignaturewillbetakenandyouroldphotoDL/IDcardwillbeinvalidatedandreturnedtoyou.

license reneWalsTheDMVsendsarenewalnoticetoyouraddressofrecordabouttwomonthsbeforeyourdriver licenseexpires.Followtheinstructionsonthe renewal notice. If you do notreceivearenewalnotice,goonlineorcalltomakeanappointmenttorenewyourdriverlicense(seepageix).

QualifieddriversmaybeeligibletorenewtheirlicenseonlineatDMV’swebsiteatwww.dmv.ca.govorbymail.TheDMVissuesadriverlicenseforfiveyears.The licenseexpiresonyourbirthdayintheyearshownonthelicense.Itisagainstthelawtodrivewithanexpireddriverlicense.Adriving testmayberequiredaspartofanydriver license transac-tion.Drivingtestsarenotrequiredsimplybecauseofage.If DMV cannot confirm youridentity, youwillnot be issued atemporarylicense.ForothertypesoflicensesrefertotheCalifornia Commercial Driver Handbook, Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook,orCalifor-nia Motorcycle Handbook.

reneWal By mail or internetIfyouhavenotreceivedtwocon-secutive five-year driver licenseextensions,youmaybeeligibletorenewbymail,internetortelephonewithouttakingalawtest,if:• Yourcurrentlicenseexpiresbe-foreage70.

• Youdonothaveaprobationarylicense(CVC§14250).

• Youhavenotviolatedawrittenpromisetoappearincourtortopayafinewithinthelasttwoyears.

• Youarenotsuspendedfordriv-ingwithanillegalBloodAlcoholConcentration (BAC) level, orrefusingorfailingtocompletea

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chemicalorpreliminaryalcoholscreeningtestwithinthelasttwoyears.

• Youdonothaveatotalviolationpointcountgreaterthanonepoint.

NOTE:Ifyourenewbytelephone,youneedtohavetheRenewalIden-tificationNumber(RIN).

license extensionIfyouareawayfromCalifornia(uptooneyear),youmayrequestafreeone-year extension before your driver license expires. Limitedterm drivers are not eligible forthisextension.MailyourrequesttoDMV,POBox942890,Sacramento,CA94290-0001.Includeyourname,driver license number, birth date,California residence address, andout-of-stateaddress.

license in your possessionYoumustalwayshaveyourdriverlicensewithyouwhenyoudrive.Showit toanypoliceofficerwhoaskstoseeit.Ifyouareinacolli-sion,youmustshowittotheotherdriver(s)involved(seepage69).

aDDress changesWhen you move, you must giveDMV your new address within10days.Thereisnofeetochangeyour address. You may notifyDMVof your address change foryour driver license, identifica-tioncard,andvehicle(s)onlineatwww.dmv.ca.gov. You may alsodownload a Change of Address(DMV14)formandmailittothe

addressontheform,orcallDMVat1-800-777-0133, and request aDMV14formbemailedtoyou.Anewdriverlicenseisnotissuedwhenyouchangeyouraddress.Aspace is provided on the back ofyourdriverlicenseoridentificationcardtorecordyouraddresschange.Youmayalsotypeorwriteyournewaddressonasmallpieceofpaper,sign,anddatethepaperandcarryit(donotusetapeorstaples)withyourdriverlicenseoridentificationcard.If you change your address at afieldoffice,theDMVrepresentativewillgiveyouaChangeofAddressCertificate(DL43)tocompleteandcarrywithyourlicense.REmINdER: The U.S. PostalService does not forward DMVcorrespondence.

meDical information carDCall 1-800-777-0133 to obtain afreeMedicalInformationCard(DL390)tolistyourbloodtype,aller-gies,nameofphysician,andothermedicalinformation.Itcanbecar-riedwithyourDL/IDcard.

organ anD tissue DonationYou may sign up to donate yourorgansandtissuefortransplantationafteryourdeath.WhenyouapplyfororrenewyourdriverlicenseorIDcard,check“YES!Iwanttobeanorganandtissuedonor”toplaceyournameontheDonate Life California Organ Tissue Donor Registry.Youmay also financially contribute at

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thistime,orbyvisitingtheDonate Life Californiawebsite.Ifyouareolderthan13,andunder18yearsofage,youmayregisterwithDonate Life California, pro-videdyourparent(s)orguardian(s)authorizethedonation.For more information aboutthe donor registry, adding re-strictions to your gift, and thedonation process, visit the Do-nate Life California website atdonateLIFEcalifornia.org,orcall1-866-797-2366.

unlicenseD DriversIt is against the law to loan yourvehicletoapersonwhoisunlicensedorwhosedrivingprivilegehasbeensuspended.Ifanunlicensedpersonis caught driving your vehicle, itmay be impounded for 30 days(CVC§14607.6).No person of any age may driveonahighwayorinapublicpark-ingfacilityunlessheorshehasavaliddriverlicenseorpermit.Thelaw also states that youmust notemploy, permit, or authorize anyperson todriveyourvehicleon apublicstreetorhighway,unlessheorsheislicensedtodrivethatclassofvehicle.Apersonmustbeatleast21yearsoldtodrivemostcommercialvehiclesforhireininterstatecommerceandtotransporthazardousmaterialsorwastes.

Diplomatic Driver licensesNonresidentswhopossessavaliddiplomatic driver license issuedby the U.S. Department of StateareexemptfromCaliforniadriverlicensingrequirements.

iDentification (iD) carDDMVissuesIDcardstopersonsofanyage.Toobtainanoriginal IDcard,youmustpresentabirthdate/legal presence verification docu-ment(seepage3)andprovideyoursocialsecuritynumber(seepage13).TheIDcardisvaliduntilthesixthbirthday after the issue date. ThefeeforanIDcardmaybereduced,ifyoumeetcertainincomerequire-mentsforspecificpublicassistanceprograms.NOTE: Governmentalornon-profitorganizationsdeterminewhetheranindividualmeets therequirementsforareduced-feeIDcard.Ifyouareage62orolder,youmayobtainafree SeniorCitizenIDcardthatisgoodfor10years.

free iD carDs for physical anD mental (p&m) conDitionsDrivers with physical or mental(P&M)conditionsmayneedtobereexaminedfromtimetotimebyaphysician,or beretestedmoreoftenthan every five years by a DMVexaminer toobtaina limited-termdriverlicense.Drivers who are no longer abletodrivesafelybecauseofaP&Mcondition may exchange their

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validdriverlicenseforano-feeIDcard,ifcertainguidelinesaremet.Goonlineatwww.dmv.ca.gov orcall1-800-777-0133foradditionalinformation.Driving schoolsWhenlearningtodrive,youshouldseek qualified instruction, eitherwithanaccreditedpublicorprivatehighschoolorastatelicensedpro-fessionaldrivingschool.DMVlicensesprofessionalschoolsand instructors in California thatmeet rigid qualifying standards.Schoolsmustcarryliabilityinsur-ance, hold a bond, and maintaincompleterecordsforDMVinspec-tion.Vehiclesaresubjecttoannualinspection. Instructors must passawrittenexaminationevery threeyearsorshowproofofcontinuingeducationinthetrafficsafetyfield.Ifyouusetheservicesofaprofes-sionaldrivingschool,asktoseetheinstructor’sidentificationcard.Goonlineatwww.dmv.ca.gov orrefertothefastfactbrochureSelecting a Driving School(FFDL33)forad-ditionalinformation.mature Driver programTheMatureDriverProgramisaneight-hourcoursefordrivers55andolder.Thiscoursecoversavarietyof topicsofspecial interest to thematuredriverandisavailablefromDMVapprovedcourseproviders.Yourinsurancecompanymayofferdiscounts for thosewhocompletetheclassandreceiveacompletioncertificate.Thecertificate isvalid

forthreeyearsandcanberenewedbycompletingafour-hourcourse.peDestrian responsiBilitiesPedestrians (including joggers)shouldbeawareoftrafficconditions.Watch out for aggressive driversbeforeassumingthatyouhavetheright-of-waywhencrossingastreet.Be aware that hybrid and electricvehicles are virtually silent whenrunningonelectricpowerandyoumaynothearthemapproachinganintersection.Yieldtheright-of-waytovehicles,when you cross a street betweenintersectionsand inareaswithnopedestriancrosswalksorsignals.REmEmbER:Makingeyecontactwithadriverdoesnotmeanthatthedriverwillyieldtheright-of-way.Donotsuddenlyleaveacurborothersafeplaceandwalkorrunintothepathofavehiclecloseenoughtobeadangertoyou.Thisistrueeventhoughyouareinacrosswalk.Thelawstatesthatdriversmustalwaysyield the right-of-way toapedes-trian–but if thedrivercannotstopintimetoavoidhittingyouthelawwillnotpreventyoufrombeinghit.Alwaysobeytrafficsignals.Wheth-er the intersection has pedestriansignals or traffic lights, youmustobeythepedestrianrules(seepages23-26). At an intersection wheretrafficisnotcontrolledbysignals,drivers are required to yield theright-of-waytopedestrianswithinanycrosswalk,markedorunmarked.

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Whenasignalfirstchangestogreenor“WALK”,lookleft,right,andthenleftagain,andyieldtheright-of-wayto any vehicle in the intersectionbeforethesignalchanges.If the signal begins blinking orchanges to “DON’T WALK,” ortoanupraisedhandafteryouhavegonepartwayacrossadividedstreet,youmaycontinueacrossthestreet.Donotstopordelaytrafficunneces-sarilywhilecrossingastreet.Pedestrians are not permitted onany toll bridgeor highway cross-ing,unlessthereisasidewalkandsigns stating pedestrian traffic ispermitted.Iftherearenosidewalks,walkfac-ingoncomingtraffic(seegraphic).Donotwalkorjogonanyfreewaywheresignstellyouthatpedestriansare not allowed. Do not walk orjoginabikelaneunlessthereisnosidewalk.Iftherearenosidewalks,walkfac-ingoncomingtraffic(seegraphic).Donotwalkorjogonanyfreewaywheresignstellyouthatpedestriansare not allowed. Do not walk orjobinabikelaneunlessthereisnosidewalk.

Atnight,makeyourselfmorevis-ibleby:• Wearingwhite,light,orreflectivematerialclothing.

• Carryingaflashlight.

seAt BeltsSeat belts, both the lap belt andshoulderharness,mustbeingoodworkingorder.Youmaynotoperateyourvehicleunlessyouandallyourpassengerssixyearsofageorolder,orwhoweigh60lbs.ormore,arewearingseatbelts.Youngerchildrenmust be seated in a federally-approvedchildpassengerrestraintsystem.You and your passengersmust wear seat belts while yourvehicleismovingonpublicroadsand on private property, such aspublicparkinglots.Ifseatbeltsarenotwornbyanyofyourpassengers,you and the passenger(s) maybothbecited.Youwillbecitedifapas-senger,youngerthan16yearsofage,isnotwearinghisorherseatbelt.Alwaysuseyourseatbelts(includ-ingtheshoulderharness)evenifthevehicle isequippedwithairbags.You can have shoulder harnessesorseatbelts installed inolderve-hicles.Evenifyouwearonlyalapbeltwhendriving,yourchancesoflivingthroughacollisionaretwiceashighassomeonewhodoesnotwearalapbelt.Ifyouwearalapandshoulderbelt,yourchancesarethreetofourtimeshighertolivethroughacollision.Pregnantwomenshouldwearthelapbeltaslowaspossibleundertheab-domen,andtheshoulderstrapshouldbeplacedbetweenthebreastsandtothesideoftheabdomen’sbulge.WARNING: Using seat belts re-ducestheriskofbeingthrownfrom

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yourvehicleinacollision.Ifyoudonotinstallanduseashoulderharnesswiththeseat(lap)belt,seriousorfatalinjuriesmayhappeninsomecrashes. Lap-only belts increasethe chance of spinal column andabdominal injuries—especially inchildren. Shoulder harnessesmaybeavailableforyourvehicle, if itisnotalreadyequippedwiththem.

mistaken Beliefs aBout seat BeltsManystudiesandactualcrashtestshaveprovensafetybeltscanreduceinjuriesanddeaths.Haveyouheardthesemyths?• “Seat belts can trap you insideavehicle.”Itactuallytakeslessthanasecondto takeoffaseatbelt.Thismythoftendescribesavehiclethatcaughtfireorsankindeepwater.Aseatbeltmaykeepyou frombeing“knockedout.”Therefore,yourchancestoescapearebetterifyouareconscious.

• “Seat belts are good on longtrips,butIdon’tneedthemifI’mdrivingaroundtown.”Morethanhalfofall trafficdeathshappenwithin25milesofhome.Donottakechanceswithyourlifeorthelivesofyourpassengers.Buckleupeverytimeyoudriveregardlessoftraveldistance.

• “Some people are thrown froma vehicle in a crash and walkawaywithhardlyascratch.”Yourchancesofsurvivingacollisionarefivetimesbetterif,uponim-

pact,youarenotthrownfromthevehicle.Aseatbeltcankeepyoufrombeingthrownintothepathofanothervehicle.

• “I’monlygoingtothestore.Mylittlebrotherorsisterdoesn’tneedto be secured in a safety seat.”Car collisions are the number one preventable cause of death for children. The law requiresthat you buckle children into afederally-approved child pas-sengerrestraintsystem.

The following graphics illustratewhatcanhappeninacollision.Yourvehiclestopswhenyoucollide,butyoukeepgoingatthesamespeedyouweretraveling,untilyouhitthedashboardorwindshield.At30mphthismotionisequivalenttohittingthegroundfromthetopofathree-storybuilding.

Ifyouarestruckfromtheside,theimpact could push you back andforthacrosstheseat.Seatbeltsandshoulder harnesses keep you in abetterpositiontocontrolthevehicleandmayminimizeseriousinjuries.

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chilD restraint system anD safety seatsAnychildundertheageofsixyearsandweighinglessthan60lbs.,mustbesecuredinafederally-approvedchildpassengerrestraintsystemandrideinthebackseatofavehicle.Proper child passenger restraintsysteminstallationcanbecheckedbycontactinglocallawenforcementagencies or fire departments, thatmay provide this service or referyou to a Child Passenger Safety(CPS)Technicianinyourarea.Asyourchildgrows,checkwiththeseagenciestoconfirmthatthecarseatisthecorrectsizeforyourchild.Achildundertheageofsixyears,andweighinglessthan60lbs.mayrideinthefrontseatofavehicleonlyinthefollowinginstances:• Thereisnorearseatortherearseatsareeitherside-facingjumpseatsorrear-facingseats.

• Thechildpassengerrestraintsys-temcannotbeproperlyinstalledintherearseat.

• Allrearseatsarealreadyoccupiedbychildrenundertheageof12years.

• A medical reason requires thechildtorideinthefrontseat.

A childmay not ride in the frontseatofanairbag-equippedvehicleifthechild:• Islessthanoneyearofage.• Weighslessthan20lbs.

• Is riding in a rear-facing childpassengerrestraintsystem.

Childrenagessixyearsandolder,butlessthan16years,andchildrenunder age six years, who weighmorethan60lbs.,mustbeproperlysecuredinanappropriatechildpas-senger restraint system or safetybelt which meets federal safetystandards.

riDing safely With air BagsMostpeoplecantakestepstoelimi-nateorreduceairbagriskwithoutturning off air bags. The biggestriskisbeingtooclosetotheairbag.Anairbagneedsabout10 inchesofspacetoinflate.Rideatleast10inches(measuredfromthecenterofthesteeringwheel toyourbreast-bone)fromtheairbagcover,ifyoucandothiswhilemaintainingfullcontrolofthevehicle.Ifyoucannotsafelysit10inchesawayfromtheairbag,contactyourvehicledealeror manufacturer for advice aboutadditional ways of moving backfromyourairbag.Passengersshouldalsositat least10inchesawayfromthepassenger-sideairbag.

siDe-impact air BagsSide-impact air bags can provideextra safety benefits to adults inside-impactcrashes.However,chil-drenwhoareseatednexttoasideairbagmaybeatriskofseriousorfatalinjury.Sincesideairbagsaredifferentindesignandperformance,youshouldconsiderthebenefitsand

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risksassociatedwiththeuseofsideairbags ifyou transportchildren.Studies have shown that childrenwhoareleaningagainstasideairbagwhenitinflatesareatriskofseriousinjury.Thesestudiesalsoshowthatchildrenwhoaretravelinginacor-rectly installed child restraint system appropriate toageandweightarenotatriskofseriousinjury.Thesechildrenareusuallynotinthepathofasideairbagwhenitinflates.

unattenDeD chilDren in motor vehiclesItisillegaltoleaveachildsixyearsofageoryoungerunattendedinamotorvehicle.Beawareif:• Weatherconditionsorothercon-ditionspresentasignificantriskto the child’s health or safety.Example: Leaving a child in aclosedvehicleonaveryhotday.

• Thevehicle’sengineisrunning,keysareintheignition,orboth.Childrenmaystartormovethevehicle causing injuries and/ordeathstothemselvesorothers.

EXCEPTION:Thechildmaybeleftunderthesupervisionofaperson12yearsofageorolder.Thecourtmayfineaviolatorandrequirehimorhertoattendacom-munity education program. Also,DMVandcourtpenaltiesforleavinganunattendedchildinavehiclearemoresevereifthechildisinjured,requires emergency medical ser-vices,ordies.

trAffic liGHts AnD siGns

traffic signal lightsSolid Red–A red signallightmeans“STOP.”Youcan make a right turnagainstaredlightafteryoustopthenyieldtopedestrians,bicyclists,andvehiclescloseenoughtobeahazard.Maketherightturnonlywhenitissafe.Donotturnifa“NOTURNONRED”signisposted.Red Arrow–Aredarrowmeans “STOP.” Remainstopped until the greensignalorgreenarrowappears.Donotturnagainstaredarrow.Flashing Red–Aflashingred signal light means“STOP.” After stopping,youmayproceedwhen it is safe.Observetheright-of-wayrules.Solid Yellow–A yellows i g n a l l i g h t me a n s“CAUTION.”Theredsignalis about to appear.Whenyou seetheyellowlight,stopifyoucandososafely.Ifyoucannotstopsafely,crosstheintersectioncautiously.Yellow Arrow–A yellowarrow means the “pro-tected”turningtimeperiodisending.Bepreparedtoobeythenextsignal,whichcouldbethegreenorredlightortheredarrow.Flashing Yellow–Aflash-ing yellow signal lightwarnsyouto“PROCEEDWITHCAUTION.”Youdonotneed

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tostopforaflashingyellowlight,but you must slow down and beespeciallyalertbeforeenteringtheintersection.F l a s h i n g Ye l l o w Arrow–This s ignalmeansturnsarepermitted(unprotected), but youmustfirstyieldtooncomingtrafficand pedestrians and then proceedwithcaution.Solid Green–Give theright-of-waytoanyvehi-cle,bicyclist,orpedestrianin the intersection. A green lightmeans“GO.”Ifyouareturningleft,make the turn only if you haveenoughspacetocompletetheturnbefore creating a hazard for anyoncoming vehicle, bicyclist, orpedestrian.Donotentertheintersec-tion if you cannot get completelyacrossbeforethelightturnsred.Ifyoublocktheintersection,youcanbecited.Green Arrow–A greenarrowmeans “GO.”Youmustturninthedirectionthe arrow is pointing after youyield to any vehicle, bicyclist, orpedestrianstill intheintersection.The green arrow allows you tomakea“protected”turn.Oncomingvehicles,bicyclists,andpedestriansarestoppedbyaredlightaslongasthegreenarrowislighted.Traffic Signal blackout–Ifatrafficsignallightisnotworking,proceedcautiously, as if the intersection

is controlledby a stop sign in alldirections.

peDestrian signal lightsPedestrian signals showwords orpictures similar to the followingexamples:“Walk” or “Walking Person”lightsmeanitislegaltocrossthestreet.“don’ t Walk” o r“Raised Hand” lightsmean you may not start crossingthestreet.Flashing“don’t Walk”or Flashing “Raised Hand” lights mean donotstartcrossingthestreetbecausethetrafficsignalisabouttochange. If theflashingstartsafteryouhavealreadystarted tocross,finishcrossingthestreetasquicklyaspossible.Countdown signals indicatehowmanysecondsremainforcrossing,andallowspedestrianstheflexibilitytospeedupifthecrossingphaseisabouttoexpire.Somesignalsmayprovideabeep-ingorchirpingsoundoraverbal message.Thesesignalsaredesignedtohelpblindorvisually impairedpedestrianscrossthestreet.Atmany traffic signals,youneedtopushthepedestrianpushbuttontoactivatethe“Walk”or“Walk-ing Person”signal.Iftherearenopedestriansignals,obeythetrafficsignallights.

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traffic signsTheshapeandcolorofasignoffersyou a clue about the informationcontainedonthesign.Herearethecommonshapesused:Aneight-sided red STOP sign indicatesthatyoumustmakeafull“STOP”when-ever you see a STOP sign. Stopbeforeenteringacrosswalkoratawhite limit line, which is a widewhitelinepaintedonthestreet.Ifacrosswalkorlimitlineisnotpaintedonthestreet,stopatthecorner.Athree-sided red YIELD sign indicates that youmust slowdown and bereadytostop,ifnecessary,toletanyvehicle,bicyclist,orpedestrianpassbeforeyouproceed.Asquare red and white regulatory sign indi-cates that you mustfollowthesign’sinstruc-tion. For example, thedO NOT ENTERsignmeans: do not enter aroadorofframpwherethesignisposted,whichisusuallyonafreewayofframp.TheWRONG WAYsignmayormaynotbepostedwiththedO NOT ENTERsign.Ifyouseeoneorbothofthesesigns,drivetothesideoftheroadandstop.Youaregoingagainsttraffic.Whensafe,backoutorturnaroundandreturntotheroadyouwereon.Atnightifyouaregoingthewrongway, theroadreflectorswillshineredinyourheadlights.

STOP

DO NOT

WRONGWAY

ENTER

DO NOT

WRONGWAY

ENTER

Ifasignhasared circle with a red line throughit, ital-ways indicates “NO.”Thepictureinsidethecircleshowswhatyou cannot do. The sign may beshownwithorwithoutwords.Ayellow and black circular signindicatesthatyouareapproaching a railroadcrossing.X-shaped signs withawhitebackground that stateRAILROAd CROSSINGindicatethatyoumustslowdownandbereadytostop,ifnecessary,to let any trains pass before youproceed.A five-sided sign indicatesthatyouarenearaschool.Stopifchildrenareinthecrosswalk.A four-sided diamond-shaped sign warnsyouofspecificroadcondi-tions and dangers ahead. Manywarningsignsarediamond-shaped.A white rectangular sign indicatesthatyoumustobeyimportantrules.Some warning signs have a flo-rescent yellow-green background.These signs warn of conditionsrelated to pedestrians, bicyclists,schools,playgrounds,schoolbuses,andschoolpassengerloadingzones.Obeyallwarningsignsregardlessoftheirshape(seepages24and25forexamples).

R R

RA

I LROADC

RO

SS

I NG

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lAws AnD rUles of tHe roAD

right-of-Way rulesGeneral InformationRight-of-way rules, together withcourtesyandcommonsense,helptopromotetrafficsafety.Itisimportanttorespecttheright-of-wayofothers,especiallypedestrians,motorcycleriders, and bicycle riders. Neverassumeotherdriverswillgiveyoutheright-of-way.Respecting the right-of-way ofothers isnot limited tosituationssuchasyieldingtopedestriansincrosswalks,orwatchingcarefullytoensuretheright-of-wayofbicy-clistsandmotorcyclists.Motoristsmustrespect the right-of-wayofothersbynotviolatingtrafficlaws,suchasfailingtostopatastopsignor traffic light, speeding,makingunsafelanechanges,orillegalturns.Statistics show that right-of-wayviolationscauseahighpercentageofinjurycollisionsinCalifornia.PedestriansPedestriansafetyisaseriousissue.Apedestrianisapersononfootorwhousesaconveyancesuchasrollerskates,skateboard,etc.,otherthanabicycle.Apedestriancanalsobeapersonwith adisabilityusingatricycle,quadricycle,orwheelchairfortransportation.Pedestriandeathsoccurin17percentof all traffic fatalities.Drive cau-tiouslywhen pedestrians are near

because theymay suddenly crossyourpath.Pedestriansmaybeatriskwalkingnear hybrid and electric vehicles,becausethesevehiclesarevirtuallysilentwhileoperating.Useextracau-tionwhendrivingnearpedestrians.• Respect the right-of-way ofpedestrians.Alwaysstopforanypedestrian crossing at cornersorothercrosswalks,evenif thecrosswalkisinthemiddleoftheblock,atcornerswithorwithouttrafficlights,whetherornotthecrosswalksaremarkedbypaintedlines.

• Do not pass a vehicle that hasstopped at a crosswalk. A pe-destrianyoucannotseemaybecrossingthestreet.

• Donotdriveonasidewalk,ex-cepttocrossittoenterorexitadrivewayoralley.Whencrossing,yieldtoallpedestrians.

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

• Remember,ifapedestrianmakeseyecontactwithyou,heorsheisreadytocrossthestreet.Yieldtothepedestrian.

• Allowolderpedestrians,disabledpedestriansandpedestrianswithyoungchildrensufficienttimetocrossthestreet.

• Important: Blind pedestriansrelyonthesoundofyourvehicletobecomeawareofyourvehicle’spresence;soit is importantthat

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- 78 -

Red and White Regulatory Signs

Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs

Guide Signs

Hazardous Loads Placards

White Regulatory Signs

Slow Moving Vehicle

NoU-turn NoLeftTurn NoRightTurn

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- 79 -

Warning Signs

Slippery

When Wet

Sharp

Turn

Merging

Traffic

Divided

Highway

Lane

Ends

Two Way

Traffic

Traffic

Signal

Ahead

Pedestrian

Crossing

Stop Ahead

“T”

Intersection

Winding

Road

Reverse

Turn

CrossroadAdded Lane

Yield Ahead

Directional

Arrow

End Divided

Highway

Curve

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you stop your vehiclewithin 5feetofthecrosswalk.Driversofhybridorelectricvehiclesmustremainespeciallyawarethatthelackofenginenoisemaycauseablindpedestriantoassumethereis not a vehicle nearby. Followthiscue:– Whenablindpersonpulls inhisorhercaneandstepsawayfrom the intersection, thisgestureusuallymeansforyouto go (additional informationregardingblindpedestrianscanbefoundonpages62and63).

CrosswalksA crosswalk is the part of theroadway set aside for pedestriantraffic. Most intersections have apedestriancrosswalkwhetherornotlinesarepaintedonthestreet.Mostcrosswalks are locatedat corners,buttheycanalsobelocatedinthemiddleoftheblock.Beforeturningacorner,watchforpeopleabouttocrossthestreet.Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks.Crosswalksareoftenmarkedwithwhitelines.Yellowcrosswalklinesmaybepaintedatschoolcrossings.Mostoften,crosswalksinresidentialareasarenotmarked.Some crosswalks have flashinglightstowarnyouthatpedestriansmay be crossing. Look for pe-destriansandbeprepared tostop,whetherornotthelightsareflashing.

IntersectionsAnintersectionisanyplacewhereonelineofroadwaymeetsanotherroadway.Intersectionsincludecrossstreets,sidestreets,alleys,freewayentrances, and any other locationwherevehiclestravelingondifferenthighwaysorroadsjoineachother.Driving through an intersectionis one of the most complex traf-fic situationsmotorists encounter.Intersectioncollisionsaccount formorethan45percentofallreportedcrashesand21percentoffatalitiesaccordingtotheFederalHighwayAdministration.• Atintersectionswithout“STOP”or“YIELD”signs,slowdownandbereadytostop.Yieldtotrafficand pedestrians already in theintersectionor just entering theintersection. Also, yield to thevehicleorbicyclewhicharrivesfirst,or tothevehicleorbicycleonyourrightifitreachesthein-tersectionatthesametimeasyou.

• At “T” intersections without“STOP”or“YIELD”signs,yieldtotrafficandpedestriansonthethrough road. They have theright-of-way.

• Whenyouturnleft,givetheright-of-waytoallvehiclesapproachingthatarecloseenoughtobedanger-ous.Also,lookformotorcyclists,bicyclists,andpedestrians.Whenyouturnright,besuretocheckforpedestrianscrossingthestreetandbicyclistscomingupbehindyouontheright.Ondivided,highways

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orhighwayswithseveral lanes,watchforvehiclescominginanylaneyoucross.Turneitherleftorrightonlywhenitissafe.

• Whenthereare“STOP”signsatallcorners,stopfirstthenfollowtheaboverules.

• Ifyouhaveparkedofftheroadorareleavingaparkinglot,etc.,yieldtotrafficbeforereenteringtheroad.Safety suggestion:Whilewaitingto turn left, keep your wheelspointed straight ahead until itissafetostartyourturn.Ifyourwheelsarepointedtotheleft,andavehiclehitsyoufrombehind,youcouldbepushedintooncom-ingtraffic.

RoundaboutsA roundabout is an intersectionwheretraffictravelsaroundacentralislandinacounter-clockwisedirec-tion.Vehiclesenteringorexitingtheroundaboutmustyieldtoalltrafficincludingpedestrians.

Multiple and single lane roundabout

Whenyouapproacharoundabout:• Slowdownasyouapproachtheroundabout.

• Yieldtopedestriansandbicyclistscrossingtheroadway.

• Watchforsignsand/orpavementmarkingsthatguideyouorpro-hibitcertainmovements.

• Entertheroundaboutwhenthereisabigenoughgapintraffic.

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

• Useyourturnsignalswhenyouchange lanesor exit the round-about.

• If youmiss your exit, continuearounduntilyou return toyourexit.

For roundabouts with multiplelanes,chooseyourentryorexitlanebasedonyourdestinationasshowninthegraphic.Forexample,to:• Turn right at the intersection,choose the right-hand lane andexitintheright-handlane(bluecar).

• Gostraightthroughtheintersec-tion,chooseeitherlane,andexitinthelaneyouentered(redcar).

• Turnleft,choosetheleftlane,andexit(yellowcar).

On Mountain RoadsWhentwovehiclesmeetonasteeproadwhereneithervehiclecanpass,the vehicle facing downhill mustyieldtheright-of-way,bybackingupuntilthevehiclegoinguphillcan

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pass.Thevehicle facingdownhillhas the greater amount of controlwhenbackingupthehill.

speeD limitsCaliforniahasa“BasicSpeedLaw.”Thislawmeansthatyoumayneverdrivefasterthanissafeforcurrentconditions.Forexample,ifyouaredriving45mphina55mphspeedzoneduringadensefog,youcouldbe cited for driving “too fast forconditions.”Youmayneverlegallydrive faster than thepostedspeedlimit,evenifyouthinkitissafe.Regardlessofthepostedspeedlimit,yourspeedshoulddependon:• Thenumberandspeedofothervehiclesontheroad.

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

• Bicyclistsorpedestrianswalkingon the road’s edge or crossingthestreet.

• Whetheritisraining,foggy,snow-ing,windy,ordusty.

maximum speeD limitThemaximumspeedlimitonmostCaliforniahighwaysis65mph.Youmaydrive70mphwhereposted.Un-lessotherwiseposted,themaximumspeedlimitis55mphontwo-laneundividedhighwaysandforvehiclestowingtrailers.Otherspeedlimitsignsarepostedfor the type of roads and trafficin each area.All speed limits arebasedonidealdrivingconditions.

Construction zones usually havereducedspeedzones.Drivingfasterthanthepostedspeedlimit,ordrivingfasterthansafeforcurrent conditions on any road isdangerousandillegal.Highspeedincreases your stopping distance.Thefasteryougo,thelesstimeyouhavetoavoidahazardorcollision.Theforceofa60mphcrashisnotjusttwiceasgreatasa30mphcrash,it’sfourtimesasgreat!

reDuceD speeDsHeavy Traffic or Bad WeatherYoumustdriveslowerwhenthereis heavy traffic or bad weather.However,ifyoublockthenormalandreasonablemovementof traf-ficbydrivingtooslowly,youmaybegivenaticket.Ifyouchoosetodriveslower thanother traffic,donotdriveinthe“Number1”(fast)lane(seepage31).Whentravelingbelowthespeedlimitalwaysmovetotherightwhenanotherdriverisclosebehindyouandwishestodrivefaster,unlessyouarealreadyintheextremerightlane.Towing Vehicles, Buses, or Large TrucksWhenyoutowavehicleortrailer,ordriveabusorthreeormoreaxletruck,youmustdrive in the righthand lane or in a lane speciallymarked for slowervehicles. If nolanesaremarkedandtherearefour lanesormoreinyourdirection,youmayonlydriveineitherofthetwolanes closest to the right edge oftheroad.

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Around ChildrenWhendrivingwithin500to1,000feet of a school while childrenare outside or crossing the street,the speed limit is 25 mph unlessotherwiseposted.Also,iftheschoolgroundshavenofenceandchildrenareoutside,neverdrivefasterthan25mph. Some school zonesmayhavespeedlimitsaslowas15mph.Alwaysdrivemorecarefullynearschools, playgrounds, parks, andresidential areas because childrenmaysuddenlydart into the street.Also,manychildrenhavenotyetdeveloped the ability to judgespeedsanddistanceswellenoughtocrossstreetssafelywhencarsaremovingfast.

All vehicles must stop

Nearschools,lookfor:• Bicyclistsandpedestrians.• School safety patrols or schoolcrossingguards.Besuretoobeytheirdirections.Forthecrossingguard’ssafety,allowhimorhertosafelygettothesideoftheroadbeforedrivingahead.

• Stoppedschoolbusesandchildrencrossingthestreet.Someschool

buses flash yellow lights whenpreparingtostoptoletchildrenoffthebus.Theyellowflashinglights warn you to slow downand prepare to stop.When thebusflashesredlights(locatedatthetopfrontandbackofthebus),youmuststopfromeitherdirec-tionuntilthechildrenaresafelyacrossthestreetandthelightsstopflashing. The law requires youremainstoppedaslongastheredlightsareflashing(CVC§22454).If you fail to stop,youmaybefinedupto$1,000,andyourdriv-ingprivilegecouldbesuspendedforoneyear.Iftheschoolbusisontheothersideofadividedormultilanehighway(twoormorelanesineachdirection),youdonotneedtostop.

Blind IntersectionsThespeedlimitforablindintersec-tion is15mph.An intersection isconsidered“blind” if therearenostop signs at any corner and youcannotseefor100feetineitherdi-rectionduringthelast100feetbeforecrossing.Trees,bushes,buildings,orparkedcarsatintersectionscanblockyourviewtotheside.Ifyourview is blocked, edge forwardslowlyuntilyoucansee.AlleysThespeedlimitinanyalleyis15mph.Near Railroad TracksThespeed limit is15mphwithin100feetofarailroadcrossingwhereyoucannotseethetracksfor400feet

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inbothdirections.Youmaydrivefasterthan15mphifthecrossingis controlled by gates, a warningsignal,oraflagman.Atrailroadortraincrossings:

• Lookinbothdirectionsandlistenfor trains.Manycrossingshavemultiple tracks, so be ready tostop before crossing, if neces-sary.Cross railroad tracks onlyatdesignatedcrossingsandonlywhenitissafetodoso.

• Expectatrainonanytrackatanytimetravelingineitherdirection.Ifyouneedtostopaftercrossingthetracks,makesureyourvehicleclearsthetracksbeforeyoustop.

• Neverstopontherailroadtracks.Rememberthatatraincannotstopquicklyorswerveoutoftheway.Ifyouareonthetracksyouriskinjuryordeath.

• Watchforvehiclesthatmuststopbefore they cross train tracks.These vehicles include buses,school buses, and trucks trans-portinghazardousloads.

• RememberthatflashingredlightsmeanSTOP!Stopatleast15feet,butnotmorethan50feet,fromthenearesttrackwhenthecross-ingdevicesareactiveorapersonwarnsyouatrainiscoming.Stopifyouseeatraincomingoryouhearthewhistle,horn,orbellofanapproachingtrain.

• Donotgounderloweringgatesoraroundloweredgates.Flashingredlightsindicateyoumuststopandwait.Donotproceedoverthecrossinguntiltheredlightsstopflashing,evenifthegaterises.Ifthegatesareloweredandyoudonotseeatrainapproaching,callthe posted railroad emergencytoll-free number or 9-1-1. Bereadytogiveadetaileddescrip-tionofyourlocation.

Light Rail Transit Vehicle CrossingsThesame rulesapply to light railtransitvehiclecrossingsastofreighttrain crossings. Do not proceedacrossthetracksuntilyoucanseeclearlyinbothdirectionsandaresuretherearenolightrailtransitvehiclesortrainscoming.Donotgoaroundorunderanyloweredgate.NOTE:Light rail transit vehiclesareveryquietandacceleratemorequicklythanfreighttrains.Near Streetcars, Trolleys, or BusesThepassingspeedlimit,whensafetopass,isnomorethan10mph.Thisspeedlimitappliesatasafetyzoneoranintersectionwhereastreetcar,

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trolley,orbusisstoppedand trafficiscontrolledbyapoliceofficerortrafficsignal.Asafetyzoneismarkedbyraisedbuttonsormarkersontheroadandissetasideforpedestrians.Youwillmostoftenseesafetyzonesinareaswherestreetcarsortrolleysandvehiclessharetheroadway.Business or Residential DistrictsThespeedlimitis25mph,unlessotherwiseposted.Near AnimalsIfyouseeanimalsorlivestock,slowdownandfollowdirectionsfromthepersoninchargeoftheanimals.Ifyouseeastrayanimalinyourpath,slowdownorstop,ifitissafe.

trAffic lAnes

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

(2) Double solid lines: DO NOT pass.(3) Broken yellow line: May pass if

movement can be made safely.

Examplesoflanemarkings

line colorsSolid yellow linesmarkthecenterofaroadusedfortwo-waytraffic.broken yellow lines indicate thatyoumaypassifthebrokenlineisnexttoyourdrivinglane.

Two solid yellow lines indicatenopassing.Neverdrivetotheleftoftheselinesunlessyouare:• Turningleftatanintersection.• Turningintooroutofaprivateroadordriveway.

• Inacarpoollanethathasadesig-natedentranceontheleft.

• Instructedbyconstructionorothersignstodriveontheothersideoftheroadbecauseyoursideoftheroadisclosedorblocked.

Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apartareconsideredabarrier.DonotdriveonoroverthisbarrierormakealeftturnoraU-turnacrossitexceptatdesignatedopenings(seediagram).

B

Solid white lines marktrafficlanesgoinginthesamedirection,suchasone-waystreets.broken white lines separatetrafficlanes on roads with two or morelanesinthesamedirection.

choosing a laneTraffic lanes are often referred tobynumber.Theleftor“fast”laneiscalledthe“Number1Lane.”Thelane to the right of the “Number1 Lane” is called the “Number 2Lane,”thenthe“Number3Lane,”etc.

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Example of numbered traffic lanes

Driveinthelanewiththesmoothestflow of traffic. If you can chooseamongthreelanes,pickthemiddlelanefor thesmoothestdriving.Todrive faster, pass, or turn left, usethe left lane.Whenyouchoose todriveslowlyorenterorturnofftheroad,usetherightlane.Ifthereareonlytwolanesinyourdirection,picktherightlaneforthesmoothestdriving.Donotweaveinandoutoftraffic.Stayinonelaneasmuchaspossible.Onceyoustartthroughanintersec-tion,keepgoing.Ifyoustarttomakeaturn,followthrough.Lastminutechanges may cause collisions. Ifyoumissaturn,continueuntilyoucansafelyandlegallyturnaround.

changing lanesChanginglanesincludes:• Movingfromonelanetoanother.• Entering the freeway from anon-ramp.

• Enteringtheroadfromacurbortheshoulder.

Beforechanginglanes,signal,lookinallyourmirrors,and:• Checktrafficbehindandbesideyou.

• Glance over your left or rightshoulder tomake sure the laneyouwantisclear.

• Look for all vehicles,motorcy-clists,andbicycletrafficinyourblindspot.

• Besurethereisenoughroomforyourvehicleinthenextlane.

passing lanesBefore you pass, look ahead forroadconditionsandtrafficthatmaycauseothervehicles tomove intoyourlane.Neverdriveoffthepavedormain-traveledportionof the roadoronthe shoulder topass.Theedgeofthe main-traveled portion of theroad may have a painted whitelineontheroad’ssurface.Passingothervehiclesatcrossroads,railroadcrossings,andshoppingcenteren-trancesisdangerous.Passtrafficontheleft.Youmaypassontherightonlywhen:• An open highway is clearlymarkedfortwoormorelanesoftravelinyourdirection.

• Thedriveraheadofyouisturningleftandyoudonotdriveofftheroadwaytopass.Neverpassontheleft,ifthedriverissignalingaleftturn.

Right Wrong

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Page 45: CA Driver Handbook

dmv.ca.gov

The Road MosT TRaveled Consider Car or van Pooling

and Buddy Up!

Page 46: CA Driver Handbook

carpool/high occupancy vehicles (hov) lanes Acarpoollaneisaspecialfreewaylaneusedonlyforcarpools,buses,motorcycles,ordecaledlow-emis-sionvehicles.Youmayuseacarpoollaneoron-rampifyourvehiclecar-riesthepostedminimumnumberofpeoplerequiredforthecarpoollane,or youdrivealow-emissionvehicledisplaying a special DMV-issueddecal.Motorcycle ridersmay usedesignated carpool lanes, unlessotherwiseposted.

Signsat theon-ramporalongthefreewaytellyoutheminimumnum-berofpeoplepervehiclerequiredforthecarpoollane(s).Thesesignsalsolistthedaysoftheweekandthehourswhenthecarpoolrequirementapplies.Thepavementinthislaneismarkedwithadiamondsymboland thewords“CarpoolLane.”

Theselanesarealsoknownashigh-occupancyvehicle(HOV)lanes.Donotcrossoverdoubleparallelsolidlines to enter or exit any carpoollaneexceptatdesignatedentryorexitplaces.

Vehicles towing trailers are typi-cally not allowed to use carpoollanes,becausetheymustdrivemoreslowlyandareusuallyrestrictedtotheright-handlane.

center left turn lanesAcenterleftturnlaneislocatedinthemiddleofatwo-waystreetandismarkedonbothsidesbytwopaintedlines.Theinnerlineisbrokenandtheouterlineissolid.Ifastreethasacenterleftturnlane,youmustuseitwhenyouturnleft(CVC§21460.5(c))orstartapermittedU-turn.You

BIKELANE

BIKELANE

mayonlydrivefor200feetinthecenterleftturnlane.Thislaneisnota regular traffic laneor a passinglane. To turn left from this lane,signal,lookoveryourshoulder,anddrivecompletelyinsidethecenterleftturnlane.Donotstopwiththebackofyourvehicleblockingtraffic.Makesurethelaneisclearinbothdirectionsandthenturnonlywhenitissafe.Lookforvehiclescomingtowardyouinthesamelane,prepar-ingtostarttheirleftturn.Whenturningleftfromasidestreetordriveway,signalandwaituntilitissafe.Thenyoumaydriveintothecenter left turn lane. Enter trafficonlywhenitissafe.

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Youmaydriveacrossacenterleftturnlanetoturnleftortoturnintoadriveway.

turnout areas anD lanesSpecial “turnout” areasare sometimes markedontwo-laneroads.Driveintotheseareastoallowcarsbehindyoutopass.Sometwo-laneroadshavepassinglanes.Ifyouaredrivingslowlyonatwo-lanehighwayorroadwherepassingisunsafe,andfiveormorevehicles are following you, driveintotheturnoutareasorlanestoletthevehiclespass.

enD-of-lane markingsFreewaylanes,aswellassomecitystreetlanes,whichareendingwillusuallybemarkedbylargebrokenlines painted on the pavement. Ifyou are driving in a lanemarkedwiththesebrokenlines,bepreparedtoexitthefreewayorforthelanetoend.Lookforasignthattellsyoutoexitormerge,etc.

Bicycle lanesAbicyclelaneisadesignated traffic laneforbicyclists,markedbyasolidwhiteline,typicallybreakingintoadottedlineatthecorner.Different

fromasimplewhite lineshowingtheedgeoftheroad,abicyclelanefollowsspecificwidthrequirementsandisclearlymarkedasabikelane.

shareD roaDWay Bicycle markings (sharroWs)Sharrowsareusedtoremindmotor-ists that bicyclists are allowed tolawfullyusethisportionofalane.

Sharrows are used to assist bicy-clistswithpositioningonasharedroadway.Italsoalertsmotoristsofthelocationabicyclistmayoccupywithinthetraveledroadway.• Treatabicyclelanethesameasothertrafficlanes.

• Donotturnintothelaneifthereisabicyclistinthebikelane.Yieldtooncomingtraffic.

• Donotobstructbicycletrafficbyreducing thewidth required forsafe bicycle passage, typicallythreetofourfeet.

Whenyouaremakingarightturnandarewithin200feetofthecornerorotherdrivewayentrance,youmustenterthebicyclelaneonlyafteren-suringthereisnobicycletraffic,andthenmaketheturn.Donotdriveinthebicyclelaneatanyothertime.

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You may park in a bicycle laneif your vehicle does not block abicyclistand/orthereisnota“NoParking”signposted.Drivers of motorized bicyclesshouldusebicycle lanescarefullytoavoidcollisionswithbicyclists.When passing a bicyclist in thetravellaneensureenoughwidthforthe bicyclist, typically 3 feet. Donotsqueezeabicyclistofftheroad.Bicyclistsmayoccupythecenterofthelanewhenconditionssuchasanarrowlaneorroadhazardmakeitunsafetorideinapositionthatmayprovideroomforavehicletopass.With any slow-moving vehicle,driversshouldfollowatasafedis-tance.Whenitissafethebicyclistsshouldmovetoapositionthatallowsvehiclestopass.Remember,bicy-clistsareentitledtosharetheroadwithotherdrivers.Bicyclists have the same rightsandresponsibilitiesasvehicleandmotorcycledrivers.Respect the right-of-way of bicyclistsbecause they are en-titledtosharetheroadwithotherdrivers.Herearesomecriticalpointsfor drivers and bicy-cliststoremember:Motorvehicledriversmust:• Passabicyclistasyouwouldaslowmovingvehicle.Allowsuf-ficentclearance,andampleroomfor movement and unexpected

road conditions. Change lanesandpasswithcautiononlywhenitissafe.

• Alwayslookcarefullyforbicy-clistsbeforeopeningdoorsnexttomovingtrafficorbeforeturning.

• Allowbicyclistsenoughroomtoavoidcollidingwithvehicledoorsthatareopenedintotraffic.

• Merge toward the curb or intothebikelaneonlywhenitissafe.

• Nottrytopassabicyclistjustbe-foremakingaturn.Mergesafelywhereitisallowed,thenturn.

• Not drive in a bike lane un-less initiating a turn at anintersectionordriveway,andnotmorethan200feetinadvance.

• Makeavisualcheckforbicyclistswhenchanginglanesorenteringtraffic.Bicyclesaresmallandmaybehiddeninavehicle’sblindspot.

• Becarefulwhenapproachingorpassingabicyclistonatwolanehighwayorfreeway.

tUrnsLeft turns–To make a left turn,drive close to the center dividerlineorintotheleftturnlane.Beginsignalingabout100feetbeforetheturn.Lookoveryourleftshoulderandreduceyourspeed.Stopbehindthelimitline.Lookleft,thenright,thenleftagain,andmaketheturnwhenitissafe.Whenyouturnleft,donot turn toosoonand“cut thecorner”ofthelanebelongingtothevehiclescomingtowardsyou.

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Example of a left turn

DO NOT CUT CORNER

Safety suggestion:Whilewaitingtoturnleft,keepyourwheelspointedstraightaheaduntilitissafetostartyourturn.Ifyourwheelsarepointedto the left and a vehicle hits youfrombehind,youcouldbepushedintooncomingtraffic.A left turnagainsta red lightcanonlybemadefromaone-waystreetontoaonewaystreet.Signalandstopforaredtrafficlightatthelimitlineorcorner.Youmayturnleftintoaleft-moving,one-waystreetifthereisnosigntoprohibittheturn.Yieldtopedestrians,bicyclists,orothervehiclesmovingontheirgreenlight.Right turns–Tomakearightturn,driveclosetotherightedgeoftheroad.If thereisabikelane,driveintothebikelanenomorethan200feetbeforetheturn.Watchforbicy-clistsormotorcyclistswhomaygetbetweenyourvehicleandthecurb.Beginsignalingabout100feetbe-foretheturn.Lookoveryourrightshoulder and reduce your speed.Stop behind the limit line. Lookbothwaysandturnwhenitissafe.Donotturnwideintoanotherlane.Completeyourturnintherightlane.

Example of a right turn

DO NOT TURNWIDE

Right turn against a red light–Sig-nalandstopforaredtrafficlightatthelimitlineoratthecorner.Ifthereisnosigntoprohibittheturn,youmayturnright.Yieldtopedestrians,motorcyclists, bicyclists, or othervehiclesmovingontheirgreenlight.No turn against a red arrow–Youmaynotturnrightorleftagainstaredarrow.

examples of right anD left turnsThe numbers on the cars in thediagrams refer to the numberedsentenceson thesepages.Alwaysuseyourturnsignals.1. Left turn from a two-way street.

Start the turn in the left laneclosest to the middle of thestreet. Complete the turn, ifsafe,ineitherlaneofthecrossstreet (shown by arrows).Usethe center left turn lane if oneisavailable.Aleftturnmaybemade from the other lane, ifpermittedbysignsorarrows.

1

1

2*

2. Right turn. Beginand end theturninthelanenearesttheright-handcurb.Donotswingwideintoanotherlaneoftraffic.Watchfor pedestrians, motorcyclists,

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andbicyclistsbetweenyourve-hicleandthecurb.Sometimes,signsorpavementmarkingswillletyouturnrightfromanotherlaneasshownbythegraphic 2 .

3. Left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street. Starttheturnfromthelaneclosesttothemiddleof the street.Turn intoanylanethatissafelyopen,asshownbythearrows.

4. Left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street. Starttheturnfromthefarleftlane.Turnintoeitherofthelanesthataresafely open, as shown by thearrows.

5. Left turn from a one-way street into a one-way street. Starttheturnfromthefarleftlane.Watchfor pedestrians, motorcyclists,andbicyclistsbetweenyourve-hicleandthecurbbecausetheycanlegallyusetheleftturnlanefortheirleftturns.Turnintoanylanethatissafelyopen,asshownbythearrows.

6. Right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street. Starttheturninthefarrightlane.Ifsafe,youmayendtheturninanylane.Sometimes, signsorpavement

markingswillletyouturnrightfromanotherlane,asshownbythegraphic 6 .

5

6

*one way

7. Turn at a “T” intersection from a one-way street into a two-way street. Throughtraffichas the right-of-way.Youmayturneitherrightorleftfromthecenterlane.Watchforvehicles,motorcyclists, and bicyclistsinsideyourturn.

7

legal u-turnsA U-turn is turning your vehiclearoundinthestreettogobackthewayyoucame.TomakeaU-turn,signalandusethefarleftlaneorthecenterleftturnlane.YoumaymakealegalU-turn:• Acrossadoubleyellowlinewhenitissafeandlegal.

• Inaresidentialdistrict:

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– If there are no vehicles ap-proachingyouwithin200feet.– Wheneveratrafficsign,light,or signal protects you fromapproachingvehicles.

• Atanintersectiononagreenlightorgreenarrow,unlessa“NoU-turn”signisposted.

• Onadividedhighway,onlyifanopeningisprovidedinthecenterdivider.

illegal u-turnsNevermakeaU-turn:• Atoronarailroadcrossing.• Onadividedhighwaybycrossingadividingsection,curb,stripofland,ortwosetsofdoubleyel-lowlines.

• Whereyoucannotseeclearly200feetineachdirectionbecauseofacurve,hill, rain, fog,orotherreason.

• Where a “No U-Turn” sign isposted.

• Whenothervehiclesmayhityou.• Onaone-waystreet.• In frontofa fire station.Neveruseafirestationdrivewaytoturnyourvehiclearound.

• Inbusinessdistricts.Areaswithchurches, apartments, multipledwellinghouses,clubs,andpublicbuildings (except schools) arealso considered to be businessdistricts. Turn only at an inter-section or where openings areprovidedforturns.

pArKinGparking on a hillWhenyoupark:• Onaslopingdriveway,turnthewheelssothevehiclewillnotrollintothestreetifthebrakesfail.

• Headeddownhill,turnyourfrontwheelsintothecurbortowardthesideoftheroad.Settheparkingbrake.

• Headed uphill, turn your frontwheelsawayfromthecurbandletyourvehiclerollbackafewinches.Thewheelshouldgentlytouch the curb. Set the parkingbrake.

• Headedeitheruphillordownhillwhen there is no curb, turn thewheels so the vehicle will rollawayfromthecenteroftheroadifthebrakesfail.

Alwayssetyourparkingbrakeandleavethevehicleingearorinthe“park”position.

down hill up hill no curb-up hill or down hill

parking at coloreD curBsPaintedcoloredcurbshavethefol-lowingspecialparkingrules:White–Stop only long enough topick up or drop off passengers ormail.

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Green–Parkforalimitedtime.Lookforapostedsignnexttothegreenzonefor timelimits,or locate thetimelimitpaintedonthecurb.Yellow–Stopnolongerthanthetimepostedtoloadorunloadpassengersorfreight.Driversofnoncommercialvehiclesareusuallyrequiredtostaywiththevehicle.

Red–Nostopping,standing,orpark-ing.(Busesmaystopataredzonemarkedforbuses.)blue–Parking is permit-ted only for a disabledpersonoradriverofadis-abledpersonwhodisplaysaplacardoraspeciallicenseplatefor disabled persons or disabledveterans.Disabled peoplewith aplacardorspecialplatesmayparkinspecialareasforunlimitedperiodsoftime,regardlessoftimerestric-tions.Nooneotherthanadisabledpersonoradriverofadisabledper-sonmayparkthere.Acrosshatched (diagonal lines) area adjacenttoadesignateddisabledparkingspaceisano parkingarea.Qualifiedper-sonsmayapplyatanyDMVofficeorvisittheDMVwebsiteatwww.dmv.ca.govtoobtainaformfora

parkingplacardorspecialplates.An identificationcardwillbe is-suedtoholdersofdisabledpersonordisabledveteranlicenseplates.Example of crosshatched (diagonal lines) area

NOTE:Placardabuseresultsinthelossof specialparkingprivileges.Itisalsoamisdemeanorandpun-ishablebyafineofup to$1,000,imprisonmentincountyjailforuptosixmonths,orboth.Examplesofplacardabuse:• Usingaplacardafterithasbeenreportedlostorstolenwithoutre-portingthattheplacardwasfound.

• Loaningyourplacardtofriendsorfamilymembers(disabledornot).

• Interchanging placards withfriendsorfamilymembers.

• Usingaplacardwhenthepersonitwasissuedtoisnotinthevehiclewithyou(disabledchild,familymember,disabledemployer,etc.).

• Usingadeceasedperson’splac-ard.

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illegal parkingNeverparkorleaveyourvehicle:• Where a “No Parking” sign isposted.

• On a marked or unmarkedcrosswalk, sidewalk, partiallyblockingasidewalk,orinfrontofadriveway.

• Within three feet of a sidewalkrampfordisabledpersonsor infrontoforonacurbthatprovideswheelchairaccesstoasidewalk.

• In a disabled person parkingspace,unless youaredisabledanddisplayaplacardorspecialplates.

• Inthespacenexttoadisabledper-sonparkingspace,ifitispaintedinacrosshatched(diagonal)pat-tern(CVC§22507.8).

• Inaspacedesignatedforparkingorfuelingzero-emissionvehicleswhich display an identifyingdecal.

• Inatunneloronabridge,exceptwherepermittedbysigns.

• Within15feetofafirehydrantorafirestationdriveway.

• Onorwithin71/2feetofarailroadtrack.

• Between a safety zone and thecurb.

• “Double parked.” (Parking inthestreetwhenalllegalparkingplacesatthecurbaretaken.)

• Onthewrongsideofthestreet.• Ataredcurb.

• Onafreeway,except:– Inanemergency,or– When an officer or devicerequiresastop,or– Where a stop is specificallypermitted. A vehicle (evenif disabled) that is stopped,parked, or left standing ona freeway for more thanfour hours may be removed(CVC§22651(f)).

NOTE: If you must stop on afreeway, park completely off thepavementandstayinyourvehiclewith the doors locked until helparrives. Leave enough space forother vehicles to freely pass byyourvehicle.Yourvehicle shouldbe visible for at least 200 feet ineachdirection.

special parking rules• Whenyouparkalongsideacurbon a level street, the front andback wheels must be parallelandwithin18inchesofthecurb.Parkparalleltothestreetifthereisnocurb.

• Never leave your vehicle untilyouhavestoppedtheengineandsettheparkingbrake.

• Do not open the driver’s sidedoorunlessitissafeandyoudonot interfere with traffic. Lookcarefully for passing vehicles,bicyclists,andmotorcyclists.Donotleavethedooropenanylongerthannecessary.

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ExprEss yoursElf!Signaling can save lives.

Visit dmv.ca.gov for theCalifornia Driver Handbook

Page 57: CA Driver Handbook

sAfe DrivinG prActices

signalingAlways signal to other drivers,motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pe-destrianswhenyouplantoturnleft,right,slowdown,orstop.Signalsmay be given by hand-and-armpositionsorbyusingthevehicle’ssignallights.Ifbrightsunlightmakesthesignallightshardtosee,alsousehand-and-armsignals.Motorcyclistsoftenusehandsignalstomake themselvesmore visible.Bicyclistsmaygiverightturn-sig-nalswiththeirrightarmheldstraightout,pointingright.

Always signal—this lets otherdrivers, bicylists, and pedestriansknowyourplans.

Signal:• When making a left or rightturn,duringthelast100feetbe-fore reaching the turningpoint.Caution!—Even though you

RIGHT TURN

SLOW or STOP

LEFT TURN

signal,donotautomaticallyas-sumethatthespaceyouwanttooccupyisclear.

• Beforeeverylanechangecheckyour mirrors, look over yourshoulder, and check your blindspotbeforechanginglanes.

• Atleastfivesecondsbeforeyouchangelanesonafreeway.

• Beforepullingnexttothecurborawayfromthecurb.

• Whenyouchangedirections.• Evenwhenyoudonotseeothervehicles.Avehicleyoudonotseemaysuddenlyappearandhityou.

Ifyouplantoturnbeyondaninter-section,startsignalingwhenyouareintheintersection.Ifyousignaltooearly,theotherdrivermaythinkyouplantoturnintotheintersectionandheorshemaypulloutinfrontofyou.Remember to cancel your signalafterturning.SteeringSteering Control–Modernvehiclesrequireverylittlesteeringtoturn.Lookatthesteeringwheelasaclockfaceandplaceyourhandsat9and3o’clockorslightlylowerat8and4o’clock.Thesearethedesiredhandpositionsthatreducethepossibilityofturningthewheeltoosharply.Toreduceforearmandhandinjuries,yourhandsshouldbeplacedonthelowerhalfofthesteeringwheel,withyourknucklesontheoutsideofthewheel,andyour thumbsstretchedalongtherimofthesteeringwheel.

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Pull-Push Steering–Usepull-pushsteeringformostturningmaneuvers.Putyourhandsinthe8and4o’clockpositions.Pulldownwithonehandandpushupwiththeother.Thisre-sultsinsmoothsteeringandreducesthepotentialforoversteering,whichcanleadtolossofcontrol.Keepyourhandsandthumbsontheoutsideofthewheel.Hand-Over-Hand Steering–Usehand-over-hand steering whensteering movements are critical,suchaswhen:• Parking.• Performingsharprightturns.• Correctingaskid.Usequickmovementsonentrytothemaneuver, and then use slow,smoothmovementswhenstraight-eningthewheel.One-Hand Steering–Useone-handsteeringfor:• Backingmaneuvers that donotrequirefullleftorrightturns,or

• When operating vehicle con-trols for information, safety, orcomfort.

Steeringerrorsaredirectlyrelatedtovisionerrors.

scanningScanningyoursurroundings(keep-ing your eyes moving) includeskeepingasafedistancearoundyourvehicle.Whenanotherdrivermakesamistake,youneedtimetoreact.Giveyourselfthistimebykeepinga“spacecushion”onallsidesofyour

vehicle.Thisspacecushionwillgiveyouroomtobrakeormaneuverifyouneedthespace.Know What Is AheadToavoid lastminutemoves, lookdowntheroad10–15secondsaheadofyourvehiclesoyoucanseehaz-ardsearly.Constantlystaringattheroad just in front of your vehicleis dangerous.As you scan ahead,be alert for vehicles around you.

Where is the green vehicle headed?

Use your mirrors. Allow enoughspacebetweenyouandthevehicleahead to give yourself an “out.”Mistakes cause collisions. In thecity, 10–15 seconds is about oneblock.Onthehighway,10–15sec-onds isaboutaquarterofamile.

Take in the whole scene–If youonlylookatthemiddleoftheroad,youwillmisswhatishappeningonthesideoftheroadandbehindyou.Scanninghelpsyoutosee:• Carsandpeoplethatmaybeintheroadbythetimeyoureachthem.

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• Signswarningofproblemsahead.• Signsgivingyoudirections.

The shaded areas are your blind spots.

Before changing lanes, look intoyour rear viewmirror for nearbyvehiclesandalsooveryourshouldertocheckforblindspots.Blindspotscanhideamotorcyclist,avehicleorabicyclist.Watchforthingsaboutto happen, like a ball rolling intothestreetoravehicledooropening.Watch for hazards–Lookbeyondthevehicleaheadofyou.Donotde-velopa“fixedstare.”Keepscanning.Checkyourrearviewmirrorseverytwo–fivesecondssoyouknowthepositionofvehiclesnearyou.Onthefreeway,bereadyforchangesin traffic conditions. Watch forsignalsfromotherdrivers.Expectmergingvehiclesaton-rampsandinterchanges.Bepreparedforrapidchangesinroadconditionsandtraf-ficflow.Knowwhichlanesareclearsoyoucanusethemifnecessary.do not be a tailgater! Manydriv-ersdonotseeasfaraheadastheyshould because they follow tooclosely (tailgate), and the vehicleaheadblockstheirview.Themorespaceyouallowbetweenyourvehicleandthevehicleahead,themoretimeyouwillhavetoseeahazardandstoporavoidthathazard.

Mostrearendcollisionsarecausedbytailgating.Toavoidtailgating,usethe“three-secondrule.”Whenthevehicleaheadofyoupassesacertainpoint such as a sign, count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two,one-thousand-three.” This takesaboutthreeseconds.Ifyoupassthesamepointbeforeyoufinishcount-ing,youarefollowingtooclosely.Youshouldallowafour-secondormorecushionwhen:• Being crowded by a tailgater.Allow extra room ahead, donotbrakesuddenly.Slowdowngraduallyormergeintoanotherlane to prevent being hit frombehindbythetailgater!

• Drivingonslipperyroads.• Followingmotorcyclistsonwetor icy roads, onmetal surfaces(e.g., bridge gratings, railroadtracks,etc.),andongravel.Mo-torcyclistscanfallmoreeasilyonthesesurfaces.

• Thedriverbehindyouwantstopass.Allowroominfrontofyourvehicle so the driver will havespacetomoveinfrontofyou.

• Towing a trailer or carrying aheavy load. The extra weightmakesithardertostop.

• Following large vehicles thatblockyourviewahead.Theextraspaceallowsyou toseearoundthevehicle.

• You see a bus, school bus, ora placarded vehicle at railroadcrossings. These vehicles must

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stopatrailroadcrossings,soslowdownearlyandallowplentyofroom.

• Mergingontoafreeway.Ifyoufollowtoocloselyandanotherdriver “cuts” in front of you, justtakeyourfootoffthegas.Thisgivesyouspacebetweenyourvehicleandtheotherdriver,withouthaving toslamonyourbrakesorswerveintoanotherlane.Know What Is at Your SideAnytimeyoucometoaplacewherepeoplemaycrossorenteryourpathor onelineoftrafficmeetsanother,youshouldlooktotheleftandrightsidesofyourvehicletomakesurenooneiscoming.Alwayslooktoeachsideofyourvehicleatintersections,crosswalks,andrailroadcrossings.Atintersections:• Lookbothwaysevenifothertraf-fichasaredlightorastopsign:– Look to the left first, sincevehiclescomingfromtheleftareclosertoyouthanvehiclescomingfromtheright.– Looktotheright.– Takeonemorelooktotheleftincasethereisavehicleorapedestrianyoudidnotseethefirsttime.

• Do not rely on traffic signals.Somedriversdonotobeytrafficsignals so before you enter anintersection,lookleft,right,andaheadforapproachingtraffic.

Tomaintainaspacecushiononeachsideofyourvehicle:• Do not stay in another driver’sblindspot.Theotherdrivermaynot see your vehicle and couldchangelanesandhityou.

• Avoiddrivingdirectlyalongsideothervehiclesonmultilanestreetswithorwithouttrafficintheop-posite direction.Another drivermightcrowdyourlaneorchangelaneswithoutlookingandcrashintoyou.Driveeitheraheadoforbehindtheothervehicle.

• Ifpossibleandwhensafe,makeroomforvehiclesenteringfree-wayseventhoughyouhavetheright-of-way.

• At freeway exits, do not drivealongsideothercars.Adrivermaydecidetoexitsuddenlyorswervebackontothefreeway.

• Keep a space between yourselfandparkedcars.Someonemaystep out frombetween them.Avehicledoormayopenoravehiclemaypulloutsuddenly.

• Becarefulwhendrivingnearmo-torcyclistsorbicyclists.Alwaysleaveplentyofroombetweenyourvehicleandanymotorcyclistsorbicyclists.

Know What Is Behind YouItisveryimportanttocheckbehindyoubeforeyou:• Change lanes. Look over yourshouldertomakesureyouarenotgettinginthewayofvehiclesinthelaneyouwanttoenter.

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• Reduceyourspeed.Takeaquickglanceinyourmirrors.Alsocheckyourmirrorswhen you are pre-paringtoturnintoasideroadordrivewayandwhenyouarestop-pingtopullintoaparkingspace.

• Drivedownalongorsteephill.Watchforlargevehiclesbecausethey can gather speed veryquickly.

• Backup.Backingup is alwaysdangerous because it is hard tosee behind your vehicle.Whenyouarebackingoutofaparkingspace:– Checkinfrontandbehindthevehiclebeforeyougetin.– Know where your kids are.Makesuretheyareawayfromyourvehicleand infullviewbeforemovingyourvehicle.– If other children are nearby,make sure you can see thembeforebackingup.– Do not depend only on yourmirrorsoronlylookingoutasidewindow.– Turnandlookoveryourrightandleftshouldersbeforeyoubegin backing. As a safetymeasure,also lookoveryourrightandleftshouldersagainwhilebacking.– Backslowlytoavoidcollisions.

Check trafficbehindyouoften toknow if you are being tailgated(another driver is following tooclosely).Ifyouarebeingtailgated,be careful! Brake slowly before

stopping.Tapyourbrakeslightlyafewtimestowarnthetailgateryouareslowingdown.“Lose”thetailgaterassoonasyoucan,bychanginglanesandallowingthetailgatertopassyouorslowingdown to allow enough “cushion”betweenyouandthecarinfrontofyou.Ifthisdoesnotwork,pullofftheroadwhenitissafeandletthetailgaterpass.Clean Windows and MirrorsKeepyourwindshieldandsidewin-dowsclean insideandout.Brightsunorheadlightsonadirtywindowmake ithard toseeout.Clearoffice,frost,ordewfromallwindowsbeforeyoudrive.Makesureyoucanseeandbeseen.If you drive in rain or snow, youmayhavetostopsometimestowipemudorsnowoffyourwindshield,headlights,andtaillights.Adjust Seat and MirrorsAdjustyourseatbeforeyouputonyourseatbelt.Youshouldsithighenoughtoseetheroad.Ifyoustillcannotsee,useaseatcushion.Adjustyourrearandsidemirrorsbe-foreyoustartdriving.Ifyourvehiclehasaday/nightmirror,learnhowtouseit.Thenightsettingreducestheheadlightglarefromthecarsbehindyouandhelpsyouseewell.How Well Can You Stop?If something is in your path, youneedtosee it in timetostop.As-sumingyouhavegoodtires,goodbrakes,anddrypavement:

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• At55mph,ittakesabout400feettoreactandbringthevehicletoacompletestop.

• At35mph,ittakesabout210feettoreactandbringthevehicletoacompletestop.

Adjust your driving speed to theweatherandroadconditions(“BasicSpeedLaw”page28.)Turnonyourlightsduringtheday,ifitishardtoseeoryoucannotseeatleast1,000feetaheadofyou.

Driving in the fogThebestadvicefordrivingin thefogisDON’T.Youshouldconsiderpostponingyour tripuntil the fogclears.However,ifyoumustdrive,thendriveslowlyanduseyourlow beamheadlights.Thelightfromthehigh beam headlights will reflectbackandcauseglare.Never drive with just your parking or fog lights.Increase your following distanceandbepreparedtostopwithinthespace you can see ahead. Avoidcrossingorpassinglanesoftrafficunlessabsolutelynecessary.Listenfortrafficyoucannotsee.Useyourwipers anddefroster as necessaryforbestvision.Ifthefogbecomessothickthatyoucanbarelysee,pullcompletelyoffthe road.Donotcontinuedrivinguntil you can see well. Turn offyourlightsandkeepyourfootoffthebrakepedalorsomeonemayseeyourtaillights,thinkyouaremoving,anddriveintoyourvehicle.

Driving in DarknessDrivemoreslowlyatnightbecauseyou cannot see as far ahead andyouwillhavelesstimetostopforahazard.Makesureyoucanstopwithinthedistancelightedbyyourheadlights.Use your low beam headlights atnightwhenit rains.do not drive using only your parking lights.Use your high beam headlightswheneverpossibleinopencountryordarkcitystreets,aslongasitisnotillegal.Donotblindotherdriv-erswithyourhighbeamheadlights.Dimyourlightswhennecessary.Ifanotherdriverdoesnotdimhisorherlights:• Do not look directly into theoncomingheadlights.

• Look toward the right edge ofyourlane.

• Watchtheoncomingvehicleoutofthecornerofyoureye.

• Donot try to “get back” at theother driver by keeping yourbrightlightson.Ifyoudo,bothofyoumaybeblinded.

Whenyoudriveatnight,remember:• Pedestrians and bicyclists aremuchharder to seeatnight, sostayalertforthem.

• Motorcyclesarealsohardertoseeatnightbecausemosthaveonlyonetaillight.

• Morehighwayconstructiontakesplaceatnight.Reduceyourspeedinhighwayconstructionzones.

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• When you leave a brightly-litplace,driveslowlyuntilyoureyesadjusttothedarkness.

• Driveasfartotherightaspos-sible, when a vehicle with onelightdrivestowardyou.Itcouldbe a bicyclist or motorcyclist,butitcouldalsobeavehiclewithamissingheadlight.

Driving in rain or snoWManyroadpavementsarethemostslipperywhenitfirststartstorainorsnowbecauseoilanddusthavenotyetwashedaway.Slowdownatthefirstsignofrain,drizzle,orsnowontheroad.Turnonyourwindshieldwipers,headlights,anddefroster.Inaheavyrainstormorsnowstorm,youmaynotbeabletoseemorethan100feetaheadofyourvehicle.Whenyou cannot see any farther than100 feet, you cannot safely drivefasterthan30mph.Youmayhavetostopfromtime to time towipemudorsnowoffyourwindshield,headlights,andtaillights.Ifyoudriveinsnowyareas,carrythecorrectnumberofchainsandbesuretheywillfityourdrivewheels.Learnhowtoputthechainsonbe-fore youneedtousethem.

Driving in hill countryYou never know what is on theothersideofasteephillorasharpcurve.Whenyoucometoahillorcurve,slowdownsoyoucanstopforanyhazard.Youmustdriveslowlyenoughtostop.

Anytimeyourviewisblockedbyahilloracurve,youshouldassumethere is another vehicle ahead ofyou.Onlypassthevehicleifahillorcurveisatleastone-thirdofamileaway,becauseyouneedatleastthatmuchroomtopasssafely.Donotdriveontheleftsideoftheroadwhencomingtoacurveorthetop of a hill, because you cannotseefarenoughaheadtoknowifitissafetopass.

horn, heaDlights, anD emergency signalsUse Your Horn• Only when necessary, to avoidcollisions.

• Totrytoget“eyecontact”withotherdrivers.Youmaytapyourhorntoalertanotherdriverwhomight turn in front of you andcauseacollision.

• On narrow mountain roads,whereyoucannotseeatleast200feetaheadofyourvehicle.

Do Not Use Your Horn• If a driver or bicyclist is goingslowly,andyouwanthimorhertodrivefasterorgetoutofyourway;thedriverorbicyclistmaynotbeabletosafelygofaster,duetoillness,beinglost,intoxication,orhavingmechanicalproblemswiththevehicle.

• To alert other drivers that theymade a mistake. Your honkingmay cause them tomakemoremistakesortobecomeangryandretaliate.

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• Because you may be angry orupset.

• Tohonkatpedestrians,bicyclists,ormotorcyclistsunlessnecessarytoavoidacollision.Rememberthatyourhornsoundsmuchlouderoutsideavehicle.

• It’ssafertoslowdownortostop,instead of honking your horn,whichmaystartleotherdrivers.

Use Your Headlights• When it is cloudy, raining,snowing, or foggy. If weatherconditionsrequireyoutouseyourwindshieldwipers,youmustturnonyourheadlights—it’sthelaw.

• Onfrostymornings,whenotherdrivers’windowsmaybeicyor“fogged.”

• Anytimeconditionspreventyoufromseeingothervehicles.Otherdriversmayhavetroubleseeingyou,too.

• On small country or mountainroads,evenonsunnydays.Thishelpsotherdrivers seeyouandmay help you avoid a head-oncrash.

• When necessary to get anotherdriver’sattention.

Use Your Emergency SignalsIfyoucanseeacollisionahead,warnthedriversbehindyoubyturningonyouremergencyflashersortappingyourbrakepedalquickly threeorfourtimes.Youcanalsousethehandsignalwhenslowingandstopping.

Neverstopontheroad,unlessneces-saryforsafetyortoobeyalaw.Ifyouneedtostop,thenstartbrakingearlyasasignaltothecarsbehindyou. If your vehicle breaks downon the road,make sure that otherdriverscanseeit.Ifyouexperiencevehicle trouble, andneed to stop,followtheserules:• Pulloff the roadawayfromalltraffic,ifpossible.

• Ifyoucannotgetcompletelyofftheroad,stopwherepeoplecansee you and your vehicle frombehind.Donot stop justoverahillorjustaroundacurve.

• Turnonyouremergencyflashersif you are not moving. If yourvehicledoesn’thaveemergencyflashers,turnsignalsmaybeusedinstead.

• Ifitissafe,liftthehoodtosignalanemergency.

• Give other drivers plenty ofwarning.Placeemergencyflaresortriangles200–300feetbehindthe vehicle. This allows otherdrivers timetochange lanes, ifnecessary.Beverycarefulwhenusing flares. They may causefires,especiallywhenusednearflammableliquids.

• If you do not have emergencyflares, follow the rules listedabove and stay in your vehicleuntilhelparrives.Becarefulforyoursafetyandstay off the road.Remember:donottrytochangeatireifitmeansyouhavetostandinatrafficlane.

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folloWing DistancesTaking Dangers One at a TimeSuppose there is an oncomingvehicletoyourleftandachildonabicycle toyourright. Insteadofdriving between the vehicle andthechild,takeonedangeratatime.First,slowdownandletthevehiclepass.Then,movetothelefttoallowplentyofroomtopassthechild.Splitting the DifferenceSometimes there will be dangerson both sides of the road at thesametime.Forexample,therewillbeparkedcarstotherightandon-comingcarstotheleft.Inthiscase,the best thing to do is “split thedifference.”Steeramiddlecoursebetweentheoncomingcarsandtheparkedcars.If one danger is greater than theother, give the most room to themostdangeroussituation.Supposethereareoncomingcarsonyourleftsideandachildonabikeonyourrightside.Thechildismorelikelytomakeasuddenmove.Therefore,slowdown,andifsafe,useasmuchofyourlanetotheleftaspossibleuntilyoupassthechild.Problem DriversIncrease your following distanceand allowa bigger space cushionfordriverswhomaybepotentiallydangerous. Persons who presentdangersare:• Drivers who cannot see youbecausetheirviewisblockedbybuildings,trees,orothercars.

• Drivers backing out of drive-waysorparkingspaceswiththevehicle’s windows covered bysnoworice.

• Driverswhopassyouwhenthereisacurveoroncomingvehicle(s)ahead.

• Drivers about to be forced intoyour lane to avoid a vehicle, apedestrian, a bicyclist, an ob-struction, or because of fewerlanesahead.

• Pedestrians with umbrellas infrontoftheirfacesorhatspulleddownovertheireyes.

• Distractedpeople,suchas:– Deliverypersons.– Constructionworkers.– Children,whooftenrunintothestreetwithoutlooking.– Driverstalkingoncellphonesorspeakingtotheirpassengers.– Driverstakingcareofchildren,eating,orlookingatmapswhiledriving.

• Confusedpeople,suchas:– Tourists,oftenatcomplicatedintersections.– Drivers who are looking forahousenumberorwhoslowdownfornoapparentreason.

merging in/out of trafficWheneveryouentertraffic,signalandbesureyouhaveenoughroomtosafelyenterthelane.Youhavetosharespacewithtrafficalreadyon

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theroad,andyoumustknowhowmuchspaceyouneedtomergewithtraffic,crossorentertraffic,andexitoutoftraffic.Space to MergeEnter the freeway at or near thespeed of traffic. (Remember thatthemaximumspeedallowedis65mph on most freeways.) do not stop before merging into freeway traffic unlessabsolutelynecessary.Freewaytraffichastheright-of-way.Anytimeyoumergewithothertraf-fic,youneedagapofatleastfourseconds,whichgivesbothyouandtheothervehicleonlyatwo-secondfollowingdistance.Whenitissafe,go back to following the “three-secondrule”(seepage47).• Donottrytosqueezeintoagapthatistoosmall.Leaveyourselfabigenoughspacecushion.

• Watch forvehiclesaroundyou.Useyourmirrorsandturnsignals.Turnyourhead to lookquicklyoveryourshoulderbeforechang-inglanes.Leavethreesecondsofspacebetweenyouandthevehicleaheadofyou.Makesureyoucanstopsafelyifnecessary.

• Ifyouneedtocrossseveralfree-way lanes, cross themone at atime.Ifyouwaituntilallofthelanes are clear, youmay causetrafficdelaysoracollision.

Space to Cross or EnterWhenever you cross or enter cityorhighwaytrafficfromafullstop,youwillneeda largeenoughgap

(fromvehiclesapproachingineitherdirection)togetuptothespeedofothervehicles.Youneedagapthatisabout:• Halfablockoncitystreets.• Afullblockonthehighway.Ifyouarecrossinglanesorturning,makesuretherearenovehiclesorpeopleblockingthepathaheadortothesidesofyourvehicle.Youdonotwanttobecaughtinanintersectionwithtrafficcomingatyou.Evenifyouhavethegreenlight,donotstartacrosstheintersection,iftherearevehiclesblockingyourway.Whenturningleft,donotstarttheturn just because an approachingvehiclehasitsrightturnsignalon.The driver may plan to turn justbeyondyou,orthesignalmayhavebeenleftonfromanearlierturn.Thisisparticularlytrueofmotorcycles.Theirsignallightsoftendonotturnoff automatically. Wait until theotherdriveractuallystarts to turnbeforeyoucontinue.Space to ExitWhenyouplantoexitthefreeway,give yourself plenty of time.Youshouldknowthenameornumberofthefreewayexityouwantaswellastheonethatcomesbeforeit.Toexitsafely:• Signal,lookoveryourshoulder,andchangelanesoneatatime,untilyouareintheproperlanetoexitthefreeway.

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• Signalyourintentiontoexitforapproximately five seconds be-forereachingtheexit.

• Besureyouareattheproperspeedforleavingthetrafficlane–nottoofast(soyouremainincontrol)andnottooslow(sotheflowoftrafficcanstillmovefreely).

passing other trafficSpace and Speed to PassAlwayssignalbeforepassing.Donotpullouttopassunlessyouknowyouhaveenoughspacetopullbackintoyourlane.Avoid passing other vehicles, in-cludingmotorcyclesandbicycles,ontwo-laneroads.Itisdangerous.Everytimeyoupass,youincreaseyourchancesofhavingacollision.Bepatientwhenpassingabicyclist.Slowdownandpassonlywhenitissafe.Donotsqueezethebicyclistofftheroad.Athighwayspeedsof50–55mph,you need a 10–12 second gap inoncomingtraffictopasssafely.At55mph,youwilltravelover800feetin10–12seconds.Sowillanoncomingvehicle.Thatmeansyouneedover1,600feet(oraboutone-thirdofamile)topasssafely.Itishardertoseeandjudgethespeedofoncomingvehiclesthataretravelingone-thirdofamileormoreawayfromyou.Youmustjudgewhetherornotyouhaveenoughroomtopasswheneveryouapproach:• Anoncomingvehicle.• Ahilloracurve.

• Anintersection.• Aroadobstruction.Vehiclesappeartomoveslowerthanthey really aremoving.Avehiclethat is far enoughawaygenerallyappearstobestandingstill.Infact,ifyoucanseeitmovingclosertoyou,itisprobablytoocloseforyoutostarttopass.Space to ReturnBeforeyoureturn toyourdrivinglane,besureyouarenotdangerouslyclose to thevehicleyouhave justpassed.Onewaytodothisistolookfor thevehicle inyour insiderearviewmirror.Whenyoucanseebothheadlightsinyourrearviewmirror,youhaveenoughroomtoreturntoyourdrivinglane.Donotcountonhavingenoughtimetopassseveralvehiclesatonce,orthatotherdriverswillmakeroomforyou.

sHArinG tHe roADlarge trucks (Big rigs) anD rvsTo reduce thechanceofhavingacollisionwithalargetruckorRV,you must be familiar with a bigrig’sphysicalcapabilitiesandhowitmaneuvers.BrakingLargetruckstakelongertostopthanvehiclestravelingatthesamespeed.Theaveragepassengervehicletrav-elingat55mphcanstopwithin400feet.However,alargetrucktravelingatthesamespeedcantakealmost800 feet to stop.Do notmove in

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frontofalargetruckandsuddenlyslowdownorstop.Thetruckerwillnotbeabletostopquicklyenoughtoavoidcrashingintoyou.Trucker’s Blind Spots—the “No Zone”

Shaded areas are the driver’s blind spots.

Passenger vehicle drivers incor-rectlyassumethatatruckercanseetheroadbetterbecauseheorsheishigherofftheroad.Whiletruckersdohaveabetterforwardviewandbiggermirrors,theystillhavelargeblindspots,andyourvehiclecangetlostinthoseblindspots.Ifyoustayinthoseblindspots,youblockthetrucker’sabilitytotakeevasiveac-tiontoavoidadangeroussituation.Generallyspeaking, ifyoucannotseethetruckdriverinhisorhersidemirror, he or she cannot see you.Theseblindspotsareoftencalledthe“NOZONE.”TurningWhenanyvehiclemakesaturn,therearwheels follow a shorter paththan the frontwheels.The longerthevehicle, thegreater thediffer-enceisintheturningpath.Thisiswhybigrigdriversmustoftenswingwidetocompletearightturn.Whenyoufollowabigrig,lookatitsturn

signalsbeforeyoustarttopass.Ifthetruckappearstobeturningleft,check the turn signals again; thedrivermayactuallybeturningrightbutfirstswingingwide.ManeuverabilityTrucks are designed to transportproducts and they are not asma-neuverable as passenger vehicles.Largetruckshavelongerstoppingand starting distances. They takemorespaceforturnsandtheyweighmore.Onmultilanehighwaysandfreeways,largetrucksusuallystayinthecenterportionofthelanetohelp the flowof traffic.This alsoincreasesthetrucker’soptionsifheorshemustchangelanestoavoidahazard.Avoidthesemistakeswhendrivingaroundlargetrucks:• Cutting off a truck in traffic

or on the highway to reach an exit or turn. Cutting into theopenspaceinfrontofatruckisdangerous.Tryingtobeatatruckthroughasingle-laneconstructionzone, forexample, removes thetruckdriver’s cushionof safetyandplacesyou indanger.Slowdownand takeyour turn enter-ing the construction zone. Donotspeeduptopassatruck,soyoucanexittheroadway.Takeamomenttoslowdown,andexitbehindatruck—itwillonlytakeyouafewextraseconds.

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dmv.ca.gov

Can the driver see your vehiCle? Allow for extra space and be safe!

Page 70: CA Driver Handbook

• Lingering alongside a truck when passing. Always pass alargetruckontheleftside,andafter you pass the truck, moveaheadofit.Donotlinger,other-wiseyoumakeitverydifficult,ifnotimpossible,forthetruckertotakeevasiveactionifanobstacleappearsintheroadahead.

• Following too closely or tailgat-ing.Whenyoufollowsocloselybehindatruckthatyoucannotseethetruckdriver’ssideviewmir-rors,thetruckercannotseeyouandhasnowayofknowingyouare there.Tailgating a truck, oranyvehicle,isdangerousbecauseyoutakeawayyourowncushionofsafetyifthevehicleinfrontofyoustopsquickly.

• Underestimating the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer. A large tractor-traileroftenappearstobetravelingataslowerspeedbecauseofitslargesize.Manycollisionsinvolvingapassengervehicleandalargetruckoccurat intersections,when thepassengervehicledriverdidnotrealizehowclose the truckwasorhowfastitwastraveling.

Buses, streetcars, anD trolleysDonotdrivethroughasafetyzone,whichisaspacesetasideforpedes-triansandmarkedbyraisedbuttonsormarkersonaroadway.Whenpeopleareboardingorleav-ingastreetcarortrolleywherethere

isnosafetyzone,stopbehind thevehicle’s nearest door or vehicleplatformandwaituntilthepeoplehavereachedasafeplace.Whenabus,streetcar,ortrolleyisstoppedatasafetyzoneorataninter-sectionwheretrafficiscontrolledbyapoliceofficerortrafficsignal,youmaypassatnomorethan10mph.Donotovertakeandpassanylightrail vehicle or streetcar on theleft side,whether it ismoving orstanding.EXCEPTIONS:• Whenyouareonaone-waystreet.• Whenthetracksaresoclosetotherightsidethatyoucannotpassontheright.

• Whenatrafficofficerdirectsyoutopassontheleft.

light-rail vehiclesLight-rail vehicles have the samerightsandresponsibilitiesonpublicroadways as other vehicles. Al-though everyonemust follow thesametrafficlaws,light-railvehiclesrequireexceptionalhandlingabilitybecauseoftheirsize.Safelysharetheroadwithlight-railvehiclesby:• Beingawareofwhere light-railvehiclesoperate.Buildings,trees,etc.,causeblindspotsforthetrol-leyoperator.

• Never turninfrontofanapproach-inglight-railvehicle.

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Do not turn in front of light rail vehicles

• Maintain a safe distance fromthelight-railvehicleifitsharesastreetwithvehiculartraffic.

Safety Zones are marked by dotted white lines

• Look for approaching light-railvehicles before you turn acrossthe tracks. Complete your turnonlyifasignalindicatesyoumayproceed.

NOTE:Light-railvehiclescaninter-rupttrafficsignals,sodonotproceeduntilthesignallightindicatesyoumayproceed.

emergency vehiclesYoumustyieldtheright-of-waytoanypolicevehicle,fireengine,am-bulance,orotheremergencyvehicleusingasirenandredlights.Driveto the right edge of the road andstopuntiltheemergencyvehicle(s)havepassed.However,never stop

in an intersection.Ifyouareinanintersectionwhenyouseeanemer-gencyvehicle,continuethroughtheintersection and then drive to therightassoonasitissafeandstop.Emergencyvehiclesoftenuse thewrongsideofthestreettocontinueontheirway.Theysometimesusea loud speaker to talk to driversblockingtheirpath.

Yield to emergency vehicles.

You must obey any traffic direc-tion,order,orsignalbyatrafficorpoliceofficerorafirefighterevenif it conflictswith existing signs,signals,orlaws.Itisagainstthelawtofollowwithin300 feet behind any fire engine,policevehicle,ambulance,orotheremergencyvehiclewithasirenorflashinglights(CVC§21706).If you drive for sight-seeing pur-posestothesceneofafire,collision,orotherdisasteryoumaybearrested.Casualobserversinterferewiththeessential services of police, fire-fighter,ambulancecrews,orotherrescueoremergencypersonnel.

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sloW-moving vehiclesSomevehiclesarenotdesignedtokeepupwiththespeedoftraffic.Farmtractors,animal-drawncarts,and road maintenance vehiclesusuallytravel25mphorless.Slow-movingvehicleshaveanorange/redtriangleonthebackofthevehicles.Itlookslikethesigninthepictureonthispage.Lookforthesevehiclesandadjust your speedbeforeyoureachthem.

A Slow-Moving Vehicle

Also, be aware that large trucks,bicyclistsandsmall,underpoweredcarslosespeedonlongorsteephillsandtakelongertogetuptospeedwhenenteringtraffic.Othertypesofslow-movingmotor-izedvehicles(suchaswheelchairs,scooters, Neighborhood ElectricVehicles (NEVs) and golf carts)maylegallyoperateonpublicroads.Adjust your speed accordingly toaccommodatethem.

neighBorhooD electric vehicles (nev) anD loW-speeD vehicles (lsv)YoumayhaveseenlanesmarkedasNEVUSE ONLYonroadwaysinsomeCalifornia towns,especiallythosenearretirementcommunities

andgolfcourses.NEVsandLSVsarerestrictedfromroadwayswherethe speed limit is greater than 35mph (CVC §§385.5 and 21260).TheNEVandLSVvehiclesreachamaximumspeedof25mph.Owners of registered NEVs andLSVsmustcomplywithfinancialre-sponsibilitylawsandadriverlicenseisrequiredtooperatethevehicle.

animal-DraWn vehiclesHorse-drawnvehiclesandridersofhorsesorotheranimalsareentitledtoshare theroadwithyou.It isatraffic offense to scare horses orstampedelivestock.Slowdownorstop,ifnecessary,orwhenrequestedtodosobytheridersorherders.

motorcyclesMotorcyclistshavethesamerightsandresponsibilitiesasautomobiledrivers.Whileeveryonemustfollowthesametrafficlaws,motorcyclistsface additional dangers becausemotorcycles require exceptionalhandlingability andareharder tosee.Therefore,manymotorcycleskeeptheirheadlightonevenduringdaylighthours.From ahead or behind, a motor-cycle’soutlineismuchsmallerthanapassengervehicle’soutline, andmost drivers expect to see largervehicles on the road and are notlookingformotorcycles.Motorcyclistscandomanythingstomakeiteasierforotherstorecognizethemandincreasetheirchancesofbeingseen.

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• Wearabright-coloredjacket,vest,andahelmet.

• Wearreflectivematerialonhel-metsandclothes.

• Useturnsignalswhenplanningtochangelanesorturn.

• Flash their brake lights beforeslowing down to help othersnoticethemotorcycle.

Follow these rules to respect theright-of-way and safely share theroadwithmotorcyclists:• Whenyouchangelanesorenteramajorthoroughfare,makeavisualcheckformotorcycles.Alsouseyour mirrors. Motorcycles aresmall,andtheycaneasilydisap-pearintoavehicle’sblindspots.

• Allow a four-second followingdistance.Youwillneedthisspacetoavoidhittingthemotorcyclist,ifheorshebrakessuddenlyorfallsoffthemotorcycle.Motorcyclesgenerally can stop faster thanpassengervehicles.

• Allowthemotorcycleafulllanewidth.Althoughit isnot illegaltosharelaneswithmotorcycles,itisunsafe.

• Never try to pass amotorcycleinthesamelaneyouaresharingwiththemotorcycle.

• When you make a turn, checkformotorcyclistsandgaugetheirspeedbeforeturning.

• Lookcarefullyformotorcyclistsbeforeopeningdoorsnexttomov-ingtrafficorbeforeturningright.

• Motorcycles may travel fasterthantrafficduringcongestedroadconditionsandcanlegallytravelintheunusedspacebetweentwolinesofmovingorstationaryve-hicles,whichiscommonlycalled“lanesplitting.”

• Remember that road conditionswhichareminorannoyances toyouposemajorhazards tomo-torcyclists.Potholes,gravel,wetor slippery surfaces, pavementseams, railroad crossings, andgrooved pavement can causemotorcyclists to change speedordirectionsuddenly.Ifyouareawareoftheeffectofthesecon-ditions anddrivewith care andattention,youcanhelpreducemo-torcyclist injuriesand fatalities.Formoreinformationregardingmotorcycle safety, contact theCalifornia Motorcyclist SafetyProgram at 1-877-RIDE-411 orwww.ca-msp.org

BicyclesBicyclists:• Mustobeyalltrafficsignalsandstopsigns.

• Are lawfully per-mitted to ride oncertain sections ofroadway in ruralareas where thereisnoalternateroute.

• Mustrideinthesamedirectionasothertraffic,notagainstit.

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Turns for bicyclistsSTOP, LOOK

BEFORE CROSSING

RIDE A STRAIGHT LINE—DON’T TURN IN AND OUT BETWEEN PARKED CARS. LEAVE SPACE TO AVOID

SUDDENLY OPENED DOORS.

MERGE LEFT TO PASS VEHICLE TURNING RIGHT

Intersections with special lanes

• Shallrideasneartotherightcurboredgeoftheroadwayaspracti-cal–notonthesidewalk.

• Arelegallyallowedtorideinthecenterofthelanewhenmovingatthesamespeedasothertraffic.

• Maymovelefttopassaparkedormovingvehicle,bicycle,animal,avoiddebris,orotherhazards.

• Maychoosetorideneartheleftcurboredgeofaone-waystreet.

• Shouldridesinglefileonabusyornarrowstreet.

• Mustmake left and right turnsinthesamewaythatdriversdo,usingthesameturnlanes.Ifthebicyclist is traveling straightahead, he or she should use athrough traffic lane rather thanridenext to the curb andblocktrafficmakingrightturns.

• Must signal all their intentionstomotorists andbicyclists nearthem.

• Mustwearahelmetifundertheageof18.

• Shouldcarryidentification.• Shallnotoperateabicycleonaroadwayduringdarknessunlessthebicycleisequippedwith:– Abrakewhichwillenabletheoperator tomake one brakedwheelstopondry,level,cleanpavement.

During darkness bicyclists musthavethefollowingequipment:

– Afrontlampemittingawhitelightvisiblefromadistanceof300feet.– A rear red reflector visiblefromadistanceof500feet.– Awhiteoryellowreflectoroneachpedaloronthebicyclist’sshoesoranklesvisiblefromadistanceof200feet.

peDestrians Who are BlinDPedestrians using guide dogs orwhitecaneswithorwithoutaredtipmustbegiventheright-of-wayatalltimes.Thesepedestriansarepartiallyortotallyblind.Whenthesepedestriansareinyourvicinitybeespeciallycarefulwhenturningcornersorbackingup,par-ticularlyifyouaredrivingaquiethybridvehicle.

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frontofthem.Turningmayresultintheblindpedestrianbecomingdisorientedandvulnerabletobe-inghitbyanother right turningvehiclewhenattemptingtocrossthestreet.

• do not honk your horn at a blind person.Theblindpersonhasnoideawhoyouarehonkingatandmaybestartledbythenoise.

• do not block any sidewalk.

roaD Workers anD Work Zones (“cone Zones”)Paycloseattentionwhereroadworkisbeingperformed.Signsandmes-sageboardswarnyouofworkers,slowmovingequipment,andclosedlanes ahead. Cones and/or drumswill guide you through the workzone.Mergeassoonasitissafetodosoandwithoutcrossingtheconesordrums.Reduceyourspeedandbepreparedtoslowdownorstopforhighwayequipment.Inworkzoneswhere lanes are narrow or wherethe shoulder is closed, watch forbicyclesand“sharetheroad”whentheyarepresent.The most commoncause of deaths andinjuriesinworkzonesisrear-endcollisions.In fact, most of thepeoplekilledinworkzonesaredriversandpassengers.For your own safety and the safety of your passengersremembertoslowdown,allowextrafollowingroombetweenvehicles,

Herearesomesuggestionsforhelp-ingpedestrianswhoareblind:• do not stop your vehicle more

than five feet from the cross-walk, unless there is an advance stop bar (line).Ablindpedestrianusesthesoundofyourengineasaguide,sodriveuptothecross-walktoallowthepersontohearyou.ImPORTANT: Driversofelectricandhybridvehiclesmustbeextraalerttoblindpedestrians,astheymaybeunawareofyourpresenceduetothenearlysilentnatureofthesevehicles.

• Stop at all crosswalks where pedestrians are waiting.

• do not stop in the middle of a crosswalk.Thisforcestheblindpedestrian to go around yourvehicle and into traffic outsideofthecrosswalk.

• do not give the blind pedestrian verbal directions.Ablindpedes-trianlistenstoalltrafficsoundsbeforedecidingtocrossthestreet.

• do not wait too long for the blind pedestrian to cross the street.Whenablindpersonpullsinhisorhercaneandstepsawayfromtheintersection,thisgestureusu-allymeansforyoutogo.

• do not turn right without looking first. Look for anypedestrians,especiallyblindpe-destriansortrafficbeforestartingyourturn.Blindpedestrianswhohaveagreenlightarenotexpect-ingadrivertomakearightturnin

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merge early, expectsudden slowing orstopping,watch fordrivers changinglanesatthelastmin-ute, and minimizedistractions. Avoid distractionsincludingusingyourhands-freecellphonewhileinthe“Cone Zone.”Fines for traffic violations in the“Cone Zone”canbeupto$1,000,ormore.Anyoneconvictedofassault-ingahighwayworkerfacesfinesofupto$2,000andimprisonmentforuptooneyear. Keep your eyes on the road andothervehiclesaroundyou.Donotstoptowatchtheroadwork.Obeyspecial signs or instructions fromworkers.Drivingcarefullythroughwork zones improves safety fordrivers,pedestrians,bicyclists,androadworkers.Rememberto“Slow for the Cone Zone.”

DouBle fine ZonesDue to increased collision-relatedinjuriesandfatalitiescertainroadsaredesignatedas“SafetyEnhanced-Double Fine Zones.” Fines forviolationsaredoubledinthesezonesandalsoinhighwayconstructionormaintenance zoneswhenworkersarepresent.(CVC§42010)

move over anD sloW DoWnDriversarerequiredtomoveoverandslowdownwhenapproachingastationaryemergencyvehicleortowtruckthatisdisplayingflashing

amberwarninglights,oravehicle,markedDepartmentofTransporta-tion that is displaying emergencyflashing or amberwarning lights,whileitisstoppedonthesideofastatehighwayorfreeway.Thelawisdesignedtoreducethedeathsofpolice officers, tow truck drivers,paramedics, CalTrans employees,andotheremergencypersonnelwhoareaidingstrandedorinjuredmotor-istsorinvolvedinroadwork.Usecautioniflanechangesarerequired.

vehicles With haZarDous loaDs

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Red and White Regulatory Signs

Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs

Guide Signs

Hazardous Loads Placards

White Regulatory Signs

Adiamond-shapedsignonatruckmeans that the load on the truckis potentially dangerous (gas, ex-plosives,etc.)CaliforniaHighwayPatrol(CHP)orfiredepartmentof-ficersknowwhattodoiftheloadisaccidentallyspilled.Vehicleswhichdisplaythesesignsarerequiredtostopbeforecrossingrailroadtracks.

importAnt DrivinG tipsAlwaysbecourteous.Safedrivingrequires personal responsibilityto use sound judgment, reflexes,experience, common sense andconsideration—every time youarebehindthewheelofavehicle.Courtesy...passiton!

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Overtake other vehicles only on the left.

Avoid blocking passing lanes. Yield to faster traffic by mov-

ing to the right. Keep to the right as much as

possible. Maintain appropriate follow-

ing distance. Provide appropriate distance

when cutting in after passing vehicles.

Use headlights in cloudy, rainy, low light conditions.

Yield to pedestrians. Come to a complete stop at

stop signs, etc. Stop for red traffic lights. Approach intersections and

pedestrians at slow speeds. Follow right-of-way rules at

four-way stops. Drive below the posted speed

limit when conditions warrant. Drive at slower speeds in

construction zones. Maintain speeds appropriate

for conditions. Use vehicle turn signals for

turns and lane changes. Make eye contact and signal

intention where needed. Acknowledge intention of oth-

ers.

Use your horn sparingly. Avoid unnecessary use of

high beam headlights. Yield and move to the right

for emergency vehicles. Refrain from flashing head-

lights. Make slow, deliberate U-

turns. Maintain proper speeds

around roadway crashes. Avoid returning inappropriate

gestures. Avoid challenging other driv-

ers. Try to get out of the way of

aggressive drivers. Focus on driving and avoid

distracting activities.

DO YOu AVOID: Driving when drowsy. Blocking the right-turn lane. Taking more than one parking

space. Parking in a space desig-

nated for the disabled. Letting your door hit the ve-

hicle parked next to you. Using the cell phone while

driving. Stopping in the road to talk. Inflicting loud music on neigh-

boring cars.

ARE YOu AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER?

DO YOU (Check the appropriate box):

Y N Y N

Score Yourself: Count the number of “No” Answers

(1-3) SAFE DRIVER (4-7) GOOD DRIVER (8-11) SEMI-AGGRESSIVE DRIVER (12+) AGGRESSIVE DRIVER

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Dealing With traffic congestionSmallchangesinyourdrivinghabitscanhelprelievechronictrafficcon-gestion,accordingtotheCaliforniaOfficeofTrafficSafety(OTS).Avoid the following drivingbehaviors:• Rubbernecking–slowing downto look at collisions or virtu-ally anything else out of theordinary.

• Tailgating–followingtooclosely.• Unnecessarylanechanges–weav-inginandoutoffreewaylanes.

• Inattention–eating, grooming,talkingonacellphone,textmes-saging, reading the newspaper,etc.

• Operatingapoorly-maintainedormalfunctioningvehicleorrunningoutoffuel.

Dealing With aggressive Drivers anD roaD rageAggressive driving and road ragehappenswhencrowdedroads,rush-ing,andimpatiencecauseonedriverto react angrily to another driver.Some suggestions for avoidingaggressive driving and road ragesituationsare:• Allowplentyoftimetoreachyourdestination.

• Donotcutoffotherdrivers.• Do not drive slowly in the left(fast)lane.

• Donottailgate.

• Do not make gestures to otherdrivers.

• Use your horn for emergenciesonly.

Prevent a potentiallyviolent inci-dentby:• Avoiding eye contact with anangrydriver.

• Giving an angry driver plentyofspace.

• Takingthequestionnaireontheprevious page to determine thetypeofdriverthatyouare.

text messaging anD cell phonesRegardless of age, it is illegal todriveamotorvehiclewhileusinganelectronicwirelesscommunica-tiondevicetowrite,send,orreadtext messages, instant messages,ande-mail(s).NOTE: With certain exceptions,adultsmaynotuseacellphonewhiledrivingunlesshands-freeequipmentisused.Minorsmaynotuseacellphoneexceptincertainemergencies(seepage12).Cell phones can be a lifesaver inemergency situations. Use yourcell phone in the following safeandresponsiblewayswhiledriving:• Use hands-free devices (exceptminors).

• Ifyourcellphonerings,donotanswerit.

• Letthecallgotovoicemailifyouhavethisfeature.

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• Donotusethecellphoneduringhazardousconditions.

• Do not engage in distractingconversations.

• Payattentiontotheroad.• Use your cell phone to call forhelpinanemergency.

collision avoiDanceKeep Your Car VisibleThedriver’sblindspotsareshownonpage47.Youcannotseevehiclesintheseblindspots,ifyouonlylookinyourmirrors.Turnyourheadtosee if avehicle is inoneof theseblindspots.Donotlingerinanotherdriver’sblindspot.Asquicklyasyoucan,dropbackorpassthevehicle.What is the Road ConditionThefasteryourspeed,thelesscon-trolyouhaveofyourvehicle.Ratherthandrivingatthelegalpostedspeedlimit,considerwhatelsemayaffectthesafeoperationofyourvehicle.Forexample,shouldyoudrive35mph(thepostedspeedlimit)onacurvedownanicymountainroad?Manyinexperienceddriversdonotadjusttheirdrivingspeedforroadconditions.Thatisonereasonwhyinexperienced drivers have more“out-of-control” collisions thanexperienceddrivers.CurvesOncurves,thereisastrongoutwardpullonyourvehicle,especiallywhentheroadisslippery.Rain,mud,snow,iceandgravelmaketheroadslip-pery.Ifaspeedlimitisnotpostedbefore a curve, you must judge

howsharpthecurveisandadjustyourspeedaccordingly.Slowdownbefore youenterthecurve.Brakingonacurvemaycauseyoutoskid.Driving in Heavy TrafficDrive slower in heavy traffic, soyou can stopwithin the availablestoppingdistance.Asageneralrule,drivemoreslowly:• Inshoppingcenters,parkinglots,anddowntownareas.

• Onroadswithheavytraffic.• When you see the brake lightsofseveralvehiclesaheadofyou.

• Overnarrowbridgesandthroughtunnels.

• Throughtollplazas.• Near schools, playgrounds, andinresidentialareas.

Traffic SpeedsCollisionsaremorelikelytohappenwhenonedrivergoesfasterorslowerthantheothercarsontheroad.Ifyoudrivefasterthanothertraffic,youincreaseyourchancesofbeinginvolvedinacollision.Studieshaveshownthatspeedingdoesnotsavemorethanafewminutesinanhourofdrivingtime.Drivingslowerthanothervehiclesorstoppingsuddenlycanbejustasdangerousasspeeding,ifnotmoredangerousbecauseyoumaycausearearendcollisionorcauseotherdrivers to swerve to avoidhittingyourvehicle.Ifyouareinthefastlaneandyounoticevehiclesmovingtotherightlanetopassyou,oraline

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dryoutlast.• Bridges and overpasses tend tofreezebeforetherestoftheroaddoes.Theycanhidespotsofice.

• Ifitstartstorainonahotday,thepavement can be very slipperyforthefirstseveralminutes.Heatcausesoilintheasphalttocometothesurface.Theoilmakestheroadslipperyuntiltherainwashestheoiloffthesurfaceoftheroad.

Skids on Slippery SurfacesAroadthatisnormallysafecanbe-comedangerouswhenitisslippery.Iceandpackedsnowontheroadcancauseyourvehicletoskid,especiallyifyouaredrivingtoofastorgoingdownhill.Ifyoustarttoskid:• Easeoffthegaspedal,• Stopbraking,and• Turn the steering wheel in thedirectionoftheskid.

Ifyoucannotcontrolyourvehicleon a slippery surface, try to findsomethingtostoptheskid.Trytogetawheelondrypavementorontheshoulderoftheroad.Youmayhavetoedgeslowlyintoasnowbankorsomebushestostopthevehicle.To prevent skidding on slipperysurfaces:• Drive slowly and stay fartherbehindthevehicleaheadofyou.

• Slow down, as you approachcurvesandintersections.

• Avoidfastturns.

ofvehiclesareformingbehindyou,thebestthingtodoismoveintotherightlane,whenitissafe,andletthevehicle(s)pass.

Driving haZarDsWater on the RoadSlowdownwhen there isa lotofwaterontheroad.Inaheavyrainatspeedsof50mphormore,yourtirescanloseallcontactwiththeroadandthenyourvehiclewillberidingonwateror“hydroplaning.”Aslightchangeofdirectionoragustofwindcouldthrowyourvehicleintoaskid.Ifyourvehiclestartstohydroplane,slowdowngradually–donotapplythebrakes.Slippery RoadsSlowdownatthefirstsignofrain.This is whenmany roads are themostslippery,becauseoilanddusthavenotwashedaway.Aslipperyroadwillnotgiveyourtiresthegriptheyneed.Drivemoreslowlythanyouwould on a dry road.Adjustyourspeedasfollows:• Wet road–go five–ten milesslower.

• Packedsnow–reduceyourspeedbyhalf.

• Ice–slowtoacrawl.Someroadsurfacesaremoreslip-pery than others when wet andusually havewarning signs.Hereare some clues to help you spotslipperyroads:• On cold,wet days, shade fromtreesorbuildingscanhidespotsofice.Theseareasfreezefirstand

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• Avoid quick stops. “Pump” thebrakes tosloworstop. (Donotpumpantilockbrakes.)

• Shift to low gear before goingdownasteephill.

• Avoidespeciallyslipperyareas,suchasicepatches,wetleaves,oil,ordeeppuddles.

Ifthebrakesgetwet,drythembylightlypressingthegaspedalandbrakepedalatthesametimesothatthevehicledrivesagainstthepres-sureofthebrakes.Performthislightpressingonlyuntilthebrakesdry.

mechanical tipsAcceleration SkidsAnacceleration skidusuallyhap-pens when the drive wheels losetraction on the road surface. Tomaintaincontrolofaskiddingve-hicle,donotapplythebrakes.Easeoffthegaspedalandstraightenthefrontwheelsasthevehiclebeginstostraightenitselfout.Locked Wheel SkidsThistypeofskidisusuallycausedbybrakingtoohardatahighrateofspeedandlockingthewheels.Thevehiclewill skidnomatterwhichway the steeringwheel is turned.Takeyourfootoffthebraketoun-lockthewheels.Thenstraightenthefrontwheelsasthevehiclebeginstostraightenout.Slowthevehiclegraduallyuntilyouareatasafespeedtocontinuedriving.

Accelerator MalfunctionIfyouracceleratorbecomesstuckyoushould:1. Shifttoneutral.2. Applythebrakes.3. Keepyoureyesontheroad.4. Lookforanalternaterouteaway

fromtrafficorlookforawayout.5. Warnotherdriversbyhonking

and flashing your emergencylights.

6. Try to drive the car safely offtheroad.

7. Stop and turn off the ignition.(WARNING: Turning the ig-nition off while the vehicle ismovinglocksthesteeringwheelof somevehicles andyouwillnothavecontrolofthesteering.)

Steering Wheel Locking DeviceNeverturnyourvehicle’signitiontothe“lock”positionwhileitisstillinmotion,orthesteeringwilllockandyouwilllosecontrolofyourvehicle.

collisions are not acciDentsAn“accident”impliesanunforeseeneventthatoccurswithoutanyone’sfaultornegligence.Mostoften intraffic,thatisnotthecase.Ifyouseeavehicle’shazardlightsahead,slowdown.Theremaybeacollisionorother roademergencyahead. Stop and give assistanceif asked by anyone, or pass verycarefully.Avoid driving near collisions, ifyou can. Those injured will behelpedfasterifothervehiclesaren’t

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blockingtheroad.Ifyoumustdrivenearacollision,donotstoporslowdownjusttolook.Youmaycauseanother crash.Driveby carefully,watchingforpeopleintheroad.Causes of CollisionsThemostcommoncausesofcolli-sionsare:• Unsafespeed.• Driving on the wrong side oftheroad.

• Improperturns.• Violatingtheright-of-wayrules.• Violatingstopsignalsandsigns.• Driverdistractions.Involved in a CollisionIfyouareinvolvedinacollision:• Youmust stop. Someone couldbe injured and need your help.Ifyoudonotstop,youmaybeconvicted of “hit and run” andcouldbeseverelypunished.

• Call9-1-1,ifanyoneishurt.• Move your vehicle out of thetraffic lane if no one is injuredorkilled.

• Showyourdriverlicense,regis-trationcard,evidenceoffinancialresponsibility, and current ad-dresstotheotherdriver,personsinvolved,orpoliceofficer.

• You (or your insurance agent,broker, or legal representative)mustmakeawrittenreporttothepoliceorCHPwithin24hoursofthecollisionifsomeoneiskilledorinjured.

• You (or your insurance agent,broker, or legal representative)must make a written report toDMVwithin10days.

• If you hit a parked vehicle orotherproperty,leaveanotewithyour name, phone number, andaddress in or securely attachedto the vehicle or property youhit. Report the collision to thecitypoliceor,inunincorporatedareas,totheCHP.

• Ifyourparkedcarrollsawayandhitsanothervehicle,trytofindtheownerandreporttheincidenttoauthoritiesasmentionedabove.

• If you kill or injure an animal,callthenearesthumanesociety,thepolice,orCHP.Donottrytomoveaninjuredanimalorleaveaninjuredanimaltodie.

Reporting a CollisionWhenyouhaveacollision,reportittotheDMVwithin10daysif:• Morethan$750indamagewasdonetothepropertyofanyperson.

• Anyonewas injured (nomatterhowslightly)orkilled.

Each driver (orthedriver’sinsuranceagent,broker,or legal representa-tive) must make a report to DMV usingtheReportofTrafficAccidentOccurringinCalifornia(SR1)form.Goonlineatwww.dmv.ca.gov orcall1-800-777-0133andaskfortheReportofTrafficAccident(SR1)form.TheCHPorpolicewill notmakethisreportforyou.

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You or your representative mustmakethisreportwhetherornotyoucausedthecollision,evenifthecol-lisionoccurredonprivateproperty.Your driving privilege will besuspended:• Ifyoudonotmakethisreport.• Foruptofouryears,ifyoudidnothaveproperinsurancecoverage.Duringthelastthreeyearsofthesuspension,your licensecanbereturnedtoyouifyouprovideaCaliforniaInsuranceProofCer-tificate (SR22)andmaintain itduringthethree-yearperiod.

ADDitionAl DrivinG lAws/rUles

things you must not Do:• do notsmokewhenaminorisinthevehicleatanytime.Youcanbefinedupto$100.

• do notdumporabandonanimalsonahighway.Thiscrimeispun-ishablebyafineofupto$1,000,sixmonthsinjail,orboth.

• do notoperateacellphonewith-outtheuseofahands-freedevice(minors,seepage12).

• do notdriveamotorvehiclewhileusingawirelesscommunicationsdevicetowrite,send,orreadtext-basedcommunications.

• do notwear a headset over orearplugsinbothyourears.

• do not driveavehiclesoloaded,eitherwithpropertyorpeople,that

youcannotcontrolitorseeaheadortothesidesofyourvehicle.

• It is illegal todriveanyvehiclewithanunsafe,unsecuredloadthatisasafetyhazard(CVC24002a).

• do notcarryanythinginoronapassengervehiclewhichextendsbeyondthefendersontheleftsideormorethansixinchesbeyondthe fenders on the right side.Cargoextendingmorethanfourfeetfromthebackofthevehiclemust display a 12-inch red orfluorescentorangesquareflagortworedlightsatnight.

• do not allow anyone to rideonanypartofyourvehiclenotintendedforpassengers.

• do notallowanyonetorideinthetrunkofyourvehicle.Convictionswillresultinpenaltiesforboththedriverandtheperson(s)ridinginthetrunk.

• do not allowapersontorideinthebackofapickuporothertruck,unlessthevehicleisequippedwithseatsandthepersonusesboththeseatandasafetybelt.

• do not transportanimalsinthebackofapickuporother truckunless the animal is properlysecured.

• do notleaveachildorananimalunattendedinahotvehicle(seepage74).

• do nottowanyonewhoisridingabicycle, inawagon,on rollerskates,rollerblades,skis,sled,toyvehicle,orskateboard,etc.

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• do not litter the roadside. Thefine is$1,000,andyoumaybeforcedtopickupwhatyouthrewaway.Litteringconvictionsshowonyourdrivingrecord.

• do not wear eyeglasses withtempleswideenoughtokeepyoufromseeingclearlytothesides.

• do not driveavehicleequippedwith a video monitor, if themonitor is visible to the driveranddisplaysanythingotherthanvehicle information or globalmappingdisplays.

• do not honk your horn unlessitisasafetywarningtoavoidacollision.

• do notthrowanycigarette,cigar,orotherflamingorglowingsub-stancefromyourvehicle.

• do not shootfirearmsonahigh-wayorattrafficsigns.

• do not blockyourviewbyput-tingsignsorotherobjectsonthefrontwindshieldorthebacksidewindows.Donothangobjectsonthe mirror. Windshield/windowstickers, etc., are permitted intheselocationsonly:– Aseven-inchsquareoneitherthe passenger’s side wind-shield, lower corner; or thelowercornerof therearwin-dow.– A five-inch square on thelower corner of the driver’ssidewindow.– Thesidewindowsbehindthedriver.

• do not driveanymotorvehicleintoadesignatedwildernessarea(CVC§38301.5).

• do not drive with illegally—tinted safetyglass. If youhavesun-sensitiveskin,youmayuseremovable sun screens duringdaylighttravelifyouhavealetterfromyourphysician.

• do notblockorhinderafuneralprocession.Vehiclestakingpartinafuneralprocessionhavetheright-of-way,andifyouinterfere,obstruct,orinterruptthefuneralprocessionyou are subject to acitation(CVC§2817).Afuneralprocessionisledbyatrafficof-ficer,andallvehiclestakingpartintheprocessionhavewindshieldmarkerstoidentifythemandhavetheirheadlightson.

• do not ride,orallowachildtoride,a“pocketbike”onapublicstreetorhighway.Thesevehiclesarenotmanufacturedordesignedforhighwayuse,andtheydonotmeetfederalsafetystandards.

things you must Do:• You mustdriveasfartotherightasreasonablypossibleonnarrowmountainroads,andifyoucannotseeatleast200feetaheadhonkyourhorn.

• You must use your headlights30minutesaftersunsetandleavethemonuntil30minutesbeforesunrise.

• You mustdimyourlightstolowbeamswithin500feetofavehicle

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comingtowardyouorwithin300feetofavehicleyouarefollowing.

• You mustturnonyourheadlightsifsnow,rain,fog,orlow-visibility(1,000feetorless)requiretheuseofwindshieldwipers.

• You must move your vehicleoutof the traffic lane (unless itisdisabled)whenitissafetodoso,ifyouareinvolvedinacolli-sion.Lawenforcementmaytoworimpoundyourvehicleifit isleftinanunsafeareaandcausessafetyconcerns.

HeAltH AnD sAfetYsafety for the aging DriverThe department has published ahandbook specifically for seniordrivers.Pleasegoonlineatwww.dmv.ca.gov toviewordownloadacopyoftheSenior Guide for Safe Driving,orcall1-800-777-0133torequestacopybymailorcontacttheSenior Driver Ombudsman Programinyourarea:Sacramento/NorthernCalifornia(916)657-6464SanFrancisco/Oakland(510)563-8998Orange/SanBernardino/SanDiego(949)553-3573LosAngeles/Oxnard(310)412-6103

gooD vision for all DriversYouneedgoodvisiontodrivesafely.Ifyoucannotseeclearly,youcannotjudgedistancesorspottrouble,and

youwillnotbeabletomakethebestjudgements.You alsoneed to seeperipherally or “out of the cornerof your eye” to spot cars comingupbesideyou,whileyoureyesareontheroadahead.Youmayseeclearlyandstillnotbeable to judgedistances.Youneedgooddistancejudgmentsoyouknowhow far you are from other cars.Manypeoplewhomayseeclearlyinthedaytimehavetroubleseeingclearly at night. Somepeople seepoorlyindimlight.Othersmayhavetroublewiththeglareofheadlights.Have your eyes checked everyyearortwo.Youmayneverknowaboutpoorperipheralvisionorpoordistancejudgment,unlessyouhaveyoureyescheckedbyahealthcareprofessional.

hearingHearingismoreimportanttodriv-ingthanmanypeoplerealize.Thesoundofhorns,asiren,orscreech-ing tires canwarnyouof danger.Sometimesyoucanhearavehicle;butcannotseeit,especiallyifitisinyourblindspots.Evenpeoplewithgoodhearingcan-nothearwelliftheradioorCDplayerisblaring.Donotwearaheadsetorearplugsinbothearswhiledriving;itisagainstthelaw.Hearingproblems,likebadeyesight,cancomeonsoslowlythatyoudonotnoticethem.Haveyourhearingchecked periodically.Drivers thatare deaf or hearing-impaired can

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adjusttheirdriversafetyhabitsbyrelyingmoreontheirseeingsenseand therefore, compensate for thelossofhearing.

alertnessWhenyouaretired,youarelessalert.Thebodynaturallywantstosleepatnight.Mostdriversarelessalertatnightespeciallyaftermidnight.Youmaynotseehazardsassoonorreactasquickly,aswhenyouarerestedandalert;soyourchancesofhavingacrashmaybegreater.Ifyouaresleepy,theonlysaferesponseistogetofftheroadandgetsomesleep.Tokeepfrombecomingtiredonalongtrip:• Getanormalnight’ssleepbeforeyoustartonyourtrip.

• Donot take anydrugs that canmakeyoudrowsy.

• Donotdrivelonghours,andtrynottodrivelateatnight.

• Take regular rest stops even ifyouarenottired.

• Keepshiftingyoureyesfromonepartoftheroadtoanother.Lookatobjectsnearandfar,leftandright.

• Trychewinggumorsingingalongwiththeradio/CD.

• Roll yourwindowdown to getsomefreshair.

Ifyouaretiredallthetimeandfallasleep often during the day, askyourphysiciantocheckforasleepdisorder.

meDicationsRemember that all medications,prescription or over-the-counter,are potentially dangerous. Over-the-countermedicinesthatyoutakefor colds and allergies can makeyoudrowsyandaffectyourdrivingability.Ifyoumusttakemedicationbeforedriving,findouttheeffectsofthemedicationfromyourphysicianorpharmacist.It is your responsi-bility to know the effects of the medications you take.Beforeyoudecidetodrive,donot:• Mixmedications,unlessdirectedbyyourphysician.

• Takemedicationsprescribedforsomeoneelse.

• Mix alcohol with your medi-cations. This applies to bothprescribedandover-the-countermedications.

hot Weather risksAsstatedonpage20,itisagainstthelawtoleaveunattendedminorchildreninavehicle.Additionally,andequallyimportant,itisdanger-ousanddeadlytoleavechildrenand/or animals in a hot vehicle.Aftersittinginthesun,withevenaslightlyopenedwindow,thetemperaturecanriserapidlyinsideaparkedvehicle.Thetemperatureinsideavehiclecanrise approximately 40-50 degreeshigherthantheoutsidetemperature.Dehydration,heatstroke,anddeathcanresultfromoverexposuretotheheat.Rememberif it’s toohotforyou,it’stoohotforchildrenandpets.

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health anD emotionsYour personality affects the wayyoudrive.Donotletyouremotionsinterferewithsafedriving.Useallof your good judgment, commonsense,andcourtesywhenyoudriveandfollowalltherecommendedsafedrivingrules.Discusshealthconcernssuchaspoorvision,heartproblems,diabetes,orepilepsywithyourphysicianandfol-lowhisorheradvice.NotifyDMVifyouhaveaconditionthatmightaffectyourabilitytodrivesafely.conDitions physicians must reportPhysiciansandsurgeonsarerequiredtoreportpatientsatleast14yearsofageandolderwhoarediagnosedashavinglapsesofconsciousness,Alzheimer’sDisease,orrelateddis-orders.(CaliforniaHealth & Safety Code§103900)Althoughnotrequiredbylaw,yourphysicianmayreporttoDMVanyothermedicalconditionthatheorshebelievesmayaffectyourabilitytodrivesafely.safety tipsAccording to the CHP, if yourvehicle becomes disabled on thefreeway:• Safelypulltotherightshoulder.Ideally,parkthevehiclenexttoacallbox,ifpossible.(Thereisacallboxlocatedeveryquartermiletotwomiles.)

• Ifyoumustexitthevehicle,exitontherightsideofyourvehicle,awayfromtraffic.

• Onceyouarrangeforassistance,returntoyourvehicle,getbackinto the vehicle from the rightside(awayfromtraffic),andputonyourseatbelts.

• Stayinsideyourvehiclewiththeseatbeltsonuntilhelparrives.

Incertaincircumstances,exityourvehicle,suchaswhenthereisnotenoughshoulderspaceorifthereisaguardrailoranareatosafelystayawayfromthefreewaylanes,andawayfromyourvehicle.Useyouremergencyblinking lightsatyourdiscretion according to weatherconditions.Thelightsmaybehelp-ful,buttheycouldalsoattractdrunkdrivers.The California Highway Patrol’sFreeway Service Patrol (FSP)provides free emergency roadsideservices during commute periods.If you get stuck on the freewaybecauseyourautomobilestopsrun-ning,FSPwill:• Offeryouagallonofgasifyourunout.

• “Jumpstart”yourvehicleifthebatteryisdead.

• Refill your radiator and tapehoses.

• Changeaflattire.TheFSPprogram:• Cannot tow your vehicle to aprivaterepairserviceorresidence.

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• Doesnotrecommendtowservicecompanies or repair and bodyshops.

• Doesnottowmotorcycles.• Does not assist vehicles whichhavebeeninvolvedinacollisionunlessdirectedbytheCHP.

• DoesreportanycollisiontotheCHP.

IfFSPcannotstartyourvehicle,itwillbe towed freeof charge toalocationapprovedbytheCHP.FSPwill alsocontact additional assis-tanceforyou.TheCHPwillnotifyanautoclubortowingservice.TheFSPservesthefollowingareas:• ValleyDivision–theSacramentometroandTracyareas

• Golden Gate Division–the SanFranciscoBayArea

• CentralDivision–theFresnoarea• SouthernDivision–theLosAn-gelesBasin

• Inland Division–the Riversidearea

• BorderDivision–theSanDiegoandOrangeCountyareas

• Coastal Division–the MontereyandSantaCruzareas

Call1-800-TELLCHP(835-5247)tofindoutiftheFSPoperateswhereyouareandhowtocontacttheFSP.recorD confiDentialityMost information in your driverlicensefileisavailabletothepublic.Yourresidenceaddressmayonlybeviewedbyauthorizedagencies.Your

mailing address, if different fromyourresidence,islessrestricted.Records on the physical or men-tal condition of a driver remainconfidential.Youmayobtainacopyofyourdriv-ingrecordatanyDMVofficeforafeewithvalididentification.

vehicle theft prevention tipsIfyoufollowthesuggestionsbelow,you can minimize your chancesofbecoming thevictimofvehicletheft. In the United States, a ve-hicleisstolenanaverageofevery21minutes.Vehicletheftresultsincoststothevictimanditincreasesinsurancepremiums.Also,vehiclethievesoftenusethestolenvehiclestocommitothercrimes.Vehicle thefts occur more oftenwherelargegroupsofcarsareparkedat any time of day for extendedperiodsof time,suchasshoppingcenters, colleges, sporting events,moviecomplexes,andlargeapart-mentcomplexes.Here are some tips you can useto avoid becoming the victim ofvehicletheft:• Never leave:

– Yourvehiclerunningandunat-tendedeventodashintoastore.– The keys in the ignition. Donotleavekeysinsidealockedgarageorahide-a-keybox.– Valuablessuchaspurses,lap-tops,etc.,inplainviewevenifyour vehicle is locked. Placethemoutofsight.

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– Personal identification docu-ments,suchastheownershiptitle or credit cards in thevehicle.

• Always:– Rollupyourwindowsandlockyourvehicleevenifitisparkedinfrontofyourhouse.– Parkinhigh-traffic,well-light-edareaswheneverpossible.– Reportastolenvehicleimme-diatelytothepolice.

• Suggestions:– Install a mechanical devicethat locksthesteeringwheel,column,orbrakes.– Think about purchasing avehiclethefttracking/securitysystem,especiallyifyouownone of the frequently-stolenmodelvehicles.– When you must leave yourkeywithavalet,attendant,ormechanic,onlyleavetheigni-tionkey.– Copy your license plate andvehicleinformationonacard,andkeepthatinformationwithyouandnotinthecar.Thepo-licewillneedthisinformation,ifyourvehicleisstolen.

traffic Breaks Trafficbreaksareusedbylawen-forcementto:

– Sloworstoptraffictoremovehazardsfromtheroadway.– Conduct emergency opera-tions.

– Prevent traffic collisions inheavyfogorunusuallyheavytraffic.

Duringa trafficbreak, theofficerturnsontherearemergencylights,slowsthevehicle,anddrivesacrossthelanesoftrafficinaserpentinemanner. To assist the officer inconductingatrafficbreak:

– Activateyouremergencyflash-erstowarnotherdriversthereisahazardahead.– Slowlybegintodecreaseyourspeed. Do not slow abruptlyunlessitisnecessarytoavoidacollision.Slowto thesamespeed as the officer, whilekeeping a safe distance fromthepatrolvehicleaheadofyou.– Donotattempttodrivepastthepatrolvehicle.Donotacceler-ateuntilthepatrolvehiclehasturnedoffitsemergencylightsandtrafficconditionsaheadal-lowthereturntonormalspeeds.

What a Driver shoulD Do During an enforcement stopAcknowledge the officer’s pres-ence by turning on your right turn signal. Activatingyoursignalletsthe officer know that you recog-nizehisorherpresence.Anofficermay become alarmed if you failtorecognizehimorherandmightperceivethatyouhaveareasontoavoidyieldingorthatyoumightbeimpaired.

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move your vehicle to the right shoulder of the road.Theofficerwill guide you, using his or herpatrol vehicle.Do notmove ontothecentermedian.Donotstop inthecentermedianofafreewayorontheoppositesideofatwolaneroadway.Thisplacesboththedriverandtheofficerindangerofbeinghitbyoncomingtraffic.On a freeway, move completely onto the right shoulder, even if you’re in the carpool lane. Stopinwelllitareaswhenpossible.Pullyourvehicleasfarofftheroadwayaspossible.Whenitisdark,lookforlocationsthathavemorelightsuchasareaswithstreetorfreewaylights,nearrestaurantsorservicestations.End your cell phone conversa-tion and turn off your radio. Theofficerneedsyourfullattentiontocommunicatewithyoutocompletethe enforcement stop in the leastamountoftimeneeded.Remain inside your vehicle unless otherwise directed by the officer.Neverstepoutofyourvehicle,un-lessanofficerdirectsyoutodoso.During an enforcement stop, theofficer’sprioritiesareyoursafety,thesafetyofyourpassengers,andtheofficer’sownpersonalsafety.Inmostsituations,thesafestplaceforyouandyourpassengers is insideyourvehicle.Exitingyourvehiclewithout firstbeingdirectedbyanofficercanincreasetheriskofbeingstruckbyapassingvehicleand/orincreasetheofficer’sleveloffeelingthreatened.

Place your hands in clear view, including all passengers’ hands such as on the steering wheel, on top of your lap, etc. Duringan enforcement stop, an officer’sinability to see the hands of thedriver and all occupants in thevehicle increases the officer’slevel of feeling threatened. Mostviolentcriminalactsagainstalawenforcementofficeroccurthroughtheuseofaperson’shands,suchastheuseofafirearm,sharpobject,etc. If your windows are tinted,it is recommended that you rolldownyourwindowsafteryouhavestopped your vehicle on the rightshoulderoftheroadwayandbeforetheofficermakescontactwithyou.

Actions tHAt resUlt in loss of license

financial responsiBilityTheCaliforniaCompulsoryFinan-cial Responsibility Law requireseverydriverandeveryownerofamotorvehicletomaintainfinancialresponsibility(liabilitycoverage)atall times.Thereare four formsoffinancialresponsibility:• Amotor vehicle liability insur-ancepolicy.

• Adepositof$35,000withDMV.• A surety bond for $35,000 ob-tainedfromacompanylicensedtodobusinessinCalifornia.

• A DMV issued self-insurancecertificate.

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Youmustcarrywrittenevidenceoffinancial responsibility wheneveryoudrive,andshowittoapoliceofficerafteratrafficstoporcollisionwhenaskedtodoso.Youmayhavetopayafineorhaveyourvehicleimpounded if you do not complywiththislaw.insuranceInsurance RequirementsThe law states that you must befinancially responsible for youractionswheneveryoudriveandforallthemotorvehiclesyouown.Mostdrivers choose to have a liabilityinsurancepolicyasproofoffinancialresponsibility.Ifyouhaveacollisionnotcoveredbyyourinsurance,oryou do not have insurance, yourdriverlicensewillbesuspended.Ifthedriverisnotidentified,theownerofthemotorvehicleinvolvedinacollisionwillhavehisorherdriverlicensesuspended.Theminimumamountyourinsur-ance*mustcoverpercollisionis:• $15,000 for a single death orinjury.

• $30,000 for death or injury tomorethanoneperson.

• $5,000forpropertydamage.Call1-800-927-HELP,beforeyoupurchaseinsurancetoconfirmthatyour agent/broker and insurer arelicensedbytheCaliforniaDepart-mentofInsurance.* LowcostautomobilepoliciesareavailableinAlameda,ContraCosta,Fresno,Imperial,Kern,LosAngeles,Orange,Riverside,Sacramento,SanBernardino,SanDiego,SanFrancisco,SanJoaquin,SanMateo,SantaClara,andStanislauscounties.Pleasecontactyourinsuranceagent.

IfyouarevisitingCaliforniaorhavejustmovedhere,beawarethatnotallout-of-stateinsurancecompaniesare authorized to do business inCalifornia.Beforeyoudrivehere,askyourinsurancecompanyifyouarecoveredincaseofacollision.IfyouhaveacollisioninCalifornia,allthreeofthefollowingconditionsmustbemettoavoidthesuspensionofyourdrivingprivilege:1. Your liabilitypolicymustpro-

videbodilyinjuryandpropertydamagecoveragewhichequalsor exceeds the required limitsstatedabove.

2. Your insurance companymustfileapowerofattorneyallowingDMVtoactasitsagentforlegalserviceinCalifornia.

3. You must insure the vehiclebeforeyoucometoCalifornia.You cannot renew the out-of-statepolicy,oncethevehicleisregisteredinCalifornia.

Collisions on Your RecordDMVretainsinformationoneverycollisionreportedtoDMVby:• Law enforcement, unless thereporting officer states anotherpersonwasatfault.

• You,oranotherpartyinvolvedinthecollision,ifanyonepersonhasover$750indamageorifanyoneisinjuredordies.

Itdoesnotmatterwhocausedthecollision; DMV must keep thisrecord.

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Provide law enforcement with the:

exact location

vehicle make & model

license plate

One call could save a life.

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

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Page 94: CA Driver Handbook

Collisions, Insurance, and MinorsIfyouareunder18yearsofage,yourparent(s)orguardian(s)mustsignyourdriverlicenseapplicationandassumefinancialresponsibilityforyourdriving.Whenyoureachage18, your parent(s) or guardian(s)liabilityautomaticallyends.If you are involved in a collisionyourparent(s)orguardian(s)maybeliableforcivildamagesandyoumayalsobefined.EXCEPTION: Your parent(s) orguardian(s)canhaveyour licensecancelled at any time while youareaminor.

alcohol/Drugs While DrivingAlcohol/Drugs and Driving Is DangerousAlcoholand/ordrugsimpairsyourjudgment. Impaired judgment orgoodsense,affectshowyoureacttosoundsandwhatyousee.Itisalsodangeroustowalkintrafficorrideabicycle,whileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.Ittakesaboutanhourforthebodytogetridofeach“drink.”Ifapersonhashadmorethanonedrinkanhour,onehourof“sobering up” time should be al-lowedforeachextradrinkconsumedbeforedriving.Betterstill,someonewhohasnotbeendrinkingshoulddrive(seepage86).Muchofwhathasbeensaidaboutalcohol also applies to drugs.California’s drunk driving law isalso a drug driving law. It refersto“drivingunder the influenceof

alcoholand/ordrugs.”Ifanofficersuspects that you are under theinfluenceofdrugs,theofficercanlegallyrequireyoutotakeabloodorurinetest.Driverswhorefusethesetests are subject to longer licensesuspensionsandrevocations.Theuseofanydrug(thelawdoesnotdistinguish between prescription,over-the-counter, or illegal drugs)whichimpairsyourabilitytodrivesafely is illegal.Checkwith yourphysician or pharmacist and readthewarninglabelifyouarenotsurethattakingthemedicationwillaffectyourdriving.Herearesomefacts:• Mostdrugstakenforcolds,hayfever,allergy,ortocalmnervesor muscles can make a persondrowsy.

• Medicinestakentogetherorusedwith alcohol can be dangerous.Manydrugshaveunexpectedsideeffectswhentakenwithalcohol.

• Peppills,“uppers,”anddietpillscanmakeadrivermorealertforashorttime.Later,however,theycancauseapersontobenervous,dizzy,andnotabletoconcentrate.Theycanalsoaffectvision.

Anydrugthat“maycausedrowsi-nessordizziness”isoneyoushouldnottakebeforedriving.Makesureyoureadthelabelandknowtheef-fectsofanydrugyouuse.Carrying Alcohol in a VehicleThelawisverystrictaboutcarry-ing alcohol or drugs in a vehicle,whetherthevehicleisonoroffthe

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highway.Youmust not drink anyamountofalcoholinanyvehicle.Acontainerofliquor,beer,orwinecarriedinside thevehiclemustbefull,sealed,andunopened.Other-wise, itmustbekept in the trunkofthevehicleorinaplacewherepassengersdonotsit.Keepinganopenedalcoholicdrinkintheglovecompartmentisspecificallyagainstthelaw.In a bus, taxi, camper, or motorhome, this law does not apply tonon-drivingpassengers.Refertopage86fortheDesignatedDriverProgram.Drivers Under 21 (Possession of Alcohol)Ifyouareunder21yearsofage:• Youmaynotcarryliquor,beer,orwineinsideavehicleunlessyouareaccompaniedbyaparentorotherpersonasspecifiedbylawand the containermust be full,sealed,andunopened.

• Ifyouarecaughtwithanalcoholicbeverageinyourvehicle,itmaybeimpoundedforupto30days.Thecourtmayfineyouupto$1,000,andeithersuspendyourdrivingprivilegeforoneyearor requireDMVtodelaytheissuanceofyourfirstlicenseforuptooneyear,ifyouarenotalreadylicensed.

• Your driving privilege will berevokedforoneyear,ifyouareconvictedofeitherdrivingwithaBACof0.01%orhigher,ordriv-ingwhileundertheinfluenceof

alcoholand/ordrugs.Onthefirstoffense youwill be required tocompletetheeducationalportionofa licenseddriving-under-the-influence (DUI) program. Asubsequentoffensemayrequirea longerDUIprogramandyouwillnothavearestrictedlicensetoattendtheDUIprogram.EXCEPTION: You may carryalcoholic beverages in closedcontainers, while working forsomeonewithanoff-site liquorsaleslicense.

Drivers of All AgesItisillegaltodriveafterconsum-ing excessive amounts of alcoholinanyform(includingmedicationssuchascoughsyrup),ortakinganydrug(includingprescriptionmedi-cations),orusinganycombinationofalcoholordrugs.Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) LimitsItisillegalforanypersontooperateavehiclewitha:• BACof0.08%orhigher, if thepersonisage21orolder.

• BACof0.01%orhigher, if thepersonisunderage21.

• BACof0.01%orhigheratanyage, if the person is on DUIprobation.

• BACof0.04%orhigher,inanyvehicle requiringa commercialdriver license (CDL)—with orwithout a CDL issued to thedriver.

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TheDMVcantakeanadministrativeactionagainstyourdrivingprivilegeafteryouaredetainedorarrested,and thecourtmaytakeaseparateaction (suspend, revoke, or delaythe license) for the sameoffense.DMV’s action is related only toyourdrivingprivilege.Thecourt’saction may involve the paymentofafine,jailtime,suspension,orrevocationofyourdrivingprivilegeandcompletionofaDUIprogram.Similar provisions (CaliforniaHarbors and Navigation Code)applywhenyouoperateanyvessel,aquaplane, jet skis,water skis, orsimilardevices.Theseconvictionsareplacedonyourdrivingrecordand will be used by the court todetermine “prior convictions” formotor vehicle DUI sentencing.These convictions are also usedwhendetermining the lengthof asuspension or revocation actionorthereinstatementrequirements,becauseofaviolationyoucommit-tedwhiledrivingamotorvehicle.

aDmin per seWhenyoudriveinCalifornia,youconsenttohaveyourbreath,bloodor, under certain circumstances,urinetestedifyouarearrestedfordrivingundertheinfluenceofalco-hol,drugs,oracombinationofboth.Under 21—Zero Tolerance for Alcohol Use. Ifyouareunder21yearsofage,youmustsubmittoahand-heldbreathtest,PreliminaryAlcoholScreening(PAS),oroneoftheotherchemicaltestsifyouhave

beendetainedandapoliceofficerhasreasontobelieveyouweredrink-ingalcohol.IfyourBACmeasures0.01%orhigheronthePAS,theof-ficermaytakeyourlicenseandissueyouatemporarylicenseforonly30days,giveyouanorderofsuspen-sionforoneyear,andthendeterminewhethertoreleaseyou,turnyouoverto juvenile authorities, or contactyourparent(s)orguardian(s).YoumayrequestaDMVadministrativehearingwithin10days.IfyourPASshowsaBACof0.05%,theofficermayrequireyoutosub-mittoeitherabreathorbloodtest.SomePASdevicesprovidearecordwhichmaybesubmittedtothecourtasevidence.OtherPASdevicesdonotprovidearecord,sotheofficermayaskforabreathorbloodtestafter thePAS.Youdonot have arighttoconsultwithalawyerbeforeselectingorcompletingatest.IfasubsequenttestrevealsaBACof0.05%orhigher,theofficerwillissueyouanorderof suspension,arrestyouforDUI(CVC§23140),and detain you until you can beturned over to your parent(s),guardian(s),orjuvenileauthorities.IfyourBACis0.08%orhigher,thepoliceofficermayarrestyou(CVC§§23152or23153).If the officer reasonably believesyouareunderthecombinedinflu-enceofalcoholanddrugsandyouhave already submitted to a PASand/orabreathtest,youmaystillberequiredtosubmittoabloodorurine

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testbecausethebreathtestdoesnotdetectthepresenceofdrugs.Ifyourefusetosubmittoanyofthetests,yourdrivingprivilegemaybesuspendedbecauseofyourrefusal.Evenifyouchangeyourmindlaterandagreetoatest,andyourBACmeasures 0.01% or higher on thePAS,yourdrivingprivilegemaybesuspendedforbothreasons,althoughbothactionswillrunconcurrently.

court Dui convictionsIf you are convicted of drivingwhileundertheinfluenceofeitheralcoholand/ordrugsorboth(DUI),and you have an excessive BAClevel, you may be sentenced toserveup tosixmonths in jailandpaya finebetween$390—$1,000(plusaboutthreetimesthefineinpenaltyassessments)thefirsttimeyou are convicted. Your vehiclemaybe impoundedand is subjecttostoragefees.OnthefirstconvictionthecourtwillsuspendyourdrivingprivilegeforsixmonthsandrequireyoutocompleteaDUIprogrambeforeyourdriverlicensecanbereinstated.Thelengthof the programmay vary. If yourBAC is0.15%orhigher, andyoualreadyhavearecordofviolationsforotherreasons,or yourefusetosubmittoachemicaltest,thecourtmayorderyoutocompleteanine-month or longer program. If yourBAC is 0.20% or higher, and thecourtrefersyoutoanenhancedDUItreatmentprogram,yourlicensewillbe suspended for 10months.You

couldalsoberequiredtoinstallanignition interlock device (IID) onyourvehicle.AcourtmayalsoorderyoutoinstallanIIDifyourBACis0.15%orhigher,oryouhave twoor more prior moving violations,oryourefuseachemicaltestatthetimeofyourarrest.AnIIDpreventsyoufromstartingyourvehicleifyouhaveanyalcoholonyourbreath.Ifanyonewas injured as a result ofyour driving under the influence,thesuspensionperiodisoneyear.Incasesinvolvingseriousinjuryordeath,youmaybepunishedundertheCaliforniaThree StrikesLaw.Youmay also face civil lawsuits.AllDUIconvictionswillremainonDMV’s records for 10years.Thecourts and/or DMV may imposemorestringentpenaltiesforsubse-quentviolationsduringthatperiod.ABACbelowlegallimitsdoesnotmeanthatyouaresafetodrive.Al-mostalldriversshowimpairmentbyalcoholatlevelslowerthanthelegallimit.Theimpairmentyouexhibitatthetimeyouarestoppedmaybeenough to convict you of drivingundertheinfluenceevenwithoutaBACmeasurement.Drivers 21 and Older —DUI Programs and Restricted LicensesThecompletionofaDUIprogramisrequiredforallDUIconvictions.Generally,ifyouareover21yearsof age, and you enroll in a DUIprogram,fileaCaliforniaInsuranceProofCertificate(SR22),andpay

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therestrictionandreissuefees,DMVwill issue you a restricted driverlicense,whichallowsyoutodriveto/fromworkandduringthecourseofemployment(unlessyouholdacommercialdriverlicense)andto/fromaDUIprogram.However,ifyouareconsidereda“trafficsafety”or“publicsafety”risk,ifpermittedtodrive,thecourtmayorderDMVtonotgrantyouarestricteddriverlicense.Otheractionsagainstyoumayalsoprohibittheissuanceofarestrictedlicense.SecondandsubsequentDUIconvic-tionsresult inincreasedpenalties,includingatwo-yearsuspensionorarevocationofuptofouryears.Afteryou complete a prescribed periodofyoursuspension/revocationandeitherenrollin,orcompleteapor-tionof, aDUIprogram,youmayobtainarestrictedlicensetodriveanywherenecessary,ifyou:• InstallanIIDonyourvehicle.• Agreenot todriveanyvehicle-withoutanIID.

• AgreetocompletetheprescribedDUIprogram.

• FileanSR22.• Pay the reissue and restrictionfees.

DesignateD Driver programTheDesignatedDriverProgramisananti-DUIeffortthatworks.Thisprogramencouragesoneindividualtoabstainfromconsumingalcoholicbeveragesduringanouting;soheor

shecanberesponsiblefortransport-ingotherperson(s)safely.Toparticipateasadesignateddriver,anindividual:• Shouldbeatleast21yearsofageandmustpossessavaliddriverlicense.

• Mustbepartofagroupof twoor more persons and verballyidentifyhimselforherselfasthedesignateddrivertotheserver.

• Must abstain from consumingalcoholicbeveragesforthedura-tionoftheouting.

• Mustnotbeanotherwiseimpaireddriver.

• Must understand that manage-mentreservestherighttorefuseservicetoanyoneatanytime.

getting a ticketIfyouarestoppedbyapoliceofficerandcitedforatrafficlawviolation,you sign a promise to appear intrafficcourt.Whenyougotocourt,youmaypleadguiltyornotguilty,oryoumayforfeit(pay)thecitationfine.Payingthefineisthesameasaguiltyplea.Ifyouignorethetrafficticketanddonotkeepyourpromisetoappearincourt,thefailuretoappear(FTA)goesonyourdriverrecord.Ifyoufailtopayafine(FTP),thecourtwillnotifyDMV,andthiswillalsoshowonyourdriverrecord.EvenoneFTAorFTPcancausethedepartmenttosuspend your license. Ending thesuspensionwillcostyoualicensereissuefeeof$55.

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Each timeyouare convictedof amoving traffic law violation, thecourtnotifiesDMV,andtheconvic-tionisplacedonyourdriverlicenserecord. Convictions reported byotherstatesarealsoaddedtoyourdriverrecord.

evaDing a police officerAnypersonwhowillfullyfleesorattempts to evadeapoliceofficerperforming his or her duties isguiltyofamisdemeanorpunishableby imprisonment in a countyjail for not more than one year(CVC§2800.1).Ifapersonisconvictedofcausingserious bodily injury during thecourse of a police pursuit (CVC§2800.3(a)),heorsheissubjectto:• Imprisonment in a state prisonforthree,five,orsevenyears,or inacountyjailfornotmorethanoneyear.

• Afineofnotlessthan$2,000,normorethan$10,000.

• Bothafineandimprisonment.Whenapersonisconvictedofman-slaughter resulting from evadingpoliceduringapursuit,heorsheissubjecttoimprisonmentinastateprisonforaminimumoffourtotenyears(CVC§2800.3(b)).

points on the Driver recorDThe DMV keeps a public recordofallyour trafficconvictionsandcollisions. Each occurrence stayson your record for 36months, orlonger, depending on the type ofconviction.

TheNegligentOperatorTreatmentSystem(NOTS)isbasedonnegli-gentoperatorpointsandconsistsofacomputergeneratedseriesofwarn-inglettersandprogressivesanctionsagainstthedrivingprivilege.Youmaybeconsideredanegligentoperator,whenyourdrivingrecordshowsoneofthefollowing“pointcount”totals.• 4pointsin12months• 6pointsin24months• 8pointsin36monthsSome examples of one pointviolations:• Atrafficconviction.• Anat-faultcollision.Some examples of two pointviolations:• Reckless driving or hit-and-rundriving

• Driving under the influence ofalcohol/drugs

• Driving while driver license issuspendedorrevoked

Ifyouget4pointsin12months,youwillloseyourdriverlicense.Aviola-tionreceivedinacommercialvehiclecarriesoneandone-half times thepointcountnormallyassessed.Fordetailed point count informationrefertotheCaliforniaCommercial Driver Handbook.

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vanDalism/graffiti— all agesCalifornialawallowsthecourtstosuspendthedriverlicenseforuptotwoyearsofapersonconvictedofengaging in vandalism, includinggraffiti.Ifyouareconvictedanddonothaveadriverlicense,thecourtscandelaytheissuanceofyourdriverlicenseforuptothreeyearsfromthedateyouarelegallyeligibletodrive.

speeD contests/reckless DrivingA person convicted of drivingrecklessly or engaging in a speedcontestwhichcausesbodilyinjurytoanotherpersonissubjectto:• Imprisonmentinacountyjailorstateprisonforaminimumof30daysto6months,

• A fine ranging from $220—$1,000,or

• Both a fine and imprisonment(CVC§§23105and23109.1).

possessing firearmsThecourtwill:• Suspend or revoke the drivingprivilegeofanyminorconvictedof possessing a concealableweaponorliveammunition,or

• Imposedriver license sanctionsforminors convicted ofmisde-meanorsinvolvingfirearms.

traffic violator school DismissalsWhenadriveriscitedforaonepointtrafficviolation,thejudgemay offerthedrivertheopportunitytoattendaTrafficViolatorSchool.Driverswhodonothaveacommercialli-censemayparticipateonceinany18-monthperiodtohaveacitationdismissedfromtheirdrivingrecord.NOTE:Ifyouhaveacommerciallicenseandattendtrafficschool,thecitationwillstillappearonyourdriv-ingrecord,regardlessofthetypeofvehicleyouweredrivingwhencited.

suspension or revocation By DmvIfyougettoomanynegligentdriverpoints,DMVwillplaceyouonpro-bationforoneyear(whichincludesasix-monthsuspension)or revokeyourdrivingprivilege(seepage86).Yoursuspensionorrevocationorderinformsyouofyourrighttoahearing.Attheendofthesuspensionorre-vocationperiod,youmayapplyforanewlicense,andyoumustshowproofoffinancialresponsibility.TheDMVwillrevokeyourlicenseifyouareconvictedofahit-and-runor reckless driving, which resultsininjury.

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veHicle reGistrAtion reqUirementsThefollowingisabriefsummaryofCalifornia’svehicleregistrationrequire-ments.PleasevisittheDMVwebsitetoobtaindetailedinformationatwww.dmv.ca.gov.california vehiclesWhenyoupurchaseaneworusedvehiclefromalicensedCaliforniadealer,thedealercollectsusetaxandfeestoregisterandtitlethevehicle.ThedealersubmitsthesefeesanddocumentstoDMVandgivesyoutemporaryoperatingauthority.Usuallywithinsix—eightweeksafterthepurchasedate,youwillreceivearegistrationcard,licenseplates,stickers,andaCertificateofTitle,ifappropriate.Ifyouobtain or purchase avehiclefromaprivateparty,youmusttransfertheownershipwithin10 days.SubmitthefollowingtoDMV:• AproperlyendorsedandcompletedCertificateofTitleorApplicationforDuplicateTitle(REG227).

• Smogcertificationprovidedbythesellerifrequired.• Usetaxpaymentifrequired.• OdometerMileageDisclosureStatementifapplicable.• AppropriateDMVfees.Whenyousell or transferavehicle,reportittoDMVwithin 5 days.YoucancompletetheNoticeofTransferandReleaseofLiabilityform(REG138)online,downloadandmailthecompletedform,orcallDMVat1-800-777-0133torequestaformbymail.

suspension By JuDgeA judge may suspend a person’slicense,ifthedriverisconvictedofoneofthefollowing:• Breakingspeedlawsorrecklessdriving.

• Driving under the influence ofalcoholordrugs.

• Hit-and-run.• Engaging in lewd conduct andprostitution in a vehicle within1,000feetofaresidence.

• Assaulting a driver, passenger,bicyclist, or pedestrian when

theoffenseoccursonahighway(roadrage).

• Failure to stop as required at arailwaygradecrossing.

• Felonyormisdemeanoroffenseofrecklesslyfleeingalawenforce-mentofficer.

Regardlessofthepointcount,manyseriousoffensesinwhichavehicleis used are punishable by heavypenaltiessuchas finesand/or im-prisonment.Ifyouuseyourvehicleasaweaponyourdriverlicensemaybepermanentlyrevoked.

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out-of-state vehiclesVehicles registered in another state or foreign countrymust be registeredin California within 20 days after you become a resident or get a job(seepage2).NonresidentmilitarypersonnelandtheirspousesmayoperatetheirvehiclesinCaliforniawiththeirvalidhomestatelicenseplatesoruntiltheplatesis-suedfromthestateoftheirlastassigneddutystationexpire.TheymayrenewtheregistrationintheirhomestatebeforeitexpiresorregisterthevehicleinCalifornia.Theitemsneededtoregisteranyout-of-statevehicleare:• Completed and signed Application for Title or Registration(REG343).

• VerificationofthevehiclecompletedbytheDMV,lawenforcementagent,oranautoclubemployee.

• Out-of-statetitleand/orlastissuedout-of-stateregistrationcard,ifthetitleisnotsubmitted.

• Smogcertification(1976andnewermotorvehiclesonly).• Weightcertificateforcommercialvehiclesonly.• AppropriateDMVfeesandusetaxifapplicable.• CompletedOdometerMileageDisclosurestatementifapplicable.

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relateD fast facts anD other puBlications (availaBle online):• FFDL05 Birth Date and Legal Presence Requirements• FFDL08 Social Security Number Requirements for a

Driver License or Identification Card• FFDL08ASupplemental Social Security Information for Applications with

VISA E1/E2 and L1/L2 (and others) • FFDL10 Potentially Unsafe Driver• FFDL14 Vision Requirements For Driving Class C Vehicles• FFDL15 Retention of Driver Record Information• FFDL16 Collisions, What To Do• FFDL19 Provisional Licensing Changes• FFDL22 How to Prepare for Your Driving Test • FFDL24 Identity Theft• FFDL25 Identity Fraud• FFDL26 A Guide to the Driver Safety Administrative Hearing Process • FFDL27 DMV’s Reexamination Process• FFDL28 Driver Distractions • FFDL29 Federal Hazardous Materials Requirements -

USA Patriot Act of 2001 • FFDL31 Ignition Interlock Devices • FFDL32 Limited Term for Legal Presence -

Driver License and Identification Card Applications • FFDL33 Selecting a Driving School • FFDL34 Organ and Tissue Donation • FFDL35 Driving Under the Influence -

Immediate Driver License Suspension: Drivers age 21 and Older

• FFDL36 Driving Under the Influence - Immediate Driver License Suspension: Drivers Under Age 21 With a 0.01% BAC

• FFDL37 Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Motorists• FFDL40 Diabetes and Driving • Senior Guide for Safe Driving (DL 625)• Parent-Teen Training Guide (DL 603)• Driving Test Criteria (DL 955)

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dmv.ca.gov

Distractions: A split second can change or end your life.

Page 105: CA Driver Handbook

sAmple test #11.Whenyoudrivethroughaconstructionzone,youshould:a. Slowdowntowatchtheworkers.b.Decreaseyourfollowingdistance.c. Passtheconstructionzonecarefullyandnot“rubberneck”.

2.Tomakearightturnatthecorner,you:a. Maynotenterthebicyclelane.b. Shouldonlymergeintothebicyclelaneifyoustopbeforeturning.c.Mustmergeintothebicyclelanebeforeturning.

3.Ifatrafficsignallightisnotworking,youmust:a. Stop,thenproceedwhensafe.b.Stopbeforeenteringtheintersectionandletallothertrafficgofirst.c. Slowdownorstop,onlyifnecessary.

4.Apedestrianiscrossingyourlanebutthereisnocrosswalk.Youshould:a. Makesurethepedestrianseesyou,butcontinuedriving.b.Carefullydrivearoundthepedestrian.c. Stopandletthepedestriancrossthestreet.

5.Alwaysuseyourseatbelt:a. Unlessthevehiclewasbuiltbefore1978.b.Unlessyouareinalimousine.c.Whenthevehicleisequippedwithseatbelts.

6.Theextraspaceinfrontofalargetruckisneededfor:a. Otherdriverswhenmergingontoafreeway.b.Thetruckdrivertostopthevehicle.c. Otherdriverswhentheywanttoslowdown.

7.Roadsareslipperyafteritfirststartstorain.Whentheroadisslipperyyoushould:a. Avoidmakingfastturnsandfaststops.b.Testyourtires’tractionwhilegoinguphill.c. Decreasethedistanceyoulookaheadofyourvehicle.

8.Collisionscanhappenmoreoftenwhen:a. Allvehiclesaretravelingaboutthesamespeed.b.Onelaneoftrafficistravelingfasterthantheotherlanes.c. Onevehicleistravelingfasterorslowerthantheflowoftraffic.

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

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sAmple test #21.Whenyouentertrafficfromastop(awayfromthecurb),you:a. Shoulddriveslowerthanothertrafficfor200feet.b.Needalargeenoughgaptogetuptothespeedoftraffic.c. Shouldwaitforthefirsttwovehiclestopass,thendriveintothelane.

2.Whenpassinganothervehicle,itissafetoreturntoyourlaneifyou:a. Cannotseethevehicledirectlytoyourright.b.Seethevehicle’sheadlightsinyourrearviewmirror.c. Havepassedtheothervehicle’sfrontbumper.

3.Dimyourheadlightsforoncomingvehiclesorwhenyouarewithin300feetofavehicle:a. Youareapproachingfrombehind.b.Approachingyoufrombehind.c. Youhavealreadypassed.

4.Ifyouseeorangeconstructionsignsandconesonafreeway,youmust:a. Slowdownbecausethelaneendsahead.b.Bepreparedforworkersandequipmentahead.c. Changelanesandmaintainyourcurrentspeed.

5.U-turnsinresidentialdistrictsarelegal:a. Onaone-waystreetonagreenarrow.b.Whentherearenovehiclesapproachingnearby.c. Acrosstwosetsofsoliddouble,yellowlines.

6.You consent to take a blood test for the alcohol content of your blood,breath,orurine:a. Onlyifyouhavebeendrinkingalcohol.b.WheneveryoudriveinCalifornia.c. Onlyifyouhaveacollision.

7.Onagreenarrow,youmust:a. Yieldtoanyvehicle,bicycle,orpedestrianintheintersection.b.Yieldtopedestriansonlyintheintersection.c.Waitfoursecondsbeforeproceeding.

8.Whendrivingatnightonadimlylitstreet,youshould:a. Drive slowlyenoughsoyoucan stopwithin thearea lightedbyyourheadlights.

b.Turnonyourhighbeamheadlightstobetterseethevehiclesaheadofyou.c. Keeptheinstrumentpanellightsbrighttobemorevisibletootherdrivers.

GOONLINEATWWW.dmV.CA.GOV FORMORESAMPLETESTS

•ANSWERS:1b;2b;3a;4b;5b;6b;7a;8a

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