CA 2102 Driver Handbook

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Driver HanDbook*

California

Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor

State of California

George Valverde, Director

Department of Motor Vehicles

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*This Driver

Handbookand more are

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use website:

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dmv.ca.gov

Importat Calioria DMV AlrtsDMV aoucs 5 arrsts.

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Ristratio rwals o th way - What you d to kow.

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ENGLISH

2012


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Directors messAge

California Driver HanDbook

Dear California Motorist:

The California Driver Handbook is a useful guide forhelping you understand the rules of the road, preparefor a drive test, and develop good driving habits. Thishandbook is also available on the new DMV website,

www.dmv.ca.gov, where you can renew your driverlicense and registration, access forms to report a

vehicle sale, watch creative tutorial videos, or make anappointment to visit a DMV office.

I also encourage you to use other DMV resources, including the DMV NOWsmartphone application, Appointment Notify, Virtual Hold, and Self-Service

Terminals. These tools are designed to help improve your DMV experience.Connecting with a customer service representative is also easy through DMVTwitter and Facebook or by calling (800) 777-0133.

We share Californias roadways with millions of fellow drivers and it isimportant to remember this privilege comes with personal responsibility.Whether you are a new or an experienced driver, the California DriverHandbook is designed to assist in making your travels throughout our beautifulstate more safe and enjoyable.

Sincerely,

George ValverdeDirectorCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles

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new 2012 lAws

EffEctivE January 1, 2012

nw Dg Ud th iuc (DUi) Scts

California Vehicle Code 23597 authorizes the court to impose a 10-year

revocation to drivers convicted of a third or subsequent DUI offense with-

in 10 years. After serving 5 years of the 10-year revocation, the driver can

apply for early reinstatement, if specified eligibility requirements are met.

These include the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for a pe-

riod of 2 years on any and all vehicles owned and/or operated.

Mty exts Spuss

SpousesofactivedutymilitarypersonnellivingoutsideofCaliforniaqual-

ify for driver license extensions.

Chd rstt Systms

Theagelimitforchildrenwhomustberestrainedinachildsafetyseatwhenriding in a motor vehicle has been raised. This new law prohibits a parent,

legal guardian, or driver from transporting any child under eight years old

in a motor vehicle without securing the child in an appropriate child pas-

senger restraint system that meets applicable federal motor vehicle safety

standards. A child under eight years of age who is 4 feet 9 inches in height

or taller may be properly restrained by a safety belt rather than a child pas-senger restraint system. The new bill imposes fines and penalties for these

violations.

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TABLE OF CONTENTSNew 2012 Laws ....................... iii

Eective January 1, 2012 ............. iii

Where to Write ............................ viii

dmv iNFORmaTiON.................... ix

GeNeRaL iNFORmaTiON .............. 1

Disclaimer ......................................1

Accurate Identifcation ...................1

Basic Inormation ...........................1

THe CaLiFORNia dRiveR LiCeNse .. 2

Who Must Have a Driver

License? ........................................2

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

California Resident MilitaryPersonnel

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

Nonresident Military Personnel

Stationed in California ...............2

New California Residents ..........2

Adults Visiting California............2

Minors Visiting California...........3

OBTaiNiNG a dRiveR LiCeNse ....... 3

Acceptable Documents .................3

Application Requirements or a

Basic Class C Driver License ........4

Adults Permit Requirements .........4

Adults Driver License

Requirements ................................5

dRiveR LiCeNse CLasses ............ 5

THe examiNaTiON PROCess ......... 7

Where to Take the Tests ................7Cheating ........................................7

DMV Examinations ........................7

sPeCiaL seCTiON - miNORs .......... 8

Minors Permit Requirements ........8

Minors Permit Restrictions ...........9

Minors Driver License

Requirements ................................9

Exceptions - Minors DriverLicense Restrictions ......................9Traic Violations .........................10

Teenage Traffic Deaths............10

Actions against the Provisional

Driver License ..............................10

Keeping Your Provisional

Driver License..........................10

Habitual TruantPersons 13 18 Years of Age........................11

Minors and Cell Phones ..............11

misCeLLaNeOUs LiCeNsiNG

iNFORmaTiON ..........................11

To Replace a Lost/Stolen or

Damaged Driver License .............11

Name Changes............................12Driver License Renewals .............12

Renewal by Mail, Internet, or

Telephone ....................................12

Driver License Extension ............13

Driver License in YourPossession ..................................13

Address Changes ........................13Medical Inormation Card ............14

Organ and Tissue Donation ........14

Veteran Beneft Inormation .........14

Unlicensed Drivers ......................14

Diplomatic Driver Licenses ..........15

Identifcation (ID) Cards ...............15

Free ID Cards or Physical andMental (P&M) Conditions.............15

Identifcation (ID) Card Renewal

by Mail or Internet .......................15

Driving Schools ...........................16

Mature Driver Program ................16

Pedestrian Responsibilities .........16

seaT BeLTs .............................17

Mistaken Belies About

Seat Belts ....................................18

Child Restraint System and

Saety Seats ................................19

Riding Saely with Air Bags .........20

Side-Impact Air Bags ..................20Unattended Children in

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

TRaFFiC LiGHTs aNd siGNs ........20

Traic Signal Lights .....................20Pedestrian Signal Lights..............21

Traic Signs ................................ 22

Laws aNd RULes OF THe ROad ....23

Right-o-Way Rules .....................23

General Information .................23

Pedestrians..............................23

Crosswalks ..............................24

Intersections ............................24

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Roundabouts ...........................25

On Mountain Roads ................28

Speed Limits ................................28Maximum Speed Limit .................28

Reduced Speeds .........................29

Heavy Traffic or Bad

Weather....................................29Towing Vehicles, Buses, orLarge Trucks ............................29

Around Children ......................29

Blind Intersections.................. 30

Alleys ...................................... 30

Near Railroad Tracks .............. 30

Light Rail Transit Vehicle

Crossings.................................31Near Streetcars, Trolleys, or

Buses .......................................31

Business or Residential

Districts....................................31

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

trAFFic lAnes ........................31

Line Colors ..................................31

Choosing a Lane ........................ 32

Changing Lanes ......................... 32Passing Lanes ............................ 33

Carpool/High Occupancy

Vehicles (HOV) Lanes ............... 33

Center Let Turn Lanes ............... 34

Turnout Areas and Lanes ........... 34

End-o-Lane Markings ................ 34Shared Roadway Bicycle

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

Bicycle Lanes ............................. 35Bicycles in Travel Lanes ............. 35

tUrns ....................................36

Examples o Right andLet Turns .....................................37

Legal U-Turns ............................. 38

Illegal U-Turns ............................. 38

pArKing .................................39

Parking on a Hill ......................... 39Parallel Parking .......................... 39How to Park Perectly ................. 40

Parking at Colored Curbs ........... 40

Illegal Parking ..............................41

Special Parking Rules ................ 44

sAFe Driving prActices ...........44

Signaling ..................................... 44

Steering .................................. 45

Scanning ..................................... 46

Know What Is Ahead .............. 46

Know What Is at Your Side ..... 48

Know What Is Behind You ...... 48

Clean Windows and Mirrors ... 49

Adjust Seat and Mirrors.......... 49

How Well Can You Stop?........ 49Driving in the Fog ....................... 50

Driving in Darkness .................... 50

Driving in Rain or Snow ...............51Driving in Hill Country or

Curves .........................................51

Horn, Headlights, and

Emergency Signals .....................51

Use Your Horn..........................51Do Not Use Your Horn .............51

Use Your Headlights................52

Use Your Emergency

Signals .....................................52

Following Distances ................... 53

Taking Dangers One at a

Time ........................................ 53

Splitting the Difference........... 53

Problem Drivers ...................... 53Merging in/out o Traic .............. 53

Space to Merge...................... 54

Space to Cross or Enter......... 54

Space to Exit........................... 54

Passing Other Traic .................. 55

Space and Speed to Pass ..... 55

Space to Return...................... 55

sHAring tHe roAD ...................55

Large Trucks (Big Rigs)and RVs ...................................... 55

Braking ................................... 55

Truckers Blind Spots

the No Zone......................... 56

Turning .................................... 56

Maneuverability...................... 56

Buses, Streetcars, and Trolleys ...57

Light-Rail Vehicles .......................57

Emergency Vehicles ................... 58

Slow-Moving Vehicles ................ 58

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles(NEV) and Low-Speed Vehicles

(LSV) ............................................59

Animal-Drawn Vehicles ...............59

Motorcycles .................................59

Bicycles ...................................... 60

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Pedestrians Who Are Blind .........61

Road Workers and

Work Zones (Cone Zones)....... 62Double Fine Zones ..................... 63

Move Over and Slow Down ........ 63

Vehicles with Hazardous

Loads .......................................... 63

importAnt Driving tips ...........63

Dealing with Traic Congestion.. 64Dealing with Aggressive Drivers

and Road Rage .......................... 64

Text Messaging and

Cell Phones ................................ 64

Collision Avoidance .................... 66

Keep Your Car Visible............. 66What Is the Road Condition.... 66

Curves..................................... 66

Driving in Heavy Traffic .......... 66

Traffic Speeds ........................ 66

Driving Hazards ...........................67

Water on the Road...................67

Slippery Roads........................67

Skids on Slippery Surfaces.....67

Mechanical Tips ......................... 68Acceleration Skids.................. 68

Locked Wheel Skids............... 68

Accelerator Malfunction ......... 68

Steering Wheel LockingDevice..................................... 68

Collisions Are Not Accidents ...... 68

Causes of Collisions ............... 69

Involved in a Collision............. 69

Reporting a Collision .............. 69

ADDitionAl Driving

lAws/rUles ...........................70

Things You Must Not Do: .............70Things You Must Do: ...................72

HeAltH AnD sAFetY .................72

Saety or the Aging Driver ..........72

Good Vision or All Drivers ..........72

Hearing ........................................72Alertness .....................................73Medications .................................73

Hot Weather Risks .......................73

Health and Emotions ...................74

Conditions Physicians

Must Report .................................74

Saety Tips ...................................74

Record Condentiality .................75

Vehicle Thet Prevention Tips .....75

Traic Breaks ..............................76

What a Driver Should DoDuring an Enorcement Stop ...... 77

Actions tHAt resUlt in loss oF

Driver license .......................77

Financial Responsibility.............. 77

Insurance .....................................78

Insurance Requirements .........78

Collisions on Your Record .......79

Collisions, Insurance, and

Minors ......................................79

Alcohol/Drugs while Driving ........79

Alcohol/Drugs and Driving Is

Dangerous ...............................79Carrying Alcohol in a Vehicle . 80

Drivers Under 21

(Possession of Alcohol) .......... 80

Drivers of All Ages .................. 80

Blood Alcohol Concentration

(BAC) Limits.............................81

Admin Per Se...............................81

Court DUI Convictions ................ 84

Drivers 21 and OlderDUI Programs and Restricted

Driver Licenses....................... 85

Designated Driver Program ........ 85

Getting a Ticket .......................... 86

Evading a Police Oicer ............. 86

Points on the Driver Record ....... 86Vandalism/GraitiAll Ages .......87

Speed Contests/Reckless

Driving .........................................87Possessing Firearms ...................87

Traic Violator School

Convictions ..................................87

Suspension or Revocationby the DMV ................................. 88

Suspension by Judge ................. 88

veHicle registrAtion

reqUirements ........................88Caliornia Vehicles ...................... 88

Out-o-State Vehicles ................. 89Driver License Fast Facts and

Other Publications ..................... 90

Available Online...................... 90

Available in Print Only..............91

Knowledge Test Sample #1 ........ 93

Knowledge Test Sample #2........ 94

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WhErEto WritEIf you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publication,

please send them to:

Department of Motor VehiclesCustomer Communications Section MS H165

PO Box 932345Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2012

All rights reserved

This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. DMV owns the copyright of this work.

Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted work; (2)

distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation of derivative works

based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the copyrighted work publicly; or

(5) performing the copyrighted work publicly. All requests for permission to make

copies of all or any part of this publication should be addressed to:

Department of Motor VehiclesLegal Ofce MS C128PO Box 932382Sacramento, CA 94232-3820

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DMV INFORMATION

Most DMV offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thurs-

day and Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Some field offices have

extended hours (open earlier), and a few offer only driver license or vehicle

registration services. To find out if your local field office has extended hours,

or to find a field office location and service options, go online or call the toll-

free number below.

Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov for (to):

Fieldofficelocations,hours,directions,andphonenumbers.

Makeappointmentstovisitafieldofficeortakeadrivingtest(exceptfor

commercial driving tests). Orderpersonalizedplates.

Driverlicenseandidentificationcardinformation.

Vehicle/vesselregistrationinformation.

Downloadableforms.

Publicationshandbooks,brochures,andsampletests.

Seniordriverinformation.

Teendriverinformation.

Linkstootherstateandfederalagencies.

Renewyourdriverlicenseorvehicleregistration.

Call 1-800-777-0133 during normal

business hours to:

Obtain/requestdriverlicenseand

vehicle registration information,

forms, and publications.

Findofficelocationsandhours.

Makeadrivingtestappointment.

SpeaktoaDMVrepresentative.

Call 1-800-777-0133 for automat-

ed service 24 hours a day, 7 days

aweekto:

Renewyourdriverlicenseorve-

hicleregistrationwiththeRenew-

alIdentificationNumber(RIN)

provided on your billing notice.

You can pay with a credit card or

e-check.

Makeafieldofficeappointment.

Advertising sponsorship, instead of your fees, helps defray the printing costs of thispublication. The products and services provided by the advertising sponsors are notpromoted or endorsed by DMV, but the signicant contribution by the advertisingsponsors is most appreciated.

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

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generAl inFormAtion

DisclaimErThe fees listed in the California Driver Handbookare subject to legislative

change. This handbook provides a summary of the laws and regulations out-

lined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC).TheDepartmentofMotorVehicles

(DMV), law enforcement, and the courts follow the full and exact language of

theCVC.TheCVCandCalifornia Code of Regulations(CCR)areavailable

online at www.v.ca.gov ortheLegislativewebsiteatwww.leginfo.ca.gov.

YoumayalsobuyacopyoftheCVCatanyDMVoffice.

accuratE iDEntification

Thereliability,integrity,andconfidentialityoftheCaliforniadriverlicense(DL)andidentification(ID)cardisofprimeconcerntoalllevelsofgovern-

ment and the private sector.

It is critical that these documents be completely authenticated and accurate.

TheCaliforniaLegislaturehasdeclaredthattheDLorIDcardistheprimary

identificationdocumentinthisstate.Californialawrequiresthatallappli-

cantswhoapplyforanoriginalCaliforniaDL/IDcardsubmitproofoflegal

presenceintheU.S.asauthorizedunderfederallaw.YourtruefullnameasshownonyourlegalpresencedocumentwillappearonyourDL/IDcard.

Basic informationACaliforniadriverlicenseshowsthatyouhavebeengivenpermissionbythe

state to drive on public roadways. You may apply for a driver license at most

DMV offices (refer to page ix).

ItisamisdemeanortodriveinCaliforniawithoutavaliddriverlicense.If

you do, you can be cited, your vehicle may be impounded, and you may have

to appear in court.

If you do not have outstanding actions on your record, you will receive a driv-

er license after you pay the application fee, pass all applicable examinations,

show that your physical and/or mental condition is satisfactory, and demon-

strate your ability to drive safely. If you have a medical condition or a disability,

the DMV may require you to take a driving test. You may also have to pro-

vide a statement from your physician regarding your current health condition.

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tHe cAliForniA Driver

license

Who must havEa DrivEr

licEnsE?C rsdtsCaliforniaresidentswhodriveon

public highways or use public park-

ingfacilitiesmusthaveaCalifornia

driver license, unless they are:

MembersoftheArmedForces

oraUnitedStates(U.S.)Gov-ernment civilian employee who

only drives vehicles owned or

controlledbytheU.S.Govern-ment on federal business.

Personswhodrivefarmingvehi-

cles not normally used on public

highways. Personswhodriveregisteredoff-

highway vehicles or snowmobiles

across a highway (other than a

freeway).

C rsdt MtyPs (U.S. amd fcs)

If you are out-of-state on activemilitarydutyandhaveavalidCali-

fornia driver license, your and your

spousesCaliforniadriverlicense

will be valid for the full time you are

absentfromCaliforniaandfor30

days following your discharge date,

if you are honorably discharged out-sideofCalifornia.Carryboth,your

driver license and discharge or sep-

aration documents, during those 30

days(CVC12817).

Call1-800-777-0133toobtainan

ExtensionofLicenseforPerson

inArmedForces(DL236)card

whichextendsyourCaliforniadriv-

er license.

NOTE: Your driver license is not

valid if it has been suspended, can-celled or revoked.

nsdt Mty PsSttd C

If you are 18 years of age or older,

refertotheCaliforniaResidents

andAdultsVisitingCalifornia

sections on this page for additionalinformation.Licenseeseligiblefor

military extensions should carry

documentation from their home

state to verify their status to law

enforcement.

nw C rsdts

WhenyoubecomeaCaliforniaresident and you want to drive in

California,youmustapplyfora

Californiadriverlicensewithin

10days.Residencyisestablished

in a variety of ways, including the

following:

BeingregisteredtovoteinCali-fornia elections.

PayingresidenttuitionataCali-

fornia college or university.

Filingforahomeownersprop-

erty tax exemption.

Receivinganyotherprivilegeor

benefit not ordinarily extendedto nonresidents.

aduts vstg C

Visitors over 18 years old with a

valid driver license from their home

stateorcountrymaydriveinCali-

forniawithoutgettingaCalifornia

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driver license as long as their home

state driver license is valid.

Ms vstg C

Visitorsbetween1618yearsold

may drive with their home statedriver license for only 10 days af-

terarrivinginCalifornia.After10

days, they must have a:

CurrentCaliforniadriverlicense,

or

NonresidentMinorsCertificate

(which is issued by DMV) to aminor with proof of financial

responsibility.

oBtAining A Driver

license

WhenyouapplyforanoriginalDL/ID card, you must present an ac-

ceptable birth date/legal presence

document and provide your social

securitynumber(SSN).Depending

on the birth date/legal presence doc-umentyoupresent,yourfirstCali-

forniaDL/IDcardmayexpireon

the same date as your legal presence

document. If the name on your birth

date/legal presence document is dif-

ferentfromthenameonyourDL/

ID card application, you must also

bring an acceptable true full name

document. Your fingerprint, signa-

ture, and picture will also be taken(refertotheApplicationRequire-

mentsforaBasicClassCDriverLi-

censesectiononpage4).Forany

otherDL/IDcardtransaction,you

must present photo identification.

accEptaBlE DocumEntsAn acceptable birth date/legal pres-

ence or true full name document is

issued by a county or state. This

document is a certified copy of theoriginal (the original is retained by

the county or state) and contains

an impressed seal or an original

stamped impression. The DMV willnot accept aphotocopy of the certi-

fied copy for birth date/legal pres-ence or true full name verification.

Examples of other acceptable birth

date/legal presence documents are:

U.S.BirthCertificate,ProofofIn-

dianBloodDegree,U.S.Passport,

U.S.ArmedForcesIDCards,Cer-

tificateofNaturalization,Perma -

nentResidentCard,oraforeign

passportorMexicanBorderCross-ingCardwithavalidI-94.TheI-94

expiration date must be more than

2monthsfromtheDL/IDcardap-

plication date. A complete list of

birth date/ legal presence docu-ments is available online at www.

v.ca.gov or in theBirth Date/Le-gal Presence and True Full Name

(FFDL05)FastFactsbrochure.

Examples of true full name veri-

fication documents include the

following:

Adoptiondocumentscontaining

your legal name as a result of theadoption.

Namechangedocumentscon-

taining your legal name both be-

fore and after the name change.

MarriageCertificate.

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Acertificate,declaration,or

registration document verifying

the information of a domestic

partnership.

Dissolutionofmarriagedocu-ment containing your legal name,

as a result of the court order.

application rEquirEmEntsfora Basic class c DrivErlicEnsEToapplyforaClassCdriverlicense,

you must:

Submitacompletedandsigned

DriverLicenseorIdentification

CardApplication(DL44)form.

Signingthisformmeansyou

agree to submit to a chemical

test to determine the alcohol or

drug content of your blood whenrequested by a police officer. If

you refuse to sign this statement,

the DMV will not issue a permit

or driver license.

Presentanacceptablebirthdate/

legal presence document.

Provideyourtruefullname.

ProvideyourSSN,whichwillbe

electronically verified with the

SocialSecurityAdministration.

Payanonrefundableapplication

fee. The fee is good for 12 months

and allows you to take the appro-

priate law test(s) three times. If

you fail the law test and/or driving

test three times your application

will be void, and a new applica-

tion and fee are required. This

fee pays for both the instruction

permit and driver license, if you

qualify for both documents within

the 12-month period. If the appli-

cation expires, you must resubmit

documents, repay the application

fee, and retake the required tests.

Passavisiontest.Youmustbe

able to pass a vision test, with or

without corrective lenses, with

visual acuity better than 20/200

in at least one eye without the

use of a bioptic telescopic lens

or similar bioptic device to meet

the minimum vision acuity stan-dard(CVC12805(b)).Youareal-

lowed to use a bioptic lens for the

behind-the-wheel driving test. A

bioptic lens restriction and day-

time driving only restriction will

be added to your driver record.

Haveyourpicturetaken.

Giveafingerprintscan.

Signyourname.

aDults pErmit rEquirEmEntsIf you are at least 18 years old, meet

the application requirements, and

pass the required tests, you maybeissuedaCaliforniainstruction

permit.

You must have an instruction per-

mit while learning to drive. Your

accompanying driver must be 18

years of age or older and have a

validCaliforniadriverlicense.Thisperson must be seated close enough

to you that he or she is able to take

control of the vehicle at any time.

An instruction permit does not per-

mityoutodrivealonenoteventoa

DMV office to take the driving test.

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If you want to obtain professional

driver education and driver train-

ing,refertotheDrivingSchools

andMatureDriverProgramsec-

tionsonpage16.

If you have a motorcycle permit, you

cannot carry passengers, you must

ride during daylight hours only, and

you cannot ride on the freeway.

To get a motorcycle permit you must:

Beatleast18yearsofage.

Comple t e t h e app l ic a t i onrequirements.

Passatrafficlawsandroadsigns

test.

aDults DrivEr licEnsErEquirEmEnts

If you have never been licensed, youmust meet the following criteria:

Beatleast18yearsold.

Complywiththerequirementsfor

a driving permit and when youare ready, you must schedule your

behind-the-wheel driving test.

Makeanappointmenttotakethebehind-the-wheel driving test.

When you report for the driving

test, bring your instruction per-

mit with you.

Passthebehind-the-wheeldriv-ing test. If you fail the test, you

must pay a retest fee for a secondor subsequent test and schedule a

behind-the-wheel driving test for

another day.

If you have an out-of-state or out-

of-country driver license, you must:

Completeallthestepsrequired

for a driving permit.

Bringyourvalidout-of-state

driver license to the DMV. Your

out-of-state driver license willbe invalidated and returned to

you unless you are applying for

a commercial driver license.

NOTE: The behind-the-wheel driv-

ing test for holders of out-of-state

orU.S.territorydriverlicensesare

normallywaived.However,thede-

partment may require a behind-the-

wheel driving test for any type of

driverlicenseapplication.Behind-

the-wheel driving tests are man-

datory for out-of-country driver

license holders.

Driver license

clAsses

This handbook is primarily for a

basicClassCdriverlicense.

Cla C river licene -

You may drive a:

2-axlevehiclewithaGrossVe-

hicleWeightRating(GVWR)

of26,000lbs.orless.

3-axlevehicleweighing6,000

lbs. or less gross.

Housecar40feetorless.

3-wheelmotorcyclewithtwowheels located in the front or

back.

Vanpoolvehicledesignedto

carry more than 10 persons,

but no more than 15 persons

including the driver.

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NOTE: The vanpool driver must

have a valid medical certification on

file with the DMV and carry a valid

medical card. The driver must keep

in the vanpool vehicle a statement

signed under penalty of perjury, thathe or she has not been convicted of

reckless driving, drunk driving, or

hit-and-run in the last five years

(CVC12804.9(j)).

You may tow a:

SinglevehiclewithaGVWR

of 10,000 lbs. or less, including

a tow dolly, if used.

With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs.

or more unladen, you may tow a:

Trailercoachor5th-wheel

travel trailer under 10,000 lbs.

GVWRwhentowingisnotforcompensation.

5th-wheel travel trailer ex-

ceeding 10,000 lbs. but under

15,000lbs.GVWR,whentow-

ing is not for compensation,an with endorsement.

A farmer or employee of a farmermay drive:

Anycombinationofvehicles

withaGVWRof26,000lbs.

or less, if used exclusively in

agricultural operations an it

is not for hire or compensation.

NOTE: ClassClicenseesmaynottow

more than one vehicle.

Apassengervehicle,regardless

of weight, may not tow more than

one vehicle.

Amotorvehicleunder4,000lbs.

unladen weight may not tow any

vehicleweighing6,000lbs.or

moregross.(CVC21715)

Other clae of river licene/enoreent are:

NoncommercialClassA

NoncommercialClassB

CommercialClassA

CommercialClassB

CommercialClassC

MotorcycleClassM1

MotorcycleClassM2

Commercialendorsements:

Doubles/Triples

HazardousMaterials

PassengerTransportation

TankVehicle

AmbulanceDriverCertificate

FirefighterEndorsement

SchoolBusEndorsement

TowTruckDriverCertificate

VerificationofTransitTrainingCertificate

Detailed information on other driver

license types and endorsements can

be found in the California Commer-

cial Driver Handbook,Recreation-

al Vehicles and Trailers Handbook,

Ambulance Drivers Handbook,Cal-

iforniaParent-Teen Training Guide,and California Motorcycle Hand-book.Pleaserefertothesehand-

books for additional information.

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19/108

tHe exAminAtion

process

WhErEto takEthE tEsts

You may take the written, vision,and behind-the-wheel driving tests

at any DMV field office that pro-

vides driver license services.

To save time, make an appointment

online at www.v.ca.gov or call

1-800-777-0133 during normal busi-

ness hours.NOTE: The DMV will not admin-

ister written or audio exams after

4:30 p.m. to ensure you have suf-

ficient time for testing.

Written and vision tests are required

when you apply for an original driv-

er license or upgrade to a differentclass of driver license.

chEatingThe use of testing aids is strictly

prohibited. This includes, but is not

limited to: the California Driver

Handbook, cheat sheets, or elec-

tronic communication devices suchas a cell phone, hand-held com-

puter, etc. If any testing aid is used

during the written test, the written

testwillbemarkedasafailure.

An action may also be taken by the

DMV against your driving privilege

or the driving privilege of anyoneelse who assists you in the exami-

nation process.

Dmv ExaminationsYour driver license examinations

include:

Avisiontest.(Bringyoureye-

glasses or contact lenses to theexam.)

Atestoftrafficlawsandroad

signs.

Abehind-the-wheeldrivingtest,

if required. You must have an ap-

pointment to take the behind-the-

wheel driving test. For the drivingtest, bring:

Yourolddriverlicenseorin-

struction permit, if you have

one.

Alicenseddriverage18years

or older with a valid driver

license.

Proofthatthevehicleisprop-

erly insured.

Avehiclethatissafetodrive,

with valid registration, and dis-

playing front and rear license

plates. The vehicles brake

lights, horn, parking brake,and electric signals must work

properly. The vehicle cannot

have bald tires. The driversside window must roll down.

The windshield must allow a

full unobstructed field of vi-

sion and there must be two rearview mirrors (one on the left

outside of the vehicle).

You will be asked to locate

the controls for the vehicles

headlights, windshield wip-

ers, defroster, and emergency

- 7 -


20/108

flashers. You must demonstrate

how to use the parking brake. If

you use a rental vehicle for the

driving test, the drivers name

must show on the contract as

the insured driver. You mustalso wear your seat belt.

NOTE: The behind-the-wheel driv-

ing test will be rescheduled if thevehicle does not meet the above re-

quirements or if you refuse to use

your seat belt during the driving test.

For more information, refer to the

DMVs Driving Test(FFDL22)

Fast Factsbrochure, DMV videos,

and sample tests available online atwww.v.ca.gov.

speciAl section -

minors

minors pErmit rEquirEmEntsA minor is a person under 18 years

of age. Minors must have their

applications (for a driver license

or any change of driver license

class) signed their parent(s) or le-gal guardian(s). If both parents/

guardians have joint custody, both

must sign.

NOTE: Minors may not work as

a driver for pay and they may not

drive a school bus containing pupils.

To get a permit you must:

Beatleast151/2 years of age, but

under 18 years of age.

CompletetheDriverLicenseor

IdentificationCardApplication

(DL44)form.

Haveyourparent(s)orguardian(s)

signtheDL44form.

Passatrafficlawsandroadsigns

test. If you fail the test, you must

wait one week before retaking thetest.

Ifyouare151/2171/2 years of age,

you will need to provide proof that

you:

Completeddrivereducation

(CertificateofCompletionof

Driver Education) ORAre enrolledandparticipat-

ing in an approved integrated

driver education/driver train-

ingprogram(Certificateof

Enrollment in an Integrated

[Classroom]DriverEducation

andDriverTrainingProgram).For more information, refer

to the Provisional Licensing(FFDL19)FastFactsbrochure

at www.v.ca.gov.

The provisional permit is not validntilyo tart your behind-the-

wheel driver training with an in-structor or reach age 171/2.

If you have a permit and plan to

driveoutsideofCalifornia,check

licensing requirements in that state

or country.

NOTE: If yo are at leat 171/2

year of age, you may obtain apermit without completing driver

educationordrivertraining.How-ever, you cannot get a driver license

before you are 18 years old, or you

must provide proof of driver educa-

tion and driver training completion.

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21/108

minors pErmit rEstrictionsYour permit is not valid until you

begin driver training; your instruc-

tor will sign the permit to validate

it. You must practice with a licensedCaliforniadriver:parent,guardian,

driving instructor, spouse, or an

adult 25 years of age or older. The

person must sit close enough to you

to take control of the vehicle at any

time. A provisional permit does notallowyoutodrivealonenotevento

a DMV office to take a driving test.

minors DrivEr licEnsErEquirEmEntsYou must:

Beatleast16yearsold.

Provethatyouhavefinished

both driver education and drivertraining.

HavehadaCaliforniainstruction

permit or an instruction permit

from another state for at least six

months.

Provideparent(s)orguardian(s)

signature(s) on your instructionpermit stating that you have com-

pleted 50 hours of supervised

driving practice (10 hours must be

night driving) as outlined in the

CaliforniaParent-Teen Training

Guide (DL603).VisittheTeen

website at www.v.ca.gov/teenwe/ or call 1-800-777-0133to request this booklet.

Passthebehind-the-wheeldriv-

ing test. You have three chanc-

es to pass the driving test while

your permit is valid. If you fail

the behind-the-wheel driving test,

you must pay a retest fee for a sec-

ond or subsequent test and wait

two weeks before you are retested.

Onceyouhaveyourprovisionaldriver license, you may drivealone,

as long as you do not have any col-

lisions or traffic violations.

When you become 18 years old, the

provisionalpartofyourdriverli-

cense ends. You may keep your pro-

visional photo license or pay a fee

for a duplicate driver license with-

outthewordprovisional.

During the first 12 months after you

are licensed, you cannot drive be-

tween 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. an you

cannot transport passengers under

20 years of age, unless you are ac-

companied by a licensed parent or

guardian, a licensed driver 25 yearsof age or older, or a licensed or cer-

tified driving instructor.

ExcEptions - minors DrivErlicEnsE rEstrictions

The law allows the following ex-ceptions when reasonable trans-

portation is not available and it is

necessary for you to drive. A signed

note explaining the necessity to

drive and the date when this driv-

ing necessity will end must be kept

in your possession for the following

exceptions (emancipated minors are

excluded from this requirement):

Medicalnecessitytodrivewhen

reasonable transportation alter-

natives are inadequate. The note

must be signed by a physician

- 9 -


22/108

with the diagnosis and probable

date of recovery.

Schoolingorschool-authorized

activity. The note must be signed

by the school principal, dean, ordesignee.

Employmentnecessityandthe

need to operate a vehicle as part

of your employment. The note

must be signed by the employer

verifying employment.

Thenecessitytodriveanimme-diate family member. A physi-

cians note and a note signed by

your parent(s) or legal guardian(s)

is required, stating the reason and

probable end date of the necessi-ty to drive the immediate family

member.

EXCEPTION: These requirements

do not apply to an emancipated mi-

nor. You must have declared yourself

emancipated and provided the DMV

withProofofFinancialResponsibil-

ity(SR1P)inlieuofyourparent(s)

or guarantor(s) signature(s).

traffic violationsNearly 50 percent of the drivers be-

tween1519yearsofagearecon-

victed of a traffic violation in their

first year of driving.

The most common violation is for

speeding, which often results in theloss of vehicle control and accounts

for about 50 percent of all teen traf-

fic convictions.

When you violate traffic laws, you

increase your chances of having a

collision.

Tg Tc Dths

Drivers1519yearsoldhavethehighest traffic conviction, collision,

and injury rates of any age group.

Traffic collisions are the leading

cause of death for teenagers. If you

are under 18 years old, your risk of

a fatal collision is about 21/2 times

thatoftheaveragedriver.Your

risk of an injury collision is three

times higher than the average driv-

ers risk.

actionsagainstthEprovisional DrivEr licEnsETeenagers as a group average twice

as many collisions as adult drivers,

while driving only half as many

miles. The teenage collision rate per

mile is four times greater than the

adult driver collision rate per mile.

Studiesshowthatthetrafficdeaths

of new drivers are deadly combina-

tions of their inexperience driving,

lack of familiarity with the vehicle,

and their need to push themselves

and the vehicle to the limit.

kpg Yu Ps Dlcs

The DMV will track your driving re-

cord and take actions based upon any

collisions or violations as follows:

Ifyougetatrafficticketandfail

to appear in court, the DMV willsuspend your driving privilege

until you appear in court.

Ifyougetatrafficticketandfail

to pay the fine, the DMV will sus-

pend your driving privilege until

you pay the fine.

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23/108

Ifyouhaveoneatfaultcollision

or conviction within 12 months,

the DMV will send you a warn-

ing letter.

Ifyouhaveasecondatfaultcollision or conviction (or combi-

nation of both) within 12 months,

you cannot drive for 30 days,

unless accompanied by your li-censed parent or other licensed

adult who is at least 25 years of

age.

Ifyouhaveathirdatfaultcol-

lision or conviction (or any com-

bination) within 12 months, you

will be suspended for six months

and placed on probation for one

year.

Ifyouhaveadditionalatfault

collisions or point count convic-

tions while on probation, you

will be suspended again. (Traf-

fic law violations resolved in Ju-

venileCourtarealsoreportedto

the DMV.)

Ifyouareconvictedofusingalco-

hol or a controlled substance andyouarebetween1321yearsof

age, the court orders the DMV

to suspend your driver licensefor one year. If you do not have

a driver license, the court orders

the DMV to delay your eligibility

to apply for a driver license. Youmay also be required to complete

a Driving Under the Influence

(DUI) program.

Any restriction, suspension, or pro-

bation will continue for its full term

past your 18th birthday.

Other,stronger actions may be

taken if your driving record justi-

fiesthem.Remember,ifyourdriv-

ing privilege has been suspended

or revoked, yo ay not rive in

California.

Htu TutPss 13 18 Ys ag

The court will suspend, restrict, de-

lay, or revoke your driving privilege

for one year if you are convicted of

being a habitual truant from school.

minorsanD cEll phonEs Itisagainstthelawforaminor

to use a cell phone while driv-

ing. If your cell phone rings, do

not answer the call or respond to

the text message.

Convictionsforviolationsofthislaw are subject to fines.

EXCEPTIONs: You may use a cell

phone to contact law enforcement,

a health care provider, the fire de-

partment, or another emergency

entity in an emergency situation.

miscellAneoUs

licensing inFormAtion

to rEplacEa lost/stolEnorDamagED DrivEr licEnsEIf your driver license is lost, stolen,

or damaged, you must go to a DMVoffice,completetheDriverLicense

orIdentificationCardApplication

(DL44)form,andpayafeeforthe

replacement. You should also pres-

ent a photo identification. If the

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24/108

DMV cannot confirm your identity,

you will not be issued a temporary

driver license.

If you are a minor, your parent(s)

orguardian(s)mustsigntheDL44form. If both parents/guardians have

joint custody, both must sign.

Onceareplacementdriverlicense

is issued, the previous driver license

is no longer valid. Destroy the old

driver license if you find it later.

namE changEsWhen you legally change your name

because of marriage or other rea-

sons, be sure to change your name

withtheSocialSecurityAdminis-

tration(SSA)beforecominginto

the DMV.

BringyourdriverlicensetotheDMV in person, along with your

marriage certificate or other ac-

ceptable verification of your true

fullname(refertotheAcceptableDocumentssectiononpages3and

4). You must complete the Driver

LicenseorIdentificationCardAp-plication(DL44)formandpaythe

applicable fee. The DMV will elec-

tronically verify your name, birth

date, and social security number

(SSN)withtheSSA.

A new picture, fingerprint, and sig-

nature will be taken. Your old photoDL/IDcardwillbeinvalidatedand

returned to you.

DrivEr licEnsE rEnEWalsThe DMV sends a renewal notice

to your address of record about two

months before your driver license

expires. Follow the instructions on

the renewal notice. If you do not

receive a renewal notice, go online

or call to make an appointment to

renew your driver license (refer to

page ix).

Qualified drivers may be eligible to

renew their driver license online at

the DMVs website at www.v.

ca.gov or by mail.

The DMV issues a driver license

for five years. The driver license

expires on your birthday in the

year shown on the driver license. It

is against the law to drive with an

expired driver license.

A driving test may be required as

part of any driver license transac-tion. Driving tests are not required

simply because of age.

If the DMV cannot confirm your

identity, you will not be issued a

temporary driver license.

For other types of driver licenses

refer to the California Commercial

Driver Handbook,Recreational Ve-hicles and Trailers Handbook, or

California Motorcycle Handbook.

rEnEWalBy mail, intErnEt,or tElEphonEIf you have not received two consec-

utive five-year driver license exten-

sions, you may be eligible to renewby mail, Internet, or telephone with-

out taking a law test, if:

Yourcurrentdriverlicenseex-

pires before age 70.

Youdonothaveaprobationary

driverlicense(CVC14250).

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25/108

Youhavenotviolatedawritten

promise to appear in court or to

pay a fine within the last two

years.

Youarenotsuspendedfordriv-ingwithanillegalBloodAlcohol

Concentration(BAC)level,or

refusing or failing to complete a

chemical or preliminary alcoholscreening test within the last two

years.

Youdonothaveatotalviola-

tion point count greater than one

point.

NOTE: If you renew by telephone,

youmusthavetheRenewalIden-

tificationNumber(RIN)availablewhen you call. This can be found

on your renewal notice.

DrivEr licEnsE ExtEnsionIfyouareawayfromCalifornia

(up to one year), you may request a

free one-year extensionefore yor

river licene expire. Mail your

requesttoDMV,POBox942890,

Sacramento,CA94290-0001.In-clude your name, driver license

number,birthdate,Californiaresi-

dence address, and out-of-state ad-

dress.Limitedtermdriversarenot

eligible for this extension.

DrivEr licEnsEin your

possEssionYou must always have your driver

license with you when you drive.

Showittoanypoliceofficerwho

asks to see it. If you are in a colli-

sion, you must show it to the oth-

er driver(s) involved (refer to the

InvolvedinaCollisionsection

onpage69).

aDDrEss changEsWhen you move, you must give

the DMV your new address within10 days. There is no fee to change

your address. You may notify the

DMV of your address change for

your driver license, identification

card, and vehicle(s) online at www.

v.ca.gov. You may also down-

loadaChangeofAddress(DMV14) form and mail it to the address

on the form, or call the DMV at

1-800-777-0133 and request a DMV

14 form be mailed to you.

A new driver license is not issued

when you change your address. A

space is provided on the back of yourdriver license or identification card

to record your new address.

You may also type or write your new

address on a small piece of paper,

sign, and date the paper and carry it

(do not use tape or staples) with your

driver license or identification card.If you change your address at a field

office, the DMV representative will

giveyouaChangeofAddressCer-

tificate(DL43)tocompleteandcar-

ry with your driver license.

REmINdER: TheU.S.Postal

Serviceforwards some DMV cor-respondence; however, it is your

responsibility to ensure the DMV

has your correct mailing address

on record.

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26/108

mEDical information carDCall1-800-777-0133toobtaina

MedicalInformationCard(DL

390) to list your blood type, aller-

gies, name of physician, and othermedical information. It can be car-

riedwithyourDL/IDcard.

organanD tissuE DonationYou may sign up to donate your or-

gans and tissue for transplantation

after your death. When you apply

for or renew your driver license orIDcard,checktheYES!Addmy

nametothedonorregistry.boxon

the renewal form to place your name

on theDonate Life California Organ

Tissue Donor Registry. If you need

additional information, check the I

donotwishtoregisteratthistime.box and callDonate Life California

whereDonate Life California rep-

resentatives can answer any ques-

tions you may have about organ

and tissue donation. You may also

use the renewal form to financially

contribute to the registry by check-

ing the $2 voluntary contribution

to support and promote organ and

tissuedonation.box.

If you are older than 13, and under

18 years of age, you may registerwithDonate Life California, pro-

vided your parent(s) or guardian(s)

authorize the donation.

For more information about the donor

registry, adding restrictions to your

gift, and the donation process, visit

theDonate Life Californiawebsite atonateLIFEcalifornia.org,or call

1-866-797-2366.Youmayconsent

to the organ and tissue donation on

their website; however, a new driver

license or identification card with

a pink dot will not be issued until

youcheckYES!Addmynametothedonorregistry.boxonadriver

license or identification application

form and the department processes

the new transaction (replacement,renewal, change of name, etc.).

vEtEran BEnEfit informationHaveyouservedintheU.S.ArmedForces?TheCaliforniaDepartment

ofVeteransAffairs(CDVA),Cal -VetConnectprogram,wouldlike

you to receive information regard-

ing benefits, such as employment,

housing, education, and health care

services, for which you may be en-

titled. Just check the I have served

intheU.S.ArmedForcesandIwant

to receive veteran benefits informa-

tion.boxontheDriverLicenseor

IdentificationCardApplication(DL

44) form. The DMV will transmit

your name and mailing address totheCDVAforthemtosendyouben-

efits information.

TolocateaCDVAofficenearyou,

refer to your local government

listing in your telephone book,

orvisittheCDVAswebsiteat

www.cva.ca.gov or the DMVswebsite at www.v.ca.gov.

unlicEnsED DrivErsIt is against the law to loan your ve-

hicle to a person who is unlicensed

or whose driving privilege has been

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27/108

suspended. If an unlicensed per-

son is caught drivingyourvehicle,

it may be impounded for 30 days

(CVC14607.6).

No person of any age may drive ona highway or in a public parking

facility unless he or she has a valid

driver license or permit. The law

also states that you must not employ,permit, or authorize any person to

drive your vehicle on a public street

or highway, unless he or she is li-

censed to drive that class of vehicle.

A person must be at least 21 years

old to drive most commercial vehi-

cles for hire in interstate commerce

and to transport hazardous materi-

als or wastes.

Diplomatic DrivEr licEnsEsNonresidents who possess a validdiplomatic driver license issued by

theU.S.DepartmentofStateareex-

emptfromCaliforniadriverlicens-

ing requirements.

iDEntification (iD) carDsThe DMV issues ID cards to personsof any age. To obtain an original ID

card, you must present a birth date/

legal presence verification docu-

ment and provide your social secu-

ritynumber(refertotheObtainingaDriverLicenseandAcceptable

Documentssectionsonpages3and 4). The ID card is valid until the

sixth birthday after the issue date.

The fee for an ID card may be re-

duced, if you meet certain income

requirements for specific public as-

sistance programs.

NOTE: Governmental or non-profit

organizations determine whether an

individual meets the requirementsfor a reduced-fee ID card.

Ifyouareage62orolder,youmayobtain a free senior citizen ID card

that is good for 10 years.

frEE iD carDsfor physicalanD mEntal (p&m)conDitionsDrivers with physical or mental

(P&M)conditionsmayneedtobereexamined from time to time by a

physician orbe retested more often

than every five years by a DMV

examiner to obtain a limited-term

driver license.

Drivers who are no longer able to

drivesafelybecauseofaP&Mcondi-tion may exchange their valid driver

license for a no-fee ID card, if cer-

tain guidelines are met. Go online

at www.v.ca.gov or call 1-800-

777-0133 for additional information.

iDEntification (iD) carDrEnEWalBy mailor intErnEtCustomerswhoareeligibletorenew

their ID cards by mail or Internet will

receiveaRenewalbyMailorInter-

netNoticeapproximately60days

before the expiration of their current

IDcard.Reduced-feeIDcardscan-

not be renewed by mail or Internet.

There is a fee for regular ID cards

(customersunder62yearsofage);

there is no charge for senior citizen

IDcards(customers62yearsofage

or older), if applying for a senior

citizen ID card.

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28/108

Driving schoolsWhen learning to drive, you should

seek qualified instruction, either

with a public or private high schoolor a state licensed professional driv-

ing school.

The DMV licenses professional

schoolsandinstructorsinCalifor-

nia that meet rigid qualifying stan-

dards.Schoolsmustcarryliability

insurance, hold a bond, and main-

tain complete records for the DMV

inspection. Vehicles are subject

to annual inspection. Instructors

must pass a written examination

every three years or show proof of

continuing education in the traffic

safety field. If you use the servicesof a professional driving school, ask

to see the instructors identificationcard. Go online at www.v.ca.gov

or refer to the Selecting a Driving

School(FFDL33)FastFactsbro-

chure for additional information.

maturE DrivEr programTheMatureDriverProgramisan

eight-hour course for drivers 55 and

older. This course covers a variety of

topics of special interest to the ma-

ture driver and is available from the

DMV approved course providers.

Your insurance company may offer

discounts for those who complete

the class and receive a completion

certificate. The certificate is valid

for three years and can be renewed

by completing a four-hour course.

pEDEstrian rEsponsiBilitiEsPedestrians(includingjoggers)

should be aware of traffic condi-

tions. Watch out for drivers before

assuming that you have the right-of-way when crossing a street.

Beawarethathybridandelectric

vehicles are virtually silent when

running on electric power and you

may not hear them approaching an

intersection.

Yield the right-of-way to vehicleswhen you cross a street betweenintersections and in areas with no

pedestrian crosswalks or signals.

REmEmbER: Making eye contactwith a driver does not mean that thedriver will yield the right-of-way.

Do not suddenly leave a curb or oth-er safe place, and walk or run intothe path of a vehicle close enough to

be a danger to you. This is true eventhough you are in a crosswalk. Thelaw states that drivers must alwaysyield the right-of-way to a pedes-trian, but if the driver cannot stopin time to avoid hitting you, the lawwill not prevent you from being hit.

Always obey traffic signals. Wheth-er the intersection has pedestriansignals or traffic lights, you mustobey the pedestrian rules (refer to

pages 23 and 24). At an intersec-

tion where traffic is not controlledby signals, drivers are required toyield the right-of-way to pedestri-ans within any crosswalk, arkeor narke.

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29/108

When a signal first changes to green

orWALK,lookleft,right,and

then left again, and yield the right-

of-way to any vehicle in the inter-

section before the signal changes.

If the signal begins blinking or

changestoDONTWALK,or

to an upraised hand after you have

gone part way across a dividedstreet, you may continue across

the street.

Do not stop or delay traffic unneces-

sarily while crossing a street.

Pedestriansarenotpermittedon

any toll bridge or highway crossing,

unless there is a sidewalk and signs

s ta t ing pedes t r ian t ra f f ic i spermitted.

If there are no sidewalks, walk fac-ing oncoming traffic (see graphic).

Do not walk or jog on any freeway

where signs tell you that pedestri-

ans are not allowed. Do not walk

or jog in a bike lane unless there is

no sidewalk.

At night, make yourself more vis-

ible by:

Wearingwhite,light,orreflec-

tive material clothing.

Carryingaflashlight.

seAt Belts

Seatbelts,boththelapbeltand

shoulder harness, must be in good

working order. You may not oper-

ate your vehicle on public roads andon private property, such as public

parking lots, unless you and all of

your passengers eight years of age

or older, or children who are 4 feet

9 inches tall or taller are wearing

seat belts; and children younger

than eight years old or who are lessthan 4 feet 9 inches tall are seated

in a federally-approved child pas-

senger restraint system. If seat belts

are not worn by any of your passen-

gers, yoan the paenger() can

be cited. If the passenger is young-

erthan16yearsofage,youwillbe

cited if he or she is not wearing his

or her seat belt.

Always use your seat belts (includ-

ing the shoulder harness) even if the

vehicle is equipped with air bags.

You can have shoulder harnesses

or seat belts installed in older ve-

hicles. Even if you wear only a lapbelt when driving, your chances of

living through a collision are twice

as high as someone who does not

wear a lap belt. If you wear a lap

and shoulder belt, your chances are

three to four times higher to live

through a collision.Pregnantwomenshouldwearthe

lap belt as low as possible under

the abdomen, and the shoulder

strap should be placed between the

breasts and to the side of the abdo-

mens bulge.

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WARNING: Using seat belts re-

duces the risk of being thrown from

your vehicle in a collision. If you

do not install and use a shoulder

harness with the seat (lap) belt, se-

rious or fatal injuries may happeninsomecrashes.Lap-onlybeltsin-

crease the chance of spinal column

andabdominalinjuriesespecially

inchildren.Shoulderharnessesmay

be available for your vehicle, if it is

not already equipped with them.

mistakEn BEliEfs aBout sEatBEltsMany studies and actual crash testshave proven safety belts can reduce

injuriesanddeaths.Haveyouheard

these myths?

Seatbeltscantrapyouinsideavehicle.Itactuallytakesless

than a second to take off a seat

belt. This myth often describes a

vehicle that caught fire or sank in

deep water. A seat belt may keep

youfrombeingknockedout.

Therefore, your chances to escape

are better if you are conscious.

Seatbeltsaregoodonlongtrips,

but I dont need them if Im driv-

ingaroundtown.Morethanhalf

of all traffic deaths happen with-

in 25 miles of home. Do not take

chances with your life or the lives

ofyourpassengers.Buckleupev-

ery time you drive regardless of

travel distance.

Somepeoplearethrownfrom

a vehicle in a crash and walk

awaywithhardlyascratch.Your

chances of surviving a collision

are five times better if, upon im-

pact, you are not thrown from the

vehicle. A seat belt can keep you

from being thrown into the path

of another vehicle.

Imonlygoingtothestore.My

little brother or sister doesnt need

tobesecuredinasafetyseat.

Car collisions are the number

one preventable cause of death

for children. The law requires

that children under eight years of

age who are 4 feet 9 inches tall ortaller to be properly secured with

an appropriate safety belt , or be

buckled into a federally-approved

child passenger restraint system if

under eight years of age and less

than 4 feet 9 inches tall.

The graphic on the next page illus-trates what can happen in a colli-

sion. If you are struck from the side,

the impact could push you back and

forthacrosstheseat.Seatbeltsand

shoulder harnesses keep you in a

better position to control the vehicle

and may minimize serious injuries.When you collide, your vehicle

stops, but you keep going at the same

speed you were traveling, until you

hit the dashboard or windshield. At

30 mph this motion is equivalent to

hitting the ground from the top of a

three-story building.

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chilD rEstraint systEmanDsafEty sEatsAny child who is under the age of

eight years and who is less than 4

feet 9 inches tall, must be secured

in a federally-approved child pas-

senger restraint system and ride inthe back seat of a vehicle.

Properchildpassengerrestraint

system installation can be checked

by contacting local law enforce-

ment agencies or fire departments

that may provide this service or re-

feryoutoaChildPassengerSafety(CPS)technicianinyourarea.As

your child grows, check with these

agencies to confirm that the car seat

is the correct size for your child.

A child who is under the age of eight

years and who is less than 4 feet 9

inches tall, may ride in the front

seat of a vehicle only in the follow-ing instances:

Thereisnorearseatortherear

seats are either side-facing jump

seats or rear-facing seats.

Thechildpassengerrestraintsys-

tem cannot be properly installed

in the rear seat.

Allrearseatsarealreadyoccu-pied by children under the age of

12 years.

Amedicalreasonrequiresthe

child to ride in the front seat.

A child may not ride in the front

seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle

if the child: Islessthanoneyearofage.

Weighslessthan20lbs.

Isridinginarear-facingchild

passenger restraint system.

Childreneightyearsofageand

older,butunder16yearsmustbe

properly secured with an appropri-

ate safety belt.

Childrenundereightyearsofage,who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tallmust be properly secured in an ap-

propriate child passenger restraintsystem that meets federal safetystandards.However,childrenun-der eight years of age, who are 4feet 9 inches tall or taller may besecured with an appropriate safety

belt instead of a child passenger re-straint system.

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riDing safElyWith air BagsMost people can take steps to elimi-nate or reduce air bag risk withoutturning off air bags. The biggest

risk is being too close to the air bag.An air bag needs about 10 inchesofspacetoinflate.Rideatleast10inches (measured from the center ofthe steering wheel to your breast-

bone) from the air bag cover, if youcan do this while maintaining fullcontrol of the vehicle. If you cannot

safely sit 10 inches away from the airbag, contact your vehicle dealer ormanufacturer for advice about ad-ditional ways of moving back fromyour air bag.

Passengersshouldalsositatleast

10 inches away from the passenger-

side air bag.

siDE-impact air BagsSide-impactairbagscanprovideextra safety benefits to adults inside-impactcrashes.However,chil-dren who are seated next to a sideair bag may be at risk of seriousorfatalinjury.Sincesideairbagsare different in design and perfor-mance, you should consider the ben-efits and risks associated with theuse of side air bags if you transportchildren.Studieshaveshownthatchildren who are leaning against a

side air bag when it inflates are atrisk of serious injury. These stud-ies also show that children who aretraveling in a correctly installedchild restraint system appropriateto age and weight are not at risk ofserious injury. These children are

usually not in the path of a side airbag when it inflates.

unattEnDED chilDrEninmotor vEhiclEsIt is illegal to leave a child six yearsof age or younger unattended in a

motorvehicle.Beawareif:

Weatherconditionsorothercon-

ditions present a significant risk

to the childs health or safety.Exaple:Leavingachildina

closed vehicle on a very hot day. Thevehiclesengineisrunning,

keys are in the ignition, or both.

Childrenmaystartormovethe

vehicle causing injuries and/or

deaths to themselves or others.

EXCEPTION: The child may be

left under the supervision of a per-son 12 years of age or older.

The court may fine a violator and

require him or her to attend a com-

munity education program. Also,

DMV and court penalties for leav-

ing an unattended child in a vehicle

are more severe if the child is in-jured, requires emergency medical

services, or dies.

trAFFic ligHtsAnD signs

traffic signal lightssoli ReA red signal

lightmeansSTOP.You

can make a right turn

against a red light after you stop

then yield to pedestrians, bicyclists,and vehicles close enough to be a

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hazard. Make the right turn only

whenitissafe.DonotturnifaNO

TURNONREDsignisposted.

Re ArrowA red arrow

meansSTOP.Remainstopped until the green signal or

green arrow appears. Do not turn

against a red arrow.

Flahing ReA flashing

red signal light means

STOP.Afterstopping,youmay

proceedwhenitissafe.Observethe

right-of-way rules.

soli YellowA yellow sig-

nallightmeansCAU-

TION.Theredsignalisaboutto

appear. When you see the yellowlight, stop if you can do so safely.

If you cannot stop safely, cross the

intersection cautiously.

Yellow ArrowA yellow

arrow means the protect-

edturningtimeperiodisending.

Bepreparedtoobeythenextsignal,

which could be the green or red light

or the red arrow.

Flahing YellowA flashing

yellow signal light warns

youtoPROCEEDWITH

CAUTION.Youdonotneedtostop

for a flashing yellow light, but you

must slow down and be especially

a l e r t b e f o r e e n t e r i n g t h e

intersection.F l a h i n g Y e l l o w

ArrowThis signal means

turns are permitted (un-

protected), but you must first yield

to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

and then proceed with caution.

soli GreenGive theright-of-way to any vehicle,

bicyclist, or pedestrian inthe intersection. A green light meansGO.Ifyouareturningleft,make

the turn only if you have enoughspace to complete the turn beforecreating a hazard for any oncomingvehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Donot enter the intersection if you can-not get completely across before thelight turns red. If you block the in-

tersection, you can be cited.Green ArrowA greenarrowmeansGO.Youmust turn in the direction the ar-row is pointing after you yield toany vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrianstill in the intersection. The green

arrow allows you to make a pro-tectedturn.Oncomingvehicles,bi-cyclists, and pedestrians are stopped

by a red light as long as the greenarrow is lighted.

Traffic signal blackotThe traf-ficsignallightisnotworking.Pro-

ceed cautiously as if the intersectioniscontrolledbySTOPsignsinalldirections.

pEDEstrian signal lightsPedestriansignalsshowwordsor

pictures similar to the following

examples:

WalkorWalking Per-onsignallightmeansit

is legal to cross the street.

dont WalkorRaie

Hansignallightmeans

you may not start crossing

the street.

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Flahing dont Walk orFlah-

ing Raie Han signal light

means do not start crossing the

street because the traffic signal is

about to change. If the signal light

starts flashing after you have al-ready started to cross, finish cross-

ing the street as quickly as possible.

Contown ignal indicate howmany seconds remain for crossing.

These signals allow pedestrians the

flexibility to speed up if the cross-

ing phase is about to expire.

Somesignalsmayprovideaeep-

ing orchirping sound or a veral

eage. These signals are de-

signed to help blind or visually im-

paired pedestrians cross the street.

At many traffic signals, you need to

push the pedestrian push button to

activate the WalkorWalking

Peronsignallight.Ifthereareno

pedestrian signals, obey the traffic

signal lights.

traffic signs

The shape and color of a sign offersyou a clue about the information

containedonthesign.Herearethe

common shapes used:

An eight-sided redsTOP

sign indicates that you must

makeafullSTOPwhen-

everyouseethissign.Stopatthewhite limit line (a wide white line

painted on the street) or before en-

tering the crosswalk. If a limit line

or crosswalk is not painted on the

street, stop before entering the in-

tersection.Checktrafficinalldi-

rections before proceeding.

STOP

A three-sided redYIELd

sign indicates that you

must slow down and be

ready to stop, if necessary, to let any

vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian pass

before you proceed.

Asquare red and white regulatory

sign indicates that you must follow

the signs instruction. For example,

the dO NOT ENTER

sign means: do not en-ter a road or off ramp

where the sign is post-ed (usually on a free-

way off ramp). The

WRONG WAY sign

may or may not be

posted with the dO NOT ENTER

sign. If you see one or both of these

signs, drive to the side of the roadand stop. You are going against traf-

fic. When safe, back out or turn

around and return to the road you

were on. At night if you are going

the wrong way, the road reflectors

will shine red in your headlights.

If a sign has a red circle witha red line through it, it al-

waysindicatesNO.The

picture inside the circle shows what

you cannot do. The sign may be

shown with or without words.

Ayellow and black circular

sign indicates that you areapproaching a railroad

crossing.

X-shaped signs with a

white background that stateRAILROAd CROss-

ING indicate that you must look,

WRONG

WAY

DO NOT

ENTER

R R

RAIL

ROAD

CR

OSSIN

G

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listen, slow down, and prepare to

stop,ifnecessary.Letanytrains

pass before you proceed.

Afive-sided sign indicates

that you are near a school.

Stopifchildrenareinthecrosswalk.

Afour-sided diamond-shaped sign

warns you of specific road condi-tions and dangers ahead. Many

warning signs are diamond-shaped.

A white rectangular sign indicates

that you must obey important rules.

Somewarning signs have a fluo-

rescent yellow-green background.

These signs warn of conditions

related to pedestrians, bicyclists,schools, playgrounds, school buses,

and school passenger loading zones.

Obeyallwarningsignsregardless

oftheirshape(refertopages26and

27 for examples).

lAws AnD rUles

oF tHe roAD

right-of-Way rulEsG imt

Right-of-wayrules,togetherwith

courtesy and common sense, help

to promote traffic safety. It is im-

portant to respect the right-of-way

of others, especially pedestrians,

motorcycle riders, and bicycle rid-

ers. Never assume other drivers will

give you the right-of-way. Yieldyour right-of-way when it helps to

prevent collisions.

Repecting the right-of-way of oth-

ers is not limited to situations such

as yielding to pedestrians in cross-

walks, or watching carefully to en-

sure the right-of-way of bicyclists

and motorcyclists. Motorists mustrepect the right-of-way of others

by not violating traffic laws, suchas failing to stop at a stop sign or

traffic light, speeding, making un-

safe lane changes, or illegal turns.

Statisticsshowthatright-of-way

violations cause a high percentage

ofinjurycollisionsinCalifornia.

PdstsPedestriansafetyisaseriousissue.

A pedestrian is a person on foot or

who uses a conveyance such as roller

skates, skateboard, etc., other than

a bicycle. A pedestrian can also be

a person with a disability using a

tricycle, quadricycle, or wheelchairfor transportation.

InCalifornia,pedestriandeathsoc-

cur in approximately 19 percent of

all traffic fatalities. Drive cautiouslywhen pedestrians are near because

they may suddenly cross your path.

Pedestriansmaybeatriskwalkingnear hybrid and electric vehicles

because these vehicles are virtually

silent while operating. Use extra cau-

tion when driving near pedestrians.

Respect the right-of-way of pe-

destrians. Always stop for any

pedestrian crossing at cornersor other crosswalks, even if the

crosswalk is in the middle of the

block, at corners with or without

traffic lights, whether or not the

crosswalks are marked by painted

lines.

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Donotpassavehiclethathas

stopped at a crosswalk. A pedes-

trian you cannot see may be cross-

ingthestreet.Stop,thenproceed

when all pedestrians have crossed

the street.

Donotdriveonasidewalk,ex-

cept to cross it to enter or exit a

driveway or alley. When crossing,yield to all pedestrians.

Donotstop ina crosswalk.

You will place pedestrians in

danger.

Remember,ifapedestrianmakes

eye contact with you, he or she is

ready to cross the street. Yield to

the pedestrian.

Allowolderpedestrians,disabled

pedestrians, and pedestrians withyoung children sufficient time to

cross the street.

ImPORTANT:Blindpedestrians

rely on the sound of your vehicle

to become aware of your vehiclespresence; so, it is important that you

stop your vehicle within 5 feet of the

crosswalk. Drivers of hybrid or elec-

tric vehicles must remain especially

aware that the lack of engine noise

may cause a blind pedestrian to as-

sume there is not a vehicle nearby.

Follow this cue:

Whenablindpersonpullsinhis

or her cane and steps away from

the intersection, this gesture usu-

ally means for you to go (additional

information regarding blind pe-

destrians can be found on pages61and62).

Cssws

A crosswalk is the part of the road-

way set aside for pedestrian traffic.

Most intersections have a pedestri-

an crosswalk whether or not lines

are painted on the street. Most

crosswalks are located at corners,

but they can also be located in the

middleoftheblock.Beforeturning

a corner, watch for people about to

cross the street. Peetrian have

the right-of-way in arke or n-

arke crowalk.

Crosswalksareoftenmarkedwith

white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines

may be painted at school crossings.

Most often, crosswalks in residen-

tial areas are not marked.

Somecrosswalkshaveflashing

lights to warn you that pedestriansmaybecrossing.Lookforpedestri-

ans and be prepared to stop, whether

or not the lights are flashing.

itscts

An intersection is any place whereone line of roadway meets anoth-

er roadway. Intersections includecross streets, side streets, alleys,freeway entrances, and any otherlocation where vehicles travelingon different highways or roads joineach other.

Driving through an intersection

is one of the most complex traf-fic situations motorists encounter.Intersection collisions account formore than 45 percent of all reportedcrashes and 21 percent of fatalitiesaccordingtotheFederalHighwayAdministration.

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AtintersectionswithoutSTOP

orYIELDsigns,slowdown

and be ready to stop. Yield to

traffic and pedestrians already

in the intersection or just enter-

ing the intersection. Also, yield tothe vehicle or bicycle that arrives

first, or to the vehicle or bicycle

on your right if it reaches the in-

tersection at the same time as you.

AtTintersectionswithout

STOPorYIELDsigns,yield

to traffic and pedestrians on thethrough road. They have the

right-of-way.

Whenyouturnleft,givethe

right-of-way to all vehicles ap-

proaching that are close enough

to be dangerous. Also, look for

motorcyclists, bicyclists, andpedestrians.

Safety suggestion: While wait-ing to turn left, keep your wheels

pointed straight ahead until it issafe to start your turn. If yourwheels are pointed to the left,

and a vehicle hits you from be-hind, you could be pushed intooncoming traffic.

Whenyouturnright,besuretocheck for pedestrians crossingthe street and bicyclists comingup behind you on the right.

Ondividedhighwaysorhigh-ways with several lanes, watchfor vehicles coming in any laneyou cross. Turn either left or rightonly when it is safe.

WhenthereareSTOPsignsatall corners, stop first then followthe rules listed above.

Ifyouhaveparkedofftheroador are leaving a parking lot, etc.,yield to traffic before reenteringthe road.

ruduts

A roundabout is an intersection

where traffic travels around a cen-

tral island in a counter-clockwise

direction. Vehicles entering or exit-ing the roundabout must yield to all

traffic including pedestrians.

When you approach a roundabout:

Slowdownasyouapproachthe

roundabout.

Yieldtopedestriansandbicyclists

crossing the roadway. Watchforsignsand/orpavement

markings that guide you or pro-

hibit certain movements.

Entertheroundaboutwhenthere

is a big enough gap in traffic.

Driveinacounter-clockwisedi-

rection. Do not stop or pass other

vehicles.

Useyourtu rn signalswhen

you change lanes or exit the

roundabout.

Ifyoumissyourexit,continue

around until you return to your

exit.

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Red and White Regulatory Signs

Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs

Guide Signs

Hazardous Loads Placards

White Regulatory Signs

Sw Mg vhc

NoU-turn NoLeftTurn NoRightTurn

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Warning Signs

Slippery

When Wet

SharpTurn

Merging

Traffic

Divided

Highway

LaneEnds

Two WayTraffic

Traffic

SignalAhead

Pedestrian

Crossing

Stop Ahead

T

Intersection

Winding

Road

Reverse

Turn

CrossroadAdded Lane

Yield Ahead

Directional

Arrow

End Divided

Highway

Curve

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Mltiple and single lane rondabot

For roundabouts with multiple

lanes, choose your entry or exit lane

based on your destination as shown

in the graphic. For example, to:

Turnrightattheintersection(blue

car), choose the right-hand lane

and exit in the right-hand lane.

Gostraightthroughtheintersec-

tion (red car), choose either lane,

and exit in the lane you entered.

Turnleft(yellowcar),choosethe

left lane, and exit.

o Mut rds

When two vehicles meet on a steeproad where neither vehicle can pass,the vehicle facing downhill must

yield the right-of-way by backing

up until the vehicle going uphill can

pass. The vehicle facing downhill

has the greater amount of control

when backing up the hill.spEED limitsCaliforniahasaBasicSpeedLaw.

This law means that you may never

drive faster than is safe for current

conditions. For example, if you are

driving 45 mph in a 55 mph speed

zone during a dense fog, you could

be cited for driving too fast for

conditions.

Regardlessofthepostedspeedlim-

it, your speed should depend on: Thenumberandspeedofother

vehicles on the road.

Whethertheroadsurfaceis

smooth, rough, graveled, wet,

dry, wide, or narrow.

Bicyclistsorpedestrianswalking

on the roads edge or crossing thestreet.

Whetheritisraining,foggy,

snowing, windy, or dusty.

maximum spEED limitThe maximum speed limit on most

Californiahighwaysis65mph.Youmay drive 70 mph where posted.

Unless otherwise posted, the maxi-

mum speed limit is 55 mph on two-

lane undivided highways and for

vehicles towing trailers.

Otherspeedlimitsignsarepost-

ed for the type of roads and traffic

in each area. All speed lim