California Driver's Handbook Driving Rules

Yield

A three sided yield sign means you must slow down and be ready to stop for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles

Know What Is at Your Side

Always look to each side of your vehicle at intersections, crosswalks, and railroad crossings At intersections: • Look both ways even if other traffic has a red traffic signal light or a stop sign. - Look to the left first, since vehicles coming from the left are closer to you than vehicles coming from the right. - Look to the right. - Take one more look to the left in case there is a pedestrian, bicyclist, or vehicle you did not see the first time. • Do not rely on traffic signal lights. Some drivers do not obey traffic signal lights. Before you enter an intersection, look left, right, and ahead for approaching traffic. To maintain a space cushion on each side of your vehicle: • Do not stay in another driver's blind spot. The other driver may not see your vehicle and could change lanes and hit you. • Avoid driving directly alongside other vehicles on multilane streets with or without traffic in the opposite direction. Another driver might crowd your lane or change lanes without looking and crash into you. Drive either ahead of or behind the other vehicle. • If possible and when safe, make room for vehicles entering freeways even though you have the right-of-way. • At freeway exits, do not drive alongside other vehicles. A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back onto the freeway. • Keep a space between your vehicle and parked vehicles. Someone may step out from between them, a vehicle door may open, or a vehicle may pull out suddenly. • Be careful when driving near motorcyclists or bicyclists. Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and any motorcyclists or bicyclists

Pedestrians

Always stop for pedestrians crossing at corners or sidewalks-do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk-a pedestrian you cannot see may be crossing the street-stop and proceed when all pedestrians have crossed the street-do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or alley-When crossing, yield to all pedestrians

T Intersections

At "T" intersections without "STOP" or "YIELD" signs, yield to traffic and pedestrians on the through road. They have the right-of-way

Intersections

At intersections without "STOP" or "YIELD" signs, slow down and be ready to stop-yield to traffic and pedestrians already in the intersection or just entering the intersection-yield to the vehicle or bicycle that arrives first, or to the vehicle or bicycle on your right if it reaches the intersection at the same time as you

Solid Yellow

Be careful-if you cannot stop then cross the intersection cautiously. If you can stop, then do so carefully.

Pedestrian Right of Way

Before turning a corner, watch for pedestrians about to cross the street-pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks

Changing Lanes

Changing lanes includes: • Moving from one lane to another. • Entering the freeway from an on-ramp. • Entering the road from a curb or the shoulder. Before changing lanes, signal, look in all your mirrors, and: • Check traffic behind and beside you. • Look over your left or right shoulder to make sure the lane you want is clear. • Check for vehicles, motorcyclists, and bicycle traffic in your blind spot. • Be sure there is enough room for your vehicle in the next lane.

Solid Green

Go-yield to pedestrians and bicyclists

Green Arrow

Go-you have a protected turn, but be sure to yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and oncoming traffic

Turning Right

Green-protected (right of way) scan the intersection and yield right of way to pedestrians before crossing Red-stop behind limit line-yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians-check over your shoulder before making the turn for pedestrians and bicyclists

How Well Can You Stop?

If something is in your path, you need to see it in time to stop. Assuming you have good tires, good brakes, and dry pavement: • At 55 mph, it takes about 400 feet to react and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. • At 35 mph, it takes about 210 feet to react and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Adjust your driving speed to the weather and road conditions (refer to the "Basic Speed Law" in the "Speed Limits" section on page 30). Turn on your lights during the day, if it is hard to see or you cannot see at least 1,000 feet ahead of you.

Near Animals

If you see a sign with a picture of an animal (see example), be alert for possible animals in or near the roadway. If you see animals or livestock near the roadway, slow down and proceed with caution. Be sure to follow directions from the person in charge of the animals. If you see a stray animal in your path, slow down or stop if it's safe. Do not swerve as you may lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. Be aware of sudden movements from the animals as they are unpredictable and may run into the roadway.

2017 Public Transit Bus Lanes

It is illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave a vehicle standing in the area designated for the exclusive us e of public transportation. Signs will be posted to indicate lanes are for bus use only.

Know What Is Behind You

It is very important to check behind you before you: • Change lanes. Look over your shoulder to make sure you are not getting in the way of vehicles in the lane you want to enter. • Reduce your speed. Take a quick look in your mirrors. Also, check your mirrors when you are preparing to turn into a side road or driveway and when you are stopping to pull into a parking space. • Drive down a long or steep hill. Watch for large vehicles because they can gather speed very quickly. • Back up. Backing up is always dangerous because it is hard to see behind your vehicle. When you are backing out of a parking space: - Check in front and behind the vehicle before you get in. - 36 - - Know where your kids are. Make sure they are away from your vehicle and in full view before moving your vehicle. - If other children are nearby, make sure you can see them before backing up. - Do not depend only on your mirrors or only looking out a side window. - Turn and look over your right and left shoulders before you begin backing. As a safety measure, look over your right and left shoulders again while backing. - Back slowly to avoid collisions. Check traffic behind you often to know if you are being tailgated (another driver is following too closely). If you are being tailgated, be careful! Brake slowly before stopping. Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. "Lose" the tailgater as soon as you can. Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass you, or slow down to allow enough space between you and the car in front of you. If this does not work, pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.

3 Seconds

Keep a three second distance between you and the car in front of you

Railroad Crossing

Look, listen, slow down, and be prepared to stop

Scanning

Make sure you are constantly scanning all mirrors so that you are aware of what is happening around you

Speed Limits

Maximum Speed Limits -California highways is 65 mph -Undivided two lane highway is 55mph Reduced Speed Limits -Reduce your speed limit when there are changes in weather conditions like fog, rain, etc. -put your fog lights on when driving in the fog -Always flow with traffic-if you want to drive slower then move to the right lane -If you are being tailgated, move to the right when safe, or pull over and let them pass

Flashing Yellow

Proceed with caution-slow down but don't stop, yield for pedestrians, bicycles, or vehicles in the intersection

Turning Left

Protected-your turn is protected, but give the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching that are close enough to be dangerous-also, look for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians Unprotected-green light, yield to oncoming traffic-give the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching that are close enough to be dangerous-also, look for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians

Passing Bicyclists

Slow down and pass the bicyclist or pedestrian only at a safe distance (3 feet)

Roundabouts

Slow down as you approach the roundabout-Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the roadway-Watch for signs and/or pavement markings that guide you or prohibit certain movements-Enter the roundabout (heading to the right) when there is a big enough gap in traffic to merge safely-Travel in a counter-clockwise direction do not stop or pass-signal when you change lanes or exit the roundabout-If you miss your exit, continue around until you return to your exit

Lane Control

Solid Yellow Lines -center of a road used for two way traffic Broken Yellow Lines -you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane Two Solid Yellow Lines -indicate no passing! -don't drive to the left of these lines unless • In a carpool lane/high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane that has a designated entrance on the left. • Instructed by construction or other signs to drive on the other side of the road because your side of the road is closed or blocked You may turn left across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway, make a U-turn, or into or out of a private road Two Sets of Solid Double Yellow Lines Spaced Two Feet or More Apart are considered a barrier Do not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or a U-turn across it, except at designated openings Solid White Lines mark traffic lanes going in the same direction (one way streets) Broken White Lines separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in one direction Double White Lines are two solid white lines that indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool/HOV. Never change lanes while in these lanes; wait until a single broken white line appears. You may also see these parallel lines in or near freeway on and off ramps

School

Stop if children are in the crosswalk

Red Arrow

Stop-do not go until it turns green

Stop at all Four Corners

Stop-observe right of way-if you both stopped at the same time, the person to the right has right of way

Stop Sign

Stop-observe right of ways and if there is no stop sign at an intersection, stop where the road changes color or before an intersection

Solid Red

Stop-you can make a right turn as long as you stop behind the limit line and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

Yield to Uphill Traffic

The car facing downhill must back up and yield to the car facing uphill

Near Streetcars, Trolleys, or Buses

The passing speed limit, when safe to pass, is no more than 10 mph. This speed limit applies at a safety zone or an intersection where a streetcar, trolley, or bus is stopped and traffic is controlled by a peace officer or traffic signal light. A safety zone is marked by raised buttons or markers on the road and is set aside for pedestrians. You will most often see safety zones in areas where street cars or trolleys and vehicles share the roadway

Yellow Arrow

The protected time period is ending-be prepared to obey the next traffic signal light.

Light-Rail Transit Vehicle Crossings

The same rules apply to light-rail transit vehicle crossings as to train crossings. Do not proceed across the tracks until you can see clearly in both directions and are sure there are no light-rail transit vehicles or trains coming. Do not go around or under any lowered gate NOTE: Light-rail transit vehicles are very quiet and accelerate more quickly than trains.

Blind Intersections

The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph An intersection is considered "blind" if there are no stop signs at any corner and you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing. Trees, bushes, buildings, or parked cars at intersections can block your view to the side. If your view is blocked, move slowly forward until you can see

Alleys

The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph

Near Railroad Tracks

The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing where you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions You may drive faster than 15 mph if the crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal, or a flag man At railroad crossings: Look in both directions and listen for trains. Many crossings have multiple tracks; so, be ready to stop before crossing, if necessary. Cross railroad tracks only at designated crossings and only when it is safe to do so. • Expect a train on any track, at any time, traveling in either direction. If you need to stop after crossing the tracks, wait until you can completely cross the tracks before proceeding. Make sure your vehicle clears the tracks before you stop. • Never stop on the railroad tracks. Remember that a train cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way. If you are on the tracks, you risk injury or death. • Watch for vehicles that must stop before they cross train tracks. These vehicles include buses, school buses, and trucks transporting hazardous loads. • Remember that flashing red traffic signal lights mean STOP! Stop at least 15 feet, but no more than 50 feet, from the nearest track when the crossing devices are active or a person warns you a train is coming. Stop if you see a train coming or you hear the whistle, horn, or bell of an approaching train. • Do not go under lowering gates or around lowered gates. Flashing red warning lights indicate you must stop and wait. Do not proceed over the railroad tracks until the red lights stop flashing, even if the gate rises. If the gates are lowered and you do not see a train approaching, call the posted railroad emergency toll-free number or 9-1-1. Be ready to give a detailed description of your location

Business or Residential Districts

The speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.

Keep Right

The street is changing from a one way to a two way, so keep to the right to avoid oncoming traffic

Choosing a Lane

Traffic lanes are often referred to by number. The left or "fast" lane is called the "Number 1 Lane." The lane to the right of the "Number 1 Lane" is called the "Number 2 Lane," then the "Number 3 Lane," etc. Drive in the lane with the smoothest flow of traffic. If you can choose among three lanes, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. To drive faster, pass, or turn left, use the left lane. When you choose to drive slowly or enter or turn off the road, use the right lane. If there are only two lanes in your direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest driving. Do not weave in and out of traffic. Stay in one lane as much as possible. Once you start through an intersection, keep going. If you start to make a turn, follow through. Last minute changes may cause collisions. If you miss a turn, continue until you can safely and legally turn around.

Flashing Red

Treat like a stop and observe the right of way rules

Flashing Yellow Arrow

Turns are permitted-yield to oncoming pedestrians and bicyclists

Diamond Shape

Warns you of dangers ahead

Blind Pedestrians

When a blind person pulls in his or her cane and steps away from the intersection, this gesture usually means for you to go (additional information regarding blind pedestrians can be found on page 61)

Around Children

When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted-Always drive slowly and carefully near schools, playgrounds, parks, and residential areas because children may suddenly run into the street Bicyclists and pedestrians. Look out for: • School safety patrols or crossing guards. Be sure to obey their directions. For the crossing guard's safety, allow him or her to safely get to the side of the road before driving ahead. • Stopped school buses and children crossing the street. Some school buses flash yellow lights when preparing to stop to let children off the bus. The yellow flashing lights warn you to slow down and prepare to stop. When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top front and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. The law requires you remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing (CVC §22454). If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for 1 year. If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway (two or more lanes in each direction), you do not need to stop.