California DMV

What is this sign?

"T" Intersection

Insurance Requirements

1. $15,000 for a single death or injury. 2. $30,000 for death or injury to more than one person. 3. $5,000 for property damage.

Financial Responsibility

1. A motor vehicle liability insurance policy. 2. A deposit of $35,000 with DMV. 3. A surety bond for $35,000 obtained from a company licensed to do business in California. 4. A DMV-issued self-insurance certificate.

California Vehicles Requirement

1. A properly endorsed and completed California Certificate of Title 2. Smog certification, if required. 3. Use tax payment, if required. 4. Appropriate vehicle registration fees.

What should you do before changing lanes?

1. Check traffic behind and beside you. 2. Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure the lane you want is clear. 3. Check for vehicles, motorcyclists, and bicycle traffic in your blind spot. 4. Be sure there is enough room for your vehicle in the next lane.

Things NOT to do when driving:

1. Do not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device to write, send, or read text-based communications. 2. Do not wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving 3. Do not drive a vehicle so loaded, either with property or people, that you cannot control it, or see ahead or to the sides of your vehicle. 4. Do not carry anything in or on a passenger vehicle which extends beyond the fenders on the left side or more than 6 inches beyond the fenders on the right side. Cargo extending more than 4 feet from the back rear bumper of the vehicle must display a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag or 2 red lights at night. 5. Do not allow a person to ride in the back of a pickup or other truck, unless the vehicle is equipped with seats and the person uses both the seat and a safety belt. 6. Do not transport animals in the back of a pickup or other truck unless the animal is properly secured; this prevents the animal from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle. 7. Do not drive a vehicle equipped with a video monitor, if the monitor is visible to the driver and displays anything other than vehicle information, global mapping displays, external media player, or satellite radio information. 8. Do not throw any cigarette, cigar, or other flaming or glowing substance from your vehicle. 9. Do not block your view by putting signs or other objects on the front windshield or back side windows. Do not hang objects on the mirror. Windshield/window stickers, etc. 10. Do not block or hinder a funeral procession. Vehicles taking part in a funeral procession have the right-of-way, and if you interfere, obstruct, or interrupt the funeral procession, you are subject to a citation (CVC §2817). A funeral procession is led by a traffic officer. All vehicles taking part in the procession have windshield markers to identify them and have their headlights on. 11. Do not operate a vehicle that has a visual or electronic product or device that obscures the reading or recognition of the license plate. 12. Do not alter a license plate in any manner.

What are the three lanes called in order?

1. Fast lane. 2. Smooth lane. (Ideal for smoother driving). 3. Slow lane

When should you use your headlights?

1. If weather conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you are required to turn on your low-beam headlights. 2. Any time conditions (clouds, rain, snow, dust, smoke, fog, etc.) prevent you from seeing other vehicles. 3. On small country or mountain roads, even on sunny days. 4. In darkness and when visibility does not allow clear recognition of a person or vehicle from a distance of 1,000 feet. 5. When the vehicle is operated from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. 6. When a regulatory (white) road sign is posted stating headlights must be on. 7. To increase your vehicle's visibility to others while driving - even on bright days and especially when the sun is low on the horizon.

Getting a Ticket

1. If you are stopped by a peace officer and cited for a traffic law violation, you sign a promise to appear in traffic court. When you go to court, you may plead guilty or not guilty, or you may forfeit (pay) the citation fine. Paying the fine is the same as a guilty plea. 2. If you ignore the traffic ticket and do not keep your promise to appear in court, the failure to appear (FTA) goes on your driver record. Even a single FTA can cause DMV to suspend your DL. To end the suspension, you must clear all FTAs with the court, and pay a DL reissue fee of $55. 3. Legislation effective June 27, 2017, no longer allows courts to notify DMV if you fail to pay a fine (FTP). Failing to pay a fine will no longer result in the suspension of your driver license. 4. Each time you are convicted of a moving traffic law violation, the court notifies DMV and the conviction is placed on your DL record. Convictions reported by other states are also added to your driver record.

Collisions, Insurance, and Minors

1. If you are under 18 years old, your parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign your DL application and assume financial responsibility for your driving. When you reach age 18, your parent(s) or guardian(s)' liability automatically ends. 2. If you are involved in a collision, your parent(s) or guardian(s) may be liable for civil damages and you may also be fined. Exception: Your parent(s) or guardian(s) can have your DL cancelled at any time while you are a minor.

Speed Contests/Reckless Driving

1. Imprisonment 2. A Fine 3. Both an imprisonment and a fine

Evading a Peace Officer

1. Imprisonment in a state prison for 3, 5, or 7 years or in a county jail for not more than 1 year. 2. A fine that is not less than $2,000 or more than $10,000. 3. Both a fine and imprisonment. When a person is convicted of manslaughter resulting from evading police during a pursuit, they are subject to imprisonment in a state prison for a minimum of 4 to 10 years.

Here are the collisions that will be on your record:

1. Law enforcement, unless the reporting officer states another person was at fault. 2. You or another party involved in the collision, if any one person has over $1,000 in damage, or if anyone is injured or dies. It does not matter who caused the collision; DMV must keep this record.

What are the rules to follow when parking on a hill?

1. On a sloping driveway, turn the wheels so the vehicle will not roll into the street if the brakes fail. 2. Headed downhill, turn your front wheels into the curb or toward the side of the road. Set the parking brake. 3. Headed uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb, and let your vehicle roll back a few inches. The wheel should gently touch the curb. Set the parking brake. 4. Headed either uphill or downhill when there is no curb, turn the wheels so the vehicle will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail.

When should you use your horn?

1. Only when necessary, to avoid collisions. 2. To try to get "eye contact" with other drivers. You may tap your horn to alert another driver who might turn in front of you and cause a collision. 3. On narrow mountain roads, where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead of your vehicle.

What to do when there are high winds:

1. Reduce your speed. Slowing down gives you better control over the vehicle and will give you more time to react in the event your vehicle gets hit by a strong gust of wind. 2. Maintain a firm hand position on the steering wheel. Strong wind gusts are unpredictable, and if you are not holding the wheel properly, gusts can be strong enough to cause the steering wheel to be jerked out of your hands. 3. Be alert. Look well ahead and watch for any debris on the road. High winds can cause debris to litter the highway or can even throw debris directly into your path. By looking ahead you give yourself more time to react to road hazards. 4. Not using cruise control. You can maintain maximum control of the accelerator (gas) pedal when unpredictable gusts of wind occur. 5. Be proactive. Wait for the storm to blow over. It may be safer to pull over and take a break.

What should you do if your accelerator becomes stuck?

1. Shift to neutral. 2. Apply the brakes. 3. Keep your eyes on the road. 4. Look for an alternate route away from traffic or look for a way out. 5. Warn other drivers by honking and turning on your emergency lights. 6. Try to drive the car safely off the road. 7. Stop and turn off the ignition.

When should you report a collision to the DMV?

1. Should report no more than 10 days. 2. More than $1,000 in damage was done to the property of any person. 3. Anyone was injured (no matter how slightly) or killed.

Possessing Firearms

1. Suspend or revoke the driving privilege of any minor convicted of possessing a concealable weapon or live ammunition. 2. Impose DL sanctions for minors convicted of misdemeanors involving firearms.

What counts as "illegal" parking?

1. Where a "No Parking" sign is posted. 2. On a marked or unmarked crosswalk, sidewalk, partially blocking a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway. 3. Within 3 feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons or in front of or on a curb that provides wheelchair access to a sidewalk. 4. In a disabled person parking space, unless you are disabled and display a placard or disabled person license plates. 5. In the space next to a disabled person parking space, if it is painted in a crosshatched (diagonal) pattern. 6. In a space designated for parking or fueling zero-emission vehicles that display an identifying decal, unless you are driving a zero-emission vehicle that you will charge in the space. 7. In a tunnel or on a bridge, except where permitted by signs. 8. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or a fire station driveway. 9. On or within 7½ feet of a railroad track. 10. Between a safety zone and the curb. 11. "Double parked." (Parking in the street when all legal parking places at the curb are taken.) 12. On the wrong side of the street. 13. At a red curb. 14. On a freeway, except: In an emergency. When a peace officer or device requires a stop. Where a stop is specifically permitted.

Things to DO when driving:

1. You must use your headlights 30 minutes after sunset and leave them on until 30 minutes before sunrise. 2. You must dim your lights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

What is the speed limit in alley's?

15 miles per hour

What is the speed limit in business and residential areas?

25 miles per hour, unless otherwise posted.

What are center left turn lanes?

A center left turn lane is located in the middle of a two-way street and is marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is broken and the outer line is solid.

What is this sign?

Added Lane

What are acceleration skids?

An acceleration skid usually happens when the drive wheels lose traction on the road surface. To maintain control of a skidding vehicle, do not apply the brakes. Ease off the accelerator (gas) pedal and straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten itself out.

What's the hand signal for stopping or slowing down?

Arm down

What's the hand signal for turning left?

Arm straight out

What's the hand signal for turning right?

Arm up

Blood Alchol Content (BAC)

BAC of 0.08% or higher, if the person is 21 years old or older. BAC of 0.01% or higher, if the person is under 21 years old. BAC of 0.01% or higher at any age, if the person is on a DUI probation. BAC of 0.04% or higher, in any vehicle requiring a CDL—with or without a CDL issued to the driver. BAC of 0.04% or higher, when a passenger for hire is in the vehicle at the time of the offense.

What is this sign?

Bicycle Lane. A bicycle lane is a designated traffic lane for bicyclists defined by pavement markings and signage. Bicycle lanes are sometimes painted a bright green color to increase visibility.

Vandalism/Graffiti—All Ages

California law allows the courts to suspend the DL for up to 2 years of a person convicted of engaging in vandalism, including graffiti. If you are convicted and do not have a DL, the courts can delay the issuance of your DL for up to 3 years from the date you are legally eligible to drive.

What is this sign?

Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicles (HOV)

What is this sign?

Crossroad

What is this sign?

Curve

What is this sign?

Directional Arrow

What is this sign?

Divided Highway

What are some crosswalk/pedestrian rules to follow and remember?

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 stop in a crosswalk. You will place pedestrians in danger. Remember, if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, they are ready to cross the street. Yield to the pedestrian.

What do you do when you drive through heavy fog or smoke?

Drive slow, turn on your windshield wipers, and use your low-beam headlights. The light from the high-beam headlights will reflect back and cause glare.

What is this sign?

End Divided Highway

Step 1 of parallel parking

Find a space. Look for a space at least 3 feet longer than your vehicle. When you find a space, signal that you intend to park.

What is the fine if someone abandons animals on the highway?

Fined up to $1,000 and 6 months in jail, or sometimes both.

What is the fine if someone smokes with a minor in the car?

Fined up to $100

Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle (Under 21)

If you are caught with an alcoholic beverage in your vehicle, the vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days. The court may fine you up to $1,000, and either suspend your driving privilege for 1 year or require DMV to delay the issuance of your first DL for up to 1 year, if you are not already licensed. Your driving privilege will be revoked for 1 year, if you are convicted of either driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs. On the first offense you will be required to complete the educational portion of a licensed DUI program. A subsequent offense may require a longer DUI program and you will not have a restricted DL to attend the DUI program.

Court DUI Convictions

If you are convicted of DUI of either alcohol and/or drugs or both, and you have an excessive BAC level, you may be sentenced to serve up to 6 months in jail and pay a fine between $390-$1,000 the first time you are convicted. Your vehicle may be impounded and is subject to storage fees.

How do you alert drivers behind you of a collision?

If you can see a collision ahead, warn the drivers behind you by turning on your emergency flashers or tapping your brake pedal quickly 3 or 4 times. You can also use the hand signal when slowing and stopping.

Suspension or Revocation

If you get too many negligent driver points, DMV will place you on probation for 1 year (which includes a 6 month suspension) or revoke your driving privilege (refer to the topics included in the "Administrative" section). Your suspension or revocation order informs you of your right to a hearing. At the end of the suspension or revocation period, you may apply for a new DL and must show proof of financial responsibility. DMV will revoke your DL if you are convicted of a hit-and-run or reckless driving that resulted in injury.

What's the hand position on the steering wheel?

If you think of the steering wheel as the face of a clock, place your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock, or slightly lower at 8 and 4 o'clock. To reduce face, arm, and hand injuries in the case of a deployed airbag, you should grip the outside of the steering wheel, with your knuckles on the outside of the wheel, and your thumbs stretched along the rim.

What do you do when you start drifting from the pavement?

If your wheels drift off the pavement, grip the steering wheel firmly, ease your foot off the accelerator (gas) pedal, and brake gently. Check for traffic behind you, gently steer back onto the pavement. Do not pull or turn your steering wheel suddenly; this may cause you to drive into oncoming traffic.

What is this sign?

Lane Ends

Step 3 and 4 of parallel parking

Lift your foot off the brake. Before backing up, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for any hazards. Begin to back up, at approximately a 45-degree angle. Lastly, straighten out. Begin turning the steering wheel away from the curb when your rear wheel is within 18 inches from the curb. You may need to pull forward and backward to straighten out. Your vehicle should now be parallel and no further than 18 inches from the curb.

What does solid white lines stand for?

Marks traffic lanes going in the same direction, especially on a one-way street.

What is this sign?

Merging Traffic

Record Confidentiality

Most information in your DL record is available to the public. Your residence address may only be viewed by authorized agencies. Your mailing address, if different from your residence, is less restricted. Records on the physical or mental condition of a driver remain confidential. You may obtain a copy of your driving record at any DMV field office for a fee with valid ID.

What are truck blind spots called?

No Zone. Passenger vehicle drivers incorrectly assume that a trucker can see the road better because they are higher off the road. While truckers do have a better forward view and bigger mirrors, they still have large blind spots or "NO ZONES" where your vehicle can disappear from a truck driver's view.

What does a solid yellow line mean?

No passing if a solid yellow line is on your side.

What does a broken yellow line mean?

Passing is allowed when safe to do so.

What does two solid yellow lines mean?

Passing is not permitted.

What is this sign?

Pedestrian Crossing

What is this sign?

Pedestrians Near School: 5 sides indicates near a school.

What is the meaning of any kind of animal sign?

Possible Animal Crossing/Altercation

Step 2 of parallel parking

Pull your vehicle alongside the space or vehicle in front of where you intend to park. Leave approximately 2 feet between the vehicle or space next to you and stop once your rear bumper is aligned to the front of the space where youwant to park. Check your rearview mirror and look over your shoulder for approaching vehicles. Keep your foot on the brake and put the vehicle in reverse. Maintain the signal.

What does red, blue, green, yellow, and white colors mean when parking?

Red: No stopping, standing, or parking (buses may stop at a red zone marked for buses). Blue: Parking is permitted only for a disabled person or driver of a disabled person who displays a placard or special license plate for disabled persons or disabled veterans. A crosshatched (diagonal lines) area adjacent to a designated disabled parking space is a no parking area. Green: Park for a limited time. Look for a posted sign next to the green zone for time limits, or locate the time limit painted on the curb. Yellow: Stop no longer than the time posted to load or unload passengers or freight. Drivers of noncommercial vehicles are usually required to stay with the vehicle. White: Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail.

What do broken white lines mean?

Separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction.

What is this sign?

Sharp Turn

What is this sign?

Slippery When Wet

What is this sign?

Slow Moving Vehicle

What are the expectations of a slippery road that should be followed?

Slow down at the first sign of rain, especially after a dry spell. This is when many roads are the most slippery, because oil and dust have not washed away. A slippery road will not give your tires the grip they need. Drive more slowly than you would on a dry road. 1. Wet Road: 5-10 miles per hour slower 2. Packed Snow: Reduce speed by half 3. Ice: Slow to a crawl

How do you deal with water on the road?

Slow down when there is a lot of water on the road. In a heavy rain at speeds of 50 mph or more, your tires can lose all contact with the road and then your vehicle will be riding on water or "hydroplaning." A slight change of direction, applying the brakes, or a gust of wind could throw your vehicle into a skid. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually—do not apply the brakes.

What is the term "splitting the difference"?

Sometimes there will be dangers on both sides of the road at the same time. For example, there will be parked cars to the right and oncoming cars to the left. In this case, the best thing to do is "split the difference." Steer a middle course between the oncoming cars and the parked cars.

What is this sign?

Stop Ahead

What does two sets of double solid yellow lines spaced 2 feet or more apart mean?

The solid yellow lines are considered a barrier. Do not drive over or on the barrier. You can make a left turn or a u-turn.

What does two solid white lines mean?

The two solid white lines 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.

Some warning signs have a fluorescent yellow-green background, what does that indicate?

These signs are warn of conditions regarding bicycles, pedestrians, schools, playgrounds, school buses, and school passenger loading zones.

New 2021 Laws

This law requires DMV to assess a negligent operator point on a driver's record for a second conviction within 36 months of talking, texting, or using a handheld wireless communications device (cell phone) while driving.

What's hand-over-hand steering?

This method of steering can be used when turning at low speeds, parking, or recovering from a skid. When using this method, start with your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock, or slightly lower at 8 and 4 o'clock. Depending on the direction you are turning, one hand will push the wheel up, while the other hand will let go, reach across the other arm, grasp the wheel, and pull up.

What's hand-to-hand steering?

This steering method may also be called "push/pull" steering. Using this steering method, your hands do not cross over the face of the steering wheel, and therefore there is less chance of injury to your face, arms, or hands in the event of an airbag deploying. When using this method, start with your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock, or slightly lower at 8 and 4 o'clock. Depending on the direction you are turning, one hand will push the wheel up, and the opposite hand pulls down.

What does locked wheel skid mean?

This type of skid is usually caused by braking too hard at a high rate of speed and locking the wheels. The vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned. Take your foot off the brake to unlock the wheels. Then, straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out. If your vehicle is not equipped with anti-lock brakes and you enter a locked wheel skid, step on the brake gradually until you are at a safe speed to continue driving. However, if you press the brake pedal and it sinks to the floor, quickly pump the brake pedal to build pressure. As you're pumping the brakes, down shift your vehicle into a lower gear or neutral to slow down. Then try using your emergency or parking brake to stop. Slow the vehicle gradually until you are at a safe speed to continue driving.

What is this sign?

Traffic Signal Ahead

What is this sign?

Two Way Traffic

What's one-hand steering?

Use one-hand steering only when turning while backing, or operating vehicle controls that require removing a hand from the steering wheel. The only time that a 12 o'clock hand position is recommended is when backing a vehicle while turning, as the driver must turn in their seat to see the path of the vehicle. The placement of hands on the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock, or slightly lower at 8 and 4 o'clock, is critical to vehicle balance.

Traffic Violator School Convictions

When a noncommercial driver is cited for a 1 point traffic violation, the judge may offer the driver the opportunity to attend a traffic violator school once in any 18-month period to have the citation masked from their driving record. Completion of the course is reported electronically to the court by the school; however, the student will receive a completion receipt from the school.

What is considered a safe passing speed around buses, trolleys, and streetcars?

When it is safe to pass, do not exceed 10 miles per hour.

What is this sign?

Winding Road

What is this sign?

Yield Ahead

What do yield lines mean?

Yield lines, also known as "shark's teeth," consist of a line of solid white triangles across a lane of traffic pointing towards approaching vehicles. This line indicates the point where the vehicle must yield/stop.

If you approach a pedestrian crossing at a corner or other crosswalk, even if the crosswalk is in the middle of the block, at a corner with or without traffic signal lights, whether or not the crosswalk is marked by painted lines. What are you expected to do?

You are expected to exercise caution and reduce your speed, or stop if necessary, to ensure the safety of the pedestrian.

Points on the Driver Record

You may be considered a negligent operator when your driving record shows one of the following "point count" totals: 1. 4 points in 12 months. 2. 6 points in 24 months. 3. 8 points in 36 months. Your traffic convictions and collisions stay on your record for 36 months, or longer, depending on the type of conviction. The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) is based on negligent operator points and consists of a computer-generated series of warning letters and progressive sanctions against the driving privilege.

What happens if you do not make a collision report?

Your driving privilege will be suspended. For up to 4 years, if you did not have proper insurance coverage, regardless of who was at fault during the collision. During the last 3 years of the suspension, your DL can be returned to you if you provide a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/SR 1P) and maintain it during the 3-year period.