California Driver's Handbook (Continued) 2

1. Shift to neutral. 2. Apply the brakes. 3. Keep your eyes on the road. 4. Look for a way out of traffic. 5. Honk your horn and turn on your emergency flashers to warn other drivers. 6. Try to drive the car safely off the road. 7. Stop and turn off the ignition.

Accelerator Malfunction Follow these steps if your gas pedal/accelerator becomes stuck:

Air bags are a valuable safety feature on many vehicles. They can help keep you safer than a seat belt alone. Ride at least 10 inches from the airbag cover, as long as you can maintain full control of your vehicle. Measure from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. Contact your vehicle dealer or manufacturer if you cannot safely sit 10 inches away from the air bag. They may have advice about additional ways to move back from your air bag. Passengers should also sit at least 10 inches away from the passenger-side air bag. NOTE: Children seated next to a side air bag may be at risk of serious or fatal injury.

Air Bags

California's driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to both alcohol and drugs. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects your ability to drive safely. The law does not see a difference between illegal drugs and medications you get from a doctor or the pharmacy. They can all affect your ability to drive safely and react to what you see and hear. No matter what age you are, it is illegal to drive after: • Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in any form. This includes medications like cough syrup. • Taking any drug that affects your ability to drive. This includes prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. • Using any combination of alcohol or drugs that decreases your ability to drive safely. Make sure you read medication labels and know the effects of any drug you use. If a law enforcement officer thinks you are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they have the right to ask you to take a blood or urine test. If you refuse to take one, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege.

Alcohol and Drugs

An alley is any road no wider than 25 feet that is used to access the rear or side entrances of buildings or properties. The speed limit in any alley is 15 mph.

Alleys

• A tailgater is behind you. Allow extra space ahead and do not brake suddenly. Slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent a collision with the tailgater. • The driver behind you wants to pass. Allow enough distance in front of your vehicle so the driver will have space to merge in front of you. • Driving on slippery roads. • Following motorcyclists or bicyclists on wet or icy roads, metal surfaces (bridge gratings, railroad tracks, etc.), and gravel. Motorcyclists and bicyclists can fall easily on these surfaces. • Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. The extra weight makes it harder to stop. • Following large vehicles that block your view ahead. The extra space allows you to see around the vehicle. • You see a bus, school bus, or a vehicle with a placard at railroad crossings. These vehicles must stop at railroad crossings. • Merging onto a freeway.

Allow for more space when:

The speed limit is 25 mph when you drive within 500 to 1000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street (unless otherwise posted). Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.

Around Children

• Look in both directions and listen for trains. Many crossings have multiple tracks. 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 completely crosses the tracks before you stop. • Never stop on the railroad tracks. 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. • When the crossing devices are active or a person warns you a train is coming, stop between 15 feet and 50 feet from the nearest track. • 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.

At railroad or train crossings:

All gas-powered vehicles produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless gas released from a vehicle's exhaust pipe. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: • Weariness • Yawning • Dizziness • Nausea • Headache • Ringing in the ears Have your exhaust system checked regularly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, leave the window partially open when you start the engine, while driving, and when the engine is running while parked. Never run the engine with your garage door closed.

Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide

To drive safely, you need to know what is around you. This helps you make good decisions and react to hazards on the road. This image shows the areas around your vehicle. • Green: Ahead of you. • Blue: Next to you. • Yellow: Blinds spots. • Red: Behind you.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

The technology in vehicles is always advancing. We will see more self driving vehicles and vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on the road. Vehicles with these systems may respond to road situations differently than a human driver would.

Be Familiar with New Technology

An intersection is considered blind if: • It has no stop signs at any corner. • You are within 100 feet of the intersection and you cannot see the road for at least 100 feet in both directions. If your view is blocked, move slowly forward until you can see. The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph.

Blind Intersections

Every vehicle has blind spots. These are areas around the vehicle that a driver cannot see when looking straight ahead or using the mirrors. For most vehicles, the blinds spots are at the sides, slightly behind the driver. To check your blind spots, look over your right and left shoulder out of your side windows. Only turn your head when you look. Do not turn your whole body or the steering wheel. Check your blind spots before you: • Change lanes. • Turn at an intersection. • Merge with traffic. • Back up. • Leave a parking space. • Parallel park. • Pull out from the curb. • Open your car door.

Blind Spots

When you consume alcohol, traces of it enter your bloodstream. Your BAC measures how much alcohol is present in your bloodstream. It is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of: • 0.08% or higher (if you are over 21 years old). • 0.01% or higher (if you are under 21 years old). • 0.01% or higher at any age (if you are on DUI probation). • 0.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license (CDL). • 0.04% or higher if you are driving a passenger for hire. If you drive with an illegal BAC, a law enforcement officer can charge you with DUI. Even if your BAC is below legal limits, that does not mean that it is safe for you to drive. Almost everyone feels negative effects of alcohol, even at levels lower than the legal limit. Depending on how badly you are impaired, you may be arrested and convicted of a DUI even without a BAC measurement. The table below shows BAC estimates based on how many drinks are consumed, gender, and body weight. Remember, even one drink can affect your ability to drive safely.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

The passing speed limit when a bus, streetcar, or trolley is stopped, and it is safe to pass, is no more than 10 mph.

Buses, Streetcars, Trolleys

The speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.

Business or Residential Districts

When you buy a vehicle, you have 10 days to transfer ownership of the vehicle to yourself. If you sell a vehicle to another person, you must notify DMV within 5 days. You do this with a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL), visit dmv.ca.gov/nrl/

Buying or Selling a Vehicle

During commute times, the CHP FSP provides free emergency roadside services in certain areas. If you get stuck on the freeway because your vehicle stops running, FSP will: • Provide a gallon of gas if you run out. • Jump start your vehicle if the battery is dead. • Refill your radiator and tape hoses. • Change a flat tire. • Report a collision to CHP. If FSP cannot start your vehicle, they will have it towed (free of charge) to a CHP-approved location. FSP will also contact additional assistance. CHP will notify an auto club or towing service. FSP will not: • Tow your vehicle to a private repair service or residence. • Recommend tow service companies or repair and body shops. • Tow motorcycles. • Help vehicles which have been involved in a collision, unless they are directed to by CHP. Call 5-1-1 for FSP information and assistance.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)

• Driver distractions. • Unsafe speed. • Improper turns. • Not following the right-of-way rules. • Not following stop signals and signs. • Driving on the wrong side of the road. • A vehicle traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic. If you see a vehicle's emergency flashers ahead, slow down. There may be a collision or other road emergency. Pass carefully. Avoid driving near collisions, if possible. If anyone is injured, they will get help faster if other vehicles are not blocking the road.

Causes of Collisions The most common causes of collisions are:

Cell phones are the main source of distracted driving. Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal. Drivers should only use a cell phone when necessary and in a handsfree mode, unless you are a minor. Here are ways to help you avoid distractions on your cell phone and focus on safe driving: • Do not answer your cell phone if it rings. Let the call go to voicemail. • Pull off the road if you must make a call. • Have a passenger make the call if possible. • Use the audio navigation function. Do not input navigation instructions. • Do not change music on your cell phone. • Only make calls to get help in an emergency. • Mount your cell phone on the windshield, dashboard, or center console. It cannot block your view of the road. • Use the single swipe or touch feature on the mounted cell phone. Do not use your cell phone: • During hazardous conditions. • To engage in distracting conversations. • To text or email while driving unless using a speech to text feature.

Cell Phones and Texting

It is a misdemeanor to use a motor vehicle to flee or attempt to evade law enforcement performing their duties. This is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for 1 year or less. A person convicted of causing serious bodily injury during the course of a law enforcement pursuit is subject to: • Imprisonment in a state prison for up to 7 years, or a county jail for 1 year or less. • A fine between $2000 and $10,000. • Both a fine and imprisonment. A person convicted of manslaughter resulting from evading law enforcement during a pursuit is subject to imprisonment in a state prison for a minimum of 4 to 10 years.

Evading Law Enforcement

You must secure children with a federally-approved child passenger restraint system or safety belt. The requirements depend on the child's height and age. • Children under 2 years old: Secure in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system. This applies unless the child weighs 40 pounds or more or is 3 feet 4 inches or taller. NOTE: A child in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system may not ride in the front seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle. • Children under 8 years old, or who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall: Secure in a federally-approved child passenger restraint system in a rear seat. • In some cases, children under 8 years old may ride in the front seat of a vehicle in a federally-approved child passenger restraint system. They may ride in the front seat if: — There is no rear seat. — The rear seats are side-facing jump seats. — The rear seats are rear-facing seats. — The child passenger restraint system cannot be installed properly in the rear seat. — All rear seats are already occupied by children 7 years old or younger. — Medical reasons prevent the child from riding in the back seat. • Children who are 8 years old or older, or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall: May use a properly secured safety belt that meets federal standards. Your local law enforcement agency or fire department can check the installation of your child passenger restraint system. As your child grows, check to see if the child passenger restraint system is the right size.

Child Restraint System and Safety Seats

Sometimes there will be dangers on both sides of the road at the same time. For example, parked cars to the right and oncoming cars to the left. If one danger is greater than the other, give more space to the most dangerous situation. Suppose you are on a two-lane road with an oncoming vehicle to the left and a bicyclist ahead to your right. Instead of driving between the vehicle and the bicyclist, take one danger at a time. Slow down and let the oncoming vehicle pass. When the vehicle has passed, move to the left to allow plenty of space (at least three feet) to pass the bicyclist. If there is a steady flow of oncoming vehicles, use as much of the left lane as you safely can to pass the bicyclist.

Choose Between Hazards

If you are involved in a collision resulting in $1000 in damage, or where anyone is injured or dies, DMV will add it to your driving record. It does not matter who caused the collision. The collision must be reported by you, other drivers involved in the collision, and law enforcement (if a report is taken).

Collisions on Your Record

Parents or guardians must take on financial responsibility for drivers younger than 18 years old. They must pay for damages and fines if the driver is involved in a collision. When the driver turns 18 years old, the parents or guardians are no longer responsible. Drivers 18 years old and older take on their own financial responsibility

Collisions, Insurance, and Minors

• Smoke when a minor is in the vehicle. You can be fined up to $100. • Dump or abandon animals on a highway. This crime is punishable by a fine of up to $1000, 6 months in jail, or both. • Send or read text messages or emails while you are driving. • Wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving. • Drive a vehicle so loaded with property or people that you cannot control it, see ahead, or see to the sides of your vehicle. — It is illegal to drive any vehicle with an unsecured load that is a safety hazard. Unsecured loads like ladders, buckets, and loose items in the back of pickup trucks can fall onto the road and be dangerous for other motorists, especially motorcyclists. • Carry anything in or on a passenger vehicle which extends beyond the fenders on the left side or more than six inches beyond the fenders on the right side. Cargo that extends more than four feet from the back-rear bumper of the vehicle must display a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag. At night, this cargo must be marked with two red lights. • Allow a person to ride in the back of a pickup or other truck unless the vehicle has seats. In this case, the passenger must use both the seat and a safety belt. • 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.

Critical Roadway Information You must not:

When you drive in California, you consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if a law enforcement officer suspects you of DUI. If you have agreed to take a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) and/or breath test, you may still be required to take a blood or urine test to detect the presence of drugs. If you refuse to take a breath, blood, and/or urine test, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege. If you are arrested for DUI: • California's Administrative Per Se law requires DMV to suspend your driving privilege. • The law enforcement officer may take your driver's license and give you a temporary driver's license for 30 days. • You may request a DMV administrative hearing within 10 days from the date of your arrest.

DUI Arrests

If you are convicted of a DUI, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege. • You will be required to complete a DUI program. • You will have to file a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/SR 1P). • You must pay any applicable license reissue and/or restriction fees. • You may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. Here are some additional penalties if you are convicted of DUI: • You may be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail. • You may have to pay a fine between $390-$1000. • Law enforcement may impound your vehicle and you may have to pay a storage fee. • If you cause serious injury or death while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may face civil lawsuits. All DUI convictions remain on your driver's record for 10 years. If you get any other DUIs during that time, the court and/or DMV may give you a harsher penalty.

DUI Convictions

• If a train is approaching and warning lights are flashing: Immediately exit your vehicle. Run in a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, towards the train. Then dial 9-1-1. You may only have 20 seconds to escape before the train gets there. • If you do not see a train approaching and the warning lights are not flashing: Exit your vehicle. Immediately dial the Emergency Notification System (ENS) number located on the railroad crossing posts or metal control box near the tracks. Provide the location, crossing number (if posted), and road or highway that intersects the tracks. Be sure to tell them that a vehicle is on the tracks. After you call ENS, call 9-1-1.

Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks If your vehicle stalls or stops working while it is blocking any part of a train track, get out of the vehicle and notify law enforcement.

• Talking or texting on a cell phone. • Looking at a GPS. • Changing music, volume, or other controls. • Talking to passengers. • Applying makeup. • Eating. • Looking at children or pets. Avoid these distractions while you drive.

Do Not Drive Distracted It is dangerous to drive while you are distracted. Some common distractions are:

Possessing alcohol: • You may not carry liquor, beer, or wine inside a vehicle unless an individual who is 21 years old or older is with you. The container must be full, sealed, and unopened. If opened, the alcohol must be kept in the trunk or place where passengers do not sit. Exception: If you are working for someone with an off-site liquor sales license, you may carry alcoholic beverages in closed containers. • If you are caught with alcohol in your vehicle, law enforcement can impound your vehicle for up to 30 days. The court may fine you up to $1000 and suspend your driver's license for 1 year. If you do not already have a driver's license, the court may ask DMV to delay giving you your first driver's license for up to 1 year. Consuming alcohol: • If a law enforcement officer suspects you of consuming alcohol, they can require you to take a hand-held breath test, preliminary alcohol screening test (PAS), or another chemical test. • If you are convicted of a DUI with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, DMV may revoke your driving privilege for 1 year. — On your first offense, you must complete a licensed DUI program. — If you have any more offenses, you might have to complete a longer DUI program. • If your PAS shows a BAC of 0.05% or higher, the officer may require you to take a breath or blood test. • If a later test shows you have a BAC of 0.05% or higher, you may be arrested for a DUI and your driving privilege may be suspended.

Drivers Under 21 If you are under 21 years old, there are additional laws for possessing and consuming alcohol.

1. Grip the steering wheel firmly. 2. Remove your foot from the gas pedal/accelerator. 3. Brake gently. 4. Check for traffic behind you. 5. Carefully steer back onto the pavement. Do not pull or turn your steering wheel with too much force. This may cause you to drive into oncoming traffic.

Driving Off the Pavement Follow these steps if your wheels drift off the pavement:

Your driving privilege will be suspended for up to four years if you are in a collision and do not have proper insurance coverage. It does not matter who was at fault. You can get your driver's license back during the last three years of the suspension if you provide a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/SR 1P) and maintain it during the three-year period.

Driving Without Insurance

You must have your proof of financial responsibility (insurance) with you when you drive. If you get pulled over or get into a collision, you must show it to a law enforcement officer. If you cannot show proof, you may have to pay a fine, law enforcement may take away your vehicle, and DMV may suspend your license. DMV may suspend your driver's license if: • You are involved in a collision and do not have insurance. • A vehicle you own is involved in a collision and DMV is not sure who was driving. • The collision is not covered by your insurance policy

Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions

Fines for traffic violations in a work zone can be $1000 or more. Anyone convicted of assaulting a highway worker faces fines of up to $2000 and imprisonment for up to one year. Certain roads are chosen as "Safety Enhanced-Double Fine Zones." This is due to increased collision-related injuries and fatalities. Fines are doubled in these zones. Fines are also doubled in highway construction or maintenance zones when workers are present.

Fines and Double Fine Zones

Excessive water on a road may cause flooding. This can happen gradually or suddenly. Flooding is dangerous and can be life threatening. It is important to understand the dangers of water on the road, including: • Being swept off the road. • Floating debris and unseen hazards. • The road collapsing. • Vehicle malfunctions (for example, brake failure). • Electrocution if there are fallen power lines. It may not be possible to determine the depth of the flood by looking. If the water is deep, the road may be too dangerous to cross. It is best to find another route. If you have no other option but to drive through a flooded road, drive slowly. After you have made it through the water, check your brakes to make sure they work correctly.

Flooded Roads

It is best to avoid driving in heavy fog or smoke. Consider postponing your trip until the fog clears. If you must drive in heavy fog or smoke: • Drive slowly. • Use your low-beam headlights. High-beam headlights will reflect back and cause glare. • Never drive using only your parking or fog lights. • Make sure you can stop within the space you can see ahead. • Increase your following distance. • Use your windshield wipers and defroster as necessary. • Avoid crossing lanes or passing traffic unless absolutely necessary. • Listen for traffic you cannot see. If the fog becomes too thick to drive safely, consider pulling off the road. Activate your emergency flashers and wait for conditions to improve.

Fog or Heavy Smoke

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer and cited (ticketed) for a traffic violation, you sign the ticket as a promise to appear in traffic court. If you do not keep your promise to appear in court, the failure to appear (FTA) goes on your driver record and DMV may suspend your driver's license. You must clear all FTAs with the court and pay required fees. Each time you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, the court notifies DMV. The conviction is placed on your driver's record. Convictions reported by other states are also added to your driver's record.

Getting a Tickets

You must drive slower when there is heavy traffic or bad weather. At the same time, you should not block normal and reasonable traffic flow by driving too slowly. You may be cited if you do. If you choose to drive slower than other traffic, do not drive in the fast lane. Move to the right when another driver is close behind you and wishes to drive faster.

Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather

High winds can be a hazard while driving. This is especially true for larger vehicles such as trucks, campers, and vehicles with trailers. When driving in high winds: • Reduce your speed. This gives you better control over your vehicle. You will have more time to react if your vehicle gets hit by a strong gust of wind. • Maintain a firm hand position on the steering wheel. Strong wind gusts are unpredictable. If you are not holding the wheel properly and a gust hits, it can jerk the steering wheel out of your hands. • Be alert. Look ahead and watch for any debris on the road. Give yourself enough time to react to road hazards. • Do not use cruise control. Maintain maximum control of the accelerator if a gust occurs. • Be proactive. It may be safer to pull over and wait for the storm to pass.

High Winds

You never know what is on the other side of a steep hill or a sharp curve. Slow down so you can stop for hazards if you need to. If your view is blocked, assume there is a vehicle on the other side. Only pass a vehicle in front of you if the hill or curve is at least one third of a mile away. You need at least that much room to pass safely.

Hills and Curves

If the red arrow were another car hitting your car on the driver's side: 1. You would first be thrown against the driver's side door, 2. Then you would "rebound" and be thrown toward the passenger side door.

IMPACTS -

• Safely pull over to the right shoulder. • Exit on the right side so you are away from traffic if you must get out of the vehicle. • Find assistance. • Return to your vehicle as soon as you can. Get back into the vehicle from the right side (away from traffic). • Stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt on until help arrives. • Use your emergency flashers at your discretion. They can help other vehicles see you at night and in different weather conditions. But they could also attract drunk drivers. There are certain circumstances where it is safer to get out of your vehicle and stay away. These include situations where there is: • Not enough space on the shoulder. • A guardrail. • An area for you to safely stay away from freeway lanes.

If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway If your vehicle stops working on the freeway:

• Wear the shoulder harness across your shoulder and chest. There should be little, if any, slack. Do not wear the shoulder harness under your arm or behind your back. Wearing the harness the wrong way could cause serious internal injuries in a collision. • Adjust the lap belt so that it is snug and lies low across your hips. Otherwise you might slide out of the belt in a crash. This could result in injury or death. • If you are pregnant, wear the lap belt as low as possible under your abdomen. Place the shoulder strap between your breasts and to the side of your abdomen's bulge.

It is important to wear the seat belt correctly:

Your insurance must cover at least: • $15,000 for a single death or injury. • $30,000 for death or injury to more than one person. • $5000 for property damage. Before you buy insurance, make sure that the agent, broker, or insurance provider is licensed by the California Department of Insurance. Call 1-800-927-HELP to verify

Insurance Requirements

There are many types of emergencies you may encounter when you drive. Knowing how to handle emergencies can help keep you safe.

Know How to Handle Emergencies

Scan the road 10-15 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you can see hazards early and avoid last minute moves. Look beyond the vehicle ahead of you. Do not constantly look at the vehicle in front of you. This is known as a "fixed stare" and can be dangerous. As you scan ahead, be alert for vehicles and hazards around you. This prepares you to react quickly to changes in the road ahead. On the freeway, be ready for rapid changes in road conditions and traffic flow. Watch for signals from other drivers. Expect merging vehicles at onramps and interchanges. Know which lanes are clear so you can use them, if you need to.

Know What is Ahead of You

Be aware of what is on each side of you. Maintain enough space to maneuver safely and react to other drivers if you need to. To maintain enough space on each side of your vehicle: • Do not stay in another driver's blind spot. The other driver may not see your vehicle. • Avoid driving directly alongside other vehicles on multilane streets. Other drivers might enter your lane or change lanes without looking and crash into you. • If possible and safe, make space for vehicles entering freeways. Even though you have the right-of-way, this can help prevent collisions. • At freeway exits, do not drive alongside other vehicles. A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back onto the freeway. • Keep space between your vehicle and parked vehicles. Someone may step out from between them, open a vehicle door, or pull out suddenly. • Be careful when driving near motorcyclists or bicyclists. Always leave plenty of space. Always check each side of your vehicle at intersections, crosswalks, and railroad crossings. Other vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians may be approaching. At intersections: • Look both ways, even if other traffic has a red light or a stop sign. — Look to the left first. 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. There may be a pedestrian, bicyclist, or vehicle you did not see the first time. • Do not rely on traffic lights. Some drivers do not obey them. Before you enter an intersection, look left, right, and ahead for approaching traffic.

Know What is At Your Side

Knowing what is behind you can help you avoid rear-end collisions. Your rearview mirror and side mirrors are there to help you see vehicles behind you. Check behind your vehicle before you: • Change lanes. Make sure you are not getting in the way of vehicles in the lane you want to enter. Check your blind spots. • Reduce your speed. • Turn into a side road or driveway. • Stop 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. Back up slowly to avoid collisions. Do not depend only on your mirrors or only looking out a side window. Before you back up or back out of a parking space: — Check in front and behind the vehicle before you get in. — If you have kids with you or there are kids nearby, know where they are. Make sure they are away from your vehicle and in full view before moving your vehicle. — Check your blind spots. As a safety measure, look over your right and left shoulders again while backing up. Check traffic behind you often to know if another vehicle is tailgating you. Be careful if you are being tailgated. Find a way to avoid the tailgater. Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass you. You can also slow down to allow enough space between you and the car in front of you. If this does not work, pull off the road and let the tailgater pass.

Know What is Behind You

The train crossing rules apply. Light rail vehicles are very quiet and accelerate more quickly than trains.

Light Rail Crossings

A locked wheel skid is usually caused by braking too hard when you are going too fast. If this happens, your vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned. To get out of a locked wheel skid: 1. Remove your foot from the brake to unlock the wheels. 2. Straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out. If your vehicle is not equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), step on the brake gradually until you are at a safe speed. If you press the brake pedal and it sinks to the floor, quickly pump the brakes by gently applying and releasing pressure on your brake pedal. As you are pumping the brakes, down shift your vehicle into a lower or neutral gear to slow down. Then try using your emergency or parking brake to stop.

Locked Wheel Skids

If you cannot afford liability insurance, you may be eligible for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. For more information visit mylowcostauto.com or call 1-866-602-8861.

Low-cost Insurance

In California, you may never drive faster than is safe for the current road conditions. This is known as the "Basic Speed Law." Make sure you manage your speed and slow down when conditions call for it. Regardless of the posted speed limit, your speed should depend on: • The number of vehicles on the road. • The speed of other vehicles on the road. • The road surface — smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide, or narrow. • Bicyclists or pedestrians on or crossing the road. • Weather — rain, fog, snow, wind, or dust.

Manage Your Speed

To help manage sun glare: • Keep the inside and outside of your windshield clean. • Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. • Make sure your wiper fluid is full. • Wear polarized sunglasses. • Maintain enough space between your vehicle and the vehicles around you. • Make sure your car visor works and is free of anything that would restrict use. • Be aware of pedestrians. You may have difficulty seeing them. • Try to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset.

Sun Glare

Drivers must move over and slow down for emergency and road work vehicles. These include: • Stationary emergency vehicles or tow trucks displaying flashing amber warning lights. • Stopped Department of Transportation (Caltrans) vehicles displaying emergency flashing or amber warning lights. When approaching one of these vehicles, drivers must move over a lane (if it is safe) or slow down.

Move Over and Slow Down

If you see a sign with a picture of an animal, be alert for possible animals on or near the road. If you see animals or livestock near the road, slow down or stop and proceed when it is safe. Be sure to follow directions from the person in charge of the animals. Do not swerve. You may lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident.

Near Animals

The speed limit is 15 mph when you are within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and 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 flagman.

Near Railroad Tracks

• Bicyclists and pedestrians. • School safety patrols or crossing guards. Be sure to obey their directions. For the crossing guard's safety, allow them 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. If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for one 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.

Near schools, look for:

If you are nonresident military personnel, you may use vehicles with your home state license plates. Your vehicles may also have license plates from the state where you were last stationed. When the license plates expire, you may renew the registration in your home state or register the vehicle in California.

Nonresident Military Personnel

If your vehicle is registered in another state or country, you must register it in California. You have 20 days to register your vehicle after you become a resident or get a job in the state. See "Section 3: The California Driver's License" to learn more about residency. Make sure the vehicle meets California smog laws. California DMV cannot register a vehicle if it does not qualify.

Out-of-State Vehicles

Traffic convictions and collisions stay on your record for 36 months (or longer, depending on the type of conviction). Your license may be suspended when your driver's record shows one of the following point totals: • 4 points in 12 months. • 6 points in 24 months. • 8 points in 36 months. The point count may vary for commercial drivers.

Points on Your Driver's Record

You and your passengers must wear seat belts. You can get a ticket if you do not. If your passenger is under 16 years old, you can also get a ticket if they are not wearing their seat belt. Wearing the lap belt and shoulder harness of a seat belt will increase your chance of survival in most types of collisions. This image shows what can happen in a collision. When you are in a collision, your vehicle stops. But you keep moving at the same speed you were traveling. You only stop when you hit the dashboard or windshield. If you are struck from the side, the impact could push you back and forth across the seat. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses keep you in a better position to control the vehicle. They may also minimize serious injuries.

Protect Yourself and Your Passengers Seat Belts

If you get too many negligent driver points, DMV will place you on probation, suspend, and/or revoke your driving privilege. When this happens, you have the right to a hearing. Your suspension or revocation order will have more information about your right to a hearing. DMV will revoke your driving privilege if you are convicted of a hit-and-run or reckless driving that resulted in injury. Courts have the authority to suspend a person's driving privilege. At the end of your suspension or revocation, you may apply for a replacement driver's license. You must show proof of financial responsibility (such as SR 22/SR 1P).

Suspension or Revocation

• The collision caused more than $1000 in damage to property. • Anyone was injured or killed. This applies even if the injuries were minor. Each driver must file a report with DMV using the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) form at dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/accident-reporting/. Your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative can also file the report. You (or your representative) must file a report whether or not you caused the collision. This applies even if the collision happened on private property. Your driving privilege will be suspended if you fail to file a report. Find the form online at dmv.ca.gov/forms or call 1-800-777-0133 and ask for the SR 1 form. Law enforcement will not make a report for you.

Reporting a Collision If you are in a collision, you must report it to DMV within 10 days if:

• Slow down. • Allow extra space between vehicles. • Merge early. • Expect sudden slowing or stopping. • Watch for drivers changing lanes at the last minute. • Avoid distractions. Cones, drums, or other barriers will guide you through the work zone. Reduce your speed. Prepare to slow down or stop for highway equipment. Merge as soon as it is safe without crossing the cones or drums. Watch for bicycles if lanes are narrow or the shoulder is closed. Share the road when they are present. Watch for work zone speed limit and reduced speed limit warning signs. Do not stop or slow down to watch the road work. Obey special signs or instructions from workers (flaggers).

Road Workers and Work Zones You will see warning signs and message boards when there are workers, slow-moving equipment, and closed lanes ahead. For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, remember to go through the work zone carefully.

Always keep your eyes moving to scan your surroundings. Take in the whole scene. If you only look at the middle of the road, you will miss what is happening on the side of the road and behind you. You should also keep a safe distance around your vehicle. This gives you time to react if another driver makes a mistake. Give yourself enough space on all sides of your vehicle to brake or maneuver if you need to. Before changing lanes, look in your rearview mirror to check for nearby vehicles. Look over your shoulder to check your blind spots.

Scan Your Surroundings

If one or more of your tires loses traction with the road and your vehicle starts to slip, this is known as a skid. There are a few different types of skids.

Skids

Rain and snow can make the roads slippery. Your tires will not have the grip they need. Drive more slowly than you would on a dry road. Adjust your speed for different conditions: • Wet road: Go 5 to 10 mph slower. • Packed snow: Reduce your speed by half. • Ice: Slow to a crawl. Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet. These usually have warning signs posted. Here are situations where the road may be more slippery: • Shade from trees or buildings can hide icy spots on cold, wet days. These areas freeze first and dry out last. • Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road. They can hide icy spots. • If it starts to rain on a hot day, the pavement can be very slippery for the first several minutes. Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow on the road. This is especially true if it has been dry, because oil and dust have not washed away. Turn on your windshield wipers, low-beam headlights, and defroster. In a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, you may not be able to see more than 100 feet in front of your vehicle. If you cannot see farther than 100 feet, it is not safe to drive faster than 30 mph. You may have to stop from time to time to wipe mud or snow off your windshield, headlights, and taillights. If you drive in snowy areas, carry snow chains for your tires. Snow chains give your tires more traction. Carry the correct number of chains. Make sure they fit your wheels. Slow down when there is a lot of water on the road. If you drive faster than 50 mph in heavy rain, your tires can lose all contact with the road and your vehicle will be riding on water. This is called "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 use the brakes.

Slippery Roads

Ice and packed snow on the road can cause your vehicle to skid. This is even more likely if you are driving too fast or going downhill. To prevent skidding on slippery surfaces: • Drive slowly. • Slow down as you approach curves and intersections. • Avoid fast turns. • Avoid quick stops. • Leave enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. • Shift to low gear before going down a steep hill. • Avoid areas like ice patches, wet leaves, oil, or deep puddles. If you do start to skid: 1. Slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal/accelerator. 2. Do not use the brakes. 3. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If you are skidding on a slippery surface and cannot control your vehicle, find a way to stop the skid. Try to get a wheel on dry pavement or on the shoulder of the road. If your brakes get wet, you can dry them by lightly pressing the gas pedal/accelerator and brake pedals at the same time. This will cause your vehicle to drive against the pressure of the brakes. Only do this until the brakes dry.

Slippery Surface Skids

A person convicted of reckless driving or engaging in a speed contest that causes injury to another person is subject to imprisonment, a fine, or both a fine and imprisonment.

Speed Contests and Reckless Driving

California has a "Basic Speed Law." This means that you may never drive faster than is safe for the road conditions. There are also situations with specific speed limit laws and conditions where you should reduce your speed. Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers.

Speed Limits and Reduced Speeds

Tailgating makes it harder for you to see the road ahead because the vehicle in front of you blocks your view. You also will not have enough time to react if the driver in front of you brakes suddenly. If a vehicle merges in front of you too closely, take your foot off the gas pedal/accelerator. This creates space between you and the vehicle ahead without needing to slam on your brakes or swerve into another lane. Use the "three-second rule" to avoid tailgating. When the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point, such as a sign, count three seconds. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.

Tailgating (Following Too Closely)

You must drive in the far-right lane or in a lane marked for slower vehicles when you: • Tow a vehicle or trailer. • Drive a bus. • Drive a truck with three or more axles. If no lanes are marked and there are four or more lanes in your direction, you may only drive in the two lanes closest to the right edge of the road. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles may experience sudden strong winds when they are passing you or you are passing them. Slow down and pass safely.

Towing

During a traffic break, the officer turns on their rear emergency lights and slowly weaves across lanes. To be helpful: • Turn on your emergency flashers to warn other drivers. • Slowly decrease your speed to the same speed as the officer. Do not brake suddenly unless necessary to avoid a collision. Keep a safe distance from the patrol vehicle ahead of you. • Do not try to drive past the patrol vehicle. Do not speed up until the officer turns off their emergency lights and traffic conditions allow you to return to your normal speed.

Traffic Breaks

Small changes in your driving habits can help reduce traffic congestion. Avoid: • Tailgating: Following the vehicle in front of you too closely. • Unnecessary lane changes: Weaving in and out of freeway lanes. • Distractions: Eating, grooming, talking on a cell phone, texting, reading, etc. • Driving a poorly maintained or malfunctioning vehicle. • Running out of fuel or battery charge

Traffic Congestion

If you are given a one-point traffic violation, the judge may offer you the choice to attend a traffic violator school to have the citation not reported to your insurance company but remain on your driving record. You can do this once in any 18-month period. The school will report your course completion to the court. You will also get a completion receipt. If you are a commercial driver and are cited in a noncommercial vehicle, you may also be eligible to attend traffic school.

Traffic Violator School Convictions

It is illegal to leave a child who is 6 years old or younger unattended in a vehicle. A child may be left under the supervision of a person who is at least 12 years old. It is dangerous and illegal to leave children or animals in a hot vehicle. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly when it is sitting in the sun. This is true even if a window is left slightly open. Too much exposure to heat can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, and death.

Unattended Children and Pets

When driving at night, make sure you can stop in the distance lit by your headlights. Use your high-beam headlights when possible. This includes open country or dark city streets. Do not use high-beam headlights in areas where they are illegal. Dim your lights to avoid blinding the driver of an oncoming vehicle with your high-beam headlights. If another vehicle's lights are too bright: • Do not look directly into the oncoming headlights. • Look toward the right edge of your lane. • Watch the oncoming vehicle out of the corner of your eye. • Do not react to the other driver by keeping your high-beam headlights on. This only makes it harder for both of you to see. When it is raining at night, use your low-beam headlights. Do not drive using only your parking lights.

Understand the Road Conditions Darkness

The law is very strict about carrying alcohol or cannabis products in your vehicle with you. It is illegal to drink any alcohol or to smoke or eat a cannabis product while you are driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle. If you are carrying any alcohol or cannabis in your vehicle, the container must be full, sealed, and unopened. If it is open, you must keep the container in the trunk or place where passengers do not sit. (This law does not apply if you are a passenger in a bus, taxi, camper, or motorhome.) It is also illegal to keep an open container of alcohol in your glove box.

Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cannabis Products in a Vehicle

You need to register your vehicle in California in order to use it in the state.

Vehicle Registration Requirements

A diamond-shaped sign on a truck means that the truck's load may be dangerous (gas, explosives, etc.). Vehicles with these signs must stop before crossing railroad tracks.

Vehicles with Hazardous Loads

• Most information in your driving record is available to the public. • Records containing a physical or mental condition are confidential. • Certain government agencies can see your residence address. There are fewer restrictions for your mailing address. • You can get a copy of your driving record at any DMV kiosk or office.

What You Need to Know About Record Confidentiality

• You must stop. Someone could be injured and need your help. Failing to stop is called a "hit-and-run." The punishment is severe if you are convicted of a hit-and-run. • Call 9-1-1 right away if anyone is hurt. • Move your vehicle out of traffic if no one is hurt. Then call 9-1-1. • Show your driver's license, vehicle registration card, insurance information, and current address to the other driver, law enforcement officer, and anyone else involved in the collision. • You must make a report to law enforcement within 24 hours of the collision if anyone is injured or killed. Your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative can also file the report. • Try to find the owner if your vehicle hits or rolls into a parked car or other property. If you cannot find the owner, leave a note with your name, phone number, and address. Securely attach the note to the vehicle or property. Report the collision to law enforcement. • If you kill or injure an animal, call the nearest humane society or law enforcement. Do not try to move an injured animal. Do not leave an injured animal to die.

What to Do if You Are in a Collision If you are in a collision:

• Pedestrians and bicyclists are much harder to see at night. Stay alert. • Motorcycles are also harder to see at night. Most have only one taillight. • Highway construction can take place at night. Reduce your speed in highway construction zones. • When you leave a brightly lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness. • When a vehicle with one light drives toward you, drive as far to the right as possible. It could be a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or vehicle with a missing headlight.

When you drive at night, remember:

• Use your headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset. • Use your headlights until 30 minutes before sunrise. • Dim your high-beam headlights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

You must:

with a video monitor, if the monitor is visible to the driver and displays anything other than vehicle information, global mapping, external media player, or satellite radio information. • Throw a cigarette, cigar, or other flaming or glowing substance from your vehicle. • Put signs or other objects on the front windshield or back side windows that block your view. Do not hang objects on the mirror. Windshield and window stickers, etc. are allowed only in these locations: — A 7-inch square on either the lower corner of the passenger's side windshield or the lower corner of the rear window. — A 5-inch square on the lower corner of the driver's side window. — On the side windows behind the driver. — A 5-inch square located in the center uppermost portion of your windshield for an electronic toll payment device. • Interfere with a funeral procession. You can be ticketed if you interrupt a funeral procession. A funeral procession is led by a traffic officer and has the right-of-way. All vehicles taking part in the procession have windshield markers to identify them and have their headlights on. • Operate a vehicle that has a visual or electronic product or device that makes it hard to read the license plate. • Alter a license plate in any way.

• Drive a vehicle equipped