Drivers Ed Lesson 5
Financial responsibility
30 days to satisfy a judge's order or license will be suspended
Freeways
Be careful on freeways. Curves on ramps make it hard to see ahead. Orange flags, signs, etc., may tell you that workers and equipment are ahead. Slow down and watch out.
reckless driving
Between 5 and 90 days in jail. Fines of $145 to $1,000.
Pedestrians have the right of way in:
Crosswalks
Sidewalks
Don't drive on a sidewalk except to cross it at a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to any pedestrian.
Driving Slowly
Driving too slowly can also be dangerous and illegal. If you block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic by driving too slowly, you may receive a ticket. Sometimes you may have to go slowly. If you're moving more slowly than other traffic, don't drive in the fast (left) lane. If you're in this lane, move to the right when another driver is close behind you and wishes to pass you.
Pedestrians Outside Crosswalks
Every pedestrian on a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
Left Lane is the
Fast Lane
Stop or speed decrease signal
Hand and arm extended downward beyond the side of the vehicle.
Left turn hand signal
Hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the vehicle.
Right turn hand signal
Hand and arm extended upward beyond the side of the vehicle, except that a bicyclist may extend the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.
Jaywalking
If there is a crosswalk at the nearest intersection, you may not cross the roadway at any place except at the crosswalk.
Walking on the Roadway
If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic. You may walk on the right side of the road if there is no crosswalk or other means of safely crossing the road or if traffic or other conditions make it unsafe to cross.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
If you're convicted of speeding or reckless driving, your license may be suspended up to 30 days for your first conviction, up to 60 days for your second conviction, and up to six months for any third or subsequent convictions.
Circular Red/Arrow Red/Turning Right on Red
If you're driving and facing a steady circular red signal alone, you must stop at a marked limit line. If there is no marked limit line, you must stop on the near side of the intersection. You may turn right on red except when there are signs prohibiting it. The oncoming traffic has the right of way. When attempting to make a right turn, yield to the oncoming traffic.
violation points
In determining the violation point count, two points will be given if: You fail to stop in the event of an accident. You're convicted of a DUI violation. You're convicted of reckless driving. Any other traffic conviction will be given the value of one point. You may be considered a negligent operator when your driving record shows any of the following point count totals, regardless of your license class: 4* points in 12 months. 6 points in 24 months. 8 points in 36 months. *3 points in cases of provisional driver's license of a minor under 18 years of age.
Minimum Speed Limit Law
It is illegal to drive on a highway at such a slow speed that you impede or block the normal and reasonable flow of traffic, unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation.
drunk driving
It's illegal for adults to operate any recreational vessel, aquaplane, water ski, or similar devices with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or a commercial vessel with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. You may lose your driver's license for this type of violation. Convictions for driving vessels under the influence will show on your driver's license record and be counted as a prior DUI conviction. It's illegal for minors to operate any recreational vessel, aquaplane, water ski, or similar device with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.01% or higher. You'll be subject to a fine and may be required to participate in an alcohol education or community service program.
Outward Pull on Curves
On curves, there is a strong outward pull on your vehicle. Watch out for it, especially when the road may be slippery. Rain, mud, snow, and gravel can all make the roads slippery. Sometimes a speed limit isn't posted before a curve on the highway. Judge the sharpness of the curve and adjust your speed if necessary. Slow down before you enter the curve. Braking on a curve may cause you to skid.
Reasons for Speed Limits
Other speed limits are set for the type of roads and traffic in each area. All speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions. Driving faster than either the posted speed limit or as warranted by current conditions on any road is dangerous and illegal. High speeds increase your stopping distance. The faster you go, the less time you have to avoid a hazard or collision. The force of a 60 mph crash isn't just twice as great as at 30 mph - it's FOUR times as great!
Walking on the Freeway
Pedestrians may not walk on the freeway. However, if your vehicle is disabled on a freeway, you may walk to the nearest exit, in either direction, to use a telephone or to seek motor vehicle repair services. You must remain on the same side of the freeway where the vehicle is disabled.
Blind Pedestrians
Pedestrians using dog guides or white canes with or without a red tip must be given the right of way at all times. These pedestrians are partially or totally blind, so be especially careful when turning corners or backing up.
it is very important to look to the sides when you're near any of the following:
Shopping centers and parking lots. Construction areas. Busy sidewalks. Playgrounds and school yards, etc.
Right Lane is the
Slow Lane
Speed Law
The basic speed law says that you must never driver faster than is safe for the current conditions. No matter what the speed limit sign may say your speed should depend upon the following: The number and speed of other cars on the road. Whether the road surface is smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide, or narrow. Bicyclists or pedestrians walking on the edge of the road. The amount of rain, fog, snow, ice, wind, or dust. If you're driving 45 mph in a 55 mph speed zone during a dense fog, you could be cited by a police officer for driving too fast for conditions. It is illegal to drive at speeds above the posted speed limit!
Speed and Control
The faster the speed, the less control you have of your car. Rather than just following the legal posted speed limit, consider other factors that can affect the safe operation of your car. Should you drive 35 mph (the posted speed limit) on a curve down an icy mountain road? Many new drivers don't slow to safe speeds for each road. That is one reason why new drivers have more "out- of-control" collision than experienced drivers.
Speed Limits for Designated Vehicles
The following vehicles on a highway can't go in excess of 55 miles per hour: Motor truck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motor truck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle. Passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle. School bus transporting any school pupil. Labor vehicle when transporting passengers. Vehicle transporting explosives. Trailer bus.
Maximum Speed Limits
The maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. However, for two-lane undivided highways, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph, unless posted for a higher speed. On some highways the maximum speed limit is 70 mph, but only if there are signs posted showing 70 mph.
Speed Limit: 15 MPH
The speed limit is 15 mph in the following areas: When going over railroad tracks, if during the last 100 feet of the approach to the crossing you don't have a clear and unobstructed view of the crossing and of any traffic on the railway for a distance of 400 feet in both directions along the railway. When going over any intersection of highway that is not protected by a stop sign, yield sign, or official traffic signal, and during the last 100 feet of approaching the intersection you don't have a clear view of the intersection or any possible traffic in the intersection. In any alley.
Speed Limit: 25 MPH
The speed limit is 25 mph in the following areas: Any business or residential district, unless a different speed determined by local authority is posted. When approaching or passing a school building or grounds, contiguous to a highway and posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign, while children are going to or leaving the school either during school hours or during the noon recess period. Also when approaching or passing any school grounds that aren't separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign."SCHOOL" warning signs may be placed at any distance up to 500 feet away from school grounds. When passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens, contiguous to a street other than a state highway and posted with a standard "SENIOR" warning sign.
Speed Limit: 35 MPH
The speed limit is 35 mph in the following areas: On any highway, other than a state highway. In any moderately dense residential district. When posted with a sign giving notice of that speed limit, unless a different speed is posted.
Pedestrians Using a Tunnel or Overhead Crossing
Whenever you cross a roadway other than by a tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing, you must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the highway.
Cell Phones
You aren't allowed to use your cell phone while driving, unless you're operating the phone in a hands-free manner. This law doesn't apply to individuals using cell phones for emergency purposes.
Intoxicated Pedestrian
You may not loiter or appear in public while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As a driver, be very careful when you see intoxicated pedestrians. Slow down and cover the brake if you see an intoxicated pedestrian nearby.
A MINOR'S APPLICATION FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE
Your driver's license application must be signed by the person who has custody of you. If both your father and mother are living and share custody of you, they must both sign the application. If you're a dependent or ward of the court, the application can be signed by a grandparent, a sibling over the age of 18, an aunt or uncle, or a foster parent with whom you live. If you're a married minor, the application can be signed by your adult spouse, by your parents, or by your spouse's parents. If the person or persons responsible for signing your application are not California residents, the application must be signed and verified by resident of the state who has custody of you. Otherwise, the department may accept an application signed and verified by you and accompanied by proof of financial responsibility. If the person required to sign and verify your application gives written consent, or if you're emancipated by means other than marriage, the department may accept an application signed and verified by you and accompanied by proof of financial responsibility. If a person consents to your license application but doesn't sign that application, that person can't be held liable for any damages you may cause while driving. It's against the law to make false statements or use false names on documents filed with the DMV.
motor vehicle safety act
all passengers must be wearing seat belts in working condition or you will be fined a maximum of 50 dollars
do not stop, park, or leave your vehicle in these areas except for if an officer tells you to or to avoid conflict
an intersection, a cross walk, between a safety zone and the adjacent right-hand curb, 15 feet within the entrance to a fire station, in front of a driveway, on any portion of the sidewalk, alongside or opposite any street or highway excavation or obstruction, on the roadway side of another stopped vehicle, along side the curb space for areas designated for loading and unloading passengers, in a tube or tunnel, on a bridge, in front of a part of the curb made wheel-chair accessible
evidence of financial responsibility
any of the following: a form issued by an insurance company or a charitable risk pool, certificate of self-insurance, deposit letter issued by department, insurance covering note or binder, a showing that the vehicle is owned or leased by the United States or any public entity
don't drive on the left when
approaching a curve, hill, tunnel, bridge, viaduct, railroad, grade, crossing, or intersection.
Tail lamps
at least two on left and right sight, red and visible from 1,000 ft, no lower than 15 or higher than 75 inches
stop signs: intersections
at two-way stop signs yield the right of way to vehicles crossing the intersection
two-way, left-turn lanes
center of the highway, left turns for both directions, parallel double yellow lines with a dashed interior, do not drive in the lane for more than 200 feet
flashing red
come to a complete stop
Parking and Hazard Lights
do not drive only with your parking lights, use hazard lights when car breaks down or tap your brake pedal
turning near fire stations
do not make a u-turn at a fire station
unincorporated area parking
do not stop or park in unincorporated area parking. except for disabled vehicles or school buses
stopping or passing buses
don't go if they are loading or unloading passengers. stop until they are done, unless you are going less than 10 miles per hour
slow-moving vehicles
drive on the right if you're slow unless you're passing someone
speeding in excess of 100 miles per hour
driving privileges will immediately be suspended for up to 30 days. You may be restricted to driving to and from work only; you won't be allowed to drive for any other purpose for up to six months.
right turns upon a highway
get close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except for on highways with three marked lanes for traffic in one direction, if a right hand turn is made from a one-way highway at an intersection, on a highway with lanes marked or a right turn
following too closely
have regard for the speed of traffic, weather, and road conditions
failure to report an accident
if no one reports the accident within a year the DMV isn't required to file a report
driverless runaway vehicles
if the vehicle was parked with the permission of the registered owner, the registered owner is held financially responsible
fenders and mudguards
if you have three or more wheels you must instal a flap or splash apron
signaling
illegal to stop or decrease speed or make a turn without giving a signal at least 100 feet before. Use hand and arm or electronic turn signals
driving without your license
immediately provide another form of valid identification
if an accident involves death or injury
imprisonment in state prison for two to four years, imprisonment in county jail for 90 days to a year, fine between 1,000 and 10,000 dollars, a fine and imprisonment. If you flee you can get five extra years in prison
Use headlights when
it's cloudy, rainy, snowy, or foggy, you're on a country road, can't see at least 1000 feet, later than 30 minutes after sunset, before 30 minutes before sunrise Do not use high-beam headlights when it's rainy, foggy, snowy, or may blind other drivers. Turn off high beams when someone is 500 fit in front of you or 300 feet behind you
Right of Way
left vehicle entering an intersection from a different highway must yield to vehicle to the immediate right. Vehicles on terminating highway must yield when intersecting on a continuing highway. If there are inoperative official traffic-control signals all vehicles must stop and only proceed when it is safe to do so. Does not apply to intersections controlled by signs or traffic signals, intersections controlled by stop signs from fewer than all directions and when an approaching vehicle is attempting to make a left turn.
if an accident involves damage to someone's property
locate and notify the owner of the property and give your name, address, and license and vehicle registration number to the other driver. leave a written note and notify the police department or CHP. If you don't comply you will be found guilty of a misdemeanor and imprisoned for up to six months and fined 1,000 dollars
left turns upon a highway
make the turn from the left most lane
passing without sufficient clearance
may not pass another vehicle unless the left side is free of traffic
being overtaken
move for the vehicle and don't speed up, you don't have to drive on the shoulder
parking break system
must be able to hold your vehicle in adverse circumstances
rear-view mirror
must be able to see at least 200 feet to the rear
License plate lamp
must be clearly legible from 50 ft
unobstructed view necessary for u-turn
must have 200 feet of unobstructed view in both directions to make a legal u-turn
Headlamps
must have at least two headlamps on each side of the front of the vehicle and be turned on when it is dark
muffler
must have one to reduce noise
visibility requirements
never drive a vehicle loaded in a way that you can't see in front or to the side of you that extend beyond the left fender line or more than 6 inches beyond the fender line on the right or more than 4 feet from the rear unless you have a 12" red or orange fluorescent flag attached
stop lamps (brake lights)
no lower than 15 or higher than 72 inches
u-turn in a residential district
no u-turns unless any other vehicle is more than 200 feet away or you are at a controlled intersection
duty upon accident where injury or death occurs
notify the nearest police department, give the other driver your name & address & the names of the other occupants in the car. help those injured
u-turn at controlled intersection
only in the far left lane and if not prohibited
u-turns in a business district
only make u-turns in an intersection or on a divided highway at the farthest left lane
overtake and pass to the left
pass to left at a safe distance
duty to report accidents
report within 24 hours
bicyclists' operation of the roadway
ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the road except for when passing, turning left, avoiding poor conditions, or approaching a location where right turns are authorized
unsafe lane changes
roadways divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction: remain in your lane until it is safe to change lanes, obey traffic signs and devices about traffic speed and direction.
bicyclists' rights
same rights as motorists, police officers are exempt. must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
flashing yellow
slow down
bicycle lanes
solid white line labeled BIKE LANE, only drive in one if you are preparing for a turn within 200 feet from the intersection
railroad or rail transit crossings
stop 15 feet from the nearest rail unless there is a mechanical flagman or the approaching train is visible
mandatory suspension of license
suspended if you fail, refuse, or neglect to report an accident
Fog Tail lamps
two red for lamps on rear
turn signal
use 100 feet before turn or if on a freeway, 5 seconds before changing lanes
Proof of ability to respond in the case of damages
valid proof of insurance with a policy number, if you cancel a policy you have to notify the DMV within 10 days
visibility requirement on signals
visible from at least 300 feet from rear
curb parking
wheels that are closest to the curb must be within 18 inches of the curb
passing on the right
when the vehicle is making a left turn, on a highway with wide lanes marked for two or more lanes of traffic in one direction, on a one way street, on a highway divided into two roadways where traffic is restricted to one direction upon each of such roadways. Do not drive off the paved portion of the roadway
authorized emergency vehicles
yield the right of way and immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. If you're in an exclusive or preferential lane exit that lane immediately if you can do so safely. If you're on foot, go to the nearest curb and stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed
entry onto highway
yield the right of way to all traffic approaching on the highway until it is safe to merge
left turns or u-turns
yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. At a controlled intersection with a green light, you may turn left or make a u-turn if it is not otherwise prohibited and the opposing traffic must yield.
yield signs: intersections
yield the right of way to any vehicles entering or approaching the intersection until you can proceed with reasonable safety
equestrian (horse) crossings
yield to horseback rider but riders should not leave curve or suddenly create a hazard
minor liability
you and the person who signs your application are liable
Flash your headlights when
you are trying to avoid an accident
if an accident happens
you must stop or you can be imprisoned for a year and will be fined between 1,000 and 10,000 dollars
