California DMV Handbook (2025)

Road Rules Basics

• Licensing Requirements:
  • Permit eligibility begins at 15½ with completed driver education, proof of identity and residency, and passing vision and written tests (driving test required for license).
  • Under 18: Must complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night); no unsupervised driving until licensed.
• Vehicle Operation:
  • Adjust mirrors and ensure all occupants wear seat belts; start and stop smoothly.
  • Maintain a safe following distance (3-second rule in good conditions).
• Right-of-Way:
  • Yield to pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks or bike lanes; avoid blocking their paths.
  • At uncontrolled intersections, the first vehicle goes; if simultaneous, yield to the vehicle on the right.
• Turning and Lane Changes:
  • Signal 100 feet before turning or changing lanes; check blind spots.
  • Right turns on red permitted after a full stop, if safe and not prohibited by a sign.
• Passing:
  • Pass on the left with a signal; prohibited in no-passing zones or near intersections.
• Speed:
  • Obey posted limits: 25 mph in residential areas, 65 mph on highways (70 mph if posted); adjust for weather, traffic, or road conditions.
• Stopping:
  • Complete stop required at stop signs, red lights, and school buses with flashing red lights or extended stop arms.
• Emergency Situations:
  • For emergency vehicles with sirens/lights, pull to the right and stop; slow down if on the opposite side of a divided highway.
  • In a collision, stop immediately, exchange information (name, license, insurance), and report to DMV within 10 days if damage exceeds $1,000 or there’s injury/death.
  • For breakdowns, move off the road if possible, activate hazard lights, and use flares or cones.
• Special Driving Conditions:
  • School zones: Be alert for children and crossing guards.
  • Highways: Merge smoothly via ramps; no stopping except in emergencies.
  • Fog or rain: Reduce speed; if visibility drops below 100 feet, pull off safely.
  • Motorcycles: Check twice for them; they may legally lane-split.

Traffic Signs

• Key Signs:
  • Stop: Red octagon requires a full stop.
  • Yield: Red or yellow triangle means yield to other traffic or pedestrians.
  • Speed Limit: White rectangle (e.g., 25 mph residential, 65-70 mph highway).
  • Warning: Yellow diamond indicates hazards like curves, crossings, or school zones.
  • No Turn on Red: Prohibits right turns on red.
• Traffic Lights:

  • Color	Meaning
    Red	Stop
    Yellow	Caution—stop if safe
    Green	Proceed
    Flashing Red	Treat as a stop sign
    Flashing Yellow	Proceed with caution

• Pavement Markings:
  • White lines separate same-direction traffic.
  • Yellow lines separate opposing traffic.
  • Solid lines prohibit passing; broken lines allow passing if safe.
• School Zone Signs:
  • 25 mph limit unless posted lower, often paired with warning signs for children.

Traffic Laws and Fines/Limits

• Alcohol and Drugs:
  • Legal BAC limits: 0.08% for drivers 21+, 0.01% for those under 21.
  • DUI penalties include fines ($390-$1,000+), jail time, license suspension (6+ months), and ignition interlock devices.
• Seat Belts:
  • Mandatory for all occupants; first offense fine up to $162.
  • Children under 8 or 4’9” require proper car seats, with higher fines for non-compliance.
• Cell Phone Use:
  • Hands-free only for drivers 18+; no handheld use permitted. First offense fine approximately $20, increasing for subsequent violations.
• Speeding:
  • Fines vary (e.g., $238+ for 1-15 mph over limit); doubled in construction or school zones with workers or children present.
• Hit-and-Run:
  • Leaving a crash scene with injury or damage can result in felony charges and license revocation.
• Parking Regulations:
  • No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in red zones, or blocking driveways; fines vary by location.
• Fog or Rain Requirements:
  • Use low beams and wipers in adverse weather (implied legal requirement).
• License Points and Consequences:
  • Violations add points: 1 for speeding, 2 for DUI; 4+ points in 12 months risks suspension.
  • License suspension or revocation possible for DUI, excessive points, or serious offenses like hit-and-run.