In order to drive safely, you must follow the many rules and laws
that tell you where and when you can drive.
To follow these rules you must:
Know what traffic lights and signs mean.
Understand “right-of-way” rules and how to use traffic lanes.
TRAFFIC CONTROL AT INTERSECTIONS
Traffic lights, signs, and “right-of-way” rules tell you
when to go or stop at an intersection.
The traffic light colors are:
RED: A red signal light means “STOP.” You can make a right turn against a red light after you stop and yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles that are close enough to be a hazard.
Do not make the right turn until you can turn safely. DO NOT turn if there is a sign posted for “NO TURN ON RED.”
RED ARROW: A red arrow means “STOP” until the green signal or green arrow appears. A turn may not be made against a red arrow.
FLASHING RED: A flashing red signal light means“STOP.”After stopping, proceed when safe. Observe the right-of-way rules.
YELLOW: A yellow signal light means “CAUTION.” The red signal is about to appear. When you see the yellow light, you should stop if you can do so safely. If you can’t stop, watch for vehicles that may enter the intersection when the light changes.
FLASHING YELLOW: A flashing yellow signal light warns you to be careful. Slow down and be especially alert.
YELLOW ARROW: A yellow arrow means the “protected” turning time period is ending. Be prepared to obey the next signal which could be the green or red light or the red arrow.
GREEN: A green light means “GO,” but first let any vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians remaining in the intersection get through before you move ahead.
If you are turning left, make the turn only if you have enough space to complete the turn before any oncoming vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian becomes a hazard.
Do not enter an intersection, even when the light is green, unless you can get completely across before the light turns red. If you block the intersection, you can be cited.
GREEN ARROW: A green arrow means “GO.” You may make the turn indicated by the arrow. But first yield to any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian still in the intersection.
The green arrow pointing right or left allows you to make a “protected” turn. This means oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians are stopped by a red light as long as the green arrow is lighted.
Traffic Signal Blackout: If a traffic signal light is not working because of an electrical power failure, stop at the intersection and proceed as if the intersection is controlled by a stop sign in all directions.
PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS
Many street crossings have pedestrian signals that show the words "WALK" and "DON'T WALK" or show a "WALKING PERSON" in white and a "RAISED HAND" in orange.
Pedestrian signals direct pedestrians while crossing the street. The "WALK" or "WALKING PERSON" appears when it is legal to start crossing.
When the "DON'T WALK" or "RAISED HAND" appears, you may not start across the street. The flashing signal means you should not begin to cross because you may not have enough time to make it to the other side before vehicles start moving across your path. If the flashing starts after you have already started to cross, you may finish crossing the street.
At many traffic signals, you need to push the pedestrian push button (once) to receive the "WALK" or "WALKING PERSON" signal.
At a crossing where there are no pedestrian signals, pedestrians must obey the red, yellow, or green signal lights.
RIGHT-OF-WAY RULES Right-of-way rules help people drive safely and provide order. Bicyclists, moped riders, and pedestrians must follow these rules, too.
You were there first, so does that mean you should definitely go first? Although you may want to, never insist on taking the right-of-way. If another driver does not yield to you when he or she should, forget it. Let the other driver go first. You will help prevent accidents and make driving more pleasant.
However, if another driver expects you to take your legal turn, take it. If you don’t, you may delay traffic by allowing another vehicle to go ahead of you.
Being alert and communicating with others is essential to driving. As much as you may read and study driving and the rules of the road, you must be able to adapt to any given situation. This will come more naturally with the more experience you get driving.
1. Controlled Intersection At a four-way stop, the first vehicle that arrives has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, you must yield to the vehicle on the right.
2.Uncontrolled Intersection Drivers should treat uncontrolled intersections as if they were four-way stops. Each vehicle should stop, and you should yield the right-of-way to the first vehicle that arrives at the intersection.
3. One-Way Intersection At an intersection of two one-way streets, you may turn left at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to any approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
4.Private Roads and Driveways When entering or crossing a road, street, or highway from a private road, alley, building, or driveway after stopping prior to the sidewalk, you must yield the right-of-way to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
5. t-Intersection When approaching an intersection of a through street, from a street that ends at the intersection, first you must stop and then yield the right-of-way to the vehicles on the through street.
6. Driving on Multiple-Lane Roadways
On a roadway divided into three or more lanes providing for one-way movement, a vehicle entering a lane of traffic from a lane to the right should yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering the same lane of traffic from a lane to the left.
Pedestrians
How do you define a pedestrian? A pedestrian is a person on foot or who uses a conveyance such as roller skates, skateboards, etc., other than a bicycle.
Follow these guidelines for safe driving:
• Always stop for any pedestrian crossing at corners or other crosswalks.
Do not pass a vehicle from behind that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you can’t see may be crossing.
• Do notdrive on a sidewalk, except to cross it at a driveway or alley.
When crossing, yield to any pedestrian.
• Remember—if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, he or she is probably ready to cross the street.
Yield to the pedestrian.
Remember, pedestrians always have the right-of-way!
SPEED LIMITS
California’s “Basic Speed Law” states never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Maximum Speed Limit*
The maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph.
However, for two-lane undivided highways and for vehicles towing trailers, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph, unless a higher speed is posted. On some highways the maximum speed limit is 70 mph, but only if there are signs posted showing 70 mph.
Other speed limit signs are posted for the type of roads and traffic in each area. All speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions. Construction zones usually have reduced speed zones.
Driving faster than the posted speed limit, or than it is safe for current conditions, on any road is dangerous and illegal. High speed increases your stopping distance. Remember the faster you go, the less time you have to avoid a hazard or accident. The force of a 60 mph crash isn’t just twice as great as at 30 mph, it’s four times as great!
*Remember, it is never legal to drive faster than the posted or maximum speed limit, even if you think it is safe to do so.
When You Drive Too Slowly There are times when you must drive slowly because of heavy traffic or bad weather. However, if you block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic by driving too slowly, you may receive a ticket. When you 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.
Special Speed Limits
Around children:
• Always drive more carefully near schools, playgrounds, parks, and residential areas because children may suddenly dart into the street. Within 500 feet of a school, the speed limit is 25 mph while children are entering or leaving the school. No matter what the speed limit sign states, you should never drive faster than 25 mph when the school ground has no fence and children are outside.
• Watch for bicyclists and pedestrians near schools.
• Look for school safety patrols or school crossing guards and obey their directions. Allow the crossing guard to get safely to the side of the road before driving ahead.
Blind intersections and alleys:
• Blind intersections are intersections where you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing.
• Trees, bushes, buildings, or parked cars at intersections can block your view of vehicles coming from the side. Slow to 15 mph for a blind intersection. However, you may drive as fast as the posted speed limit if YIELD or STOP signs on the side streets give you the right-of-way.
• The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph.
Near railroad tracks: The speed limit is 15 mph when you come within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. You may go faster than 15 mph if the crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal, or a flagman.
Passing a streetcar, trolley, or bus: At a safety zone or at an intersection where a streetcar, trolley, or bus is stopped and traffic is controlled by a police officer or traffic signal, the passing speed limit, if it safe to pass, is no more than 10 mph.
In special traffic lanes: Sometimes different speed limits may be posted for different lanes of traffic.
In business or residence districts: The speed limit is 25 mph unless signs show other limits.
Animals on or around the road: If you see animals or livestock, slow down. Obey the person in charge of the animals. If you see a stray animal in your path, slow down or stop, if it is safe to do so.
Turnout Areas
Special “turnout” areas are sometimes marked on two-lane roads. The purpose of a turnout lane is to allow other drivers to pass you. You should pull to the side in these areas and allow vehicles behind you to pass. Other two-lane roads sometimes have “passing lanes.” If you are driving slowly on a two-lane highway or road where passing is unsafe, and five or more vehicles are following you, pull to the side of the road wherever you can safely do so to let the other vehicles pass.
Use of Lanes
Yellow lines mark the center of a road used for two-way traffic. You may pass on a two-way road if the yellow center line is broken. When a solid and a broken yellow line are together, you must not pass if you are driving next to the solid line. If the broken line is nearest your side of the road, you may pass if it is safe.
Two solid yellow lines mean “no passing.”
Never pass another vehicle by crossing over double parallel solid lines. Never drive to the left of these lines unless:
• You are turning left at an intersection or into or out of a private road or driveway.
• The right half of the road is closed or blocked.
• You are in carpool lanes with designated entrances on the left.
White lines painted on the pavement indicate traffic going in your direction (such as one-way streets).
Lanes For Through Traffic
(1) Solid yellow line: No passing when a solid yellow line is on your side.
(2) Double solid lines: No vehicle may pass.
(3) Broken yellow line: May pass if movement can be made in safety.
Broken white lines separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes going in your direction. Drive in the lane with the smoothest flow of traffic.
If you can choose among three lanes on your side of the road, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. If you want to go faster, pass, or turn left, use the left lane. When you drive slowly, enter, or turn off the road, use the right lane.
If only two lanes go in your direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest driving.
Don’t weave—stay in one traffic lane as much as possible. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and turn your head to CHECK BESIDE YOUR VEHICLE for vehicles and motorcycles in your blind spot. Also, be sure there is enough room for your vehicle in the next lane.
Once you start through an intersection, keep going. If you start to make a turn, follow through. Last second changes may cause accidents. If you miss a turn, continue to the next intersection and work your way back to where you want to go.
Lanes for Turning
Below are some rules to help you when turning at a street corner. Always signal your intention to turn at least 100 feet before turning.
Left Turns: Get close to the center divider line or into the left turn lane (if there is one). Don't turn too soon and “cut the corner” of the lane belonging to vehicles coming toward you.
How to make a left turn on
a two-way street
About 100 feet from corner: • Begin signaling
• Reduce speed
STOP BEHIND LIMIT LINE: • Look left, then right, then left again.
• If safe, make turn.
Right Turns: Get close to the right edge of the road (watch for bicycles or motorcycles between your vehicle and the curb). Don’t turn wide. Stay in the right lane until you finish your turn.
How to make a right turn
Begin signaling • Look over right shoulder
• Move as close to the right curb as
possible—it's OK to enter the bicycle lane
when safe.
About 100 feet from corner, reduce speed.
STOP BEHIND LIMIT LINE
Look both ways.
Turn into right lane.
Bicycle Lanes A bicycle lane is shown by a solid white line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb. This line will usually be broken near the corner. The words “BIKE LANE" are painted at various locations in this lane.
Don’t drive in a bike lane unless you are within 200 feet of making a right turn at a corner or other entrance, such as a driveway. Do not drive into a bike lane to pass traffic ahead of you preparing to turn. Watch for bikes before entering the bike lane.
Safety Zones A space set aside for pedestrians and marked by raised buttons or markers on the road is a “safety zone.” You will most often see safety zones in areas where street cars or trolleys are using the same streets as vehicle traffic, such as in San Francisco.
Lanes For Passing Never drive off the paved or main-traveled portion of the road or on the shoulder to pass. The edge of the main-traveled portion of the road has a painted white line on the road surface.
When you want to pass a vehicle or bicycle going in your direction, pass on the left.
In a narrow traffic lane, wait until the traffic is clear in the opposite lane before passing a bicyclist. Then change lanes. Do not squeeze past the bicyclist.
You May Pass on the Right ONLY:
• If an open highway is clearly marked for two or more lanes of vehicles moving in your direction.
• If the driver ahead of you is making a left turn. However, you may not pass another vehicle on the right by driving off the paved or main traveled portion of the road. Never pass on the left if the driver is signaling a left turn. (Be careful! Sometimes drivers use the wrong turn signal.)
Carpool Lanes and Controlled On-Ramps
Some freeways have special lanes and on-ramps for buses only, or buses and carpools, or carpools only. You may use a CARPOOL lane if your vehicle carries a minimum of 2 or 3 people, including the driver, or if you drive a low-emission vehicle that displays a special decal issued by the DMV (the passenger restriction does not apply). Unless otherwise posted, motorcyclists may use designated carpool lanes.
Signs at the on-ramp or along the freeway tell you the size of the carpool (number of people) needed to use that lane and the days and hours that the requirement applies. The pavement of these lanes is marked with a diamond symbol and the words “CARPOOL LANE.” Do not cross over the double parallel solid lines to enter or exit any carpool lane except at designated entry or exit places.
Special Lanes
In high density traffic areas, you may sometimes see an entire street, or a few lanes on a street, marked with cones. The cones indicate that a lane or street is being used differently. For example, to help relieve congestion at a sports or cultural event, entire streets or a few lanes will be used for traffic going in the opposite direction from what is “normal” until the traffic congestion is cleared.
Road Markings
A* You may cross a solid double yellow line to turn left. But you cannot cross a solid double yellow line to pass another vehicle.
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B*Two sets of solid double yellow lines which are spaced two or more feet apart sometimes appear as a road marking. These lines stand for a solid wall. Do not drive on or over such a road marking. Cross only at plainly marked openings.
C and D* A center left turn lane is in the middle of a two-way street. The lane is marked on both sides by two painted lines—inner line broken, outer line solid. You must use this lane to begin left turns or to start a permitted U-turn.
E* Move into the broken-line bike lane no more than 200 feet before turning right. Watch for bicycles and foot traffic.
TURNS
Center Left Turn Lane
If a street has a center left turn lane, you must use it when you turn left. You may only drive for 200 feet in this lane, which is not a regular traffic lane or a passing lane.
To turn left, signal and drive completely inside the center left turn lane. Don’t stop part way into the lane, with the back of your vehicle blocking traffic. Make sure the lane is clear in both directions and then turn only when it is safe. Look for vehicles coming toward you in the same lane as they start to make their left turns.
When turning left from a side street or driveway, signal and wait until it is safe. Then drive into the center left turn lane. Enter traffic only when it is safe. You may drive across a center left turn lane.
Right Turn Against a Red Light
Signal and stop for a red traffic light at the limit line, if there is one, or before entering the intersection. If there is no sign which prohibits a right turn on the red light, you may turn right. Be careful that you do not interfere with pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles moving on their green light.
Left Turn Against a Red Light on a One-Way Street Only
Signal and stop for a red traffic light at the limit line, if there is one, or before entering the intersection. On a one-way street, you may turn left into a one-way street where traffic moves left if there is no sign which prohibits the left turn. Be careful that you do not interfere with pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles moving on their green light.
No Turn Against a Red Arrow
You may not make a right or left turn against a red arrow.
Examples of Right and Left Turns The numbers on the cars refer to the numbered sentences on these pages. Use signal in each situation.
1. Left turn from a two-way street. Start the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street. You may complete the turn in either lane of the cross street (as shown by arrows) if it is safe to do so. You must use a left turn lane if there is one. A left turn from the next lane may be made if signs or arrows show it is okay.
2.Right turn. Start the turn in the lane nearest the right-hand curb and end in the lane nearest the right-hand curb. Do not swing wide into another lane of traffic. You may start a right turn from other than the far right lane only where pavement or overhead markings show that using that lane for a right turn is permitted.
3. Left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street. Start the turn from the far left lane on your side of the road. You may turn into any lane that is safely open (as shown by arrows).
4.Left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street. Start the turn from the far left lane. You may turn into either of the lanes that are safely open (as shown by arrows).
5. Left turn from a one-way street into a one-way street. Start the turn from the left-hand portion of the road. Watch for bicycles between your vehicle and the curb because they can legally use the left turn lane for their left turns.
6. Right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street. Start the turn in the far right lane. You may use any lane, if safe to do so. Sometimes signs or pavement markings will let you turn right from a lane next to the far right lane (as shown by *).
7.Turn at a “T” intersection from a one-way into a two-way street. Through traffic has the right-of-way. You may turn either right or left from the center lane. Watch for vehicles and bicycles inside your turn.
Legal U-Turns
When you make a U-turn, you turn around and go back the way you came. Signal and then make the U-turn only from the far left lane on your side of the road. If the street has a center left turn lane, begin your U-turn in that lane.
You may make a U-turn:
Across a double yellow line, if the turn can be made safely and legally.
In a residential district:
If no vehicle approaching you is closer than 200 feet.
Whenever a traffic sign or signal protects you from vehicles which are close.
At an intersection on a green light or green arrow unless a “No U-turn” sign is posted.
On a divided highway. Don’t drive over or across any dividing section, curb, or strip.
This includes:
Two sets of double lines marking a center divider unless an opening is provided for turns.
The unpaved median in the middle of the freeway.
Illegal U-Turns
Never make a U-turn on a highway by crossing a curb, or strip of land, or two sets of double lines.
You may not make a U-turn:
• Where you cannot clearly see 200 feet in each direction because of a curve, hill, rain, fog, or other reason.
• Where a “No U-turn” sign is posted.
• When vehicles may hit you.
• On a one-way street.
• In front of a fire station. Never use a fire station driveway to turn around.
• In a business district, except at intersections or through openings in a concrete divider.
END-OF-LANE MARKINGS
Freeway lanes (as well as some city street lanes) which are ending will usually be marked by large broken lines painted on the pavement. If you are driving in a lane marked with these broken lines, be prepared for the lane to end or to exit the freeway. Look for a sign to tell you what to do (i.e., merge right; right lane must exit, etc.).
The traffic light colors are:
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