California Driver Handbook
Laws and Rules of the Road -
SIGNALING
Always signal to other drivers when you plan to turn left, right, slow down, or stop. Signals may be given by hand-and-arm positions or by using the vehicles signal lights. If bright sunlight makes the signal lights hard to see, use hand-and-arm signals also.
LEFT TURN
RIGHT TURN
SLOW OR STOP
Motorcyclists often use hand signals to make themselves more visible. Bicyclists may give right turn signals with their right arm held straight out, pointing right.
Always signal:
- Your left or right turn during the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point. Caution— Even though you signal, do not automatically assume that the space you wish to occupy is clear.
- Before every lane change. Also, look over your shoulder and check your blind spot before changing lanes.
- At least five seconds before you change lanes at freeway speeds.
- To let other drivers know your plans.
- Before pulling next to or away from the curb.
- When you change directions.
- Even when you don’t see other vehicles around. A vehicle you don’t see might hit you.
If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, start signaling when you are in the intersection. If you signal too early, the other driver may think you plan to turn into the intersection and he/she may pull out in front of you.
Remember to cancel your signal after turning if it doesn’t turn off by itself.
ADDITIONAL DRIVING RULES
Things you must not do:
- Do not drive a vehicle so loaded, either with property or people, that you cannot control it, see ahead, or to the sides of your vehicle.
- Do not 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. A load extending more than four feet from the back of the vehicle must display a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag or two red lights at night.
- Do not allow anyone to ride on any part of your vehicle not intended for passengers.
- Do not allow anyone to ride in the trunk of your vehicle. Convictions will result in penalties for both the driver and the person(s) riding in the trunk.
- Do not allow a person to ride in the back of a pickup or other truck unless the vehicle is equipped with seats and the person uses both the seat and a safety belt.
- Do not transport animals in the back of a pickup or other truck unless the animal is properly secured.
- Do not dump or abandon animals on a highway. This crime punishable by a fine of up to $1000, six months in jail, or both.
- Do not tow anyone who is riding a bicycle, in a wagon, on roller skates, on a sled, on skis, or on a toy vehicle.
- Do not litter the roadside. The fine is $1000 and you may be forced to pick up what you threw away. Littering convictions show on your driving record.
- Do not wear a headset over, or earplugs in, both your ears.
- Do not wear eyeglasses with temples wide enough to keep you from seeing clearly to the sides.
- Do not drive a vehicle equipped with a video monitor if the monitor is visible to the driver and displays anything other than vehicle information or global mapping displays.
- Do not honk your horn unless it is a safety warning.
- Do not throw any cigarette, cigar, or other flaming or glowing substance from your vehicle.
- Do not shoot firearms on a highway or at traffic signs.
- Do not block your view by putting
signs or other objects on the front windshield or
the back and side windows. Do not hang objects on
the mirror. Windshield/window stickers, etc., are
permitted in these locations only:
- A seven-inch square on either the passenger’s side windshield, lower corner; or the rear window, lower corner.
- A five-inch square on the driver’s side, lower corner.
- Side windows behind the driver.
- Do not drive any motor vehicle into a designated wilderness area. (VC §38301.5)
- Do not drive with tinted safety glass. If you have sun-sensitive skin, you may use removable sun screens during daylight travel if you have a letter from your physician.
- Do not block or hinder a funeral procession. Vehicles taking part in a funeral procession have the right of way and if you interfere, obstruct, or interrupt the funeral procession, you are subject to a citation. (VC §2817) The funeral procession is led by a traffic officer and all vehicles taking part in the procession have windshield markers to identify them.
- Do not ride, or allow a child to ride, a “pocket bike” on a public street or highway. These vehicles are not manufactured or designed for highway use and they do not meet federal safety standards.
Things you must do:
- You must drive as far to the right as reasonably possible on narrow mountain roads, and if you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead, honk your horn.
- You must use your headlights 30 minutes after sunset and leave them on until 30 minutes before sunrise.
- You must dim your lights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
- You must turn on your headlights if snow, rain, fog, or low-visibility (1000 feet or less) require the use of windshield wipers.
- You must move your vehicle out of the traffic lane (unless it is disabled) when it is safe to do so, if you are involved in an accident. Law enforcement may tow or impound your vehicle if it is left in an unsafe area and causes safety concerns.