Section 6. Navigating the Roads

Traffic Lane Definition

A section of road for a single line of traffic.

Lane Markings Purpose

Help drivers know which part of the road to use and understand traffic rules.

Single Solid Yellow Line

Marks the center of a road with two-way traffic. Do not pass a vehicle in front of you if there is only one lane of traffic going your direction and a solid yellow line on your side of the road.

Double Solid Yellow Lines (General Rule)

Do not pass over double solid yellow lines. Stay to the right of these lines.

Double Solid Yellow Lines (Exceptions for Crossing)

You may cross if: in an HOV carpool lane with a designated left entrance; instructed by construction or other signs to drive on the other side because your side is closed/blocked; or turning left across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway, private road, or make a U-turn.

Double Solid Yellow Lines (Barrier Definition)

Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier. Do not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings.

Broken Yellow Line

Indicates you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane. Only pass when it is safe.

Single Solid White Line

Marks traffic lanes going in the same direction, including one-way streets.

Double Solid White Lines

Indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane (e.g., carpool/HOV lane). Never change lanes over double solid white lines; wait until you see a single broken white line.

Broken White Lines

Separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction.

End of Lane Markings

Usually marked with large broken lines on freeways and streets. If driving in such a lane, be prepared to exit or for the lane to end; look for a sign.

Yield Line

A line of solid white triangles that shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop. The triangles point towards approaching vehicles.

Choosing the Left Lane (Number 1 Lane)

Use the left lane to pass or turn left.

Choosing the Right Lane

Use the right lane to enter or exit traffic or when you enter the road from a curb or shoulder.

Steps Before Changing Lanes

Signal; check your mirrors; check traffic behind and beside you; look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure the lane is clear; check your blind spots.

Changing Lanes (General Safety)

Be sure there is enough space for your vehicle in the next lane. It is not necessary to slow down before a lane change. Stay in one lane as much as possible; do not weave in and out of traffic. Last minute lane or direction changes may increase collision risk.

Missing a Turn

If you miss a turn, keep driving until you can safely and legally turn around.

Passing Lanes

On a multilane road, the far left lane, closest to the center divider, is used to pass other vehicles.

HOV Lane Requirements

To use an HOV lane, you must have a certain number of people in your vehicle (signs will specify); be driving a low emission or zero emission vehicle with a special DMV-issued decal; or be riding a motorcycle (unless otherwise posted).

HOV Lane Markings

The road surface in an HOV lane is marked with a diamond symbol and the words 'Carpool Lane'.

HOV Lane Entry/Exit

Do not cross over double solid lines to enter or exit an HOV lane. Use designated entrances and exits.

Center Left Turn Lane Location and Markings

Located in the middle of a two-way street. Marked on both sides by two painted lines: the inner line is broken and the outer line is solid.

Center Left Turn Lane Purpose

Use the center left turn lane to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn.

Center Left Turn Lane Driving Distance

You may only drive for *200 feet in the center left turn lane*.

Turning Left from a Center Left Turn Lane

Look for other vehicles coming toward you in the center left turn lane; signal; look over your shoulder to check blind spots; merge completely into the lane; turn when it is safe.

Turnout Areas or Lanes (Purpose)

Merge into these areas or lanes to *allow cars behind you to pass*.

Mandatory Use of Turnout Area/Lane

You *must use a turnout area or lane to let other vehicles pass when you are driving slowly on a two-lane road where passing is unsafe, and there are five or more vehicles following you*.

Bicycle Lanes (General Rule)

*For bicyclists only* and run alongside vehicle traffic. Typically marked by a single solid white line and signs, sometimes painted bright green.

Driving in a Bicycle Lane (Exceptions)

It is *illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are parking (where permitted), entering or leaving the road, or turning* (within 200 feet of an intersection).

Types of Bicycle Lanes

*Bike lane (adjacent to traffic, dashed near intersection); Buffered bike lane (chevrons/diagonal markings for separation); Bike route (signs/shared markings); Bicycle boulevard (prioritizes bike travel); Separated bikeway* (physically separated from motor vehicles, also called cycle track or protected bike lanes).

Shared Roadway Bicycle Markings

Alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position in traffic.

Right Turn Procedure

*Drive close to the right edge of the road; if dedicated lane, enter at opening. Can drive in bike lane within 200 feet from turn; check for bicyclists. Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists. Start signaling about 100 feet before the turn. Look over right shoulder, reduce speed. Stop behind limit line (or crosswalk/intersection). Look both ways (left-right-left) and turn when safe. Complete turn in the right lane; do not turn wide*.

Right Turn Against a Red Light

You may turn right at a red light *after a complete stop unless there is a NO TURN ON RED sign*. Follow the same steps as a regular right turn.

Right Turn Against a Red Arrow

You *may not turn right if you are stopped at a red arrow light*. Wait until the light changes to green.

Crossing a Public Transit Bus Lane for a Right Turn

It is illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave a vehicle in an area designated for public transit buses, but *you may cross a bus lane to make a right turn*.

Dedicated Right Turn Lane

Allows you to make a right turn *without stopping, even if there is a red light for vehicles going straight. However, you must obey any traffic light or sign on the right curb of the lane and always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk*.

Left Turn Procedure

*Drive close to the center divider or into the left turn lane. Enter a designated left turn lane at the opening (do not cross solid line). Enter a two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of the turn. Respect right-of-way of any vehicle, bicyclist, or motorcyclist already in the lane. Always yield to pedestrians. Start signaling 100 feet before the turn. Look over left shoulder, reduce speed. Stop behind limit line (or crosswalk/intersection). Look both ways (left-right-left) and begin turn when safe. Proceed into intersection while turning to complete turn in the left lane. Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start your turn* to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic. Accelerate smoothly; allow steering wheel to straighten.

Left Turn Against a Red Light (Specific Condition)

You may turn left against a red light *when turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street*, provided there is no sign prohibiting the turn. Yield to other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists who have a green light.

U-Turn Definition and Lane Usage

A *U-turn is when you turn your vehicle around to go back in the direction you came*.

U-turn

To make a U-turn, signal and use the left turn lane or far-left lane.

U-Turn Legally Permitted Situations

You may make a U-turn: across a double yellow line; in a residential district if no vehicles are approaching you within 200 feet; at an intersection on a green traffic light or green arrow (unless a NO U-TURN sign is posted); or on a divided highway if a center divider opening is provided.

U-Turn Legally Prohibited Situations

Never make a U-turn: where a NO U-TURN sign is posted; at or on a railroad crossing; on a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double yellow lines; when you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction; on a one-way street; in front of a fire station (never use a fire station driveway); or in business districts (except at an intersection or where an opening has been provided on a divided highway).

Braking Procedure

Remove your foot from the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow down. Lightly press the brake until you come to a full stop. Give yourself enough space and time.

Stopping at a Limit Line/Behind a Vehicle

When stopping at a limit line, do not cross over the line. If stopping behind a vehicle, leave enough space to see their rear wheels.

Merging onto a Highway (Right-of-Way)

Highway traffic has the right-of-way.

Merging onto a Highway Procedure

Be in the proper lane on the on-ramp, be at or near the speed of traffic. Merge into highway traffic when safe; do not stop unless absolutely necessary. Merge into a large enough space. Use mirrors and turn signals; turn head quickly for blind spot check. Leave three seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front. Do not cross over any solid lines when merging. If crossing several lanes, signal and cross one at a time, checking blind spots each time.

Exiting a Highway Procedure

Know your exit. If changing lanes, do so one at a time, signal, and check blind spots. When in the proper lane, signal five seconds (approximately 400 feet) before you exit. Be at a safe speed to exit. Do not cross over any solid lines when exiting.

Entering Traffic from a Full Stop (Space Needed)

Signal and leave a large enough space to get up to the speed of traffic. You need space that is half a block on city streets (about 150 feet) or a full block on the highway (about 300 feet).

Entering Intersection with Blocked Pathway

Even with a green light, do not start across the intersection if there are pedestrians or vehicles blocking your pathway.

Left Turn (Oncoming Vehicle with Right Signal)

When turning left, do not assume that an oncoming vehicle with its right turn signal on is turning before it reaches you. The driver may have their signal on by mistake or plan to turn just beyond you. Wait for the vehicle to start its turn before beginning the left turn.

Judging Space for Passing

You must judge whether you have enough space to pass whenever you approach an oncoming vehicle or bicyclist, or a hill, curve, intersection, or road obstruction.

Hill or Curve Passing

For a hill or curve, it should be at least one-third of a mile ahead.

When Not to Pass

Do not pass: if you are approaching a hill or curve and cannot see if other traffic is approaching; within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or other hazardous area; at crossroads and driveways; or unless you have enough space to return to your lane.

How to Pass on an Open Highway

Signal that you plan on passing; look over your shoulder to check your blind spots; drive into the passing lane; speed up to pass; signal and return to your original lane.

Passing on the Right

You may pass on the right only when: an open highway has two or more lanes going in your direction; or the driver ahead of you is turning left and you can safely pass on the right (never pass on the left if the driver is signaling a left turn); or you are on a one-way street.

Driving Off Paved Road to Pass

Never drive off the paved or main-traveled part of the road to pass.

Being Passed Action

If a vehicle is passing you or signals that they plan on passing, allow the vehicle to pass. Maintain your lane position and your speed.

Parallel Parking - Space Needed

Look for a space at least three feet longer than your vehicle.

Parallel Parking - Alignment

Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about two feet between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you. Stop once your rear bumper is aligned with the front of your parking space.

Parallel Parking - Final Position

Your vehicle should be parallel and within 18 inches of the curb.

Parking on a Hill - Downhill (with curb)

Turn your front wheels into the curb or right toward the side of the road.

Parking on a Hill - Uphill (with curb)

Turn your front wheels away from the curb (left-towards the center of the road) and let your vehicle roll back a few inches so the wheel gently touches the curb.

Parking on a Hill - No Curb (uphill or downhill)

Turn the wheels to the right so the vehicle will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail.

Colored Curb - White

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

Colored Curb - Green

Park for a limited time. The time limit may be posted.

Colored Curb - Yellow

Load and unload passengers and freight. Do not stop longer than the time posted. If noncommercial, usually required to stay with vehicle.

Colored Curb - Red

No stopping, standing, or parking. Buses may stop at a red zone marked for buses only.

Colored Curb - Blue

Parking for a disabled person or someone driving a disabled person with a special placard or license plate.

Illegal Parking Locations

On a marked or unmarked crosswalk; on a sidewalk; in front of a driveway; within three feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons; in the crosshatched (diagonal lines) area next to a designated disabled parking space; within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway; double parked.

Stopping on a Freeway

If you must stop on a freeway, park completely off the pavement and stay in your vehicle with the doors locked until help arrives. A vehicle stopped for more than four hours may be removed.

Driving Green Practices

Speed up and slow down smoothly; drive at a steady speed; regularly inflate tires, get oil changes, check filters; get rid of extra weight in your vehicle.

Law Enforcement Stop - Initial Actions

Turn on your right turn signal to acknowledge; move completely onto the right shoulder and stop in a well-lit area; turn off your radio; remain inside your vehicle unless directed to get out; roll down your window before officer contact; driver and all passengers should place their hands in clear view.

Law Enforcement Stop - Officer's Reason

Officers must state the reason for a traffic or pedestrian stop before questioning, unless necessary to protect life/property from imminent threat. The reason must be documented on the citation/report.

Law Enforcement Stop - Your Documents

The driver of a stopped vehicle must produce a driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

Law Enforcement Stop - Passenger Identification

Officers may request passenger names/identification. Passengers can decline, but under some circumstances may be required to identify themselves. Do not interfere.

Law Enforcement Stop - Exiting/Staying in Vehicle

During a traffic stop, an officer can legally require the driver and all passengers to exit or stay inside the vehicle. If told to do so, you must comply.

Law Enforcement Stop - Immigration Status

In California, only federal law enforcement officers can ask about immigration status. California law prohibits state and local officers from asking. You can decline to answer state/local officers.

Law Enforcement Stop - Recording Rights

The First Amendment generally protects the right to record interactions with law enforcement in public spaces. Make it clear you are recording. Do not interfere with officer's duties or reach into concealed areas without permission. An officer cannot confiscate, delete, or destroy your recording device if it's not interfering.

Law Enforcement Stop - Phone Access

In general, you have the right to deny a request to unlock a cellular phone or provide a password, though exceptions exist (e.g., parole).