California DMV Driver Handbook Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering California DMV requirements, speed limits, legal rules, fees, traffic signs, and violation penalties based on the lecture notes.

Basic Speed Law

A California law stating that you may never drive faster than is safe for current road and weather conditions.

TouchScreen Terminal (TST)

An automated system utilized by the DMV to administer the knowledge test.

Knowledge Test Passing Score

Correctly answering at least 30 out of the 36 multiple-choice questions.

Driver License Fees

$39 for an initial or renewal license, $31 for a duplicate/changed license, and $8 for a driving retest.

Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit

Less than 0.08% for drivers 21 years of age or older.

Chemical Test Consent

An implied agreement granted whenever driving in California to test breath, blood, or urine if arrested for suspicion of DUI.

Bicycle Lane Entry Limit

Motor vehicles may enter a bicycle lane no more than 200 feet before making a right turn.

Parallel Parking Distance

Front and back wheels must be parallel with and within 18 inches of the curb.

Three-Second Rule

A counting method used by drivers to maintain a safe following distance and prevent tailgating.

DMV Collision Reporting Requirement

Mandatory filing of a written report to the DMV within 10 days if a collision involves death, injury, or property damage in excess of $1,000.

Double Solid Yellow Line Barrier

Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart that act as a barrier and may not be crossed for any reason.

Red Painted Curb

A curb marking indicating no stopping, standing, or parking at any time, except for buses in marked zones.

Move Over Law

A law requiring vehicles to vacate the lane closest to a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle with flashing lights, or slow down if changing lanes is unsafe.

Hydroplaning

A condition in heavy rain where tires lose contact with the road and ride on a layer of water, which can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph.

Unattended Child Prohibition

It is illegal to leave a child age six or younger alone in a vehicle unless supervised by a person age 12 or older.

Blind Intersection Speed Limit

15 mph at an intersection with no stop signs where you cannot see 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing.

School Zone Speed Limit

25 mph when driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are present, unless posted lower.

Residential District Speed Limit

25 mph unless otherwise posted.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Sign

A reflective orange and red triangular sign displayed on the rear of vehicles traveling slower than 25 mph.

Pennant-Shaped Sign

A sign shape that specifically indicates a no passing zone.

Pentagonal Sign

A five-sided sign shape that indicates a school zone.

Octagonal Sign

An eight-sided sign shape that is always used for a stop sign.

Diamond-Shaped Sign

A yellow or orange sign shape that warns drivers of existing or potential driving hazards.

Regulatory Signs

Usually white signs with black markings that specify traffic movement laws and must always be obeyed.

Guide Signs

Green signs that provide directional and mileage information to specific destinations.

Evading a Peace Officer Penalty

A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year.

Disabled Placard Abuse Penalty

A misdemeanor resulting in loss of parking privileges, a fine up to $1,000, and/or up to six months of jail time.

Highway Construction Zone Penalty

Fines for moving traffic violations are doubled in construction or maintenance zones where workers are present.