California DMV Driving Rules and Road Signs

Vocabulary and regulatory flashcards based on the California DMV transcript, covering road signs, fines, BAC limits, insurance requirements, and defensive driving techniques.

Stop Sign

An octagon shape with a red background and white letters that requires drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding.

Yield Sign

An upside-down triangle shape with a red background and white letters indicating drivers must slow down or stop if necessary to let other vehicles or pedestrians pass first.

Flashing Yellow Light

A signal indicating that drivers should proceed with caution and be prepared to stop.

Flashing Red Light

Indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop and may only proceed when it is safe to do so.

School Zone Sign

A pentagon-shaped sign with a fluorescent yellow-green background and black letters requiring drivers to exercise caution and yield to pedestrians.

Green Arrow

A signal to proceed in the direction of the arrow, indicating a protected turn where all other traffic has red signals.

Regulatory Signs

Mandatory rectangular signs (such as speed limits) with white, black, or red backgrounds that must be obeyed by drivers.

Warning Signs

Diamond-shaped signs with a black symbol or message on a yellow background, such as sharp turn or slippery road signs.

Informational Signs

Rectangular signs with green, blue, or brown backgrounds providing guidance for freeways, exits, rest areas, or parks.

Traffic Light Failure Rule

If a traffic light is not working, drivers must stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions.

Solid White Line

A road marking indicating that a driver should not change lanes.

Broken White Line

A road marking indicating that a driver may change lanes if it is safe to do so.

Double Yellow Lines

Two solid yellow lines indicating that passing is not allowed in either direction.

School Bus Violation Fine

Failing to stop for flashing red lights on a bus until children cross can result in a $1,000$ fine and a $1\text{-year}$ driving suspension.

Adult License Suspension Point Totals

License suspension may occur if a driver reaches $4\text{ points}$ in $12\text{ months}$, $6\text{ points}$ in $24\text{ months}$, or $8\text{ points}$ in $36\text{ months}$.

SR 1 Form

A document used to report a collision to the DMV for any accident involving injuries, deaths, or damage exceeding $1,000$.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

California law requires $15,000$ per person, $30,000$ per accident for multiple people, and $5,000$ for property damage.

Vehicle Ownership Transfer Deadline

New owners must transfer vehicle ownership within $10\text{ days}$ of purchase.

Vehicle Sale Notification

A seller must notify the DMV within $5\text{ days}$ of selling a vehicle.

Out-of-State Registration

A vehicle must be registered within $20\text{ days}$ of a driver becoming a California resident or obtaining a job in the state.

BAC Limit (Over 21)

It is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of $0.08\text{\%}$ or higher.

BAC Limit (Under 21)

It is illegal for those under $21$ to drive with a BAC of $0.01\text{\%}$ or higher.

Administrative Per Se Law

A law resulting in a $90\text{-day}$ license suspension if a driver is arrested for DUI.

Synergism

The intensified effect resulting from the combination of different drugs, which can be higher than suggested by individual dosage levels.

Downhill Parking

A maneuver where front wheels are turned towards the curb to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic.

Uphill Parking

A maneuver where front wheels are turned away from the curb so the wheels gently touch the curb if the parking brake fails.

Jaywalking

The act of pedestrians crossing a roadway other than at a designated crossing point or in disregard of traffic rules.

Unattended Child Law

It is illegal to leave a child $6\text{ years}$ old or younger unattended in a vehicle unless supervised by a person at least $12\text{ years}$ old.

Basic Speed Law

A California law requiring drivers to drive at a safe speed for current road conditions regardless of the posted limit.

Velocitation

The condition of unconsciously driving too fast on a roadway.

Highway Hypnosis

A state of drowsiness or lack of awareness that drivers must avoid while driving long distances.

SIPDE

A defensive driving acronym standing for SEARCH, IDENTIFY, PREDICT, DECIDE, AND EXECUTE.

Speed Reduction for Ice

On icy roads, drivers are advised to reduce their speed to $5\text{ mph}$ or less.

Visibility Limit for Speed

If a driver cannot see farther than $100\text{ feet}$, it is not safe to drive faster than $30\text{ mph}$.