DMV Stuff

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit

It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a BAC that is 0.08% or higher.

Basic Speed Law

California's 'Basic Speed Law' states that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

Driving Under the Influence of Medication

It is illegal to drive under the influence of any medication which impairs your driving.

Driving in a Bike Lane

You may drive a motor vehicle in a bike lane no more than 200 feet before making a right turn.

Cell Phone Use While Driving

If your cell phone rings while driving and you do not have a hands-free device, let the call go to voicemail.

Solid Yellow Line Next to Broken Yellow Line

A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means that vehicles next to the broken line may pass.

Parking Uphill on a Two-Way Road

When parking uphill on a two-way road and there is no curb, you should turn your front wheels right.

Minor Collision Procedure

If involved in a minor collision at an intersection with no injuries, move your vehicle out of the traffic lane.

Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors

Smoking inside a vehicle with a person younger than 18 years of age is illegal at all times.

Yielding to Pedestrians without Crosswalks

If there is no crosswalk and you see a pedestrian crossing your lane, you should stop for them.

Following Distance Behind Large Trucks

You should drive farther behind a large truck than you would if following a passenger vehicle.

Yielding to Pedestrians with White Cane or Guide Dog

You must yield to a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog at all times.

Checking Blind Spots

To see vehicles in your blind spots, check over your shoulders.

Merging Traffic on Freeway

You should make room for merging traffic, if possible.

Traffic Signal Light Not Working

If a traffic signal light is not working, you must stop, then proceed when safe.

Speed limit near a railroad crossing with no warning devices

15 mph.

Parking parallel to the curb on a level street

Your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.

Merging onto the freeway

You should be driving at or near the speed of traffic on the freeway.

Signaling before you turn

You should signal at least 100 feet before you turn.

Written report to the DMV after a traffic collision

Required if there is property damage in excess of $1,000 or any injuries.

Parking next to a red painted curb

No stopping, standing, or parking is permitted next to a red painted curb.

Two sets of solid double yellow lines

May not be crossed for any reason.

Legal speed when traffic is at 70 mph

No faster than 65 mph.

Maximum speed limit on most California highways

The maximum speed limit is 65 mph.

Large truck turning right

May have to swing wide to complete the right turn.

Using your horn

It may help prevent a collision.

Stopping before crossing railroad tracks

There isn't room on the other side for you to completely cross the tracks.

Alcohol's effect on driving

Alcohol negatively affects many skills needed for safe driving.

Yielding Right-of-Way

You should yield your legal right-of-way whenever it helps prevent collisions.

Yield Sign

A sign that requires you to slow down and yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or roadway you are entering.

Defensive Driver

A good defensive driver looks out for the actions of other drivers and anticipates potential problems.

Flashers on vehicles

Use your hazard flashers if you break down on the roadway.

Emotional State Before Driving

If worried or angry, focus on driving before starting the engine.

Distracted Driving

Extremely risky behavior that endangers you and others on the road.

Skidding vehicle response

If your vehicle begins to skid, turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go.

School Bus Stopping

You must come to a complete stop until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.

Parking Uphill Without a Curb

Turn your front wheels right, toward the side of the road.

Three-second rule

To prevent tailgating, drivers should follow the Three-second rule.

Checking Rearview Mirrors

You should check your rearview mirrors often to see how traffic is moving behind you.

Right-of-way at open intersection

The driver on the right has the right-of-way.

High Beams at Night

Look toward the right edge of your lane if a vehicle coming toward you has high beams on.

High speeds

Greatly increase stopping distances and severity of crashes.

Traffic signal not working

Proceed cautiously as if the intersection is controlled by stop signs.

School zone speed limit

25 mph, unless otherwise posted.

Single Broken Yellow Line

Indicates lanes are moving in opposite directions, allowing passing when safe.

Four-way stop right-of-way

At a four-way stop, the driver to arrive first has the right-of-way.

Fatigue while driving

Being fatigued while driving is similar in danger to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Passing parked vehicles

Be prepared for a person or vehicle to unexpectedly enter your lane.

Basic Speed Law

States that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

Driving Under the Influence of Medication

It is illegal to drive under the influence of any medication which impairs your driving.

Driving in a Bike Lane

You may drive a motor vehicle in a bike lane no more than 200 feet before making a right turn.

Cell Phone Use While Driving

If your cell phone rings while you are driving and you do not have a hands-free device, you should let the call go to voicemail.

Solid Yellow Line Next to Broken Yellow Line

Vehicles next to the broken line may pass.

Parking Uphill on a Two-Way Road

When parking uphill on a two-way road and there is no curb, turn your front wheels right, toward the side of the road.

Minor Collision Procedure

If involved in a minor collision at an intersection with no injuries, move your vehicle out of the traffic lane if possible.

Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors

Smoking inside a vehicle with a person younger than 18 years of age is illegal at all times.

Yielding to Pedestrians without Crosswalks

Stop and let the pedestrian finish crossing if there is no crosswalk.

Following Distance Behind Large Trucks

Drive farther behind a large truck than you would if following a passenger vehicle.

Yielding to Pedestrians with White Cane or Guide Dog

You must yield to a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog at all times.

Checking Blind Spots

To see vehicles in your blind spots, check over your shoulders.

Merging Traffic on Freeway

You should make room for the merging traffic if possible.

Traffic Signal Light Not Working

If a traffic signal light is not working, stop and proceed when safe.

Extra Space in Front of a Large Truck

Extra space is needed for the truck driver to stop the vehicle.

Safe to Return to Your Lane When Passing Another Vehicle

You should see the vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror.

Consent to Chemical Test in California

Whenever you drive in California, you consent to a chemical test.

Driving at Night on a Dimly Lit Street

Drive slowly enough that you can stop within the area illuminated by your headlights.

Driving Off of the Paved Roadway to Pass Another Vehicle

Under no circumstances should you drive off the paved roadway to pass another vehicle.

Speed Limit Near a Railroad Crossing with No Warning Devices

The speed limit is 15 mph.

Parking Parallel to the Curb on a Level Street

Your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.

Merging onto the Freeway

You should be driving at or near the speed of traffic on the freeway.

Looking Down the Road to Avoid Last-Minute Moves

Look down the road to where your vehicle will be in about 10 to 15 seconds.

Signaling Before You Turn

You should signal at least 100 feet before you turn.

Speed Limit in a Residential Area

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 25 mph.

Written Report to the DMV After a Traffic Collision

Required if there is property damage in excess of $1,000 or if there are any injuries.

Parking Next to a Red Painted Curb

No stopping, standing, or parking is permitted next to a red painted curb.

Two Sets of Solid Double Yellow Lines

May not be crossed for any reason.

Barrier Created by Double Yellow Lines

Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier.

Legal Speed When Traffic is at 70 mph

You may not exceed 65 mph.

Maximum Speed Limit on Most California Highways

The maximum speed limit is 65 mph.

Passing Another Vehicle

Do not assume the other driver will make space for you to return to your lane.

Large Truck Turning Right

Large trucks may have to swing wide to complete the right turn.

Stopping Before Crossing Railroad Tracks

Stop if there isn't room on the other side to completely cross the tracks.

Using Your Horn

It may help prevent a collision.

Driving Slower Than the Flow of Traffic

You will most likely interfere with traffic and receive a ticket.

Changing Lanes on a Freeway

Signal for at least five seconds before changing lanes.

Extra Space When Following a Motorcycle

Allow for extra space when driving behind a motorcycle.

Proof of Insurance to Law Enforcement

Required if you are involved in a collision or stopped for a citation.

Speeding Ticket at 55 mph in a 55 mph Zone

You may receive a ticket if road or weather conditions require a slower speed.

Open Alcoholic Beverage Container

Legal to drive with an opened container only if it's in the trunk.

Left Turn Right-of-Way

You must yield to all approaching vehicles when making a left turn.

Yielding When Making a Left Turn

You must yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vehicles moving on their green light.

Vehicle with Hazard Lights On

Slow down and pass very carefully.

Checking Mirrors Before Changing Lanes

You should glance over your shoulder.

Parking Downhill on a Two-Way Road Without a Curb

Turn your front wheels right, toward the side of the road.

Passing a Bicyclist with Oncoming Vehicles

Slow down and let the oncoming vehicle pass before overtaking the bicyclist.

Checking for Motorcycles When Changing Lanes

Motorcycles' small size can make them hard to see.

Seat Belt Usage

Drivers must use their seat belt; failing to do so results in a traffic ticket.

Blocking an Intersection

Do not start across an intersection if you know you will block it when the light turns red.

Pedestrian Crossing After 'Don't Walk' Signal

Wait until the pedestrian crosses the street before proceeding.

Vehicle Cuts in Front of You

Take your foot off the gas pedal.