California Driver's Handbook: Navigation and Safety Summary
Steering and Signaling
For turning at low speeds, parking, or recovering from a skid, use Hand-Over-Hand Steering with hands starting at and o’clock. One-Hand Steering is permitted only when backing up (hand at o’clock) or when operating vehicle controls. Drivers must signal at least before turning and at least five seconds before changing lanes on a freeway. Headlights must be used if it is too dark to see from , beginning after sunset, and until before sunrise. High-beam headlights should be dimmed to low beams within of an oncoming vehicle or of a vehicle being followed.
Lane Markings and Navigation
Solid yellow lines mark the center of two-way traffic, while double solid yellow lines act as a barrier that should only be crossed for designated turns or U-turns. Double solid white lines indicate a lane barrier between regular and preferential use lanes, such as Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes, and should never be crossed. The far-left lane is known as the Number 1 Lane, used for passing or turning left. Center left turn lanes are reserved for preparing turns within and are not for regular traffic. On two-lane roads, drivers must use turnout areas to let others pass if five or more vehicles are following them.
Turning and U-Turns
Right turns must be made from the right edge and can be made at a red light after a complete stop unless a "NO TURN ON RED" sign is posted. Left turns should be made by pulling close to the center divider with wheels pointed straight until the turn begins. U-turns are legal across double yellow lines and at green lights at intersections, but are prohibited in business districts (except at intersections), on one-way streets, or whenever a "NO U-TURN" sign is posted. Drivers must ensure visibility of at least in every direction before a U-turn.
Parking and Hill Rules
Parallel parking requires the vehicle to be within of the curb. When parking on a hill, wheels must be turned to prevent rolling: downhill (toward the curb), uphill (away from the curb/left), or toward the shoulder (right) if there is no curb. Curb colors dictate stopping rules: White is for passenger loading, Green is for limited time, Yellow is for freight/passengers, Red is for no stopping, and Blue is for disabled persons with a placard. Illegal parking includes blocking crosswalks, sidewalks, driveways, or being within of a fire hydrant.
Right-of-Way and Sharing the Road
At intersections without signs, the vehicle that arrives first or the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way. In a roundabout, traffic travels counter-clockwise; yield to all traffic already inside. Bicyclists have the same rights as vehicle drivers and must be given at least of clearance when being passed. Large trucks have significant blind spots known as No Zones and require more distance to stop; at , a large vehicle takes to stop. Emergency vehicles with sirens require pulling to the right and stopping, and drivers must maintain a following distance of at least .
Hazards and Emergencies
Adjust speed for road conditions: reduce speed by to on wet roads, half on packed snow, and under on ice. To handle a skid, remove your foot from the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid without using the brakes. If a vehicle stalls on a railroad track with a train approaching, exit immediately and run diagonally toward the direction the train is coming from. If a collision occurs, drivers must exchange information and report the incident to the DMV within if property damage exceeds or if anyone was injured or killed.
Law Enforcement and Driver Rights
During a law enforcement stop, signal and move to the right shoulder. Officers must state the reason for the stop before investigation unless there is an imminent threat. Drivers and passengers have rights regarding searches and identification; California law prohibits state and local officers from asking about immigration status. According to the First Amendment, recording public law enforcement interactions is protected if it does not interfere with duties. Evading law enforcement is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Safety Regulations
It is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of or higher (), or higher (under or on probation), or or higher for commercial vehicles. Refusal to complete chemical testing results in license suspension under Administrative Per Se laws. Drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage: for single death/injury, for multiple people, and for property damage. Safety rules prohibit smoking when a minor is in the car and require children under old to be in a rear-facing restraint unless they exceed or .