DMV Stuff

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (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 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 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, toward the side of the road. Minor Collision Procedure If you are involved in a minor collision at an intersection with no injuries, you should 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 If there is no crosswalk and you see a pedestrian crossing your lane, you should stop and let the pedestrian finish crossing. 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, you should 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, you must stop, then proceed when safe. Traffic signal not working Proceed cautiously as if the intersection is controlled by stop signs in all directions. Extra space in front of a large truck Needed for the truck driver to stop the vehicle. Safe to return to your lane when passing another vehicle You see the vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror. Consent to chemical test in California Whenever you drive in California. 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. 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. Looking down the road to avoid last-minute moves You should be looking 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 in business and residential districts is 25 mph. Written report to the DMV after a traffic collision 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 No faster than 65 mph. Maximum speed limit on most California highways The maximum speed limit is 65 mph. Passing another vehicle Not assume the other driver will make space for you to return to your lane. Large truck turning right May have to swing wide to complete the right turn. Stopping before crossing railroad tracks There isn't room on the other side for you 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. Extra space when following a motorcycle Allow for extra space when driving behind a motorcycle. Proof of insurance to law enforcement If you are involved in a collision or stopped for a citation. Speeding ticket at 55 mph in a 55 mph zone If the road or weather conditions require a slower speed. Basic Speed Law in California You may never drive faster than would be safe in current conditions. Opened alcoholic beverage container It is legal to drive with an alcoholic beverage container that has been opened only if the container is in the trunk. Opened alcoholic beverage container Must be kept in the trunk of the vehicle, or in another place where passengers do not sit. Left turn right-of-way You must yield to all approaching vehicles. 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 You should 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 vehicle Slow down and let the vehicle pass you before you pass the bicyclist. Checking for motorcycles when changing lanes Their small size can make them hard to see. Seat belt usage Drivers must use their seat belt, and failure to do so will result in a traffic ticket. Blocking an intersection You should not start across an intersection if you know you will block it when the light turns red. Pedestrian crossing after 'Don't Walk' signal You should wait until the pedestrian crosses the street before proceeding. Vehicle cuts in front of you Take your foot off the gas pedal. Safety zone A specially marked area for passengers to get on or off of buses or trolleys; you may not drive through it at any time for any reason. Red arrow pointing to the right on a traffic light You may not turn in that direction until the light turns green. Red Arrow Means 'stop.' You must remain stopped until a green light or green arrow appears. Orange and Red Triangular Sign Always means: Slow-moving vehicle. Yielding to Emergency Vehicles You must yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle that is using its siren and flashing lights by driving as closely to the right edge of the road as possible and stopping. School Bus Stopping You must come to a complete stop until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Bicyclists on the Road You must look for bicyclists in the same lanes used by motor vehicles because they are entitled to share the road with motor vehicles. Left Turn on Red Light You may make a left turn on a red light only from a one-way street onto a one-way street. Yielding Right-of-Way You should yield your legal right-of-way whenever it helps prevent collisions. Driving Around Railroad Crossing Gate You may never legally drive around or under a railroad crossing gate. Conviction for Excessive BAC If convicted of driving with an excessive blood alcohol concentration (BAC), you may be sentenced to serve up to six months in jail. Driving in Left Lane If the driver behind you wishes to drive faster, you should move into the right lane when it is safe. High Beams at Night You should look ahead toward the right edge of your lane if a vehicle coming toward you has its high beams on. Increasing Distance from Tailgater You should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead when you are being tailgated by another driver. Checking Rearview Mirrors You should check your rearview mirrors often to see how traffic is moving behind you. Uncontrolled intersection speed limit 15 mph. Blind intersection definition An intersection is considered 'blind' if there are no stop signs on any corner and you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing. Hydroplaning When driving in heavy rain at speeds as low as 30 mph, your tires may lose all contact with the road and instead ride up on a layer of water above the surface of the road. Emergency vehicle approach Continue through the intersection, pull to the right, and stop. Right-of-way for emergency vehicles You must yield the right-of-way to any police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren or flashing lights. Fleeing a peace officer You are guilty of a misdemeanor and can be punished by being jailed in the county jail for not more than one year. School zone speed limit 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. Child left alone in vehicle It is illegal to leave a child age six or younger alone in a vehicle. Roundabout approach When approaching a roundabout, you should always decrease your speed. Yielding in a roundabout Drivers should yield to traffic already in the roundabout. School bus red lights If you pass a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing, you will be fined up to $1,000. Placard abuse consequences Placard revocation, a fine, and/or jail time. Construction zone fines Fines in a construction zone are doubled. California's Move Over law All vehicles to vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing. Emergency vehicle requirement California drivers are required to vacate the lane directly next to an emergency vehicle with its lights on, if possible. Action after hitting an animal If you hit an animal with your vehicle while driving on a California highway, you should call the humane society. Injuring or killing an animal If you injure or kill an animal on the roadway, you should call CHP, the nearest humane society, or the police. Abandoning an animal penalty Abandoning an animal on the highway may result in jail time, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Three-second rule To prevent tailgating, drivers should follow the Three-second rule. Tailgating definition Most rear-end collisions are caused by tailgating. Action when encountering livestock If you come across livestock or other animals on the roadway, you should slow down and stop. Headlight usage Headlights must be used one half hour after sunset until one half hour before sunrise, and in any situation when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Locked wheel skid cause A locked wheel skid is most commonly caused by a driver braking too hard while traveling at a high speed. Green arrow to solid green light If a green arrow turns into a solid green light, you may still turn, but you must yield to oncoming traffic. Right turn on green light When making a right turn on a green light, you must yield to pedestrians. Children playing caution When you drive through an area where children are playing, you should expect them to run out in front of you without looking. Railroad crossing procedure If you stop at a railroad crossing with more than one track, wait to proceed until you have a clear view of all tracks. Backing up procedure While backing, you should turn your head and look through the rear window. Preventing crashes To help prevent crashes, you should communicate with other road users. Fatigue while driving Being fatigued while driving is similar in danger to driving under the influence of alcohol. Car breakdown on highway If your vehicle breaks down on the highway, you should signal before carefully exiting the roadway and turning on your hazard flashers. Passing a slower-moving vehicle Passing on a two-lane, two-way road requires good judgment because you must use the lane belonging to oncoming traffic to complete your pass. Speed management in curves The most important thing to remember about driving in curves is that your vehicle's inertia may make it difficult to turn. Stop sign intersection When stopped at an intersection, you should first look to your left, then right, then left again. Space cushion To ensure that you will have time to react to hazards on the roadway, it is best to keep a cushion of space on all sides of your vehicle. Space cushion on incline You should allow more space in front of your vehicle than usual when you are stopped on an uphill slope. Turning speed When turning, you should reduce to a speed that allows you to maintain control of your vehicle. Driving on slick roads While it is always dangerous to drive too fast on slippery roads, this is especially true when driving in turns and curves. Following distance on slippery roads On slippery roads, you should increase your following distance. Roads freezing quickly In cold or wet weather, you should take special care on sections of road that are shaded by trees or buildings. Left turn in intersection You must always signal before turning or changing lanes and keep your wheels straight while waiting to make a left turn. Alcohol's effect on driving Alcohol negatively affects many skills needed for safe driving, including your reaction time and ability to see clearly. Reducing blood alcohol concentration (BAC) The only method that effectively reduces your BAC is to not drink alcohol for a period of time. BAC Blood Alcohol Concentration, which cannot be reduced by coffee, exercise, or cold showers. 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. Transit Vehicle Signaling You must yield to any transit vehicle signaling to pull back onto the main roadway after it has stopped to load or unload passengers. Defensive Driver A good defensive driver looks out for the actions of other drivers and anticipates potential problems. Low Beams Low beam headlights should be used in fog, rain, and snow to avoid glare. Tire Blowout If you experience a tire blowout, you should slow down gradually and use your brakes lightly. First Half Hour of Rain You should be extra careful when turning and stopping during the first half hour of rain due to slippery conditions. Four-Way Intersection At a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs, the driver on the right has the right-of-way if both arrive at the same time. Emotional State Before Driving If worried, nervous, angry, or crying, a driver should take time to focus on driving before starting the engine. Aggressive Driver When encountering an aggressive driver, you should avoid eye contact, slow down, and let them pass. Distracted Driving Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior that endangers you, your passengers, and others on the road. Single Broken Yellow Line Indicates lanes are moving in opposite directions and drivers are permitted to pass when it is safe to do so. Single Broken White Line Indicates lanes are moving in the same direction and drivers are permitted to pass when it is safe to do so. Solid White Line Indicates lanes are moving in the same direction and drivers are not permitted to pass. Double solid yellow line Lanes are moving in opposite directions and drivers are not permitted to pass. Orange signs Work zone signs. Guide signs Green signs that provide directional and mileage information to drivers. Regulatory signs Usually white and should always be obeyed. Pennant-shaped signs Indicate no passing zones. Pentagonal signs Indicate school zones. Octagonal sign Always a stop sign. Diamond-shaped sign Warns of existing or possible hazards. Steady yellow traffic light Indicates that a red light is about to appear; drivers should slow to a stop unless already within the intersection. Steady red traffic light Indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop. Flashing yellow light Warns of a hazard; drivers should slow down and proceed with caution. Flashing yellow arrow Indicates that left turns are allowed after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Officer directing traffic Drivers should follow the directions given by the officer. Flagger directing traffic Drivers must follow the directions given by the flagger. Speed limit signs Indicate the maximum or minimum speed that is legally allowed to be driven. High speeds Greatly increase stopping distances and severity of crashes. Right-of-way at open intersection The driver on the right has the right-of-way. Yielding to right vehicle If you arrive to an open intersection at the same time as a vehicle to your right, you should yield the right-of-way to that vehicle. Blind spot driving If you are driving in another driver's blind spot, you should move forward or drop back so the other driver can see you. Larger vehicles and blind spots The larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spots. Entering interstate traffic A driver entering interstate traffic from an entrance or acceleration ramp should yield to drivers already on the interstate. Passing an exit on interstate If you are driving on the interstate and pass your exit, you should continue driving and use the next exit. Motorcycle lane usage Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as other motor vehicles. Skidding vehicle response If your vehicle begins to skid, you should turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Flashing red traffic light When approaching a flashing red traffic light, drivers should treat the light like a stop sign. Steady green traffic light When approaching a steady green traffic light, drivers should continue driving, unless there are vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. Steady yellow arrow traffic signal When approaching a traffic signal displaying a steady yellow arrow, drivers should slow to a stop, if it is safe to do so. Steady green arrow traffic signal When approaching a traffic signal displaying a steady green arrow, drivers may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to traffic and pedestrians already in the intersection. Crossing guard directions If a crossing guard is directing traffic in a school zone, you must follow the directions given by the crossing guard. End school zone sign An 'End school zone' sign indicates the end of a reduced speed zone. Downward-facing triangular signs Downward-facing triangular signs tell drivers to yield. Round signs Round signs indicate upcoming railroad crossings. Crossbuck signs Crossbuck signs indicate railroad crossings. Four-way stop right-of-way At a four-way stop, the driver to arrive first has the right-of-way. Clearing vehicle windows Remove all snow, frost, and ice from all windows. Passing parked vehicles When passing a row of parked vehicles, you should be prepared for a person or vehicle to unexpectedly enter your lane.