DL 600, California Driver' Handbook

Signaling When to Signal:

  • At least 100 feet before turning.

  • Before lane changes.

  • Five seconds before changing lanes on a freeway.

  • Before pulling next to or away from the curb.

  • Even if no vehicles are in sight.

  • While approaching an intersection if planning to turn shortly after crossing.

  • Reminder: Turn off your signal when no longer needed.

Using Your Horn Purpose of the Horn:

  • Alert other drivers of your presence.

  • Warn of hazards.

Situations to Use Horn:

  • To avoid collisions.

  • On narrow mountain roads where visibility is limited.

  • When approaching pedestrians or cyclists in your vicinity.

Using Your Headlights Importance:

  • Helps in visibility and making your vehicle noticeable to others.

When to Use Headlights:

  • When visibility is limited to 1,000 feet.

  • 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

  • In adverse weather conditions (fog, rain, snow).

  • When using windshield wipers due to rain or fog.

Legal Requirement:

  • Dim high-beams to low-beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles or 300 feet when following another vehicle. Also, switch to low beams in a tunnel or during inclement weather.

Emergency Flashers When to Use:

  • If you see a collision or hazard ahead.

  • When you need to signal a traffic stop due to vehicle trouble or when parked on the roadside.

Methods for Alerting Other Drivers:

  • Turning on emergency flashers.

  • Tapping brake pedal lightly three to four times.

  • Using hand signals when slowing or stopping (such as extending your arm downwards to signal a stop).

Stopping Due to Vehicle Trouble:

  • Use emergency flashers.

  • Pull off the roadway if possible.

Traffic Lanes and Markings Traffic Lane:

  • Defined as a section of road for a single line of traffic.

Lane Markings:

  • Help manage roadway usage and rules.

Types of Lane Markings:

  • Single Solid Yellow Line: No passing allowed.

  • Double Solid Yellow Lines: No passing unless turning left or instructed by signs.

  • Broken Yellow Line: Passing is allowed if the line is next to your lane.

  • Single Solid White Line: Marks lanes in the same direction, but do not change lanes unless necessary.

  • Double Solid White Lines: A barrier between lane types, no changing lanes is allowed here.

Lane Selection and Changes Choosing a Lane:

  • Use the left lane for passing or left turns.

  • Use the right lane for entering or exiting traffic.

Changing Lanes:

  • Signal, check mirrors, ensure the lane is clear, and check blind spots before moving, particularly near large vehicles that might obscure visibility.

Types of Lanes:

  • HOV Lanes: Reserved for carpools, buses, and some vehicles with decals. Must meet specific requirements to use, including the number of passengers.

  • Center Left Turn Lane: Used exclusively for left turns, marked with inner broken and outer solid lines, allowing for safer turning movements.

  • Turnout Areas: Allow vehicles to let others pass when driving slowly on mountainous or winding roads.

  • Bicycle Lanes: Designated lanes only for bicycles, marked by lines and signs, enabling safer travel for cyclists.

Making Turns Right Turn:

  • Signal, check for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, and enter designated turn lane. Yield to pedestrians before turning.

Left Turn:

  • Signal, ensure it is safe, and yield to vehicles and pedestrians. Check for any traffic signals that may influence the turn.

U-turns:

  • Legal under specific conditions, but prohibited in others, including areas with "No U-turn" signs and intersections without clear visibility.

Merging and Exiting Merging onto a Highway:

  • Enter properly, match speed with the flow of traffic, and find safe gaps to merge. Do not use solid lines when merging as it may endanger yourself and others.

Exiting:

  • Prepare for exit well in advance and use proper signaling. Always check for vehicles in the rear before slowing down.

Handling Emergencies If You Experience a Tire Blowout:

  • Hold the steering wheel firmly, maintain speed until it's safe to pull over, and gradually slow down without abrupt changes.

Driving Off the Pavement:

  • Steer gently back onto the road without sudden movements to avoid losing control. If losing control, keep the vehicle straight and decelerate before steering back onto the road.

Definitions and Important Terms

  • Blind Spots: Areas around the vehicle that are not visible in mirrors, making it crucial to check over your shoulder.

  • Right-of-Way: Rules that determine who has the priority in traffic situations, such as yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.

  • BAC Limits: Legal blood alcohol concentration levels that determine DUI offenses, usually set at 0.08% for drivers over 21 years old.