All the California Traffic Laws You Should Know
California has its own set of unique state and local ordinances that apply to Golden State drivers.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
Table of Contents
- California general traffic laws
- California speeding laws
- California car accident laws
- California DUI laws
- California distracted driving laws
- California seat-belt laws
Load full table of contents
Every state requires the same basic behavior from drivers—stopping at red lights, obeying speed limit signs, and wearing seatbelts. However, California has its own set of unique state and local ordinances that apply to anyone operating a vehicle in the Golden State.
Luckily, you don’t have to dig through the California Driver’s Handbook all by yourself. Read on as we go over general traffic laws, speeding, car accidents, DUIs, distracted driving, seatbelt use, and more—as they apply specifically to drivers in the state of California!
California general traffic laws
California drivers must follow the laws and rules of the road that are outlined in the
California Driver’s Handbook
. Unfortunately, reading through this handbook can take you a long time—after all, it’s pretty dense! To help you interpret the most important and relevant rules, we’ve created this abbreviated guide. Driver’s license laws
California residents who drive on public highways must have a valid California driver’s license. If you’re visiting from another state and over the age of 18, you may also drive in Cali, so long as your license from your home state is valid. Keep in mind that driving without a license could result in steep fines.
Under
California Vehicle Code 12500
, driving without a license is a “wobbler” offense. This means that you can be charged with either a misdemeanor or an infraction. If you have prior convictions for driving violations, punishments may be more severe. Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
Infraction |
|
Misdemeanor |
|
Misdemeanor with a prior |
|
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds
4.717k Ratings5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Insurance laws
On top of carrying a valid driver’s license, every California driver must also maintain a valid
car insurance
policy. The minimum liability insurance that each driver must invest in is as follows:- $30,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
Driving without insurance is an infraction and is punishable by a fine between $100 and $200, plus any other state assessments and fees. However, if the driver is ticketed a subsequent time for driving without insurance within 3 years of the first infraction, then the fine will be between $200 and $500.
Additionally, if the court feels it’s necessary, it can order the driver’s vehicle impounded. The driver will be required to pay all towing and storage fees. In order to get your vehicle out of court-ordered impound, you’ll need to present proof of insurance that meets California minimums.
MORE: Penalties for driving without insurance in California
Right of way
California outlines specific rules for drivers yielding the right of way in particular circumstances.
Here are the right-of-way laws as they apply to pedestrians:
- You may not pass a vehicle that is waiting at a crosswalk.
- You may not drive on the sidewalk except to cross it, and when you do cross, you must yield to pedestrians.
- You must stop within 5 feet of a crosswalk to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
- You must always yield to blind persons who extend their cane as a signal that they wish to enter the crosswalk. If they pull the cane back, this is a signal that they want you to proceed.
- Pedestrians have the right of way whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked.
- Pedestrians are required to obey traffic rules the same as motorists, but even if they are in the wrong, you must yield the right of way.
Here are the right-of-way laws as they apply to intersections:
- At any intersection, whether marked or unmarked, you must slow down and be ready to stop.
- Right of way is yielded to the vehicle or bicycle that arrives first.
- At unmarked intersections, yield to traffic on the through road.
- When left, yield right of way to any vehicle near enough to present a danger.
- At a four-way stop, yield to the vehicle that is there first, and then to the vehicles on the right.
Here are the right-of-way laws as they apply to roundabouts:
- Any vehicle entering or exiting must yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
- Once in the roundabout, do not stop and yield to drivers trying to enter. You may think you are being courteous, but you run the risk of causing an accident.
Here are the right-of-way laws as they apply to mountain roads:
- If you meet on a steep grade where neither vehicle is able to pass, the downhill-facing vehicle must back up and yield right of way to the uphill-facing vehicle.
MORE: How do I know who has the right of way?
Passing and turning
California’s traffic laws on improper passing and overtaking vehicles are found in Vehicle Code Sections 21750-21759.
In short, these codes assert that:
- Motorists must pass on the left.
- Drivers may pass to the left of center only when there is sufficient clearance.
- Drivers may not pass on the left when approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed.
- Driver’s may not pass on the left when the view is obstructed within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel, or within 100 feet of traversing any railroad-grade crossing or intersection.
- Motorists that are getting passed must yield to the passing vehicle.
- Drivers may pass on the right if and only if the other vehicle is making a left turn, it is a one-way street or roadway, the road is striped for two or more lanes, or it is a divided highway with traffic moving in the same direction on each side.
When it comes to turning, there are a few important things to know:
- Vehicle Code 22100 requires drivers turning right to do so as close as possible to the right-hand curb, or the right edge of the road.
- Per the same code, drivers turning left must do so as close as possible to the left-hand curb or left edge of the road.
A driver that makes an improper turn must pay a fine of $238 and will receive one point on their license.
MORE: California reckless driving
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Parking laws
Believe it or not, California doesn’t just assert certain rules for driving—they also have a long list of rules for parking!
Since the Golden State is particularly mountainous, let’s first go over the rules for parking on a hill:
- On a sloping driveway, turn the wheels so the vehicle will not roll into the street if the brakes fail.
- Headed downhill, turn your front wheels into the curb or toward the side of the road. Set the parking brake.
- Headed uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll back a few inches. The wheel should gently touch the curb. Set the parking brake.
- Headed either uphill or downhill when there is no curb, turn the wheels so the vehicle will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail.
There are also special rules for parking at colored curbs:
- White—Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail.
- Green—Park for a limited time. Look for a posted sign next to the green zone for time limits, or locate the time limit painted on the curb.
- Yellow—Stop no longer than the time posted to load or unload passengers or freight. Drivers of noncommercial vehicles are usually required to stay with the vehicle.
- Red—No stopping, standing, or parking (except buses may stop at a red zone marked for buses).
- Blue—Parking is permitted only for a disabled person or driver of a disabled person who displays a placard or special license plate for disabled persons or disabled veterans. A crosshatched (diagonal lines) area adjacent to a designated disabled parking space is a no parking area.
The following rules outline locations and circumstances where you should never park your vehicle:
- Where a “No Parking” sign is posted
- On a marked or unmarked crosswalk, sidewalk, partially blocking a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway
- Within 3 feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons or in front of or on a curb that provides wheelchair access to a sidewalk
- In a disabled person parking space unless you are disabled and display a placard or disabled person license plates
- In the space next to a disabled person parking space if it is painted in a crosshatched (diagonal) pattern
- In a space designated for parking or fueling zero-emission vehicles that display an identifying decal unless you are driving a zero-emission vehicle that you will charge in the space
- In a tunnel or on a bridge, except where permitted by signs
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or a fire station driveway
- On or within 7½ feet of a railroad track
- Between a safety zone and the curb
- Double parked, meaning parking in the street when all legal parking places at the curb are taken
- On the wrong side of the street
- At a red curb
- On a freeway, except in an emergency when a peace officer or device requires a stop or where a stop is specifically permitted
MORE: Everything you need to know about California towing laws
California speeding laws
California's basic speeding law prohibits driving at a speed "greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."
In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, on a certain road, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it's dark and the road is wet, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law.
Speed limits
Absolute speed limits, also known as maximum speed limits, refer to speed limits that are clearly posted. If you exceed said speed limit for any reason, you are guilty of breaking the law. Generally, they are set at:
- 70 miles per hour on freeways posted for that speed
- 65 miles per hour on freeways and other highways (not posted for 70 miles per hour)
- 55 miles per hour on two-lane, undivided highways (unless posted for a higher speed)
Presumed speed limits (sometimes called "prima facie" limits) allow you the opportunity to prove in court that your speed was safe. Thus, if you exceed the speed limit, you won’t necessarily be found guilty.
Generally, these speed limits are set at:
- 15 miles per hour at railroad crossings, in alleys, and on highway intersections without 100 feet of visibility of approaching vehicles
- 25 miles per hour in business and residential districts and school zones
MORE: California license plate frames
Move over laws
This one is pretty simple to remember. California’s “Move Over” law requires all drivers to move over a lane—or if they are unable to do that safely, slow down—when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, and tow trucks.
Violations of the move over law are punishable by an infraction and a fine of up to $50.
California car accident laws
In addition to mandating that you hold an adequate car insurance policy,
California has a few more car accident laws
.State law requires motorists involved in an accident to stop at the scene, check if anyone has been injured, offer aid to anyone who was injured, and exchange information with the other driver(s).
Drivers must also file a written report regarding the crash to the California Highway Patrol or to the police department where the accident occurred if it resulted in injury or death within 24 hours of the accident. If police respond to the scene of the accident, they will file the report themselves.
You must also report the accident to the DMV within 10 days if it involved the death or injury of a person or property damage in excess of $750.
Accident reports must include the following information:
- The names and addresses of the drivers and anyone who was injured in the accident
- Time, date, and location of the accident
- Birth date, driver's license information, and other information about the motorists
- Insurance information
- Explanation of property damage and injuries
While accidents happen, pulling over is essential. Leaving the scene of an accident might be considered a hit and run. As a misdemeanor, a hit and run carries a possible sentence of up to six months in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Penalties can also include 3 years of probation, restitution for property damage, as well as two points on a California driving record.
MORE: Driving in California: tips, tricks, and laws
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds (Title in payload)
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversCalifornia DUI laws
Driving while intoxicated (DWI), or
driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (DUI)
, is incredibly dangerous and appropriately considered a serious offense in California—as it is in any state. Let’s take a closer look at the definition of “intoxication,” as well as the possible penalties. It is illegal for any person to operate a vehicle with a:
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher if the person is 21 years old or older
- BAC of 0.01% or higher if the person is under 21 years old
- BAC of 0.01% or higher at any age if the person is on DUI probation
- BAC of 0.04% or higher in any vehicle requiring a CDL—with or without a CDL issued to the driver
- BAC of 0.04% or higher when a passenger for hire is in the vehicle at the time of the offense
Punishments for DUIs are serious. Here’s what they can include:
Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
1st offense misdemeanor DUI |
|
2nd offense misdemeanor DUI |
|
3rd offense misdemeanor DUI |
|
DUI with injury (misdemeanor) |
|
1st offense DUI with injury (felony) |
|
As you can see from the chart above, California DUIs are “priorable” offenses. This means that the consequences of a DUI conviction get more serious with each successive drunk driving conviction that takes place within a 10-year period.
MORE:
California DUI laws
California distracted driving laws
California distracted driving laws focus almost exclusively on cell phone usage.
Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous but also illegal. In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speakerphone or voice commands.
Keep in mind that any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone in any way, for any reason.
Cell phone tickets are infractions in California. A first offense results in a $20 base fine, and for a second or subsequent offense, the base fine is $50. Additionally, the DMV will add one point to your license for cell phone violations that occur within 36 months of a prior conviction.
California's distracted driving law has several exceptions. The law doesn't apply to:
- Any driver who uses a hand to turn on or off a mounted GPS, so long as only one tap or swipe is required to do so
- Use of a wireless device in hands-free, voice-operated mode
- Any driver who uses a manufacturer-installed system that's embedded in the vehicle
Emergency service personnel are also exempt from the law's restrictions while operating an authorized emergency vehicle.
Aside from cell phones, California enforces a general distracted driving law that prevents drivers from acting in any manner that shows disregard for the safety of others or could potentially cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle.
MORE: How much a distracted driving ticket costs you in the long run
California seat-belt laws
California seat-belt laws are incredibly straightforward.
The law requires all occupants of a moving motor vehicle 8 years of age and older to wear a safety belt. Children under 8 years of age must be restrained in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of a vehicle. Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs more than 40 pounds or is more than 40 inches tall.
A seat-belt ticket in California starts with a fine of $20 for the first offense and a fine of $50 for every subsequent offense.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Can you speed while passing in California?
Although some officers may use their discretion to allow for faster speeds while passing, the California Vehicle Code does not allow for any variance in the speed limit. If you are passing at 56 mph in a 55 mph zone, you may very well be stopped and cited.
Is California strict on DUI?
California has pretty strict DUI laws. Punishments can include jail time, fines, ignition interlock devices, and license suspensions—plus mandatory DUI school.
How long does a DUI stay on your insurance record in California?
DUIs remain on your record for 10 years in California.
Is it illegal to eat and drive in California?
While no law explicitly labels eating behind the wheel as a criminal offense, California has adopted a general distracted driving law that prevents drivers from acting in any manner that shows disregard for the safety of others or could potentially cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Is it illegal to drive with no shirt on in California?
No, you can't get a ticket for driving without a shirt in California—that is unless your shirtless driving falls under laws governing lewd or obscene acts.
