California Traffic Law FAQ

You can legally cross double yellow lines in most states to make left turns into driveways, parking lots, or side streets. You cannot cross them to pass other vehicles. Some states also allow crossing when directed by law enforcement or for emergency vehicles. Always check your specific state laws as exceptions may vary. Example: You're driving on a two-lane road with double yellow lines. You need to turn left into your driveway or a restaurant parking lot. This is legal - you can cross the double yellow lines to complete the turn. However, if there's a slow-moving tractor ahead and you're tempted to cross the double yellow lines to pass it, that would be illegal and could result in a citation.

California HOV (carpool) lanes require 2+ occupants during posted hours (typically weekday rush hours 6-10 AM and 3-7 PM). Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal holders may use HOV lanes solo until program expiration. White dashed lines indicate entry/exit zones; double white lines prohibit crossing. Motorcycles and buses can always use HOV lanes. Violations result in $490+ fines. Some HOV lanes operate 24/7.

School zone speed limits typically apply when children are present or during posted hours (usually 30 minutes before and after school sessions). Many states use flashing lights or electronic signs to indicate active school zones. Speed limits often drop to 15-25 mph in these areas, with doubled fines for violations.

About 19 states require helmets for all motorcycle riders, while others have age or experience requirements. New York requires helmets for all riders. California requires helmets for all riders. Texas requires helmets only for riders under 21 or those without proper insurance/training. Always check specific state requirements.

Most HOV lanes require 2 or more occupants (HOV 2+), while some require 3 or more (HOV 3+) during peak hours. Motorcycles are typically allowed regardless of occupancy. Some clean air vehicles with special decals may also qualify. Check signs for specific requirements and operating hours.

Yes, California is the only state where motorcycle lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is explicitly legal. The CHP recommends lane splitting only when traffic is moving at 30 mph or less, and motorcyclists should not exceed traffic speed by more than 10 mph. Lane splitting is safest between the #1 and #2 lanes (far left lanes). It's illegal to lane split near freeway on-ramps and off-ramps.

California prohibits all handheld cell phone use while driving. Drivers must use hands-free devices with single-touch or voice activation. Drivers under 18 cannot use any wireless device, even hands-free. Holding or operating a phone while driving results in $20-$50 base fine (total with fees: $150-$250+). Second offense within 36 months adds 1 DMV point. Using phone in hand for GPS/maps is also illegal.

Most states require you to be able to see at least 500 feet ahead to drive safely. Use low-beam headlights in fog (never high beams, which reflect back). If visibility drops below 500 feet, reduce speed significantly or pull off the road safely. Many states require headlights whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

Requirements vary by state and conditions. Some mountain states require chains or winter tires during certain periods or weather conditions. California requires chains or winter tires on mountain passes when chain controls are active. Many northern states recommend but don't require winter tires. Check R2 (chains required) and R3 (chains required for all vehicles) restrictions.

RVs over 26,001 pounds may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) in some states. Many states restrict RVs from the left lane on multi-lane highways. RV drivers must observe lower speed limits on some roads, typically 10 mph less than cars. Some tunnels and bridges have height, weight, or length restrictions. Always check your RV's dimensions before route planning.

Most states don't require a special license for trailers under 10,000 pounds. Trailers must have working lights, reflectors, and safety chains. Some states require separate registration and license plates. Trailers over certain widths (typically 8 feet) may require additional mirrors. Maximum combined length is usually 65 feet. Always check your vehicle's towing capacity.

Many states restrict trucks over 10,000 pounds from left lanes on highways with 3+ lanes to improve traffic flow and safety. These restrictions typically apply during daytime hours. Trucks may use restricted lanes when passing, exiting, or in heavy traffic. Violations result in fines of $100-$500. Signs indicate "No Trucks Left Lane" or similar.

Federal regulations require annual inspections for commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Some states require more frequent inspections or additional state-level inspections. Pre-trip inspections are required before every commercial trip. Random roadside inspections can occur at weigh stations or inspection sites. Inspection reports must be carried in the vehicle.

Permits are required for vehicles exceeding state maximums: typically over 8.5 feet wide, 13.5-14 feet tall, 53-65 feet long, or over 80,000 pounds. Some states require permits for loads extending beyond vehicle dimensions. Permits specify allowed routes and travel times (often daytime only). Pilot cars may be required for extra-wide or long loads. Apply through state DOT.

Most states have Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs with three stages: learner's permit, intermediate license, and full license. Restrictions typically include nighttime driving curfews (often 11 PM-5 AM), passenger limitations (usually no non-family passengers under 20), and zero tolerance for alcohol. These restrictions generally last until age 18. Violations can delay progression to full license.

Teen driver curfews vary by state but commonly restrict driving between 11 PM-5 AM or midnight-6 AM during the intermediate license phase. Exceptions usually include driving to/from work, school activities, or with a licensed adult 21+. California restricts drivers under 18 from driving between 11 PM-5 AM. New York restricts junior license holders from 9 PM-5 AM. Check your state's specific GDL laws. Real scenarios: Sarah, 17, has a provisional license in California. Her movie ends at 10:45 PM. She needs to be home by 11 PM or have a parent pick her up - violating curfew could result in a $35 fine and 1-year license extension. Exception example: Jake, 16, works at a restaurant until midnight. He can drive home legally if he has a signed work permit letter from his employer. Important: Being "almost home" at 11:01 PM is still a violation - many teen drivers have received citations just minutes after curfew begins.

Most states limit teen drivers to one or zero non-family passengers under age 20 during the first 6-12 months of licensed driving. California prohibits passengers under 20 (except family) for the first year. Texas limits to one passenger under 21 (except family) for the first year. Violations can result in license suspension and extension of GDL restrictions.

Requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require in-person renewal (no online/mail) after age 70 or 75. Several states require vision tests at every renewal after a certain age. Illinois requires road tests for drivers 75+. California requires in-person renewal starting at age 70. Some states mandate more frequent renewals (every 2-5 years instead of 8-10) for older drivers.

Minimum age is typically 15-16 years. Must pass a written knowledge test on traffic laws and signs. Requires parental consent if under 18. Must hold permit for a minimum period (6-12 months) before applying for a license. During permit phase, must complete supervised driving hours (typically 40-60 hours, including night driving). Must always drive with licensed adult 21+ in the vehicle.

Most states double or triple fines for speeding in active construction zones when workers are present. Fines can range from $250-$1,000 for first offense. Many states also double the points assessed. Some states impose mandatory court appearances for construction zone violations. Speed limits are often reduced to 45 mph or less. "Workers present" means actual workers are on or near the roadway. Case example: In California, a driver was cited for going 72 mph in a 55 mph construction zone (17 mph over). Normally, this would result in a $238 fine. However, because workers were present laying asphalt, the fine was doubled to $476, plus an additional $500 work zone penalty, totaling $976. The driver also received 2 points on their license. Important: Empty construction zones without workers don't typically trigger doubled fines, though reduced speed limits still apply.

You must stop when a school bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop sign arm, regardless of direction, unless on a divided highway with a physical barrier or median. Remain stopped until lights stop flashing and arm retracts. Passing a stopped school bus can result in fines of $250-$1,000, points, and possible license suspension. Some states use bus cameras to catch violators. Scenario breakdown: On a two-lane residential street, a school bus stops ahead with flashing red lights. You MUST stop, whether you're behind the bus or approaching from the opposite direction. On a four-lane highway with a painted center line (no physical barrier), you must also stop both directions. However, on a divided highway with a concrete median barrier, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop - opposite direction traffic may proceed with caution. A Texas driver learned this the hard way: passing a stopped school bus resulted in a $1,000 fine, 2 points, and mandatory court appearance.

Unpaid tolls result in violations sent to the registered vehicle owner. Initial toll plus administrative fees (typically $25-$100 per violation) are charged. Continued non-payment leads to increased penalties, DMV registration holds, and potential collection actions. Many states use automated license plate readers. Some states add points to your license. Multiple violations can result in misdemeanor charges.

Emergency shoulders are only for genuine emergencies: mechanical breakdowns, medical emergencies, or when directed by law enforcement. Driving on shoulders to bypass traffic is illegal with fines of $100-$500 and points. Some areas allow shoulder driving during specific hours with posted signs ("Shoulder OK During Congestion"). Emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and maintenance vehicles are permitted. Pull completely off the roadway when stopped.

"Wipers on, headlights on" laws require headlights whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use due to weather conditions. This applies in rain, sleet, snow, or fog. The law improves visibility for other drivers. Violations typically result in fines of $50-$200. Some states (California, New York, New Jersey) strictly enforce this rule. Intermittent wiper use may not trigger the requirement in some states.

All states require front-seat occupants to wear seat belts. Most states require all occupants (front and rear seats) to buckle up. Primary enforcement states allow officers to stop vehicles solely for seat belt violations. Secondary enforcement requires another violation first. Fines typically range from $25-$200. New Hampshire is the only state without an adult seat belt law (though required for under 18).

Requirements vary by state but generally follow AAP guidelines: rear-facing until age 2 or outgrown seat limits, forward-facing with harness until age 4-7, booster seat until age 8-12 or 4'9" tall, then seat belt. Most states require car seats until age 8 or specific height/weight. Violations result in fines of $50-$500 and may require attending safety classes. Proper installation is critical.