This California driving law overview condenses frequently tested rules, plain-English explanations, and direct citations to the California Vehicle Code (CVC) and Caltrans guidance. It is written for quick decision-making at the wheel—what you must do, what you must never do, and why signs, signals, and special road markings control the right-of-way. It is not legal advice; always follow posted signs and official directions from officers or flaggers.
Painted "double-double" yellow functions like a median barrier—cross only at marked openings or when directed.
California double yellow lines & "painted median" rules
CVC 21460: no-passing zones & double-solid yellow
Double-solid yellow centerlines separate opposite directions of travel and establish a no-passing zone. In California, crossing a standard double yellow to pass is prohibited. Keep to the right of the lines unless you are turning left at an intersection, driveway, or permitted opening and it is safe. Solid + broken combinations mean the side with the broken line may pass when safe; the solid-line side may not.
When crossing is legal for obstruction avoidance
California recognizes a narrow necessity exception when a one-time, temporary hazard blocks your lane—a fallen branch, stalled car, or road debris. You may drive left of center only far enough to clear the obstruction when no immediate oncoming traffic is present, then return to your lane promptly. Treat it as an emergency maneuver, not a passing privilege.
"Only as far as necessary" and immediate return
The key is proportionality: a short, predictable path around the obstacle, low speed, and immediate return to the right of the lines. Lingering in the oncoming lane or using the exception to pass traffic can convert a lawful avoidance into a ticket.
Sample ticket wording and officer notes (California)
Typical notes reference "crossed double yellow—no opening," "unsafe left of center," or "improper passing." When you truly avoided an obstruction, officers often look for short distance traveled left of center, safe speed, and clear intent to return.
"Double-double" yellow as a painted median barrier
Two sets of double-solid yellow lines—the "double-double"—are a painted median. Treat it like a physical barrier. Do not cross it, stand in it, or drive on it. Only cross where a legal opening is marked or when a flagger or officer directs you.
Recognizing legal openings vs unbroken segments
A legal opening is typically framed by tapered markings or a break in the painted median, sometimes with a left-turn pocket. If the double-double continues unbroken, there is no opening even if a driveway exists across the street.
Left turns across a painted median: posted signs control
If an opening exists, you may turn left across the median when safe unless a sign prohibits the movement ("No Left Turn," "No U-Turn"). In busy corridors cities often restrict certain lefts during peak hours—obey the time plaque.
Common mistakes: U-turns across double-double yellow
U-turns through an unbroken painted median are a common error. Absent a marked opening, the maneuver is illegal—even if traffic seems clear.
Do not cross the double-double yellow except at a clearly marked opening or when directed by a flagger.
Center left-turn lanes vs two sets of double yellow
A center left-turn lane (single center lane with inner dashed lines) is not a painted median. It is used to enter/leave the roadway and to wait for gaps. Do not use it to pass or to travel long distances.
Lane selection and yielding to oncoming traffic
Enter the center left-turn lane fully and straighten the vehicle before turning. Always yield to opposing traffic and watch for cyclists.
Marking differences under Caltrans MUTCD 2025
Caltrans diagrams emphasize line patterns, arrow symbols, and channelization that distinguish painted medians from center turn lanes. Expect more consistent markings in 2025 updates.
Unless a sign prohibits it, you may turn right on red after a full stop behind the limit line or crosswalk. Yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles with the right-of-way. Rolling stops and blocking crosswalks are frequent citation sources.
Reading "NO TURN ON RED" and time-based plaques
Signs may ban the turn at all times or only during peak hours. Treat a time plaque as a strict schedule. If an arrow signal controls the right turn, follow the arrow indications.
LPIs give pedestrians a head start with a "WALK" before cars get a green. During the LPI, even permissive turns must yield.
Red-light camera enforcement pitfalls
Stopping behind the limit line matters. Camera photos often show vehicles over the line or blocking the crosswalk during red. Make a complete stop first, then creep forward if necessary to see.
Time-based "NO TURN ON RED" signs apply only during posted hours—read plaques carefully.
Left on red from one-way to one-way (California rule)
California permits a left on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping—unless prohibited by a sign. Lane choice and yielding are critical.
Complete stop, lane position, and sign exceptions
Stop at the limit line, choose the leftmost lane that lawfully serves the turn, and scan for "No Left on Red" plaques that override the default permission.
City-level bans & downtown restrictions
Some cities restrict turns on red at specific corridors for safety. Always follow local signage.
Verify with municipal code or posted signage
When in doubt, do not turn on red. Wait for a green signal or left-arrow phase.
California U-turn rules (CVC 22102–22103)
Business districts and residential areas
U-turns are generally prohibited in business districts except at intersections or when permitted by signs. Residential areas allow U-turns when safe and not otherwise restricted.
U-turn prohibited near curves, hills, limited visibility
Do not make a U-turn where you cannot see 200 feet in both directions due to a curve, hill, or obstruction.
School zones & signed restrictions
Expect targeted "No U-Turn" signs near schools during pickup and drop-off windows.
Example safe gap selection & signaling checklist
Signal at least 100 feet before the U-turn.
Yield to through traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Complete the turn into the proper lane without crossing a painted median.
School bus stop laws in California
CVC 22454: stop for flashing red and stop arm
When a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, traffic in both directions on undivided roadways must stop. Do not proceed until the lights stop flashing and the arm retracts.
Both-ways stopping on undivided roadways
On two-lane undivided roads, both directions stop. On multilane undivided streets, all lanes in both directions stop unless a physical median divides the road.
Divided highways with raised/painted median exceptions
Where a physical median or raised divider exists, opposite-direction traffic typically does not stop. Painted medians operating as double-double yellow are treated like barriers; the bus's side must stop.
Penalty ranges & insurance surcharge notes
Penalties vary by county and prior history; expect significant fines and possible point assessments. Insurers treat school-bus violations seriously due to elevated crash risk for children.
Undivided roads: stop from both directions. Divided highways with a physical median: the opposing side typically proceeds.
Pedestrian crosswalks, bike lanes & three-feet law
CVC 21950: pedestrian right-of-way
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Do not stop on the crosswalk or launch turns that cut off a person stepping off the curb on a "WALK."
Marked vs unmarked crosswalks at intersections
Unmarked crosswalks exist on most legs of an intersection unless signage or roadway design removes them. Treat them with the same care as painted crossings.
Bike lanes: merge within 200 feet before right turn
California law requires drivers to merge into the bike lane no more than ~200 feet before a right turn where the lane is dashed, then signal and yield to cyclists. Do not drive in a bike lane except to turn, enter/leave the roadway, or park where permitted.
CVC 21717 lane change and signal timing
Signal early, check mirrors, and yield to any cyclist approaching from behind before merging.
Give at least three feet when passing a cyclist; slow and change lanes if needed. On narrow roads, wait for a safe gap instead of squeezing by.
California speed limits & basic speed law
CVC 22350 basic speed law
The basic speed law requires speeds safe for current conditions—rain, fog, heavy traffic, glare, or work zone setups. You can be cited below the posted limit if conditions warrant.
Residential/school zones prima facie limits
Expect 25 mph (or lower where posted) in residential areas and around schools when children are present.
Work zones and temporary speed reductions
Temporary traffic control signs govern; flagger directions overrule signs and markings. Slow down and prepare to stop.
Pacing with traffic is not a legal defense
Flow speed does not immunize you from a citation. Your duty is to choose a safe speed for the conditions, even when others go faster.
