California "Rules of the Road"

Section

Topic

Explanation

21050

Riding an Animal

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21050, if you ride an animal on a highway, you have all the rights and are subject to all of the duties as may apply to the driver of a vehicle ... except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.

21058

A physician responding to an emergency

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21058, if a physician's car displays an insignia indicating that the vehicle is owned by a licensed physician and is driving to an emergency call, the driver is exempt from basic speed law.

21100.3

Obedience to person controlling traffic

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21100.3, a driver must obey the directions of an authorized traffic control officer.

21200

Rights and duties of bicycle riders

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21200, if you ride a bicycle on a highway you have all the rights and are subject to all of the duties as may apply to the driver of a vehicle, including riding under the influence ... except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.

21202

Operating bicycle on roadway

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21202, when moving at a speed less than normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction, bicycle rider must ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except to pass or preparing to turn left or to avoid unsafe conditions.

21208

Bicycle lanes

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21208, when established by a local authority, bicycles must use the bicycle lane and cannot leave that lane unless it is safe to do so.

21221

Motorized scooters

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21221, driver of motorize scooters have the same rights and are subject to the same duties as that of a driver of a vehicle.

21224

Motorized scooters exempt from some vehicle provisions

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21224, the rider of a motorized scooter is exempt from financial responsibility laws, registration, and vehicle licensing requirements -- not a motor vehicle for that purpose.

21228

Motorized scooters rules of the road

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21228, like a bicycle -- must use bicycle lane if one exists, otherwise must stay to right-hand curb or edge of the road except where unsafe.

21235

Motorized scooters operation restrictions

You cannot use on a street with speed limit in excess of 25 mph unless there is a bike lane; cannot ride on sidewalk; cannot carry passengers.

21251

Application of provisions applicable to motor vehicles; exemptions for low-speed vehicles

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21251, if you operate a low-speed vehicle you have all the rights and are subject to all of the duties as may apply to the driver of a vehicle, including driving under the influence ... except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.

21254

Low-speed vehicles modified to exceed 25 mph

Must meet passenger vehicle federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards instead of relaxed standards.

21260

Maximum Speed; crossing of intersections for low-speed vehicles

Cannot be operated on any roadway with a speed limit over 35 mph, unless crossing to and from a highway with a speed limit below 35 mph.

21266

Local laws about low-speed vehicles

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21266, be aware of and obey all local laws and restrictions for low-speed vehicles.

21281.5

Speeding; safe operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21281, you must give right of way to all pedestrians when riding on any sidewalk, road or path, and operate at a safe speed for the conditions.

21451

Green lights

Drivers facing a green light may enter an intersection to perform legally permitted turns or proceed straight through. Green arrows allow protected turns, including U turns when not specifically prohibited. Pedestrians facing a green light may begin to cross an intersection unless a pedestrian control signal shows otherwise.

21452

Yellow lights

Warns drivers that the red light will appear soon, prohibiting drivers from entering an intersection. Pedestrians do not have sufficient time to cross an intersection if they start crossing on a yellow light.

21453

Steady red lights and arrows

Drivers facing a solid red signal or arrow must stop before entering crosswalks or intersections. Right turns are permitted on solid red signals (NOT arrows) after stopping, if no sign prohibits it, and if no hazards are present.

21456

Walk, wait, or don't walk

No pedestrian shall start to cross a road way when facing the Don't Walk, Wait, or upraised hand sign.

21457

Illuminated flashing red or yellow lights used in traffic signal or with traffic sign

Flashing red light is to be treated as a stop sign. Drivers facing a flashing yellow light may proceed through an intersection exercising greater caution.

21460

Double Lines

Cross double parallel lines only if turning left into a private road or driveway, making a legal U-turn, or crossing a broken line to overtake another car.

21464

Interference with traffic devices

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21464, no person shall deface or alter an official traffic sign or device. Mobile infrared transmitters and other devices that could alter traffic signals are illegal to own, install, or sell.

21650.1

Bicycles; direction on roadways

Always ride in the same direction as traffic.

21654

Slow moving vehicles

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21654, you should stay as close as possible to the right side of the road when traveling in the same direction as traffic but at slower speeds.

21655

Lanes for high occupancy vehicles (car pool lanes)

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21655, do not enter the car pool lane, not even to pass a vehicle, if your car is not transporting the minimum number of passengers required by law. Do not cross double yellow lines to enter the car pool lane.

21656

Turning out of slow moving vehicles

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21656, on a two lane road, where passing on the left is unsafe, a vehicle with five other vehicles behind it in a line must turn out at a designated turnout and let them all pass.

21658

Laned roadways

Drive completely in one lane when there are multiple lanes in the same direction, switching lanes only when it is safe to do so. Obey signs that reserve lanes for specific purposes.

21660

Approaching vehicles

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21660, pass each other on the right, and give each other at least half of the road whenever possible.

21661

Narrow roadways

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21661, the person driving downhill gives the right of way to the ascending car, and will turn off the road to make room for safe passing if necessary.

21662

Mountain driving

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21662, stay in control of your vehicle at all times. Drive as far to the right on the road as possible. Use your horn to warn other drivers you are approaching within 200 feet of a curve on a narrow road with an obstructed view.

21663

Driving on sidewalk

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21663, do not drive on sidewalks unless unless it is expressly allowed or when entering or exiting adjacent property.

21700

Obstruction to driving

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21700, do not drive if your vehicle is so loaded that it interferes with your vision and control of the vehicle.

21701

Interference with driver or mechanism

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21701, do not interfere with the driver of a vehicle or the mechanism thereof in a way that affects the driver's control.

21702

Limitation on driving hours

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21702, no person may drive a bus or other vehicle for transporting people for compensation more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period unless they have had 8 consecutive hours of rest. No commercial driver may drive 12 consecutive hours or 12 hours spread over 15 hours.

21703

Following too closely

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21703, leave a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you considering the speeds, road conditions, traffic, and general regard for safety.

21706

Following emergency vehicle

Do not follow within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle.

21710

Coasting prohibited

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21710, traveling downhill in neutral is illegal.

21712

Unlawful riding and towing

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21712, no passenger may sit in any part of a vehicle that is not intended for passengers, nor shall anybody tow a motorcycle, trailer or coach containing a passenger.

21714

Motorcyclists or motorized bicyclists; operation of vehicle; prohibited area

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21714, it is illegal to ride on, or immediately adjacent to, markers designating lanes or between two or more vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes.

21716

Golf carts, operation

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21716, golf carts are only to be operated where the speed limit is 25 mph or less.

21718

Parking or leaving a vehicle on a freeway

Only do this if to avoid injury, told to do so by an officer, when engaging in maintenance, or where specifically permitted.

21750

Overtake and pass to left

If it is safe to overtake a vehicle or bicycle in front of you traveling in the same direction, do so on the left and allow them enough space to operate normally.

21751

Passing without sufficient clearance

Pass only when you can clearly see it is safe to do so. This includes instances on 2 lane roads.

21752

When driving on left prohibited

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21752, no driving is allowed on the left side of the roadway when approaching a curve or crest where the other driver's view is obstructed, or within 100 feet of a bridge tunnel, railroad grade, or intersection.

21753

Yielding when passing

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21753, do not speed up when being passed -- slow and allow safe passing.

21756

Passing standing streetcar, trolley coach, or bus

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21756, you must stop behind a vehicle discharging passengers, unless there is a specially designed safety zone.

21759

Caution in passing animals

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21759, you should slow down and obey any signals by any person in charge of the animals to ensure safe passing.

21800

Intersections without functioning traffic control signs, or with all-directional stop signs

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21800, when entering an intersection at the same time, yield right of way to the driver on your right. In case of a broken traffic control device, stop at an intersection and proceed when safe to do so.

21801

Left or U turn right of way

Unless you have a protective green arrow, always yield right of way to oncoming traffic.

21803

Yield right-of-way

Yield when a sign says to do so, when merging onto a road, or when a vehicle is crossing ahead of you.

21805

Equestrian crossings

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21805, horseback riders may cross roads at officially designated crossing points, but should always use caution. Vehicles must yield to horses crossing.

21950

Right of way at crosswalks

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21950, pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks. Drivers should exercise the right of care when pedestrians are crossing roads illegally.

21952

Right-of-way on sidewalk

Always give the right-of-way to pedestrians if you are driving over or upon a sidewalk for any reason.

21954

Pedestrians outside crosswalks

Yield right-of-way to all vehicles. However, vehicles must exercise due care for the safety of pedestrians.

21957

Hitchhiking

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21957, standing in a road to solicit a ride is illegal.

22100

Turning

According to Motor Vehicle Code 22100, only make U turns at intersections that allow it. No U turns near fire station driveways, on streets with obstructed views, in residence districts when another vehicle is approaching.

22112

Stopping behind school bus

Stop behind and do not pass a school bus that is loading/unloading children and has flashing red lights and a stop sign.

22350

Basic Speed Law

According to Motor Vehicle Code 22350, always drive at a speed that is appropriate for the given road and weather conditions. Remember it is illegal to exceed the stated speed limit.

22352

Speed Limits

15 mph: obstructed view railway crossing and intersections, in alleys; 25 mph: residential zones, school zones, near senior facilities, near park playgrounds.

22400

Minimum speed law

Do not drive so slowly that you interfere or impede normal traffic, thus becoming a safety hazard.

22406

Maximum speed limit for certain vehicles

The following may not be driven at speeds over 55 mph: vehicle with 3 or more axles, vehicle towing another vehicle, school bus transporting any pupil, farm labor vehicle, vehicle transporting explosives, trailer bus.

22451

Train signals

Stop no less than 15 from rails and proceed when safe. Never pass through, around, or under the protective gates.

23103

Reckless Driving

Driving on a highway or in a parking lot showing wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

23109

Speed contests and exhibitions of speed

Racing, assisting in a race, or clocking high speeds is punishable with jail time and fines.

23110

Throwing substance at vehicles

Do not throw anything at cars. Doing so will be treated as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the damage.

23111

Throwing substances on highways or adjoining areas

Throwing anything, including cigarettes lit or unlit, garbage, etc. is illegal.

23116

Pickup of flatbed trucks; transportation in back; section application

Do not transport unrestrained passengers in the back of a truck unless you are on a farm, in an emergency, or in a law enforcement supervised parade.

23117

Transportation of animals; enclosure or restraint requirements

Do not transport animals in the back of a vehicle unless the space for it is enclosed, has side and tail racks 46 inches high, has means to prevent the animal from escaping, being thrown, or falling out of the vehicle. This does not apply to transporting cattle or traveling with dogs for farming reasons.

23123

Driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone

Not allowed unless the phone is specifically designed and configured to be used hands-free. Making emergency phone calls to police or medical personnel is allowed.

23124

Minor using wireless telephone while driving

Drivers under 18 cannot drive while using a wireless phone -- not even hands free.

23123.5

Driving a motor vehicle while writing, sending or reading text-based communication

Do not read, write, or send text based communication while driving.

23127

Trails and paths

Do not operate a motor vehicle on a bike path, hiking trail, or horse trail where signs prohibit it, unless you have written permission from the owner of the trail. Bike paths that are adjacent and contiguous to a roadway are an exception.

23128

Snowmobiles

Do not hunt or harass animals while on a snowmobile. Do not operate a snowmobile on a highway or in a way that is dangerous to somebody or their property.

23136

Blood alcohol concentration of .01 or greater for someone under 21

A person under 21 cannot drive with a BAC of .01 or greater.

23152

Driving under influence; blood alcohol percentage, presumptions

Do not drive under the influence of foreign substances. No person is allowed to drive if they are addicted to a drug, unless they are in rehab. Operating a vehicle with BAC of .08 or greater results in a DUI. Commercial vehicles cannot be operated with a BAC of .04 or greater.

23220

Drinking while driving of any vehicle

No drinking alcoholic beverages while driving or as a passenger in a vehicle on a highway.

23222

Possession of open container containing alcoholic beverage or marijuana while driving

Open containers in the car are illegal, as is a container with marijuana of more than one avoirdupois ounce.

23223

Possession of opened container in a motor vehicle

Drivers or passengers may not have open containers in a motor vehicle on a highway.

23224

Possession of alcoholic beverage in vehicle; persons under 21

Drivers or passengers under 21 years old cannot possess alcoholic beverages in their car, unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult relative designated by the parents.