Some of California’s regulations on safe and appropriate automobile operation are more well-known than others.
There may be some rules you are unaware of, regardless of how long you have been driving or how recently you obtained your license.
There’s no shame in a refresher, so here are five California laws you may or may not already be familiar with. It will be appreciated by other drivers on the road.
Could I show off my high beams?
According to Vehicle Code 24409, you are not allowed to flash your high lights when you are 500 feet or less from a vehicle or within 300 feet of it.
According to California Highway Patrol Officer Tom Olsen, using high beams to alert other vehicles that their headlights are off is prohibited.
According to California Highway Patrol Officer Tom Olsen, using high beams to alert other vehicles that their headlights are off is prohibited.
He remarked, “We understand people’s intentions: Warning people to change lanes, turn on lights, etc.” But “any flashing within that amount of time is illegal,” he clarified. When you can’t see 1,000 feet away, you should use high beams, the California Department of Motor Vehicles advises. During bad conditions or when other cars are around, low beams should be used.
If it won’t turn, may I run a red light?
In other words, if a red light is taking too long to turn green, you cannot run it. Under California Vehicle Code 21453, you run the danger of receiving a citation from the police if you do.
In an email, Sacramento Police Department Officer Cody Tapley stated, “The only exception to running a red light is when instructed by a law enforcement officer or authorized traffic director.”
You can try rolling back over the sensor if a traffic signal isn’t working. If that doesn’t work, report the light and, if you can, turn right legally.
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Are you able to hold a dog in your lap?
It’s challenging. Although driving with an animal on your lap is not officially covered by state law, California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Ricardo Ortiz stated that it “may be a hazard.”
According to California Vehicle Code 22350, one must drive clearly and at a reasonable speed. “It could be stated that driving a car while holding an animal in your lap is actually not safe at all,” he stated. “finally arguing that the driver of that car violated the fundamental speed law.” You might get cited if you are caught.
What constitutes driving while distracted?
Consuming food. putting on makeup. Using your hands to operate your phone. rubbernecking. Driving while holding your dog. All of these situations fall under the category of distracted driving.
If you are caught, you can receive a ticket. Distracted driving, as defined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, is the general phrase for taking your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes or thoughts off the road.
California Highway Patrol says the minimum penalty for first-time offenders is $162. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, other forms of distractions may result in a ticket for reckless driving or a speeding infraction.
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If the light is red, is it possible to turn left onto a one-way?
On a one-way street, the traffic signal—rather than the color of the light—determines whether you can turn left at a red light.
If a driver is on one one-way street and going onto another one-way street, they are permitted to turn left at a red light as long as it is a circular red light and not an arrow.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles advises against turning on a red arrow or when a “no turn on red” sign is shown.
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