The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) offers roadside services during their hours of operation, that include the following:

• One gallon of gas

• Jump start your vehicle

• Change a flat tire

• Refill the radiator and tape leaking hoses

• Report collisions to CHP

If FSP can’t start your vehicle, they will tow it, free of charge, to  an approved CHP location but  not to your residence.

The FSP will not tow motorcycles.

If your vehicle becomes disabled on a railroad track crossing while the lights are flashing and the train is approaching, you should leave the vehicle immediately because you may only have 20 seconds to escape. Run in a 45 degree angle away from the tracks and in the direction that the train is coming from. Once out of danger dial 911 for help.

If your vehicle breaks down on a railroad track crossing when the warning lights are not flashing and you don’t see a train approaching, you should leave your vehicle and call the Emergency Notification System (ENS). Their number is located on the metal control box or on the railroad crossing posts. You should inform them that your vehicle is on the tracks and give your location (the crossing number and the name of the road that intersects the track). Then call 911.

To drive safely you need to be able to judge distances, have good peripheral vision, see clearly during the night and not be troubled by the glare of headlights.

The DMV recommends checking your eyes every year or two.

Deaf people can drive safely by relying more on their sense of sight to compensate for the loss of hearing.

Drowsy driving is a very common problem that is usually caused by not sleeping enough hours but can also be caused by alcohol, drugs and medication use.

Drowsy driving slows your reaction time if you have to steer out of the way or brake suddenly. It also affects your judgment and ability to make good decisions while driving.

Rolling down your car window does not prevent drowsiness.

Signs that identify drowsy drivers include:

• Yawning or rubbing the eyes

• Falling asleep for a split second

• Blurry vision

• Inconsistent speed

• Changing lanes unpredictably

• Crossing the center line

• Erratic braking

• Missing a turn or an exit

• Slow to react

If you take medications and drive, it is your responsibility to know if they affect your driving ability.

Your personality may negatively affect your driving abilities so don’t let your emotions interfere with your driving.

Medical doctors must report, to the local health department, any medical condition that causes a lapse of consciousness or a noticeable reduction of alertness to external stimuli. Examples of such conditions include dementia, epilepsy and a brain tumor.

A fractured rib does not cause a lapse of consciousness.

Although NOT required by law, your physician may report to the DMV any other medical condition that he or she believes may affect your driving ability.

Drivers 70 years and older must renew their driver license in person and to take both a vision and a written test. The vision test can be done by an outside optometrist or ophthalmologist within 6 months before the license expiration date.

The DMV accepts requests from family members and others to conduct unsafe driver investigations for senior drivers over 70 years and older.

Drivers 70 years or older are NOT REQUIRED to perform a vision test every year. The DMV RECOMMENDS that drivers of ALL AGE GROUPS perform a vision test every year or two.

The Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision that it is unconstitutional for a state to make it a separate crime to refuse a blood test after a DUI arrest.

In 2019, California removed the criminal implications for refusing to submit to a blood test after being arrested for driving while intoxicated. In California you can refuse to submit to a blood, breath or urine test, but there are additional penalties if you do so. For example, longer driver license suspensions and revocations.

Many medications cause side effects that impair your driving ability. These side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and poor coordination.

The following are common medications that may impair your driving ability:

Cold medicines (Mucinex for example), Allergy and hay fever medication (Benadryl) and anti-anxiety medications to calm the nerves (Xanax, Valium).

Antibiotics usually do not impair your driving ability.

Make sure you read the label and know the effects of any medication you use.

California law is very strict about carrying alcoholic drinks (liquor, beer, wine,…) inside a vehicle.

It is especially against the law to carry open alcoholic drinks in the glove compartment.

If you are under 21 years old, you CAN NOT CARRY ANY alcoholic container, whether sealed, full or open, inside a vehicle UNLESS you are accompanied by a parent or other person as stated by the law and the container is sealed, full and unopened.

The law against carrying alcohol in a vehicle does not apply to non driving passengers, over 21 years old, in a bus, taxi, camper or motor home.

For all age groups, it is illegal to carry an open container of cannabis or any cannabis product when operating a motor vehicle.

If you are under 21 years old and are caught with an alcoholic drink in your vehicle, the vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days, the court may fine you up to $1000 and either suspend your driving privilege for 1 year or if you are not already licensed, delay the issuance of your first driver license by up to 1 year.

If you are working for someone with an off-site liquor license, you are allowed to carry alcoholic drinks in closed containers while working.

If you are under 21 years old and are convicted of either driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% (or higher) or of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol, your driving privilege will be revoked for 1 year. On the first offense you will also be required to complete a licensed DUI counceling and educational program.

If you are 21 years or older it is illegal to drive a vehicle when your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher.

For drivers of vehicles requiring a commercial drivers license (CDL), the blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.04%.

The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol involve a fine, jail time, delay, suspension or revocation of your drivers license and completion of an education and counceling DUI program.

Prior convictions for DUIs, even those while operating other vessels (for example jet skies, aquaplane, water skies) increase the severity of the penalties.

Green driving, also known as Smart Driving is a way of driving that is environmentally friendly. It lowers vehicle emissions and conserves fuel.

To prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning you should open the windows when starting the engine.

Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include dull headache, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath during mild effort.

Late signs include vomiting, blurred vision, loss of consciousness and death.

During an enforcement stop you first need to turn on your right turn signal. This step is important because it lets the officer know that you are not avoiding his request to stop.

The second step is to move to the right shoulder of the road, even if you are in a carpool lane. Pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible and come to a complete stop.

The third step is to turn off the radio and end any phone conversation in order to be able to give full attention to the officer.

The fourth step is to remain in your vehicle unless directed to leave it by the officer.

The fifth step is to place your hands in clear view (for example on the steering wheel or on your lap), your passengers should also place their hands in clear view. This step is important as it reduces the officer’s feelings of being threatened.

If you start to skid on a slippery road, you should take your foot off the gas pedal, take your foot off the braks and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If you can not control the car, try to find a dry pavement, snow bank or bushes to help stop the car.

To prevent skidding on slippery roads you should increase the following distance in order to prevent sudden quick stops if the car in front of you suddenly braks.

If your brakes get wet and don’t work well, you should lightly press the brake and gas pedal at the same time in order to dry them.

If your wheels accidentally drive off the pavement onto the shoulder of the road you should grasp the steering wheel firmly, ease your foot off the gas pedal and brake gradually while moving onto the shoulder. After checking for traffic slowly steer back onto the road.

When your wheels first drive off the pavement you MUST NOT turn the steering wheel sharply back because it may cause you to drive into oncoming traffic.

An acceleration skid occurs when you step hard on the gas pedal, this causes the wheels to lose traction on the road and begin to slide.

To maintain control during an acceleration skid you should ease off the gas pedal, don’t brake and straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten itself.

A locked wheel skid is caused by braking hard at a high speed causing all the wheels to lock. A locked wheel skid causes the vehicle to slide out of control. Turning the steering wheel while the wheels are locked does not affect the skid.

To maintain control of your car in a locked wheel skid, you should take your foot off the brakes to unlock the wheels, then straighten the front wheels to allow the car to straighten out.

In cars without anti-lock brakes that enter a locked wheel skid, press on the brakes gradually until you reach a safe speed to continue driving. If the brake pedal sinks to the floor, you should pump it and shift to a lower gear or neutral to slow the car down, then try using the parking brakes to stop the car.

If the car’s gas pedal gets stuck in the acceleration position, you should do the following:

Shift to neutral, apply the brakes, keep your eyes on the road and look for a route away from traffic, warn other drivers by turning on the emergency lights and by honking. Try to drive safely off the road, stop the car and turn off the ignition.

Don’t turn the ignition off while the car is moving because it may lock the steering wheel and you will lose control of the car.

Driver distractions are the most common cause of collisions followed by driving on the wrong side of the road, improper turns, violating the right of way rules, stop signs and light signals.

If you are involved in a collision that does not result in injury or death you should do the following:

Stop your car, move your vehicle out of traffic and exchange information with the other persons involved (names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver’s license, registration and insurance). If the damage is greater than $1000 you must make a written report to the DMV within 10 days of the collision.

if you hit a parked vehicle or other property, leave a note with your name, phone number and address attached to the vehicle or property and report the incident to the city police or CHP (in unincorporated areas).

If you injure or kill an animal, don’t try to move it. Call the nearest humane society, police or CHP. Do not leave an injured animal to die.

If you are involved in a collision with injury or death you should take the following steps:

• Stop your vehicle. If you don’t stop you may be convicted of a “hit and run” with severe punishment.

• Call 911

• Show your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, current address and phone to a peace officer and persons involved.

• Make a written report to the police withing 24 hours of the collision and to the DMV within 10 days of the collision.

If you don’t report a collision that results in injury, death or damage above $1000, within 10 days, your driving privilege will be suspended for up to 4 years. During the last 3 years, your driver’s license may be returned if you provide proof of insurance during the 3 year period.

Safety steps if your car breaks down on a freeway include:

• Pulling over to the right shoulder.

• Turning on the emergency lights.

• Exiting and entering the vehicle from the right side, away from traffic.

• Waiting for assistance inside your vehicle with the seat belts on, or outside if there’s a safe area far from traffic.

Vehicles transporting dangerous loads are marked with diamond shaped placards. Some of the placards have code numbers to let CHP and firefighters know what to do if the load is accidentally spilled.

These vehicles are required to stop before passing railroad tracks.

Poorly maintained vehicles may break down on the road and cause traffic congestion.

Aggressive drivers often tailgate, drive slowly in the fast lane, “cut off” other vehicles and gesture to other drivers.

New California traffic law (effective January 1, 2019) requires the driver of a vehicle, on a public street or highway, that is approaching or overtaking a stopped waste service vehicle, to pass at a safe distance without interfering with the operation of the waste service vehicle and with due regard to safety and traffic conditions.

In heavy rain at high speed the tires lose contact with the road and your vehicle will be riding on water ( hydroplaning). A slight change of direction or a gust of wind may cause skidding and loss of control over the vehicle.

If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, you should NOT apply the brakes but allow the vehicle to slow down gradually.

When it just starts to rain, after a long dry spell, roads are the most slippery because the oil and dust have not yet washed away.

Roads in the shade freeze first and dry out last, therefore they are more slippery than roads in the sun.

On a hot day, the heat causes the oil in the asphalt pavement to rise to the surface and when it starts to rain, the wet surface becomes very slippery because the oil floats on the water.

Do NOT use cruise control in high wind areas because it does not allow you to reduce your speed rapidly should a sudden gust of wing occur.

When driving in fog you should use the LOW-BEAM headlights, not the high-beam headlights.

You must turn on your headlights if visibility is less than 1000 feet.

You must turn on your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

When approaching a hill or a curve and the view beyond it is blocked, you should slow down to a speed that will allow you to stop for any hazard.

A traffic break is created by Highway Patrol cars with their emergency back lights on. Traffic breaks are used to slow or stop traffic in order to remove hazards from the road, prevent collisions in very heavy traffic or fog and to conduct emergency operations.

You are not allowed to pass a patrol car that is conducting a Traffic Break as long as the emergency lights are on and as long as it is driving in a zigzag manner.

You should never stop in an intersection.

You must NOT drive a slow moving vehicle on a roadway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph.

The slow moving vehicle warning sign should be attached to the back of the vehicle.   

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles and Low Speed Vehicles are common near golf courses and retirement  communities. You should be alert and watch out for these slow moving vehicles when you see signs or lanes marked “NEV USE ONLY” or “NEV ROUTE”.

NEVs and LSVs can reach a maximum speed of 25 mph.

Never try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane you are sharing.

To be able to ride a motorized scooter in California you need to be at least 16 years old and have a learner’s permit or driver’s license.

The new 2019 California law for motorized scooters states that:

• You can ride a scooter without a helmet if you are at least 18 years old. Minors must wear a helmet.

•  You can ride on streets where the speed limit is 25 mph or less, but you are not allowed to go faster that 15 mph.

• You can ride on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph only if the local authority (city, township, county) allows it, but you can not go faster than 15 mph.

• You are allowed to ride in bike paths regardless of the street’s speed limit. On class II bike paths (Bike lanes marked with white lines) and class IV bike paths (bike lanes protected by a physical barrier or a raised pathway), and you are not allowed to go faster than 15 mph.

Only bicyclists under 18 years old must wear a helmet.

The rear reflector or light, must be visible from a distance of 500 feet not 20 feet.

On a one way street with two or more lanes, bicyclists may ride either near the right edge or the left edge of the street.

When passing a bicycle you must allow at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist.

Never honk your horn at a blind person. She or he does not know who you are honking at and may be startled.

To help blind pedestrians, try to stop within 5 feet of the crosswalk so that they will be able to hear your engine.

Rear end collisions are the most common cause of death and injury in road work zones. The collisions are mostly due to driver distraction, sudden slowing down or stopping and drivers changing lanes suddenly. Most of the injured and dead in road work zones are drivers and passengers.

A road work zone is considered a “Safety Enhanced Double Fine Zone”. For example, if anyone is convicted of assaulting a highway worker, he may face fines up to $2000 and imprisonment for up to 1 year.

When driving in a work zone, you must be alert, avoid distractions and you must obey the special signs and the instructions of workers (the flagger).

In these zones the fines for traffic violations (for example speeding) are double the amount.

You are never allowed to pass the speed limit.

The “No Zone” is the blind spots of a truck driver. When you are in this zone the truck driver can not see you and it could lead to a dangerous situation. Try to stay out of this area.

Because of the tractor trailer’s large size, it appears to be moving at a slower speed than it actually is.

Pedestrian safety zones are marked by dotted white lines or by raised buttons.

Approaching light rail vehicles such as streetcars can cause a green traffic light to turn red. Therefore do not proceed to cross the tracks until the signal light indicates you may.

You should NEVER turn in front of an approaching light rail vehicle.

It is against the law to follow within 300 feet an emergency vehicle ( police car, fire engine, ambulance) that has it’s lights flashing or sirens on.

You should also turn on your headlights when needed to get other drivers attention and whenever weather conditions cause drivers’ windows to be foggy or frosty.

Usually you should not turn the emergency lights when moving, unless there is a sudden danger such as a collision or obstacle on the road and you need to slow down or stop.

Rules for emergency stopping

1. Pull off the road away from traffic, if possible.

2. Turn on the hazard warning lights when you stop moving.

3. Lift the hood (if it is safe to do so) to signal an emergency.

4. Place a triangle or emergency flares 200-300 feet behind your vehicle

5. Wait in your vehicle until help arrives (stay off the road for example don’t change a tire if you are in danger of being hit).

Any time you merge with other traffic, you need a gap of at least 4 seconds,
which gives both you and the other vehicle only a 2 second following
distance. When it is safe, go back to following the “3-second rule”

When turning left, do not start the turn just because an approaching vehicle
has its right turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn just beyond
you, or the signal may have been left on from an earlier turn. This is
particularly true of motorcycles. Their signal lights often do not turn off
automatically. Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn before
you continue.

Never pass on the left if the driver is signaling a left turn.

This area is known as an access aisle, it is reserved for the disabled to access their vehicles. Parking in this area is not allowed.

Never park or leave your car within 3 feet (not 1 foot) of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons.

You should not leave your vehicle, you should stay in it with doors locked until help arrives.

This steering method is also know as the push-pull method. You start with your hands at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 and when turning the wheel, one hand pushes the wheel up and the other pulls it down, both hands are on the wheel at the same time.

With this steering method your hands do not cross over the face of the wheel and therefore there is less chance of being hurt if the air bag is deployed.

With this method, you start with both hands at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 o’clock on the wheel. To turn, one hand will push the wheel up, while the other hand lets go of the wheel, crosses the other arm, grasps the wheel and also pushes up.

This method of steering is suitable for turning at low speeds.

The only time that a 12 o’clock one hand steering position is recommended is when backing a vehicle while turning, because the driver must turn in his seat to look back.

Honking your horn may startle other drivers and pedestrians and cause them to make further mistakes and an accident. It is usually safer to slow down or stop instead of honking your horn. But you should use your horn to try to prevent a collision.

It is legal to cross a bus lane in order to make a turn.

Pavement markings and/or signs will be posted to indicate that the lanes are for bus use only.

When turning right on red, you must yield to all vehicles and pedestrians that are moving on their green traffic lights.

A limit line is a solid white line drawn across a road that indicates where traffic should stop. for example before an intersection, a crosswalk, a railroad crossing.

You can not turn right or left against a red arrow in California.

When turning left from a two way street to a two way street:

If there is one left turning lane, you can complete the turn into the right or left lanes of the cross street. But if there are 2 left turning lanes, you should stay in the same lane when completing the turn.

U may make a U-turn on a divided highway ONLY if there is an opening in the center divider.

schools are not considered part of a business district, but churches and apartment buildings are.

Never make a U-turn in front of a fire station and never use a fire station driveway to make a U-turn.

When parking downhill on a street with a curb you should:

1. Signal to the right

2. Check your mirrors and look to the right

3. Pull over to the right

4. Turn the front wheels all the way to the right

5. Put the car in neutral and let it move slowly until the right front wheel touches the curb

6. Put the car in Park or in gear

7. Set the parking brake