California Driving Laws You Should Know

Posted by Alan Finkel on December 19th, 2023

As a California driver, it is critical to understand the regulations that regulate the roads. In this blog post, we will go over five of our state's most significant driving rules. Remember that these are only a few of the numerous rules that you must follow while driving. If you have any questions concerning the law, please see an attorney or go to your local DMV office. Let's get this started!

You Are Not Permitted to Drive Without a Seatbelt

Seatbelts must be worn by drivers and passengers in both the front and back seats of a vehicle. All vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, vans, buses, and motorcyclists, are subject to this law. While others believe that seatbelts should not be required, the evidence shows that they do. According to studies, wearing a seatbelt can reduce the chance of serious injury or death in an automobile accident by up to 65%.

Mobile Phones Are Not Allowed While Diving

While this may seem simple, many drivers continue to endanger their own lives as well as the lives of others around them by indulging in distracted driving practices. It is unlawful in California to use a cell phone while driving unless the gadget is hands-free. This law applies to all drivers, regardless of license type or age. Cell phone use while driving is a prominent cause of accidents, thus it is critical to observe this legislation to help keep our roadways safe.

Pedestrians Must Have the Right of Way

This next rule is one that all drivers should be aware of, but it bears repeating: cars must surrender the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway at a marked crosswalk or intersection. This entails coming to a complete stop and waiting for the pedestrian to complete their crossing before proceeding. Failure to yield the right-of-way can result in a traffic penalty at the very least, as well as harm or worse to the pedestrian, so always give pedestrians enough time and space to cross the street safely.

Stopping For School Buses Is Required

The final law we'll go over concerns school buses. When a school bus comes to a complete stop with its red lights flashing, other drivers in both directions must do the same. Even if there is no crosswalk or crossing, this law applies. You must stay halted until the bus switches off its red lights and resumes its journey. Failure to respect this regulation can result in a traffic citation and points on your driving record, as well as putting innocent children in danger of catastrophic injury.

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If you were injured in a car accident as a result of someone else's negligence, we may be able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. For a free introductory consultation, please call us or fill out the online contact form today to discuss the circumstances of your case and learn more about how we can assist you. our expert Civil Lawyers in California will provide free consultations, so there's no excuse not to contact a member of our staff right now.