California Traffic Rules Review
It may seem strange, but many if not most of the drivers in our California roads and highways may not know common driving rules, or worst, they may know the law but do not care.
For example, you come upon a STOP sign at the same time as another driver in a 4-way stop cross street and he is on your right. Who has the right of way?
Let’s re-LEARN.
PARKING LAWS.
COLOR CURB MARKINGS. California Vehicle Code section 21458(a) describes rules for curb markings.
- RED Curb. No stopping, standing, or parking, attended or unattended, (No Student Drop Off or Pick Up in Red Zones)
- YELLOW Curb. For loading or unloading of passengers (20 Minutes for Material & 3 Minutes for Passengers)
- WHITE Curb. For loading or unloading of passengers (3 Minutes)
- GREEN Curb. 24 or 30 Minutes parking as specified by local ordinance.
- BLUE Curb. Parking exclusively to the vehicles of disabled persons.
Double Parking. V.C. 22500(h)
Prohibits stopping or parking of any vehicle on the roadway side of any stopped vehicle stopped, parked or standing at the curb or edge of a highway. We often times see this as parents drop off or pick up children.
Parking in Cross Walk V.C. 22500(b)
Prohibits stopping or parking on in a cross walk (pedestrain lane)
Parking in Front of Driveway V.C.22500(e)
Prohibits stopping or parking in front of a public (or private) driveway.
Parking over 18″ from Curb or Parking on Wrong Side of Street V.C 22502
Parked vehicle shall have the right-hand wheels parallel the curb and within 18 inches of the curb. Vehicles shall not park in the wrong side of the street (opss. 506 at Palm?)
Parking Near Fire Hydrant V.C. 22514
Prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. (503 at 45Cal)
Moving and Non-Moving Violations
Stop at Stop Sign V.C. 22450
Drivers must come to a complete stop at stop signs.
Reckless Driving 23103. (a)
A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. (503 at US-395)
Seatbelts on a Moving Vehicle
The drive and all passengers of a moving vehicle must properly wear safety seat belts. This includes the back seat passengers! (503 at I-605)
Right of Way at a 4 Way Stop
At a four-way stop if two vehicles reach the intersection simultaneously, the vehicle to your right has the right of way.
Talking on Cellphone while Driving V.C. 23124
Prohibits use of a cell phone while driving unless hands-free device is installed.
Texting While Driving V.C. 23123.5
Prohibits use of cell phone to read, write or send text messages. (I believe, this should include prohibition of using facebook, twitter, gmails, etc.)
You can’t text and walk, why do you text and drive, part 1
You can’t text and walk, why do you text and drive, part 2