California Driver's Handbook, Section 6: Lanes, Turns, Passing and Parking

Lane lines and special lanes, how to turn and make U-turns, merging and passing, parking (including on hills and at colored curbs) and what to do in a traffic stop.

Key rules

1. Never cross double solid yellow lines, except to turn left into or out of a driveway or private road, to make a U-turn, to enter a carpool lane with a left-side entrance, or when signs send you to the other side. p. 13
2. Two sets of double yellow lines two or more feet apart are a barrier: do not drive over them or turn across them, except at openings. p. 13
3. A broken yellow line on your side means you may pass when it is safe. p. 13
4. Never change lanes over double solid white lines (common at carpool lanes and freeway ramps); wait for a broken white line. p. 14
5. Lanes are numbered from the left: the far-left lane is the Number 1 Lane. Use the left lane to pass or turn left and the right lane to enter or exit traffic. p. 15
6. The center left turn lane is only for preparing and making left turns or U-turns. You may drive in it for no more than 200 feet. p. 16
7. On a two-lane road where passing is unsafe, pull into a turnout if you are driving slowly and five or more vehicles are behind you. p. 16
8. You may drive in a bike lane only to park where allowed, to enter or leave the road, or to turn within 200 feet of an intersection. p. 17
9. You may turn right on a red light after a complete stop, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. You may not turn right on a red arrow. p. 18
10. Never make a U-turn where a NO U-TURN sign is posted, on a railroad crossing, on a one-way street, in front of a fire station, or when you cannot see 200 feet in each direction. p. 20
11. Highway traffic has the right-of-way when you merge. To exit, get into the proper lane and signal five seconds (about 400 feet) before the exit. p. 23
12. Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing, or when approaching a hill or curve where you cannot see oncoming traffic. p. 24
13. To parallel park, look for a space at least three feet longer than your car, back in at about 45 degrees, and finish within 18 inches of the curb. p. 26
14. On a hill: facing downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb; facing uphill, away from the curb; with no curb, to the right. Always set the parking brake. p. 27
15. Curb colors: white, only to pick up or drop off passengers; green, limited-time parking; yellow, loading; red, no stopping, standing or parking; blue, disabled parking with placard or plate. p. 28
16. Never park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, within 20 feet of a crosswalk, within three feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons, or double parked. p. 28
17. If an officer pulls you over, turn on your right signal, move completely onto the right shoulder, turn off the radio, stay inside, and keep your hands where the officer can see them. p. 29