California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road

The longest section of the handbook and the source of many test questions: traffic lights, signs, right-of-way, sharing the road, speed limits in special zones, railroad crossings and the points system.

Key rules

1. A solid red light means stop; after stopping you may turn right unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. A red arrow means you may not turn until it changes. p. 33
2. A yellow light means the signal is about to turn red: stop if you can do it safely; if not, cross carefully. p. 33
3. A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic; your turn is not protected. A flashing yellow light means slow down and be alert, without stopping. p. 34
4. If a traffic light is not working, stop as if there were STOP signs in all directions, then go when it is safe. p. 34
5. Pedestrians still in the street have the right-of-way, even when the DON'T WALK signal is flashing. p. 35
6. Know the signs by shape and color: STOP (red octagon) means a full stop; YIELD (red triangle) means slow down and let others go first; diamonds warn of hazards; the 5-sided sign means a school; a round yellow sign or an X means a railroad crossing. p. 35
7. At an intersection without signs, whoever arrives first goes first; if you arrive at the same time, yield to the one on your right. At a T intersection, traffic on the through road has the right-of-way. p. 39
8. In a roundabout, slow down, yield to traffic already inside, travel counterclockwise, and if you miss your exit, go around again. p. 40
9. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk: someone may be crossing in front of it. p. 41
10. On a steep, narrow road where two vehicles cannot pass, the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way; the one facing downhill backs up. p. 42
11. At 55 mph a car can stop within about 300 feet, but a large truck can need up to 400 feet. Never cut in front of a truck and slow down; if you cannot see its mirrors, the driver cannot see you. p. 42
12. For an emergency vehicle with siren and red lights, drive to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. Never follow one within 300 feet. p. 45
13. When you pass a bicyclist without changing lanes, leave at least three feet. If you cannot, wait. p. 48
14. Near a school, the limit is 25 mph within 500 feet while children are outside or crossing; some school zones are as low as 15 mph. p. 50
15. When a school bus flashes red lights, stop from either direction until the lights stop, unless the bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway. Failing to stop can cost up to $1,000. p. 51
16. The limit is 15 mph at blind intersections, in alleys, and near railroad crossings where you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. p. 51
17. When signals warn of a train, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track. Never go around lowered gates and never stop on the tracks. p. 51
18. In business and residential districts the speed limit is 25 mph unless a sign says otherwise. p. 52
19. As an adult, your license may be suspended with 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months or 8 points in 36 months. p. 54