Little Known Driving Rules of California

In earlier posts, I covered the driving laws of UK and New York. Lets move on to California now. Obviously common driving rules and laws are known to all and we have also covered a few (of other states & countries) in earlier posts. Now lets have a quick glance over the less common driving rules of California. Here are few little known driving laws of California stated under Driving and Traffic Laws.

Turning Upon a Highway

Section 22100.5 or 22101 of Driving Laws has clearly defined the rules of 'turning upon a highway'.

Section (a) states that while taking a right turn, upon a highway with 3 marked lanes, the driver should take a right turn into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered. For more details on Driving Laws, read traffic laws.

Traffic Laws Regarding Signals -

One Should Give a Signal When Stopping – Section 22109 states that no person should suddenly reduce the speed of vehicle or stop while driving without giving an appropriate indication.

Hand Signals While Driving – Any kind of signal given by hand should always be given from the left side of the vehicle. Few hand signals are as follows:

For a Left turn – The driver should extend his hand and arm horizontally beyond the side of vehicle.

For a Right Turn – Driver's hand and arm should be extended upward beyond the side of vehicle.

Hand Signal While Stopping – It is a driving rule in California to indicate stopping of vehicle with hand & arm extended beyond the side of vehicle. that means if you are using your automotive braking system suddenly, you need tto give a clear indication to others on road.

Sudden Decrease of Speed – Even for sudden decrease of speed of a vehicle, the driver should give the signal with his hand & arm extended downward beyond the side of vehicle.

Slowdown While Driving Near Schools or Senior Centers

Section 22358.4. (a) (1) states that it is a one should slow down her/ his vehicle near a school or a senior center. The rule states that one should drive at a speed limit of 15 miles per hour near specified areas. So, just get your brake pads checked before you are trying to drive down near a school or senior center.

Talking about Road laws or Driving laws, there are also some duties specified for those driving on road.

Stop at A Scene of Accident – Californian government has defined under section 20001 (a) that it is a driver's duty to stop at the scene of accident if he is involved in an accident causing injuries to someone. Incase of accidents, one should stop and then fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.

Violation of Law If One Flees the Scene of Crime – It s a violation of Section 191.5, if someone flees the scene and will be subject to be punished by an additional term of imprisonment of five years in state prison.

New York Driving Laws You Ought To Know

Driving on roads in New York is easy. All you need to know is few driving laws. You have been following them till now. But there are some driving laws that residents of New York are not aware of. Here is a snapshot of the common driving rules of New York city. Follow them to avoid landing yourself in any trouble.

Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Effect of Alcohol or Drug – Article 31 of Vehicle and Traffic Law of New York state that it is against law to drive any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drug. The common driving law worldwide – Do not Drink & Drive.

Driving Without a License – One must not drive a motor vehicle upon public highway, sidewalk or any other public place without a driving license. Under, section 509 of article 19, one should be duly licensed while driving any vehicle at such places.

Driving Without Registration/ With Expired Registration – The New York government considers its a crime to operate any automobile on public highways of New York without vehicle registration. As per section 401 of Article 14, it is important to drive only a registered vehicle.

Reckless Driving - Vehicle and Traffic Law of New York states under section 1212 of article 33 that reckless driving is an offence. Its violation of traffic rule to drive a motor vehicle in a reckless manner. If someone drives in an unreasonable manner on a public roadway or highway endangering other highway user, the person will be have to pay penalty or might serve imprisonment.

Seat Belt/ Child Restraint Violations – Section 1229 C says that violation of operation of vehicles with safety seats and safety belts is a law and anyone not abiding by this provision is subject to be guilty of a misdemeanor. This driving law means all the back seat passengers who are under the 4 years of age should be restrained in a specially designed baby car seat that is permanently affixed or is affixed to such vehicle with a safety belt.

Disobeying of Traffic Signals/ Red Light/ Stop Sign – If one does not follow traffic signs or traffic rules or jumps red light, then it is an offence under article 24.

Driving On Right Side of Roadway or Overtaking – One should never drive on the right side of roadway or try to overtake another vehicle. Article 24 also considers these acts violation of traffic laws.

No Driving on Sidewalks – It is an offence (under1225) to drive any motor vehicle on or across the sidewalks. Exception to this vehicle is that one can drive at a reasonable speed that is not more than 5 miles/ hour without disturbing the safety and passage of pedestrians.

Cling to Other Vehicle – Stated under 1253, a motorbike rider should not cling to any other vehicles on a roadway.

Operating Motorcycles on Roadways Laned for Traffic – Full use of lane is entitled to all the motorcycles till the time there is no disturbance to other motorcycles on the road. Under section 1252, no motorbike should be driven in a manner to deprive other motorcycle of the full use of a lane.

These were some of the driving laws of New York. Stay tuned for driving rules or motoring laws of other states, countries in the next post. Till, then Happy Driving!!

Must Read – UK Driving Laws

All of us are aware of the common driving laws worldwide, but do not know all the common driving laws of our own regions. Very often, because of this, we land ourselves in trouble. So, friends, just for those you love driving, here is a brush upon on some driving laws and the penalty that is charged if we disobey these government laws. In the upcoming posts, we will cover the motoring laws of varied regions. Lets start with United Kingdom.

A Sneak Peak At the Common Driving Laws of UK

Law Number 1 - Drunken Driving – It has to be the most common driving law of any region. In UK, this driving law is stated under section 4(1) of Road Traffic Act 1988. According to this law, it is an offence to drive or even attempt to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle if the person is drunk or is under the affect of drugs.

Penalty – If you disobey this rule, you might have to pay a fine maximum of £5000 or imprisonment upto 6 months or might be disqualified for 1 year and endorsement unless "special reasons" exist. In case, you face this offence twice within 10 years, you might be disqualified for a minimum of three years unless "special reasons exist"

Law Number 2 - Drunk While You Are In Charge of a Vehicle – Under section 4(2) (as amended) of The Road Traffic Act 1988, it is considered an offence if you are drunk and are in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle on road.

Penalty - Be ready to pay a fine upto £2500 or face imprisonment up to 3 months.

Law Number 3 – Intake of Alcohol Exceeding The Prescribed Limit – Try not to indulge in drink driving and specially do not drink excessively and drive. You might be caught under section 5 (1) of The Road Traffic Act 1988. According to this law, it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on a road with alcohol over the prescribed limit.

Penalty – Its gonna cost you a lot. You might have to pay a fine up to £5000 or face upto 6 months of imprisonment. This offence can result in a minimum of 1 year disqualification unless "special reasons" exist. A re-test can be taken and the licence must be endorsed with points (3-11). Incase of a second similar offence within ten years duration, be ready to expect a ban of minimum 3 years.

Law Number 4 – Refusal to Give Specimen of Blood/ Urine/ Breath to Police - I suggest never do this ever. The moral reason is that, incase you have made an offence, your refusal will moreover guarantee the offence and you might also trigger the anger of policemen. Well besides, the moral reason, the legal reason is that it is an offence under section 7(6) of The Road Traffic Act to refuse provide a specimen for analysis if you fail to give a reasonable excuse.

Penalty – If one tries to drive, then the penalty will be maximum fine of £5000 or imprisonment upto 6 months. You might face a ban of minimum 1 year unless "special reasons" exist. If a re-test is ordered & its a second offence with 10 years period, then in that case you are subject to a disqualification of 3 years.

Law Number 5 – Disqualified Yet Driving – Under the section 103 of The Road Traffic Act, it is against law to drive on a road if you are disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence.

Penalty – Fine that you might face is a maximum of £5000 or an imprisonment of 6 months. You might be subject to disqualification for any period or until a re-test is passed.

Law Number 6 – Refusal for Breathalyser – It is clearly defined in the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 6(4) that failure in providing a reasonable excuse, to provide a specimen of breath for a breath test is an offence. If you refuse to give your breath specimen when required to do so by a policeman in uniform.

Penalty – You are likely to pay a fine of £1000, 4 points & discretionary disqualification.

Law Number 7 – Careless Driving – The second most common driving offence worldwide. Against this offence, the driving law says under section 3 of The Road Traffic Act 1988 that its an offence to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or public place without due care and attention . Careless driving can include anything from loosing control on your braking system to hitting other vehicle on road.

Penalty - The maximum fine you might anticipate is £2500 and 3-9 points. You may be subject to be disqualified until re-test passed.

These were 7 major driving laws of United Kingdom. Stay tuned for more such laws of other regions, the next could be your country. Till, then drive carefully and do not break any driving law. Happy Driving.

Don't Sleep While Driving

It's winter and you definitely feel more sleepy these days. And during those driving hours every morning with heavy traffic on the road and your vehicle at times moving at snail speed, it is very natural to feel sleepy. Sounds sleepy and cozy, isn't it. But, Caution, My Friend! This can be fatal. Sleeping at the steering wheel or even a blink of your eyes could be dangerous. Here are few easy ways or tips to avoid nodding off while driving.

Longer Journey Needs Break – If you are out for a trip miles away from home, then breaks during driving is mandatory. Get out of car and just move around for some time. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before you start again.

Car Pooling Helps As Someone Is Sitting Next To You - It is always advisable to drive with someone sitting with on the seat next to drivers. The feeling of someone next to you unconsciously keep you awake. Car pooling serves a number of purposes in such a case. Besides giving you a company while driving, it saves fuel and money as well.

Active Conversation Helps – Try to talk while driving, but ensure that the conversation is light so that you donot divert your attention from driving.

Radio or Music Player – If driving alone, just tune up to your favorite radio station or enjoy listening to a song. Avid listening to something that makes you feel too relaxed.

Wash Your Eyes with Cold Water – I you are on the verge of drowsiness, just get down the car and wash your face and splash some cold water in your eyes.

Hunger Mars Sleep – For some, staying hungry works. I am not advising you to starve off food, but just try to have a light meal, so that you might feel the hunger while driving.

Chewing Something Works for Others – Munch on something that tickles your taste buds. You may also try crunchy food items also. This is a common way to keep yourself awake while driving.

Slide Down Car's Window – Let some chilly air come inside your car so that you don't fall asleep. Just bring down your power windows or glass panes to feel the chill in atmosphere.


Swap Drivers – Easiest way to prevent any accident because of nodding off is swapping of drivers. While driving late night or during a drive to a far off place, you may ask your co-passenger to drive for an hour, while you take a short nap that will freshen you.

Go for Catnaps – This is advisable if it works for you. You can stop at a hotel on the way for few hours of sleep. Or else, you might also stop your car and snooze at the backseat.

Party Less – Researches reveal that those who party hard are more likely to fall asleep at the steering. So, if you know you have to drive for miles next morning, try not to party till late night.

Sitting in the Same Position Also Invites Sleepiness – Thats is a major cause of drowsiness. Try to just relax your body after an hour of drive and then start driving again.

Try these tips, one of these will surely work for you. Always remember, just ensure your that your drive safely. Happy Safe Driving!

Some Don'ts of Driving - Part - II

Hello Auto lovers! I am back with some more top 'Don'ts of Driving tips. I hope you enjoyed reading the previous post – 'Some Don'ts of Driving Part -I' have also decided not to disobey the driving rules. Now, lets just discuss some more of the driving don'ts....

Don't Ignore a Flagger's Direction – While you are about to cross a work zone, you often find different warning signs. A flagger holds the same authority as a regulatory body. Remember to follow them to avoid yourself from being cited. Stay Alert and Do As The Signs Say.

Don't Use Mobile Phones – This is against the traffic rules. Usage of mobile phone while driving can land you in trouble and you might have to pay fine. Cellphones distract attention while driving. Mobile phones are A Strict No-No While Driving.

Don't Exceed the Speed Limit - Make sure you never drive above the speed limits. If you rely too much on your car brakes, then give it a thought again. Every time the automotive brake system might not save you from accidents. Even in hurry or while getting late for job, maintain your speed limits. Its Always Better Late Than Never.

Don't Turn Without a Turn Signal – It's obvious that no one can read your mind while you are driving. Make sure you always use the turn lights before turning either on right or left. Always Use The Turn Signals Before Turning.

Don't Drink and Drive – If you had an extra glass of wine in the party and are planning to drive back home. Then hold on! Drinking and driving can put you behind the iron bars. Do not even board a taxi that has drunk driver behind the steering wheel. Drink & Drive – Don't Try This Stunt Ever.

Well, these were just some of the important 'Don'ts of Driving'. Keep them in mind while driving and go for a safe drive. Ensure that your 'behind the wheel behavior' will not only save you but also others driving or passing next to you. Hope you have a safe and comfortable drive every time!