California driver laws

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Safe Driving Practices. Vehicle Positioning. Here's what California drivers -- and some horse, mule and donkey riders -- should know. Heads up California drivers.

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Pedestrians A pedestrian is a person on foot or who uses a conveyance such as roller skates, skateboard, etc. If you approach a pedestrian crossing at a corner or other crosswalk, even if the crosswalk is in the middle of the block, at a corner with or without traffic signal lights, whether or not the crosswalk is marked by painted lines, you are required to exercise caution and reduce your speed, or stop if necessary, to ensure the safety of the pedestrian. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

A pedestrian you cannot see may be crossing the street. Stop and proceed when all pedestrians have crossed the street. Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to all pedestrians. Do not stop in a crosswalk.

You will place pedestrians in danger. Remember, if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, they are ready to cross the street. Yield to the pedestrian. Allow sufficient time to cross the street for: Older pedestrians Disabled pedestrians Pedestrians with young children Obey signs pertaining to pedestrians. Follow this cue: When a blind person pulls in their cane and steps away from the intersection, this gesture usually means for you to go additional information regarding blind pedestrians can be found here.

Crosswalks A crosswalk is the part of the roadway set aside for pedestrian traffic. Intersections An intersection is any place where one line of roadway meets another roadway. Yield to traffic and pedestrians already in the intersection or just entering the intersection. Also, yield to the vehicle or bicycle that arrives first, or to the vehicle or bicycle on your right if it reaches the intersection at the same time as you.

They have the right-of-way. When you turn left, give the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching that are close enough to be dangerous. Also, look for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Safety suggestion: While waiting to turn left, keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start your turn. If your wheels are pointed to the left, and a vehicle hits you from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic. When you turn right, be sure to check for pedestrians who want to cross the street and bicyclists riding next to you.

On divided highways or highways with several lanes, watch for vehicles coming in any lane you cross. Turn either left or right only when it is safe.

If you have parked on the side of the road or are leaving a parking lot, etc. Roundabouts A roundabout is an intersection where traffic travels around a central island in a counter-clockwise direction. Vehicles or bicycles entering or exiting the roundabout must yield to all traffic including pedestrians: When you approach a roundabout: Slow down as you approach the roundabout. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the roadway.

Enter the roundabout heading to the right when there is a big enough gap in traffic to merge safely. Travel in a counter-clockwise direction. Do not stop or pass. Signal when you change lanes or exit the roundabout. If you miss your exit, continue around until you return to your exit.

For roundabouts with multiple lanes, choose your entry or exit lane based on your destination as shown in the graphic. For example, to: Turn right at the intersection blue car , choose the right-hand lane and exit in the right-hand lane.