{"id":371855,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-traffic-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-11-21T15:14:46","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T20:14:46","slug":"california-traffic-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-traffic-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Traffic Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Traffic Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n


\r\nCalifornia roads come in all different shapes and sizes. You might drive through dense cities, coastal highways, and rugged backroads. Wherever you venture, you’ll need to know the driving laws.<\/p>\r\n

Discover how California’s state laws<\/a> regulate driving and vehicles. Motorists must stay informed to avoid car accidents and traffic tickets. Read on to learn about California traffic laws.<\/p>\r\n

Check the California Vehicle Code<\/h2>\r\n

See the legal statutes for state traffic laws in the table below. You can also find many basic driving rules and tips in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver’s handbook<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Drinking & Driving Violations<\/th>\r\nOffenses Involving Alcohol or Drugs<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 23152 – 23229.1)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without a License \/ With a Suspended License<\/th>\r\nViolation of License Provisions<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 14600 – 14611)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Insurance \/ With Insufficient Insurance<\/th>\r\nDivision 7 – Financial Responsibility Laws<\/a> (California Vehicle Code)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Registration \/ With Expired Registration<\/th>\r\nDivision 3 – Registration of Vehicles and Certificates of Title<\/a> (California Vehicle Code)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Illegal U-Turn<\/th>\r\nTurning and Stopping and Turning Signals<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 22100 – 22113)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Leaving the Scene of an Accident \/ Hit & Run<\/th>\r\nAccidents and Accident Reports<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 20000 – 20018)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mechanical Violations<\/th>\r\nDivision 12 – Equipment of Vehicles<\/a> (California Vehicle Code)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Reckless Driving<\/th>\r\nReckless Driving<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 23103)Reckless Driving: Bodily Injury<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 23104)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Running a Red Light \/ Stop Sign<\/th>\r\nOffenses Relating to Traffic Devices<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 21450 – 21468)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Seat Belt \/ Child Restraint Violations<\/th>\r\nSafety Belts and Inflatable Restraint Systems<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 27302 – 27317)Child Safety Belt and Passenger Restraint Requirements<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 27360 – 27368)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Speeding<\/th>\r\nSpeed Laws, Generally<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 22348 – 22366)Other Speed Laws<\/a> (California Vehicle Code \u00a722400 – 22413)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Unlawful Vehicle Modifications<\/th>\r\nDivision 12 – Equipment of Vehicles<\/a> (California Vehicle Code)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Traffic Violation Penalties in California<\/h2>\r\n

Most traffic infractions have a set base fine, but California counties also add extra penalty fees<\/a>. These fees go toward the local traffic safety fund<\/a>. That’s why a ticket can be much more expensive than the minimum amount. For example, a ticket with a $35 base fine can ultimately cost over $200.<\/p>\r\n

Examples of common traffic offense penalties include:<\/p>\r\n