California laws about operating motor vehicles

The following resources are provided to the driving public by the California Department of Motor Vehicles:

• California Drivers Handbook (English)
• Manual del Automovilista (en español)
• Parent-Teen Driving Guide
• Senior Guide for Safe Driving

Traveler Safety Classes

Classes targeted towards the needs of specific types of travelers offer a way to keep skills current and relevant and to stay abreast of changes in the laws governing travel in California.

• Smart Driver Program (AARP) — Classes designed to help maturing drivers (50+) maintain safe driving skills are offered monthly. Certificate for discount on auto insurance available upon completion of class. Not limited to AARP members. Call between 10 and 4 for class schedule and more info 831.426.6472.

• Bicycle Traffic School (CTSC) — Coordinated effort involving law enforcement, the traffic court, and the cycling community to identify and educate cyclists at risk. Bicyclists who receive tickets for traffic violations can attend a class on how to safely use a bicycle in traffic in lieu of paying the moving violation fine. Class also available to members of the public.

Think outside the car

Everybody gets around in different ways at different times; sometimes we’re traveling on foot and sometimes we’re behind the wheel. That why “Share the Road” is a healthy motto to live by. Whether we’re walking the few blocks to the office from where we parked our car, dropping our kids off at school, or crossing the street on our way to a Friday night movie date, we share the experience of walking in environments where other people are driving motor vehicles. By putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes, we can make sure everyone gets safely from one place to another whether they’re walking, rolling a wheelchair, biking, driving, or taking transit.

Safety tips for “sharing the road”

Vehicles and pedestrians

• What Pedestrians and Motorists Want Each Other To Know  (English brochure)
• What Pedestrians and Motorists Want Each Other To Know  (English, text-reader friendly brochure)
• Lo Que Los Peatones y Los Conductores Desean Que Se Sepa Mutuamente (en español)

Vehicles and bicycles

• The 3 foot rule –  California vehicle code requires motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing people riding bikes.
• What Motorists Would Like Cyclists to Know/What Cyclists Would Like Motorists to Know (English brochure)