| 1 | Section 1 : Right - of - way on mountain road |
| 2 | When two vehicles meet on a steep road where neither can pass , the vehicle facing downhill must yield the right - of - way by backing up until the vehicle going uphill can pass . |
| 3 | The vehicle facing downhill has the greater amount of control when backing . |
| 4 | Section 2 : Speed Limits |
| 5 | California has a “ Basic Speed Law . ” |
| 6 | This law means you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions . |
| 7 | For example , if you are driving 45 mph in a 55 mph speed zone during a dense fog , you could be cited for driving “ too fast for conditions . ” |
| 8 | You may never legally drive faster than the posted speed limit , even if you think it is safe to do so . |
| 9 | Regardless of the posted speed limit , your speed should depend on : The number and speed of other vehicles on the road . Whether the road surface is smooth , rough , graveled , wet , dry , wide , or narrow . Bicyclists or pedestrians walking on the road 's edge or crossing the street . Whether it is raining , foggy , snowy , windy , or dusty . |
| 10 | Section 3 : Maximum Speed Limits |
| 11 | The maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph . |
| 12 | You may drive 70 mph where posted . |
| 13 | Unless otherwise posted , the maximum speed limit is 55 mph on two - lane undivided highways and for vehicles towing trailers . |
| 14 | Other speed limit signs are posted for the type of roads and traffic in each area . |
| 15 | All speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions . |
| 16 | Construction zones usually have reduced speed zones . |
| 17 | Driving faster than the posted speed limit or than is safe for current conditions , on any road , is dangerous and illegal . |
| 18 | High speed increases your stopping distance . |
| 19 | The faster you go , the less time you have to avoid a hazard or collision . |
| 20 | The force of a 60 mph crash is not just twice as great as a 30 mph crash , it 's four times as great ! |
| 21 | Section 4 : Reduced Speeds : Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather |
| 22 | You must drive slower when there is heavy traffic or bad weather . |
| 23 | However , if you block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic by driving too slowly , you may be given a ticket . |
| 24 | If you choose to drive slower than other traffic , do not drive in the Number 1 ( fast ) lane . |
| 25 | When traveling below the speed limit always move to the right when another driver is close behind you and wishes to drive faster , unless you are already in the extreme right lane . |
| 26 | Section 5 : Reduced Speeds : Towing Vehicles , Buses , or Large Trucks |
| 27 | When you tow a vehicle or trailer , or drive a bus or three or more axle truck , you must drive in the right hand lane or in a lane specially marked for slower vehicles . |
| 28 | If no lanes are marked and there are four lanes or more in your direction , you may only drive in either of the two lanes closest to the right edge of the road . |
| 29 | Section 6 : Reduced Speeds : Around Children ( First Section ) |
| 30 | When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street , the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted . |
| 31 | Also , if the school grounds have no fence and children are outside , never drive faster than 25 mph . |
| 32 | Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph . |
| 33 | Always drive more carefully near schools , playgrounds , parks , and residential areas because children may suddenly dart into the street . |
| 34 | Also , many children have not yet developed the ability to judge speeds and distances well enough to cross streets safely when cars are moving fast . |
| 35 | Section 7 : Reduced Speeds : Around Children ( Second Section ) |
| 36 | Near schools , look for : Bicyclists and pedestrians . |
| 37 | School safety patrols or school crossing guards and obey their directions . |
| 38 | For the crossing guard 's safety , allow him or her to safely get to the side of the road before driving ahead . |
| 39 | Stopped school buses and children crossing the street . |
| 40 | Some school buses flash yellow lights when preparing to stop to let children off the bus . |
| 41 | The yellow flashing lights warn you to slow down and prepare to stop . |
| 42 | When the bus flashes red lights ( located at the top front and back of the bus ) , you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing . |
| 43 | The law requires you remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing ( CVC 22454 ) . |
| 44 | If you fail to stop , you may be fined up to <dollar> 1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for one year . |
| 45 | If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway ( two or more lanes in each direction ) , you do not need to stop . |
| 46 | Section 8 : Roundabouts |
| 47 | For roundabouts with multiple lanes , choose your entry or exit lane based on your destination as shown in the graphic . |
| 48 | For example , to : Turn right at the intersection , choose the right - hand lane and exit in the right - hand lane ( blue car . ) |
| 49 | Go straight through the intersection , choose either lane , and exit in the lane you entered ( red car . ) |
| 50 | Turn left , choose the left lane , and exit ( yellow car . ) |