New drivers should be aware of the following California laws and safe driving practices:
Cell Phones and Texting
- Illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving.
- Texting, emailing, or browsing the internet is prohibited and dangerous.
- Over 18: Hands-free only (earpiece or speakerphone).
- Under 18: Cannot use a phone at all while driving (except in emergencies).
- Suggested: Use Do Not Disturb while driving.
- Fines start around $150+ and increase for repeat offenses.
Headphones/Earbuds
- You cannot wear headphones or earbuds in both ears while driving or cycling.
- One ear must be free to hear surroundings.
Smoking with Minors
- Illegal to smoke or vape in a vehicle with anyone under 18 present.
Open Container Laws
- No open containers of alcohol in the passenger area.
- Cannabis: Must be sealed and stored out of reach, like in the trunk.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
Littering
- Throwing items from your vehicle is illegal.
- Fines up to $1,000.
- Lit cigarettes can cause wildfires – extremely dangerous.
High Beams Etiquette
- Use high beams in rural/dark areas with no traffic.
- Dim your high beams:
- Within 500 ft of oncoming traffic
- Within 300 ft of a vehicle you’re following
- In fog, use low beams instead
Driving in Fog
- Use low-beam headlights, not parking lights.
- If visibility is poor:
- Slow down
- Use hazards
- Pull over if necessary
- Headlights required when visibility < 1000 ft.
Towing & Trailers
- Speed limit: 55 mph
- Stay in rightmost lanes
- Use turnouts on mountain roads if traffic is behind you
Use of Horn
- Only use to prevent collisions
- Not for frustration
- Avoid around animals (like horses)
Road Rage & Courtesy
- Aggressive driving includes tailgating, speeding, gestures
- Don’t engage with aggressive drivers:
- Avoid eye contact
- Let them pass
- Report extreme behavior to 911
Drowsy Driving
- Illegal and dangerous to drive when extremely tired.
- Warning signs:
- Nodding off
- Difficulty focusing
- Solutions: Rest – not caffeine or music.
- Teen provisional license holders have night driving restrictions.
Headlight Use
- Required:
- 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise
- When it is too dark to see from 1,000 feet away
- “Wipers on, lights on” — if you need the wipers for fog, rain or snow, the low beams are mandatory
- When clouds, dust or smoke stop you seeing other vehicles
- On mountain roads and in tunnels — even on sunny days
- When a road sign says headlights must be on
- To help others see you when the sun is low on the horizon
- It is illegal to drive using only your parking lights.
Rainy Weather
- First rain after dry spell = very slick
- In hydroplaning:
- Ease off gas
- No sudden braking
- Steer straight
Flooded Roads
- Don’t guess water depth.
- Turn around, don’t drown – water can disable or sweep away your vehicle.
Tire Blowout or Engine Failure
- Blowout:
- Grip wheel
- Let car slow naturally
- Pull over safely
- Engine dies:
- Coast off road
- Use hazard lights
Stuck Accelerator
- Shift to neutral
- Apply brakes
- Steer off road
- Do not turn off engine until stopped
Automated Enforcement Cameras
- 📌 New since January 1, 2026 (SB 720). Local governments may run automated camera systems that detect red-light violations.
- These tickets are issued to the vehicle, not to an identified driver, and carry civil penalties only.
- Speed safety cameras also operate in a handful of California cities under a separate pilot programme.
Reporting Crashes or Hazards
- Dial 911 for emergencies.
- Use CHP non-emergency line for non-critical issues (e.g., debris reports).
Final Notes for New Drivers
- These rules are for your safety and the safety of others.
- Stay updated – laws evolve (e.g., cell phone laws, insurance minimums).
- When unsure, err on the side of caution.
- Safe driving = attentiveness + responsibility.