Section § 22100

Explanation

This law explains the right and left turning rules for drivers on highways. For right turns, drivers should stay close to the right-hand curb. On highways with three lanes, a driver in the middle lane can turn right into any suitable lane. Similarly, on one-way roads, a right turn should be made close to the right curb, finishing in any lane that's open for traffic in the turn direction. If there are special lanes marked for right turns, turns can be made from any of those lanes.

For left turns, drivers should keep close to the left edge of the leftmost lane. They need to enter and complete the turn only in a lane that is open for traffic in the turn's direction. On highways with three lanes ending at a two-way intersection, a driver in the center lane can turn left into any appropriate lane.

Except as provided in Section 22100.5 or 22101, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn upon a highway shall do so as follows:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22100(a) Right Turns. Both the approach for a right-hand turn and a right-hand turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 22100(a)(1) Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction that terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane may turn right into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22100(a)(2) If a right-hand turn is made from a one-way highway at an intersection, a driver shall approach the turn as provided in this subdivision and shall complete the turn in any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 22100(a)(3) Upon a highway having an additional lane or lanes marked for a right turn by appropriate signs or markings, the driver of a vehicle may turn right from any lane designated and marked for that turning movement.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22100(b) Left Turns. The approach for a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand edge of the extreme left-hand lane or portion of the roadway lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle and, when turning at an intersection, the left turn shall not be made before entering the intersection. After entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered, except that upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction that terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane may turn left into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.

Section § 22100.5

Explanation

Drivers are not allowed to make a U-turn at intersections with traffic signals unless it's specifically allowed under certain conditions outlined in another section. Even then, the U-turn must be made from the far left lane that is authorized for traffic going in that direction. Similarly, at intersections with any traffic control devices, U-turns can only be made from the far left lane that legally allows travel in that direction.

No driver shall make a U-turn at an intersection controlled by official traffic signals except as provided in Section 21451, and then only from the far lefthand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel from which the turn is commenced. No driver shall make a U-turn at an intersection controlled by official traffic control devices except from the far lefthand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel from which the turn is commenced.

Section § 22101

Explanation

The law allows the Department of Transportation and local authorities to put up signs or devices at intersections to control or ban turning movements. If you need to turn at an intersection, there will be a sign or marked lane to tell you what to do. Similarly, if turns are not allowed, signs will indicate this. It is illegal to ignore these signs or devices. Bicyclists are allowed to go straight through turn-only lanes if there's a sign permitting it, and the Department of Transportation is tasked with creating guidelines for marking these lanes.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22101(a) The Department of Transportation or local authorities, in respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may cause official traffic control devices to be placed or erected within or adjacent to intersections to regulate or prohibit turning movements at such intersections.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22101(b) When turning movements are required at an intersection, notice of that requirement shall be given by erection of a sign, unless an additional clearly marked traffic lane is provided for the approach to the turning movement, in which event notice as applicable to that additional traffic lane shall be given by an official traffic control device.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 22101(c) When right- or left-hand turns are prohibited at an intersection, notice of that prohibition shall be given by erection of a sign.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 22101(d) When an official traffic control device is placed as required in subdivisions (b) or (c), it is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to disobey the directions of the official traffic control device.
(e)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 22101(e)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 22101(e)(1) A person operating a bicycle may travel straight through a right- or left-hand turn only lane when an official traffic control device indicates that the movement is permitted.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22101(e)(2) The Department of Transportation shall develop standards for lane striping, pavement markings, and appropriate regulatory signs to implement this subdivision.

Section § 22102

Explanation

If you're driving in a business district, you can only make a U-turn at an intersection or a specific spot on a divided highway where there's an opening. When making the U-turn, you should do it as close as possible to the left edge of your lane, especially if there are multiple lanes going in your direction.

No person in a business district shall make a U-turn, except at an intersection, or on a divided highway where an opening has been provided in accordance with Section 21651. This turning movement shall be made as close as practicable to the extreme left-hand edge of the lanes moving in the driver’s direction of travel immediately prior to the initiation of the turning movement, when more than one lane in the direction of travel is present.

Section § 22103

Explanation

If you're in a residential area, you can't make a U-turn if another vehicle is coming toward you from either direction within 200 feet. However, you can make a U-turn at an intersection if there's a traffic light or sign controlling the other vehicle.

No person in a residence district shall make a U-turn when any other vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.

Section § 22104

Explanation

This law makes it illegal to make a U-turn or use the driveway entrance or approaches to a fire station for turning around. You're not allowed to change direction in front of a fire station's driveway.

No person shall make a U-turn in front of the driveway entrance or approaches to a fire station. No person shall use the driveway entrance or approaches to a fire station for the purpose of turning a vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction.

Section § 22105

Explanation

This law states that you cannot make a U-turn on a highway unless you can clearly see 200 feet in both directions and see any approaching traffic.

No person shall make a U-turn upon any highway where the driver of such vehicle does not have an unobstructed view for 200 feet in both directions along the highway and of any traffic thereon.

Section § 22106

Explanation

This law states that you cannot start or back up a vehicle on a highway unless you can do it safely. Before making these moves, ensure that they won't put you, other drivers, or pedestrians at risk.

No person shall start a vehicle stopped, standing, or parked on a highway, nor shall any person back a vehicle on a highway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.

Section § 22107

Explanation

Before changing lanes or turning, a driver must make sure it's safe and give the right signal if other vehicles might be impacted by their move.

No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.

Section § 22108

Explanation

Before you make a right or left turn, you must keep your turn signal on for the last 100 feet as you approach the turn.

Any signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.

Section § 22109

Explanation

If you're driving on a highway and need to stop or slow down quickly, you have to signal to the driver behind you first, as long as you have the chance to do so.

No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle on a highway without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give the signal.

Section § 22110

Explanation

This law says that drivers must use signal lights to indicate their actions unless their vehicle doesn’t require them or isn't equipped with turn signals. If a vehicle doesn’t have turn signals, the driver must use hand and arm signals. Also, if your signal lights stop working while driving, you should use hand and arm signals too.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22110(a) The signals required by this chapter shall be given by signal lamp, unless a vehicle is not required to be and is not equipped with turn signals. Drivers of vehicles not required to be and not equipped with turn signals shall give a hand and arm signal when required by this chapter.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22110(b) In the event the signal lamps become inoperable while driving, hand and arm signals shall be used in the manner required in this chapter.

Section § 22111

Explanation

This law explains how drivers should signal their intentions by using hand and arm signals from the left side of their vehicle. If you want to make a left turn, extend your hand and arm horizontally. For a right turn, raise your hand and arm upward; however, bicyclists can extend their right hand and arm horizontally to the right. To indicate stopping or slowing down suddenly, extend your hand and arm downward.

All required signals given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of a vehicle in the following manner:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22111(a) Left turn—hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the vehicle.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22111(b) Right turn—hand and arm extended upward beyond the side of the vehicle, except that a bicyclist may extend the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 22111(c) Stop or sudden decrease of speed signal—hand and arm extended downward beyond the side of the vehicle.

Section § 22112

Explanation

This California law outlines the rules for school bus drivers when stopping to pick up or drop off students. Before reaching a bus stop, drivers must activate the amber warning lights 200 feet beforehand, and turn them off at the stop. The red lights and stop sign arm should be used whenever students are getting on or off, unless a traffic officer is present or in certain situations like snow or icy roads where it could be dangerous.

Drivers can only stop at designated school bus stops and must use the stop sign while helping young children (up to eighth grade) cross roads. Students need to cross in front of the bus, and the driver must ensure everyone is safe before moving the bus again. There are specific exceptions for using warning lights and stop signs, like breakdowns, certain road conditions, or particular locations. The California Highway Patrol can also mandate the use of warning systems for safety reasons.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(a) On approach to a schoolbus stop where pupils are loading or unloading from a schoolbus, the schoolbus driver shall activate an approved amber warning light system, if the schoolbus is so equipped, beginning 200 feet before the schoolbus stop. The schoolbus driver shall deactivate the amber warning light system after reaching the schoolbus stop. The schoolbus driver shall operate the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm, as required on the schoolbus, at all times when the schoolbus is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils. The flashing red light signal system, amber warning lights system, and stop signal arm shall not be operated at any place where traffic is controlled by a traffic officer or at any location identified in subdivision (e) of this section. The schoolbus flashing red light signal system, amber warning lights system, and stop signal arm shall not be operated at any other time.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(b) The schoolbus driver shall stop to load or unload pupils only at a schoolbus stop designated for pupils by the school district superintendent or the head or principal of a private school, or authorized by any of those individuals for school activity trips.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(c) When a schoolbus is stopped on a highway or private road for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils, at a location where traffic is not controlled by a traffic officer, the driver shall, before opening the door, ensure that the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm are activated, and that it is safe to enter or exit the schoolbus.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(d) When a schoolbus is stopped on a highway or private road for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils, at a location where traffic is not controlled by a traffic officer or official traffic control signal, the schoolbus driver shall do all of the following:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(d)(1) Escort all pupils in prekindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 8, inclusive, who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the schoolbus is stopped. The driver shall use an approved hand-held “STOP” sign while escorting all pupils.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(d)(2) Require all pupils who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the schoolbus is stopped to walk in front of the bus as they cross.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(d)(3) Ensure that all pupils who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the schoolbus is stopped have crossed safely, and that all other pupils and pedestrians are a safe distance from the schoolbus before setting the schoolbus in motion.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(e) Except at a location where pupils are loading or unloading from a schoolbus and must cross a highway or private road upon which the schoolbus is stopped, the schoolbus driver may not activate the amber warning light system, the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm at any of the following locations:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(e)(1) Schoolbus loading zones on or adjacent to school grounds or during an activity trip, if the schoolbus is lawfully stopped or parked.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(e)(2) Where the schoolbus is disabled due to mechanical breakdown. The driver of a relief bus that arrives at the scene to transport pupils from the disabled schoolbus shall not activate the amber warning light system, the flashing red light system, and stop signal arm.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(e)(3) Where a pupil requires physical assistance from the driver or authorized attendant to board or leave the schoolbus and providing the assistance extends the length of time the schoolbus is stopped beyond the time required to load or unload a pupil that does not require physical assistance.
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(e)(4) Where the roadway surface on which the bus is stopped is partially or completely covered by snow or ice and requiring traffic to stop would pose a safety hazard as determined by the schoolbus motor carrier.
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(e)(5) On a state highway with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour or higher where the schoolbus is completely off the main traveled portion of the highway.
(6)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(e)(6) Any location determined by a school district or a private school, with the approval of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, to present a traffic or safety hazard.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 22112(f) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, the Department of the California Highway Patrol may require the activation of an approved flashing amber warning light system, if the schoolbus is so equipped, or the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm, as required on the schoolbus, at any location where the department determines that the activation is necessary for the safety of school pupils loading or unloading from a schoolbus.

Section § 22113

Explanation

This law allows local governments to pass rules that stop vehicles from making certain turns at intersections or between specific intersections.

This chapter does not prevent local authorities, by ordinance, from prohibiting the making of any turning movement by any vehicle at any intersection or between any designated intersections.