Chapter 8Special Stops Required

Section § 22450

Explanation

This law requires drivers to stop at stop signs when approaching intersections or railroad crossings. If there’s a marked line, drivers must stop there; otherwise, they should stop before entering any crosswalk or at the entrance of the road or tracks. Additionally, local authorities can install stop signs anywhere needed to improve traffic safety.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22450(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.
If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22450(b) The driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before crossing the first track or entrance to the railroad grade crossing.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 22450(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution providing for the placement of a stop sign at any location on a highway under its jurisdiction where the stop sign would enhance traffic safety.
stop sign intersection railroad crossing limit line crosswalk entry to intersection local authority enhance traffic safety traffic regulations highway jurisdiction vehicle stop requirements marked line entrance to roadway stop sign placement safety ordinance
(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 630, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2008.)

Section § 22451

Explanation

If you're driving or walking near a railroad or rail transit crossing, you need to stop at least 15 feet away from the nearest rail if there's a signal or flagman warning that a train or other rail equipment is coming.

You should also stop if a train is visible or you hear its audible signal and it's close or fast enough to be dangerous. Don't go under or around closed crossing gates.

If there’s an automated system catching people breaking these rules, the procedures in Section 40518 will apply to violations. 'On-track equipment' includes any trains or rail-type vehicles running on stationary tracks.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22451(a) The driver of any vehicle or pedestrian approaching a railroad or rail transit grade crossing shall stop not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely, whenever the following conditions exist:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 22451(a)(1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device or a flagman gives warning of the approach or passage of a train, car, or on-track equipment.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22451(a)(2) An approaching train, car, or on-track equipment is plainly visible or is emitting an audible signal and, by reason of its speed or nearness, is an immediate hazard.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22451(b) No driver or pedestrian shall proceed through, around, or under any railroad or rail transit crossing gate while the gate is closed.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 22451(c) Whenever a railroad or rail transit crossing is equipped with an automated enforcement system, a notice of a violation of this section is subject to the procedures provided in Section 40518.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 22451(d) For purposes of this section, “on-track equipment” means any locomotive or any other car, rolling stock, equipment, or other device that, alone or coupled to others, is operated on stationary rails.
railroad crossing safety train signal compliance grade crossing rules rail transit warning signals train approaching hazards pedestrian railroad crossing laws railroad crossing gates automated enforcement systems train and pedestrian safety railroad signal devices rail crossing regulations stationary rails equipment close proximity train rules locomotive crossing laws rail road signal equipment
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 110, Sec. 1. (AB 695) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Section § 22452

Explanation

This law outlines the rules for specific vehicles when crossing railroad tracks. It mainly applies to buses with passengers, trucks with employees, school buses, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, and certain cargo tank vehicles. Drivers of these vehicles must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, check for oncoming trains, and only proceed when safe. No gear shifting is allowed while crossing. There are exceptions where stopping isn't needed, like when directed by traffic officers or certain signage indicates it's safe. The law also clarifies what 'on-track equipment' means, referring to any rail-operated devices.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a) Subdivisions (b) and (d) apply to the operation of the following vehicles:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(1) A bus or farm labor vehicle carrying passengers.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(2) A motortruck transporting employees in addition to those riding in the cab.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(3) A schoolbus and a school pupil activity bus transporting school pupils, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (d).
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(4) A commercial motor vehicle transporting any quantity of a Division 2.3 chlorine, as classified by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5) A commercial motor vehicle that is required to be marked or placarded in accordance with the regulations of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations with one of the following federal classifications:
(A)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(A) Division 1.1.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(B) Division 1.2, or Division 1.3.
(C)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(C) Division 2.3 Poison gas.
(D)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(D) Division 4.3.
(E)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(E) Class 7.
(F)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(F) Class 3 Flammable.
(G)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(G) Division 5.1.
(H)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(H) Division 2.2.
(I)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(I) Division 2.3 Chlorine.
(J)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(J) Division 6.1 Poison.
(K)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(K) Division 2.2 Oxygen.
(L)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(L) Division 2.1.
(M)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(M) Class 3 Combustible liquid.
(N)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(N) Division 4.1.
(O)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(O) Division 5.1.
(P)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(P) Division 5.2.
(Q)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(Q) Class 8.
(R)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(R) Class Division 1.4.
(S)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(5)(S) A cargo tank motor vehicle, whether loaded or empty, used for the transportation of a hazardous material, as defined in Parts 107 to 180, inclusive, of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(6)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(6) A cargo tank motor vehicle transporting a commodity that at the time of loading has a temperature above its flashpoint, as determined under Section 173.120 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(7)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(a)(7) A cargo tank motor vehicle, whether loaded or empty, transporting a commodity under exemption in accordance with Subpart B of Part 107 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(b) Before traversing a railroad grade crossing, the driver of a vehicle described in subdivision (a) shall stop that vehicle not less than 15 nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the track and while so stopped shall listen, and look in both directions along the track, for an approaching train or on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or on-track equipment, and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely. Upon proceeding, the gears shall not be shifted manually while crossing the tracks.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(c) The driver of a commercial motor vehicle, other than those listed in subdivision (a), upon approaching a railroad grade crossing, shall be driven at a rate of speed that allows the commercial vehicle to stop before reaching the nearest rail of that crossing, and shall not be driven upon, or over, the crossing until due caution is taken to ascertain that the course is clear.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(d) A stop need not be made at a crossing in the following circumstances:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(d)(1) Of railroad tracks running along and upon the roadway within a business or residence district.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(d)(2) Where a traffic officer or an official traffic control signal directs traffic to proceed.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(d)(3) Where an exempt sign was authorized by the Public Utilities Commission prior to January 1, 1978.
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(d)(4) Where an official railroad crossing stop exempt sign in compliance with Section 21400 has been placed by the Department of Transportation or a local authority pursuant to Section 22452.5. This paragraph does not apply with respect to a schoolbus or to a school pupil activity bus transporting school pupils.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 22452(e) For purposes of this section, “on-track equipment” means any locomotive or any other car, rolling stock, equipment, or other device that, alone or coupled to others, is operated on stationary rails.
railroad crossings buses carrying passengers transporting hazardous materials school buses commercial motor vehicles cargo tank motor vehicles Division 2.3 chlorine Division 1.1 explosive Division 2.3 poison gas manual gear shifting restrictions vehicle stop requirements train crossing safety exempt sign at crossing hazardous material transport on-track equipment definition
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 110, Sec. 2. (AB 695) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Section § 22452.5

Explanation

This law allows the Department of Transportation and local authorities to install signs at railroad crossings, which let certain vehicles cross without stopping. These signs must follow guidelines set by the Public Utilities Commission. Before putting up the signs, there must be consultation with the California Highway Patrol, relevant railroad companies, and other operators involved. Furthermore, if the placement affects a railroad company under the Public Utilities Commission's jurisdiction, their permission is needed, and they must also get approval from the California Highway Patrol.

The Department of Transportation and local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may place signs at railroad grade crossings permitting any vehicle described in subdivision (a) of Section 22452 to traverse such crossings without stopping. Such signs shall be placed in accordance with criteria adopted by the Public Utilities Commission. Prior to placing such signs, the Department of Transportation or local authority shall consult with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, railroad corporations involved, and the operators involved and shall secure the permission of the Public Utilities Commission if a railroad corporation under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission is affected. Prior to permitting the placement of such signs, the Public Utilities Commission shall seek the concurrence of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
railroad grade crossings crossing signs vehicle stopping rules Department of Transportation local authorities Public Utilities Commission criteria California Highway Patrol consultation railroad corporations operator involvement permission requirement jurisdiction safety regulations traffic signs highway management transportation regulations
(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 373.)

Section § 22453

Explanation

This law means that if a driver carrying passengers, who are paying for the ride, fails to stop as required by another law (Section 22452), the passengers can't be blamed for this violation. The responsibility falls solely on the driver.

Failure of the driver of a motor vehicle carrying any passenger for hire to stop as required in Section 22452 shall not be imputed to any bona fide passenger for hire in such vehicle.
driver responsibility passenger for hire traffic violations passenger liability commercial vehicle passenger rights stop requirement driver violations Section 22452 passenger accountability hire vehicle rules transportation law commercial driver traffic rules
(Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

Section § 22454

Explanation

When you see a school bus with flashing red lights and a stop sign arm, you must stop your vehicle immediately and not pass the bus until the lights and stop arm are turned off. This applies if you're approaching the bus from any direction, whether you're meeting or overtaking it.

If you're on a divided or multi-lane highway, you don't have to stop if the bus is on the other side of the road. A multi-lane highway means there are at least two lanes going each direction.

If you illegally overtake a school bus and the bus driver sees you, they can report you to the police within 24 hours. The police can then send a warning letter to the owner of the vehicle, but it won't affect the driver's record. However, other penalties can still apply.

This rule also applies on private roads.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22454(a) The driver of any vehicle, upon meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any schoolbus equipped with signs as required in this code, that is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading any schoolchildren and displays a flashing red light signal and stop signal arm, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 25257, if equipped with a stop signal arm, visible from front or rear, shall bring the vehicle to a stop immediately before passing the schoolbus and shall not proceed past the schoolbus until the flashing red light signal and stop signal arm, if equipped with a stop signal arm, cease operation.
(b)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 22454(b)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 22454(b)(1) The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway or multiple-lane highway need not stop upon meeting or passing a schoolbus that is upon the other roadway.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22454(b)(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, a multiple-lane highway is any highway that has two or more lanes of travel in each direction.
(c)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 22454(c)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 22454(c)(1) If a vehicle was observed overtaking a schoolbus in violation of subdivision (a), and the driver of the schoolbus witnessed the violation, the driver may, within 24 hours, report the violation and furnish the vehicle license plate number and description and the time and place of the violation to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction of the offense. That law enforcement agency shall issue a letter of warning prepared in accordance with paragraph (2) with respect to the alleged violation to the registered owner of the vehicle. The issuance of a warning letter under this paragraph shall not be entered on the driving record of the person to whom it is issued, but does not preclude the imposition of any other applicable penalty.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22454(c)(2) The Attorney General shall prepare and furnish to every law enforcement agency in the state a form letter for purposes of paragraph (1), and the law enforcement agency may issue those letters in the exact form prepared by the Attorney General. The Attorney General may charge a fee to any law enforcement agency that requests a copy of the form letter to recover the costs of preparing and providing that copy.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 22454(d) This section also applies to a roadway upon private property.
school bus safety flashing red lights stop signal arm divided highway multi-lane highway overtaking vehicles local law enforcement violation reporting warning letter private property roads bus driver witness vehicle stop law license plate report driver penalties stop for schoolchildren
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 647, Sec. 3. Effective October 10, 1999.)

Section § 22454.5

Explanation

If you're caught breaking the law described in Section 22454 for the first time, you'll have to pay a fine between $150 and $250. If you break it again, the fine increases to between $500 and $1,000. If you get caught a third time within three years, you won’t be allowed to drive for a year because your driver's license will be suspended by the DMV.

Notwithstanding Section 42001, a person convicted of a first violation of Section 22454 shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150) or more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). A person convicted of a second separate violation of Section 22454 shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) or more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). If a person is convicted of a third or subsequent violation of Section 22454 and the offense occurred within three years of two or more separate violations of Section 22454, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle for one year.
first violation fine second violation fine third violation suspension driver's license suspension traffic violation fines repeat offenses penalties due diligence with traffic laws Section 22454 violation consequences three-year violation period maximum fine for second offense minimum fine for first offense DMV license suspension penalties for traffic violations Section 22454 consequences driving privilege suspension
(Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1296, Sec. 2.)

Section § 22455

Explanation

This law explains that for a commercial vending vehicle to sell products on a street in a residential area, it must first come to a complete stop and legally park next to the curb. This must comply with existing parking rules and local laws.

Additionally, local authorities can impose more rules for safety reasons about where, when, and how vending can take place from these vehicles, regardless of other state health and safety codes.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22455(a) The driver of any commercial vehicle engaged in vending upon a street may vend products on a street in a residence district only after bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and lawfully parking adjacent to the curb, consistent with the requirements of Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 22500) and local ordinances adopted pursuant thereto.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22455(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 114315 of the Health and Safety Code or any other provision of law, a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, adopt additional requirements for the public safety regulating the type of vending and the time, place, and manner of vending from vehicles upon any street.
commercial vending vehicle street vending residential area vending parking requirements curbside vending local ordinances public safety regulations vending time restrictions vending location restrictions vehicle vending rules residential district selling vending manner regulations
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 139, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2009.)

Section § 22456

Explanation

The Destiny Nicole Stout Memorial Act focuses on the safety of children around ice cream trucks in residential areas. It requires ice cream trucks, defined as vehicles selling ice cream and similar treats to kids under 12, to have visible "WARNING" and "CHILDREN CROSSING" signs. The signs must be on both the front and back of the truck, readable from 100 feet away.

Additionally, ice cream trucks can't stop, park, or vend on streets with speed limits over 25 mph, near intersections with faster roads, or where the driver can't see at least 200 feet in both directions.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 22456(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Destiny Nicole Stout Memorial Act.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 22456(b) The Legislature finds and declares that motor vehicles engaged in vending ice cream and similar food items in residential neighborhoods can increase the danger to children, and it is necessary that these vehicles are clearly seen and noticed by motorists and pedestrians to protect public safety.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 22456(c) As used in this section, the term “ice cream truck” means a motor vehicle engaged in the curbside vending or sale of frozen or refrigerated desserts, confections, or novelties commonly known as ice cream, or prepackaged candies, prepackaged snack foods, or soft drinks, primarily intended for the sale to children under 12 years of age.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 22456(d) Any ice cream truck shall be equipped at all times, while engaged in vending in a residential area, with signs mounted on both the front and the rear and clearly legible from a distance of 100 feet under daylight conditions, incorporating the words “WARNING” and “CHILDREN CROSSING.” Each sign shall be at least 12 inches high by 48 inches wide, with letters of a dark color and at least four inches in height, a one-inch wide solid border, and a sharply contrasting background.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 22456(e) A person may not vend from an ice cream truck that is stopped, parked, or standing on any public street, alley, or highway under any of the following conditions:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 22456(e)(1) On a street, alley, or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 22456(e)(2) If the street, alley, or highway is within 100 feet of an intersection with an opposing highway that has a posted speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 22456(e)(3) If the vendor does not have an unobstructed view for 200 feet in both directions along the highway and of any traffic on the highway.
Destiny Nicole Stout Memorial Act ice cream truck vending regulations child safety residential neighborhoods warning signs children crossing speed limit restrictions obstructed view curbside vending public safety frozen desserts traffic visibility motor vehicle requirements confections sales
(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 344, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)