Section § 21750

Explanation

When passing another vehicle going in the same direction, you must pass on the left and keep a safe distance without disrupting the other vehicle's safe movement. This rule has been in effect since September 16, 2014.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21750(a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle, subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth in this article.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21750(b) This section shall become operative on September 16, 2014.

Section § 21751

Explanation

When you're on a two-lane highway, you can't drive into the opposite lane to pass another vehicle unless you can clearly see that there's no oncoming traffic. The road ahead must be clear for a long enough distance to pass safely without causing issues for cars approaching in the other direction.

On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

Section § 21752

Explanation

This law says you can't drive on the left side of the road in certain situations. These include when you're near the top of a hill, on a curve where you can't see oncoming cars, within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or intersection. It's all about making sure you can see clearly to avoid accidents. However, this rule doesn't apply if you're on a one-way street.

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21752(a) When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21752(b) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 21752(c) When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any railroad grade crossing.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 21752(d) When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any intersection.
This section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.

Section § 21753

Explanation

If another vehicle wants to overtake you on the road, you need to safely move to the right side to let them pass after they signal you, either by honking or flashing their headlights. Don't speed up until they've completely passed you. This rule doesn't mean you have to drive on the highway shoulder to let them by.

Except when passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall safely move to the right-hand side of the highway in favor of the overtaking vehicle after an audible signal or a momentary flash of headlights by the overtaking vehicle, and shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. This section does not require the driver of an overtaken vehicle to drive on the shoulder of the highway in order to allow the overtaking vehicle to pass.

Section § 21754

Explanation

This law explains when you can pass another vehicle on the right. You can do this if the other car is turning left, or if you're on a road where the pavement is wide and there's room for cars to move side-by-side going the same way. This applies whether you're in a city or out on a highway, and also on one-way streets, or divided highways where traffic is clearly marked for each direction. However, if you're driving a slow vehicle, you should still keep to the right side of the road as much as possible.

The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21754(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21754(b) Upon a highway within a business or residence district with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in the direction of travel.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 21754(c) Upon any highway outside of a business or residence district with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width and clearly marked for two or more lines of moving traffic in the direction of travel.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 21754(d) Upon a one-way street.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 21754(e) Upon a highway divided into two roadways where traffic is restricted to one direction upon each of such roadways.
The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a slow moving vehicle from the duty to drive as closely as practicable to the right hand edge of the roadway.

Section § 21755

Explanation

This law allows a driver to pass another vehicle on the right side, but only if it's safe to do so, and the driver must stay on the paved or main-traveled road. Passing by driving onto the shoulder or off the road is not allowed.

Bicycles are an exception to this rule; they can use the bicycle lane or shoulder.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21755(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting that movement in safety. In no event shall that movement be made by driving off the paved or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21755(b) This section does not prohibit the use of a bicycle in a bicycle lane or on a shoulder.

Section § 21756

Explanation

If you're driving and come across a streetcar that is stopped to pick up or drop off passengers, you need to stop behind it and wait until people are safely on or off the car. But, if there's an area called a 'safety zone' or a traffic officer or signal controlling the intersection, you don't have to stop. In that case, you can pass the streetcar, but you need to keep it slow—no more than 10 miles per hour—and be careful not to endanger pedestrians.

For trolley coaches or buses stopped at safety zones, you can pass by them too, as long as you keep to the 10 miles per hour speed limit.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21756(a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking any interurban electric or streetcar stopped or about to stop for the purpose of receiving or discharging any passenger shall stop the vehicle to the rear of the nearest running board or door of such car and thereupon remain standing until all passengers have boarded the car or upon alighting have reached a place of safety, except as provided in subdivision (b) hereof.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21756(b) Where a safety zone has been established or at an intersection where traffic is controlled by an officer or a traffic control signal device, a vehicle need not be brought to a stop before passing any interurban electric or streetcar but may proceed past such car at a speed not greater than 10 miles per hour and with due caution for the safety of pedestrians.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 21756(c) Whenever any trolley coach or bus has stopped at a safety zone to receive or discharge passengers, a vehicle may proceed past such trolley coach or bus at a speed not greater than 10 miles per hour.

Section § 21757

Explanation

This law states that drivers should not pass on the left side of streetcars that are going in the same direction, whether the streetcar is moving or stopped, unless a police officer tells them to, they are on a one-way street, or the street layout makes it impossible to follow this rule.

The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass upon the left, nor shall any driver of a vehicle drive upon the left side of, any interurban electric or street car proceeding in the same direction whether the street car is actually in motion or temporarily at rest, except:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21757(a) When so directed by a police or traffic officer.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21757(b) When upon a one-way street.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 21757(c) When upon a street where the tracks are so located as to prevent compliance with this section.

Section § 21758

Explanation

This law states that if you're driving outside a business or residential area and come across a vehicle going slower than 20 mph, you can't pass it unless you're going at least 10 mph faster than the slow vehicle. Additionally, you must complete the pass within a quarter mile.

In the event any vehicle is being operated on any grade outside of a business or residence district at a speed of less than 20 miles per hour, no person operating any other motor vehicle shall attempt to overtake and pass such slow moving vehicle unless the overtaking vehicle is operated at a speed of at least 10 miles per hour in excess of the speed of the overtaken vehicle, nor unless the passing movement is completed within a total distance not greater than one-quarter of a mile.

Section § 21759

Explanation

If you're driving and come across a horse-drawn vehicle, a person riding an animal, or livestock, you must be careful. Slow down or stop if needed to avoid scaring the animal and to keep everyone safe, including those with the animals.

The driver of any vehicle approaching any horse drawn vehicle, any ridden animal, or any livestock shall exercise proper control of his vehicle and shall reduce speed or stop as may appear necessary or as may be signalled or otherwise requested by any person driving, riding or in charge of the animal or livestock in order to avoid frightening and to safeguard the animal or livestock and to insure the safety of any person driving or riding the animal or in charge of the livestock.

Section § 21760

Explanation

The Three Feet for Safety Act requires drivers overtaking bikes on the highway to maintain a minimum distance of three feet. This rule ensures that passing occurs safely, considering traffic, weather, and road conditions. If a lane change is possible, drivers should use a different lane to pass. If it's impossible to maintain three feet due to road conditions, drivers must slow down to a safe speed while passing. Violating these rules results in fines, which increase if a collision with a bicycle causes injury.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21760(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Three Feet for Safety Act.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21760(b) The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall pass in compliance with the requirements of this article applicable to overtaking and passing a vehicle, and shall do so at a safe distance that does not interfere with the safe operation of the overtaken bicycle, having due regard for the size and speed of the motor vehicle and the bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and the surface and width of the highway.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 21760(c) A driver of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway at a distance of less than three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator. The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking or passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction and in the same lane of travel shall, if another lane of traffic proceeding in the same direction is available, make a lane change into another available lane with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law, before overtaking or passing the bicycle.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 21760(d) If the driver of a motor vehicle is unable to comply with subdivision (c), due to traffic or roadway conditions, the driver shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent, and may pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the operator of the bicycle, taking into account the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and surface and width of the highway.
(e)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21760(e)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21760(e)(1) A violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (d) is an infraction punishable by a fine of thirty-five dollars ($35).
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 21760(e)(2) If a collision occurs between a motor vehicle and a bicycle causing bodily injury to the operator of the bicycle, and the driver of the motor vehicle is found to be in violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (d), a two-hundred-twenty-dollar ($220) fine shall be imposed on that driver.

Section § 21761

Explanation

If you're driving and see a stopped waste service vehicle, you should try to change lanes to give them space and pass safely if it's possible and legal to do so. If changing lanes isn't safe or practical, you should slow down to a speed that's safe given the current conditions like weather and traffic. This applies to vehicles like garbage trucks that are clearly marked and have their flashing amber lights on. However, these rules don't apply if the waste service vehicle is on a private property or separated by a barrier. This rule has been effective since January 1, 2020.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21761(a) The driver of a vehicle on a public street or highway approaching and overtaking a stopped waste service vehicle shall make a lane change into an available lane adjacent to the waste service vehicle and shall pass at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the waste service vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21761(b) If the maneuver described in subdivision (a) would be unsafe or impractical, a driver approaching and overtaking a stopped waste service vehicle shall slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 21761(c) For purposes of this section, “waste service vehicle” means a refuse collection vehicle, including a vehicle collecting recyclables or yard waste that is used for curbside collection, and sewer and catch basin maintenance vehicles.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 21761(d) The requirements in subdivisions (a) and (b) apply when both of the following circumstances exist:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 21761(d)(1) The waste service vehicle is readily identifiable as a waste service vehicle based on the vehicle configuration or markings on the vehicle.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 21761(d)(2) The waste service vehicle displays flashing amber lights.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 21761(e) Subdivisions (a) and (b) do not apply to a waste service vehicle that is located on a private driveway or highway, when the waste service vehicle is not adjacent to the street or highway, or is separated from the street or highway by a protective physical barrier.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 21761(f) This section shall be operative on and after January 1, 2020.