California
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of California. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.
Universal helmet law enacted 1992.
5 years
70 and over: License renewal in person at a DMV field office, unless otherwise instructed by the DMV. Knowledge and vision tests are also required. Most drivers 70 and older are eligible for open book no-fail eLearning course.
None
Decriminalized and legal for medical and recreational use
None
70
55
65
55
70
55
0.15
4 months
After 30 days
Mandatory for all repeat and injury-involved offenses, first-time injury or vehicular manslaughter offenses.
Yes
No
Under 16 yrs properly restrained, including a seat belt
Under 2 yrs or under 40 pounds or 40” in rear-facing car seat, following manufacturer instructions and in a back seat
Under 8 yrs or under 57" tall in child safety seat or booster seat in the back seat, following manufacturer instructions
17 years
15 / 6
6
50 (10)
16
11 p.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)
First 12 months: No passengers under 20 (secondary enforcement) unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is the licensee’s parent or guardian, a licensed driver who is 25 years or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor.
Primary
16 and over
All
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers under 18. Secondary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
Statewide
Permitted by state law
In six specified jurisdictions in a pilot program until 2032
Permitted by state law
As the Pandemic Opens More Roadways to Pedestrians, States Help Launch October as Pedestrian Safety Month
As the Pandemic Opens More Roadways to Pedestrians, States Help Launch October as Pedestrian Safety Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2020
CONTACT: Adrian Nicholas, 202-580-7934, anicholas@ghsa.org
AFTER-HOURS CONTACT: Pam Shadel Fischer, 908-619-2786, pfischer@ghsa.org
New York’s Chuck DeWeese Elected Leader of GHSA
Drugged driving, pedestrian safety and equity in traffic enforcement among top agenda items.
New York’s Chuck DeWeese Elected Leader of GHSA
GHSA News Release
September 16, 2020
New York’s Chuck DeWeese Elected Leader of GHSA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2020
CONTACT: Adrian Nicholas, 202-580-7934, anicholas@ghsa.org
The Coronavirus Pandemic Emptied America’s Roadways. Now Speeders Have Taken Over.
Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, the United States faces another crisis: a surge in speeding and reckless behavior on the nation's roadways.
The Coronavirus Pandemic Emptied America's Roadways. Now Speeders Have Taken Over.
Story by Luz Lazo
May 11, 2020
Drivers Hitting Triple-Digit Speeds on Open Roads During Coronavirus Pandemic
With many people staying home during the coronavirus pandemic, once-crowded highways are now relatively empty, prompting more drivers to speed.
Drivers Hitting Triple-Digit Speeds on Open Roads During Coronavirus Pandemic
Story by Erin McLaughlin
April 25, 2020