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.

California
Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.

California
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Universal helmet law enacted 1992.

California
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

5 years

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Provisions for Mature Drivers

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.

California
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

California
Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for medical and recreational use

California
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

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Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

55

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Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

70

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Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

55

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Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

70

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Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

55

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Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

65

California
Increased penalty for high BAC

0.15

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Administrative license suspension on first offense

4 months

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Limited driving privileges during suspension

After 30 days

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Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for all repeat and injury-involved offenses, first-time injury or vehicular manslaughter offenses.

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Open container laws

Yes

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Repeat Offender Laws

No

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Child Restraint Required

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 

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Adult Safety Belt Permissible

Under 16 yrs properly restrained, including a seat belt

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Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

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Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

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Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

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Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

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Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

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.

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Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

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Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

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Type of Law

Primary

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Who is Covered?

16 and over

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In What Seat?

All

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Hand-Held Ban?

Yes. Primary law.

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All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

Yes. Primary law.

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All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

Drivers under 18. Secondary law.

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Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

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Speed Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

California
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

In six specified jurisdictions in a pilot program until 2032

California
Red Light Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

California
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

Statewide
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