Whether traveling by car, transit, bike, scooter, skateboard or on foot, we all want to reach our destination safely. Please make sure to buckle up, follow all traffic laws, pay extra attention to pedestrians and bicyclists, and do not drive if you’re distracted or impaired. Read our safe driving guides below to refresh your memory on traffic laws. This information is free.
Recent Changes to Traffic Laws
Passing and overtaking of Waste Service Vehicles Drivers who approach a waste service vehicle on a public street or highway with flashing amber warning lights on, are to approach with caution and leave the lane adjacent to that vehicle as soon as another lane is available. (In their direction of travel and a lane change can be made safely). Drivers who cannot safely make a lane change must slow down and pass at a safe and reasonable speed for the conditions. This applies to Refuse Collection...
Careless Driving and its Consequences
Damage to or Loss of vehicle Collision repair costs can be overwhelming if you are in an accident and need your vehicle repaired. Crashes don't have to be very serious for the repairs' price to be extremely costly. How long will the repairs take? This depends on the amount of damage that was done. Simple fender benders can take 48 hours or less. In contrast, a more far-reaching collision repair may take weeks to a few months to get everything back to a pre-crash state. Some shops do have...
Operator Responsibilities
KNOWING WHEN NOT TO DRIVE Attention and alertness are essential components to safe driving. In addition, there are some techniques we can use to combat drowsiness and fatigue if we feel tired when driving. Every 2 hours, plan to stop at least or every 100 miles. Pullover and stop in a safe area; taking a 30-minute nap may help. Stop and get a caffeinated beverage. If drowsiness persists, stop driving. PERSONAL CONCERNS DRIVING TIRED There are several ways our driving can be impacted...
Reduction of Traffic Collision Involvement
Reduction of Traffic Collision Involvement As of 2019, there are 276 million vehicles registered and 231 million licensed drivers in the United States*. This means a great number of people are using the nation's roads, leading to avoidable accidents and unsafe or careless behavior that often go un-ticketed. (*According to the Statista Research Department, Feb 8, 2021) As a licensed driver, you control your actions and are responsible for avoiding collisions, whether it is your or the other...
Rights and Responsibilities of a Pedestrian
Cross at Intersections and Designated Crosswalks. A pedestrian is someone on foot or who uses a means of travel such as roller skates, skateboard, or wheelchair. We have previously discussed the rights of pedestrians briefly in this course. In this lesson, we will further examine the role of pedestrians as it relates to motor vehicle drivers. More specifically, we will look at the rules that pedestrians must obey.Pedestrian Control Signals and Crossing Between Controlled Intersections:...
Backing Up, Lane Changes and Passing
Backing Up Backing up a vehicle takes practice and being cautious. It is difficult to see directly behind the car, even when using your mirrors and glancing backward over your shoulder. For this reason, it is important to examine the environment around your vehicle from many angles. Before getting into your vehicle, check behind the car for small objects such as children's toys, mailboxes, or other hazards. These types of smaller objects may not be visible once you are inside your car. If...
Recovering from Hydroplaning
Slow down when there is a lot of water on the road. In a heavy rain at speeds of 50 mph or more, your tires can lose all contact with the road and then your vehicle will be riding on water or “hydroplaning.” A slight change of direction, applying the brakes, or a gust of wind could throw your vehicle into a skid. Although hydroplaning can occur on any wet surface, the first 30 minutes of rain is often the most dangerous. If you see a big puddle that you are about to drive through, slow by...
Collision Avoidance
Most collisions are caused by motorist error. A motorist can reduce the chances of a collision by practicing defensive driving strategies. If we are to experience a drop in the number of collisions and the corresponding loss of property and lives, it will be as a result of drivers taking responsibility for being a part of the traffic safety solution. Look for at least one thing that you can do differently that will lower the risk in your driving environment. Drivers should always be alert and...
Defensive Driving
PLANNING TRIPS Packing: first aid kit, flashlight, blanket, navigation aid, warm clothing, etc. In-vehicle Knowing the best route to take, when to take it, and road conditions that may be present make a big difference in the risk you will experience. Whether it is short or long, if possible, when you take a trip, plan to drive when traffic is less of a threat. You may take a longer route to avoid a congested roadway resulting in less stress and fewer hazards. Try to be in your best...
Violating Right Of Way Rules
CVC525 says: Right-of-way is the privilege of the immediate use of the highway. The rules apply if more than one road user wants to occupy the same space. Right-of-way rules help people drive safely. These rules go along with courtesy and common sense. Bicycle, moped riders, and pedestrians must follow these rules, too. Never insist on taking the right-of-way. If another driver does not yield to you when he or she should, forget it. Let the other driver go first. You will help prevent...
Rules of The Road
When cars were first invented and operated, roads were very primitive and undeveloped. In our modern times, however, the roads we know are complicated systems with rules that govern their use by motor vehicle drivers. The various aspects of the road, including the pavement, signs, and markings, and intersections, all contribute to the driving environment that allows us to operate a motor vehicle safely. In this lesson, we will examine these various aspects of the road and also look at the...
Frequently asked questions
How to get started with traffic school for tickets or for teen drivers-ed.
I got a ticket now what do I do?
Go to your courts website, pay any fines and the courts traffic school enrollment acceptance fee. Then you can take our online traffic school. We report your completion directly to the courthouse and the dmv to mask your ticket from your record. This keeps your insurance rate unchanged.
I am a minor and ready to take a drivers ed course online
No problem. We suggest starting drivers ed (click here) just after you turn 15 and 3 months. Then take drivers ed and then go to the DMV and schedule a knowledge test. Once you have finished your knowledge test and passed (you will know right away) the DMV will issue a provisional license that will allow you to take your behind the wheel training.
I am age 55+ can I take a course and get an insurance discount?
Yes, we have a special online course that is just for mature drivers and when you complete it we send you a state issued certificate to give (scan, email, mail) to your insurance agent. Insurance companies operating in California (even if it is an out of state company) are required to get you a discount on your insurance.
I got a ticket but missed my traffic school due date.
For a limited amount of time you can take traffic school anyway then go to your courthouse to ask for a judge to accept it. Don’t put it off any longer, the longer you wait the less likely the judge will accept a late submission. Call your court for more details. Sign up for traffic school here.