{"id":23894,"date":"2024-05-09T10:00:37","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T10:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/?p=23894"},"modified":"2024-05-13T13:30:54","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T13:30:54","slug":"california-drivin-the-dos-donts-of-road-travel-in-the-golden-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/california-drivin-the-dos-donts-of-road-travel-in-the-golden-state\/","title":{"rendered":"California Drivin: The Do’s Don’ts of Road Travel in the Golden State"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the third largest state in America, with over 50,000 miles of highways and some of the most famous and picturesque roads in the country, it\u2019s no wonder that folks from all over the nation (and the world) flock to the Golden State for a little California dreamin\u2026.or driving. From the Pacific Coast Highway (aka Highway 1) to the Avenue of the Giants (Highway 101) to the celebrated Route 66, there is no shortage of places to visit or ways to get there. Whether you\u2019re after the majesty of the towering Redwoods, the magnificence of the soaring mountains, or the bustle of city life, it\u2019s a good idea to become familiar with local driving regulations before embarking on a scenic tour of our Western-most territory.<\/p>\n

First and foremost, every driver is required<\/a> to carry with them their driver\u2019s license at all times.\u00a0 Whether the credential is a provisional permit afforded to minors under 18 years old, or a full-fledged driver\u2019s license for adults, it must be kept accessible whenever operating a motor vehicle.\u00a0 Also non-negotiable across the board is the wearing of seatbelts for every person driving or riding in a vehicle, and the wearing of a helmet for anyone driving or riding on a motorcycle.<\/p>\n

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As is true in most states, California has declared that it is against to law to use a mobile phone while operating a vehicle.<\/h2>\n

This means that drivers are not permitted to write, read, or send text-based messages while behind the wheel.\u00a0 There are no exceptions or leniencies with this, except when it comes to phone calls.\u00a0 Drivers are allowed to speak on their cell phones, provided they can do this hands-free.\u00a0 As long as a person can talk without having to use their hands to hold their phone, mobile conversations are okay.<\/p>\n

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Speed limits in California are strictly enforced, and range from 25 miles per hour (MPH) to 70 MPH.\u00a0 Many small residential neighborhoods and school areas will hold the 25 MPH limit, while larger city streets allow for 35 MPH.\u00a0 Most two-lane highways will cap driving speed at 55 MPH, but on the big, multi-lane freeways you will find speed limits ranging from 65 MPH up to 70 MPH in some places.\u00a0 It\u2019s a good practice to be aware of general speed limits, as CA has several different ways of enforcing these laws.<\/p>\n

In addition to the good, old-fashioned officer in a police car monitoring speed from the side of the road, California now also maintains aircraft enforcement.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Meaning, while you may not be aware of it, there are little airborne monitors that check your speed out of sight, and if you happen to be driving above the limit, the offense will be sent via radio to the closest patrol car which will then pull you over and ticket you. This, of course is in addition to the many speed cameras peppered across the state\u2019s roads and highways.\u00a0 So if you are driving along the west coast, it’s best to keep a sharp eye on your speedometer and stay within the declared limit.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Another thing to consider, especially when driving on highways around the larger cities across the state is the carpool lanes. Also referred to as \u201cdiamond lanes\u201d due to the diamond shapes painted in their center, the carpool lanes are designated thoroughfares for vehicles carrying multiple people.\u00a0 Set at a minimum of two persons per car\/truck\/SUV, one may only utilize these lanes if there is at least one other passenger in addition to the driver. The exception to this rule is up north in the Bay Area of San Francisco where the minimum that must be met is three people per vehicle including the driver. Peak times of enforcement are usually rush hours on weekdays.\u00a0 And in case you get a hankering to sneak into a carpool lane without meeting the number requirements, keep in mind that the fines for this violation can be upwards of $400!<\/p>\n

Some general California rules and regulations that could be helpful are as follows:<\/h2>\n