California Vehicle Code Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Does the CA Vehicle Code cover rules on the operation of animals on public roadways?

Only for livestock
Only for pets
No, it does not cover animals at all
Yes, for animals being driven or ridden (correct)

What must a driver do before turning right at a red light?

Signal and turn without stopping
Come to a complete stop before making the turn (correct)
Yield to pedestrians only
Slow down and proceed if the way is clear

Which of the following actions is prohibited when it comes to double yellow lines?

Making a U-turn at a double yellow line
Driving next to double yellow lines without crossing
Crossing double yellow lines for a left turn
Overtaking another vehicle while crossing them (correct)

When are motorists allowed to drive in the left lane?

To pass another car or to make a left turn (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must a driver do when passing animals, such as horses or livestock?

Pass with caution and obey the rider's signals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can a motorist drive on a sidewalk?

When entering or leaving a property (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios permits overtaking on the right?

When the vehicle being passed is turning left. (B), On a highway with clearly marked lanes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the law state about following too closely behind another vehicle?

It depends on various circumstances including distance and alertness (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must drivers do when two vehicles reach an intersection at the same time?

The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must a driver do when they are being passed by another vehicle?

Stay in the right lane and yield to the passing vehicle (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a safe way to pass on a highway?

Having sufficient clearance and adhering to vehicle codes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for drivers to legally pass on the left side?

To have adequate space and clearance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What defense can be used if accused of improper passing?

Having passed without interfering with the other vehicle. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What must a driver do when making a left turn at an intersection?

Yield to vehicles driving in the opposite direction. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for motorists entering a highway?

Yield to all traffic approaching the highway (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must drivers do when approaching a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk?

Yield to the pedestrian crossing the roadway (C) Signup and view all the answers

When are pedestrians required to yield the right-of-way to vehicles?

When they are outside marked or unmarked crosswalks (D) Signup and view all the answers

Jaywalking is generally allowed under the law. What is prohibited?

Crossing when there is an immediate chance of collision (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is required of drivers when changing lanes?

Signal continuously and change lanes only when safe (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstance is driving 70 MPH on a highway permissible?

When driving in a designated 70 MPH speed zone (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in determining if a speed is reasonable and safe?

Conditions such as crowded areas or limited visibility (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the legal status of all street intersections concerning pedestrians?

All intersections are legally considered crosswalks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can local authorities prohibit pedestrians from crossing streets outside of crosswalks?

At adjacent intersections controlled by traffic signals or police officers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists according to the CVC?

On public roadways, bicyclists have equal rights as motorists and must follow the same regulations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the seat belt law, who is required to wear a seat belt?

Any person 16 years or older, whether driving or as a passenger. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Graves Amendment imply in terms of rental vehicle liability?

Owners of rental vehicles are not liable for accidents during the rental period, unless negligent. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Generally, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving?

0.08% (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to an arrest for DUI aside from exceeding the legal BAC limit?

Displaying behavior that suggests intoxication. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under which condition is a vehicle owner NOT liable for damages during a rental period according to the Graves Amendment?

If there is no negligence or criminal wrongdoing by the owner. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In many motor vehicle cases that we handle at FLF, the issue would most likely be related to ___________.

all of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

In handling a motor vehicle negligence case involving unreasonable and unsafe speed, what is the first factor you should examine?

The applicable speed limit on the roadway where the crash occurred (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CA Vehicle Code & Personal Injury Law

The CA Vehicle Code (CVC) is a rulebook outlining California traffic laws
CVC is abbreviated as CVC or VC
The code covers operation, registration, and ownership of:
- Motor vehicles
- Bicycles
- Other devices
These devices are used to transport people, animals, and goods on public roadways
Operation of a vehicle can lead to a tort. Negligent operation of a vehicle is a tort (CC § 1708) (CC § 1714)
Everyone is responsible for not injuring another person or property (CC § 1714) This responsibility includes the use of ordinary care and skill in property and person management.
Ownership of a vehicle can result in additional liability if the driver isn't the owner. This includes cases of negligent entrustment and the owner's liability
The liability of an owner, bailee of an owner, or personal representative of a decedent is limited:
- $15,000 for the death of or injury to one person in an accident
- $30,000 for the death of or injury to more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for damage to property of others in an accident
Animal transport is included in the CVC Animals transported on public roadways are covered by the CVC (21050)

CVC: Relation to Personal Injury

Registration of vehicles
Ownership - Additional defendant if driver is not the owner; negligent entrustment; owner's liability; course and scope, including commercial policies
Section 17150 - Every owner of a motor vehicle is liable for death or injury to a person or property resulting from a negligent/wrongful act. This applies to incidents committed by anyone using the vehicle, with or without the explicit permission, express or implied, of the owner.
Section 17151 - Limits liability of an owner, bailee of an owner, or representative of a decedent in an accident to:
- $15,000 for one person's injuries.
- $30,000 for multiple people's injuries.
- $5,000 for property damages.

Traffic infractions and criminal offenses involving vehicles:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving w/o license (§ 12500(a) VC - Driving without a License)
- Driving on a Suspended License (§14601.1(a) VC—Driving on a Suspended License)
- Causing an injury while driving on a suspended license (§14601.4 VC)
- Running a red light ($ 21453 CVC)
- Crossing double yellow lines
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Driving on the right side of the road
- Driving on a sidewalk
- Following vehicles too closely
- Improper Passing and Overtaking Vehicles:
  - Passing on the left
  - Passing on the right
  - Overtaking another vehicle (including passing in specified situations including on one-way streets and roadways with restrictions on one direction only)
  - Passing and overtaking animals
§ 10851(a) – Driving or Taking a Vehicle without Consent (e.g. “joyriding”)
§ 21800-21804 CVC – Failure to Yield
§ 21950 – Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian.
§ 21954 – Pedestrians Outside Crosswalks
§ 21955 – "Jaywalking" Law
§ 22107 CVC – Unsafe Lane Changes
§ 22108 – Failure to Signal Before Turning.
§ 22349 – Speeding Over 65 MPH
§ 22350 – Basic Speed Limit Limitations
§ 23103 – Reckless Driving
§ 23104 – Reckless Driving Causing Injury
§ 23105 – Reckless Driving Causing Serious Injury
§ 23152(a) – DUI of Alcohol
§ 23153 – DUI Causing Injury
Seat Belt Law (§ 27315)

§ 17150 Permissive User Liability

Every owner of a motor vehicle is liable for damages from a negligent or wrongful act by someone who uses or operates the vehicle with permission.

§ 17150 and Graves Amendment

Initially, rental companies were liable for accidents caused by their renters.
The Graves Amendment changed this by specifying the requirements for liability. It removes vicarious liability for accidents unless the owner had negligence.
The Graves Amendment is still a valid part of the law, but it's been challenged by some.

CVC § 17150, Graves Amendment

The Graves Amendment is intended to clarify liability issues related to rental companies and rental cars/vehicles.
https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/defense/vehicle-code/ – A useful resource for further study.

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