Local

Navigate California's road laws: 7 stories to keep Sacramento drivers informed

Stories by Sacramento Bee journalists, with AI summarization

The articles provide guidance on various road laws in California, including those related to lane changes, seat belt use, registration tags, speed limits, brake checking, and the use of cell phones at red lights. They aim to assist drivers in understanding legal requirements and possible penalties.

An article discusses if switching lanes in the middle of an intersection can result in a ticket, explaining that while not recommended, it isn't illegal unless it involves an unsafe maneuver. Another explains the penalties for driving with expired car tags and how enforcement has relaxed slightly under Assembly Bill 256. A third outlines speed limits around parks to emphasize the importance of adhering to posted signs to avoid fines. Another piece covers seat belt laws in California, stating police can pull over drivers solely for not wearing a seat belt. The article highlights current enforcement practices and penalties for non-compliance.

NO. 1: CAN I GET A TICKET FOR TEXTING AT A RED LIGHT? HERE’S WHAT CALIFORNIA LAW SAYS

From checking a map app while driving to pushing the speed limit in a school zone, California’s Vehicle Code lays out the rules of the road drivers must follow to keep everyone safe. | Published September 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

A red light at the intersection of Broadway and Land Park Drive in Sacramento on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

NO. 2: CAN I RUN A RED LIGHT THAT WON’T TURN GREEN IN CALIFORNIA? WHAT STATE LAW SAYS

Picture this: | Published October 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

Children run and play on the playground equipment Wednesday morning at the Highland Grange Park off South Union Street in Kennewick. The National Weather Service forecasts the first triple digit temperatures of the year on Sunday as the Pacific Northwest will swelter under a heat wave. By Bob Brawdy

NO. 3: IS THERE A SPEED LIMIT NEAR PARKS IN CALIFORNIA? CAN I GET A TICKET? SEE THE LAW

California law requires drivers to slow down near parks — but only during certain hours. | Published June 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

No image found
A steady stream of vehicles move southbound on Highway 99 through south Sacramento and away from the city core during evening commute hours on Thursday, July 8, 2021. By Xavier Mascare��as

NO. 4: IS IT OK TO DRIVE WITH EXPIRED CAR REGISTRATION TAGS? HERE’S WHAT CALIFORNIA LAW SAYS

A Sacramento Bee reader asked about driving with outdated registration: “Has the Highway Patrol loosened their enforcement?” | Published May 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

It’s difficult to be patient when someone’s on your bumper, but don’t let that driver rush you into the other lane, cutting off another driver.

NO. 5: CAN YOU BRAKE CHECK A DRIVER FOR FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY? HERE’S WHAT CALIFORNIA LAW SAYS

When a speedster starts tailgating you, what should you do? | Published June 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

Driving a car in a a city with a traffic jam at night, proceeding slow in a line of cars with red tail lights during the rush hour. view from inside the car. Blurred streets lights on the background. Dusk, blue skylight. Getty Images | Royalty Free

NO. 6: CAN I GET A TICKET FOR SWITCHING LANES IN AN INTERSECTION? HERE’S WHAT CALIFORNIA LAW SAYS

Here’s what you should know about weaving in and out of traffic. | Published July 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

Seat belts are one of the most effective things that have ever happened to traffic safety, with non-seat belt wearers severely over-represented in fatal car crashes. By iStockphoto

NO. 7: CAN POLICE PULL YOU OVER IN CALIFORNIA FOR NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT? SEE STATE SAFETY RULES

California has some strict penalties for not buckling up. | Published January 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kendrick Marshall

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.