If you’re new to driving in California, or you’ve been behind the wheel for a while, you should be aware of traffic violations. Traffic violations lead to points on your driving record, higher insurance rates, and license suspensions. At iGottadrive, we offer online drivers ed courses to help you learn about traffic laws and how to avoid getting violations.
Here are a few things to do to avoid getting traffic violations:
Maintain the Speed Limit
A speed limit is the maximum safe speed you should drive on a particular road or highway. Speed limits are in place to keep everyone safe on the road. Every stretch of road in California has a posted speed limit, so make sure you know the limit as you drive. Slow down when approaching town limits, school zones, and construction areas as they have reduced speed limits. This helps you avoid speeding tickets which result in points on your driving record.
Stop At All Red Lights and Stop Signs
Running a red light or stop sign is a common traffic violation. It can lead to many minor or severe accidents. To avoid running a red light or stop sign, make sure you come to a complete stop before proceeding to an intersection. Be cautious of intersection cameras, which are in place to catch drivers who run red lights. Be aware of your surroundings, as pedestrians or other vehicles may have the right of way at an intersection.
Make Legal Turns
Illegal turns such as U-turns on busy highways, three-point turns, and backing up on a freeway off-ramp are prohibited in California. You can get a ticket if you’re caught making one of these turns.
If you need to make a U-turn, make sure there is no signage prohibiting it and that you have plenty of time and space to complete the turn without impeding traffic. When making a three-point turn, use a driveway or business entrance to turn around instead. If you need to back up on an off-ramp, wait until you reach the bottom of the ramp to do so.
Always use your turn signal to let other drivers know your intention to turn. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when making a turn. Be patient and only make the turn when it is safe. These simple tips will help you avoid getting a ticket for an illegal turn.
Know the California Vehicle Code
The California Vehicle Code contains all the rules and regulations governing drivers and vehicles in the state. Familiarize yourself with the code to avoid traffic violations by breaking laws. The code covers everything from licensing requirements and vehicle registration to traffic laws and road signs. If you’re unsure about a rule or regulation on the road, look it up in the vehicle code. Copies of the California Vehicle Code are available online or at your local DMV office.
Drive With a Valid License
It is illegal to drive without a valid license. You can be fined if caught driving without a valid license, and your car may be impounded. To avoid driving without a valid license, make sure you apply for and receive a license before getting behind the wheel. At iGottadrive, we offer online drivers ed courses certified by the DMV. These courses fulfill the requirements necessary to obtain a valid license.
Don’t Drive Distracted
One of the biggest causes of accidents and traffic offenses is distracted driving. Anything that pulls your focus away from the road, such as chatting on the phone, texting, eating, or changing the radio station, is considered distracted driving. To avoid driving distracted, put your phone away and focus on the road. Pull over to a safe location if you need to eat or change the radio station.
Drive Sober
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and is a serious traffic violation. If caught driving under the influence, you will be fined, your license will be suspended, and you may go to jail. To avoid driving under the influence, don’t drink or use drugs before getting behind the wheel. Call a sober friend or taxi to take you home if you’ve been drinking.
Follow All the Rules of the Road
There are many rules of the road that are designed to keep you safe. These include yield signs, merge signs, and crosswalk rules. You need to follow them to avoid getting a traffic violation. Familiarize yourself with all the rules before driving. At iGottadrive, we offer online drivers ed courses that will teach you all the road rules and how to drive safely.
Be a Defensive Driver
Defensive driving is a technique that helps you avoid accidents by anticipating dangerous situations and being prepared to act. To be a defensive driver, you must be aware of your surroundings and ready to react to hazards. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.
Register For Our Online Drivers Ed Courses Today!
Violating traffic laws can result in costly fines and points on your license. At iGottadrive, we help you avoid getting traffic violations by teaching you how to drive safely and obey all the rules of the road. Our online drivers ed courses are certified by the DMV and fulfill all the requirements necessary to obtain a valid license. Register today to get started.
