GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of California. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Authorizes full deployment without a human operator.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.
Universal helmet law enacted 1992.
5 years
70 and over: no mail renewal
None
Decriminalized and legal for medical and recreational use
None
70
55
65
55
70
55
Yes
No
0.15
4 months
After 30 days
Mandatory for all repeat and injury-involved offenses, first-time injury or vehicular manslaughter offenses.
In rear-facing car seat under 2 yrs unless child weighs 40 or more lbs or is 40" or more inches tall
Under 8 yrs and under 57" tall in car seat or booster seat in the back seat
8 yrs or at least 4'9" in booster seat, but at min. safety belt 16 yrs and over
17 years
15 / 6
6
50 (10)
16
11 p.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)
First 12 months: no passengers under 20 (secondary enforcement) unless accompanied by parent, guardian or other adult 25 years or older
Primary
16 and over
All
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers under 18. Secondary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
None
n/a
Permitted by state law
Statewide
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2019
Contact: Kara Macek, 202-789-0944
As the Click It or Ticket high visibility enforcement period kicks off, California Office of Traffic Safety Director and GHSA Vice Chair Rhonda Craft reminds drivers and passengers the importance of buckling up.
Story by Kimberly Fu
May 15, 2019
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) was one of five states to receive a grant from Lyft and GHSA in 2018. With this funding, OTS augmented its "Go Safely, California" campaign during the holiday season to provide discounted Lyft rides to impaired travelers.
A recent proposal in California would establish a speed limit-free autobahn on a stretch of road. GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins speaks to the dangers of increasing – or eliminating – speed limits.
Story by Chris Woodyard
February 22, 2019
Distracted driving continues to pose a significant threat on our roads, even though many drivers recognize the risks. California Office of Traffic Safety Director and GHSA Board Member Rhonda Craft addresses the need for a change in public perception.
Story by Tony Bizjak
January 28, 2019
