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
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
An overview of graduated driver's licensing laws and other laws pertaining to teen drivers in California.
Primary
16 and over
All
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers under 18. Secondary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
No state law or programs
Permitted by state law
Statewide
Various
Double original fine
Yes
Yes
