California driving rule series
Right-hand driving on high-volume freeways with HOV lanes, FasTrak tolls, and strict DUI enforcement.
Destination context: Freeway culture dominates; lane splitting by motorcycles is legal. Municipal parking rules vary sharply between SF, LA, and San Diego.
How to read this guide: Stress freeway merge etiquette, FasTrak for rental vehicles, and municipal tow-away zone awareness in SF/LA.
Quick facts at a glance
- Driving side
- Right
- Emergency
- 911
- Urban limit
- 25 mph default unless posted
- Freeway limit
- 65–70 mph on most rural freeways; 55–65 urban
- DUI limit
- ≤ 0.08% BAC (0.04% commercial; 0.01% under 21)
- Tolls
- FasTrak on bridges and express lanes (I-680, I-10, etc.)
- Mobile phone
- Handheld use prohibited; hands-free only
Recommended reading order
- License Basics Licensing requirements for visitors.
- Speed and Penalties Speed limits and enforcement.
- Road Signs and Priority Sign conventions and right-of-way.
- Parking and Tolls Parking zones and toll systems.
- Emergency and Incidents Emergency contacts and reporting.
Trust and evidence for this destination
Official references used
Evidence maintenance note
We review high-impact rule pages on a recurring schedule and update article dates when source text changes.