Q: What do double yellow lines mean?

A: Most drivers know that they are not permitted to cross or drive on the left side of double yellow centerlines except to turn left at an intersection, to turn into or out of a private driveway/public street, or to make a legal U-turn.

Drivers need to be especially aware that U-turns are not permitted on streets in business districts except at intersections. It is also illegal to make a partial U-turn to enter an angled parking space on the other side of the street, as shown in the diagram below:

Most drivers are also not aware that it is always illegal to cross double yellow center lines. These types of centerlines cannot be crossed for any reason during normal traffic flow conitions.

Q: What does anti-gridlock law mean?

A: A driver is not permitted to enter an intersection or crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection to exit the intersection or crosswalk. Drivers must completely vacate both intersections and crosswalks to allow through passage of cross traffic and pedestrians.

Q: What are the most common causes of traffic accidents?

A: Over the last three years, there have been an average of 1,500 City-wide accidents per year. Drivers can help to reduce accidents by remembering that the most common causes of accidents are as follows:

1. Right-of-Way Violations: Drivers who select too short a gap in traffic when entering a busy major street from a side street or driveway are frequently involved in severe broadside accidents. It is important to always wait for a sufficient gap in traffic when entering a busy street. It is also important to yield to on-coming traffic when turning left by selecting a safe gap in oncoming traffic before beginning a left turn.
2. Unsafe Speeds: Drivers who follow vehicles too closely cause rear-end accidents. Drivers should maintain at least a two second gap between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead of them in order to avoid rear-end collisions. Drivers traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions are also a major factor in causing rear-end type collisions. It is important to always drive at or below the posted speed limit.
3. Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Violations: Drivers running red lights frequently cause severe broadside accidents. Drivers should never enter signalized intersections on the red light. They may enter on the green light once vehicles lawfully in the intersection have cleared. Drivers running stop signs also cause broadside accidents. Drivers must always come to a complete stop at stop signs.
4. Improper Turning Movements: Right turns should begin and end in the lanes nearest the curb or right hand roadway edge. Left turns should begin in the farthest left hand lane or turn pocket or lanes and end in any lane lawfully available. Also, side swipes are caused by drivers changing lanes abruptly. Drivers should always look over their shoulders and signal whenever changing lanes to make sure that travel lanes adjacent to them are clear of traffic before making a lane change.
5. Driving Under the Influence: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol cause a large number of accidents. Drivers should never drive while under the influence of any substance that will impair their ability to properly operate a vehicle.

Q: What is the biggest factor involving bicycle accidents?

A: City studies show that the single most common factor in bicycle accidents is bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the street. When vehicles are turning at intersections and bicyclists are riding the wrong way, drivers do not see them coming because they are not expecting the bicyclists to be traveling against traffic flow. Therefore, bicyclists should ride with traffic, not against traffic. Bicyclists should also use the push button at signalized intersections to cross the street. Signals are usually timed to handle vehicular traffic, and bicyclists frequently need extra time to cross intersections. They can only receive that extra time by pushing the button.

Q: Which streets are the City’s responsibility?

A: All City maintained public streets and alleys within the City limits are the City’s responsibility except for State highways and freeways, including on and off ramps at interchanges. A few streets in the City are not within the City's control and are private property. Examples are Lori Lane, Northwoods Way and Pineland Drive, to name a few. Any questions or safety concerns regarding State highways and freeways should be directed to Caltrans at 225-3426.

Q: Can citizens install signs in the public right-of-way?

A: The California Vehicle Code authorizes only municipal agencies, such as the City, to install signs in the public right-of-way. No signs can be installed without a permit from the City. Such permits are normally issued only to contractors who are performing work in the right-of-way and need detour signs to advise drivers of street construction for traffic safety reasons.

Other traffic information available on-line:

• Children at Play
• Crosswalks
• Pedestrian Signals
• Street Lights
• Speed Limits
• Stop Signs
• Traffic Signal Systems