Requirements to Obtain a Provisional (Teenager) Driver's License
Completion of the thirty-hour Driver's Education (prepares student for permit test, teaches rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, discusses administrative laws including drunk driving penalties) course. The Online course offered through 310DriversEd.com also satisfies the DMV requirement, though 25 hours are not required in the online course. Our calendar of Lectures for the classroom course may be accessed here - all Driver Education students of Westwood or 310DriversEd.com are welcome in our lectures at any time.
Completion of a six-hour Driver's Training (Private lessons, free pick-up and drop-off, dual control cars taught completely behind-the-wheel) course.
Fifty hours practice with licensed driver over 25 years old, ten hours must be in darkness.
Six months with permit required.
Additional Restrictions/Laws for Teenagers
First twelve months: No driving with other
teens (under age of 20) in car unless licensed adult over 25 is in car. (1)
First twelve months: No driving between
the hours of 11PM and 5AM. unless accompanied by a licensed driver over 25
years of age. (2)
The above restrictions apply as secondary offenses only. The student
must be stopped for some other violation (seatbelt, failure to stop, limit
lines, reckless driving, unsafe vehicle). For those students who think this is unlikely. . . remember, a sticker in the windshield, a dim tail-light, failure to signal 100 feet in advance, a passenger lacking a seatbelt, limit-line violations. . . a police officer will have little difficulty finding a valid reason to pull over a car.
Exemptions:
(1) For transporting immediate family members
ONLY, AND
(2) If vehicle use is for medical, family,
school or employment.
(Contact us if you need a permission slip for this; the
exemption can not be used for unnecessary excursions.)
Cancellation: Parent (or legal guardian) has the right to cancel license at any time during provisional license (this means until the teen is 18 years old).
Truancy: Students will receive a fine ($150-500 per offense), administered through the traffic courts, if convicted of truancy and/or loitering (unexcused absences); on third conviction, provisional license is suspended for one year. (One-year delay in obtaining license any time after the 13th birthday).
Destruction of private/public property: Conviction for tagging or destroying any property carries a one-year suspension on any license. (One -year delay in obtaining license any time after the 13th birthday).
Driving under the influence of .01% BAC: One year suspension 1/10,000 alcohol / blood = MUCH less than one drink of alcohol). This results in a one-year suspension as well as increased insurance premiums.
Little Known (or Poorly Observed) Driving Laws for All Drivers
School Buses:
Motorists on both sides
of the street must stop (unless motorist is on the other side of a median) whenever
the red lights of a school bus are flashing, even if the bus driver isn't
escorting children across the street (public or private). Violators can
be fined up to $1,000. Drivers who have three convictions in seven years
will lose their licenses. We are now putting cameras in school busses! STOP when the lights are flashing, and STAY STOPPED until they stop flashing!
Red Light Violations:
Increased the
base fine for running a red light to $100-175, bringing the total cost of
the violation to over $400! Subsequent offenses would be subject to the
same fine.
Controlled Substances:
DMV will suspend
or delay the driver's license of any person for six months upon conviction
of any controlled substance offense. Each successive offense is to be
followed by an additional six-month suspension.
Temporary Operating Permits
The DMV will no longer be able to issue a temporary operating certificate unless the registratant pays a $50 charge and has already failed a smog check. The extension is for no more than 60 days from the date that the registration is due. The fee can be waived for owners accepted into the Bureau of Automotive Repair Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).
Counterfeit Clean Air Stickers
This new law will make it a crime to forge, counterfeit, or falsify a Clean Air Sticker.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID)
This new law reduces the BAC from .20 percent to .15 percent or more at the time of arrest to trigger a requirement for the court to give heightened consideration for the installation of an IID for a first-time offender convicted of DUI of an alcoholic beverage.
DUI Probation License Suspension
This new law authorizes law enforcement to issue a notice of suspension and impound the vehicle of a person who is driving with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01 percent or greater while on court-ordered post-DUI probation. This standard was previously only applied to drivers under the age of 21.
Text Messaging
This new law makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communication device, such as a cell phone, while driving. (ALL AGES)
Child
Safety
Children 60 pounds or less, and
6 years or under, must be restrained in a child passenger restraint system
while traveling in a vehicle. (Children under one year and under 20 pounds should be placed in a rear-facing seat) The bill increases the fines for child safety
seat violations. The bill also authorizes a police officer to stop a vehicle
transporting a child who is under the age of 16 and not properly restrained.
Infraction will result in a point violation. Seat belt convictions for drivers over 15 result in a ticket of up to $91.
Disabled Parking
Authorizes the DMV
to conduct an annual random audit of applications submitted and processed
by the department to verify the authenticity of the certificates and information.
Fines of up to $2500 for each case of forged, counterfeit or falsified
disabled person placards.
Road Rage
The court may order the
suspension of the driving privilege of any operator of a motor vehicle
who commits an assault, commonly referred to as 'road rage'. The court
may, in lieu of or in addition to the suspension, order a person convicted
under this section to complete a court-approved anger-management course.
Blocking a Crosswalk
Provides that
no person may stop a vehicle unnecessarily in a manner that causes the
vehicle to block a marked or unmarked crosswalk or sidewalk. Imposes a
new fine of $100 ($271 fine/penalty) for violating a specified provision
that prohibits a driver from overtaking and passing a vehicle that has
stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross
the roadway.
Parking Meters
A county sealer shall
immediately close an inaccurate meter and notify its owner. Until the
meter is either fixed or replaced, a motorist may park there free of charge.
New DUI Penalty
Court may require
a person who is convicted of a first DUI offence to install an ignition
interlock (a tube connected to the engine that measures blood alcohol
content) device to any vehicle that the person owns or operates. Also
requires the device when a person refuses to take the blood/breath test.
Trunking
This law (AB 1850) makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly drive a motor vehicle while another person is riding in the trunk; riding in the trunk is also illegal. The driver receives a fine and one point on his or her driving record; the person riding in the trunk receives a fine (and an "I am stupid" sign for the forehead).
Lights ON!
If you are driving with your windsheild wipers on due to rain, you must also have your low-beam headlights on. This is our legislature's attempt at legislating common sense. We really should not have to be told to do this. . . Truly, low beam headlights are ALWAYS appropriate and their consistent use makes you easier to see. (And when you think about it, people often say after a car accident, "I never saw him, I swear, he came out of nowhere!" Put on your lights, and the other guy will see you!
Cell Phones
Drivers under 18 must not use a cell phone (or any other communication device) while driving. If a driver over 18 must use a cell phone while driving (Really? Must? Oh, come on. Put the phone away and drive), it cannot be hand-held. The first (teenage law) is a secondary offense; the second (everybody law) is a primary offense. This means that you CAN be pulled over simply because you are holding a cell phone to your ear, no matter what your age. Cell phones should NOT be used while the car is moving, no matter WHAT the law says. Driving while gabbing is incredibly dangerous and the law for teens really should be the universal law, IOHO.
Plate Shields
Spraying a substance onto your license plate to obscure the identification of your car is illegal. (People do this because they think that the red-light, toll and speed cameras will not be able to identify the car. Sometimes the spray works, sometimes the spray doesn't work - but it is now illegal.) Glass or plastic in front of a license plate (or placing it behind the windshield) is also illegal. NOTHING should come between the officer's eyes and your license plate. And while we are at it - two (count 'em two) license plates are required on any car driven on a public, California road. You may receive a ticket if one is missing.
Smoking in the Car
It is unlawful to smoke in the car while there are minors present.
Passing an Emergency Vehicle That is on the Side of the Road
(Changes to the 2007 California Law)
If you see a stationary emergency vehicle (police, fire, towtruck, DOT vehicle) on the side of the freeway with its warning lights on, do try to move to a lane (if it is safe) that is NOT next to the stationary vehicle. If you cannot do so safely, SLOW DOWN! Failure to do so is a $50 fine (which is usually accompanied by about a $100 penalty) and ONE point (yes, traffic school). (VC21809)
As many have noticed, Los Angeles is increasing the number of red-light cameras in our area. Most of the cities in this region are putting in these cameras, as they have been extremely effective in reducing fatalities (and making a considerable amount of revenue for the city involved). We have listed the cameras we know of (we have not listed all of the Culver City or Orange County intersections, and LA is adding more cameras monthly. If you have knowledge of additional cameras, feel free to let us know!)
If you have received one of these tickets and feel you did not run the red light, feel free to give us a call. We would be happy to take a look at your photos and interpret them for you. But before you do that, look at the first photo, are you poised at the outside of the crosswalk, about to enter the intersection? If so, look at the first chart - it will indicate how long the light had been red at this instant. It will display a large number (that is the number of seconds that have passed since the light turned RED) and a small number (that is in tenths of seconds). If you are already in the crosswalk in the first photo - call us. The cameras do NOT take pictures while the light is still yellow, (though we are sure you think it probably did) they usually take a photo .2 of a second after the light turns red. The cameras do not usually err. (Though the interpretation of the photo can be incorrect.)
What are your rights?:
You have a right to go to the court and view the pictures (a much better resolution) at the court.
You have a right to get additional information - most especially concerning the maintenance of the cameras themselves.
You have a right to say, "This is not me driving my car." (As long as you tell them who it is. The ticket should go to the driver, not simply the owner of the car.)
Some information about these tickets:
It did not take your picture while the light was yellow. If it did, the pictures will prove it.
Putting glass or plastic over your license plate (or removing either of your plates) to keep from being identified at these intersections is illegal. (And the glass or plastic only helps at night, anyway.) It is now illegal to spray any substance on your license plate to obscure identification as well (yep - they are on to you!) Taking off your front plate will not help you, either. It is illegal to drive a car in this state that is missing one of the plates. No, the car did not come that way. (You signed a statement when you registered the car that there were indeed TWO license plates on the car. Yes, you did.)
Covering your face as you are photographed is extremely dangerous!
Ignoring the ticket can lead to a suspension of your license.
These photo-enforced tickets are constitutional. (Courts have been there) This is not entrapment - you will only receive the ticket if you entered the intersection after the light turned red. (Sometimes, a camera 'clicks,' for someone else - just because the camera took a picture, doesn't mean that you will receive the ticket. If you do not receive the ticket within three weeks, you should not receive one (and if you do, fight it - they only had two weeks to send it out.)
Driver should be the only adult identified in the ticket. (Adult passengers are 'blocked' out)
Fine is added to penalty for a total of up to $381, depending on the city. It is a $159 ticket for failing to stop completely behind the limit line before making a right turn on red. (Yep, red lights ALWAYS mean STOP) Contrary to popular belief, failure to stop before turning on a red light is incredibly dangerous! Our law enforcement in Los Angeles now have video cameras that will record your movements. . .
You may defend yourself via mail. Read the directions on the back of the ticket. You will still be required to pay the fine first.
La Cienega & Melrose, La Cienega & Wilshire, Westwood & Wilshire, Slauson & Buckingham, Jefferson & Cota,
La Cienega & Sunset, Whittier & Sunset, Glenroy & Sunset, Harper & Sunset, Jefferson Blvd & Duquesne,
Green Valley & Sepulveda, Wilshire & Sepulveda, Machado & Sepulveda, Sunset & Doheny ,
Sepulveda & Pico, Ocean Park & Barrington, Lincoln & Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica Blvd & La Brea, Sunset & Foothill
Machado & Sepulveda, Ventura & Reseda, Ventura & Kester, Beverly & Robertson, Ventura & Serrania/ De Soto,
La Cienega & Washington, Tampa & Nordoff, Tampa & Van Owen, Fountain & Crescent Heights, Fountain & Fairfax,
Fountain & La Brea, Olympic & Spaulding, Winnetka & Sherman Way, Figueroa & Exposition, Highland & Franklin,
Cahuenga & Lankershim, Crenshaw & Martin Luther King, Balboa & Roscoe, Washington & Sawtelle, Washington & Centinela
Topanga Canyon & Victory, , Jefferson & Cota, Jefferson & Overland, Jefferson & Higuera, Washington & Veteran
Sepulveda & National, Sunset & Doheny, Santa Monica Blvd & Fairfax, Fairfax & Fountain, Yale & Wishire, Sepulveda & Pico
Beverly & Western, Vermont & 3rd, Vermont & Wilshire, 6th & Alvarado, Vermont & Wilshire, Crescent Heights & Fountain
Jefferson & Duquesne, Beverly & Robertson, La Cienega & Gregory Way, Olympic & Camden, Pico & Beverwill
National & Hayden, Washington & Helms, LaBrea & Rodeo, Crenshaw & 108th Slauson & Buckingham, Slauson & Sepulveda
West Century & So. La Brea, Sepulveda & Centinela, Centinela & Alvern Circle, La Tijera & Alvern, Sepulveda & Manchester
Prairie & Century, Prairie & Centinela, Imperial Highway & Prairie, Imperial Highway & Hawthorne
Prairie & 111th, Hawthorne & El Segundo
Are we missing one? Feel free to email us to let us know!
Being prepared for the unexpected is extremely important. Whether the 'unexpected' is a car accident, a breakdown, or a merely an inconvenience, being prepared can make all the difference! Below are a few things we at Westwood have found invaluable in the event of an 'unexpected' event:
Car Accidents:
Keep an 'accident kit' in the glove box. We suggest a sealed 9x6 envelope consisting of a less-than-one-year-old disposable camera (outdoor use), an accident report (already filled out with your information so you don't have to wait for the other guy to write it down) and a really good pen.
When in a car accident, California law states that you (both parties) must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days
if damages exceed $750 or if someone is injured. At the scene, exchange information with the other party (whether or not you were at fault - see accident report), take pictures of the scene (take ALL the exposures: take pictures of the other guy's car first, tread marks, setting sun, oil spills. . . whatever might have led to the accident).
Don't get mad at the other party - that does no good. Just exchange information, call authorities if someone is injured, keep your opinions to yourself (admit no fault, accuse no one), then leave once you have their information, they have yours and the authorities (if involved) have talked to you.
Telling your insurance company about the accident is important if
you want them to pay for the accident. Keep in mind, they WILL find out about the accident from the DMV, so hiding it from them is not a good choice - your increased insurance rates will reflect the accident whether you tell them or the DMV tells them.
If you are in an accident with a parked car (it happens), you must leave a note on the car (preferably under the windshield wiper) and tell a police officer 'right away.'
The Unexpected;
Be prepared for mishaps on the road by having the following items in your car (wallet, glove box or trunk) all the time:
Driver License or Permit (you must always have this with you when you drive)
Road Service Card: Whether it is a AAA card or your manufacturer's service, these are invaluable and pay for themselves on the first tow. Dialing #399 on your cell phone will call Caltrans in a pinch, and they will forward your call to your service provider, though it is best to have this programmed in your phone ahead of time.
Registration Card (check the expiration dates - also make sure that BOTH license plates are on the car at all times.) When you receive the registration renewal, pull the previous year's sticker off the back plate, clean the surface with some rubbing alcohol, apply the new sticker carefully, then score thru with a razor blade three times diagonally in two directions. This will prevent the sticker from being stolen throughout the next year (believe me, this works - just do it neatly)
Insurance Card (check the expiration date on this as well)
Accident Kit (a really good pen that won't dry up in the summer heat, a disposable camera no more than one year old and an accident report already filled out with your information.
Flashlight: It would be best not to put the batteries in the flashlight until you are ready to use it. Keep them separate in the glove box, switch them out yearly as well. The new kinetic or wind-up flashlights available are great (no batteries to die on you!)
Owner's Manual: A GREAT reference tool!
Tire Pressure Gauge: Resist the temptation to get one with bells and whistles. You don't have to know the PSI within a tenth of a pound - a simple mechanical gauge works best for the glove box.
Maintenance Record: Record all work done, oil changes, brake jobs, transmission work, coolant flushes. Write the name of the garage doing the work, their phone number, address, mechanic's name, mileage when done. . . this is VERY handy!
Cell Phone: Never to be used while the car is in motion, but certainly have one in the car! As of July 1, 2008, it is illegal to hold a cell phone in your hand while driving (must be hands-free) if you are over 18; cell phones -even hands-free systems are illegal for drivers under 18 at all times. Program in your road-side service phone number.
Spare Change: You never know when you will need a quarter for the meter. . .
Jumper Cables: 15-foot cables are sufficient for the car. Even if you don't know how to use them, they are a good thing to have in the car.
Spare Tire: Have a full-sized spare (with the same wheel if possible, just to keep things simple in the event of a flat tire) in the trunk. Even if you have 'run flats,' a spare is always a good idea.
Tire Replacement Tools: A jack and a wrench are necessary to change your tire. A 20" lug wrench is preferable to a crow bar wrench.
Tire-fill Product: Most flat tires are caused by punctures. A can of "Fix-a-Flat" will make life so much easier! It will re-inflate the tire AND seal the hole, at least until you get the tire fixed. (Don't forget to tell your tire guy that you put high-pressure foam in the tire before he fixes the tire.)
Tools: A flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, along with a universal wrench (we love the Craftsman Robowrench®) should give you the necessary tools for the repairs you will most likely make.
Electronic Flares: There are so many available - google "electronic flares emergency" and several good ones will pop up!
Blanket: this can be the super-compact foil variety
Couple of Old Rags: these come in SO handy when doing emergency stuff on the side of the road!
Duct Tape: waterproof and electrical proof, super strong, wonderful product.
Mechanic's Gloves: Trust me, you will want a pair in the car.
Fire Extinguisher: Never hurts to have one of these in the car, though it is doubtful that an attentive driver will have to use it on his or her own car. . .
Distilled Water: A big bottle of this works for SO MANY PROBLEMS (thirst, replenishing your coolant reservoir, cleaning up)
Baking Soda: This, mixed with the distilled water is an effective battery acid cleaner-upper. Also works as toothpaste, shampoo and for chocolate chip cookies. Shelf life should be something you look at.
Disposable Gas Container: Nice to have. Remarkably, gas stations rarely have gas containers.
WD40: A very small can available at auto-parts stores is great for squeaks and stubborn bolts.