Are construction speed limits enforced when no one is working? CHP answers traffic questions
Along with traffic alerts, news releases and other informational posts, the California Highway Patrol for the Stockton area uses its Facebook page for a game it calls “Weird Wednesday.”
For this game, the department selects a question submitted to the comment section of their page or by message and posts it each Wednesday morning. The department reveals the answer at 4 p.m.
Here are five of the most recent “Weird Wednesday” driving law-related questions posted on the department’s Facebook page and what the answers are (plus, links to more Bee coverage on the topics):
1. Construction zone speed limit laws in California
Are construction zone speed limits still in effect if there is no construction going on?
Even when no one is working at the time you travel through a construction zone, the lowered speed limit must be obeyed, according to the CHP.
The speed limit signs posted in construction zones aren’t just for the safety of workers — you legally should follow them at all times.
“Often, construction zones have a change in the nature of the roadway — a change that you may not be expecting,” the CHP wrote. “The changes could include lack of shoulder, narrow shoulder, narrow lanes or a lack of striping on the roadway.”
2. Red light laws in California
If you are at a red light where it is legal to turn right on red, the person in front of you is beyond the white limit line and you are right up against it, do you have to pull up more and stop again before safely proceeding to turn?
The answer to this question is both yes and no, the CHP says. The California Vehicle Code requires all motorists to completely stop before the limit line, but if the vehicle in front of you is beyond it and you are able to proceed to the line and stop, you may proceed after the stop.
“When all else fails, err on the side of caution and be a safe, defensive driver and stop,” the CHP wrote. “You will only lose a couple of seconds.”
3. School bus traffic laws in California
If there is a median that divides you and a stopped school bus that has lights flashing, is it illegal to keep on with your way of travel?
If you are driving on a divided highway, or a multi-lane highway, you do not need to stop for the flashing red lights of a school bus on the opposite side of the roadway, the CHP says.
4. Where to keep your license while driving in California
Can you keep your license in your trunk or does it have to be right next to you at all times?
The law states you must carry your license in your possession at all times when driving, but it does not specify where.
It is legal to carry your driver’s license in your trunk, according to the CHP, but for officer and driver safety, they recommend keeping it in the passenger compartment.
“Preferably in arm’s reach,” the CHP wrote. “It also just makes the entire traffic stop easier and faster.”
5. Passing a double yellow line
Is it ever okay to pass when there are double yellow lines? Ex: passing farm equipment with no oncoming traffic.
It is never legal to pass a vehicle when there are solid, double yellow lines painted on the road.
“It can be frustrating to drive behind a slow-moving farm vehicle, however, please be patient,” the CHP wrote. “There are usually passing zones within close proximity.”
This story was originally published October 2, 2023 at 2:41 PM.
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