Vehicle Code

The California Vehicle Code is a rulebook containing all traffic laws, published every other year. The California Department of Motor Vehicles sells it, but you can get this nearly 1000-page reference free online.

The California Vehicle Code covers everything to do with roads and driving, including:

• Registration of vehicles

• Antitheft laws

• Drivers' licenses

• Financial responsibility

• Rules of the road

• Towing and loading

• Hazardous materials

• Off-highway vehicles

• Bicycles

• Safety regulations

All of the laws, including those just passed, are included in the code.

Other Laws in the Vehicle Code

The California Vehicle Code also contains all the laws about motor vehicles themselves, including boats and motorcycles.

You'll also find the laws covering automotive dealers, farm vehicles, lemon laws, odometer reporting rules, required equipment, and more.

Why You Might Need the Vehicle Code

You might need to read the exact wording of a law if you're trying to settle with an insurance company over a minor traffic accident, or if you have been ticketed and plan to fight it in court.

Seeing the laws spelled out helps make more sense of a traffic violation, even if you are planning to pay the fine. If you need to read the laws regarding a specific infraction, just look it up according to the code numbers referenced on your ticket.