In the United States, traffic keeps to the right. Although each state sets its own traffic laws, most California traffic laws are the same or similar throughout the country.

The minimum California driving age is 16 years old. Drivers must possess a valid U.S. or international driver’s license.

Speed limits and traffic rules are strictly enforced. If there are no posted signs, the maximum speed is 25 miles per hour on city streets and 65 miles per hour on freeways.

California state law requires the use of seat belts in all private vehicles.

A right turn on a red light after stopping is permitted unless otherwise indicated.

Pedestrians have the right of way at any intersection. Crosswalks are considered to be present with or without painted lines. Pedestrians may legally cross at these unmarked intersections, unless a sign prohibits the crossing.

The legal drinking age in California is 21 years old. Strict drunk driving laws are enforced in California and across the country. Anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be arrested.

Since Jan. 1, 2012, California law requires:

• Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
• Children under the age of 8 who are 4' 9" or taller may be secured by a safety belt in the back seat.
• Children who are 8 years and over shall be properly secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system or safety belt.

It is illegal to leave a child who is 6 years old or younger unattended in a motor vehicle. Someone who is at least 12 years old must supervise the child/children who are age 6 or under. Significant concerns include health risks (e.g. a locked car on a very hot day) and safety issues (the engine is running or the keys are in the ignition).

Traffic is usually heavy on the freeways during morning and evening commutes when you’re driving in Los Angeles. Weekday morning LA rush hour is roughly from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The evening LA rush hours are around 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and later. On weekend nights, traffic heading into or out of Downtown L.A. and Hollywood can be heavy. When freeways are jammed it’s advisable to use surface streets as alternate routes (see the freeway guide below). In L.A. a "surface street" is any street that is not a freeway or limited-access highway (aka expressway).

Now that you know the rules of the road, you can get behind the wheel and explore some of L.A.'s most scenic drives, from the urban heart of Los Angeles to the spectacular coast and unforgettable inland landscapes. Read More →