The Redlands Police Department is committed to helping our community stay safe on the road. The following sections provide general guidelines to road safety for the specific topic.

DUI Information

What is a DUI?

DUI is driving while under the influence. This is when a person operates a vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle while one’s blood alcohol content is above the legal limit and/or while impaired by legal (over the counter or doctor prescribed) or illegal drugs.

What are the legal limits?

CVC 23152(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle.

CVC 23152(b) It is unlawful for a person to drive a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08% or higher.

CVC 23152(e) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any drug to drive a vehicle.

CVC 23152(d) It is unlawful for a person to drive a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content of .04% or higher, of alcohol in the drivers blood to drive a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in Section 15210.

CVC 23152(f) It is unlawful for a person who is under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug to drive a vehicle.

Child Passenger Safety

What are the laws for child seats?

CVC 23763(d) a child or ward under eight years of age who is four feet nine inches in height or taller may be properly restrained by a safety belt, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 27315, rather than by a child passenger restraint system

CVC 23763(e) a child or ward under eight years of age may ride properly secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards in the front seat of a motor vehicle under any of the following circumstances:

• There is no rear seat.
• The rear seats are side-facing jump seats.
• The rear seats are rear-facing seats.
• The child passenger restraint system cannot be installed properly in the rear seat.
• All rear seats are already occupied by children seven years of age or under.
• Medical reasons necessitate that the child or ward not ride in the rear seat. The court may require satisfactory proof of the child’s medical condition.

When is a car seat no longer required?

California law states that children under age 8 must be properly buckled into a car seat or booster seat. Children 8 or older, who are 4’9” tall or taller, may use the vehicle seat belt if it fits

An easy way to check if your child is ready for just a seat belt is to try this 5-Step Test:

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat?
2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat?
3. Is the lab belt below the tummy, touching the thighs?
4. Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answered no to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to ride safely in the vehicle

For any questions or concerns please contact us crimeprevention@redlandspolice.org or call 909-798-7561

Distracted Driving

What is distracted driving?

Texting, talking on the cell phone, applying make-up, shaving, eating, road rage, as well as mental and physical exhaustion. Anything that takes your mind, eyes, or focus off of driving.

What are the laws regarding cell phones?

CVC 23123.(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.

CVC 23123.5(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication, unless the electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send, or listen to a text-based communication, and it is used in that manner while driving.

CVC 23123.5(c) For purposes of this section, a person shall not be deemed to be writing, reading, or sending a text-based communication if the person reads, selects, or enters a telephone number or name in an electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call or if a person otherwise activates or deactivates a feature or function on an electronic wireless communications device.

CVC 23124(a) This section applies to a person under the age of 18 years. (b) a person described in subdivision (a) shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device, even if equipped with a hands-free device.The law does allow you to be able to using the mapping device on your phone while driving. We do recommend this is done with caution and if able to pull over to the side of the rode to enter your directions and to start the GPS applications.

Tips reduce distracted driving

• Focus on the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you.
• Do not let the scenery divert your attention from the road.
• Avoid driving a car that has tinted windshields.
• Avoid using a cell phone, GPS navigation, or mp3 player when driving.
• Never text and drive.

According to the NHTSA, texting while driving makes a crash 23 times more likely to happen.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 800,000 drivers used a hand-held cell phone during some point during their trip on any given day.

Teen Driving

What is a graduated license?

CVC 12814.6(b) Except as provided in Section 12814.7, the provisional driver’s license shall be subject to all of the following restrictions:(1) Except as specified in paragraph (2), during the first 12 months after issuance of a provisional license the licensee may not do any of the following unless accompanied and supervised by a licensed driver who is the licensee’s parent or guardian, a licensed driver who is 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor: (A) Drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.(B) Transport passengers who are under 20 years of age.

What is zero tolerance?

CVC 23136.(a) Notwithstanding Sections 23152 and 23153, it is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle. However, this section shall not be a bar to prosecution under Section 23152 or 23153 or any other provision of law.

Can parents take away their license?

As a parent, you may revoke your consent at any time by completing a Request for Cancelation or Surrender of a Driver License or Identification Card (DL 142) form. The form is available online at the DMV web-site www.dmv.ca.gov or from any DMV office.

Revoking your parental consent will cancel the minor’s driver permit or license.

Bicycle Safety

What are the laws for helmets?

CVC 21212.(a) A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

1. Measure Head: Start with the right size helmet by measuring around the head just above the eyebrows. The helmet should cover the forehead with allowing only two fingers of space between the helmet and the wearer’s eyebrows
2. Adjust Pads: The helmet should fit snug. The helmet should move the skin on the forehead when rocked back and forth.
3. Adjust Straps: The ear should form a “V” just below each ear. The buckle of the chin strap should only allow one of the wearer’s fingers to fit between the straps and chin.
4. Test the Fit: When rocked back and forth the helmet should move only 1 inch in either direction.

What are the laws for riding a bicycle?

CVC 21200.5. Notwithstanding Section 21200, it is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle upon a highway while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug. Any person arrested for a violation of this section may request to have a chemical test made of the person’s blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the alcoholic or drug content of that person’s blood pursuant to Section 23612, and, if so requested, the arresting officer shall have the test performed. A conviction of a violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). Violations of this section are subject to Section 13202.5.

CVC 21202 (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:

(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a “substandard width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.

CVC 21208. (a) Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride within the bicycle lane, except that the person may move out of the lane under any of the following situations:

(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane.

(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(3) When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions.

(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.

(b) No person operating a bicycle shall leave a bicycle lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 22100) in the event that any vehicle may be affected by the movement.

CVC 21650.1. A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway.

RMC 10.60.010: Passengers on Motorcycles and Bicycles:

No person shall ride upon a highway on either a motorcycle or bicycle on a portion of said vehicle which is not specifically designed for the carrying of passengers nor shall any person operating a motorcycle or bicycle upon a highway permit another to do so. (Prior code § 68901)

Why should I register my bicycle?

Registering your bicycle is a good way to keep track of serial numbers and the information for who the bike belongs to. (Add statistics of stolen bicycles). This information then helps Law Enforcement return your property which would normally be donated or sent to auction. The Redlands Police Department can give you a 2 year license which is placed on the bicycle frame and the information is then accessible to the Police Department only.

There is an administrative fee of $5 and can be done at:

Redlands Police Department
​Records Department
1270 W Park Ave; C,
Redlands CA 92373,​

Monday-Thursday from 10:00am to 5:00pm

Motorcycle Safety

What are the laws for helmets?

CVC 27803. (a) A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.

CVC 27803. (b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).

CVC 27803. (c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).

CVC 27803. (d) This section applies to persons who are riding on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycles operated on the highways.

CVC 27803. (e) For the purposes of this section, “wear a safety helmet” or “wearing a safety helmet” means having a safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 27802 on the person’s head that is fastened with the helmet straps and that is of a size that fits the wearing person’s head securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.

What are the laws for riding?

CVC 12500. (b) A person may not drive a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver’s license or endorsement issued under this code for that class, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code, or those persons specifically authorized to operate motorized bicycles or motorized scooters with a valid driver’s license of any class, as specified in subdivision (h) of Section 12804.9.

CVC 27800. It is unlawful for a driver of a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle to carry any other person thereon, except on a seat securely fastened to the machine at the rear of the driver and provided with footrests, or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle and designed for the purpose of carrying a passenger. Every passenger on a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle shall keep his feet on the footrests while such vehicle is in motion.

CVC 27801. A person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with either of the following:

(a) A seat so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat, cannot reach the ground with his or her feet.

(b) Handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.

RMC 10.60.010: Passengers on Motorcycles and Bicycles:

No person shall ride upon a highway on either a motorcycle or bicycle on a portion of said vehicle which is not specifically designed for the carrying of passengers nor shall any person operating a motorcycle or bicycle upon a highway permit another to do so. (Prior code § 68901)

Pedestrian Safety

Who has the right of way?

CVC 21950. (a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.CVC 21950. (b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

CVC 21954. (a) Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.

CVC 21956. (a) No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.

CVC 21956. (b) A pedestrian may walk close to his or her right-hand edge of the roadway if a crosswalk or other means of safely crossing the roadway is not available or if existing traffic or other conditions would compromise the safety of a pedestrian attempting to cross the road.

What are the crosswalk laws?

CVC 21950. (c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.

CVC 21950. (d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

CVC 21955. Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk.

RMC 10.48.030: Pedestrian Use Required; Where:

No pedestrian shall cross a roadway other than by a crosswalk in the central traffic district or in any business district. (Prior code § 68103)

Senior Drivers

Safe Driving Tips

• Avoid busy streets, roads, and intersections.
• Alter your route to avoid turning left. (Studies show many accidents involving older people occur when they make a left turn.)
• Avoid driving during rush hour, if possible.
• Avoid traveling during heavy rainstorms or when there is snow or ice on the roads.
• Drive shorter distances.
• Drive during daylight hours only. Try to avoid traveling in the direction of the sun as it sets or rises. The intensity of the sun can be very stressful on the eyes.
• Compensate for any loss of strength or flexibility by driving a car with power steering, power brakes, automatic transmission, and adjustable seats and steering wheel. In more severe cases, special devices can be added to a vehicle to assist with many driving functions.
• Do not slouch or hunch forward while driving. Hard car seats provide more support for your back. Adjust the driver’s seat so your shoulders are parallel to the top of the steering wheel.

Observe the Rules of the Road

• Drive at the posted speed limit or stay in the right lane if you are driving slower. If you feel that cars are going too fast, switch to a different route.
• Drive defensively and yield the right-of-way.

Stay Healthy

Your coordination, flexibility, and reaction time — important skills for driving — depend on your physical and mental condition. You should have thorough examinations every year and alert your doctors if there have been any changes in your health.

Your vision provides 85% to 90% of the information needed to drive. Your driving ability can be affected by cataracts, glaucoma, or other visual changes. Other aging or medical conditions that could affect your driving performance include ankle rigidity, wrist pain or weakness, and knee or hip pain or decreased range of motion.

If you are being treated for a medical condition, talk to your doctor about the advisability of driving.

• Do not permit smoking in your car. Smoke may aggravate your congestion and interfere with your night vision.
• Do not drive when you are tired.
• If you need eyeglasses to drive, wear them each time you take a trip, even if it is only a short distance.
• Proper nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, and stress management will help you maintain your driving skills. Be sure to drink adequate amounts of water.

Long Trips

• Prepare in advance for long trips. Plan your route on a map, noting exits, landmarks, expected mileage, etc.
• Get enough rest the night before you leave.
• Pace yourself. Take a break after every 1 1/2 – 2 hours of driving. Get out of the car and stretch.
• Carry bottled water and a first aid kit in the car.
• Clean your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, windshield (inside and out), and rear window on a regular basis.
• Keep your vehicle in good operating condition.

DMV Re-Examinations

DMV Reexamination is a term used by DMV personnel when an evaluation must be made of a person’s driving skills. A person with a recent physical or mental (P&M) condition, or a poor driving record, could prompt the need for a reexamination. Reexaminations are generated from many sources including the following:

• Your physician. Physicians are required by law to report medical conditions or disorders that are characterized by loss of consciousness or control, along with other medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• An emergency technician. Emergency personnel who treat you in an emergency facility because you experienced a sudden loss of consciousness, awareness, or control, are required by law to report your medical conditions.
• A family member. Letters from concerned family members, friends, or neighbors who may report to DMV that in their opinion you are no longer able to drive safely.
• A peace officer. Any law enforcement officer who stops you for a traffic violation or who works at an accident scene in which you were involved may report to DMV that you appear to be an unsafe driver. The law enforcement officer would be reporting what he/she observed about you that made him/her believe you are an unsafe driver.
• Your driver license renewal application. Your DMV application asks if you have a disease, disorder, or disability that affects your ability to drive safely. “Yes” answers require further investigation by DMV.
• Your driving record. Your driving history, which includes accidents, traffic convictions, reckless or negligent driving habits, fraudulent use of a driver license, or other grounds which would cause DMV to not issue a driver license to you.

A Priority Reexamination (also called a “priority reex”) is the immediate evaluation of an individual by a DMV Driver Safety hearing officer. A Request for Priority Reexamination starts with a report from a peace officer who has observed your driving and believes you are an unsafe driver. A peace officer will start the priority reexamination process if he/she observes a driver:

• Committing a violation of the “Rules of the Road” (Vehicle Code §§2100-23336)
• Exhibiting evidence of physical or mental incapacity, and
• Potentially posing a significant traffic safety risk.

The peace officer may also issue the person a citation for the driving offense and give you the Priority Reexamination Notice. You may be referred to DMV even if you were not cited for a driving offense.

After the officer issues you the Priority Reexamination Notice, you must contact your local DMV Driver Safety office within five days or your driver license will be suspended. Instructions are included on the Priority Reexamination Notice.

Senior Services Available

Joslyn Senior Center
Senior Transportation
AAA Auto Club
California DMV