California drivers must never drive on a divider between opposite lanes of traffic. This means they shouldn’t make a left turn or U-turn if they must cross over a divider.
They must also stick to the right side of the lanes and never travel the wrong way on a California road. The requirements are listed in the California Vehicle Code (CVC).
(a) Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful to do either of the following:
(1) To drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.
(2) To make any left, semicircular, or U-turn with the vehicle on the divided highway, except through an opening in the barrier designated and intended by public authorities for the use of vehicles or through a plainly marked opening in the dividing section.
Stay Off Dividers on California Highways
Drivers must never travel over dividers two feet in width or more to make turns. The divider might be a raised barrier. However, a wide painted area can also count as an uncrossable barrier.
Motorists should not be making left turns or U-turns across a divider. They should only turn in places with openings in the dividers.
A violation of this vehicle code can result in a citation for offenders. It would come with a fine of over $200 (once court fees are added) as well as a point on someone’s DMV record. These points are added up with each infraction or at-fault accident. Drivers who reach a certain limit in a certain amount of time can have their license suspended.
At Fault in Accidents: A driver who crossed a divider and got into an accident would face pretty strong evidence that they caused it. They could be responsible for a victim’s car repair bills, their ER bills, and their lost income at work while they are stuck at home with an injury.
Going the Wrong Way on a California Divided Street
Beyond just crossing over a divided highway, careless and confused drivers can proceed in the wrong direction down a highway. This act can cause dangerous accidents and powerful head-on collisions. Subsection (b) of CVC 21651 breaks down the punishment for traveling on the wrong side of a divided road.
(b) It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon a highway, except to the right of an intermittent barrier or a dividing section which separates two or more opposing lanes of traffic. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (c), a violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.
Get caught driving on the wrong side of the divider, and you’ll face misdemeanor charges. This could result in up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine (plus added fees), and probation. Plus, you can receive a permanent mark on your criminal record.
Subsection (c) of the code deals with the punishment if you cross a divider and injure or kill someone.
(c) Any willful violation of subdivision (b) which results in injury to, or death of, a person shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or imprisonment in a county jail for a period of not more than six months.
See: When victims may earn punitive damages for an accident.
How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer for My Accident?
If another driver crossed a divided highway and struck you, and you suffered serious injuries, it’s a good idea to discuss your options in a free case consultation.
Schedule a meeting with a real lawyer before talking to the other driver’s car insurance adjusters. They’ll want you to sign off on a settlement quickly before you know what you’ll really need to recover. They might also delay your claim until you are so far in debt you’ll accept any settlement they throw out. A California car accident lawyer fights back and protects you and your claim.
If you do need our help, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay a lawyer at such a difficult time. We aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the check the insurance company must write for you.
