ARTICLE 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses [12800. - 12819.]

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH 3.
in effect

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12800. Section 12800.

Each application for an original or a renewal of a driver’s license shall contain all of the following information: (a) (1) The applicant’s true full name, age, gender category, mailing address, residence address, and, except as provided in Section 12801, social security account number. (2) The applicant shall choose their gender category of female, male, or nonbinary. (3) The department shall not require documentation for an original driver’s license applicant’s initial choice of a gender category or a licensed applicant’s request for an amendment to a gender category other than the following: (A) The applicant’s self-certification of their chosen gender category. (B) Documentation required by this code and the California Code of Regulations as necessary to establish that an applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. (b) A brief description of the applicant for the purpose of identification. (c) A legible print of the thumb or finger of the applicant. (d) The type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires to operate. (e) Whether the applicant has ever previously been licensed as a driver and, if so, when and in what state or country and whether or not the license has been suspended or revoked and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension or revocation. (f) Whether the applicant has ever previously been refused a driver’s license in this state and, if so, the date of and the reason for the refusal. (g) Whether the applicant, within the last three years, has experienced, on one or more occasions, either a lapse of consciousness or an episode of marked confusion caused by a condition that may bring about recurrent lapses, or whether the applicant has a disease, disorder, or disability that affects the applicant’s ability to exercise reasonable and ordinary control in operating a motor vehicle upon a highway. (h) Whether the applicant understands traffic signs and signals. (i) Whether the applicant has ever previously been issued an identification card by the department. (j) Any other information that is necessary to enable the department to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a license under this code. (k) (1) Commencing January 1, 2027, a statement informing the person that they may also need to change their address for purposes of their vehicle registration. (2) The information described in paragraph (1) shall be given to the person orally if the driver’s license application or renewal is done in person. ( l ) The department shall adopt regulations to provide a process for an amendment to a gender category. (m) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2019. (n) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its internet website.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12800.5. Section 12800.5.

(a) (1) A license shall bear a fullface engraved picture or photograph of the licensee. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall not, unless requested by the licensee, distribute or sell the licensee’s picture or photograph or any information pertaining to the licensee’s physical characteristics to any private individual, other than the licensee, or to any firm, copartnership, association, or corporation. This paragraph does not apply to a private business entity that contracts with the department for the production of driver’s licenses and identification cards, if the contract prohibits the unauthorized use and disclosure of the information. (b) (1) A license, including a temporary license issued pursuant to Section 12506, shall bear the following notice: “This license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle; it does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.” (2) In the next scheduled revision of the driver’s license on or after January 1, 2023, the notice specified in paragraph (1) shall be replaced by the following notice requirement: (A) A Real ID driver’s license, as described in Section 681, shall bear a notice including, but not limited to, that the license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle, and that it does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits. (B) A driver’s license that is not a Real ID driver’s license, as described in Section 681, shall bear a notice including, but not limited to, that the license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle, it does not establish eligibility for employment, firearms purchases, voter registration, or public benefits, and that it is not acceptable for official federal purposes. (c) The department may demand proof of age prior to the issuance of a license. (d) This section shall become inoperative on the date the department notifies the Legislature that the driver’s license has been revised to include the notices specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), and is repealed on January 1 of the following year.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12800.6. Section 12800.6.

(a) An application for an original, renewal, or duplicate of a driver’s license shall inform the applicant of the Department of Justice’s video on proper conduct during a traffic stop created pursuant to Section 1656.1. (b) The information in subdivision (a) shall be included upon the next scheduled revision of the driver’s license application subsequent to the release of the Department of Justice’s video on proper conduct during a traffic stop created pursuant to Section 1656.1.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12800.7. Section 12800.7.

(a) Upon application for an original, renewal, or duplicate of a driver’s license the department may require the applicant to produce any identification that it determines is necessary in order to ensure that the name of the applicant stated in the application is their true, full name and that their residence address as set forth in the application is their true residence address. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, any document provided by the applicant to the department for purposes of proving the applicant’s identity, true, full name, California residency, or that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, is not a public record and shall not be disclosed by the department except in response to a subpoena for individual records in a criminal proceeding or a court order, or in response to a law enforcement request to address an urgent health or safety need if the law enforcement agency certifies in writing the specific circumstances that do not permit authorities time to obtain a court order. Immigration enforcement, as defined in Section 7284.4 of the Government Code, does not constitute an urgent health and safety need for purposes of this subdivision.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801. Section 12801.

(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c) and Section 12801.9, the department shall require an application for a driver’s license to contain the applicant’s social security account number and any other number or identifier determined to be appropriate by the department. (b) An applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a social security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver’s license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure. (c) (1) An applicant applying for a driver’s license under Section 12801.9, who has never been issued a social security account number and is not presently eligible for a social security account number, shall satisfy the requirements of this section if he or she indicates in the application described in Section 12800, in the manner prescribed by the department, that he or she has never been issued a social security account number and is not presently eligible for a social security account number. (2) This subdivision does not apply to applications for a commercial driver’s license. The department shall require all applications for a commercial driver’s license to include the applicant’s social security account number. (3) This section shall not be used to consider an individual’s citizenship or immigration status as a basis for a criminal investigation, arrest, or detention. (d) The department shall not complete an application for a driver’s license unless the applicant is in compliance with the requirements of subdivision (a), (b), or (c). (e) Notwithstanding any other law, the social security account number collected on a driver’s license application shall not be displayed on the driver’s license, including, but not limited to, inclusion on a magnetic tape or strip used to store data on the license. (f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2015, or on the date that the director executes a declaration pursuant to Section 12801.11, whichever is sooner. (g) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.2. Section 12801.2.

(a) A person shall not receive financial compensation for the sole purpose of filling out an original driver’s license application for another person. (b) A person in violation of this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each offense. Actions for relief pursuant to this section may be commenced in a court of competent jurisdiction by the Attorney General, or by the district attorney, county counsel, or city attorney of the location in which the violation occurred. (c) Section 40000.1 does not apply to a violation of this section.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.5. Section 12801.5.

(a) Except as provided in Section 12801.9, the department shall require an applicant for an original driver’s license or identification card to submit satisfactory proof of California residency and that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. (b) Except as provided in Section 12801.9, the department shall not issue an original driver’s license or identification card to a person who does not submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. (c) The department shall not issue an original driver’s license or identification card to a person who does not submit satisfactory proof of California residency. (d) The department shall adopt regulations to carry out the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to, procedures for (1) verifying that the applicant is a California resident and that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, (2) issuance of a temporary license pending verification of the applicant’s status, and (3) hearings to appeal a denial of a license, temporary license, or identification card. (e) On January 10 of each year, the department shall submit a supplemental budget report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the costs of verifying the citizenship or legal residency of applicants for driver’s licenses and identification cards, in order for the state to request reimbursement from the federal government. (f) Notwithstanding Section 40300 or any other law, a peace officer shall not detain or arrest a person solely on the belief that the person is an unlicensed driver, unless the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person driving is under 16 years of age. (g) The inability of an individual to obtain a driver’s license pursuant to this section does not abrogate or diminish in any respect the legal requirement of every driver in this state to obey the motor vehicle laws of this state, including laws with respect to licensing, motor vehicle registration, and financial responsibility. (h) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2016. (i) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.6. Section 12801.6.

(a) Any federal document demonstrating favorable action by the federal government for acceptance of a person into the deferred action for childhood arrivals program shall satisfy the requirements of Section 12801.5. (b) The department may issue an original driver’s license to the person who submits proof of presence in the United States as authorized under federal law pursuant to subdivision (a) and either a social security account number or ineligibility for a social security account number.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.7. Section 12801.7.

(a) The department shall not issue an original driver’s license or identification card, or a renewal, duplicate, or replacement driver’s license or identification card to any person for whom the department has received notice from the United States Department of Homeland Security that the person has been determined and found by the United States Department of Homeland Security to be a deported person under Section 1252 of Title 8 of the United States Code. (b) (1) The department shall cancel any driver’s license or identification card issued to any person identified as specified in subdivision (a). (2) The cancellation shall become effective on the 30th day after the date the cancellation notice is mailed to the person, except as authorized under paragraph (3). (3) The person may request a review of the intended cancellation during the 30-day period specified in paragraph (2) and, if proof is provided to show the person is legally present in the United States as authorized under federal law, the department shall rescind the cancellation. (4) The cancellation notice shall be mailed to the person’s last known address. (c) The department shall require an applicant for a driver’s license whose license was canceled under this section to submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. (d) This section shall become operative on, and apply only to persons determined and found to be a deported person who is not a citizen or national of the United States after, July 1, 1997.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.8. Section 12801.8.

(a) In the case of a legal, nonimmigrant driver’s license applicant, the department shall issue a temporary driver’s license, valid for 90 days, if the applicant has successfully completed the application and the related requirements for the issuance of a driver’s license under this code, including paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 12805. If the United States Department of Homeland Security is unable to verify the applicant’s presence before the temporary driver’s license expires, the department shall, at least 15 days before the temporary driver’s license expires, extend the temporary driver’s license for an additional 120 days and notify the applicant by mail that the temporary driver’s license is being extended. (b) If the department adjusts the expiration date of any driver’s license issued pursuant to this code so that the date does not exceed the expiration date of a federal document submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 12801.5, the applicant may, upon receipt of a notice of renewal of the driver’s license by the department sent prior to the expiration of the license, request an extension of the term of the driver’s license by submitting to the department satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States has been reauthorized or extended under federal law. After verifying that the applicant’s presence in the United States has been reauthorized or extended by federal law, the department shall adjust the expiration date of the driver’s license so that it does not exceed the expiration date of the revised federal document submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 12801.5 and complies with the related requirements of this code. (c) The department shall establish a procedure for receiving mailed requests for the extension of driver’s licenses as described in this section.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.9. Section 12801.9.

(a) (1) Notwithstanding Section 12801.5, the department shall issue an original driver’s license to a person who is unable to submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law if the person meets all other qualifications for licensure and provides satisfactory proof to the department of the person’s identity and California residency. (2) Notwithstanding Section 12801.5 and commencing no later than July 1, 2027, the department shall issue an identification card to a person who is unable to submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law if the person provides satisfactory proof to the department of the person’s identity and California residency. (b) The department shall adopt regulations to carry out the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to, procedures for (1) identifying documents acceptable for the purposes of proving identity and California residency, (2) procedures for verifying the authenticity of the documents, (3) issuance of a temporary license pending verification of any document’s authenticity, and (4) hearings to appeal a denial of a license or temporary license, or identification card. (c) Regulations adopted for purposes of establishing the documents acceptable to prove identity and residency pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be promulgated by the department in consultation with appropriate interested parties, in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), including law enforcement representatives, immigrant rights representatives, labor representatives, and other stakeholders, which may include, but are not limited to, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, the California State Sheriffs’ Association, and the California Police Chiefs Association. The department shall accept various types of documentation for this purpose, including, but not limited to, the following documents: (1) A valid, unexpired consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship, or a valid, unexpired passport from the applicant’s country of citizenship. (2) An original birth certificate, or other proof of age, as designated by the department. (3) A home utility bill, lease or rental agreement, or other proof of California residence, as designated by the department. (4) The following documents, which, if in a language other than English, shall be accompanied by a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English: (A) A marriage license or divorce certificate. (B) A foreign federal electoral photo card issued on or after January 1, 1991. (C) A foreign driver’s license. (5) A United States Department of Homeland Security Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. (6) An official school or college transcript that includes the applicant’s date of birth or a foreign school record that is sealed and includes a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued. (7) A United States Department of Homeland Security Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. (8) A deed or title to real property. (9) A property tax bill or statement issued within the previous 12 months. (10) An income tax return. (d) (1) (A) A license issued pursuant to this section shall bear the following notice: “This card is not acceptable for official federal purposes. This license is issued only as a license to drive a motor vehicle. It does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.” (B) An identification card issued pursuant to this section shall bear the following notice: “This card is not acceptable for official federal purposes. This identification card is issued only as a means of identification. It does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.” (2) The notice described in paragraph (1) shall be in lieu of the notice provided in Section 12800.5. (3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall become inoperative upon the department’s next scheduled revision of the driver’s license or identification card on or after January 1, 2023, at which time, a driver’s license and identification card issued pursuant to this section shall bear the notice described in Section 12800.5 or 13005.5, respectively, as added by the act that added this paragraph. (e) Notwithstanding Section 40300 or any other law, a peace officer shall not detain or arrest a person solely on the belief that the person is an unlicensed driver, unless the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person driving is under 16 years of age. (f) The inability to obtain a driver’s license pursuant to this section does not abrogate or diminish in any respect the legal requirement of every driver in this state to obey the motor vehicle laws of this state, including laws with respect to licensing, motor vehicle registration, and financial responsibility. (g) It is a violation of law to discriminate against a person because the person holds or presents a license or identification card issued under this section, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) It is a violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Section 51 of the Civil Code), for a business establishment to discriminate against a person because the person holds or presents a license or identification card issued under this section. (2) (A) It is a violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 (commencing with Section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) for an employer or other covered person or entity, pursuant to Section 12940 of the Government Code and subdivision (v) of Section 12926 of the Government Code, to discriminate against a person because the person holds or presents a driver’s license or identification card issued pursuant to this section, or for an employer or other covered entity to require a person to present a driver’s license, unless possessing a driver’s license is required by law or is required by the employer and the employer’s requirement is otherwise permitted by law. This section shall not be construed to limit or expand an employer’s authority to require a person to possess a driver’s license. (B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), this section shall not be construed to alter an employer’s rights or obligations under Section 1324a of Title 8 of the United States Code regarding obtaining documentation evidencing identity and authorization for employment. An action taken by an employer that is required by the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1324a) is not a violation of law. (3) It is a violation of Section 11135 of the Government Code for a state or local governmental authority, agent, or person acting on behalf of a state or local governmental authority, or a program or activity that is funded directly or receives financial assistance from the state, to discriminate against an individual because the individual holds or presents a license or identification card issued pursuant to this section, including by notifying a law enforcement agency of the individual’s identity or that the individual carries a license or identification card issued under this section if a notification is not required by law or would not have been provided if the individual held a license issued pursuant to Section 12801 or an identification card issued pursuant to Section 13000. (h) Driver’s license or identification card information obtained by an employer shall be treated as private and confidential, is exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code), and shall not be disclosed to any unauthorized person or used for any purpose other than to establish identity and authorization to drive, as applicable. (i) Information collected pursuant to this section is not a public record and shall not be disclosed by the department, except as required by law. (j) Documents provided by applicants to prove identity or residency pursuant to this section are not public records and shall not be disclosed except in response to a subpoena for individual records in a criminal proceeding or a court order, or in response to a law enforcement request to address an urgent health or safety need if the law enforcement agency certifies in writing the specific circumstances that do not permit authorities time to obtain a court order. Immigration enforcement, as defined in Section 7284.4 of the Government Code, does not constitute an urgent health and safety need for purposes of this subdivision. (k) A license or identification card issued pursuant to this section shall not be used as evidence of an individual’s citizenship or immigration status for any purpose. ( l ) In addition to the fees required by Section 14902, a person applying for an identification card pursuant to this section may be required to pay an additional fee determined by the department that is sufficient to offset the reasonable administrative costs of implementing the provisions of the act that authorized the issuance of identification cards pursuant to this section. If this additional fee is assessed, it shall only apply until June 30, 2030. (m) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its internet website.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.10. Section 12801.10.

(a) Nothing in Section 1653.5, 12800, 12801, 12801.5, or 12801.9 authorizes an individual to apply for, or be issued, a commercial driver’s license without the submission of his or her social security account number upon application. (b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2015, or on the date that the director executes a declaration pursuant to Section 12801.11, whichever is sooner. (c) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.11. Section 12801.11.

(a) If the director determines that the department is prepared to begin issuing driver’s licenses pursuant to Section 12801.9 on a date sooner than January 1, 2015, the director shall execute a declaration stating that determination and date and, within five business days, provide a copy of that declaration to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature and to the Governor, and shall post this information on its Internet Web site. (b) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12802. Section 12802.

Every original application shall be signed and verified by the applicant under penalty of perjury and the applicant shall submit such evidence of age as the department may require, and, if the applicant is a minor, the application shall also be signed and verified as provided in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 9.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12802.5. Section 12802.5.

Before issuing a driver’s license or permit to any person under 21 years of age, both of the following shall occur: (a) The department shall inform the applicant of the following: (1) It is unlawful to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test. (2) The penalty for so driving is a one-year suspension of the driving privilege. (3) A refusal to take, or a failure to complete, a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test for the purpose of determining the level of alcohol pursuant to Section 13388 shall result in a one-year suspension of the driving privilege. (4) The fee for reissuance of a driver’s license after suspension for a violation of Section 23136 is one hundred dollars ($100). This fee is in addition to any other fees that may be imposed by the department in connection with reissuance of a driver’s license. (b) The applicant shall sign a statement that acknowledges that he or she has been notified of the information specified in subdivision (a).

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12803. Section 12803.

Upon application for an original license, except student licenses, the department shall require an examination of the applicant and shall make provision therefor before an officer or employee or authorized representative of the department in the county wherein the applicant resides.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.2. Section 12804.2.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 15275, a person issued a driver’s license by the department is exempt from the endorsement requirements of Section 15275 if all of the following conditions are met: (1) The person is employed in an agricultural operation and is driving a vehicle, other than a vehicle used in common or contract motor carriage, controlled by a farmer and transporting agricultural products or farm machinery or supplies to or from a farm. (2) (A) The person has fulfilled the applicable training requirements of Subpart H of Part 172 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (B) Upon successful completion of the training required by subparagraph (A), a record of current training, meeting the requirements prescribed by Section 172.704(d) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and a completed application shall be forwarded to the Department of the California Highway Patrol. Upon receipt and validation, the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall issue a verification of training, valid for three years, which shall be carried by the person when operating an implement of husbandry or a motor vehicle required to display placards pursuant to Section 27903. Within 15 days of issuance by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, a copy of the verification shall be forwarded by the person completing the training to the department for inclusion on the permanent driving record of the person, together with a fee of twelve dollars ($12). (C) The department, in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, shall develop a suitable form for verification of training. (3) The person has, within the vehicle, informational material approved by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, in both English and Spanish, outlining basic safety procedures to be followed in the event of an accident. The Department of the California Highway Patrol shall provide the information required by this subdivision and make it available at no cost to the person. (4) The person is operating a vehicle which is an implement of husbandry or a motor vehicle requiring only a class C driver’s license and the distance which the vehicle is being operated between the final point of distribution and the ultimate point of application or from part of a farm to another part thereof, or from one farm to another, is not more than 50 miles. (5) In lieu of a report of a medical examination required by Section 12804.9, an applicant for a certificate pursuant to paragraph (3) shall, upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department. A person who obtains a verification of training pursuant to this section, but does not meet the medical requirements for a hazardous materials endorsement established by the department under Section 12804.9, is not qualified to transport hazardous materials. (6) For purposes of the penalties and sanctions prescribed by Article 7 (commencing with Section 15300) of Chapter 7, the operation of a vehicle pursuant to this subdivision is deemed to be the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. (b) Implementation dates for this section may be established by the Department of Motor Vehicles by regulation in order to accomplish an orderly certification program.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.5. Section 12804.5.

The class of vehicles permitted to be operated as shown on a driver’s license held by a minor shall not be changed, unless the parents, guardians, or person having custody of such minor gives written consent to the department for such a change.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.6. Section 12804.6.

(a) A person shall not operate a transit bus transporting passengers unless that person has received from the department a certificate to operate a transit bus or is certified to drive a schoolbus or school pupil activity bus pursuant to Section 12517. (b) All transit busdrivers shall comply with standards established in Section 40083 of the Education Code. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall establish an implementation program for transit busdrivers to meet these requirements. A transit busdriver who was employed as a busdriver on or before July 1, 1990, shall comply with Section 40085.5 of the Education Code instead of Section 40083 of that code in order to receive his or her original certificate. (c) Implementation procedures for the issuance of transit busdrivers’ certificates may be established by the Department of Motor Vehicles as necessary to implement an orderly transit busdriver training program. (d) The department shall issue a transit busdriver certificate to a person who provides either of the following: (1) Proof that he or she has complied with Section 40083 of the Education Code. (2) Proof that he or she has complied with Section 40085.5 of the Education Code. (e) The department may charge a fee of ten dollars ($10) to an applicant for an original or a duplicate or renewal certificate under this section. (f) The department shall issue a certificate to the applicant. The status of the certificate shall also become part of the pull notice and periodic reports issued pursuant to Section 1808.1. The certificate or the pull notice or periodic reports shall become part of, the person’s employee records for the purpose of inspection pursuant to Sections 1808.1 and 34501. It shall be unlawful for the employer to permit a person to drive a transit bus who does not have a valid certificate. (g) The term of a certificate shall be a period not to exceed five years, and shall expire with the driver’s license.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.7. Section 12804.7.

Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 12804.9, class C also includes any two-axle motortruck or implement of husbandry weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing an implement of husbandry as specified in subdivision (n) of Section 36005, except that those vehicles shall not be operated in excess of 25 miles per hour on the highways and for not more than 25 miles on the highway from their point of origin.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.8. Section 12804.8.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department may conduct studies to develop and identify examinations and tests, to more accurately identify persons who, due to physical or mental factors, or both, are not competent or qualified to safely operate a motor vehicle. (b) In addition to any other tests or examinations required under this code, the department may require any person applying for an original driver’s license or renewal of a driver’s license, or any person subject to reexamination under Section 13801, to submit to one or more tests or examinations which are part of a study. (c) The results and information obtained during the study, through the tests and examinations specified in subdivision (a), shall be used only to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the tests and examinations and to select tests and examinations for use by the department, and for no other purpose. The results of the tests are confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person. (d) No public entity or employee shall be liable for any loss, detriment, or injury resulting directly or indirectly from the department’s acts or failure to act on information received through the studies.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.9. Section 12804.9.

(a) (1) The examination shall include all of the following: (A) A test of the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways. (B) A test of the applicant’s ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs. (C) A test of the applicant’s understanding of traffic signs and signals, including the bikeway signs, markers, and traffic control devices established by the Department of Transportation. (D) An actual demonstration of the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. The applicant shall submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive, except that the department may waive the driving test part of the examination for any applicant who submits a license issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico if the department verifies through any acknowledged national driver record data source that there are no stops, holds, or other impediments to its issuance. The examining officer may request to see evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle before supervising the demonstration of the applicant’s ability to operate the vehicle. The examining officer may refuse to examine an applicant who is unable to provide proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle, unless proof of financial responsibility is not required by this code. (E) A test of the hearing and eyesight of the applicant, and of other matters that may be necessary to determine the mental and physical fitness of the applicant to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways, and whether any grounds exist for refusal of a license under this code. (2) (A) Before a class A or class B driver’s license, or class C driver’s license with a commercial endorsement, may be issued or renewed, the applicant shall have in the applicant’s driver record a valid report of a medical examination of the applicant given not more than two years before the date of the application by a health care professional. As used in this paragraph, “health care professional” means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States. Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and registered advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the medical examination presently required of motor carrier drivers by the United States Department of Transportation. The report shall be on a form approved by the department. In establishing the requirements, consideration may be given to the standards presently required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (B) The department may accept a federal waiver of one or more physical qualification standards if the waiver is accompanied by a report of a nonqualifying medical examination for a class A or class B driver’s license, or class C driver’s license with a commercial endorsement, pursuant to Section 391.41(a)(3)(ii) of Subpart E of Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (3) A physical defect of the applicant that, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, shall not prevent the issuance of a license to the applicant. (b) In accordance with the following classifications, an applicant for a driver’s license shall be required to submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive: (1) Class A includes the following: (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a combination of vehicles, if a vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds. (B) A vehicle towing more than one vehicle. (C) A trailer bus. (D) The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C. (2) Class B includes the following: (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds. (B) A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds. (C) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, except a trailer bus. (D) A farm labor vehicle. (E) A single vehicle with three or more axles or a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less. (F) A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers. (G) The operation of all vehicles covered under class C. (3) Class C includes the following: (A) A two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, including when the vehicle is towing a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less. (B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross. (C) A house car of 40 feet in length or less. (D) A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less. (E) A house car of 40 feet in length or less or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including when a tow dolly is used. A person driving a vehicle may not tow another vehicle in violation of Section 21715. (F) (i) A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing either a trailer coach or a fifth-wheel travel trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation. (ii) A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway. (iii) The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon completion of that written examination. (G) A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (j) and (k), respectively, of Section 15210, of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met: (i) Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level. (ii) Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations. (iii) Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation. (H) Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11. (I) A motorized scooter. (J) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus. (K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle. (4) Class M1. A two-wheel motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate a vehicle included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination. (5) (A) Class M2 includes a motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor, except an electric bicycle as described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5. (B) Authority to operate vehicles included in class M2 may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination. Persons holding a class M1 license or endorsement may operate vehicles included in class M2 without further examination. (c) A driver’s license or driver certificate is not valid for operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, any other motor vehicle listed in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b), or any other vehicle requiring a driver to hold any driver certificate or any driver’s license endorsement under Section 15275, unless a medical certificate approved by the department that has been issued within two years of the date of the operation of that vehicle and a copy of the medical examination report from which the certificate was issued is on file with the department. Otherwise, the license is valid only for operating class C vehicles that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and for operating class M1 or M2 vehicles, if so endorsed, that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210. (d) A license or driver certificate issued before the enactment of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15200) is valid to operate the class or type of vehicles specified under the law in existence before that enactment until the license or certificate expires or is otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled. Upon application for renewal or replacement of a driver’s license, endorsement, or certificate required to operate a commercial motor vehicle, a valid medical certificate on a form approved by the department shall be submitted to the department. (e) The department may accept a certificate of driving skill that is issued by an employer, authorized by the department to issue a certificate under Section 15250, of the applicant, in lieu of a driving test, on class A or B applications, if the applicant has first qualified for a class C license and has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying. The certificate may be submitted as evidence of the applicant’s skill in the operation of the types of equipment covered by the license for which the applicant is applying. (f) The department may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, when the certificate is issued by a law enforcement agency for its officers who operate class M1 or M2 vehicles in their duties, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying. (g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to Section 2932 in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying. The department shall review and approve the written and driving test used by a program to determine whether the program may issue a certificate of completion. (h) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person holding a valid California driver’s license of any class may operate a short-term rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that license. As used in this subdivision, “short-term” means 48 hours or less. (i) A person under 21 years of age shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless the person provides evidence satisfactory to the department of completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program that is operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of Chapter 5 of Division 2. (j) A driver of a vanpool vehicle may operate with a class C license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to drive the vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years. (k) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.10. Section 12804.10.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person issued a class C license under paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 12804.9 may drive any house car of 40 feet in length or less without obtaining a noncommercial class B driver’s license with house car endorsement as described in subdivision (b). (b) Any person seeking to drive any house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers, shall obtain a noncommercial class B driver’s license with house car endorsement as described in this subdivision. The applicant for that endorsement shall pass a specialized written examination and demonstrate the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating that vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. Upon satisfactory completion of the examination and demonstration, the applicant shall be issued a noncommercial class B driver’s license with house car endorsement by the department. Upon application for an endorsement to operate this vehicle, and every two years thereafter, the applicant shall submit medical information on a form approved by the department.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.11. Section 12804.11.

(a) To operate firefighting equipment, a driver, including a tiller operator, is required to do either of the following: (1) Obtain and maintain a firefighter endorsement issued by the department and obtain and maintain a class C license as described in Section 12804.9, a restricted class A license as described in Section 12804.12, or a noncommercial class B license as described in Section 12804.10. (2) Obtain and maintain a class A or B license as described in Section 12804.9 and, as appropriate, for the size and configuration of the firefighting equipment operated. (b) To qualify for a firefighter endorsement the driver shall do all of the following: (1) (A) Provide to the department proof of current employment as a firefighter or registration as a volunteer firefighter with a fire department and evidence of fire equipment operation training by providing a letter or other indication from the chief of the fire department or his or her designee. (B) For purposes of this section, evidence of fire equipment operation training means the applicant has successfully completed Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A taught by an instructor registered with the Office of the State Fire Marshal or fire department driver training that meets all of the following requirements: (i) Meets or exceeds the standards outlined in NFPA 1002, Chapter 4 (2008 version) or the Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A course adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. (ii) Prepares the applicant to safely operate the department’s fire equipment that the applicant will be authorized to operate. (iii) Includes a classroom (cognitive) portion of at least 16 hours. (iv) Includes a manipulative portion of at least 14 hours, which includes directly supervised behind-the-wheel driver training. (C) Driver training shall be conducted by a person who is registered with the Office of the State Fire Marshal to instruct a Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A course or a person who meets all of the following criteria: (i) Possesses a minimum of five years of fire service experience as an emergency vehicle operator, three of which must be at the rank of engineer or higher. (ii) Possesses a valid California class A or B license or a class A or B license restricted to the operation of firefighting equipment or a class C license with a firefighter endorsement. (iii) Is certified as a qualified training instructor or training officer by the State of California, the federal government, or a county training officers’ association. (2) Pass the written firefighter examination developed by the department with the cooperation of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. (3) Upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department. (c) There shall be no additional charge for adding a firefighter endorsement to an original license or when renewing a license. To add a firefighter endorsement to an existing license when not renewing the license, the applicant shall pay the fee for a duplicate license pursuant to Section 14901. (d) (1) A driver of firefighting equipment is subject to the requirements of subdivision (a) if both of the following conditions exist: (A) The equipment is operated by a person employed as a firefighter by a federal or state agency, by a regularly organized fire department of a city, county, city and county, or district, or by a tribal fire department or registered as a volunteer member of a regularly organized fire department having official recognition of the city, county, city and county, or district in which the department is located, or of a tribal fire department. (B) The motor vehicle is used to travel to and from the scene of an emergency situation, or to transport equipment used in the control of an emergency situation, and which is owned, leased, or rented by, or under the exclusive control of, a federal or state agency, a regularly organized fire department of a city, county, city and county, or district, a volunteer fire department having official recognition of the city, county, city and county, or district in which the department is located, or a tribal fire department. (2) A driver of firefighting equipment is not required to obtain and maintain a firefighter endorsement pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) if the driver is operating the firefighting equipment for training purposes, during a nonemergency, while under the direct supervision of a fire department employee who is properly licensed to operate the equipment and is authorized by the fire department to provide training. (e) For purposes of this section, a tiller operator is the driver of the rear free-axle portion of a ladder truck. (f) For purposes of this section, “firefighting equipment” means a motor vehicle, that meets the definition of a class A or class B vehicle described in subdivision (b) of Section 12804.9, that is used to travel to and from the scene of an emergency situation, or to transport equipment used in the control of an emergency situation, and that is owned, leased, or rented by, or under the exclusive control of, a federal or state agency, a regularly organized fire department of a city, county, city and county, or district, or a volunteer fire department having official recognition of the city, county, city and county, or district in which the department is located. (g) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), a regularly organized fire department, having official recognition of the city, county, city and county, or district in which the department is located, may require an employee or a volunteer of the fire department who is a driver or operator of firefighting equipment to hold a class A or B license. (h) This section applies to a person hired by a fire department, or to a person renewing a driver’s license, on or after January 1, 2011.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.12. Section 12804.12.

(a) The department may issue a restricted class A driver’s license for the operation of any two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation. (b) In lieu of a report of a medical examination required by Section 12804.9, an applicant for a restricted license issued pursuant to subdivision (a) shall, upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department. (c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.14. Section 12804.14.

(a) The department may issue a restricted class A driver’s license for the operation of any two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a livestock trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight, if all of the following conditions are met: (1) The vehicle is controlled and operated by a farmer. (2) The vehicle is used to transport livestock to or from a farm. (3) The vehicle is not used in the operations of a common or contract carrier. (4) The vehicle is used within 150 miles of the person’s farm. (b) The requirements of subdivision (a) incorporate the guidelines published by the Federal Highway Administration in the Federal Register on September 26, 1988 (53 FR 37313). The department shall follow those guidelines in acting pursuant to this section as those guidelines now exist and as they are hereafter amended. (c) In lieu of a report of a medical examination required by Sections 12804 and 12804.9, a licensed California driver applying for a restricted license issued pursuant to subdivision (a) shall, upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12804.15. Section 12804.15.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 362, for purposes of this section “house car” means a vehicle described in subdivision (b) of Section 12804.10. (b) (1) Except as provided under paragraph (2), no person may operate a house car unless that person has in his or her possession a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class and an endorsement thereto issued by the department to permit operation of the house car. (2) A nonresident may not operate a house car in this state unless that person is in possession of an out-of-state driver’s license authorizing the operation of that vehicle. (c) An endorsement to drive a house car may be issued only if the applicant meets all of the following conditions: (1) The applicant successfully completes an examination prescribed by the department to determine qualification for the endorsement. (2) Upon initial application and every two years thereafter, the applicant submits medical information on a form approved by the department to verify that the person meets the minimum medical requirements established by the department for operation of a house car. (3) Upon application for issuance of an original driver’s license or renewal driver’s license pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 12804.10, there shall be paid to the department a fee of thirty-four dollars ($34) for a license that will expire on the applicant’s fifth birthday following the date of the application. (d) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke an endorsement to drive a house car when the applicant does not meet any requirement for the issuance or retention of the endorsement.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12805. Section 12805.

(a) The department shall not issue a driver’s license to, or renew a driver’s license of, any person: (1) Who is not of legal age to receive a driver’s license. (2) Whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in that person’s better eye, as verified by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. A person shall not use a bioptic telescopic or similar lens to meet the 20/200 visual acuity standards. (3) Who is unable, as shown by examination, to understand traffic signs or signals or who does not have a reasonable knowledge of the requirements of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways. (4) When it is determined, by examination or other evidence, that the person is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle upon a highway. (5) Who is unable to read and understand English used in highway traffic and directional signs. (6) Who holds a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign jurisdiction unless the license has been surrendered to the department, or is lost or destroyed. (7) Who has ever held, or is the holder of, a license to drive issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and that license has been suspended by reason, in whole or in part, of a conviction of a traffic violation until the suspension period has terminated, except that the department may issue a license to the applicant if, in the opinion of the department, it will be safe to issue a license to a person whose license to drive was suspended by a state that is not a party to the Driver License Compact provided for in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6. (8) Who has ever held, or is the holder of, a license to drive issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and that license has been revoked by reason, in whole or in part, of a conviction of a traffic violation, until the revocation has been terminated or after the expiration of one year from the date the license was revoked, whichever occurs first, except that the department may issue a license to the applicant if, in the opinion of the department, it will be safe to issue a license to a person whose license to drive was revoked by a state that is not a party to the Driver License Compact provided for in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6. (b) The department shall not issue a Real ID driver’s license to a person who holds a valid Real ID identification card. (c) The department may cancel a driver’s license in order to enable compliance with subdivision (b). (d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2018.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12806. Section 12806.

The department may refuse to issue to, or renew a driver’s license of, any person: (a) Who is rendered incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle because of alcoholism, excessive and chronic use of alcoholic beverages, or addiction to, or habitual use of, any drug. (b) Who is addicted to the use of narcotic drugs unless the person is participating in a narcotic treatment program approved pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 11875) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code, in which case the person may be issued a probationary license, subject to reasonable terms and conditions, if that drug usage does not affect the person’s ability to exercise reasonable and ordinary control in operating a motor vehicle on the highway. (c) Who has a disorder characterized by lapses of consciousness or who has experienced, within the last three years, either a lapse of consciousness or an episode of marked confusion caused by any condition which may bring about recurrent lapses, or who has any physical or mental disability, disease, or disorder which could affect the safe operation of a motor vehicle unless the department has medical information which indicates the person may safely operate a motor vehicle. In making its determination, the department may rely on any relevant information available to the department.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12806.5. Section 12806.5.

The department may adopt regulations specifying, in addition to any cause provided by statute, the circumstances which are grounds for the suspension or revocation of a schoolbus, school pupil activity, youth busdriver, farm labor vehicle, or general public paratransit vehicle certificate.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12807. Section 12807.

The department shall not issue or renew a driver’s license to any person: (a) When a license previously issued to the person under this code has been suspended until the expiration of the period of the suspension, unless cause for suspension has been removed. (b) When a license previously issued to the person under this code has been revoked until the expiration of one year after the date of the revocation, except where a different period of revocation is prescribed by this code, or unless the cause for revocation has been removed. (c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2027.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12808. Section 12808.

(a) The department shall, before issuing or renewing any license, check the record of the applicant for conviction of traffic violations and traffic accidents. (b) The department shall, before issuing or renewing any license, check the record of the applicant for notices of failure to appear in court filed with it and shall withhold or shall not issue a license to any applicant who has violated their written promise to appear in court unless the department has received a certificate issued by the magistrate or clerk of the court hearing the case in which the promise was given showing that the case has been adjudicated or unless the applicant’s record is cleared as provided in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 41500) of Division 17. In lieu of the certificate of adjudication, a notice from the court stating that the original records have been lost or destroyed shall permit the department to issue a license. (c) (1) Any notice received by the department pursuant to former Section 40509, Section 40509.1, or former Section 40509.5, except subdivision (c) of former Section 40509.5, that has been on file five years may be removed from the department records and destroyed at the discretion of the department. (2) Any notice received by the department under subdivision (c) of former Section 40509.5 that has been on file 10 years may be removed from the department records and destroyed at the discretion of the department. (d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12809. Section 12809.

The department may refuse to issue or renew a driver’s license to any person: (a) If the department is satisfied that the applicant is not entitled to the license under this code. (b) If the applicant has failed to furnish the department the information required in the application or reasonable additional information requested by the department. (c) If the department determines that the applicant has made or permitted unlawful use of any driver’s license. (d) If the department determines that the person has knowingly used a false or fictitious name in any application for a license or has impersonated another in making application or in taking any test, or has knowingly made a false statement or knowingly concealed a material fact, or otherwise committed any fraud in any application. (e) If the department determines that the applicant is a negligent or incompetent operator of a motor vehicle. (f) If the applicant is convicted of any offense involving the transportation for purpose of sale, or the transportation for compensation, of a controlled substance under Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code, and the commission of the offense involved the use or operation of a motor vehicle. If, however, the driving privilege of the applicant is on probation for a cause related to the use or possession of a narcotic controlled substance, the department may refuse to issue or renew a driver’s license to the applicant if the applicant is subsequently convicted of any offense involving the use or possession of a narcotic controlled substance, whether or not the commission of the offense involved the use or operation of a motor vehicle. The maximum period of time for which the department may refuse to issue or renew a driver’s license to any person pursuant to this subdivision shall be three years from the date of conviction. (g) If the applicant fails or refuses to surrender to the department, upon its lawful demand, a nonresident minor’s certificate which has been canceled. (h) If the applicant has failed to appear regarding a citation issued for vehicle abandonment as specified in Section 22523. (i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 1989.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12810. Section 12810.

In determining the violation point count, the following shall apply: (a) A conviction of failure to stop in the event of an accident in violation of Section 20001 or 20002 shall be given a value of two points. (b) A conviction of a violation of Section 23152 or 23153 shall be given a value of two points. (c) A conviction of reckless driving shall be given a value of two points. (d) (1) A conviction of a violation of subdivision (b) of Section 191.5 or subdivision (c) of Section 192 of the Penal Code, or of Section 2800.2 or 2800.3, subdivision (b) of Section 21651, subdivision (b) of Section 22348, subdivision (a) or (c) of Section 23109, Section 23109.1, or Section 31602 of this code, shall be given a value of two points. (2) A conviction of a violation of subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 23140 shall be given a value of two points. (e) A conviction of a violation of Section 14601, 14601.1, 14601.2, 14601.3, or 14601.5 shall be given a value of two points. (f) Except as provided in subdivision (i), any other traffic conviction involving the safe operation of a motor vehicle upon the highway shall be given a value of one point. (g) A traffic accident in which the operator is deemed by the department to be responsible shall be given a value of one point. (h) A conviction of a violation of Section 27360 or 27360.5 shall be given a value of one point. (i) (1) A violation of paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 40001 shall not result in a violation point count being given to the driver if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle. (2) A conviction of a violation of paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 12814.6, subdivision (a) of Section 21116, Section 21207.5, 21708, 21710, 21716, 23120, 24800, or 26707 shall not be given a violation point count. (3) A violation of subdivision (d) of Section 21712 shall not result in a violation point count. (4) A violation of Section 23136 shall not result in a violation point count. (5) A violation of Section 38301, 38301.3, 38301.5, 38304.1, or 38504.1 shall not result in a violation point count. (j) A conviction for only one violation arising from one occasion of arrest or citation shall be counted in determining the violation point count for the purposes of this section.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12810.2. Section 12810.2.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (f) of Section 12810, a violation point count shall not be given for a conviction of a violation of Section 27315, 27318, or 27319. (b) The amendments to this section as added by the act that added this subdivision shall be operative on July 1, 2018.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12810.3. Section 12810.3.

Notwithstanding subdivision (f) of Section 12810, a violation point shall be given only for a conviction of a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 23123, subdivision (a) of Section 23123.5, or subdivision (b) of Section 23124, occurring on or after July 1, 2021, that occurs within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12810.4. Section 12810.4.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no violation point shall be given for a conviction of a violation of Section 22526.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12810.5. Section 12810.5.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), a person whose driving record shows a violation point count of four or more points in 12 months, six or more points in 24 months, or eight or more points in 36 months shall be prima facie presumed to be a negligent operator of a motor vehicle. In applying this subdivision to a driver, if the person requests and appears at a hearing conducted by the department, the department shall give due consideration to the amount of use or mileage traveled in the operation of a motor vehicle. (b) (1) A class A or class B licensed driver, except persons holding certificates pursuant to Section 12517, 12519, 12523, 12523.5, or 12527, or an endorsement issued pursuant to paragraph (2) or (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 15278, who is presumed to be a negligent operator pursuant to subdivision (a), and who requests and appears at a hearing and is found to have a driving record violation point count of six or more points in 12 months, eight or more points in 24 months, or 10 or more points in 36 months is presumed to be a prima facie negligent operator. However, the higher point count does not apply if the department reasonably determines that four or more points in 12 months, six or more points in 24 months, or eight or more points in 36 months are attributable to the driver’s operation of a vehicle requiring only a class C license, and not requiring a certificate or endorsement, or a class M license. (2) For purposes of this subdivision, each point assigned pursuant to Section 12810 shall be valued at one and one-half times the value otherwise required by that section for each violation reasonably determined by the department to be attributable to the driver’s operation of a vehicle requiring a class A or class B license, or requiring a certificate or endorsement described in this section. (c) The department may require a negligent operator whose driving privilege is suspended or revoked pursuant to this section to submit proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430, on or before the date of reinstatement following the suspension or revocation. The proof of financial responsibility shall be maintained with the department for three years following that date of reinstatement.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12811. Section 12811.

(a) (1) (A) When the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license, it shall issue to the person a driver’s license as applied for. The license shall state the class of license for which the licensee has qualified and shall contain the distinguishing number assigned to the applicant, the date of expiration, the true full name, age, and mailing address or residence address of the licensee, a brief description and engraved picture or photograph of the licensee for the purpose of identification, and space for the signature of the licensee. (B) Each license shall also contain a space for the endorsement of a record of each suspension or revocation of the license. (C) The department shall use whatever process or processes, in the issuance of engraved or colored licenses, that prohibit, as near as possible, the ability to alter or reproduce the license or prohibit the ability to superimpose a picture or photograph on the license without ready detection. (2) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), a license issued to a person under 18 years of age shall display the words “provisional until age 18.” (b) (1) All applications for a driver’s license or identification card shall contain a space for an applicant to indicate whether they have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and to give their consent to be contacted regarding eligibility to receive state or federal veterans benefits. The application shall contain the following statement: “By marking the veteran box on this application, I certify that I am a veteran of the United States Armed Forces and that I want to receive veterans benefits information from the California Department of Veterans Affairs. By marking the veteran box on this application, I also consent to DMV transmitting my name and mailing address to the California Department of Veterans Affairs for this purpose only, and I certify that I have been notified that this transmittal will occur.” (2) The department shall collect the information obtained pursuant to paragraph (1). (3) As mutually agreed between the department and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the department shall electronically transmit to the Department of Veterans Affairs the following information on each applicant who has identified that they have served in the Armed Forces of the United States since the last data transfer and has consented to be contacted about veterans benefits: (A) The applicant’s true full name. (B) The applicant’s mailing address. (4) Information obtained by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purposes of this subdivision shall be used for the purpose of assisting individuals to access veterans benefits and shall not be disseminated except as needed for this purpose. (5) An application for a driver’s license or identification card shall allow an applicant to request the word “VETERAN” be printed on the face of the driver’s license or identification card. A verification form shall be developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs in consultation with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers to acknowledge verification of veteran status. A county veterans service office shall verify the veteran’s status as a veteran, sign the verification form, and return it to the veteran. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall accept the signed verification form as proof of veteran status. The word “VETERAN” shall be printed on the face of a driver’s license or identification card, in a location determined by the department, and issued to a person who makes this request and presents the verification form to the department. (c) A contract shall not be awarded to a nongovernmental entity for the processing of driver’s licenses unless the contract conforms to all applicable state contracting laws and all applicable procedures set forth in the State Contracting Manual.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12811.1. Section 12811.1.

(a) Upon the applicant’s request, the department shall issue an adhesive backed medical information card which contains a format permitting the licensee to specify blood type, allergies, past or present medical problems, any medication being taken, the name of the licensee’s doctor, the person to notify in case of an emergency, and whether the licensee is under a doctor’s care. (b) The medical information card, which shall be a different color than the anatomical gift Donor Dot authorized by Section 12811.3, shall be the same size as a driver’s license.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12811.3. Section 12811.3.

(a) A written or electronic application for an original or renewal driver’s license or identification card shall contain a space for the applicant to enroll in the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. The application shall include check boxes for an applicant to mark either (A) Yes, add my name to the donor registry or (B) I do not wish to register at this time. (b) (1) The department shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry to mutually agree upon the language accompanying the question of enrollment required in subdivision (a) for the purpose of defining enrollment and providing the corresponding disclosures. (2) The department shall continue to use existing language accompanying the question of enrollment until a memorandum of understanding, as described in paragraph (1), is in effect. (3) At any time a memorandum of understanding, as described in paragraph (1), is not in effect, the department shall continue to use the language from the most recent memorandum of understanding until a new one is in effect. (c) Notwithstanding any other law, a person under 18 years of age may register as a donor. However, the legal guardian of that person shall make the final decision regarding the donation. (d) The department shall collect donor designation information on all applications for an original or renewal driver’s license or identification card. (e) The department shall print the word “DONOR” or another appropriate designation on the face of a driver’s license or identification card to a person who has indicated on the application their intent to enroll in the organ donation program pursuant to this section. (f) On a weekly basis, the department shall electronically transmit to Donate Life California, a nonprofit organization established and designated as the California Organ and Tissue Donor Registrar pursuant to Section 7150.90 of the Health and Safety Code, all of the following information from every application that indicates the applicant’s decision to enroll in the organ donation program: (1) The applicant’s true full name. (2) The applicant’s residence or mailing address. (3) The applicant’s year of birth. (4) The applicant’s California driver’s license number or identification card number. (g) (1) A person who applies for an original or renewal driver’s license or identification card may designate a voluntary contribution of two dollars ($2) or more for the purpose of promoting and supporting organ and tissue donation. This contribution shall be collected by the department, and treated as a voluntary contribution to Donate Life California and not as a fee for the issuance of a driver’s license or identification card. (2) The department may use the donations collected pursuant to this section to cover its actual administrative costs incurred pursuant to subdivisions (d) to (f), inclusive. The department shall deposit all revenue derived pursuant to this section and remaining after the department’s deduction for administrative costs in the Donate Life California Trust Subaccount that is hereby created in the Motor Vehicle Account in the State Transportation Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, all revenue in this subaccount is continuously appropriated, without regard to fiscal years, to the Controller for allocation to Donate Life California and shall be expended for the purpose of increasing participation in organ donation programs. (h) The enrollment form shall be posted on the internet websites for the department and the California Health and Human Services Agency. (i) The enrollment form shall constitute a legal document pursuant to the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 7150) of Part 1 of Division 7 of the Health and Safety Code) and shall remain binding after the donor’s death despite any express desires of next of kin opposed to the donation. Except for the provisions relating to a person under 18 years of age, the donation does not require the consent of any other person. (j) Donate Life California shall ensure that all additions and deletions to the California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, established pursuant to Section 7150.90 of the Health and Safety Code, shall occur within 30 days of receipt. (k) Information obtained by Donate Life California for the purposes of this section shall be used for these purposes only and shall not be disseminated further by Donate Life California. (l) A public entity or employee shall not be liable for loss, detriment, or injury resulting directly or indirectly from false or inaccurate information contained in the enrollment form provided pursuant to this section.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12811.4. Section 12811.4.

(a) This section shall be known, and may be cited, as Charlie’s Law. (b) An electronic application for an original or renewal driver’s license or identification card shall contain a solicitation for the applicant to enroll in the registry operated by the National Marrow Donor Program. The application shall include a question regarding enrollment pursuant to subdivision (c) and check boxes for an applicant to mark either of the following: (1) Yes, I would like to enroll in the registry to be a potential bone marrow or blood stem cell donor. I consent to my information being shared with the National Marrow Donor Program for the purposes of enrollment. I understand that I am not enrolled at this time and must complete the National Marrow Donor Program enrollment forms and cheek swab to be a registered bone marrow donor. I am aware that after enrollment, if matched, I have the ability to refuse to donate at any point. (2) No, I do not wish to enroll at this time. (c) An applicant’s election to enroll in the National Marrow Donor Program’s registry shall constitute consent to their information being transmitted to the National Marrow Donor Program for the purposes of completing enrollment in the registry. After submitting their electronic application for an original or renewal driver’s license or identification card, the applicant shall receive a followup communication to complete the National Marrow Donor Program application. (d) The department shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the National Marrow Donor Program to mutually agree upon all of the following: (1) The language of the question of enrollment required by subdivision (b). The language may define enrollment and donor requirements, including, but not limited to, limits on the transferring of data to only those eligible for enrollment in the National Marrow Donor Program, and may provide the corresponding disclosures. (2) The language of the followup communication described in subdivision (c). (3) The operative date for the provisions specified in subdivisions (b) and (e). (e) On a weekly basis, the department shall electronically transmit to the National Marrow Donor Program all of the following information from every application that indicates the applicant’s intent to enroll as a potential bone marrow or blood stem cell donor: (1) The applicant’s true full name. (2) The applicant’s residence or mailing address. (3) The applicant’s date of birth. (4) The applicant’s telephone number. (5) The applicant’s email address. (f) The department and the California Health and Human Services Agency shall post the enrollment form on its internet website. (g) Enrollment in the National Marrow Donor Program registry through the department does not constitute a legal document pursuant to the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 7150) of Part 1 of Division 7 of the Health and Safety Code) and does not require registrants to donate if they are matched. (h) Information obtained by the National Marrow Donor Program shall be used only for registry operations consistent with the informed consent of the applicant. Information obtained by the National Marrow Donor Program for the purposes of this section shall not be disseminated further by the National Marrow Donor Program. (i) A public entity or its employee shall not be liable for loss, detriment, or injury resulting directly or indirectly from false or inaccurate information contained in the enrollment form provided pursuant to this section.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12812. Section 12812.

If a driver with a class C or M license, who is not required to have a certificate under any provision of this code, is presumed to be a negligent operator pursuant to Section 12810.5, the department may, as a condition of probation, issue a restricted driver’s license to permit driving of a vehicle while in the course of the driver’s employment during specified hours of employment or any other restrictions as determined by the department. The restrictions shall be noted on the driver’s license.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12813. Section 12813.

(a) The department may, upon issuing a driver’s license or after issuance whenever good cause appears, impose restrictions suitable to the licensee’s driving ability with respect to the type of, or special mechanical control devices required on, a motor vehicle which the licensee may operate or impose other restrictions applicable to the licensee that the department may determine to be appropriate to assure the safe operation of a motor vehicle by the licensee. (b) The department may issue either a special restricted license or may set forth the restrictions upon the usual license form. (c) The authority of the department to issue restricted licenses under this section is subject to Sections 12812, 13352, 13353.3, and 13352.5.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12814. Section 12814.

(a) Application for renewal of a license shall be made at an office of the department by the person to whom the license was issued. The department may in its discretion require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate considering the licensee’s record of convictions and accidents, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate in relation to evidence of a condition that may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle. The age of a licensee, by itself, may not constitute evidence of a condition requiring an examination of the driving ability. If the department finds any evidence, the department shall disclose the evidence to the applicant or licensee. If the person is absent from the state at the time the license expires, the director may extend the license for a period of one year from the expiration date of the license. (b) Renewal of a driver’s license shall be under terms and conditions prescribed by the department. (c) The department may adopt and administer those regulations as shall be deemed necessary for the public safety in the implementation of a program of selective testing of applicants, and, with reference to this section, the department may waive tests for purposes of evaluation of selective testing procedures. (d) A driver’s license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a knowledge examination in order to renew his or her driver’s license shall provide written notice of that requirement.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12814.4. Section 12814.4.

(a) The director may establish a program to evaluate the traffic safety and other effects of renewing driver’s licenses by virtual or other remote processes, in lieu of submitting an application at an office of the department pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 12814. Pursuant to that program, the department may renew driver’s licenses by virtual or other remote processes. (b) The director may terminate the renewal by virtual or other remote processes authorized by this section at any time. (c) On or before January 1, 2034, the department shall provide a report to the Legislature and relevant policy committees detailing the program established under this section. (1) The report shall include the steps the department took to prevent individuals other than the applicant from taking the knowledge test, the number of individuals on an annual basis that opted to take the knowledge examination virtually or by other remote processes, and the number of individuals that opted to submit a test of their eyesight by virtual or other remote processes, and the process the department took to verify the authenticity of the tests submitted to the department. (2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. (d) A renewal by virtual or other remote processes under this program shall not be granted to a person who is 70 years of age or older without a test of the eyesight of the applicant. (e) The department shall not renew a driver’s license by virtual or other remote processes that has been previously renewed by mail or by virtual or other remote processes two consecutive times for five-year periods, or by an applicant that is 80 years of age or older. (f) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2035, and as of that date is repealed.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12814.5. Section 12814.5.

(a) The director may establish a program to evaluate the traffic safety and other effects of renewing driver’s licenses by mail. Pursuant to that program, the department may renew by mail driver’s licenses for licensees not holding a probationary license, and whose records, for the two years immediately preceding the determination of eligibility for the renewal, show no notification of a violation of subdivision (a) of former Section 40509, a total violation point count not greater than one as determined in accordance with Section 12810, no suspension of the driving privilege pursuant to Section 13353.2, and no refusal to submit to or complete chemical testing pursuant to Section 13353 or 13353.1. (b) The director may terminate the renewal by mail program authorized by this section at any time the department determines that the program has an adverse impact on traffic safety. (c) A renewal by mail shall not be granted to any person who is 70 years of age or older. (d) The department shall notify each licensee granted a renewal by mail pursuant to this section of major changes to the Vehicle Code affecting traffic laws occurring during the prior five-year period. (e) The department shall not renew a driver’s license by mail if the license has been previously renewed by mail two consecutive times for five-year periods.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12814.6. Section 12814.6.

(a) Except as provided in Section 12814.7, a driver’s license issued to a person at least 16 years of age but under 18 years of age shall be issued pursuant to the provisional licensing program contained in this section. The program shall consist of all of the following components: (1) Upon application for an original license, the applicant shall be issued an instruction permit pursuant to Section 12509. A person who has in their immediate possession a valid permit issued pursuant to Section 12509 may operate a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motorized bicycle, only when the person is either taking the driver training instruction referred to in paragraph (3) or practicing that instruction, provided the person is accompanied by, and is under the immediate supervision of, a California-licensed driver 25 years of age or older whose driving privilege is not on probation. The age requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the licensed driver is the parent, spouse, or guardian of the permitholder or is a licensed or certified driving instructor. (2) The person shall hold an instruction permit for not less than six months prior to applying for a provisional driver’s license. (3) The person shall have complied with one of the following: (A) Satisfactory completion of approved courses in automobile driver education and driver training maintained pursuant to provisions of the Education Code in any secondary school of California, or equivalent instruction in a secondary school of another state. (B) Satisfactory completion of an integrated driver education and training program that is approved by the department and conducted by a driving instructor licensed under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 11100) of Division 5. The program shall utilize segmented modules, whereby a portion of the educational instruction is provided by, and then reinforced through, specific behind-the-wheel training before moving to the next phase of driver education and training. The program shall contain a minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. (C) Satisfactory completion of six hours or more of behind-the-wheel instruction by a driving school or an independent driving instructor licensed under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 11100) of Division 5 and either an accredited course in automobile driver education in any secondary school of California pursuant to provisions of the Education Code or satisfactory completion of equivalent professional instruction acceptable to the department. To be acceptable to the department, the professional instruction shall meet minimum standards to be prescribed by the department, and the standards shall be at least equal to the requirements for driver education and driver training contained in the rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant to the Education Code. A person who has complied with this subdivision shall not be required by the governing board of a school district to comply with subparagraph (A) in order to graduate from high school. (D) Except as provided under subparagraph (B), a student may not take driver training instruction, unless the student has successfully completed driver education. (4) The person shall complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice prior to the issuance of a provisional license, which is in addition to any other driver training instruction required by law. Not less than 10 of the required practice hours shall include driving during darkness, as defined in Section 280. Upon application for a provisional license, the person shall submit to the department the certification of a parent, spouse, guardian, or licensed or certified driving instructor that the applicant has completed the required amount of driving practice and is prepared to take the department’s driving test. A person without a parent, spouse, guardian, or who is an emancipated minor, may have a licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor complete the certification. This requirement does not apply to motorcycle practice. (5) The person shall successfully complete an examination required by the department. Before retaking a test, the person shall wait for not less than one week after failure of the written test and for not less than two weeks after failure of the driving test. (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. (2) A licensee may drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or transport an immediate family member without being 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, in the following circumstances: (A) Medical necessity of the licensee when reasonable transportation facilities are inadequate and operation of a vehicle by a minor is necessary. The licensee shall keep in their possession a signed statement from a physician familiar with the condition, containing a diagnosis and probable date when sufficient recovery will have been made to terminate the necessity. (B) Schooling or school-authorized activities of the licensee when reasonable transportation facilities are inadequate and operation of a vehicle by a minor is necessary. The licensee shall keep in their possession a signed statement from the school principal, dean, or school staff member designated by the principal or dean, containing a probable date that the schooling or school-authorized activity will have been completed. (C) Employment necessity of the licensee when reasonable transportation facilities are inadequate and operation of a vehicle by a minor is necessary. The licensee shall keep in their possession a signed statement from the employer, verifying employment and containing a probable date that the employment will have been completed. (D) Necessity of the licensee or the licensee’s immediate family member when reasonable transportation facilities are inadequate and operation of a vehicle by a minor is necessary to transport the licensee or the licensee’s immediate family member. The licensee shall keep in their possession a signed statement from a parent or legal guardian verifying the reason and containing a probable date that the necessity will have ceased. (E) The licensee is an emancipated minor. (c) A law enforcement officer shall not stop a vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether the driver is in violation of the restrictions imposed under subdivision (b). (d) A law enforcement officer shall not stop a vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether a driver who is subject to the license restrictions in subdivision (b) is in violation of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 118947) of Chapter 4 of Part 15 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code. (e) (1) Upon a finding that any licensee has violated paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), the court shall impose one of the following: (A) Not less than 8 hours nor more than 16 hours of community service for a first offense and not less than 16 hours nor more than 24 hours of community service for a second or subsequent offense. (B) A fine of not more than thirty-five dollars ($35) for a first offense and a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50) for a second or subsequent offense. (2) If the court orders community service, the court shall retain jurisdiction until the hours of community service have been completed. (3) If the hours of community service have not been completed within 90 days, the court shall impose a fine of not more than thirty-five dollars ($35) for a first offense and not more than fifty dollars ($50) for a second or subsequent offense. (f) A conviction of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), when reported to the department, may not be disclosed as otherwise specified in Section 1808 or constitute a violation point count value pursuant to Section 12810. (g) Any term of restriction or suspension of the driving privilege imposed on a person pursuant to this subdivision shall remain in effect until the end of the term even though the person becomes 18 years of age before the term ends. (1) The driving privilege shall be suspended when the record of the person shows one or more notifications issued pursuant to former Section 40509 or former Section 40509.5. The suspension shall continue until any notification issued pursuant to former Section 40509 or former Section 40509.5 has been cleared. (2) A 30-day restriction shall be imposed when a driver’s record shows a violation point count of two or more points in 12 months, as determined in accordance with Section 12810. The restriction shall require the licensee to be accompanied by a licensed parent, spouse, guardian, or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older, except when operating a class M vehicle, or so licensed, with no passengers aboard. (3) A 6-month suspension of the driving privilege and a one-year term of probation shall be imposed whenever a licensee’s record shows a violation point count of three or more points in 12 months, as determined in accordance with Section 12810. The terms and conditions of probation shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following: (A) The person shall violate no law that, if resulting in conviction, is reportable to the department under Section 1803. (B) The person shall remain free from accident responsibility. (h) Whenever action by the department under subdivision (g) arises as a result of a motor vehicle accident, the person may, in writing and within 10 days, demand a hearing to present evidence that they were not responsible for the accident upon which the action is based. Whenever action by the department is based upon a conviction reportable to the department under Section 1803, the person has no right to a hearing pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 14100) of Chapter 3. (i) The department shall require a person whose driving privilege is suspended or revoked pursuant to subdivision (g) to submit proof of financial responsibility as defined in Section 16430. The proof of financial responsibility shall be filed on or before the date of reinstatement following the suspension or revocation. The proof of financial responsibility shall be maintained with the department for three years following the date of reinstatement. (j) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the department may issue a distinctive driver’s license, that displays a distinctive color or a distinctively colored stripe or other distinguishing characteristic, to persons at least 16 years of age and older but under 18 years of age, and to persons 18 years of age and older but under 21 years of age, so that the distinctive license feature is immediately recognizable. The features shall clearly differentiate between driver’s licenses issued to persons at least 16 years of age or older but under 18 years of age and to persons 18 years of age or older but under 21 years of age. (2) If changes in the format or appearance of driver’s licenses are adopted pursuant to this subdivision, those changes may be implemented under any new contract for the production of driver’s licenses entered into after the adoption of those changes. (k) The department shall include, on the face of the provisional driver’s license, the original issuance date of the provisional driver’s license in addition to any other issuance date. (l) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Brady-Jared Teen Driver Safety Act of 1997.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12814.7. Section 12814.7.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisional licensing requirements of subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, of Section 12814.6, the department shall issue to a person who is at least 16 years of age, but under 18 years of age, a restricted class C driver’s license valid for the operation of United States Army and California National Guard vehicles during the course and scope of their duties with the California National Guard if the following conditions are met: (1) Upon application, the person provides the department with the executed enlistment contract for the applicant. (2) The person qualifies for and is issued an instruction permit pursuant to Section 12509. (3) Prior to the issuance of the class C license, the applicant provides proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of a driver education and training course administered by the California National Guard. (b) A driver’s license issued pursuant to this section shall be subject to both of the following: (1) Subdivisions (f) to (k), inclusive, of Section 12814.6. (2) Pull-notice and periodic reports issued pursuant to Section 1808.1. (c) The licensee shall comply with all other licensing requirements of this code, including, but not limited to, the requirements of Section 12804.9.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12815. Section 12815.

(a) If a driver’s license issued under this code is lost, destroyed or mutilated, or a new true, full name is acquired, the person to whom it was issued shall obtain a duplicate upon furnishing to the department (1) satisfactory proof of that loss, destruction, or mutilation and (2) if the licensee is a minor, evidence of permission to obtain a duplicate secured from the parents, guardian, or person having custody of the minor. Any person who loses a driver’s license and who, after obtaining a duplicate, finds the original license shall immediately destroy the original license. (b) A person in possession of a valid driver’s license who has been informed either by the department or by a law enforcement agency that the document is mutilated shall surrender the license to the department not later than 10 days after that notification. (c) A person who submits a change of address pursuant to Section 14600 may apply to the department for a duplicate driver’s license. If a person receives a duplicate pursuant to this subdivision, they shall immediately destroy the license with the prior mailing address. (d) For purposes of this section, a mutilated license is one that has been damaged sufficiently to render any or all of the elements of identity set forth in Sections 12800.5 and 12811 unreadable or unidentifiable through visual, mechanical, or electronic means.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12816. Section 12816.

(a) Every original driver’s license expires on the fifth birthday of the applicant following the date of the application for the license. (b) Renewal of a driver’s license shall be made for a term which expires on the fifth birthday of the applicant following the expiration of the license renewed, if application for renewal is made within six months prior to the expiration of the license to be renewed, or within 90 days after expiration of the license. If renewal is not applied for within 90 days after expiration of the license, the application and fee is considered the same as an application for an original license. (c) The department may accept application for a renewal of a driver’s license made more than six months prior to the date of expiration. The renewal shall be made for a term which expires on the fifth birthday of the applicant following the date of the application for the renewal license. (d) The department may accept an application for a license of a different class made more than six months before the expiration of the license previously issued, if the previously issued license is surrendered for cancellation in accordance with Section 13100. The driver’s license issued from that application expires on the fifth birthday of the applicant following the date of the application. (e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a), (b), (c), and (d), the department may adjust the expiration date for any driver’s license issued pursuant to this code.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12817. Section 12817.

(a) A California driver’s license held by a person who enters or is in the United States Armed Forces shall continue in full force and effect, so long as the service continues and the person remains absent from this state, and for a period not to exceed 30 days following the date the holder of the license is honorably separated from that service or returns to this state, whichever is earlier, unless the license was suspended, canceled, or revoked for cause as provided by law. The license is valid only if it is in the immediate possession of the licensee and the licensee has in their immediate possession discharge or separation papers if the licensee has been discharged or separated from that service. (b) A California driver’s license held by a spouse of a person described in subdivision (a) shall continue in full force and effect, so long as the person described in subdivision (a) continues in the service and remains absent from this state and the spouse remains absent from this state, and for a period not to exceed 30 days following the date the person described in subdivision (a) is honorably separated from that service or the date that the person or the spouse returns to this state, whichever is earlier, unless the spouse’s license was suspended, canceled, or revoked for cause as provided by law. The license is valid only if it is in the immediate possession of the licensee and the licensee has in their immediate possession discharge or separation papers of the person described in subdivision (a). (c) A California driver’s license held by a person who enters or is in the United States Foreign Service shall continue in full force and effect, so long as the service continues and the person remains absent from this state, and for a period not to exceed 30 days following the date the holder of the license returns to this state, unless the license was suspended, canceled, or revoked for cause as provided by law. The license is valid only if it is in the immediate possession of the licensee and the licensee has in their immediate possession verification of active service papers. (d) A California driver’s license held by a spouse of a person described in subdivision (c) shall continue in full force and effect, so long as the person described in subdivision (c) continues in the service and remains absent from this state and the spouse remains absent from this state, and for a period not to exceed 30 days following the date the person described in subdivision (c) or the spouse returns to this state, unless the spouse’s license was suspended, canceled, or revoked for cause as provided by law. The license is valid only if it is in the immediate possession of the licensee and the licensee has in their immediate possession verification of active service papers of the person described in subdivision (c).

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12818. Section 12818.

(a) Upon receipt of a request for reexamination and presentation of a legible copy of a notice of reexamination by a person issued the notice pursuant to Section 21061, the department shall reexamine the person’s qualifications to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to Section 13801, notwithstanding the notice requirement of Section 13801. (b) Based on the department’s reexamination of the person’s qualifications pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall determine if either of the following actions should be taken: (1) Suspend or revoke the driving privilege of that person if the department finds that any of the grounds exist which authorize the refusal to issue a license. (2) Restrict, make subject to terms and conditions of probation, suspend, or revoke the driving privilege of that person based upon the records of the department as provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13800). (c) As an alternative to subdivision (a), the department may suspend or revoke the person’s driving privilege as provided under Article 2 (commencing with Section 13950) of Chapter 3. (d) Upon request, the department shall notify the law enforcement agency which employs the traffic officer who issued the notice of reexamination of the results of the reexamination. (e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2011.

Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12819. Section 12819.

Unless the person issued the notice of reexamination requests the reexamination pursuant to Section 12818 within five working days after the department receives the notice of reexamination transmitted pursuant to Section 21062, the department shall peremptorily suspend the driving privilege of the person until the person has completed the reexamination and the department has taken the action prescribed in subdivision (b) of Section 12818.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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