Seven Things New Drivers in San Francisco Need to Know

If you’ve just moved to San Francisco or just got a license, congratulations! But before you hit the gas, you should keep in mind that there are a few things new drivers in San Francisco need to know about traffic laws, car insurance, and driving in general. Keep reading to learn the top 7 things new drivers in San Francisco need to know about traffic laws, car insurance, and driving in general. After all, it’s a unique city with unique streets!

1. Liability Insurance is a Must

Like most other states, California law requires that all drivers maintain minimum liability insurance coverage. The minimum liability insurance requirements in California are:

• $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $5,000 for property damage liability

San Francisco has narrow streets and very heavy traffic, especially during rush hour. In other words, you’re more likely to be involved in a car accident in the city than in other places in the country. And if you’re in an accident without insurance, then you can face heavy fines, license suspension, having to file an SR-22, and possibly even jail time.

Remember that driving without insurance is illegal, so the punishments and penalties apply whether or not you were at fault for the accident.

2. Curb Your Wheels When You Park on Hills

It’s no secret that San Francisco streets are hilly, which is why city law requires drivers to curb their wheels when parallel parking. This means that, instead of parking with the front wheels facing forward, you should angle the wheels as if you were about to turn. That way, if someone hits your car or if the parking brake fails, your car will roll into the curb and not directly into traffic. So, if your car is parked facing downhill, your wheels should be turned toward the curb. For uphill parking, turn your wheels away from the curb.

Technically, you only need to curb your wheels on slopes greater than 3%, but it’s a good idea to get in the habit of curbing your wheels on any slope to avoid the risk of getting a parking ticket with a steep fine (no pun intended).

3. Slow Down for Parked Emergency Vehicles

Most new drivers in San Francisco know to pull over to let emergency vehicles pass. But in San Francisco and the rest of California, drivers also need to slow down for stationary emergency vehicles too. In this case, emergency vehicles also include Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks with flashing amber lights. If possible, you should also change lanes to create as much space as possible between you and the emergency vehicle. This law applies anywhere in the city and not just on highways.

4. Put Away Your Phone

San Francisco has been cracking down on distracted driving along with California in general. The state recently passed a law that adds points to your driving record if you’re repeatedly caught using your phone in a handheld manner, whether it’s calling, texting, or even just looking at a map. In addition, if you’re caught looking at your phone while driving twice within 36 months, you’ll face fines as well as a point on your driving record.

So, if you’re using your phone while driving, make sure that you do so using a hands-free setup if you’re over 18. If you’re under 18, you won’t be able to use your phone at all while driving.

5. Watch for Cyclists and Pedestrians

San Franciscans love getting around by bike and on foot, so you’re likely to encounter plenty of cyclists and pedestrians during a typical drive in San Francisco. While it can be frustrating for a new driver in San Francisco to turn onto a street filled with crossing pedestrians, remember that pedestrians always have the right of way while their light is green. They also have the right of way at any marked or unmarked crosswalk, so be prepared to stop for pedestrians even when there isn’t a dedicated light.

Check your mirrors frequently and be aware of cyclists in your vicinity, especially when you’re pulling out of a driveway or crossing a bike lane. While cyclists technically are subject to many of the same traffic rules as drivers, you should assume that they won’t follow them. Instead, wait for a cyclist to make the first move to prevent an accident.

Finally, make sure not to drive in any of the biking lanes or block the crosswalk while you’re stopped at an intersection. Doing either of these things is likely to get you a ticket.

6. Pay Attention to Traffic Signs

San Francisco’s intersections are full of signs that tell drivers what’s not allowed. Common signs include “one-way street,” “do not enter,” and “dedicated turning lanes.” Many intersections prohibit certain turns during certain times of the day, while other turns might never be allowed. And at a few intersections, you may not be allowed to turn right at a red light.

Whatever the situation, you’ll find the restrictions clearly marked at the intersection. Just make sure to follow them, or you’re sure to get a traffic ticket.

7. Consider Getting Collision or Full Coverage Insurance

San Francisco is full of bikers, pedestrians, streetcars, and very steep hills. In other words, it’s a city full of accidents waiting to happen. That’s why you should have a good collision or full coverage insurance policy to protect your car from the inevitable bumps, scrapes, and fender benders. It may seem like a lot to pay now, but you’re likely to save yourself a lot of money and stress in the long term.

Get Affordable Car Insurance in San Francisco Today

Having full car insurance coverage in San Francisco is the best way to save you money on car accident repairs in the long term. But full insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. Get started on affordable car insurance today with an online quote from Cost-U-Less. You can also talk to an insurance expert over the phone at (800) 390–4071 or visit one of our offices near you.