Staying informed about California traffic laws can help drivers avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected fines.
Many clients ask us what is actually legal on the road and what can lead to a traffic ticket. We understand the confusion. Some rules feel simple, while others seem hidden in the details.
Our goal is to make these laws clearer for Shafter drivers who want reliable guidance and a fair chance in traffic court.
Shafter sits at the center of Kern County, right between major routes like Interstate 5 and Highway 99, where traffic enforcement is active and constant. Highway 46 and Highway 43 tickets are often sent to Shafter Court as well.
Understanding how the decisions you make while driving can affect your record and family budget can help you drive confidently in our local community.
Understanding California Traffic Law Basics
Many drivers believe they already know the essentials.
Still, California traffic law changes often, and even a quick mistake can lead to a costly ticket. We help drivers learn what matters most and where the laws have shifted. These rules apply whether you drive through central Shafter or commute along SR-46 or 99.
The main intersection near Shafter is at Lerdo Highway, which is designated as Exit 37 on SR 99. The highway runs close to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway tracks through the area.
Four Important Don’ts Under California Traffic Law
Drivers are often surprised to learn how easy it is to break the law and get a ticket unintentionally.
Here are four don’ts that can lead to a traffic ticket:
- Don’t hold your phone while driving.
Even a brief glance while holding a handheld device counts as a violation. Police don’t need to see you actively talking or texting to issue a ticket. However, unless you pay the fine, it is up to a traffic court judge to determine your guilt or innocence. - Don’t use your phone at a red light or when stopped in a traffic jam.
The law treats a stopped car at a signal as “in motion.” Officers can still cite you. - Don’t assume a distraction is harmless.
Eating, reading, or reaching for dropped items could be considered an unlawful distraction, depending on the circumstances. - Don’t rely on “I didn’t know” as a defense.
Lack of awareness rarely helps in Shafter traffic court, especially on busy routes like SR-99.
It is illegal to smoke with a minor in the car in California, as the state passed a law in 2008 that bans smoking in a motor vehicle with a minor (under age 18) present.
Law enforcement officers can issue a ticket with a $100 “base fine,” which is actually $490 with surcharges and assessments for this violation. Consult a traffic attorney about your options.
Police cannot pull a vehicle over for this infraction alone; it must be secondary to another traffic violation. For instance, if you’re pulled over for speeding, the officer could issue another traffic ticket for smoking with a minor present.
Four Helpful Dos for Safer Driving
These legal, simple actions can keep you safe and compliant:
- Do use brief touches on your mounted device.
The one-swipe rule allows quick interactions like dismissing a call or adjusting the volume on your GPS or other navigation app. - Do use a hands-free system for calls.
Set it up before driving. Adjusting it while moving can still lead to a citation. - Do call 911 when needed.
Emergency calls are always legal, even if you must touch your phone. - Do stay mindful of new enforcement tools.
Several cities now use speed cameras, and citations are based on recorded speeds.
Why These Rules Matter
These guidelines help keep drivers safe, especially on rural roads near Shafter. Violations can lead to fines, DMV NOTS points, and increased insurance costs.
Even minor issues can grow into major financial problems. California traffic law is designed to prevent those outcomes, but the rules only work when drivers understand them.
If you receive a ticket, don’t ignore it. A simple missed court date can lead to additional penalties. Talk with us before you pay the fine. You might have more options than you realize.
Contact One of Our California Traffic Law Attorneys Today
Unfortunately for drivers ticketed for one of these obscure laws, you cannot use the excuse, “I didn’t know,” as a defense in the Shafter Courthouse.
Call Bigger & Harman, APC. Give us a call at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español 859-1177 to set up an initial consultation to learn your options. We practice only California traffic law in courtrooms in Kern County and across California.
Use our secure contact form to arrange a complimentary consultation, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What does California traffic law consider a handheld device violation?
A: Any device held in your hand while driving is considered unlawful, even at a red light or stalled in traffic.
Q: Are all activities illegal in a vehicle?
A: No, typically you will not be ticketed for eating, drinking, or smoking while driving, depending on the circumstances.
Q: Can a traffic attorney help with these lesser-known violations?
A: At Bigger & Harman, we will review your case, offer guidance, explain how California traffic law applies to your ticket, and what your options are. Give us a call at (661) 349-9300 or our secure contact form to arrange a complimentary consultation.
References:
California Assembly Bill (AB-645)
CA VC 23123.5, Driving Offenses, and AB-47, Distracted Driving.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.
The CA DMV Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Webpage.