What Double Yellow Lines Mean
It is always illegal to cross double yellow center lines. Double yellow center lines cannot be crossed for any reason during normal traffic flow conditions with the following exceptions:

• To turn left at an intersection
• To turn into or out of a private driveway/public street
• To make a legal U-turn (remember that U-turns are not permitted in business districts)

Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists should ride with traffic and not against traffic. The single most common factor in bicycle accidents is that bicyclists ride on the wrong side of the street. When vehicles turn at intersections and bicyclists are riding the wrong way, drivers do not see them coming.

Bicyclists should use the pedestrian crossing push-button at signalized intersections to cross the street. Signals are usually timed to handle vehicular traffic. Bicyclists frequently need extra time to cross intersections. They can only receive that extra time by pushing the button.

The Anti-Gridlock Law
Don't block intersections. It is illegal to enter an intersection or crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection to exit the intersection or crosswalk. Keeping intersections clear allows cross-traffic to keep flowing and prevents gridlock.

Signs in the Public Right-of-Way
The California Vehicle Code only authorizes municipal agencies, such as the City, to install signs in the public right-of-way. No signs can be installed in the public right-of-way without a permit from the City. Such permits are normally only issued to contractors who are performing work in the right-of-way and need detour signs to advise drivers about street construction for traffic safety reasons.

Examples of illegal temporary signs include real estate signs, placards or advertisements placed on utility poles or in the public right-of-way. The quantity and variety of signs that crop up on street corners and along roadways impede pedestrian traffic, are a distraction, and can pose a visual barrier to motorists.

Vegetation Obscuring Street Signs In the Public Right-of-Way
If a tree or bush that is obscuring a street sign or traffic signal is growing within the right-of-way, the City will trim the vegetation to improve visibility of the sign or signal upon being notified of the problem. Upon notification that vegetation growing outside the right-of-way is overhanging into the right-of-way and obscuring signs or signals, the City will send a letter to the property owner whose vegetation is causing the problem. As outlined in section 8.04.020 of the Rocklin Municipal Code the property owner is required to trim the vegetation.

If the owner fails to take action within a specified period of time, the City will trim the vegetation at the property owner’s expense. Property owners should keep vegetation trimmed and not allow it to overhang into the public right-of-way.

The City’s Responsibility
All public streets and alleys within the City limits are the City’s responsibility except for State highways and freeways, including on and off ramps at interchanges. Any questions, safety concerns or maintenance issues regarding State highways and freeways should be directed to the Caltrans District 3 offices at 530.741.4211.

The Most Common Causes of Traffic Accidents
The City has implemented an aggressive traffic safety program since 2002. Drivers can help to reduce accidents further by bearing in mind that the most common causes of accidents are as follows:

• Right-of-Way Violations: Drivers who select too short a gap in traffic when entering a busy major street from a side street or driveway are frequently involved in severe broadside accidents. It is important to always wait until there is a sufficient gap in traffic when entering a busy street from a side street or driveway. It is also important to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left by selecting a safe gap in oncoming traffic before beginning a left turn.
  
• Unsafe Speeds: Drivers who follow vehicles ahead of them too closely cause rear-end accidents. Drivers should maintain at least a 2-second gap between their vehicles and the vehicles ahead of them in order to avoid rear-end collisions. Drivers traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions are a major factor in causing rear-end type collisions. It is important to always drive at or below the posted speed limit at all times.
  
• Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Violations: Drivers running red lights frequently cause severe broadside accidents. Drivers should never enter signalized intersections on the red light. They may enter on the green light once vehicles lawfully in the intersection have cleared. Drivers running stop signs also cause broadside accidents. Drivers must always come to a complete stop at all stop signs.
  
• Improper Turning Movements: Right turns should begin and end in the farthermost right lane. Left turns should begin in the farthest left hand lane or turn pocket and end in any lane lawfully available to them. Side swipes are also caused by drivers changing lanes abruptly. Drivers should always look over their shoulders and signal whenever changing lanes to make sure that travel lanes adjacent to them are clear of traffic before making a lane change.
  
• Driving Under the Influence: Drivers who are intoxicated or on drugs and alcohol cause a large number of accidents. Drivers should never drive while under the influence of any substance that will impair their ability to properly operate a vehicle.