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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 12Ch. 2Art. 8§ 25301 Utility Vehicle Warning Devices

§ 25301 Utility Vehicle Warning Devices

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 25301 Utility Vehicle Warning Devices

This law says that utility or public utility vehicles must show warning devices when they are parked or stopped at a work site. The type of warning device depends on whether it is day or night.

Key Takeaways

  • •Utility vehicles must show warning devices when parked or stopped at a work site.
  • •During the day, use warning flags, barricade striping, or signs on the highway.
  • •During the night, use flashing amber lights, flares, or reflectors.
  • •If the speed limit is over 25 mph, warning devices can be placed up to 500 feet away from the vehicle.
  • •No warning devices are needed if the vehicle has flashing warning lights visible from all directions.

Example

A utility truck is parked on the side of the road to fix a power line during the day.

The truck must display a warning flag or barricade striping on the front and rear of the vehicle, or place a warning flag, sign, or barrier on the highway up to 50 feet in front of and behind the truck. If the speed limit is over 25 mph, this distance can be increased up to 500 feet.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 25301 Utility Vehicle Warning Devices

When utility or public utility vehicles are parked, stopped or standing at the site of work as described in Section 22512, warning devices shall be displayed as follows: (a) During daylight warning devices shall consist of either: A warning flag or barricade striping on the front and rear of the vehicle. A warning flag, sign, or barrier on the highway not more than 50 feet in advance of the vehicle and not more than 50 feet to the rear thereof, except that in zones where the speed limit is in excess of 25 miles per hour the 50-foot distance may be increased up to 500 feet from the vehicle as circumstances may warrant. (b) During darkness the warning devices shall consist of either: One or more flashing amber warning lights on the vehicle giving warning to approaching traffic from each direction. A warning light, flare, fusee, or reflector on the highway not more than 50 feet in advance of the vehicle and not more than 50 feet to the rear thereof, except that in zones where the speed limit is in excess of 25 miles per hour the 50-foot distance may be increased up to 500 feet from the vehicle where circumstances may warrant. (c) The provisions of subdivision (a) or (b) do not prevent the display of both types of the warning devices during daylight or darkness. (d) During either daylight or darkness, no warning device is necessary if the vehicle is equipped with the flashing warning lights visible to approaching traffic from each direction as provided in subdivision (b). (Amended by Stats. 1961, Ch. 653.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

utilityhighwayvehicletrafficdistancedirection

Related Statutes

  • § 25305 Highway Fusee Safety Rules
  • § 25803 Vehicle Lighting Requirements
  • § 21228 Motorized Scooter Right-Side Riding
  • § 22502 Parking Near Curbs Bikeways
  • § 22504 Highway Parking Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 25301.
View Official Source