Vehicle Code (VEH)¶

Title I. General Provisions¶

VEH §101. Definitions¶

(a) “Public roadway” includes any street, highway, alley, or way open to public travel, whether publicly or privately maintained.
(b) “Intersection” means the area within the prolongation of curb lines or, if none, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two or more highways which join.
(c) “Traffic control device” (TCD) means any official sign, signal, marking, cone, or barricade placed or erected for regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.
(d) “Driver” means a person in actual physical control of a vehicle.
(e) “Vehicle” includes every device by which a person or property may be transported upon a highway, except devices moved by human power within a crosswalk.

VEH §102. Applicability; Private Property Open to the Public¶

This Code applies on public roadways and on private property that is open to public vehicular travel or parking (e.g., fuel stations, shopping centers), unless a section states otherwise.

VEH §103. Officer Signals and Directions¶

A driver shall obey the lawful orders, hand signals, or audible/visual directions of a peace officer, traffic officer, or authorized flagger, notwithstanding any contrary TCD.

VEH §104. Duty to Comply with Traffic Control Devices¶

All persons shall comply with official TCDs placed in accordance with law. (See also VEH §218.)

VEH §105. Duty to Present License/Identification¶

Upon lawful stop for a vehicular violation or collision investigation, a driver shall present a valid driver’s license and state their true name and current address. Failure to present is an infraction independent of VEH §230.

VEH §106. Construction¶

Specific provisions of this Code control over general provisions. Where conduct also violates the Penal Code, charges may be cumulative where distinct elements are proven.

Title II. Traffic & Roadway Offenses¶

Chapter 1. DUI & Impairment¶

VEH §201. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI)¶

(a) Offense. — Any person who drives or has actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is guilty of DUI.
(b) Per-se Limit. — A blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more at the time of driving or within a reasonable time thereafter constitutes a per-se violation.
(c) Commercial/Heavy Vehicles. — For drivers operating Class C (commercial/heavy) vehicles, a BAC of 0.04 or more constitutes a per-se violation.
(d) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; imprisonment for not less than six (6) months and not more than twelve (12) months, by a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both.
(e) Administrative Sanctions. — License suspension six (6) to twenty-four (24) months; ignition interlock or treatment conditions may be ordered.

VEH §202. Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)¶

(a) Offense. — Any person who drives or has actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, or any combination of drugs, is guilty of DUID.
(b) Standard. — “Under the influence” means impairment of the person’s physical or mental abilities to an appreciable degree, as shown by observation, admissions, or evidentiary chemical tests.
(c) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; six (6) to twelve (12) months; $2,000–$10,000; or both.
(d) Administrative Sanctions. — License suspension six (6) to twenty-four (24) months.

VEH §203. Combined Influence (Alcohol and Drugs)¶

(a) Offense. — Driving while under the combined influence of alcohol and one or more drugs is a violation notwithstanding a BAC below 0.08.
(b) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; six (6) to twelve (12) months; $2,500–$12,500; or both.

(a) Implied Consent. — Any person driving a motor vehicle on public roads is deemed to have given consent to an evidentiary chemical test of blood or urine following a lawful arrest for DUI/DUID.
(b) Choice of Test. — An officer may designate the test type; a medically-approved alternative shall be offered where practicable.
(c) Admissibility. — Lawful evidentiary tests are admissible to establish impairment or per-se levels.

VEH §205. Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing¶

(a) Offense. — Willful refusal to submit to a lawfully requested evidentiary chemical test under §204 is unlawful.
(b) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000; or both.
(c) Administrative Sanctions. — Mandatory license suspension for an additional twelve (12) months consecutive to any underlying suspension.

VEH §206. DUI/DUID with Injury or Death¶

(a) Injury. — Where DUI/DUID proximately causes bodily injury, the offense is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than twenty-four (24) months and not more than ninety-six (96) months, by a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), or by both.
(b) Great Bodily Injury or Death. — If great bodily injury or death results, punishment shall be imprisonment for not less than ninety-six (96) months and not more than life.
(c) Administrative Sanctions. — License revocation twenty-four (24) to sixty (60) months.

VEH §207. Consumption or Open Alcohol in a Vehicle¶

(a) Offense. — It is unlawful for any driver or passenger to consume alcohol or to possess an opened alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public roadway.
(b) Evidence. — The presence of open or empty cans/bottles reasonably indicative of consumption in the passenger area, observable drinking, odor of alcoholic beverage combined with containers, or admissions may establish a violation.
(c) Exemptions. — Party buses, limousines, and RV living areas are exempt for passengers provided the driver is not consuming and is not impaired; drivers are never exempt.
(d) Punishment. — Infraction; fine $500–$2,500. Second/subsequent within twelve (12) months: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §208. Cannabis in Vehicles¶

(a) Offense. — It is unlawful to smoke, vape, or otherwise consume cannabis or cannabis products in a vehicle on a public roadway, whether by driver or passenger.
(b) Packaging. — Cannabis in a vehicle shall be in sealed manufacturer/retail packaging or locked away from the passenger area.
(c) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. Second/subsequent within twelve (12) months: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.
(d) Cross-References. — See PC §409.

Chapter 2. Speed, Reckless & Racing¶

VEH §210. Basic Speed Law¶

(a) Offense. — No person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions, regardless of posted limits.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. If conduct shows willful or wanton disregard for safety, charge under §213 (Reckless Driving).

VEH §211. Prima Facie Speed Limits (Unless Posted Otherwise)¶

(a) Los Santos city limits: forty (40) miles per hour.
(b) Residential areas of Sandy Shores: forty (40) miles per hour.
(c) Paleto Bay (entire town): forty (40) miles per hour.
(d) Rural roads (outside areas above and not posted otherwise): sixty (60) miles per hour.
(e) Highways and freeways (including the freeway through Paleto Bay): eighty (80) miles per hour.
(f) Construction or incident scenes may be temporarily reduced by lawful signage; §212 tiers apply to the posted temporary limit.

VEH §212. Speeding — Tiers¶

(a) Tier 1 (Excess ≤20 mph over applicable limit). — Infraction; $500–$2,500.
(b) Tier 2 (Excess 21–40 mph). — Misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$7,500.
(c) Tier 3 (Excess ≥41 mph). — Misdemeanor; six (6) to twelve (12) months; $2,500–$10,000.
(d) Aggregating with Reckless. — Where speed, lane usage, or maneuvers show willful/wanton disregard, charge under §213 in addition to or instead of this section.

VEH §213. Reckless Driving¶

(a) Offense. — Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is reckless driving.
(b) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; six (6) to eighteen (18) months; $2,500–$12,500.
(c) Felony Reckless (GBI/Death). — If reckless driving proximately causes great bodily injury or death, felony; twenty-four (24) to one hundred twenty (120) months; $10,000–$50,000.

VEH §214. Exhibition of Speed / Street Racing¶

(a) Offense. — Any person who engages in a speed contest, sideshow, exhibition of speed, burnout, drifting event, or organizes or aids such an event on a public roadway is guilty of exhibition of speed.
(b) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; six (6) to eighteen (18) months; $2,500–$12,500.
(c) Spectators. — Knowingly remaining within two hundred (200) feet of, or blocking traffic for, an unlawful exhibition after a lawful order to disperse is an infraction; $500–$2,500.
(d) Impound. — Vehicles used in violation may be impounded for up to seventy-two (72) hours; repeat violations within twelve (12) months may double the impound term.
(e) Aggravation. — Use of intersections as arenas, blocking emergency routes, or resulting collisions may be charged cumulatively under §213 or PC provisions.

VEH §215. Move-Over / Yield to Emergency Vehicles¶

(a) Offense. — Upon approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using lights and/or siren, drivers shall immediately and safely yield, and when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with lights activated, shall change lanes away if safe, or slow to a prudent speed.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. If violation results in collision: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §216. Lane Splitting (Motorcycles)¶

(a) Permitted if: (1) the motorcycle speed does not exceed fifty (50) mph; and (2) the speed differential to surrounding traffic is fifteen (15) mph or less; and (3) the maneuver is otherwise safe and prudent.
(b) Unsafe lane splitting outside subsection - (a) is a violation: infraction; $500–$2,500.

VEH §217. Off-Road Operation & Parklands¶

(a) Offense. — Operating a vehicle in protected parklands or designated wildlife areas in a reckless manner, or off designated routes where posted, is unlawful.
(b) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.
(c) Cross-References. — See PC §243 and SAPR-related directives where applicable.

VEH §218. Failure to Stop / Obey Traffic Control (Red Lights, Stop Signs, Signals)¶

(a) Offense. — A driver shall obey all official traffic control devices. Violations include, without limitation: proceeding against a steady circular red; proceeding against a steady red arrow; failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or at a steady flashing red; and failing to yield where a yield sign requires yielding to cross-traffic or pedestrians.
(b) Right-on-Red. — Right turn on steady red is permitted after a complete stop and only when it can be made in safety and not prohibited by signage.
(c) Evidence. — Entry into the intersection after the onset of steady red, rolling through a stop sign without a complete stop, or video/peace-officer observation may establish a violation.
(d) Punishment. — Infraction; fine $500–$2,500. If the violation proximately causes a collision resulting in injury or significant property damage: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §218A. Illegal Turns at Controlled Intersections; U-Turns¶

(a) Offense. — It is unlawful to:
(1) Make a U-turn at a controlled intersection against a steady red signal or where a sign prohibits U-turns;
(2) Make a U-turn in a business district unless a sign expressly permits it;
(3) Make a U-turn upon a curve or near the crest of a grade where the vehicle cannot be seen by other drivers approaching from either direction within two hundred (200) feet;
(4) Make any turn at a controlled intersection that fails to obey applicable traffic control devices.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; fine $500–$2,500. If the violation proximately causes a collision or bodily injury: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.
(c) Cross-References. — See VEH §218 (signals/signs), VEH §220 (unsafe lane change).

VEH §218B. General Right-of-Way¶

(a) Left Turns. — A driver turning left within an intersection or into an alley/driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any oncoming vehicle so close as to constitute a hazard.
(b) Entering Roadway. — A driver entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, shoulder, or parked position shall yield to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
(c) Turning/Right-of-Way with Pedestrians & Cyclists. — A driver turning right or left shall yield to pedestrians lawfully within a crosswalk and to cyclists proceeding straight in a bicycle lane.
(d) Four-Way Stops. — After stopping, the first vehicle to stop has the right-of-way; when two or more stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right proceeds first.
(e) Emergency Vehicles. — Nothing herein limits the priority of authorized emergency vehicles pursuant to VEH §215.
(f) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. If a violation proximately causes a collision or bodily injury: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §219. Pedestrian Right-of-Way & Crosswalks¶

(a) Crosswalk Priority. — Drivers shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway the vehicle is traveling or approaching so closely as to be in danger.
(b) No Passing at Crosswalk. — A driver shall not overtake or pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross.
(c) Pedestrians Outside Crosswalk. — Pedestrians shall not suddenly leave a curb or place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(d) Signals Govern. — Where pedestrian control signals are in operation, pedestrians and drivers shall obey them in addition to §218.
(e) Punishment. — Infraction; fine $500–$2,500. If the violation proximately causes bodily injury: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §220. Following Too Closely / Unsafe Lane Change¶

(a) Following Too Closely. — A driver shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent having due regard for the speed of such vehicles, traffic, and roadway conditions.
(b) Unsafe Lane Change. — A driver shall not change lanes unless the movement can be made with reasonable safety; signaling is required when another road user may be affected. Weaving across lanes in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk is prohibited.
(c) Charging Guidance. — Use §213 (Reckless) when conduct shows willful or wanton disregard (e.g., tailgating at high speed with near-collisions); otherwise cite this section.
(d) Punishment. — Infraction; fine $500–$2,500. If the violation proximately causes a collision or bodily injury: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §220A. Failure to Signal / Improper Signal Use¶

(a) Offense. — A driver shall not turn, change lanes, merge, or depart from a parked position without first giving an appropriate signal continuously during the last one hundred (100) feet traveled before the maneuver when practicable.
(b) Improper Use. — A driver shall not operate turn signals or hazard flashers in a manner that misleads other road users or constitutes an unreasonable risk.
(c) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500.

VEH §220B. Blocking the Intersection (“Box”)¶

(a) Offense. — A driver shall not enter an intersection or marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the far side to permit the vehicle to clear without stopping, notwithstanding a green signal.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. If the violation obstructs emergency vehicles or creates a public hazard: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

Chapter 3. Collisions, Duties & Evading¶

VEH §221. Hit & Run — Property Damage¶

(a) Duty. — The driver of any vehicle involved in a collision resulting only in property damage shall immediately stop as close as practicable and exchange identifying information with affected parties or leave clear identifying information in a conspicuous note.
(b) Offense. — Failure to comply is a misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000; restitution required.

VEH §222. Hit & Run — Injury or Death¶

(a) Duty. — The driver shall immediately stop, render reasonable aid, and contact emergency services when a collision results in injury or death.
(b) Offense. — Failure to comply is a felony; twenty-four (24) to ninety-six (96) months; $10,000–$50,000; restitution required.

VEH §223. Duty to Report Collisions¶

(a) Any collision involving injury, death, or apparent damage exceeding a reasonable threshold (as administratively set) shall be promptly reported to law enforcement.
(b) Infraction; $500–$2,500. Knowing failure following serious injury is a misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months.

VEH §224. Evading in a Vehicle¶

(a) Offense. — Any driver who, with intent to avoid lawful detention or arrest, willfully flees or attempts to elude a peace officer operating a marked vehicle with lights and/or siren is guilty of vehicular evading.
(b) Punishment. — Felony; twelve (12) to sixty (60) months; $5,000–$25,000.
(c) Aggravated Vehicular Evading. — If the evasion involves any of: (1) speed in excess of one hundred (100) mph; (2) wrong-way driving; (3) collisions; (4) running red lights/stop signs in a manner creating substantial risk; punishment shall be sixty (60) to one hundred eighty (180) months.
(d) Charging Guidance. — This section addresses vehicular flight; see PC §332 for general evading on foot or mixed conduct. Counts may be cumulative only where distinct elements are proven.

Chapter 4. Licensing, Identification & Equipment¶

VEH §230. Driving Without a Valid License¶

(a) Offense. — Driving without a valid, class-appropriate driver’s license in the driver’s possession is unlawful.
(b) Classes. — Class A (motorcycle); Class B (standard/passenger); Class C (commercial/heavy).
(c) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. Second/subsequent within twelve (12) months: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §231. Driving on Suspended or Revoked License¶

(a) Offense. — Driving while one’s license is suspended or revoked is unlawful.
(b) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; one (1) to twelve (12) months; $1,000–$10,000; possible vehicle impound up to twelve (12) months.

VEH §232. Unauthorized Emergency Equipment¶

(a) Offense. — Equipping or using red/blue emergency lights, sirens, or police-only public address systems on a civilian vehicle is unlawful, except by authorized emergency or utility vehicles.
(b) Punishment. — Misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.
(c) Cross-References. — See PC §336.

VEH §233. Plate Display & Obstruction¶

(a) Offense. — Operating a vehicle without properly displayed and legible registration plate(s) as issued or required, or with any cover/film/device that obscures readability, or altering/forging plates.
(b) Punishment. — (1) Infraction (missing/obstructed/illegible): $500–$2,500. (2) Misdemeanor (altered/forged): one (1) to twelve (12) months; $1,000–$10,000.

VEH §234. Handheld Device / Texting While Driving¶

(a) Offense. — Using a handheld electronic device to text, dial, or otherwise interact while driving, except to initiate emergency services, is unlawful.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. Second/subsequent within twelve (12) months or violation causing a collision: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §235. Seatbelts¶

(a) Offense. — The driver and all passengers shall wear seatbelts when the vehicle is in motion, if equipped.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. Drivers are responsible for unsecured passengers.

VEH §236. Window Tint & Underglow¶

(a) Tint. — Front side windows must allow at least thirty-five percent (35%) visible light transmission (VLT). Windshield tint below the top visor band is prohibited.
(b) Underglow. — Underglow lighting is permitted except flashing/strobing patterns or the display of red or blue to the front of the vehicle.
(c) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. Willful refusal to correct after notice within fourteen (14) days: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §237. Unsafe or Defective Vehicle Operation¶

(a) Offense. — Operating a vehicle known to be in unsafe mechanical condition (e.g., failed brakes, bald tires, non-functioning headlights/taillights) that endangers persons or property is unlawful.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. If collision or injury results: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §237A. Headlights & Lamps — Use Required¶

(a) Use Required. — Headlamps shall be illuminated from sunset to sunrise and whenever atmospheric conditions (including rain, fog, smoke) reduce visibility to one thousand (1,000) feet or less. When windshield wipers are in continuous use due to weather, headlamps shall be on.
(b) Equipment. — Vehicles operated on public roads shall have two (2) operational headlamps and required tail/stop lamps.
(c) Punishment. — Infraction; fine $500–$2,500. If violation proximately causes a collision: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §238. Stopping, Standing, and Parking Prohibited¶

(a) Offense. — Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with law or the direction of a peace officer or traffic control device, no person shall stop, stand, or park:
(1) In signed “No Stopping/No Standing/No Parking” zones;
(2) Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant;
(3) In a bus stop, taxi stand, or loading zone posted against public parking;
(4) On sidewalks, crosswalks, or within bike lanes;
(5) In front of public or private driveways, or in a manner that obstructs the free movement of traffic;
(6) Double-parked alongside a stopped or parked vehicle;
(7) In spaces reserved for emergency, law enforcement, disabled parking, or other restricted use without authorization.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; fine $500–$2,500; vehicles may be cited and towed where authorized. If the violation obstructs emergency access or operations: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

Chapter 5. Special Vehicles & Micromobility¶

VEH §240. Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on Public Roads¶

(a) Offense. — It is unlawful to operate an off-highway vehicle, including all-terrain vehicles and non-street-legal dirt bikes, upon a public roadway, except: (1) to cross at approximately a right angle after yielding; or (2) where expressly permitted by signage or permit.
(b) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. Second/subsequent within twelve (12) months: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.

VEH §241. Bicycles and Electric Stand-Up Scooters¶

(a) Operation. — Riders shall operate as near as practicable to the right-hand curb/edge, except when overtaking, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, or when a lane is too narrow to share safely.
(b) Lamps/Reflectors. — From sunset to sunrise, a forward white lamp visible from five hundred (500) feet and a rear red lamp or reflector visible from six hundred (600) feet are required.
(c) Sidewalks/Freeways. — Operation on controlled-access highways is prohibited; sidewalk operation is subject to local signage/ordinance.
(d) Crosswalks. — Riders in crosswalks have pedestrian right-of-way duties consistent with VEH §218B.
(e) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. If a violation of this section proximately causes a collision or bodily injury: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.
(f) Two Abreast. — Riders may proceed two abreast within a single lane when it does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic; riders shall single up when a faster vehicle is overtaking and the lane is too narrow to share safely.
(g) Audible Signal When Passing. — When reasonably necessary to ensure safe passage, a rider overtaking a pedestrian or another rider shall give an audible signal (voice or bell).
(h) Bicycle Lanes. — Where a bicycle lane is provided, riders should use it except when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding debris/hazards, or where the lane is impracticable; riders may leave and re-enter as needed for safety.
(i) Motor Vehicles & Bicycle Lanes. — A driver shall not drive, stop, stand, or park in a bicycle lane except to cross it while turning, entering/leaving the roadway, or when otherwise directed by a peace officer or TCD.
(j) No Clinging. — A rider shall not attach to or be towed by a moving motor vehicle on a public roadway, except by lawful permit or authorized event operations.

VEH §242. Official and Funeral Processions¶

(a) Priority. — Vehicles in an official or funeral procession, when escorted by law enforcement or properly identified by headlamps/hazard lamps per instruction, have right-of-way as directed by the escorting officer, notwithstanding ordinary signals.
(b) Duty. — Other drivers shall yield and shall not drive between vehicles in a procession.
(c) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. Interference with an escorted procession after lawful orders: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000. (See also VEH §215.)

VEH §243. Yield to Transit Re-Entry¶

(a) Duty to Yield. — When a city transit bus or designated transit vehicle signals intention to merge from a signed stop or pull-out into the adjacent travel lane, drivers approaching from the rear shall yield when safe to do so.
(b) Transit Duty. — The duty to yield in (a) does not relieve the transit operator from exercising due care and merging only when safe.
(c) Interference. — A driver shall not deliberately accelerate or block to prevent a signaling transit vehicle from re-entering the lane when it can be yielded safely.
(d) Punishment. — Infraction; $500–$2,500. If the violation proximately causes a collision or unreasonably obstructs emergency operations: misdemeanor; one (1) to six (6) months; $1,000–$5,000.
(e) Cross-References. — See VEH §215 and VEH §220.