Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Police can give roadside sobriety checks to assess if you've been drinking or using
drugs. If you fail, they'll require you to take a breath, urine or blood test to determine if
your blood-alcohol level is over the legal limit (0.08%). Refusing to be tested is treated
the same as if you had taken and failed the test.
Penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol range from license sus-
pension and fines to jail time.
It's illegal to carry open containers of alcohol inside a vehicle, even if they're empty. Un-
less they're full and still sealed, store them in the trunk.
Consuming alcohol anywhere other than at a private residence or licensed premises is a
no-no, which puts most parks and beaches off-limits (although many campgrounds allow
it).
Bars, clubs and liquor stores often ask for photo ID to prove you are of legal drinking age
(21 years old). Being 'carded' is standard practice, so don't take it personally.
Police & Security
* For police, fire and ambulance emergencies, dial 911. For nonemergency police assist-
ance, contact the nearest local police station (dial 411 for directory assistance).
If you are stopped by the police, be courteous. Don't get out of the car unless asked.
Keep your hands where the officer can see them (eg on the steering wheel) at all times.
There is no system of paying fines on the spot. Attempting to pay the fine to the officer
may lead to a charge of attempted bribery.
For traffic violations the ticketing officer will explain your options. There is usually a
30-day period to pay a fine; most matters can be handled by mail or online.
If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and are presumed innocent until
proven guilty. Everyone has the right to make one phone call. If you don't have a lawyer,
one will be appointed to you free of charge. Foreign travelers who don't have a lawyer,
friends or family to help should call their embassy or consulate; the police can provide
the number upon request.
Due to security concerns about terrorism, never leave your bags unattended, especially
not at airports or bus and train stations.
Carrying mace or cayenne-pepper spray is legal in California, as long as the spray bottle
contains no more than 2.5oz of active product. Federal law prohibits it from being carried
on planes.
In cases of sexual assault, rape crisis center and hospital staff can advocate on your be-
half and act as a liaison to community services, including the police. Telephone books
