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Transportation
Owning a Car & Driving in the U.S.
An automobile is a convenient means of transportation, and therefore very popular among students. Before buying a new or used car, shop around and compare prices, as they will vary from place to place. If you buy a car, you must buy auto insurance. You are subject to arrest if you do not have "liability" coverage. The law holds you responsible if you are at fault in an accident. If you lend your car to a friend, you are responsible as the owner.
California Drivers License
You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and you must know the U.S. driving regulations.
It is very important that you have a valid driver's license. Remember that an international driver's license is only temporary. (A California license is also used frequently as a means of identification. You should get an I.D. card as well.
Information on how to obtain a license is provided at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/newtoca/newtoca.htm
Local DMV Office
1600 South Garey Ave.
Pomona, CA 91766
1-800-777-0133
The Seat Belt Law
California has strict laws that require the use of seat belts by the driver and all passengers of any 1969 or newer, car, truck, or van. Children, under the age of 4 years, must be secured in a child restraint system that meets federal safety standards. Children, aged 3 to 6 years, must be secured in a safety seat or a regular seat belt.
The law is intended to protect motorists from death and injury, and to reduce costs to taxpayers that result from traffic accidents. For first-time offenders there is a small fine for driving without a seat belt on. The fine is higher for repeated offenses. The driver may also be fined, if the belts are not usable.
Bicycles
When you are riding your bicycle on a street or road, you must obey the same rules and traffic signs as a motorist. You can be ticketed by the police and required to pay a fine for violating traffic regulations with a bicycle, just as you can while driving a car. If you are riding your bike before sunrise or after sunset, you must use a headlight and a rear light or reflector.
It is important to lock your bike securely wherever you leave it. Ask the person who sells you the bicycle to recommend an effective lock. Bicycle racks are provided for students living in the residence halls.
Buses, Trains, and Taxis
For details about how to travel from ULV please see the Buses, Trains, and Taxis page.
