California: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for California on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how California compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	2 years
Property damage	3 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$30,000 / $60,000 / $15,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Pure comparative: recovery reduced by your share of fault

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	15 days
Accept or deny	40 days after proof of claim
Pay	30 days for undisputed amounts

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$12,500 (individuals); $6,250 (businesses)
Filing fee	$30, $50 or $75
Lawyers	Not at the hearing

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	Total loss formula

Shared fault rules

Rule	Pure comparative negligence
When you are barred	Up to 99% at fault: damages reduced by your share

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Any injury, death, or over $1,000 damage
Deadline	10 days (SR-1 to DMV)

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days	2 for a serious safety defect; 4 attempts; or 30 calendar days
Coverage period	18 months or 18,000 miles (presumption period)

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate	7.25%
Combined average	9.03%

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (primary)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Universal
Who must wear one	All riders (universal law)

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline	73.6¢ per gallon
Diesel	92.9¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	20.4%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)

Marijuana laws

Legal status	Recreational and medical