Bakersfield may not be located along the coast, but it is still one of the largest cities in the country. If you’re someone who live in Bakersfield, you know how well the local economy has been doing over the past five years. If you’re a car owner, you might be overpaying for your auto insurance in Bakersfield. It can be an expensive mistake to stick with your current auto insurance policy. Our company is dedicated to helping you find the best auto insurance policies in Bakersfield, California by providing access to our car insurance estimate calculator. We also provide you with useful information to help you stay safe on roads in Bakersfield. If you want to ensure you understand the local laws and hazards, make sure to read the content provided on this page!

Bakersfield: Driving Conditions in the City

Bakersfield is fortunate not to have multiple interstates running through the middle of the city. This means that there isn’t as much traffic as you might expect from a city so large. Driving in Bakersfield is much more pleasant than driving in LA – that’s for sure! For those of you who are worried about natural hazards, you don’t have to worry about an abundance of wintery conditions in Bakersfield. In addition, the chance of an earthquake is much lower than the rest of California. This being said, it is still much higher than the rest of the country – earthquakes can happen in Bakersfield, so be careful!

Driving Safely in Bakersfield, California

If you want to stay as safe as possible on the roads in Bakersfield, you also need to make sure you have a firm understanding of the local laws. If you’re used to driving in another area of the country, you might find that the laws in Bakersfield are completely different. In this section of our article, we provide you with everything you need to know to ensure that you drive safely in Bakersfield, California – check out the top laws below!

Phone/Handheld Laws in Bakersfield

If you are driving in Bakersfield, you have to abide by California state law. In California, you are not allowed to use your phone while driving. This includes texting while driving and holding your phone while driving. You are able to talk on the phone if you have hands-free capabilities in your vehicle. Remember, California takes this extremely seriously – if you are caught, you will receive a large fine immediately. In addition, you should understand that distracted driving is a continuously growing problem in the United States. Hundreds of people die every year because of distracted driving.

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws in Bakersfield

Everyone in the state of California has to wear a seatbelt. Unlike some states, which allow those in the back seat to go without a seat belt, there are no exceptions to the seat belt laws in Bakersfield. While this might seem like an inconvenience, it can save your life, so you should wear a seat belt at all times while in a vehicle. Car seat laws for children are slightly more complex. For children under the age of three years old, they must be secured in a child’s car seat in the rear of the vehicle – if you’re confused about what an appropriate car seat is, make sure to check the DMV website. If you’re under the age of eight, and over the age of three, you need to be seated in an appropriate booster seat. Make sure your children are fastened in their car seats correctly – their safety should be a top priority. Not securing your child correctly can result in serious fines from local authorities.

Helmet Laws in Bakersfield

There is a ‘no tolerance’ law on motorcycle helmets in the state of California. All motorcycle riders in Bakersfield and the rest of California have to wear a helmet at all times. Not doing so can result in a serious fine – this is applicable to people who are driving the motorcycle and those who are passengers. There is a serious amount of research the suggests that wearing a helmet can save your life. If you want to be as safe as possible while riding a motorcycle at high speeds, a helmet is a necessity – it can literally be the difference between life and death.

Alcohol and Drug Laws (Driving)

California operates a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for drivers under the age of 21. If you are under the age of 21, you are not allowed to have any alcohol in your system, or you will receive a severe punishment. Your license will be revoked if you break this law. If you are older than 21, the BAC in Bakersfield is similar to the rest of the country — .08. If you are over this limit, you will receive a DUI. First time punishments can be severe, they may include up to six months in jail, six months of license suspension, $1,000 in fines, vehicle impoundment, and more. You will also need to get insurance quotes for SR22 since that’s what is required after a DUI and its more expensive. It’s never worth driving over the limit – it’s dangerous and it can end up costing you a small fortune.

Bakersfield Statistics

Bakersfield is considered a fairly safe city in California, but one of the most prevalent crimes is car theft. In fact, the Bakersfield police recently identified cars that are at risk of theft and handed out anti-theft devices to the owners. This was done in order to prevent further theft or issues. Bakersfield has been called a ‘national hotspot for car thefts.’ Make sure to secure your vehicle and aim to purchase a comprehensive insurance policy that covers theft and vandalism.

Verdict

Auto insurance can be painful to think about, but if you make the move to the best auto insurance in California, you can save a lot of money in the long run. Make sure to check out some of the insurance companies that we partner with if you want to find a new policy. If you have more questions about auto insurance rates by states, we have plenty of different resources on our website – check out some of our great content before you leave!