Warning: Self-Help Resources are NOT legal advice and may not apply to your case. Please talk to a lawyer about the facts of your case.
There are 49 resources
2011 Consumer Action Handbook
(Separate Website)
Includes how to be a savvy consumer, how to file a complaint, and the consumer assistance directory.
By: United States General Services Administration
A Consumer's Guide to Auto Repair
(Separate Website)
The tips in this booklet will help you protect your rights under the law in the event that you have a problem.
By: California Department of Consumer Affairs
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
A Guide to the Driver Safety Administrative Hearing Process
(Separate Website)
This information is a general guide for those entitled to request a Driver Safety (DS) administrative hearing.
By: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Accidents! What To Do
(Separate Website)
Keep this pamphlet in your vehicle just in case you find yourself in an accident.
By: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Ads for International Drivers' Licenses or Permits Could Be a Dead End
(Separate Website)
Consumer Alert
By: Federal Trade Commission
Approved Debtor Education Agencies in California
(Separate Website)
By: United States Department of Justice -- U.S. Trustee Program
Auction Guides: Not So Hot Properties
(Separate Website)
Facts for Consumers
By: Federal Trade Commission
Auto Service Contracts
(Separate Website)
Facts for Consumers
By: Federal Trade Commission
Automobile Responsibilities
(Separate Website)
Driving, Buying and Selling Your Car
By: Asian Law Alliance
Birth Date and Legal Presence and True Full Name Requirements to Get a California Driver License
(Separate Website)
California Motorcycle Handbook
(Separate Website)
This booklet supplements the California Driver Handbook concerning traffic laws, safe driving rules, and driver licenses. This supplement provides information for both novice and experienced drivers of two-wheel vehicles.
By: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
California's Lemon Law
(Separate Website)
Protection for New and Used Car Buyers
By: Consumer Action
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Change of Legal Owner of a Vehicle
(Separate Website)
A legal owner is someone holding a security interest in a vehicle. Legal owner and lienholder are one and the same.
By: California Department of Motor Vehicles
CLUE and You: How Insurers Size You Up
(Separate Website)
This guide describes property loss databases, insurance scores, how insurers use these predictive tools, your consumer rights, and how you can get a copy of your CLUE report and scores. We also explain your new rights to free reports.
By: Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Common Questions About Traffic Tickets
(Separate Website)
This section answers your questions about what to do when you get a traffic ticket (also called a "Notice to Appear").
By: Administrative Office of the Courts
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Complaint Resolution Program
(Separate Website)
The Program is responsible for resolving consumer complaints. Complaints are assigned to a representative, who will assist in resolving the complaint.
By: State of California Department of Consumer Affairs
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Fact Sheet: Driver's Licenses and Permits
(Separate Website)
By: Law Foundation of Silicon Valley -- Legal Advocates for Children & Youth
Fair Debt Collection
(Separate Website)
By: Central California Legal Services, Inc.
Get a Car Loan that Is in Your Best Interest
(Separate Website)
Glossary of Legal Terms
(Separate Website)
A Glossary of terms from the California Courts Self-Help Center
By: Administrative Office of the Courts
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Going to Court Without a Lawyer - Representing Yourself in Court
(Separate Website)
Whatever the reason, you have the right to represent yourself, to be your own lawyer in all cases in California. It is very important that you learn about what is at stake in your case.
By: Administrative Office of the Courts
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Had Your Car Repaired after an Accident?
(Separate Website)
Time to get a FREE auto body inspection!
By: California Department of Consumer Affairs -- Bureau of Automotive Repair
How to Complain: Guidelines for Resolving Complaints
(Separate Website)
An illustrated booklet that gives helpful advice for resolving complaints.
By: Consumer Action
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Immigrants & Public Benefits
(Separate Website)
Driver's Licenses
By: National Immigration Law Center
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
Lemon-Aid for Consumers
(Separate Website)
This booklet answers questions about the Lemon Law and provides information about the arbitration process, record-keeping suggestions, and sources of advice and assistance.
By: California Department of Consumer Affairs
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Spanish / Español
Look Before You Lease
(Separate Website)
Consumer Alert
By: Federal Trade Commission
New Laws since 2010
(Separate Website)
New laws are divided into the following categories: New Vehicle Registration Laws, New Driver License Laws, New Occupational Licensing Laws, The "buzz" on the New Cellular Phone Law,
Smoke-free Cars Law
By: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Payment of Traffic Fines
(Separate Website)
Use the pull-down menu to find the superior court where your case will be heard for more information.
By: Administrative Office of the Courts
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Public Law Library of Alameda County
(Separate Website)
Open to the public, the county law library provides legal information material and resources held in its collection for your research.
By: Council of California County Law Librarians
Removal of a Vehicle From Private Property
(Separate Website)
Information about towing law.
By: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Renting a Car
(Separate Website)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prepared this brochure to outline some points to consider and questions to ask when you reserve a rental car.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Retention of Driver Record Information Reported Information and Reporting Periods
(Separate Website)
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has modified the reporting period of certain driver record information in an effort to provide the same public record information to all entitled requesters.
By: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Social Security Number Requirements for a Driver License or Identification Card
(Separate Website)
By: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Some Things You Should Know About Smog Check
(Separate Website)
This information is presented to answer some frequently asked questions about California's Smog Check Program.
By: California Department of Consumer Affairs -- Bureau of Automotive Repair
Take Charge California!
(Separate Website)
This website contains information about how to be a smart, safe, and protected consumer. Includes information on how to file complaints.
By: State of California Department of Consumer Affairs
The California Insurance Equality Act: How to Use It and What It Means for You and Your Family
(Separate Website)
The California Insurance Equality Act (AB 2208) is a non-discrimination statute that prohibits insurance providers from issuing policies or plans that treat registered domestic partners and married spouses differently.
By: National Center for Lesbian Rights
The Keys to Vehicle Leasing
(Separate Website)
This information will help you compare lease offers and negotiate a lease that best fits your needs, budget, and driving patterns. This quick consumer guide is for a closed-end lease, the most common type of vehicle lease.
By: The Federal Reserve Board
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Tips for Buying a Used Car at a Dealership
(Separate Website)
By: Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Traffic Court Information from the Office of the Courts
(Separate Website)
This links to the Courts' information on traffic tickets and traffic court. It includes frequently asked questions, forms and rules of court.
By: Administrative Office of the Courts
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Traffic Information
(Separate Website)
Includes: 3 Kinds of Citations, What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket, What to Do If You Think You're Not Guilty, etc...
By: Administrative Office of the Courts
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Understanding Vehicle Financing
(Separate Website)
This booklet explains dealership financing and can serve as a guide as you evaluate your own financial situation before you finance a new or used vehicle. It will also help you understand vehicle leasing.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Vehicle Repossession
(Separate Website)
Facts for Consumers
By: Federal Trade Commission
What Can A Lawyer Referral Service Do For Me?
(Separate Website)
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