State Park Peace Officers, also known as Rangers, are involved in the law enforcement and visitor services functions of the State park system. These staff members have full peace officer powers, but there is a wide range of other things that you may see park rangers working on. Some common duties of State Park Rangers include patrolling, conducting investigations, responding to public safety issues or emergencies, performing search and rescue activities, and providing emergency medical aid. Other important fields that State Park Rangers may be involved in are natural and cultural resource protection, administration, and interpretation and education.
Below are some frequently asked questions that relate to our rangers.
A: In the minds of most citizens, the title "Ranger," "Lifeguard," or "State Park Peace Officer" often evokes a positive image of a professional who is dedicated to the service of the public, a friend, guardian, ally who is genuinely committed to helping park visitors achieve a wholesome, safe, and rewarding park experience. This image is the reason many choose to spend their lives as State Park Peace Officers and has a great deal of value to the Department.
Law enforcement authority is not in conflict with our traditional image. Law enforcement is, after all, a positive and necessary public service and thus is a natural complement to our role as guardians and protectors.
Rising crime and social impacts encroach upon our parks, which in addition to being the preserved treasures of California's heritage, have long been sanctuaries for peace and enjoyment, places to relax, to be carefree, to get away from it all, or to "hone the edge" through world class recreational opportunities. Society's expectations for parks have not changed, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for our peace officers to preserve this pristine portrait.
Regardless of the increased use and rising crime rate in parks, all park visitors have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be dealt with in a courteous and cordial manner. Our goals continue to be the provision of a rewarding park experience, and protection of the public's cherished natural and cultural resources.
The key to a successful law enforcement program rests with the intelligence, judgment, and officer discretion of every State Park Peace Officer. Our goal is to achieve compliance at the lowest enforcement action that is effective. In many cases, simply informing people that their behavior is illegal will result in compliance. In other cases, the reason for the law will need to be explained, or written warnings will need to be issued and documented to repeat offenders or as proof of non-compliance. For others, the threat of law enforcement action will be necessary, and finally there are many cases in which the behavior of the violator is so serious/dangerous as to require immediate arrest and booking.
A: Exercise patience, give the cyclist a reasonable amount of distance (at least 1 to 1 ½ car lengths), wait for them to enter a turnout and safely pass them when practicable to do so. If the cyclist pulls to the shoulder and are completely off the road, you may pass when safe. You should not pass over the double yellow lines to pass a cyclist. Do not pass cyclists on blind turns. If a cyclist waves for you to pass, this does not mean you have a legal right to do so. As the driver, you are responsible for operating the vehicle safely.
Relevant CVC: CVC 21460(a), CVC 21650, CVC 21461(a), CVC 21703
A: Yes, during the two conditions below, you must turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout (by signs erected by State Parks) or wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists:
- If you are traveling at a speed less than normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction, and
- Five or more vehicles are formed in a line.
Relevant California Vehicle Codes (CVC): CVC 21208(a), CVC 21202, CVC 21650, CVC 231, CVC 21200, CVC 21461(a).
A: The law requires cyclists to use a signal if another vehicle may be affected by the movement. If you cannot safely take one hand off your handlebars, use the hand signals when practicably safe to do so, and we recommend that you use your best judgment.
State Park Peace Officers understand that there are conditions that may prevent you from signaling and they will evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis using officers’ discretion consistent with State Parks law enforcement philosophy. If our State Park Peace Officer staff determines the reentering of the lane was made unsafely, you may be contacted.
Relevant CVC: CVC 22107
A: No. Displaying a hand signal only indicates that you intend to make a turning motion. If you are reentering the roadway from a turnout lane, you may only enter when it is reasonably safe to do so.
Relevant CVC: CVC 22107, CVC 21804(a)
A: We understand that riding at Mount Diablo SP is a challenge. Hand signals are required when making turning motions (i.e. entering/exiting bicycle turnout lanes, turning to an adjoining roadway) that may affect another vehicle by your movement. If you cannot safely take one hand off your handlebars, use the hand signals when practicably safe to do so. Each situation is different. If our State Parks Peace Officer staff determines the motion was made unsafely, you may be contacted.
Relevant CVC: CVC 22107, CVC 22111(a) & (b), CVC 21804(a)
A: No. As a cyclist you should only focus on riding safely. Use the bicycle turnouts as they become available. Do not wave a vehicle to pass as you are possibly contributing to a dangerous condition.
There isn’t a law that addresses cyclists waving cars on. But it is not recommended for public safety reasons.
A: If a vehicle is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard and you are attempting to reenter traffic from the bike lane, you will need to yield to the vehicle until it is reasonably safe to reenter traffic. If the vehicle is a far enough distance away to not be considered an immediate hazard and you feel that you can safely reenter traffic, you may proceed. The same would go for a cyclist to move at a faster pace than you. Yield to them and proceed when reasonably safe.
Relevant CVC: CVC 21208(a) & (b), CVC 22111(a) & (b), CVC 22107, CVC 21804(a), CVC 231, CVC 21200
A: Short answer is no. California law states that at least one ear must be free from obstruction. You may not ride a bicycle or operate a vehicle with ear buds/headphones on/in both ears, it is against the law. The exception to the rule would be to use ear bud/headphones that do not go in the ear and instead use the ear bone to transmit what you want to listen to (e.g. bone conduction headphones).
Relevant CVC: CVC 27400: A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears.
Q: Is there a rule about how long I should signal/extend my arm? What is the expectation of the law?
A: Use your best judgement and do what you believe to be a reasonable amount of time for an approaching vehicle/cyclist/equestrian/etc. to observe and react to your signal. If our State Parks Peace Officer staff determines the motion was made unsafely, you may be contacted.
Relevant CVC: CVC 22111(a) & (b); CVC 22108
A: Please be patient with vehicles as they are only to pass you when safe to do so. There are 67 bike turnouts along the roadways of Mount Diablo State Park. As a cyclist, please use the bike turnouts. This will likely give the vehicle a safer option to pass. Also consider using gravel pullouts, picnic areas or other suitable areas if you think it is safe to do so.