Traffic lanes are intended for use by vessels 1625 metric tons / 1600 gross tons and over; arrows indicate the approximate direction flow within each lane. The provisions of inland Navigation Rule 9 apply to all vessels navigating in the traffic lanes.

Vessels with a draft of 13.7 meters/ 45 feet or greater should use the "Deep Water Route" east of the Golden Gate Bridge. Vessels intending to use the Deep Water Route should notify San Francisco Traffic before passing Mile Rocks. Deep draft vessels will neither meet nor overtake in the Deep Water Route. Deep draft vessels bound for anchorage 9 should pass east of Blossom Rock then through the C-D or D-E span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.