Drivers ed

Right turn on red

Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic.

Flaggers

Flaggers are construction workers who normally wear orange or yellow vests, or yellow-green shirts or jackets. They use STOP/SLOW paddles and red flags to direct traffic through the work zone and to let other workers or construction vehicles cross the road.

White lane arrows are curved or straight

If you are in a lane marked with a curved arrow or a curved arrow and the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow. If your lane is marked with both a curved and straight arrow, you may turn or go straight.

Flashing arrow boards

Large flashing arrow boards or flashing message signs in work zones direct drivers to proceed into different traffic lanes and inform them that part of the road ahead is closed.

Red x

Never drive in a lane marked with a red X signal.

Octagon

Stop sign

T intersection

The roadway you are traveling on ends ahead at a stop sign. Signal before turning right or left.

Advisory speed

This sign indicates the maximum safe speed for a highway exit.

Parking

When parking on a public road, move as far from traffic as possible. If you park on a shoulder, pull over as far on the shoulder as possible. If you park next to a curb, pull close to it. You may not park more than one foot from the curb. On a two-way street, park on the right side of the road. On a one-way road, park on either side.

Triangle

Yield

Dotted white lines

are actually small rectangles in a series where each is closely spaced to the next. They are used to show lane assignment in intersections and interchanges where there might otherwise be a tendency to drift out of a lane or an area of intended use. Often they are used to guide two turning lanes through the intersection. Dotted white lines are also used to denote the opening of a turning lane at an intersection and entrance/exit lanes at interchanges.

Rectangle

regulatory or guide

Red light

to stop at a stop line, before an intersection, and before reaching a crosswalk

School, Businesses, and Residential Zones Speed Limit

25 mph

Passing a bicycle or moped

3 ft

Unsaved roads

35 mph

3 seconds

35-45 mph

4 seconds

46-70 mph

Following Emergency vehicle with flashing lights

500 ft

Parking: fire trucks answering an alarm

500 ft

All other roads

55 mph

Hand positions

8 and 4

Flashing yellow light

A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. Flashing yellow lights are at locations with higher-than-normal hazardous conditions.

Yellow light or arrow

A yellow light or arrow are cautions warning that the light is about to change. If you have not entered the intersection, stop or, if unsafe to stop, cautiously go through it. If you are already in the intersection, go through it cautiously. Do not speed up to beat the light.

Toll plazas and lanes

All toll facilities in Virginia accept payment using E-ZPass toll transponders. Transponders allow drivers to pay electronically without having to stop to pay with cash. If you have a transponder, as you approach a toll plaza look for and follow signs with the purple E-ZPass logo. If you do not have a transponder, as you approach a toll plaza, look for and follow signs for cash only lanes. Slow down as you approach toll plazas. Be extra cautious as you approach, enter, and depart toll plazas. There may be other drivers changing lanes and/or toll employees crossing the lanes. Some toll roads have high speed lanes reserved for vehicles with E-ZPass transponders. Do not enter those lanes unless you have a transponder. However, if you do enter one of those lanes by mistake, do not stop. Stopping is unsafe and could cause a rear-end crash. Cameras will photograph the car's license plate number and the registered vehicle's owner will be billed for the toll.

Flashing red arrow

At a flashing red arrow, come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection, and proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear.

Flashing yellow arrow

At a flashing yellow arrow, you may turn in the direction of the arrow, if the way is clear. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. If a traffic light changes from red to flashing yellow arrow while a pedestrian is in the intersection, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.

Green light or arrow

At a green light, you may go if the way is clear. At a green arrow, you may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. If you are turning, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. If a traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is in the street, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.

Traffic control devices

Barricades, vertical signs, concrete barriers, drums and cones are the most common devices used to guide drivers safely through work zones. When driving near the devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted speed limit. As you leave the work zone, stay in your lane and maintain your speed. Don't change lanes until you are completely clear of the work zone.

Red

Do not stop, stand, or park

Railroad crossbuck and flashing lights

Flashing lights may be used with crossbuck signs. Always stop when the light begins to flash and be alert for approaching trains. Do not proceed until all trains or any other vehicles using the rails have passed, the tracks are clear, and the lights are no longer flashing. Be especially alert at multi-track crossings because a second train could be approaching from the opposite direction.

Crossbuck, Flashing Lights and Gate

Gates are used with flashing light signals at some crossings. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. Do not attempt to drive around the lowered gate.

Mopeds

It is against the law to operate a moped faster than 35 MPH or on an interstate highway. Any person who operates a moped faster than 35 MPH is considered to be operating a motorcycle which must meet Virginia registration requirements. In addition, the operator would be required to hold a valid driver's license with a motorcycle classification or a driver's license restricted to operating motorcycles only.

Slow or stop

Left hand and arm pointing downward

Left turn

Left hand and arm pointing straight out

Right turn

Left hand and arm pointing upward

Yellow

Stop only long enough to load or unload stay with your car

White

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers

Flashing red light

Stop-go when the way is clear

Backing

The most common mistake that drivers make when backing up is failing to look both ways behind them. Mirrors do not give you a full view. To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window. Back up slowly and check for pedestrians and approaching traffic by glancing quickly to either side.

Light rail

There is a light rail train system in Norfolk called The Tide. Light rail trains share the road with motor vehicles and bicyclists, and they intersect with motor vehicle traffic at 27 locations along the 7.4 mile route. Stay safe when driving around The Tide by obeying the tips below.

Low speed vehicles

These electrically powered four-wheel vehicles have a maximum speed ranging from 21 to 25 MPH. Low speed vehicles may be operated on public roads with speed limits of 35 MPH or less by licensed drivers or learner's permit holders accompanied by a licensed driver. Low speed vehicles must comply with all federal safety standards and must meet Virginia's requirements for passenger vehicle registration and insurance coverage. Golf carts are not classified as low speed vehicles.

Yellow X or Yellow Diagonal Downward Arrow

These signals mean that you should move out of the lane as soon as safely possible.

Lane use control

These signs are used where turns are required or where special turning movements are permitted for specific lanes. Traffic in the lane must turn in the direction of the arrow.

Do Not Enter - Wrong Way

These signs mean you cannot drive in that direction. If you drive past these signs you are going in the wrong direction and could get into a head-on crash with vehicles headed your way. Cautiously turn around.

Light to medium trailers

These trailers are attached to mid- sized cars and trucks with safety chains and a trailer hitch. Large side mirrors are generally needed to increase visibility. Towing a trailer places additional stress on the vehicle; it takes the vehicle twice as long to pass, stop, accelerate and turn. Remember the No-Zones described under Trucks, Tractor-Trailers and RVs.

Railroad crossbuck

This sign is a warning of a railroad crossing. Look, listen, slow down and be prepared to stop for trains or any vehicles using the rails.

Left turn yeild on green

This sign is used with a traffic signal which tells you traffic turning left at a green light does not have right of way and must yield to oncoming traffic

Trucks, Tractor-Trailers, Buses and RVs

Trucks, tractortrailers, buses and recreational vehicles (RVs) - including motor homes, campers and travel trailers - are longer, higher and wider than other vehicles. They accelerate slowly and require greater stopping and turning distances. Plus, there are danger areas around these vehicles where crashes are more likely to occur. These areas are called No-Zones. No-Zones on the side, front and rear also include blind spots where your car disappears from the driver's view. Learning the No-Zones can save your life.

Parking uphill with a curb

Turn front wheels left

Parking downhill With a curb

Turn front wheels right

Parking downhill no curb

Turn front wheels right

Parking uphill no curb

Turn front wheels right

Two seconds

Under 35 mph

Lights

Virginia law requires motorists to use headlights during inclement weather such as rain, fog, snow or sleet when visibility is reduced to 500 feet. You must use your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers as a result of bad weather.

Yellow with black

Warning (curve ahead, stop ahead, overhead clearances, slippery when wet)

Out of service signals

When traffic signals are not working because of a power outage or other problem and not displaying any lights, you are required to stop, proceeding through the intersection as though it were an all-way stop. This does not apply if a law enforcement officer or other authorized person is directing traffic at the intersection, or if portable stop signs are in use.

Yielding the right of way

When two vehicles from different directions arrive at an intersection at different times, the vehicle that arrives first goes first. When two vehicles from different directions arrive at the same time at an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must allow the driver on the right to go first. If the traffic lights at an intersection are not working, all vehicles coming to the intersection must stop. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. Drivers entering an interstate from an entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the highway. Drivers entering any intersection or traffic circle must yield to traffic already in it. When entering a roadway from a private road or driveway, you must stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians. You must yield for pedestrians who are crossing a street within a clearly marked crosswalk or at an unmarked intersection. Remember that turns on red are especially hazardous to pedestrians. Avoid conflict with pedestrians and permit them to cross the street safely. You must yield to funeral processions. Do not cut through, join or interfere with a funeral procession. Unless led by a police escort, the lead vehicle in a funeral procession must obey all traffic signs and signals. Other drivers in the procession may follow carefully without stopping and may use hazard lights (flashers) to indicate they are in the procession. You must yield to all military convoys. Never cut through or join a military convoy.

Green arrow

You are permitted to drive in a lane marked with a green arrow signal.

Left turn arrow

You are permitted to enter in a lane marked with a one-way or two-way arrow only to turn in the direction of the arrow.

Front no zone

You could get rear-ended by a truck, bus or RV if you cut in front too soon after passing the vehicle or if you cut in front and then suddenly slow down. The truck, bus and RV drivers would be forced to slam on their brakes. These vehicles need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars. A truck and its trailer may be as long as 65 feet and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass. When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front. And then, maintain your speed.

No Pavement Markings

You may pass a slow vehicle on the left side if there are no signs saying otherwise

Message boards

You may see portable or permanent message boards along roadways. They provide information about traffic, road, weather or other hazardous conditions. Always obey any directions posted on these message boards.

Red markings

are generally not used; but, some communities do use red curbs to indicate no parking zones.

High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes

are marked on highways by a diamond shape in the center of the lane. HOV lanes may also be special lanes separated by a barrier or solid double white lines. During heavy traffic periods, HOV lanes are reserved for buses, vanpools, carpools, other high occupancy vehicles, motorcycles, and certain clean special fuel vehicles. Road signs show the minimum number of passengers a vehicle must carry (excluding motorcycles and clean fuel vehicles) to use the HOV lanes and the times that HOV restrictions are in effect. If the lanes are separated by a barrier, they are reversible. This means that during certain times of the day, traffic flows one way. During other times of the day, traffic flows in the opposite direction. This diamond-shaped marking may also indicate that the lane is reserved for use as a bike lane or bus lane.

Green and white, blue and white, and brown and white

are used to provide helpful information. The green sign is used to provide destination types of information Blue sign is used to inform regarding motorists services. Brown sign is used to advise of historical or cultural interests that might exist in the area.

You must always stop your vehicle:

at all stop signs, red traffic lights and flashing red signals when entering a street or crossing over a sidewalk from a driveway, alley, building or parking lot at railroad crossings with flashing signals when signaled by flaggers directing traffic for pedestrians attempting to cross the street at a crosswalk at the direction of a police officer. If you don't obey a law enforcement officer's signal to stop and the officer pursues you and is killed as a direct results of the pursuit, you will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. at the scene of a crash in which you are involved

When two vehicles are approaching each other and signaling to turn left

both vehicles should turn in front of each other so that the passenger sides of the vehicles are beside each other.

Red with white

conveys stop, yield, do not, and no. examples: stop signs, yield signs, do not enter or wrong way signs, the circle and slash in a no turn sign, and the restrictions in a parking sign

If the center lane is marked by a single broken yellow line on both sides

drivers traveling in either direction may use the center lane for passing

If both sides of the center lane are marked by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line

drivers traveling in either direction may use the lane for making left turns. However, they may not travel further than 150 feet in this lane.

When police, fire and rescue vehicles or ambulances approach you from behind your vehicle using a siren, flashing lights or both, you must

immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Bicycle lanes

indicated by a solid or dashed white line or green pavement markings, and a bicyclist symbol. a bicycle lane is for the preferential use of bicyclists. Drivers should not drive in the bicycle lane except when necessary to turn left or right. Before turning, check your mirrors for bicyclists that may be behind you and yield to bicycles in the lane.

Yield line

is a line of triangles extending across the roadway that may be used with a yield sign to show the point at which you must yield or stop, if necessary. A yield line is often seen at the entrance of a roundabout.

Broken yellow center lines

mean that passing on the left is allowed in either direction when the way ahead is clear.

Yellow center lines

mean two-way traffic, flowing in opposite directions.

Double solid yellow lines

no passing

Over correcting

occurs when the driver turns the steering wheel more sharply than expected, causing the rear wheels of the vehicle to slide toward the outside of the turn. This may result in the loss of vehicle control.

Red reflectors

on the pavement show areas not to be entered or used. They are positioned on the road surface so that only traffic flowing in the wrong direction would observe them.

A shared lane marking

or sharrow, consists of a bicycle symbol with a double chevron arrow above it and is used on travel lanes too narrow for motor vehicles and bicycles to share side-by-side. Sharrows clarify where bicyclists are encouraged to ride in the lane and remind drivers to expect bicyclists on the road.

A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line indicates that:

passing is permitted on the side of the broken line, but not on the side of the solid line

Black with white

regulatory information (speed limit, do not pass, no turns)

You may not turn

right on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read "No Turn on Red," or if a red arrow pointing to the right is displayed

Pentagon

school zone and school crossing

Double solid white lines

separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Most often they are used to designate special use lane from conventional lanes, as when used to separate a High Occupancy Vehicle lanes from the other lanes of an expressway. You may not cross these lines. You may enter the designated special use lane only where signs and markings allow.

Broken white lines

separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. You may change lanes with caution.

Solid white lines

show turn lanes and discourage lane changes near intersections, and at other locations where lane changes might be dangerous. Solid white lines also mark the right edge of pavement. Arrows used with white lines indicate which turn may be made from the lane. Stop lines, crosswalks and parking spaces also are marked by white lines.

In a work zone

the lives of highway workers depend on drivers like you obeying the posted speed limits and avoiding distractions. If you are convicted of exceeding the speed limit in a highway work zone, you may be fined up to $500. If you are convicted of using a handheld communications device in a highway work zone, you will be fined $250. Remember, the color orange marks a work zone and means slow down and be alert.

Slow moving vehicles

travel at 25 MPH or less, such as farm equipment and horse-drawn vehicles, must display these signs when using a public highway. Be prepared to adjust your speed or position when you see a vehicle with one of these signs.

Wide turns

trucks, buses and rvs sometimes need to swing wide to the left or right in order to safely make a turn. they can't see the cars directly behind or beside them.

Side no zones

trucks, tractor trailers, buses and rvs have big no-zones on both sides, which are dangerous because these vehicles must make wide turns. these no-zones or blind spots are much larger than your car's blind spots. if you can't see the driver's face in his side view mirror, then he can't see you

Rear no zone

trucks, tractor trailers, buses and rvs have huge no-zones directly behind them. the driver can't see your car behind his vehicle and you can't see what's happening in traffic ahead of his vehicle. if the truck, bus or rv brakes or stops suddenly, you have no place to go and could crash into the vehicle's rear end. always maintain a safe following distance

Orange and black and pink and black

used to advise and warn in construction (orange) and incident (pink) areas. They are used with black and white signs that convey regulations that might exist only because of the construction effort or the incident.

Diamond

warning

On three lane roads

with traffic moving in both directions, road markings show when drivers may use the center lane for making left turns or for passing.

Left turn on red

you are on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. You may not turn left on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read "No Turn on Red," or if a red arrow pointing to the left is displayed.

Stopping for school buses

you must stop for a school bus if lights are flashing and the red stop sign is extended, you must also stop if the school bus is unloading or loading children even if the signals are off, the only time you do not have to stop is if you are traveling in the opposite direction on a road wit h a median or barrier

Red arrow

you must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow. You may not proceed in the direction of the arrow as long as the red arrow is displayed, unless signs are posted at the intersection that read "Right on Red Arrow After Stop" or "Left on Red Arrow After Stop." Virginia law prohibits right and left turns at red arrow lights.

To make a left turn

you should be in the furthest left lane possible, turning into the leftmost lane on the intersecting road, unless pavement markings lead you otherwise; or, unless multiple left turn lanes are provided. If multiple left turn lanes are provided, you should choose the lane that will best serve your need once you enter the intersecting road. Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. You should signal at least three to four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn. Look in all directions, checking the intersection for pedestrians and traffic coming from the opposite direction. Keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you are actually going to make the left turn. This prevents you from being pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle crashes into you from behind. When the way is clear, make the left turn, yield to any vehicles (including bicycles and pedestrians) approaching from the opposite direction.

To make a right turn

you should be in the lane closest to the curb. Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. You should signal at least three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn. Look to your left to check the intersection for pedestrians and traffic coming from the other direction. Then brake smoothly before and during the turn. If there is a traffic light or a stop sign at the intersection, come to a complete stop before you make the turn. Turn into the lane closest to the curb unless pavement markings lead you otherwise, and then change lanes if needed.