Chapter 4

Unless posted otherwise, your speed would not be reasonable and proper if you drive over... in a school zone, business district (unless there are signs showing a 25 mph limit), outside a thickly settled or business district, on a highway outside a thickly settled or business district

20 mph in a school zone • 30 mph in a thickly settled or business district (unless there are signs showing a 25 mph limit) • 40 mph outside a thickly settled or business district • 50 mph on a highway outside a thickly settled or business district

You must not drive closer than ? feet of a trolley passenger step when the trolley is letting passengers on or off.

8

What is a pedestrian hybrid beacon?

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) allows pedestrians to safely cross a roadway. A PHB only operates when activated by a pedestrian. When all lights are dark, you can proceed with caution. When the bottom yellow light is flashing, you must slow down. When the bottom yellow light is solid, you must prepare to stop. When the top two red lights are solid, you must stop for pedestrians. When the top two red lights are flashing, you must stop and proceed with caution if clear.

What does a flashing red light mean?

A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign. Come to a complete stop. Obey the right-of-way laws and proceed when it is safe. If there is a white stop line or crosswalk line, you must stop before the line. If there are no lines, you must stop as close to the intersection as needed to see traffic in both directions. Do not enter the intersection until after coming to a complete stop.

What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?

A flashing yellow arrow allows you to turn left or right in the direction of the arrow when oncoming traffic has a green light but there is a break in traffic. You must carefully determine that there is an adequate gap in the oncoming traffic and ensure that there are no pedestrians in your path before making your turn.

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

A flashing yellow light is a warning. Proceed with caution, and stay alert. Look both ways when crossing an intersection.

What does a green arrow mean?

A green arrow means you can make a "protected" turn in the direction of the arrow. When a green arrow displays for your turn, pedestrians and oncoming vehicles should be stopped for red lights. Look for signs saying the lane is only for turns in the direction of the arrow.

What does a steady red arrow mean?

A steady red arrow means the same as a steady red, circular signal. However, it only applies to vehicles going in the direction of the arrow

What does a steady yellow light mean?

A steady yellow light means the traffic signal is changing from green to red. You must stop if it is safe. If you are already stopped at an intersection or a stop line, you may not proceed.

Behavior around animals

Always give the right-of-way to an animal that someone is leading, riding, or driving. • Slow down. • Stop if the animal or vehicle is coming toward you or is crossing your path. Allow the animal to pass. • If the animal or vehicle is traveling in the same direction as you, allow plenty of room for passing safely. Drive at a reasonable speed. • Do not honk your horn or make a loud noise. • If the animal you are passing looks scared, you must pull your vehicle to the side and stop. • Proceed only when it is safe. • You must stop if a rider or driver signals you to do so.

Parking on hills

Always set your parking brake and leave your vehicle in gear when parking on a hill if you have a manual transmission. If you have an automatic transmission, set your parking brake and shift into park. You must turn your front wheels in the proper direction to stop it from rolling downhill if the brake fails. • No Curb — Turn your wheels inward, toward the edge of the road. • Uphill Against a Curb — Turn your wheels outward, toward the travel lane. • Downhill Against a Curb — Turn your wheels inward, toward the curb.

Bicycle Boxes

Bicycle boxes are pavement markings that are installed at intersections to allow bicyclists a safe way to turn when approaching a red light. Bicycle boxes are green and have an image of a bicyclist. Drivers must stop behind the bicycle box (even when it's empty) and wait for a green light.

Funeral Processions (right of way)

Funeral processions have the right-of-way at intersections, with the EXCEPTION that they must yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens or when directed by law enforcement. If the lead vehicle in a funeral procession (which may be a hearse or a police vehicle) legally drives through an intersection, all vehicles in the procession may also drive through the intersection, even if a traffic light changes or there is a stop sign.

Green pavement means?

Green pavement is used in areas where there could be road sharing conflicts between motor vehicles and bicycles. You should pay close attention and look for bicyclists before crossing green pavement. At a red light, you should not stop on green pavement.

Behavior around Slow-Moving Vehicles

Most farm vehicles, construction rigs, and other slow-moving vehicles have orange warning signs attached to the back. If you approach one, reduce your speed and use caution. Treat them similar to bicyclists and pedestrians. Leave plenty of space around the vehicle if you plan to pass.

Left Turns from Center Lanes

On some two-way roads, a center lane may be marked as a common left-turn lane to be used by vehicles in both directions. You may not travel in a center turning lane.

the "Dutch Reach" method

Open vehicle doors pose a very serious threat to bicyclists. When opening a vehicle door, drivers and passengers are suggested to do the following: 1. Check your rear-view mirror. 2. Check your side-view mirror. 3. Open the door with your far hand (the hand farther from the door).

Meanings of sign colors:

RED—stop or prohibition GREEN—direction, shows where you can go YELLOW—general warning BLACK/WHITE—regulation BLUE—motorist service (e.g., gas, food, hotels) BROWN—recreational, historic, or scenic site ORANGE—construction or maintenance warning FLUORESCENT YELLOW-GREEN—school zone, bicycle, pedestrian, and curve warning

A bicycle symbol with arrows on top of it means?

Shared Lane Markings (also known as Sharrows) help bicyclists position themselves in the right location and in the right direction in a lane that is shared with motor vehicles. When you see a Shared Lane Marking, you must look out for the presence of bicyclists and make sure that you leave them enough space when passing. Shared Lane Markings are not the same as the bicycle symbols that are used to mark bicycle lanes.

Intersections Not Controlled by Signs or Signals

Slow down at an uncontrolled intersection. Look left and right for oncoming traffic and proceed if the way is clear. You must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that has entered the intersection from your right or is coming from your right. Look for traffic coming from the left. Even though you may have the legal right-of-way, make sure that the other driver is yielding before you proceed.

Who has the right of way at an intersection or four way stop?

The first vehicle to get there

What do the line colors on the pavement tell you?

White line: both lanes are moving in the same direction Yellow line: the lanes are moving in opposite directions Broken line: you can cross the line, when safe, to change lanes (white) or pass (yellow) Solid line: you cannot cross the line One broken and one solid: you can cross the lines if the broken is closer to you, but not if the solid is closer Double white solid line: you cannot cross the lines Double yellow solid line: you cannot cross unless you are turning left

You cannot park...

Within 20 feet of an intersection, Within ten feet of a fire hydrant or fire lane

Turns on Red

You must come to a complete stop at a red traffic light. You may then turn right unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. You must first give the right-of-way to pedestrians and other vehicles. You may turn left on red only if you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. The same rules that apply to right turns apply to left turns.

A YIELD line looks like?

a series of triangles painted next to each other

It is illegal to block

an intersection with your vehicle.

You can turn left on a red light when...?

driving on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street. Stop and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles before turning

You should pass a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motor vehicle only when

it is necessary and safe to do so. You may not exceed the speed limit when passing. If you have any doubt, do not pass. Never use a breakdown lane, the shoulder of a road, or a sidewalk for passing another vehicle.

Rotary Traffic Rules

Traffic travels counter-clockwise in a rotary. Always yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the rotary (unless told differently by signs or police officers) and to pedestrians. Use your turn signals in the same way as any other intersection. Travel through the rotary and, when you are ready to exit, use your right turn signal.

Turn from the lane...?

Turn from the lane closest to the lane you want to enter. For a right turn, turn from the far right lane. For a left turn, turn from the lane closest to the center lane.

If the electronic signals on your vehicle are not working, you must:

Use hand signals out the driver's window Left turn- arm straight out Right turn- arm bent upward (hand up) at the elbow) Slow or stop- arm bent downward (hand down) at the elbow

Turning Left (right of way)

When making any left turn, you must first yield the right-of-way to any... • Oncoming vehicle • Vehicle already in the intersection • Pedestrians or bicyclists crossing your intended path of travel

A bicycle symbol means?

portions of the roadway that are intended for use by bicyclists and are marked by pavement markings, such as the one to the right, or by signs. Motor vehicles may only drive in these lanes when turning on or off the road. Before crossing a bicycle lane, you must look carefully for bicyclists, and you must cross with care.

If a school bus or a school pupil transport vehicle has its lights flashing and a stop sign extended, you must

stop. It does not matter which side of the road you are traveling on. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing or the stop sign folds back. A first violation of this law can cause a license suspension and a $250 fine. Even after the warning signals have stopped, you should proceed slowly and continue to look for children.

A white diamond symbol on the lane indicates that

the lane is reserved for buses or high-occupancy vehicles only

If you are being passed by another vehicle, you must

you must slow down and stay to the right

When entering a paved thoroughfare from a private road, a driveway, or an unpaved road...

you must stop. You must then give the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles on the road you are entering.

If you are on a single or two-lane road and come to an intersection with a divided highway or a roadway with three or more lanes...

you must yield the right-of-way

Four-Way Stop (Right of way)

you must yield the right-of-way to... • Another vehicle that has already come to a full stop • A vehicle directly to your right that has stopped at the same time as you At a four-way stop, vehicles must go in the order they stopped. The first to stop is the next to go. If in doubt, give the right-of-way to the driver on your right.

You can make a U-turn if...?

your path is clear and it is safe to do so. You cannot make a U-turn if a NO U-TURN sign is posted. • You may only make a U-turn from the lane closest to the center line. • Make sure you have enough room to complete the turn. Do not create a hazard for oncoming vehicles. • Do not make a U-turn at the crest of a hill, near a curve, or anyplace where you or other drivers cannot see 500 feet away.

Pedestrians right of way

-You must always yield to pedestrians who are in a roadway. -If you are stopped at a traffic light that turns green, you must yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk. -When turning, look for pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right-of-way if using a sidewalk or crossing a driveway or an alley. -Always yield to visually impaired (blind) people crossing a street. You must remain stopped until the person has safely crossed. Do not honk or wave the person on. Never pass another vehicle that is stopped. Blind pedestrians may use a white cane or a guide dog. The White Cane Law states that a driver must come to a complete stop when a blind pedestrian is crossing a street.

Any time you want to turn, merge, join traffic from a stopped position, or change lanes, you must...

1. Check your mirrors for traffic behind you and check your blind spot on the side you are moving or turning toward. 2. Signal your intent to move. 3. Make your move. Once you have completed your move, you must turn your signal off.

Steps for parallel parking:

1. Choose a space that is long enough for your vehicle. Make sure parking is legal. 2. Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space. Leave about two or three feet between your vehicle and the parked one. Position your vehicle so that your rear bumper or front seats line up with the rear bumper or front seats of the other vehicle. 3. Look behind you both ways to check for pedestrians and other traffic. 4. Slowly back up and turn the steering wheel all the way toward the curb. Rest your foot lightly on the brake. Look directly out your rear window. Do not use your mirrors. 5. When your front passes the parked vehicle's rear bumper, turn your steering wheel the opposite way and continue backing up. Do not hit the vehicle behind you. 6. When you are back far enough, straighten your wheels and pull forward. Make sure you keep enough space in front of and behind you so that other vehicles can get out.

Steps to pass on the left

1. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle you want to pass. Check the passing lane to make sure it is clear. If you are crossing a broken yellow line to pass, you must be able to see clearly at least 400 feet in front of you. Check your mirror and your blind spot. 2. Signal left and gradually move into the passing lane. 3. Maintain your speed until safely past the other vehicle, then signal right. 4. Make sure there is enough distance between you and the other vehicle before moving back into the right lane. Wait at least until you can see the vehicle's headlights in your mirror. 5. You must return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you. Turn off your signal once you have returned to the right lane.

Take the following steps to turn safely:

1. Plan for the turn. Do not turn suddenly. 2. Signal your turn at least 100 feet before making the turn. On a highway, signal at least 500 feet before a turn. It is best to signal before you apply your brakes, so you make your intentions known to other drivers. 3. Reduce your speed. 4. Check your mirrors for traffic behind you and check the blind spot on your turning side. 5. Give the right-of-way when appropriate. 6. Complete the turn carefully, making sure you turn into the proper lane

The steps of a three-point turn

1. Position yourself as close as possible to the right edge of the curb. Signal a left turn. Check for traffic and pedestrians in both directions (including your blind spot). Wait until you have a 20-30 second gap to complete the turn. 2. Move slowly and turn the steering wheel quickly to the left. This will bring the vehicle perpendicular to the street about two feet from the curb. Come to a stop. 3. Turn your steering wheel fully to the right. Check for traffic in both directions (including your blind spot). Shift into reverse and start backing up, while looking over your right shoulder. 4. Back up to the opposite curb, stopping just before the curb. 5. Check again for traffic in both directions (including your blind spot). Signal a left. Shift into drive (or for manual cars, first gear) and accelerate to the proper speed.

Choosing a lane in a rotary?

If the rotary has a single lane, you must enter from the right lane of the road you are coming from. You must exit onto the right lane of the road you intend to travel on. If the rotary has multiple lanes, look for signs to help you choose the proper lane. If there are no signs, you should do the following: • For a quarter-turn, or to continue straight ahead, enter the rotary from the right lane. Stay in that lane, and exit onto the right lane. • For a three-quarter-turn, or a U-turn, enter the rotary from the left lane. Travel through the middle or inner lane. Exit onto the right lane. If coming from a road with a single lane, you should stay in the right lane for the entire turn. In a multiple-lane rotary, there may be traffic on both sides of your vehicle. Do not attempt to move out of your lane until it is safe to do so. If you miss your exit, don't get upset. Check the traffic around you. If it is safe to do so, go around again and position your vehicle to properly and safely exit the rotary. Do not stop in the rotary.

The "move-over law" (Chapter 418 of the Acts of 2008) requires that if you are approaching a stationary emergency vehicle and it is displaying its flashing lights, you must

proceed with caution and reduce your speed to that of a reasonable and safe speed for the road conditions. If you are on a highway with at least four lanes (at least two of which allow travel in the same direction you are heading), yield the right-of way by safely "moving over" to a lane that is not next to the lane the emergency, highway, or recovery vehicle is occupying. In other words, leave an open lane between your vehicle and the stopped emergency vehicle. If "moving over" is impracticable, you must still proceed with caution and reduce your speed to that of a reasonable and safe speed for the road conditions.

You can make a ? turn on a red light only after...?

right turn after you come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians or other vehicles in your path. You may not turn on red if a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.

When should you do a three-point turn?

should only be used when all of the following conditions are met: • The street is narrow • There is good visibility • There are no public driveways to turn into • The traffic is light • The turn is legal • There is no other option

When you see a yield sign on your way or at an intersection, you must:

slow down and be prepared to stop. Let vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians go before you proceed. You must come to a complete stop if traffic conditions require it.

Rules for driving safely among trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses:

• Blind Spots — It is easy for a car or a motorcycle to be hidden in a large vehicle's blind spots. Therefore, do not follow closely behind a truck or a bus. When driving near a large vehicle, be aware of the driver's blind spots on the right, left, front, and behind. • Tailgating — If you cannot see a truck's rearview mirrors, you are tailgating. • Cutting in Front — A large truck may need twice as much distance to stop as an automobile or a motorcycle, especially when roads are wet or icy. Do not drive into the space immediately surrounding a large vehicle. Do not pull in front of a large vehicle and slow down or stop suddenly. • Driving Too Slowly — On a multiple-lane highway, trucks and buses can only drive in the two right-hand lanes. They use the far right lane for normal travel and the second lane for passing. If you travel in the second lane, stay with the flow of traffic and do not drive below the minimum speed limit. Driving too slowly in this lane can create a bottleneck of large vehicles. • Passing on the Left — It takes longer to pass a tractor-trailer or a bus than another car or a motorcycle. Be aware that large vehicles travel slower uphill and faster downhill. • Passing on the Right — Do not pass a truck or bus on the right unless it is absolutely necessary. Large vehicles make wide turns, and sometimes they must move to the left before making a wide turn to the right. If you are next to a truck or bus, you are probably in a blind spot. • Truck or Bus Approaching — If a large vehicle is coming toward you on an undivided road, stay to the right. You will avoid being sideswiped or shaken by air turbulence.

Entering and Exiting the Highway

• Make sure you are in the proper lane well in advance so you can safely enter or exit the highway. • Yield the right-of-way to drivers already on the highway. • When you enter a highway, increase your speed to match vehicles already on the road. • If you miss your exit, do not stop. Never back up on the highway. Get off the highway at the next exit and look for signs showing you how to rejoin the road in the other direction. • Be sure to signal your exit at least 500 feet before you reach the exit ramp. • As you leave the highway and drive along the exit ramp, slow to the posted exit ramp speed limit.

Driving on the Highway

• Make sure your vehicle operates well and can drive at highway speeds. • Stay to the right and only use the left lane for passing. On an expressway with three or more lanes in your direction, use the far right lane for slower driving, the middle lane for faster driving, and the far left lane for passing. • Drive in the middle of your lane, staying between the lines. • Use your rearview mirror, check your blind spots, and use your directional signals when changing lanes. Remember these three steps: (1) look, (2) signal, (3) move. • Do not drive in another driver's blind spot. If you are in another driver's blind spot, safely drive through the blind spot as quickly as you can. • Look out for vehicles entering the highway and any vehicles or pedestrians in the breakdown lane. • Do not weave in and out of traffic. • Be aware of road construction signs, work crews, and signs that require you to reduce speed or change lanes. - Take extra care when exiting a highway that uses breakdown lanes as travel lanes. Look to your right and check your right-hand blind spot before exiting. • Avoid "highway hypnosis." If you've been driving for a long time and feel tired, you should get off the highway at the next exit, rest stop, or service area. • If you plan to drive far, stop and stretch every two hours or every 100 miles.

General rules for using lanes properly:

• Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection. It is illegal and dangerous. • As a general rule, do not use a highway breakdown lane for travel or passing. On some highways, however, you may use the breakdown lane for travel during specific times. • If you come to a curve in the road and cannot see ahead, keep to the right and slow down.

Passing on the right is only allowed when:

• The vehicle you are passing is making, or is about to make, a left turn. • You are driving on a one-way street. • You are driving on a road where traffic moves in one direction (such as a multiple lane highway).

On roadways with two or more lanes in your travel direction, use the right lane for driving unless...

• You are passing another vehicle. • You are making a left turn. • The right lane is blocked.