Summary
Highlights
A red flashing light means stop and proceed with caution when clear. Low beams are required from dusk till dawn, and during fog, rain, or smoke. At a stop sign, come to a complete stop before the crosswalk. If a red light turns green but the intersection is blocked, proceed only when it's clear. A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. A red triangle sign indicates to yield. At a four-way stop, the driver on the right has the right of way.
Unlawfully obtaining a handicap parking certification can result in a $500 fine and up to six months in prison. If traffic lights are broken, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Before starting the engine, ensure the vehicle is in park or neutral and all doors are closed. Always stop completely and yield to pedestrians with a white cane (indicating blindness). Before turning right on a red light, stop and check for pedestrians or cyclists. Wet brake components can cause brakes to malfunction in heavy rain. Refusing a breath or blood test for alcohol can lead to a one-year license suspension.
The correct way to drive is with both hands on the steering wheel. At uncontrolled railroad crossings, slow down and watch/listen for trains. Double continuous lines on the road mean no passing. Red traffic signs indicate regulatory actions like stop, do not enter, wrong way, or yield. If a car cuts you off, honk, flash lights, brake hard, and maneuver to the right edge. After a train passes at a railway line, proceed only when you are sure another train is not coming. It's impossible to drink alcohol and drive safely, as alcohol impairs judgment, reaction, vision, and concentration.
Intersections with control signals may have sensors that detect vehicles only when they stop behind the pedestrian line. A yellow sign like 'right lane reduction' indicates upcoming changes. Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts; drivers are responsible for passengers under 18. Dashed white lines mean traffic moves in the same direction, and you can change lanes when safe. If you have a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, your license will be suspended. When changing lanes, activate your turn signal, check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder, and do not exceed the speed limit.
A 'narrow bridge' sign warns of a narrow roadway. The maximum parking distance from a curb is 12-18 inches. 'Right turn prohibited' signs ban right turns. If a car cuts you off, slow down and stay calm. A 'can't go straight' sign means you must turn right or left. Maximum speed on highways is 70 mph; on two-lane highways, 55 mph; and in most city areas, 30 mph. 'No passing zone' signs prohibit passing. Vehicles manufactured before 1972 are exempt from seatbelt fines. Highway exit ramp speeds are 25-45 mph. Merge onto highways by adjusting speed and using turn signals. If a faster car approaches in your lane, move to the right. A 'convergence' sign indicates merging traffic. In a roundabout, yield to all moving vehicles in the opposite direction.
In an emergency braking situation with ABS, press the brake pedal fully, hold it down, and steer to safety. A 'hill or slope' sign warns of steep grades. The center lane on a three-or-more-lane street is for smooth through traffic flow. Slow traffic should stay in the right lane. Loads extending more than four feet must be marked with red flags during the day. Yield to cyclists in a bicycle lane. Never take your eyes off the road to look at a child in the back seat. Only use bike lanes for turning if permitted. A U-turn signal means no U-turns. When driving behind a truck, maintain a distance where the driver can see you in their mirror. Remove objects blocking your vision. A flashing yellow light at a drawbridge means be prepared to stop. If your right wheels leave the pavement, take your foot off the accelerator, hold the steering wheel firmly, and slow down. With conventional brakes, pump them repeatedly to prevent locking. If your car skids in rain, take your foot off the accelerator and steer straight.
When driving in reverse, start slowly and check your surroundings thoroughly. Do not rest your elbow on the window with the window down. Double white lines mean you cannot pass or change lanes. Maximum bumper height for 3,000-5,000 lb pickup trucks is 28 inches. When towing, place a white flag in the center of the chain or rope. Street racing leads to license suspension, criminal charges, and jail time. Use turn signals at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. Never make last-minute turns; if in the wrong lane, proceed to the next intersection.
Double your following distance in rain, wet roads, or low visibility. Heavy trucks and motorhomes also need to double following distance. When being passed, do not increase your speed. When passing on the left, return to the right only when you can see the passed vehicle's tires in your rearview mirror. Use a three-point turn only on narrow roads: move right, signal left, check, and proceed. On highways, the greatest danger is rear-end collisions from driving too close. Plan your highway trips, knowing your entry and exit points. Begin slowing down only after exiting the highway onto the exit ramp. Hand signals for turning right (arm up), turning left (arm extended), and stopping/slowing (arm down).