Laws and Rules of the Road Flashcards
Solid Red Light means
stop
Red Arrow means
stop, no right turn at red arrow
Flashing red light means
- stop
- after stopping you may go when it is safe, if there are other vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclist nearby make sure you know right- of -way
Solid Yellow Light Means
- caution
- light is about to turn red, if you see yellow stop if you can do so safely, if not continue cautiously across intersection
Yellow Arrow means
the “protected” turning time is ending
- the signal will change soon, stop if you can do so safely
Flashing Yellow Light Means
- warning to PROCEED WITH CAUTION
- slow down, be alert before entering intersection, yield for any pedestrian, bicyclists or vehicles in the intersection
Flashing Yellow Arrow means
- you can turn, but your turn is not protected from other traffic
Solid Green Light means
- go
- you should still stop for any vehicle bike, or person in the intersection
Green Arrow means
- go, you must turn in the direction the arrow is pointing
What do you do when the traffic signal light isn’t working
stop as if the intersection is controlled by stop signs in all directions
if the walk or walking person sign is on it is…
legal to cross the street
if the don’t walk or raised hand sign is on
you may not cross the s treet
if flashing don’t walk or flashing raised hand …
do not start crossing the street, drivers must yield to pedestrians
numbers counting down show
how many seconds are left for crossing the street
Pedestrians Phases/Scrambles
- allow pedestrians to criss cross and diagonal crosswalk the intersection in any direction at the same time
Red Stop sign means
full stop sign before entering the crosswalk or at the limit line
red yield sign
slow down and be ready to stop (if necessary) to let any vehicle, bike or pedestrian pass before your proceed
red and white regulatory sign
follow the sign’s instruction
wrong way sign
you are going against traffic
red circle with a red line through it always indicates
no
yellow and black circular sign or x-shaped sign
you are approaching a railroad crossing. look, listen, slow down and prepare to stop
5 sided sign
you are near a school drive slowly
diamond shaped sign
these signs warn you of a specific road condition and dangers ahead
white rectangular sign
- these signs communicate many important rules you must obey
warning signs
warn of conditions related to pedestrians, bikes, schools playgrounds loading zones, and school busses
Right of way rules at intersections: without stop or yield signs
vehicles, bikes and pedestrians that get to the intersection first have the right of way
- if you arrive at the same time, give right of way to the vehicle/bike on your right
Right of way rules at intersections: T intersections without stop or yield signs
vehicles, bikes, pedestrians on the through road (continuing to go straight)
Right of way rules at intersections: Stop signs at all corners
stop first then follow right of way
Right of way rules at intersections: turning left
Right of way rules at intersections: turning right
check for pedestrians crossing the street and motorcycles/bikes next to you
Right of way rules at intersections: green traffic signal light
pedestrians have the right of way
Right of way rules at intersections: divided highways or highways with several lanes
- watch for vehicles coming in any lane you will cross or enter
Right of way rules at intersections: entering traffic:
yield to traffic before entering
Explain how to use a roundabout
- slow down as you approach
- yield to all traffic, including bikes and pedestrians
- watch for signs and lane markings that guide you
- enter heading to the right where there is big enough go in traffic to merge safely
- travel in counterclockwise direction
- signal when you change lanes/exit
- if you miss exit continue around until you return to your exit
pedestrians have the right of way in the ___ or ___ crosswalks
marked or unmarked
Pedestrians who are blind, using a guide dog or white canes have
the right of way at all times
- especially important if you drive a hybrid vehicle because blind pedestrians rely on sound
On a mountain road if two vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road and neither vehicle can pass, the vehicle facing uphill has the
right of way
Can large vehicle drivers see the road between because they are higher off the road?
no
- have better front view but also have large blind spots
- if you cannot see the large vehicle or truck driver in their side mirror, they cannot see you
Large vehicles/large commercial trucks take ____ to stop than the passenger vehicles traveling at the same speed
longer
- do not suddenly slow down or stop, the large vehicle will not be able to stop far enough to avoid crashing into you
When a vehicle turns, the rear windows follow a shorter path than the front wheels therefore- the longer the vehicle the ___ the difference in the length of the turning
_greater
Unless signs are posted tricks mist be in the ____ _____ lane or as close as possible to the ____ _____ of the road
- right traffic lane
- right edge of the road
When driving around large vehicles and trucks do not:
- change lanes directly in front of them
- drive next to them longer than you need to when passing
- follow too closely
- underestimate the size and the speed of an approaching large vehicle
What are safety zones? Can you drive through them?
- safety zones are spaces set aside for pedestrians for buses. streetcars and trolleys
- do not drive through them, they are marked by raised buttons/markers on the ground
When a bus/streetcar/trolley is stopped at safety zone/intersection where traffic is controlled by a law enforcement officer or traffic light, you may not pass at more than ___ mph
10 mph
Do not overtake and pass any light-rail on the ___ side
left side
To safely share the road with light rail vehicles:
- be aware of where they operate- be careful of blind spots
- never turn in front of an approaching light rail vehicle
- maintain a safe distance from the vehicle i f it shares the road with other traffic
Motorcycles can increase their chances of being seen by:
- keeping their headlight on at all times, even during day
- wearing the bright-colored jacket/helmet/vest
- adding reflective material
- using turn signals
- flashing their brake lights before slowing down
- avoiding blind spots
- not lingering between vehicle when lane splitting
To safely share the road with motorcylists
- check for motorcycles and use your mirrors when you change lanes
- allow 4 second following distance
- whenever possible, give motorcycle the full lane
- never pass motorcycle in same lane as you
- move aside to let them pass
For emergency vehicles:
- move to the right of the path to get out of their way
- never stop at an intersection, move to the right as soon as possible
Slow moving vehicles: Farm trackers, animal-drawn carts, and road maintenance vehicles usually travel ____ mph or less
- 25 mph
What are NEVS/LSV?
- neighborhood electric vehicles
- low speed vehicles
What speed do NEVS/LSV travel?
- 25 mph
Can people in horse-drawn vehicles/people riding horses share roads with motor vehicles?
Yes
Can bikes ride in freeways?
Yes, as long as it isn’t forbidden by a street sign
Bikes must:
- obey all traffic signs and signal lights
- ride in the same direction as traffic
- signal when changing lanes or turning
- yield to pedestrians
- wear a helmet (if under 18 years old)
- allow faster traffic to pass
stay visible
ride as near to right curb or edge as possible - make left turns using same turn lanes
- have a break
At night, bikes need the following equipment
- a front lamp with a white visible from 300 feet
- a read reflector/solid red light or flashing red light, visible from 500 feet
- a white or yellow reflector on watch pedal- must be visible from 200 feet
How do you pass a bicyclist?
- to safely pass, you may need to change to another lane
- in this case, pass safely and quickly, then return to your original lane, leave space between your vehicle and the bike
When you can’t change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow at least ____ feet of space
- 3 feet of space
What do you do when you pass a work zone?
- slow down
- allow extra space between vehicles
- merge early
- expect sudden slowing/stopping
- watch for drivers changing lanes at last minute
- avoid distractions
how much is a fine for traffic violations in work zones?
- 1,000 dollars or more
What are double fine zones? How much is fine in this area?
- zones with increased collision-related injuries and fatalities, fines are doubles in these zones
- this also includes highway construction or maintenance zones when workers are present
Drivers must move over and slow down for emergency and road work vehicles- this includes:
- stationary emergency vehicles or tow trucks displaying flashing amber warning lights
- stopped department of transportation vehicles flashing emergency flashing or amber lights
What signs a vehicle with hazardous loads? What must they do before crossing railroad tracks?
- diamond-shaped sign on a truck means that the truck’s load may be dangerous (gas, explosives, etc)
- stop
What is Ca’s Basic Speed Law?
- means that you may never drive faster than is safe for the road condition
Unless posted otherwise, the max speed limit is ____ on a two-lane undivided highway
- 55 mph
At what speed should you drive under heavy traffic/bad weather?
- slower, but not block normal and reasonable traffic flow
- driving too slowly may get you a ticket
Towing: You must drive in the far-right lane or in a lane marked for slower vehicles when you:
- tow a vehicle or trailer
- drive a bus
- drive a truck with three or more axles
What is the speed limit when driving within 500 to 1000 feet of a school with children?
25 mph
- but some schools may have 15 mph speed limit
Near schools look for:
- bikes and pedestrians
- school safety patrols or crossing guards
- stopped school buses and children crossing the street
An intersection is considered blind if
- it has no stop signs at any corner
- you are within 1– feet of the intersection and you cannot see the road for at least 100 feet in both directions
What is the speed limit for blind intersection?
15 mph
What is the speed limit for an alley (road no wider that 25 feet) used to access the read side of buildings?
15 mph
What is the speed limit within 100 feet of a railroad where you cannot see tracks for 400 feet in both directions?
15 mph
What should you do at railroad or train crossings
- look in both directions and listen for trains, be ready to stop
- expect a train on any track at any time
- never stop on the railroad tracks
- watch for vehicles that must stop before they cross train tracks
- when crossing devices are actives or a person warns you a train is coming
- stop if you see/hear a train approaching
- do not go under lowering gates or around lowered gates
- flashing red warning lights indicate you must stop and wait
Do train crossing rules apply to light rail crossings? why is it even more important?
yes
- light rail vehicles are very quiet and accelerate more quickly than trains
What is the passing speed limit when a bus, streetcar, or trolly has stoped?
- 10 mph
What is the speed limit in business or residential districts?
- 25 mph
What do you do when you see an animal sign or a real animal?
- for a sign- be alert of an animal
- if you see animals or livestock slow down, stop, and proceed when it is safe
True or False: You can smoke when a minor is in a vehicle
false
- you can be fined up to 100 dollars
True or False: You cannot dump or abandon animals on a highway
- True
- fine up to 1000 dollars, 6 months in jail or both
True or False: You can wear a headset/earplugs in both ears while driving
False
True or False: You cannot drive a vehicle so loaded with property or people that you cannot control it, see ahead or see to the sides of your vehicle
true
- it is illegal to drive any vehicle with an unsecured load that is a safety hazard
True or False: You can carry anything in or on a passenger vehicle that extends beyond 6 inches
- False
- if it extends more than four feet from back rear bumble, must have 12 inch red/fluorescent orange square flag
True or False: You can carry a person can ride in the back of the pickup truck
- False
- can only ride if there are seats with seatbelts
True or False: You can carry animals in back of pickup without being secured
- False
- animals must be squired
True or False: You can drive a vehicle with a video monitor visible to driver
- False
- Driver should only be able to see vehicle info, global mapping, external media player, or satellite radio info
True or False: You can put signs or other objects on the front windshield or back side windows that block your views
- False
- do not hand objects on mirror or anything that can block your awe
True or False: You can be ticketed for interrupting a funeral procession
true
True or False: You can block your liscense plate
- False
True or False: It is illegal to alter your license plate
True
When should you turn on your headlights?
- 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise
When should you dim you high-beam headlights to low beams?
- within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following
If you are stopped by law enforcement and ticketed for a traffic violation, you sign the ticket as a promise to…
appear in traffic court
- failure to appear, goes to your driver record and DMV may suspend your license
- each time you are convicted, court notifies DMV
What happens if you flee or attempt to evade law enforcement performing their duties?
- punishable by imprisonment in a country jail for 1 year or less
A person convicted of causing serious bodily injury during the course of a law enforcement pursuit is subject to:
- imprisonment in a state prison for up to 7 years or a county jail for 1 year or less
- a fine between 2,000 and 10,000
- both a fine and imprisonment
A person convicted of reckless driving or engaging in a speed contest that causes injury to another person is subject to:
- imprisonment, a fine or both a fine and imprisonment
How long does a person convicted of manslaughter from evading law enforcement during a pursuit is subject to…
imprisonment in a state prison for a minimum of 4 to 10 years
A person convicted of reckless driving or engaging in a speed contest that causes injury to another person in subject to…
- imprisonment
- a fine
- or both a fine and imprisonment
How long do convictions and collisions stay on your record for ___ months
36 months (or longer, depending on the type of conviction)
Your license may be suspended when your driver’s record shows one of the following point totals
- 4 points in 12 months
- 6 points in 24 months
- 8 points in 36 months
If you are given a one-point traffic violation, the judge may offer you the choice to…
attend a traffic violator school to have the citation not reported to your insurance, but remain on your driving record
If you get too many negligent driver points, DMV will…
place you on probation, suspend and/or revoke your driving privilege
What do you need to know about record conifdentiality?
- most info in your driving record is available to the public
- records containing a physical or mental condition are confidential
- certain gov agencies can see your residence address
