Section 5 - Traffic Laws Flashcards
Right of Way, Passing laws, and more
What are the three most basic traffic laws?
- Obey traffic control devices (lights & signs)
- Obey directions of law enforcement even if it contradicts the control devices
- Never drive on a closed roadway whether it be for construction or any other reason
What is Right-of-Way?
The rules that determine who has the priority to go first in traffic situations, used to avoid accidents.
Right-of-Way: Stop Sign
Yield to all traffic and pedestrians in the intersection or near it before proceeding.
Right-of-Way: No Signs/Signals
If two vehicles arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Right-of-Way: Four-Way Stop
Yield to pedestrians; otherwise, proceed in the order vehicles arrive. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.
Right-of-Way: Left Turns
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left or entering an alley/driveway.
Right-of-Way: Yield Sign
Slow down, stop if necessary, and proceed when safe.
Right-of-Way: Merging Traffic
Adjust speed to merge safely; yield to traffic merging onto your road.
Right-of-Way: Green Light
Only enter an intersection when it’s clear and safe, not just because you have a green light.
Right-of-Way: Entering From Alley/Private Road
Stop and yield to all vehicles and pedestrians.
Right-of-Way: Emergency Vehicles
Pull over, slow down, and stop when emergency vehicles approach with sirens and lights.
Right-of-Way: Construction Zones
Yield to highway maintenance vehicles and workers.
Right-of-Way: Right Turn On Red
Stop, yield, and ensure it’s safe before turning right on red (unless posted otherwise).
Right-of-Way: Left Turn on Red
Stop, yield, and ensure it’s safe before turning left on red from a one-way street (unless posted otherwise).
Right-of-Way: School Bus
Stop when the bus flashes red lights and stop signs. On a divided highway, vehicles on the opposite side don’t need to stop but should be cautious.
Right-of-Way: Pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
What are the steps to pass on a two-lane road?
- Wait for a Passing Zone: Look for striped lines on the road. A solid line means no passing.
- Check for Oncoming Traffic: Ensure there’s enough space and time to pass safely, and no oncoming vehicles are within 200 feet.
- Check Mirrors and Blind Spot: Look for other vehicles and make sure no one is passing you.
- Signal Left: Activate your left turn signal before passing.
- Pass on the Left: Only return to the right lane when you’re completely clear of the vehicle you passed.
- Signal Right: Turn on your right signal before moving back into the right lane.
- Turn Off Signal: After you return to the lane, turn off your signal.
What is passing?
When a driver moves their vehicle around another vehicle traveling in the same direction. Passing is done when there’s enough space and time to safely move around the vehicle and return to the right lane without causing danger to yourself or others.
When is passing PROHIBITED?
- In area marked by a solid yellow line on the right of the center line, or a “Do Not Pass” sign, or double yellow lines;
- Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing;
- Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel;
- When a car approaching from the opposite direction makes passing unsafe or will be within 200 feet of your vehicle prior to the completion of a passing maneuver;
- On a hill or curve where it is not possible to see oncoming vehicles which might be close enough to be a hazard;
- On the shoulder of the road;
- When a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers.
When is passing PERMITTED?
- Lawfully overtaking and passing another vehicle going in the same direction;
- An obstruction makes it necessary to drive to the left of the center line, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic;
- A roadway includes two or more marked lanes in the same direction;
- A roadway with more than one lane is restricted to one-way traffic. Upon a multi-lane, two way highway, you must never drive to the left of the center line except when authorized to do so by traffic control signals or signs or when making a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway.
Why is it illegal to use your signals to tell other drivers to go ahead?
It can cause confusion, since signals are meant to showcase YOUR actions
What signal is used for “stop”, “left turn” and “right turn”?
STOP: Arm makes an upside down L
LEFT TURN: Arm stretches out horizontally
RIGHT TURN: Arm makes an L
How should you give turn signals?
- every time you make a turn
- continuous signal for an adequate distance
- never give signals or make a turn last minute
How do you make proper right turns? (four steps)
- Give the turn right signal w/ hands & activate your right turn signal
- stay close to the curb as you approach the intersection in the right lane
- yield to bicycles & pedestrians
- make the turn in a way so that you end up on the right/corresponding lane of the roadway
How do you do proper left turns? (seven steps)
- Give/activate the proper signals
- Move into the far left lane/turning lane
- Keep wheels straight until turn is made
- Yield to all vehicles & pedestrians
- When safe & traffic signs permit, turn so that vehicle ends up in lane closest to center lane/line in the direction you are travelling
- Turn so that vehicle ends up in the corresponding lane if there are multiple turning lanes
- Once you have entered an intersection you cannot change lanes
How should you watch for pedestrians when making a turn?
Always check for pedestrians even when you are authorized to make a turn
When should you not make U-turns?
- when a sign says no
- when you are on a hill or cars moving in either direction can’t see you
How to make turns on multi-lane highways?
