Traffic Laws: Right-of-Way Rules

1.
Traffic Laws
Right-of-Way Rules
● Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or

unmarked.
● Intersections: At stop signs, the driver who stops first goes first. At a four-way stop,
the driver on the right goes first. At uncontrolled intersections, yield to the vehicle on
the right.
● Emergency Vehicles: Pull over to the right side of the road and stop until the
emergency vehicle has passed.
Speed Limits
● Residential Areas: 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.

● Business Districts: 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.
● School Zones: 25 mph when children are present.
● Highways: 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways unless otherwise posted; 65-70
mph on most freeways.
Lane Use
● Turning: Signal at least 100 feet before your turn. Use the designated turning lanes.
● Lane Markings: Solid lines mean no passing or lane changes; broken lines mean
passing or lane changes are allowed if safe.
● Special Lanes: Bike lanes are for bicycles. HOV lanes are for vehicles with a
specified minimum number of occupants, often two or three.
2. Road Signs
Regulatory Signs
● Stop Signs: Come to a complete stop at the white limit line or before entering the
crosswalk.
● Yield Signs: Slow down and be ready to stop if necessary to let any vehicle or
pedestrian pass.
● Speed Limit Signs: Obey the maximum speed limit posted.
Warning Signs
● Curves and Turns: Yellow signs with arrows indicating the direction and sharpness
of the curve.
● Road Conditions: Signs indicating slippery when wet, bumps, and other conditions.
● Crossings: Signs indicating pedestrian, animal, and school crossings.
Guide Signs
● Directional Signs: Green signs that provide direction and distance to destinations.
● Service Signs: Blue signs indicating locations of services such as gas stations, food,
lodging, and hospitals.
3. Safe Driving Practices
Defensive Driving
● Following Distance: Use the 3-second rule to maintain a safe distance. Increase to
4 or more seconds in adverse conditions.
● Blind Spots: Check mirrors and look over your shoulder before changing lanes.
● Scanning: Constantly scan the road ahead and behind for potential hazards.
Alcohol and Drug Impairment
● BAC Limits: The legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08%. For drivers under 21, it
is 0.01%.
● Drug Effects: Prescription and illegal drugs can impair your ability to drive safely.
Distracted Driving
● Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a handheld phone while driving. Use hands-free
devices if necessary.
● Other Distractions: Avoid eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio while driving.
4. Vehicle Operation and Maintenance
Basic Vehicle Control
● Brakes and Accelerators: Use smooth, controlled motions.

● Headlights: Use low beams in fog or heavy rain. High beams can be used on open
highways unless approaching another vehicle.
● Turn Signals: Use signals to indicate turns, lane changes, and exits.
Parking
● Parallel Parking: Park within 18 inches of the curb.

● Hill Parking: Turn wheels towards the curb when facing downhill; away from the curb
when facing uphill.
● Restrictions: Obey no-parking zones and time-limited parking areas.
5. Special Driving Conditions
Adverse Weather Conditions
● Rain: Use headlights and windshield wipers. Slow down and increase following
distance.
● Fog: Use low beams. High beams can reflect off the fog and reduce visibility.
● Snow and Ice: Drive slowly, use chains if required, and increase following distance.
Night Driving
● Headlights: Use low beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic or when following
another vehicle within 300 feet.
● Speed and Distance: Reduce speed and increase following distance at night due to
reduced visibility.
Freeway Driving
● Merging: Use the on-ramp to accelerate to freeway speed and merge safely.
● Lane Changes: Signal, check mirrors, and look over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
● Exiting: Signal and move to the exit lane well in advance of your exit.
6. Sharing the Road
Pedestrians and Cyclists
● Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks.

● Cyclists: Allow at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Cyclists have the
same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
Motorcycles
● Awareness: Motorcycles can be harder to see. Check blind spots and use extra
caution when turning or changing lanes.
● d Following Distance: Allow a greater following distance behind motorcycles.
Commercial Vehicles
● Large Trucks: Trucks have larger blind spots. Don’t cut off trucks, and be aware of
their longer stopping distances.
● Passing: Pass quickly and safely. Do not linger alongside a large truck.
7. Accidents and Emergencies
Accident Procedures
● After an Accident: Stop, provide aid, and exchange information (name, address,
driver's licence, vehicle registration, and insurance details).
● Reporting: Report accidents to the DMV within 10 days if there are injuries or
damage over $1,000.
Emergency Situations
● Brake Failure: Pump the brakes, use the emergency brake, and shift to a lower
gear.
● Tire Blowout: Hold the steering wheel firmly, steer straight, and gradually slow
down.
● Engine Trouble: Signal and safely pull off the road.
8. Legal Responsibilities
Driver Licence Requirements
● Obtaining a Licence: Pass the written, vision, and behind-the-wheel driving tests.
● Renewal: Licences must be renewed periodically. The DMV will notify you when it is
time to renew.
Insurance Requirements
● Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage requirements are $15,000 for injury/death of

one person, $30,000 for injury/death of more than one person, and $5,000 for
property damage.
● Proof of Insurance: Always carry proof of insurance in your vehicle.

Traffic Laws: Right-of-Way Rules

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Traffic Laws: Right-of-Way Rules

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Traffic Laws: Right-of-Way Rules

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1.

● Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or

● Residential Areas: 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.

3. Safe Driving Practices

Alcohol and Drug Impairment

4. Vehicle Operation and Maintenance

Basic Vehicle Control

● Brakes and Accelerators: Use smooth, controlled motions.

● Parallel Parking: Park within 18 inches of the curb.

5. Special Driving Conditions

Adverse Weather Conditions

6. Sharing the Road

Pedestrians and Cyclists

● Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks.

7. Accidents and Emergencies

Driver Licence Requirements

● Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage requirements are $15,000 for injury/death of

You might also like