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.