Delaware Traffic Rules & Signage: Comprehensive Driver's Guide

What does the right-of-way rule state in Delaware?

Motor vehicle laws do not give anyone the right-of-way; if you can prevent a crash by yielding, you should.

What are the four rules of traffic signals?

1. RED — Stop 2. YELLOW — Prepare to stop 3. GREEN — Proceed with caution 4. Arrows apply to only the direction indicated.

What should you do at a steady red light?

Come to a complete stop; right turns are allowed after a full stop unless otherwise indicated.

What does a steady yellow light indicate?

The signal is changing from green to red; prepare to stop.

What does a steady green light allow you to do?

Proceed with caution; you can go straight or turn unless indicated otherwise.

What action is required at a flashing red light?

Come to a complete stop and proceed when safe.

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

Slow down, be aware, and proceed with caution.

What should you do if traffic signals are dark?

Reduce speed and prepare to yield.

What does a steady red arrow indicate?

A full stop is required; you may not proceed in the direction the arrow points.

What is the purpose of regulatory signs?

They inform you of laws and regulations for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, and parking.

What shape is a stop sign?

Always a red octagon.

What shape is a yield sign?

Always an inverted triangle.

What color is a speed limit sign?

Always white with black numbers and outline.

What do warning signs typically indicate?

They tell you to slow down or be alert due to special circumstances or hazards.

What color are most warning signs?

Almost always yellow with black lettering/symbols.

What is the purpose of guide signs?

They provide information on directions and distances to destinations.

What should you do when approaching a work zone?

Prepare to move from closed lanes, watch for slower speed limits, and avoid sudden moves.

What is prohibited regarding cell phone use while driving in Delaware?

The use of hand-held cell phones and texting is prohibited; hands-free devices are required.

What must drivers do when overtaking a school bus?

Always stop before reaching the bus from either direction unless on the opposite side of a highway with four or more lanes.

What clearance must motorists leave when passing a cyclist?

A minimum of three feet of clearance must be maintained.

What should vehicles being overtaken do?

They should give right of way and never increase speed.

What should you do when approaching an emergency vehicle?

Move to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway.

How should you respond to stationary emergency vehicles on a multi-lane roadway?

Move over a lane until you are past the vehicles.

What is the rule regarding obeying police officers' instructions?

Always obey the instructions of a police officer, even if they contradict signs or signals.

What should you never do to evade a traffic signal?

Never evade a traffic signal or road sign by traveling across private property.

What does ENS stand for in traffic control?

Emergency Notification System.

Where can you find the ENS number at a grade crossing?

On the blue sign on the crossbuck or in the vicinity of the railroad crossing.

What does a round yellow warning sign with a black X and 'RR' indicate?

It identifies a railroad crossing.

What do solid white edge lines indicate?

They show where the outside edge of the travel lane is.

What does a broken white lane marking signify?

You may cross the line if it is safe.

What does a solid yellow line indicate?

You may not cross the line.

What does a red X signal in reversible lanes?

You cannot use the lane.

What should you do when you see a green arrow in reversible lanes?

You can use the lane.

What is the correct procedure for making a left turn from a shared center lane?

Stay in your lane during the turn and do not swing wide.

What must drivers do when turning left at an intersection?

Yield to oncoming vehicles going straight ahead.

What does a school bus's yellow flashing light mean?

Prepare to stop or slow down.

What must you do when you see red lights on a school bus?

Stop.

What is the first step in parallel parking?

Signal and stop with the back end of your vehicle even with the back of the vehicle in front of the parking space.

What is required when parking on a highway or street?

Stop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key, and set the brakes.

What should you do when parking uphill with a curb?

Turn your front wheels away from the curb and bring the near-side front wheel into contact with it.

What is the rule regarding parking in a handicapped space?

It is illegal to park there unless you have a handicapped license plate or ID.

What should you do if you are parking on the shoulder from sunset to sunrise?

Turn on the parking lights.

What is the rule for parking on a two-lane road when a school bus is present?

Both lanes must stop for the bus.

What should you do if you cannot clear an intersection?

Wait until traffic ahead clears before entering.

What is the rule for yielding at a 4-way stop?

The driver reaching the intersection first goes first; if tied, the vehicle on the right goes first.

What does a solid yellow line indicate when it comes to passing?

Neither lane can pass, except when making a left turn.

What is the purpose of a shared center lane?

It is reserved for making left turns or permitted U-turns.

What should you do if you are parking downhill?

Turn your front wheels toward the curb or edge of the road.

What does a yellow curb or line indicate?

No stopping, standing, or parking allowed.

Where is parking prohibited in relation to a crosswalk?

Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

What is the minimum distance to park from a fire hydrant?

Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

What is the speed limit in school zones?

20 mph.

What is the speed limit in business districts?

25 mph.

What is the speed limit on two-lane roads?

50 mph.

What is the speed limit on controlled access highways?

65 mph.

What should you do when passing a bicycle?

Change lanes if necessary and give at least 3 feet of room.

What is a bike box?

An area designated for bicyclists to wait safely at intersections.

What are the responsibilities of an adult cyclist?

Control the bicycle, be aware of traffic, be seen, and be predictable.

What must cyclists do at stop signs?

Stop at all stop signs at intersections with 3+ lanes or if a vehicle is already stopped.

What should you be particularly alert for when driving near motorcycles?

Motorcycles are not easily identified and can be hard to see.

What is the recommended following distance behind a motorcycle at speeds under 40 mph?

A two-second count.

What should you do when passing a truck?

Check front and rear, move into the passing lane only if clear.

What does it mean if a truck driver blinks their lights after you pass?

It is clear to pull back into the lane.

What is the 'No-Zone' in relation to trucks?

Blind spots around trucks where visibility is limited.

What should you do if you cannot pass a bicycle safely?

Follow the bicycle until it is safe to pass.

What are advisory speed signs?

Recommended speeds that can be exceeded but should be approached with caution.

What must bicyclists have when riding at night?

A white headlight visible for 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible for 600 feet.

What should you do if a truck is preparing to back up?

Never try to cross behind the truck.

What is the maximum speed limit on divided roads with four or more lanes?

55 mph.

What is required of minors riding bicycles?

They must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.

What should cyclists do when riding in a wide lane?

Cycle on the right side as long as it is safe.

What should you do if the roadway is slippery when following a motorcycle?

Increase your following distance.

What is a common cause of motorcycle crashes during left turns?

Left turns account for a large percentage of crashes for motorcycles.

What is the consequence of not wearing a headset while cycling?

You must not wear a headset covering both ears.

What is the rule regarding carrying passengers on a bicycle?

You can only carry a passenger if your bike is designed for it.

What should you do before passing a truck?

Check your front and rear, then move into the passing lane only if it is clear and you are in a legal passing zone.

How can you signal a truck driver that you are passing?

Blink your headlights, especially at night.

What does it mean if a truck driver blinks their lights after you pass?

It is a signal that it is clear to pull back in.

How far should you maintain distance from the back of a truck?

At least four seconds.

What should you never do when a truck is preparing to back up?

Never try to cross behind the truck.

Why should you be especially alert for motorcycles at intersections?

Motorcycles have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles, and they are not easily identified in traffic.

What is the width of a motorcycle compared to an automobile?

Motorcycles are about two feet wide, while automobiles are five to six feet wide.

What is the recommended following distance behind a motorcyclist at speeds under 40 mph?

A two-second count.

What should you do when a motorcycle's turn signal is on?

Make sure the rider is actually turning before acting, as turn signals are not automatically self-canceling.

What is the danger of windy conditions for motorcyclists?

Wind can move a motorcycle out of its lane of travel.

What should you do to ensure safety when riding a bicycle?

Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times and yield to pedestrians.

What is required for bicyclists who are minors?

They must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.

What must bicyclists do at stop signs?

They must stop at all stop signs at intersections with three or more lanes or if a motor vehicle is already stopped at the stop sign.

What is the purpose of shared lane markings?

To help bicyclists position themselves on the road, ensure safe passing by motorists, reduce wrong-way bicycling, and remind that the lane can be used by both cyclists and motorists.

What should you do if the roadway is slippery or wet when following a motorcyclist?

Increase your following distance.

What can cause a motorcyclist to change speed or direction unexpectedly?

Gravel, debris, pavement seams, small animals, and manhole covers.

What should you do when turning left to avoid motorcycle crashes?

Look twice to ensure there isn't a motorcycle, as left turns account for a large percentage of motorcycle crashes.

What is illegal and hazardous when it comes to motorcycles?

Moving into the same lane alongside a motorcycle, even if the lane is wide.