Section 3. An Introduction to Driving

Signals

use vehicle signal lights or use hand-and-arm position if your lights aren’t functioning or if the bright sunlight makes your signal lights hard to see

You should signal:

• at least 100 ft before you turn

• before every lane change

• at least 5 secs before you change lanes on a freeway

• before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb

• even when you do not see other vehicles around you

• when you are almost through the intersection if you plan to turn shortly after crossing the intersection

you should use your horn:

• Avoid collisions

• alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 ft ahead

• warn others of hazards

• let drivers know you are there

You should use your headlights:

• when it is too dark to see from 1,000 ft away

• beginning 30 minutes after sunset

• until 30 minutes before sunrise

• in adverse weather, if you need to use your windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow, you must turn on your low-beam headlights

• when conditions (such as clouds, dust, smoke, or fog) prevent you from seeing other vehicles

• on mountain roads and tunnels (even on sunny days)

• when a road sign states that headlights must be on

• to help other drivers see your vehicle, especially when the sun is low on the horizon

using your headlights you should:

• Dim your high-beam headlights to low beams within 500 ft of a vehicle coming towards you or within 300 ft of a vehicle you are following

• It is illegal to drive using only parking lights

You should use you emergency flashers:

• if you see a collision or hazard ahead, warn drivers behind you by turning on the emergency flashers and using a hand signal when slowing and stopping

• if you need to stop because of vehicle trouble:

  • turn on emergency flashers or turn signals

  • if possible, pull off the road away from all traffic

  • if you cannot get completely off the road, stop where people can see you and your vehicle from behind

  • do not stop just over a hilll or just around a curve

  • call for emergency roadside assistance and stay in your vehicle until help arrives