Comprehensive Maryland Driver Safety & Road Rules Lecture

A complete set of 96 question-and-answer flashcards covering Maryland driving risk management, roadway rules, signals, markings, weather driving, large vehicles, motorcycles, ADAS, crash procedures, bicycling, and e-bike regulations.

What are three key ways to manage driving risk?

Adjust your speed and direction for conditions, maintain full vehicle control, and increase your response time.

How can you communicate your driving intentions to others?

By using turn signals, brake lights, and hand signals.

Should you assume other drivers will follow the rules of the road?

No—never assume. Always stay alert and cautious.

What does it mean to “yield the right-of-way”?

Allow other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists to go before you.

At a four-way stop, who has the right-of-way when two drivers arrive at the same time?

The driver on the right.

When must you yield while making a left turn?

Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

When another vehicle is passing you, what must you do?

Stay in your lane and do not increase your speed.

When are you NOT allowed to pass another vehicle?

In no-passing zones, near hills or curves, within 100 ft of intersections/railroads/bridges, or when solid yellow lines are present.

What does a steady red arrow indicate?

Come to a complete stop in the direction of the arrow and remain stopped until it turns green.

What does a steady yellow arrow signal?

The protected turn light is ending; slow down and prepare to stop.

What does a steady green arrow mean?

Proceed in that direction while yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.

What does a flashing red traffic signal mean?

Stop completely, then proceed when the way is clear. At rail crossings you must stop even if no train is visible.

What does a flashing yellow signal mean?

Slow down and proceed with caution.

What does a flashing red arrow mean?

Stop completely, then proceed in the arrow’s direction only when safe.

What does a red “X” lane signal mean?

Never drive in that lane.

What does a green arrow lane signal mean?

You may drive in that lane.

What does a steady yellow “X” over a lane mean?

Prepare to leave that lane soon; it will close to traffic.

What does a flashing yellow “X” over a lane mean?

You may use that lane only for a left turn (shared left-turn lane).

What does a single broken white line indicate?

You may change lanes; traffic is moving in the same direction.

What does a single broken yellow line indicate?

Traffic moves in opposite directions and passing is allowed if it is safe.

What does a solid yellow line on the left edge mark?

The left edge of divided highways or one-way roads.

What do double solid yellow lines mean?

No passing in either direction, but left turns across the lines are allowed when safe.

What do side-by-side solid and broken yellow lines mean?

Passing is allowed only on the side with the broken line.

When must you turn on your headlights?

Whenever you cannot see 1,000 ft ahead or whenever you use windshield wipers in bad weather.

When should you use low-beam headlights?

During rain, fog, snow, in tunnels, and for normal night driving with streetlights.

When must you switch from high beams to low beams?

Within 500 ft of oncoming traffic or within 300 ft of a vehicle you are following.

Which headlights should you use in fog?

Low beams only (and fog lights if available).

What should you do if fog becomes too thick to drive safely?

Pull completely off the road and turn on emergency flashers.

How can you help prevent skidding on icy roads?

Slow down, avoid hard braking, and pump the brakes if you lack ABS.

How can you stay safe in bad weather?

Increase following distance, reduce speed, avoid sudden moves, and check tire tread.

Name two equipment checks to make in fog or bad weather.

Ensure windshield wipers work well and turn on headlights so others can see you.

What generally causes a skid?

A loss of traction—often from sand, gravel, water, or oil on the road.

What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

Ease off pedals, steer into the skid, and look where you want to go.

What is hydroplaning?

When tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road surface.

How can you prevent hydroplaning?

Slow down and maintain good tire tread and inflation.

What should you do if you start to hydroplane?

Lift off the accelerator, avoid braking, and steer straight until traction returns.

What color are work-zone signs?

Orange.

Give two safety tips for driving in work zones.

Stay alert and obey posted speed limits.

Who has the right-of-way in a traffic circle?

Vehicles already circulating in the circle.

What should you do when entering a traffic circle?

Slow down, yield to traffic in the circle, and stay to the right of the center island.

When should you signal while in a traffic circle?

Signal right just before your exit.

What is the purpose of an acceleration lane on a highway?

To allow you to match the speed of highway traffic before merging.

Which highway lane is intended for slower drivers?

The right lane.

What should you do when exiting a highway?

Move to the right lane early and slow down in the deceleration lane.

During a funeral procession, which lights should participating drivers use?

Headlights and hazard lights.

May vehicles in a funeral procession drive through red lights?

Yes, if they are part of the procession and traffic permits.

What must other drivers do when a funeral procession is passing?

Yield until the entire procession has passed.

What speed classifies a slow-moving vehicle?

25 mph or less.

What does an orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle mean?

The vehicle is slow-moving and travels at 25 mph or less.

What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit in Maryland?

0.08%.

Can you be charged with impaired driving below 0.08 % BAC?

Yes, impairment charges can be filed at lower BAC levels.

What are Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS)?

Drugs that can impair driving ability.

What should you check on prescription or OTC medications before driving?

If they make you drowsy or impaired

Give examples of aggressive driving.

Speeding, tailgating, and unsafe passing maneuvers.

How can you avoid road rage situations?

Be patient, obey traffic laws, and use signals courteously.

Is hand-held cell-phone use legal while driving in Maryland?

No, it is prohibited.

Is hands-free phone use legal for all drivers?

Only drivers aged 18 + may use hands-free; younger drivers cannot.

What is the safest option if you must make a phone call while driving?

Pull over safely before calling.

Why is drowsy driving dangerous?

It causes slow reactions and poor focus, similar to drunk driving.

Name two signs that you are too tired to drive.

Yawning repeatedly and drifting between lanes (also missing exits).

Why do large trucks swing left before turning right?

To make wide right turns—never pass them on the right side.

When is it safe to merge back in front of a truck after passing?

When you can see both truck headlights in your rearview mirror.

Why should you not stop past the stop line at intersections when trucks are turning?

You may block the truck’s turning path.

Why is cutting sharply in front of a truck dangerous?

Trucks take much longer—up to a football field—to stop.

What are “No-Zones” around large trucks?

The large blind spots on the truck’s front, back, and both sides.

How do you know you are in a truck’s side No-Zone?

If you cannot see the driver’s face in the mirror, the driver cannot see you.

What is the risk of driving closely behind a truck?

You are in the Rear No-Zone and may not be visible to the driver.

Why should you avoid crossing behind a backing truck?

The driver cannot see directly behind the vehicle, making it dangerous.

When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?

At least 20 ft from the front or back of the bus.

Why are motorcycles harder to see in traffic?

They are smaller and can be hidden in blind spots.

When must you yield to a motorcycle?

Always when turning left or entering traffic where they are approaching.

Should you ever share a lane side-by-side with a motorcycle?

No—the motorcycle needs the entire lane.

What minimum following distance should you allow behind a motorcycle?

At least 3–4 seconds.

Can motorcycles slow down without using their brake lights?

Yes, to avoid hazards such as gravel, wet surfaces, or railroad tracks.

How should you pass a motorcycle safely?

Leave extra space, pass completely, and make sure you see the headlight in your mirror before merging.

What should you do if a group of motorcycles is ahead of you?

Signal early, wait for a safe opening, or let the group pass.

What is the purpose of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)?

To help with lane keeping, crash avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and other safety tasks.

Should you rely fully on ADAS features?

No—you must remain alert and in control at all times.

What conditions can limit ADAS effectiveness?

Rain, fog, snow, hills, and sharp curves.

What should you do before using ADAS in your vehicle?

Learn how it works from the owner’s manual or dealership demonstration.

Give two key safety tips for maintaining ADAS.

Keep sensors clean and software updated; never over-rely on the system.

List five situations when you must call police after a crash.

1) Someone is injured, 2) a vehicle cannot be moved, 3) DUI is suspected, 4) a driver has no license, 5) a driver leaves without providing information, or 6) public property is damaged.

With a provisional license (under 18), who may ride with you during the first 151 days?

Only immediate family members or passengers when a qualified supervising driver is present.

May learners or provisional license holders use a phone while driving?

No, not even hands-free, except for dialing 911 in an emergency.

How should bicyclists ride on the road?

On the right side, single file, in a predictable manner.

Which traffic signs and lights must bicyclists obey?

The same ones that apply to motor vehicles, while yielding to pedestrians.

What is the basic procedure for a bicyclist turning?

Look, signal the turn, and use the appropriate lane position.

Name two options for bicyclists making a left turn.

1) Move to the left turn lane and turn like a car, or 2) dismount and cross as a pedestrian.

What safety tip should bicyclists follow on wet roads?

Brake early and avoid slick surfaces such as metal grates or painted lines.

What lighting equipment is required for bicycling at night?

A white front light visible from 500 ft and a red rear reflector visible from 600 ft, plus bright clothing recommended.

Who is required to wear a bicycle helmet in Maryland?

Riders under 16 must wear one, and it is recommended for all ages.

List three pieces of required bicycle equipment.

Brakes that stop within 15 ft, front/rear lights/reflectors, and a child seat or rack for carrying items if needed.

What is an e-bike?

A bicycle with pedals plus an electric motor of 750 W or less and 2–3 wheels.

Describe the three e-bike classes.

Class 1: pedal-assist up to 20 mph; Class 2: motor-propelled up to 20 mph; Class 3: pedal-assist up to 28 mph.

What is a low-speed electric vehicle (stand-up variety)?

A single-rider device under 100 lb with 2–3 wheels and a top speed of 20 mph.

Are there places where e-bikes or low-speed electric vehicles cannot be ridden?

Yes—rules vary, so always check local laws and posted signs.