Massachusetts Driver Education – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering Massachusetts driver-education concepts: traffic signals, laws, distances, fines, devices, licensing rules, and defensive-driving terminology.

Solid Red Light

Traffic signal that means come to a complete stop.

Flashing Red Light

Stop, yield the right-of-way (as at a stop sign), then proceed with caution.

Flashing Yellow Light

Hazard or warning; slow down (sometimes stop for pedestrians, animals, or other road users).

Solid Green Light

Proceed if the way is clear; look both ways first.

Flashing Green Light

Go, but proceed with caution; crosswalk may be in use.

Solid Red/Yellow Light Combination

All traffic must stop because a pedestrian is crossing.

Solid Yellow Light

Stop if safe to do so; the signal is about to turn red.

Right Turn on Red

Permitted after a full stop unless a sign specifically forbids it.

Traffic-Signal Arrows

Arrow indications override any solid light showing at the same time.

Implied Consent Law

By accepting a driver’s license, you agree to submit to alcohol or drug testing.

Fundamental (Basic) Speed Law

You must drive at a speed that is reasonable and proper for existing conditions.

Road Markings – Primary Function

Regulate passing and define lane usage.

Intersection

Point where two roads meet to form an angle.

Divided Highway

Roadway with a physical barrier separating opposite directions of travel.

Controlled Intersection

Intersection governed by traffic lights or signs.

Uncontrolled Intersection

Intersection with no lights or signs; hardest to navigate.

Right of Way

Privilege to proceed first; it is something you give, not take.

Rear-End Collision Fault Rule

If you strike another vehicle from behind, you are automatically at fault.

Left Turn Collision Fault Rule

If you turn left across oncoming traffic and crash, fault is automatically yours.

Parallel Parking Distance

Park within 1 ft of the curb.

Fire Hydrant Parking Distance

Do not park within 10 ft of a fire hydrant.

Fire Scene Parking Distance

Stay at least 800 ft away from an active fire scene.

Trolley/Bus Step Clearance

Stop 8 ft from the bottom step of a trolley or bus.

School-Bus Stop Distance

Stop at least 100 ft behind a school bus when required.

Emergency Vehicle Following Distance

Stay 300 ft behind an emergency vehicle with lights on.

Intersection Parking Distance

Do not park within 20 ft of an intersection.

Railroad Gate Stop Distance

Stop at least 15 ft from a lowered railroad gate.

Handicap Parking Fine

$300 for parking illegally in a handicap space.

Illegal Handicap Placard Fine

$500 for misuse of a handicap placard.

Passing a School-Bus Fine

$250 for driving past a stopped school bus with lights flashing.

Seat-Belt Violation Fine

$25 per unbelted occupant age 16 or older (driver responsible for minors).

Junior Operator Cell-Phone Fine

$100 for first offense of calling or texting (JOL).

Drag-Racing Penalty – First Offense

License suspension for 1 year and $500 reinstatement fee.

Automatic Transmission

Vehicle transmission that shifts gears without driver input.

Manual/Standard Transmission

Driver shifts gears manually using a clutch and gear lever.

Ignition Switch

Key slot to start or shut off the engine, located right of the steering wheel.

Steering Wheel

Controls vehicle direction; proper hand position is ten-and-two o’clock.

Accelerator Pedal

Controls engine power and vehicle speed.

Brake Pedal

Slows or stops the vehicle.

Seat-Position Control

Adjusts seat forward, backward, or upward for comfort.

Defroster (Front)

Legally required device that clears moisture from the windshield.

Air Bags

Restraint devices that inflate at 100–120 mph to protect occupants in a crash.

Seat Belts

Legally required restraints that prevent ejection; $25 fine in MA for violations.

Structural Features

Vehicle’s metal framework designed to protect occupants.

Door Locks

Secure doors; keep them locked while driving and when parked.

Steering-Wheel Bar (The Club)

Anti-theft device that locks the steering wheel in place.

ICS – Instrument Control System

Dashboard panel displaying gauges and indicators.

Horn

Audible communication device to alert others.

Directionals (Turn Signals)

Blinking lights that indicate intention to turn or change lanes.

Hazard Lights

Flashers used to warn others of a stopped or slow-moving vehicle.

Road Markings – White Lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction.

Road Markings – Yellow Lines

Separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

Passing on the Right – Condition 1

Allowed on a one-way street.

Passing on the Right – Condition 2

Allowed when the car ahead is making a left turn.

Passing on the Right – Condition 3

Allowed on multilane highways with same-direction traffic.

UCLA Rule

Uphill with Curb, turn wheels Left; all other parking situations, wheels Right.

License Class D

Standard passenger-vehicle driver’s license in Massachusetts.

License Class M

Motorcycle driver’s license.

License Class C

Commercial license for large passenger vehicles or hazardous-materials trucks.

Learner’s Permit Passenger Restriction

Only a licensed driver age 21+ with 1-year experience may ride in the front seat.

Learner’s Permit Night Restriction

No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. without a qualified adult.

Six-Month Clean-Record Requirement

Permit holder must remain violation-free for 6 months before road test.

Junior Operator License (JOL) Passenger Rule

No passengers (except siblings) for first 6 months unless supervised by a qualified adult.

Safe Driver Insurance Plan

State program that shifts higher insurance costs to high-risk drivers.

Inspection Sticker

Annual vehicle safety inspection; sticker month equals inspection month.

Excise Tax

Yearly municipal tax based on vehicle value; must be paid within 30 days each March.

General Speed-Limit Rule

Massachusetts speed limits end in zero unless posted otherwise.

School-Zone Speed Limit

20 mph.

Thickly Settled District Speed

25–30 mph where buildings are <200 ft apart for ¼ mile.

Unthickly Settled District Speed

40 mph in rural or farmland areas.

Divided Highway Speed

50 mph unless posted otherwise.

Rotary

Large circular intersection with 40 mph advisory speed; traffic flows counter-clockwise.

Roundabout

Smaller circular intersection with 20 mph advisory speed; traffic flows counter-clockwise.

U-Turn

Maneuver that turns the vehicle in the opposite direction from the lane nearest the center line.

Signal Distance – Roads

Activate turn signal at least 100 ft before the turn.

Signal Distance – Highways

Activate turn signal at least 500 ft before the maneuver.

SIPDE Process

Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute – five-step defensive-driving routine.

Spider / SIPDE ‘Search’

Constant visual scanning for hazards inside and outside the vehicle.

Two-Second Rule

Minimum following distance behind another vehicle in clear conditions.

Four-Second Rule (Motorcycles)

Increase following distance to four seconds behind motorcycles in clear conditions.

Tailgating

Following another vehicle too closely, often used to intimidate.

Smith System – Core Principle

Keep eyes moving, communicate, and aim high in steering; no ‘predict’ step.

Worn-Tire Law

Driving on extremely worn or damaged tires is illegal.

Required Brake Lights

Vehicles must have three functioning rear brake lights.