Ohio Traffic Laws & Safe Driving Practices

Flashcards about Ohio Traffic Laws and Safe Driving Practices based on the provided lecture notes.

When is it acceptable to drive on the left half of the roadway due to an obstruction?

You must yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction on the unobstructed portion of the highway.

What are the rules for driving in multiple lane roads?

A vehicle shall be driven as closely as possible within a single lane of traffic and a turn signal must be given before lane changes.

What should you do upon the approach of an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights and an audible signal?

Immediately drive to a position parallel to the right edge or curb and stop, being careful not to block intersections, until the emergency vehicle has passed or directed otherwise.

What should drivers do when passing a stationary public safety vehicle stopped alongside the roadway with its lights flashing?

Reduce their speed and, whenever possible, change lanes to pass the emergency vehicle in a lane that is not adjacent to where the emergency vehicle stopped.

What are the rules for driving on a divided highway?

A vehicle shall not be driven over, across, or within any dividing space, barrier, or section of a highway, except through an opening or crossover established by authority.

When is it legal to turn right on red in Ohio?

It is legal to turn right after stopping at a red traffic signal unless a sign is posted forbidding it, after coming to a complete stop, and yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians.

What are the rules for making a left turn at an intersection where traffic is moving in both directions?

The driver must wait for oncoming traffic to clear the intersection before engaging a left-hand turn and is required to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

Under what limited circumstances is it legal to make a left turn after stopping at a red traffic signal?

A left turn on red may be made only from the extreme left lane of a one-way street to the extreme left lane of another one-way street, providing there is no sign posted forbidding it and after yielding to all crossing traffic and pedestrians.

How far in advance should a turn signal be given?

At least 100 feet before the intended turn, using either a mechanical signal or the appropriate hand/arm signal.

When approaching a flashing red traffic signal, what should a driver do?

Yielding to all traffic that does not have to stop.

When a school bus is stopped on a street or road with fewer than four lanes, what are the requirements for other drivers?

All traffic approaching the bus from either direction must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus and remain stopped until the bus begins to move or the bus driver signals motorists to proceed.

When a school bus is stopped on a street or road with four or more lanes, what are the requirements for other drivers?

Only traffic proceeding in the same direction as the bus must stop.

What factors affect the distance it takes to stop your vehicle?

Reaction time, speed, condition of brakes, and condition of the pavement.

When must a driver yield the right of way?

When directed by a yield sign, when crossing or entering a through highway from a smaller road, to a vehicle approaching from the right at an uncontrolled intersection, to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, on the approach of a public safety vehicle, for all vehicles in a funeral procession, and to oncoming traffic when making a left turn.

Do the passing restrictions apply in case of traffic traveling on a one way street?

The limits above do not apply to traffic traveling on a one-way street or on a roadway with two or more lanes for travel in the same direction.

What should the driver of a slower vehicle do when being passed by another vehicle?

Maintain a constant speed and stay to the right until the other driver has safely passed.

Under what conditions may a vehicle pass on the right?

When the vehicle being overtaken is about to make a left turn, or when the pavement is wide enough for two or more lines of traffic moving in the same direction as the overtaking vehicle, provided it can be done safely.

What determines reasonable speed limits?

Keep the vehicle under control in order to be able to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead. Speeds should be reasonable and dependent on conditions of traffic, road, and weather.

What is the law regarding minimum speed limits?

No person shall operate a vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or to comply with the law.

When approaching railroad crossbuck signs, what should the driver do?

The driver should slow down and be prepared to stop upon seeing or hearing a train.

Which vehicles must stop before crossing a railroad grade outside of municipalities?

Motor vehicles carrying passengers for hire, all school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

How should a vehicle be parked?

Facing the direction of traffic on that side of the street, parallel to and not more than 12 inches from the right curb. On one-way streets, vehicles may be parked parallel to and not more than 12 inches from either curb.

Where is stopping, parking, or standing prohibited?

On a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, within an intersection, within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, on a crosswalk, within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk, within 30 feet of a traffic control device, within 50 feet of a railroad crossing, or where signs prohibit.

What are the safety belt rules if you are under 18?

Under 18: the number of vehicle occupants is limited to the number of originally installed safety belts. All occupants must be wearing safety belts when the vehicle is being driven by a probationary license holder.

What are the child restraint requirements for infants and young children?

Infants and children who are either or both under the age of 4 and weigh less than 40 pounds must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat.

What are the booster seat requirements?

When any child who is at least 4 years of age but less than 8 years of age is being transported in a motor vehicle, the operator of the vehicle shall have the child properly restrained in a booster seat unless the child is 4’9” or taller.

How does Ohio law define distracted driving?

Engaging in any activity that is not necessary to the operation of a vehicle and impairs, or reasonably would be expected to impair, the ability of the operator to drive the vehicle safely.

What are the regulations regarding cell phone use and texting while driving?

It is illegal to use a handheld electronic device to write, send or read text messages. For drivers under 18, it is illegal to use any electronic device while driving, even while stopped.

What constitutes evidence of impaired driving in Ohio?

Based on physical findings by the arresting officer and the results of a blood, breath, plasma, or urine test. It is unlawful to operate a vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.

What are the penalties for a first OVI offense?

At least 72 consecutive hours in jail and court license suspension from six months to three years.

What are the penalties for using a false driver's license to purchase alcohol?

Using a falsified driver license or one that has been altered or belongs to someone else to buy alcoholic beverages results in an automatic one-year suspension of driving privileges.

What violations will result in six-point violations?

Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or any drug of abuse, failure to stop and disclose identity at the scene of a collision, willingly fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer, racing.

What speeding violations will result in four points?

Speeding violation exceeding any speed limit by 30 mph or more.

What are the penalties for drivers accumulating 12 or more points in a two-year period?

Driving privileges will be suspended for six months, proof of financial responsibility must be filed with the BMV and maintained, a remedial driving course must be taken, and a reinstatement fee must be paid.

What happens if you're convicted of operating a motor vehicle while your license is suspended?

You may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and an additional one-year driver license suspension.

How does the two-point credit system work?

A person may earn a two-point credit toward their driving record by completing an approved remedial driving course.

What financial responsibility is required?

Ohio drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage: $25,000-$50,000 for personal injury or death and $25,000 for property damage. They must provide proof any time they receive a moving traffic violation.

Why is knowledge of signs, signals and pavement markings important?

It is a necessity for safe driving.

What do warning signs do?

Alert motorists to potentially hazardous conditions.

Where are advanced warning signs erected?

Located at crossings.

What do school emphasis signs do?

Warns motorists that they are approaching a school zone, while the school crosswalk sign identifies established crossings where children are directed to cross a roadway.

What are traffic control signs for?

Traffic control signs are designed for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

What do regulatory signs do?

They regulate the movement of traffic.

What do prohibitory signs mean/represent?

The red circle and a slash is standard for all prohibitory signs and represents the word “no.”

What does yellow lines on pavement markings mean?

A - Yellow lines indicate the separation of traffic flow in opposing directions; thus, all broken lines on two-way, two-lane highways are yellow. Broken yellow lines permit passing, while solid yellow lines still indicate that passing is prohibited.

Within the requirements of What To Do In Case of a Crash, what is Step #5?

Give your name and address to any person who is injured or to the owner, operator, occupant or attendant of the other vehicle(s).

Within the requirements of What To Do In Case of a Crash, what is Step #7?

Answer all of the investigating officer’s questions, but do not discuss the crash with others.

What can you do If I hit a deer and cause its death?

You may take possession of the deer by law, as long as you report the collision to a game protector or other law enforcement officer within 24 hours.

When driving at night, why maintain a cautious reasonable speed?

By driving at a reasonable speed, you will be able to stop in the distance illuminated by your headlights.

When do lights need to be displayed?

Lights must be displayed Between sunset and sunrise andDuring any period of rain, snow, fog or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions—regardless of the time of day

If you are involved in a collission when driving in fog, what steps should you take?

If possible, get your car off the road as quickly as possible. If you cannot move your vehicle, leave your flashers and lights on and set up flares if you have them.

What are the freeway driving rules when entering?

As the driver entering the highway, you are required to yield to motorists already on the freeway; they have the right of way.

If Your Wheels Run off the Pavement, what should you never do?

Do not try to jerk the tires immediately back onto the road.

What is a rule for riding a Bicycle?

Only when walking a bicycle is a bicyclist permitted to travel facing traffic.

What is rule for pedestrians and public safety vehices?

People afoot must yield the right-of-way to public safety vehicles (ambulances, police, fire vehicles, etc.) approaching with siren sounding and lights flashing.

How does ohio law define Litter?

Under Ohio law, litter is any trash thrown, discarded or dropped by a person onto public property, private property not owned by the individual, or into Ohio’s waterways.

Under what condition is leaving a junked motor vehicle on private property, against the law?

Leaving a junked motor vehicle on private property without the consent of the owner for more than 72 hours is a violation of state law.