drive

Speed Limit on Highways

65 mph unless posted otherwise.

Speed Limit on Two-Lane Undivided Highways

55 mph.

Speed Limit in Residential Areas

25 mph, or 15 mph in alleys or near railroad crossings without gates/signals.

Stopping for School Buses

Must stop in both directions when bus has flashing red lights unless on a divided highway.

Right-of-Way at 4-Way Stops

Yield to the vehicle on your right.

Yielding to Pedestrians

Yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

Turning on Red

You can turn right after stopping unless prohibited by a sign.

Legal U-Turns in Residential Areas

Legal if no approaching traffic within 200 feet or when protected by a traffic sign/light.

Signal Use Before Turning

Signal at least 100 feet before turning.

Lane Change Procedure

Check mirrors, signal, and check blind spots before changing lanes.

Double Solid Yellow Lines

No passing; may cross to turn left, enter/exit a driveway, or make a U-turn if safe and legal.

Solid Yellow with Broken Yellow Lines

You may pass if the broken line is on your side.

Center Left Turn Lanes

Used to start or complete a left turn, or make a U-turn when permitted.

Following Distance Rule

Use the 3-second rule, or more in bad weather.

Headlight Usage

Use 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and in bad weather under 1,000 feet visibility.

Dim High Beams Rule

Dim when within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet of a vehicle you’re following.

Yielding in Roundabouts

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

Speed Limit at Blind Intersections

15 mph if you can’t see 100 feet in either direction.

Speed Limit at Railroad Crossings

15 mph within 100 feet if you can’t see 400 feet in both directions.

Hand-held Cell Phone Use

Illegal for all drivers; hands-free devices only.

Seat Belt Requirement

Required for driver and all passengers.

Child Passenger Safety Rule

Children under 8 years or 4’9” must be in a federally approved child safety seat.

Alcohol Limit for Drivers Under 21

0.01%.

Flashing Red Light Action

Stop completely, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Yellow Light Action

Slow down, proceed with caution.

Yellow Curb Usage

Loading and unloading passengers/freight only.

Red Curb Rules

No stopping, standing, or parking.

White Curb Rules

Stop only long enough to pick up/drop off passengers.

Blue Curb Usage

Parking for disabled placard/license plate holders only.

Octagon Sign Shape Meaning

Stop sign.

Triangle Sign Shape Meaning

Yield sign, slow down and yield right-of-way.

Diamond-shaped Signs Meaning

Warn of specific road hazards.

Pentagon-shaped Signs Meaning

School zone/crossing.

Skidding Response

Steer in the direction of the skid.

Brake Failure Action

Pump brakes, downshift, and use emergency brake.

Fog Driving Recommendation

Use low-beam headlights; never high beams.

Hydroplaning Response

Ease off accelerator; don’t brake suddenly.

Mountain Roads Right-of-Way Rule

Vehicle going uphill has the right-of-way if vehicles meet head-on.

Headlight Use in Rain/Fog/Snow

Turn on headlights and windshield wipers.

Carpool (HOV) Lanes

Only for vehicles with the required number of occupants (usually 2+).

License Suspension Consequence

May occur if caught driving with a BAC of 0.08%+ or refusing a chemical test.

Smoking in Vehicle with Minor

Illegal to smoke with anyone under 18 in the car.

Accident Reporting Requirement

Must report to DMV within 10 days if injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.