Massachusetts Driver's Permit and Traffic Rules

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering Massachusetts driver's permit rules, traffic signals, and safety protocols based on the lecture notes.

Class C Learners Permit

Can be applied for at the minimum age of 16 years old in Massachusetts.

Learners Permit Validity

The learners permit in Massachusetts is valid for two years.

Surrendering Out of State License

This is required to convert a driver's license from another US state to Massachusetts.

Steady Green Circle Traffic Signal

Indicates to proceed but yield to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles.

Hours of Supervised Driving Required

A Junior Operator must complete forty hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian.

Red Octagonal Sign

This sign means to stop.

Regulatory Signs Color

Regulatory signs are generally red and white.

Mobile Phone Use Penalty for Drivers Under 18

A first offense results in a thirty day license suspension and a driver retraining course.

Red Flashing Light Action

You should stop and proceed when safe at a red flashing light.

Distance From Bicycle When Passing

You must keep a minimum of four feet between your car and a bicycle when passing.

Headlight Activation

Headlights must be turned on when visibility is less than 500 feet, 30 minutes after sunset, or during rain.

Brakes Fail Action

If brakes fail, pump the brake pedal rapidly, shift to a lower gear, and use the parking brake gently.

Driver Removal Law After Minor Crash

Requires to move the vehicle out of the travel lane to a safe location.

Solid White Lane Indication

Indicates lanes with traffic moving in the same direction, discouraging lane changes.

Broken Yellow Line Next to Solid Yellow Line

Indicates that passing is allowed on the side of the broken line.

White Triangular Symbol Meaning

Indicates to yield to other traffic.

Turn Signal Distance on Highway

You should signal at least 500 feet before making a turn.

School Bus Red Light Penalty

Not stopping for a school bus with red lights results in a $500 fine.

Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration Limit over 21

The limit is 0.08%.

Refusal of Chemical Test Consequence

Refusal results in immediate license suspension.

Consequences of Drag Racing Offense

A first offense for a junior operator results in a one-year license suspension.

Penalties for First OUI Offense

Includes fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

Minimum Distance to Park from Fire Hydrant

You must park at least 10 feet away from a fire hydrant.

Parallel Parking Distance from Curb

Your car must be within 18 inches of the curb.

Distance to Keep from Children in Residential Area

Reduce speed and proceed with caution.

Vulnerable Road User Definition

Includes pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other non-motorized users.

Minimum Safe Passing Distance for Pedestrians

Should be at least four feet.

Flashing Yellow Traffic Signal Meaning

Indicates to proceed with caution.

Right of Way at Four Way Stop

The vehicle on the right has the right of way.

Left Turn Yielding Requirement

You must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when making a left turn.

Green Arrow with Red Light

Indicates you may proceed in the direction of the arrow after yielding.

Handling Vehicle Headlights at Night

Reduce speed and increase following distance.

Handling Bright Headlights from Oncoming Vehicle

Look to the right edge of your lane as a guide.

Driving in Heavy Rain Action

Use low beams and slow down.

Hydroplaning Definition

Occurs when tires lose contact with the road due to water.

First Action if Vehicle Overheats

Pull over and turn off the engine.

What to Do if Tire Goes Out

Grip the steering wheel firmly and slow down gradually.

Action for Engine Fire

Exit the vehicle and call for help.

Stalling Near Train Tracks Action

Exit the vehicle and move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle.

Preventing Rear End Collision

Use the three-second rule.

License Suspension for Junior Operator's First Speeding Offense

The suspension lasts for 90 days.

First Offense Penalty for Junior Operator Drag Racing

One-year license suspension.

Convicted OUI First Time Consequences

Includes fines, mandatory alcohol education program, and license suspension.

Consequences of Refusal of Chemical Test

Immediate license suspension.

License Suspension for Junior Operator using Mobile Phone

Sixty-day suspension for a first offense.

Speeding Fines in Work Zone

Fines are doubled.

Passing Distance Requirement for Vulnerable Road Users

Must leave a minimum passing distance of four feet.

Action for Emergency Vehicle with Flashing Lights

Pull over to the right and stop.

Crossing Outside of Crosswalk Action

Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary.

Yielding at Roundabout Action

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

Driving Through Flooded Roadway Action

Turn around and find an alternate route.

Step for Stuck Gas Pedal

Shift to neutral and steer to a safe area.

Driving Downhill Action

Shift to a lower gear.

Dealing with Hydroplaning

Ease off the accelerator and steer straight.

Distracted Driving Definition

Includes any activity that diverts attention from driving.

Using Mobile Phone in Emergency

Stop in a safe location before using the phone.

Three Second Rule Purpose

To maintain a safe distance.

Residential Area Driving Caution

Watch for children and pass through cautiously.

Avoiding Collision with Other Drivers

Change lanes or pull over when safe.

Sharp Curve Handling Action

Slow down before entering the curve.

Safest Way to Check Blind Spot

Check mirrors and turn your head to ensure clear before changing lanes.

Merging Vehicles on Highway Action

Move over if possible or adjust speed to let them merge.

Driver on Major Road at T Intersection

Has the right of way; side road driver must yield.

Double Solid Yellow Line Meaning

No passing in either direction.

Legal U-turn Requirement

Check for traffic and ensure a U-turn is legal.

Yellow Diamond Shaped Sign with Black Cross Meaning

Indicates an intersection ahead.

Red and White Triangular Sign Meaning

Indicates to yield.

Blue Traffic Sign Purpose

Provides directions to rest areas, hospitals, or services.

No U-Turn Sign Meaning

U-turns are prohibited at any time.

White Rectangular Sign with Black Letters Function

Indicates regulatory structures like speed limits.

Yielding to Pedestrians Requirement

At any crosswalk, marked or unmarked.

Passing Bicycle Action

Leave at least four feet and pass at a safe speed.

Helmets Requirement Age for Bicyclists

Riders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets.

Driving Nearest Bicyclists Action

Be patient and wait for a safe opportunity to pass.

Cyclist in Your Lane Action at Intersection

Yield and let the cyclist proceed first.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Legal Limit for Drivers

0.02% is illegal.”},{

Minimum License Suspension for Second DUI

Two years.

Refusal of Chemical Protection Consequence in Massachusetts

Immediate license suspension.

Effect of Alcohol on Driving

Slows reaction time and impairs judgment.

Ignition Interlock Device Purpose

Prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver's BAC is above a certain level.

Approaching School Bus with Flashing Red Lights Action

Stop at least 20 feet away.

Merging Vehicle Handling on Multi-lane Highway

Move over if possible or adjust speed to let them merge.

Entering Highway from On Ramp Action

Accelerate to match the speed of traffic.

Purpose of HOV Lanes

To reduce traffic congestion by promoting carpooling.

Responding to Aggressive Driver Action

Allow them to pass and avoid confrontation.

Illegal Parking Distance from Railway Crossing in Massachusetts

At least 50 feet from a crossing.

Illegal Parking on Public Road Reasons

All of the above.

Parking Distance from Stop Sign in Massachusetts

20 feet.

action if Parked Vehicle Rolls Away

Immediately enter and apply the brake.

Parallel Parking Distance from Curb Maximum

Must not be more than 12 inches.

Action if Involved in Crash

Exchange information and follow a crash report if damage exceeds $1,000.

Driver Retraining Course Purpose

To improve driver attitudes and reduce risky behavior.

Following Police Officer Directing Traffic Action

Ignore traffic signals and follow the officer's instructions.

Locating Towed Vehicle Action

Check with local police.

Responsibility for Passengers Under 60 Seat Belts

The driver is responsible.

Flashing Red Light Meaning

Stop for safety.

Yellow Circular Sign with Black X Meaning

Indicates railroad crossing ahead.

Two Solid White Lines on Pavement Meaning

Lane changes are not allowed.

Blue H Sign Meaning

Indicates hazardous area ahead.

Truck Drivers' Preparation for Downhill

Be prepared for a steep downgrade ahead.