Massachusetts Driver's License Rules and Road Safety Regulations

What is the minimum distance you can park from a crosswalk?

20 feet

When parking on any hill WITHOUT a curb, which way do you turn your front wheels?

Toward the right (where the curb would be, so the car rolls off the road)

What is the "Fundamental Speed Law"?

You must never drive faster than is safe for current road, weather, or traffic conditions, regardless of the posted limit

What does a broken yellow line on the road mean?

It separates traffic moving in opposite directions, and passing is allowed when safe

Under the JOL passenger restriction, who are you allowed to drive?

Anyone 18 or older, or immediate family members (unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21+ with 1 year experience)

What is the penalty for a JOL holder's 1st offense cell phone/texting violation?

60-day suspension, $100 fine, a retraining course, and you must retake the tests

What is the license suspension period for a JOL holder's 1st speeding offense?

90 days

What is the license suspension period for a JOL holder's 1st drag racing offense?

1 year

What is the license reinstatement fee for a JOL speeding or drag racing violation?

$500

What is the license suspension period for a 1st offense JOL passenger or curfew restriction violation?

60 days

What is the license reinstatement fee for a JOL passenger or curfew restriction violation?

$100

What two courses must a JOL holder take after a speeding or drag racing suspension?

Driver Attitudinal Retraining Course AND the SCARR program (State Courts Against Road Rage)

According to MA law, when must your headlights be turned on?

From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, AND anytime windshield wipers are in use

What is the fine in Massachusetts for failing to clear ice and snow off your vehicle?

$200 (under the "impeded operation" law)

What is the additional Youth Alcohol Program (YAP) suspension for a breathalyzer refusal if you are under 18?

1 year (runs consecutively after the 3-year refusal suspension)

What does a white diamond painted on the pavement mean?

It indicates an HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane, restricted to carpools, buses, or legal exceptions

What is the meaning of a pennant-shaped (sideways triangle) sign?

No Passing Zone (always placed on the left side of the road facing the driver)

What shape is a School Zone or School Crossing sign?

A pentagon (five-sided shape, looks like a house pointing up)

What does a round/circular yellow sign indicate?

Railroad crossing ahead

What do a row of painted white triangles across a lane (often called "shark teeth") mean?

A yield line, showing the exact point you must stop when yielding to cross traffic

What shape is a standard Yield sign?

An inverted triangle (pointing down)

What does a solid yellow line on your side of the center divider mean?

Passing is prohibited on your side

What does a red circle with a white horizontal bar across the middle mean?

Do Not Enter

What does a crossbuck sign (two crossed white strips with black lettering) mean?

Railroad crossing (functions like a yield sign at the tracks)

What is the minimum distance you can legally park from a fire station driveway?

20 feet

How many feet away from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high-beam headlights?

500 feet

What is the minimum safe following distance behind another vehicle in ideal conditions?

2 to 3 seconds (The 3-Second Rule)

What is the standard speed limit outside a thickly settled district on an unposted road?

40 mph

What is the standard speed limit on a highway outside a thickly settled district if unposted?

50 mph

What is the safe passing distance you must maintain when overtaking a bicyclist or pedestrian?

At least 4 feet

At what speed can your tires lose all contact with the road and start hydroplaning?

As low as 35 mph (complete loss of control can happen by 55 mph)

When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop sign out, you must stop unless...

You are on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a physical barrier

If you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights behind you, what should you do?

Pull over to the right edge of the road and come to a complete stop

When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time, who has the right-of-way?

The vehicle on the right

When entering a rotary or roundabout, who has the right-of-way?

Vehicles already inside the rotary

What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

Come to a complete stop, treat it like a stop sign, and go when clear

What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

Proceed with caution, slow down, and look for hazards

When parking uphill WITH a curb, which way do you turn your front wheels?

Away from the curb (Left)

When parking downhill WITH a curb, which way do you turn your front wheels?

Toward the curb (Right)

What does a solid white line on the road mean?

It separates lanes moving in the same direction, and you should stay in your lane (no passing/switching)

What does the "Implied Consent Law" mean?

By having a license, you automatically agree to take a breathalyzer/chemical test if suspected of an OUI

What is the suspension period for a junior operator (under 18) who gets a speeding ticket for the first time?

90 days

What does JOL stand for in Massachusetts?

Junior Operator License

What is the age range for a Junior Operator (JOL) in Massachusetts?

16 ½ to 18 years old

For how long does the JOL passenger restriction last after getting your license?

The first 6 months

What are the JOL night restriction (curfew) hours?

12:30 AM to 5:00 AM

What is the only exception to driving during the JOL curfew hours?

If you are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in the front passenger seat

What is the Massachusetts cell phone law for drivers under the age of 18?

You cannot use any mobile electronic device at all, even in hands-free mode

If a JOL holder gets a speeding or drag racing violation, do they have to retake the permit exam and road test?

Yes, you must retake and pass both to get your license back

What does the Massachusetts "Move Over Law" require you to do?

Change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or highway maintenance vehicles with flashing lights

What is the Massachusetts legal BAC limit for drivers under 21?

0.02% (Zero Tolerance Policy)

What is the Massachusetts legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older?

0.08%

How many questions are on the actual official MA RMV permit/knowledge test?

25 questions

How many questions must you answer correctly to pass the official MA RMV permit test?

18 questions (72%)

What is the time limit given to complete the official MA RMV permit test?

25 minutes

What does a steady red arrow traffic signal mean?

You must come to a complete stop and you cannot turn in the direction of the arrow

What does a "sharrow" pavement marking (a bicycle with two chevrons/arrows above it) mean?

Shared Lane Marking—reminds drivers that bicyclists may occupy the full lane

What shape are standard hazard warning signs?

Diamond-shaped

What color are signs used for public recreation, parks, and scenic points?

Brown

What color are temporary construction and maintenance warning signs?

Orange

What color are school zones, pedestrian crossings, and bicycle crossing signs?

Fluorescent yellow-green

What does a double solid yellow line mean?

Passing is prohibited in both directions

What does a white rectangular sign with a black curved arrow pointing around a solid shape mean?

Keep Right (usually found at traffic islands, medians, or dividers)

What is the minimum distance you must stay behind a school bus?

100 feet

How many feet away from a stopped trolley/streetcar step must you remain?

8 feet

How many feet before a turn must you signal on a city street or normal road?

100 feet

How many feet before a turn or exit must you signal on a highway?

500 feet

When parallel parking, your wheels must be within how many inches of the curb?

12 inches

What is the minimum distance you can legally park from an intersection?

20 feet

What is the minimum distance you can legally park from a fire hydrant?

10 feet

How many feet away from a vehicle you are following must you dim your high beams?

200 feet

What is the legal speed limit in a school zone when children are present?

20 mph

What is the legal speed limit in a thickly settled or business district unless posted otherwise?

30 mph

What is a "thickly settled district"?

An area where houses/buildings are less than 200 feet apart for at least a quarter of a mile

What is the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for drivers over the age of 21?

0.08%

What is the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for drivers under the age of 21?

0.02% (Zero Tolerance Policy)

If you are under 21 and refuse a breathalyzer test, what is the automatic administrative license suspension length?

3 years

What color are signs that indicate motorist services like gas, food, lodging, and hospitals?

Blue