2024 AR Permit
Illegal to drive or sit front seat w/o belt
6 years and under 60 lbs need safety seat
Under 15 yrs must wear belt
Can’t knowingly smoke w child under 14 in car
Littering will give $1000 fine and 8 hrs community service 1st offenders
Subsequent convictions go to $2000 and 24 hrs
In 5 min on a 90 degree day temp in vehicle reaches same as outdoors
every 9 min temp increases 15 degrees
Emergency vehicle w lights and sirens, u must pull over furthest right
If in intersection, cross then pull over
In multilane highway, must move over to furthest lane from any law enforcement vehicle w/ lights on
Violation means $1000 fine, jail time, community service, and/or license suspension up to 6 months
Stop when school bus had red lights flashing until it turns off in same lane opposing lane or intersection
Not required to stop in opposite lane separated with a median at least 20 ft in width
Greatest school bus danger zones is immediately in front of the front bumper and right wheel
“Danger Zone” is all around the bus where driver can’t see
Work area signs are typically diamond shapes, orange, displaying black letters or symbols, and serve as warning that ppl r working on or near highway
Include detours, slow-moving construction equipment, poor or suddenly changing road surfaces
Many work zones have reduced speed limits and lane usage may be restricted
No reduced speed limit posted in work zones, obey normally posted speed limit
Be prepared for unexpected in work zones
Fine doubles in work zones w workers and warning signs
Traffic controls in traffic signals, traffic signs, and pavement markings; sometimes law enforcement, highway personnel, school crossing guards also control traffic
Traffic light: red-stop, yellow-caution (green changing to red; stop if safe; already stopped at intersection or stop line, don’t proceed), green-go (only if no opposing traffic)
Flashing red - same as stop sign (stop and proceed when safe)
Flashing yellow - slow down and proceed w caution
Steady red arrow - stop, don’t turn
Steady yellow arrow - stop if same (signal ready to turn red)
Flashing yellow arrow - turns permitted but yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, proceed w caution
Green arrow - can turn in direction of arrow, protected left turns (opposing traffic must stop)
Right turn on red only after stopped and checked for opposing traffic
Never block or stop vehicle in crosswalk
Can turn right on red unless there is sign prohibiting it
Stop sign - octagon with white letters
Stop, wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians clear intersection
First come first serve
Can’t tell - left yields to right / let right side go first; straight go first
Speed limit - max speed in ideal conditions (reduced on slippery/ low visibility roads)
No county road speed limit established - 40 mph; otherwise follow what’s stated
Red circle with white horizontal line - do not enter
Red circle with white diagonal line - something no allowed
Yield signs - red & white or yellow & black in triangle shape saying yield
Slow moving vehicle - orange triangle ordered w red
Warns vehicle traveling slower than normal speed of traffic
Warning signs - yellow w black letters or symbols, most diamond shape.
Warn to slow down or prepare to stop, or gives info abt special situation or hazard
Regulation signs - white square or rectangle and/or red letters/symbols
Info on traffic direction, lane usage, parking, and other special instruction
Red circle w slash means prohibited
Round yellow railroad sign - placed ahead of intersection and warns to slow down, look, listen for the train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if train coming
Pavement marking railroad sign - white stop line; mean same was round yellow sign (placed ahead of intersection and warns to slow down, look, listen for the train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if train coming)
Crossbuck railroad sign - white x shaped with black letters; marks grade crossing and requires u to yield the right-of-way to the train
Never go around crossing gates
At some railroad crossings, there will be red light that flash alternatively, means train in present
Even if no train present and light flash, do not cross
As light class, gates lower meaning train is coming
If gates close and you begin to cross, keep going even if it means breaking the gate
If no safety barrier at railroad crossing, check both directions before crossing
Railroad crossing exempt signs - crossing abandoned or use discontinues; follow local procedure abt stopping
There are warning signs w the number of tracks, meaning more than one track - sign beneath crossbuck w number of tracks present,watch for additional trains
When crossing more than one set of railroad tracks, cross only when train is well down the tracks
Never stop park on railroad
Look up and down railroad track to make sure no train
Always expect train is coming
Never underestimate speed and distance of train
Obe all railroad crossing signals
Fog line/ lane lines- solid white line on side of road telling where outer edge is
When no signs or marking for controlling the use of lane, follow general driving, passing, and turning rules
Never back a vehicle in any travel lane
Never stop in travel lanes for any reason, keep moving until u can safely pull off the road
Road w 3 or more lanes traveling in same direction remain in right lane except to pass. When lots of merging traffic, use center lane
Never drive on the shoulder of a street or road unless directed by police officer
Left lanes intended to be used to pass slower vehicles; never pass on shoulder
Pass from right lane into left lane
When no signs or lane markings to control turning, turn into lane closest to direction of travel
Avoid crossing over into the opposite lane of traffic, wide right turns cause driver behind to think you changing lanes
Avoid cutting corners when turning left, can hit vehicle approaching from left, leave room for oncoming vehicles to turn left in front of you
On multilane highway, when driving beside another vehicle, move ahead of the vehicle or drop behind it
If followed too close, move into the lane to right when clear
Yield to pedestrians crossing or abt to cross crosswalk
Pedestrians with white cane or guide dog have absolute right of way
Stop before stop line at stop sign
Illegal to drive on sidewalk unless to cross it
Drivers turning left must wild to oncoming cars traveling straight
Drivers entering traffic circle must yield to drivers already in traffic circle
Go counterclockwise in roundabouts and stay in left lane to go left and right lane to go right and either lane to go straight
Driver entering from side road (driveway, alley, or roadside) must yield to vehicles already on main road
Drivers may not enter intersection unless they can get through it wo stopping
Drivers passing vehicle must yield to vehicle being passed bc they might be trying to turn left
Must park in place far enough from street or highway or closest to curb and visible to cars approaching in either direction
When backing from parking space look through mirrors and turn around to look for pedestrians and other vehicles
Always park in a designated area if possible
Always set the parking brake when parking
Check traffic before you open door and always exit vehicle on curbside
When parallel parking, vehicle should be 18 in or less from curb
When parking on hill, turn wheels sharply away from traffic to prevent the car from rolling into traffic
No driver standing on a distinct grade can leave vehicle unattended without effectively setting the parking brake and turning the wheels to the curb or side of the highway
No parking areas have signs saying no parking
colored curbs may indicate restricted parking areas (red (fire lane) or yellow (loading zone))
Do not park:
In an intersection
On a crosswalk or sidewalk in construction area if blocks traffic
20 ft of crosswalk at intersection
30 ft of traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign
30 ft of pedestrian safety zone
15 ft of fire hydrant
50 ft of railroad crossing
Over 18 in from curb
20 ft of fire station driveway on same side of street or where proper signs are posted
Blocking a driveway, alley, private road, or area of curb removed or lowered for access to sidewalk
On bridge, overpass, tunnel, or underpass
Along a lane of opposing traffic
Designated handicapped zone wo proper tag
Along the street or highway next to another parked vehicle
On railroad tracks
Where signs say no parking
Belt should be fastened before the engine starts
Wear a diagonal belt across upper chest
Lower strap should fit upper thighs
Sit up straight in seat
No twisted belts
Hear click to make sure belt is latched into place
Further from dashboard, safer from collision
Acceleration should be pressed slowly and smoothly
Hands on steering should be placed on opposite sides
“Hand over hand” technique to control the steering wheel during sharp turns
Do not use the palm of hand to turn steering wheel
Stopping suddenly is dangerous and can cause vehicle to skid and lose control so scan road ahead and break slowly
20% of crashes were ppl outside of vehicle in 2022 due to distracted driving
3308 lives and 290000 were injured in 2022 due to distracted driving
Drivers 15-34 and 75+ more likely distracted drivers during fatal crashes
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving
5 sec off the road at 55 mph is like driving length of an entire football field eyes closed
3 types of distractions: visual (eyes off road), manual (hands off wheel), cognitive (mind off driving)
US department of transportation is trying to end distracted driving through tough laws, strong enforcement, and increase public awareness
Cell phone use only in emergency
Under 18 no cell phone allowed nor hand free device allowed
Older 18 can use hand free device
Older than 21 can use cell phone
To avoid last minute driving look ahead
1 city block in city
¼ (one quarter) mile on highway and interstates
At least 15 sec ahead
Intersections are where traffic merges or crosses
Before entering intersection look left and right and look a second like in direction of oncoming traffic before crossing
Before turning right check for approaching traffic from the left and oncoming traffic turning left in your path
Make sure u clearly see crossing traffic before entering intersection, if can’t ease forward until u can see
Occasionally watch rearview and side mirrors to know where traffic is positioned
Check for vehicles in the lane you want to enter by checking to the side and the back of your vehicle before changing lanes (check rear view and side mirrors and look over shoulder to check blind spots )
Blind sports are ear corners of vehicle that blocks other vehicles not seen through mirrors
Do not drive on either side or slightly in the rear of other vehicles
Do not stay in another vehicles blind spot and get out by speeding up or slowing down
Never stay alongside large vehicles
Check behind you before slowing down
Place right arm over back seat and turn ur body so you can see directly through the rear and side windows when backing up
Back slowly bc it’s harder to steer while backing
Headlights required when windshield wipers are needed
Turn on headlights 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise or anytime person or object can’t clearly be seen within 500 feet
High beams for no oncoming vehicles (unfamiliar roads, construction zones)
Dim high beams whenever within 500 ft of oncoming vehicle
Low beam headlights following another vehicle closer than 200 ft
Fog, snow, rain, use low headlight beams
Sound vehicle horn when person on foot or bike appears to be moving into your lane, passing a driver who starts to move or turn into our lane, driver not paying attention and doesn’t see u, approaching a location where you cannot see what is ahead
Sound sharp blast of horn when child or older person is abt to walk, run, or side into street, another car is in danger of hitting you, lose control of your vehicle and moving into lane of oncoming traffic, or in direction of pedestrians
Don’t use horn to encourage vehicles to speed up, inform other drivers of mistake, greet a friend, blind pedestrians
Emergency flashers or hazard lights warn drivers of an emergency such as broken down vehicle, or parked car on side of road
Turn signals should be used before a lane change, left or right turn, and each time ou merge into traffic or park
Signal 100 ft before the turn
Signal just after u pass through the intersection if you want to want beyond an intersection
If another vehicle is abt to enter the street between you and where u plan to turn, wait until u pass to signal ur turn
Turn signal off after you have made a turn or lane change
Passenger car talkies 225 ft to stop at 55 mph
Slow down before curve, slippery roadways, or when standing water is on the road.
On wet road reduce speed to 10 mph
On packed snow cut speed in half
On ice, must slow to a coast
First areas to freeze and last to thaw r shady sports along the roadway
Ice near freezing point can be more slippery than at temps below freezing
When raining on hot day, pavement can get slippery for 1st few min bc oil in asphalt can surface on roadway
When raining or wet road, most tires have good traction up to 35 mph
Heavy rain tires can lose traction with the road at 50 mph
Hydroplaning the fast you move the tires will start to ride up on the water (worn tires more likely)
When hydroplaning slowly take foot off the gas pedal, keep steering wheel straight and turn wheel slowly. Do not stop or turn until tires grip road again
Vehicles moving in the same direction at the same speed r less likely to hit another vehicle
Safest speed to drive is same speed as other vehicles
Going slower than other vehicles is just as bad as speeding. if vehicles accumulate behind you, pull over and let then pass
When merging try to enter at the same speed as other traffic
When getting into an exit ramp don’t slow down until you enter the ramp and try to break slowly. Use signals to tell other drivers your intentions
As you approach a vehicle that is not designed to maneuver at highway speeds, give yourself time to change lanes or slow down
Slow down in hard to maneuver locations and be prepared for situations that limit your maneuvering options
In 40 mph it takes 124 ft to stop
Use 4 second sight distance rule to see if you are driving too fast for conditions
2 second rule between vehicles to test if following too close
Keep steady speed and use signals to keep safe distance behind vehicle
If being tailgated move into right lane or slowly reduce speed to encourage tailgater to drive around you
4 second gap to merge when changing lanes or entering roadway or merging w another travel lane
When crossing multiple lanes at a time, cross 1 lane at a time
When crossing traffic, you need a large enough gap to get across the road
Even if approaching vehicle has a signal on, do not turn until the driver starters to turn then start ur turn when it’s safe
When crossing traffic leave enough space to clear any hazards, never stop in a median divider too small for ur vehicle
At 55 mph u need 10 seconds to pass (10 sec gap in oncoming traffic and sight distance to pass) (over 1600 ft or ⅓ mile to safely pass)
Don’t pass if within ¼ mile of hill or curve
Dangerous to pass where vehicle may enter or cross the road
Never pass unless u have enough space to return to the driving lane
Left lane on a multilane highway for passing only
72% of fatal crashes involving 2 or more vehicles, in which one of the vehicles is a tractor-trailer, the cause it due to a car
Fully loaded tractor-trailer 55 mph takes 335 to come to a stop
No zone for tractor trailer - 20 ft in front of cab, either side of tractor-trailer, and up to 200 ft in the rear of the truck
“If you can’t see the truck driver in the tractor side mirror, the driver can’t see u”
Avoid cutting off a truck in a traffic or on the highway to reach an exit or turn as cutting into the open space in front of a truck removes the truck driver’s cushion of safety
Take a moment to slow down and exit behind the truck
Don’t liner alongside a truck when passing, always pass a tractor-trailer completely and on left side
Don’t follow too close behind a truck
Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer, it can appear to be traveling at a slower speed than reality
Bicycles have same rights and responsibilities on the streets as other vehicles and must share lanes of traffic
Bicycles r required to travel on the right-hand side of the road w other traffic
Bicycles r not allowed to travel facing oncoming traffic
Drivers should give the cyclist the entire lane when they are passing parked cars because they tend to move toward the center of the lane (if can’t, pass with extreme caution)
Most common cause of collision is driver turning left in front of an oncoming bicycle or turning right, across the path of the bicycle
Drivers often fail to pick the bicyclist out of the traffic scene or inaccurately judge the speed of the cyclist making a left turn
Drivers overtaking a cyclist and then turning right turn in front of the cyclist can cause an accident
Merge w bicycle traffic when preparing for a right turn
Driver should attempt to gain and maintain eye contact w the bicyclist to ensure a safer turn
Never attempt to pass between a bicyclist and oncoming vehicles on a 2 lane road. Let vehicle pass then pass bicycle
Never pass bicycle if street is too narrow
If ur abt to pass a bicycle on a narrow road and think the rider doesn’t know ur coming, tap horn gently and briefly as a signal
Watch out for children riding bikes, bikes coming out of driveways, bikers at night, and bikes with red or range pennant flags (impaired hearing)
When a biker and a vehicle share the same lane, they are required to ride side by side in the same lane
Time when biker gets full lane is when biker is overtaking and passing another vehicle going in the same direction, if the lane is marked bicycles only (must never use that lane as turning lane, passing lane, or parking), the bicyclist is getting in place for a left turn at an intersection or turning left into a private road or driveway, unsafe conditions in the roadway, lane is too narrow for both car and bike to share
Over ⅔ of car/motorcycle accidents are the result of a car driver turning in front of a motorcycle
⅓ of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle
Many drivers look for cars not motorcycles
motorcycles are smaller than a car so harder to see
estimating distance and speed of motorcycle is more difficult
Motorcycle riding requires frequent lane movements to adjust to changing road conditions
Most common motorcycle crash is between car and motorcycle at an intersection when the driver if a car is making a left turn in front of a motorcycle
Over 40% of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections
Nearly 60% of those crashes were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist
Motorcyclists are often hidden in a blind spot or missed in a quick look
Road conditions that r minor annoyance to u can be major hazard for motorcyclist so they would change lanes suddenly
Strong gust of wind can move a motorcyclist across an entire lane if rider not prepared for it, wind gusts from large trucks in other land can be hazard
Large vehicles can block motorcyclists from drivers view causing it to appear out of nowhere
Signal even if you don’t see cars or motorcycles
Motorcycle signals don’t automatically cancel, don't be fooled
Allow motorcycles full lane width as they are entitled to full lane and need room to maneuver safely.
4-6 sec distance between motorcycle and u.
In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car
Must have at least 20/70 in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses
If restriction “B’ on driver lens, driver must have eyewear can can be ticketed for not wearing it
Avoid dark or tinted glasses/contact lenses at night, cut down too much light needed to see road ahead
Driving records for the hearing impaired are as good as those with good hearing
Driving epilepsy is ok if under doc care and seizure free for a yr
Diabetics who take insulin should not drive if chance of going into shock
Ppl w heart conditions r at risk of blackouts, fainting, or a heart attack and should not be behind a wheel. Ask doc before driving
Don’t drive w extreme emotions
Calm down if angry or excited
If worried or down focus on road or play radio
Impatient give extra driving time
Alcohol in involved in 38% of traffic crashes in which someone is killed
Drunk driving won’t just give fines, but also higher insurance rates, loss of license, possible ignition interlock devices, and jail sentences
Alcohol in bloodstream reaches brain in 15-40 min
First driving driving ability to be affected by alcohol is judgment
Alcohol slows reflexes/ reaction time, reduces ur ability to see clearly, and makes u less alert
A single drink is considered 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor, 6-oz glass of wine, or 12 oz container of beer
Body rids alcohol at 1 drink per hour
Only thing that will sober u up is time
Arrested while intoxicated with alcohol concentral of 0.08% or more
Charged w dwi in a crash or serious traffic offense if alcohol content between 0.08% and 0.04%
U can lose license if u refuse to take an alcohol test
Under 21, if alcohol concentration is 0.02% u can be arrested for underage drinking
Effects of drugs are worse than alcohol
Some prescription drugs and nonprescription drugs may impair driving. Check label for warning signs or ask doc or pharmacists for possible side effects before driving
Drinking alcohol while taking drugs can multiply effects or add more effects
If brake stops working pump pedal several times, use parking brake (be prepared to release the break if skid), or start shifting gears and look for a safe place to slow to a stop and get car off roadway
If tires blow out, hold steering wheel tightly and keep vehicle straight, take foot off gas and break lightly, do not stop on road if possible (pull off the road in a safe place)
If engine fails keep strong grip of steering wheel (may be hard to turn but u can turn it), and pull off the roadway (brakes still work but u may have to push hard)
If headlight goes out, try the switch a few times, put on the emergency flashers, turn signals, or fog lights, pull off road as soon as possible
If faulty accelerator, keep eyes on the road, quickly shift to neutral, pull ogg the road when safe, turn off engine
Abs (anti lock braking system) help break wo skid
W abs stopping - press pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it, if abs working may feel brake pedal pushing back, do not let up on the brake pedal as abs will only work w break pedal pushed down
Wo abs stopping - u can cause vehicle to go into skid if break too hard, apply breaks as hard as u can wo locking the brake, if brake locks vehicle will skid so quickly let up on brake, as soon as skid stops push down on brake again and keep doing this until vehicle stops
In most cases u can turn before u stop, consider turning
Best way to grip steering wheel is in 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions
W abs turning - u can turn vehicle while braking wo skidding and it’s helpful for turning, stopping, or slowing down
Wo abs turning - step on brake pedal, then let up and turn the steering, do not lock up the front wheels when braking or when turning so sharp that the vehicle can only plow ahead
better to run off road than crash head-on into another vehicle
Sometimes better to speed up to avoid collision like when vehicle abt to hit from behind or side or when there is space in front of u to get out of danger (slow down once danger passed)
Skids caused when tired can no longer grip the road (can’t control vehicle when skidding)
Vast majority of skids is driving too fast for conditions
Vehicle would skid more if u brake and might not work until vehicle slows down
Turn the steering wheel in the direction u want to and as soon as it straightens out turn wheel back the other way
Continue to correct your steering left and right until u gain control of the vehicle
Do not stop at crash unless involved or emergency help hasn’t arrived and keep driving watching out for ppl in or near the road
Do not drive to scene as it can block emergency/rescue vehicles
If involved in crash move vehicle from roadway so it doesn’t block traffic
Crashed into parked vehicle - locate owner and notify police immediately
Can’t leave in crash w injury or death until police have talked w drivers and collected info they need abt crash
If involved in traffic crash do these:
stop vehicle at or near the accident site and move off the road, do not stand or walk in traffic lanes, turn off ignition of wrecked vehicles, if electrical wires down don’t go near wires, make sure other traffic on involved in crash by using flares or other warning devices to alert them of the accident but be aware of any spilled fuel or fuel leaks
Check for injured (ppl who can’t move, unconscious; checking for breathing and then check for bleeding), call for help, do not move injured unless trapped in burning vehicle or another immediate form of danger, if bleeding supply direct pressure on wound, do not give injured anything to drink until medical personnel is on scene, to prevent injured from going to shock cover them w a blanket or warm clothing
Keep record of crash info by getting names and addresses of all ppl involved, witnesses and any injured ppl.
exchange info w other driver involved in crash (name, address, driver’s license number, insurance company, policy number, license plate, make, model, and yr of vehicle)
record any damage to vehicles involved in crash, provide info to police or other emergency officials if requested
report accident to office of driver services division of the department of finance and administration if any injury death or property damage of more than $3000 to one person’s property within 30 days of accident and if injured have someone file on ur behalf.
Airbag risk zone is 2-3 min of inflation so position yourself 10 in away from airbags
Adjust rearview mirror so u see entire rear window from drivers seat
For side mirror place head against left side window and set the mirror so u can just barely see the side of the car on the mirror’s right side, for right side position head so it’s just above the center console and set mirror so u can barely see the side of the car on the left side of the mirror
Objects may appear closer than the view in the mirror
Wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months to a yr or as soon as u notice difference in driving visibility
Replace tires when worn down to 1/16 of an inch or use penny and put lincoln’s head upside down and if u see his head u need new tires