DMV Traffic Laws Questions and Answers

Residential speed limits are typically 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Some states set this at 20 or 30 mph. Always look for posted speed limit signs, as local ordinances may set different limits in specific neighborhoods.

A flashing red light is treated the same as a stop sign. You must come to a full stop, check for traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when the way is clear.

You must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (both marked and unmarked), when making turns at intersections, and when a pedestrian is using a white cane or guide dog. Failing to yield to a pedestrian can result in heavy fines and points on your license.

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means you may not cross the line to pass another vehicle. A broken yellow line means passing is allowed when safe. If your side is solid and the other side is broken, only the other direction may pass.

School zone speed limits are strictly enforced when children are present or during posted hours. Most states set this between 15 and 25 mph. Fines for speeding in school zones are typically doubled, and some states add points to your driving record.

At a four-way stop, the vehicle that arrives first has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. If vehicles arrive at the same time from opposite directions, a vehicle going straight has the right-of-way over one turning left.

When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with sirens or flashing lights, safely pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Do not block intersections, and never follow an emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet.

Right turns on red are legal in all 50 states unless a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted. You must first come to a complete stop, yield to all pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and then turn only when it is safe to do so.

You should maintain at least a 3 to 4 second following distance behind a motorcycle. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, so maintaining extra space gives you more time to react and avoid a rear-end collision.

You must signal before turning, changing lanes, or pulling away from a curb. In residential and city areas, signal at least 100 feet before your turn. On highways and roads with higher speed limits, signal at least 200 feet in advance. Some states require signaling at least 5 seconds before a lane change on highways.

Double solid yellow lines mean that traffic in both directions is prohibited from crossing the lines to pass. You may only cross double yellow lines to turn into a driveway or private road, and only when it is safe to do so.

Passing on the right is allowed when the vehicle ahead is signaling and making a left turn, when traveling on a one-way street with multiple lanes, or on a multi-lane road when your lane is clear. You should never pass on the right shoulder of the road.

In all states, you must park at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant. This ensures fire trucks can quickly access the hydrant in an emergency. Parking too close to a hydrant can result in a ticket and your vehicle being towed.

When red lights flash at a railroad crossing, you must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. Wait until the lights stop flashing and the crossing gates are fully raised before proceeding. Never drive around lowered crossing gates, and never stop on the railroad tracks.

When entering a roundabout, you must yield to traffic already circulating inside. Always travel counterclockwise (to the right) in a roundabout. Use your right turn signal when preparing to exit. Do not stop inside the roundabout unless necessary to avoid a collision.

HOV lanes encourage carpooling by giving multi-occupant vehicles a faster lane. Most HOV lanes require at least 2 passengers (driver + 1), though some require 3+. Motorcycles, buses, and certain hybrid/electric vehicles with clean air stickers may also use HOV lanes in some states. Using an HOV lane without enough passengers can result in a fine of $400 or more.

When parking uphill next to a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb. If the car rolls backward, the back of the tire will catch on the curb and stop the car. When parking downhill, turn your wheels toward the curb. When parking uphill with no curb, turn your wheels to the right so the car rolls away from traffic.

A flashing yellow light warns you to slow down and be especially alert. Unlike a flashing red light, you are not required to stop, but you should reduce your speed and be ready to yield to cross traffic or pedestrians.

At a red light, you must stop behind the limit line (the white line painted on the road). If there is no limit line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Never stop with any part of your vehicle in or on the crosswalk.

U-turns are illegal near the crest of a hill, on a curve where you cannot see 200 feet in each direction, where a "No U-Turn" sign is posted, on one-way streets, in front of fire stations, and in business districts in some states. Always check for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists before making a U-turn where it is legal.