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Chapter 3 - Traffic Laws and Procedures I

Motor vehicle operators often look upon traffic laws with disdain. People stress the negative aspects of laws rather than the positive. But traffic laws are in place for public and personal safety and are for the benefit of everyone. Without laws, anarchy would reign supreme, and driving would be the least of our troubles. The consequences for not obeying traffic laws include personal injury, death, and damage to your vehicle or other property. You may also be ticketed, which may result in a fine or license suspension. Drivers, on average, violate traffic laws over 400 times before they are actually ticketed. Traffic laws are there to remind you that safe driving habits are needed. First we will look at passing laws.

Safe Passing Techniques

Passing laws are very specific on where, when and how to pass. Safe passing requires rapid decision-making and good judgment. Passing other vehicles on the road is often a dangerous maneuver. Visibility and vehicle responsiveness, among other things, are essential.

General Rules on Passing

The following rules on passing should be observed:

1. Keep to the Right

It is unsafe and against the law to pass another vehicle using the left side of the roadway if your view of the roadway is obstructed or the lane is not free of oncoming traffic that is far enough ahead for you to pass safely.

Make sure the way is clear of oncoming traffic before attempting to pass.

Never drive on the left half of the roadway when:

• Entering a no-passing zone which prohibits driving on the left (marked by no-passing signs or pavement markings).
• The road has two or more traffic lanes in each direction.
• Approaching within 100 feet of or driving through an intersection or railroad crossing.
• Approaching within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
• On a hill, curve, or any other place where visibility is limited.

2. Exceptions to Driving on the Right

You must keep to the right half of the roadway at all times except in these situations:

• When passing another vehicle on a two- or three-lane road.
• When driving on a one-way street.
• When the right half of the roadway is blocked.

3. Basic Safety Rules for Passing on the Left or Right

When attempting a passing maneuver, whether to the left or the right, always observe these basic safety rules:

• Make sure the way is clear before attempting to pass.
• Give the proper signal before changing lanes.
• Tap your horn when necessary to avoid surprising the driver you are passing.
• Do not cut in too quickly if you must return to your original lane.

Pavement Markings Regulating Passing

The best drivers in the world would be hazards on the roads without boundaries. Pavement markings help establish these boundaries. These markings come in two different colors, yellow and white, and may be of two different types, solid and dashed. They may also be single or double lines. Pavement markings communicate to drivers where to position their vehicles to avoid collisions. Yellow lines show traffic flowing in two (opposing) directions. White lines indicate traffic flowing in one direction.

Yellow lines show traffic flowing in two (opposing) directions.

Broken Yellow Line - You may cross this line to pass the vehicle ahead, if it is safe.

Solid Yellow Line - You may not cross this line unless it is used for a turn lane.

Double Solid Yellow Line - You may never cross this line.

Solid Yellow Line Next to Yellow Broken Line - A solid yellow line on your side of the road means you may not pass (indicating a no-passing zone). A broken yellow line on your side, however, permits you to pass, but only as long as it is safe to do so.

Broken White Line - A broken white line separates the lanes on a roadway that go in the same direction. You may cross this line to drive in any lane. When making lane changes or passing another vehicle, you should do so only when it is safe and after you have signaled.

Solid White Line - A solid white line separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. This may also be found at the right edge of a roadway. You should not cross this line except to avoid a hazard when you have no other options.

Double Solid White Line - Double solid white lines separate two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. You may never cross these lines.

Rules for Passing on the Left Side of a Two-Way Roadway

Passing on the left of a two-lane roadway is legal whenever there is a broken line on your side of the road or when there is a single white broken line in the middle of the road. You should pass in this situation only when you are sure the maneuver is safe and prudent and can be completed without use of excessive speed. The pass must be completed within a reasonable amount of time, and you cannot exceed the speed limit. When attempting to pass on a two-lane road, always follow these rules:

1. Maintain a safe driving space from the vehicle you want to pass so you can see ahead. Check your mirrors and do a head check by turning your head and looking back. This will alert you to anyone who is passing you or in your blind spot.
2. When looking ahead, check for no-passing zones and oncoming vehicles. You need enough time and space to overtake the vehicle ahead and return to the right lane before an approaching car comes within 200 feet of you.
3. Tap your horn when necessary to alert the driver you are passing.
4. Pass to the left and stay in the lane until you are safely clear of the vehicle you are overtaking. Once you can see the car you are passing in your rearview mirror (both headlights), you can safely return to the right lane.
5. Signal right to move back to the right lane. Be sure to turn off your signal once you are in your original lane.

Rules for Passing on the Right

In many states it is legal to pass on the right only under conditions allowing the maneuver to be made safely. Pass on the right only when you are in these situations:

• The road is unobstructed (i.e. clear of parked vehicles or other objects) and is wide enough for two or more lanes in each direction of travel.
• You are on a one-way road.
• The vehicle you are passing is doing one of the following:
  • It has slowed or stopped on the main traveled portion of the road.
  • It is disabled.
  • It is preparing to make a left turn.

In no instance should you drive off the paved or main roadway.

Passing on Mountain Roads

Fatal collisions often occur when passing is attempted on a mountain road. It is against the law to pass to the left on a mountain, when approaching or upon the crest of a grade or curve of a highway, or where your view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.

Additionally, you should not pass another vehicle on a grade unless you are traveling at least 10 mph faster than the overtaken vehicle (without exceeding the speed limit), or unless you can complete the maneuver within a safe distance, usually not greater than 1/4 of a mile.

When driving on mountain roads, be aware of the potential for vehicle overheating or brake failure, the need for proper gear choices, and the need for lower speeds. A vehicle operated at high altitudes is prone to overheating and vapor lock. A vapor lock is a pocket of vaporized gasoline in the fuel line of an internal-combustion engine that obstructs the normal flow of fuel.

Don't attempt the pass unless you have enough room to return to your lane.

Remember these passing tips:

• Avoid passing on two-lane roads, as you will be driving into oncoming traffic.
• Check road conditions ahead, as you will need a 10-12 second gap in oncoming traffic to pass safely.
• Always signal when beginning and ending the pass.
• Don't attempt the pass unless you have enough room to return to your lane.
• Before you re-enter your lane, make sure you can see both headlights of the car behind you to ensure you have enough room.
• Do not pass more than one vehicle at a time.

Prohibited or Especially Dangerous Passing

• Passing on an expressway is prohibited if you must enter and then exit from a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane to complete the maneuver.
• It is illegal to pass at a street crossing or intersection.
• It is illegal to pass when going up a hill if this requires you to cross double yellow lines.
• It is illegal to pass at a railroad grade crossing.
• It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus displaying a flashing red light and stop signal arm.
• It is illegal to pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.
• It is dangerous to pass a long line of cars.
• It is dangerous to pass when the vehicle ahead is traveling near the speed limit.
• It is extremely dangerous to pass when an oncoming car is within 1/2 of a mile.
• It is dangerous to pass if the maneuver is started close to a "no passing" zone.

Special Note ...If you are being passed, don't insist on taking the right-of-way. Allow the other driver to pass by yielding to the right and use common sense.

When You Are Being Passed

1. Do not accelerate. Slow down slightly to give the other driver room to pass.
2. Remain in your lane.
3. If the other driver is attempting to pass you on the left and the lanes are not marked, move to the right as far as you can do so safely.
4. Make it as safe and as easy as possible for the other driver to pass you.
5. If you are on a road with multiple lanes in your direction and many drivers are passing you on the right, you should move to the right lane so other drivers can pass you on your left.

Recognizing Other-Driver Error

It is a fact that not everyone will obey passing laws. You can still remain safe on the road by following the passing laws discussed even if other drivers do not do the same. The easiest way to tell if someone may be endangering you is if you see a vehicle approaching rapidly in your direction in your lane or when a vehicle is passing on your side within your safe driving space. To compensate for errors made by other drivers:

• Change your speed. You may have to either slow down or speed up.
• Change direction.
• Communicate with the other driver. The following allow you to communicate with other drivers in any situation:
  • Flashing your lights.
  • Turn signals.
  • High- and low-beam headlights.
  • Taillights.
  • Emergency flashers/hazard lights.
  • Parking lights.
  • Back-up lights.
  • Horn.
  • Eye contact.
  • Hand signals (used for turning).

Interacting at Intersections

Always exercise caution when approaching, entering, and exiting any intersection.

An intersection is any place where two roads cross or intersect. Always exercise caution when you approach, enter and exit any intersection. This is critically important because the overwhelming majority of urban crashes occur in intersections. Crashes occur so frequently at intersections because these areas hold the greatest potential for conflict with opposing traffic. Whenever traffic moving in different directions meets in a common area, bad things can happen. It is for this reason that the greatest concentration of traffic controls (traffic signs and signals) is found at intersections. Unfortunately, not every driver obeys these controls. Problems include:

• Running red lights.
• Jumping green lights.
• Ignoring stop signs.
• Rolling through stop signs.
• Failing to scan left-right-left when entering.
• Changing lanes in the middle of the intersection.
• Drivers turning left failing to yield right of way.
• Drivers proceeding straight assuming that drivers turning left are yielding.

Due to the inherent danger, always exercise caution when you approach, enter and exit an intersection. You also need to know the right-of-way rules and the meaning of traffic signs and signals so you can interact safely with traffic.

Right-of-Way

Sometimes a driver must yield the right-of-way. Imagine two vehicles from different directions come to a four-way intersection (either marked with stop signs or with no signs or signals) at the same time. One of these drivers will have to yield the right-of-way to the other, because otherwise one of two things will have to happen: they will be at a standstill, or they will crash into each other. Most people will not wait around, which means a crash is the more likely result. Knowing when to yield the right-of-way to other drivers is the key to successfully negotiating an intersection. As stated in the first chapter, failure to yield the right-of-way is one of the most common causes of fatal traffic crashes.

Right-of-way laws, which are laws of courtesy based on social norms, were established to help people drive safely by making quick decisions, such as in the above example. However, they do not determine who has the right-of-way; rather, they dictate who must yield, or give up, the right-of-way in specific situations. Thus, no one can claim the right-of-way. Everyone who uses the roadway, from the driver to the pedestrian, is expected to do everything possible to avoid a crash.

Remember this rule: The right-of-way is given; it is never taken.

When to Yield

You must yield in the following situations:

• When traveling on a road with one or two lanes, you must yield at intersections to:
  • Traffic on a divided road.
  • Traffic on a road with three or more lanes (i.e., when using the entrance ramp to enter the expressway).
• When approaching intersections not controlled by signs, signals or pavement markings, you must yield to the right.
• When making left turns, you must always yield to oncoming vehicles.
• When driving on private roads or driveways, you must yield to all other traffic or pedestrians.
• When approaching a T-intersection from the street that ends at the intersection, you must yield to traffic on the through street.
• When driving on frontage roads of an expressway or controlled access highway, you must yield to:
  • Traffic entering the road from the highway.
  • Traffic leaving the road to enter the highway.
• When driving on one-lane roads divided into three or more lanes and entering a lane from the right, you must yield to a driver entering the same lane to the left.

You must yield to the following at all times:

• All pedestrians, whether crossing the street legally or not.
• All other traffic or pedestrians on the cross street at yield signs.
• All emergency vehicles.

When approaching an intersection controlled by signs or signals, you should:

• Know what the signs and signals communicate to you and to other drivers.
• Obey the signs and signals posted at the intersection.
• Be alert for the following:
  • Other drivers who may not be as knowledgeable as you are.
  • Other drivers who may ignore the signs or signals.

Always yield to traffic in the roundabout.

Never insist on taking the right-of-way, even if you believe it's yours. Remember, no one "has" the right-of-way because it can only be given, or yielded. Sometimes yielding in certain situations will help prevent a crash.

Roundabouts

A roundabout is a type of circular intersection which is designed to control traffic flow without the use of stop signs or traffic signals. Roundabouts are designed around a central island, with entrances and exits curved to force motorists to drive slowly. The only movement at an entry and exit of a roundabout is a right turn, thus eliminating the dangers of making left turns against oncoming traffic. Roundabouts also have raised "splitter" islands that divide the roadway at the entrances and exits. The limited movement and reduced speed helps to reduce many of the hazards typically found at traditional intersections.

Navigating a roundabout may seem confusing, but one rule to keep in mind is that traffic in the roundabout should always be given the right of way. When you are approaching one, slow down and stop if necessary until your vehicle can enter safely. Keep the following rules and safety tips in mind:

• Yield to traffic in the roundabout, as it should always be given the right-of-way.
• Keep moving through the circle until you reach your exit.
• Always signal before making a turn.
• All turns into and out of the roundabout are right turns.
• When more than one car is in the roundabout, the car to the outside should be given the right-of-way.
• The speed in the roundabout is low (about 15-20 mph) but should be constant. Traffic inside the roundabout should never stop, only drivers waiting to enter.
• If you miss your exit, continue around again.
• Maintain a slow, constant speed. Be careful in icy weather.

Turning at Intersections

Making a turn seems simple enough, but there are common mistakes made all the time by drivers that lead to collisions. The rest of this section will look at how to make good turns.

Making a Good Turn:

There are seven basic steps in making a good turn.

1. Make up your mind before you reach the turning point. Never make a last-minute turn. It is dangerous to not give enough notice to other drivers. Always scan the road ahead for hazards, pedestrians, bicycles, animals, etc. before making the decision to turn.
2. Look behind you and to both sides to be aware of where other vehicles are before you make a turn.
3. Move into your lane as quickly as possible. Make sure you are completely in the proper lane at least 1/2 block before you turn.
4. Signal your intention to turn at least 100 feet before making the turn. Click on the signal and then keep both hands on the steering wheel throughout the entire turn.
5. Slow down when approaching the turn. Keep your foot off the brake and clutch while turning.
6. Make the turn properly. This means you should remain in the proper lane and proceed at the same speed at the start and throughout the turn.
7. Finish the turn in the proper lane. If necessary, you may now consider changing into another lane.

Right and Left Turns

Right Turns

Collisions commonly occur during right turns where a driver turns the vehicle too wide and collides into an opposing vehicle making a left hand turn into his or her lane. In this right turn situation you should complete your turn in the lane that is first accessible or the one furthest to the right.

Collisions commonly occur during right turns.

You may always turn right on a red light from a dead stop unless there is a sign prohibiting it, but you must complete the maneuver in the right or slow lane, keeping close to the curb at all times. (In New York City, you may not turn right on a red light.) If traffic is stopped at an intersection, and you are several cars back, you may travel along the right curb in order to make a right turn, but only if it is safe to do so. If the space next to the curb is set aside for parking or there is no pavement, you may not travel along the right. You may cross a bicycle lane to make a right turn, but you must yield to any bicycles using the lane.

How to Make a Right Turn

1. Signal for a lane change well ahead of the turning point and check the road prior to turning. When it is safe and you are at least 100 feet away from the corner of the intersection, move your vehicle to the far right lane.
2. Check all signals and road signs, and start slowing down at least 100 feet from the corner of the intersection.
3. Look both ways before starting to turn.
4. Keep as close as possible to the right edge of the road (within three to five ft. from the curb). Slowly accelerate and turn with both hands on the wheel using the hand-over-hand method while checking the traffic flow. Enter the lane that is closest to the right edge of the road.
5. If you are at a stop sign or red signal, stop prior to the crosswalk before continuing with your turn.

Left Turns

Left turns require extra caution as they tend to be dangerous due to potential conflict with oncoming vehicles traveling at high speeds, changing signals, pedestrians utilizing the crosswalk, and limited visibility due to large vehicles, trucks or other obstructions. You may make a left turn from one street to another at an intersection on a green light, completing the turn in the first lane accessible (usually lane 1).

If you are making a left turn at the same time another vehicle is making a right turn onto the same street, the vehicle making the right turn has the right-of-way. You may make a left turn on a red light from a one-way street into another one-way street unless otherwise posted. A vehicle making a left turn against oncoming traffic never has the right-of-way, unless given the right of way by a green arrow, signifying unobstructed use of the road. Regardless of the situation, that driver should still proceed with caution.

Two-Way Left Turn Lane

Many busy streets have a two-way left turn lane in the center that is painted with solid yellow outside lines and dashed yellow lines on the inside of the lane. You may enter this lane to begin or complete a left turn only. You may proceed in this lane for a limited amount of time, usually not more than 100 feet. When the two-way left turn lane ends into a regular left turn lane, you may transition from the two-way lane into the regular lane and continue driving for an indefinite length of time.

How to Make a Left Turn

1. Signal for a lane change well ahead of the turning point, and when it is safe, move to the lane next to the center lane dividing line(s).
2. Signal for a left turn and start slowing down at least 100 feet from the corner of the intersection.
3. Look right and left before starting to turn, and beware of all signals and signs. Stay to the right of the center dividing line(s) as you enter the intersection. Yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
4. Complete the turn to the right of the centerline of the road into which you are turning by entering the lane closest to the middle of the cross street.

Examples of Safe Right and Left Turns

1. Left turn from a two-way street

Start the turn at the left hand edge of the lane closest to the middle of the street. You may complete the turn in either lane of the cross street (to the right of the yellow center line, as shown by car #1 in the animation) if it is safe to do so. You must use a left turn lane if there is one. A left turn from the next lane may be made if signs or arrows show it is okay.

2. Right turn

The blue car shown at the bottom (#2) in the animation is turning correctly. It began the turn in the lane nearest the right-hand curb. It will end the turn in the lane nearest the right-hand curb. Do not swing wide into another lane of traffic. You may start a right turn from other than the far right lane only where pavement or overhead markings show that using that lane for a right turn is permitted.

3. Left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street

Start the turn from the far left-hand portion of your side of the road. You may turn into any lane that is safely open, as shown by the red car at the left in the animation (#3).

4. Left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street

Start the turn from the far left-hand portion of your side of the road. The blue car at the bottom (#4) in the animation may turn into either of the lanes that are safely open, as shown.

5. Left turn from a one-way street into a one-way street

The turn must be started from the left hand portion of the road (as shown by the red car at the left in the animation (#5). Watch for bicycles between your vehicle and the curb because they may legally use the left turn lane for their left turns.

6. Right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street

After starting your turn in the far right lane, you may use any lane open to traffic, if safe to do so (as shown by the blue car at the bottom of the animation (#6). Sometimes signs or pavement markings will let you turn right from a lane next to the far right lane.

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7. Turn at a "T" intersection from a one-way into a two-way street

Through traffic has the right-of-way. You may turn either right or left from the center lane. Watch for vehicles and bicycles inside your turn.

U-Turns

1. A U-Turn is legal at all times in an intersection unless a "No U-Turn" sign is posted.
2. It is illegal to make a U-Turn on a curve, near the crest of a grade, or any other place where your view is obstructed within 500 feet in either direction.
3. A U-Turn is a dangerous maneuver that must be attempted only when proper consideration is given to vehicle positioning, turning radius, oncoming vehicles, and the width of the roadway. Oftentimes, a series of right turns or another turning action is preferable and more prudent than a U-Turn.
4. A U-Turn is never legal on an expressway.
5. To make a U-Turn, you should use the left lane nearest to the center line, give a left turn signal, stop, check for oncoming traffic, and then proceed when it is clear.

Why You Should Obey Laws on Turning

A U-Turn is never legal on an expressway.

A turning maneuver can be dangerous if not done properly. Therefore the laws on turning are for both personal and public safety. The restrictions on when, where and how to turn are very specific. Like many other laws that are not followed, the consequences of not obeying the laws on turning include:

• Personal injury.
• Death.
• Property damage.
• Fines and/or license suspension.

Recognizing Other-Driver Error

You can usually tell if another driver is making an improper turn. For example, the angle of the turn being made is wrong, such as being too wide. Another example is turning from the wrong lane or being too far from the curb or center line. Here are things that you can do to avoid a crash resulting from drivers making this type of error:

• Adjust your speed.
• Scan the roadway for any potential problems.
• Cover the brake when approaching intersections.
• Be prepared to brake right away.
• Anticipate the worst possible outcome.
• Proceed with caution.

Stops

When approaching a stop sign or red traffic signal, the law requires you to make a complete stop before the front of your car reaches the crosswalk, stop lines, or intersection. You will know when you have come to a complete stop when you feel a slight jerk and you notice the front of your vehicle tilting downward while braking and then lifting to its normal position. If you are behind other vehicles at the intersection when you stop, you must stop again before you reach the crosswalk, stop lines, or intersection. Once you have stopped, check for traffic on the cross street and proceed when it is safe.

Sometimes the other driver may not make a complete stop even though the vehicle may be slowing down. If you encounter such a driver, do not proceed once you have stopped. Wait until it is safe before proceeding.

Speed Limits

Controlling your vehicle's speed is the best way to prevent loss of control and crashes. Your vehicle's speed is also a major factor in determining stopping distance. Therefore you need to be aware of legal and safe speeds at all times.

The laws and rules of the road should not be afterthoughts.

Driving Too Fast (basic speed rule)

The basic speed rule states that a driver may not operate a motor vehicle at a speed that is unsafe for the road or too fast for conditions. This rule requires all drivers to use discretion and common sense while driving and to avoid traveling at unsafe speeds, regardless of the posted speed limit. Driving 30 mph, for example, in a 30 mph zone during a severe rain storm may be a violation of the basic speed rule. A determination of a safe driving speed must be made by all drivers at all times, and not just awareness of the maximum speeds allowed by law. Underlying factors that may contribute to driving conditions must be factored in when assessing a safe speed. This rule exists to slow down drivers in adverse conditions, not to allow them to exceed safe speeds.

Driving Too Slowly (minimum speed laws)

Minimum speed laws are important to ensure safe traffic flow on roadways. Some Interstate highways have posted minimum speeds, which are usually 40 mph. If you block the normal and reasonable flow of traffic by driving too slowly, you may receive a ticket. More importantly, you may be a danger on the road to vehicles traveling at higher speeds, and you also risk the possibility of a rear-end collision. When driving at slow speeds, you should travel in the lane furthest to the right. Additionally, if vehicles approach and appear to want to pass, you should again signal and change lanes, proceeding to the right. Awareness of safe driving procedures when traveling at slow speeds does not just reduce the risk of a traffic collision, it also helps you to avoid most confrontations with aggressive drivers.

NOTE: Always be aware of slow-moving vehicles you may be approaching.

Advisory Speeds

Unlike speed limits, advisory speeds are posted to caution you about road conditions such as curves. You should slow down to the speed advised by a speed advisory sign where it is posted.

Special Speed Zones

Certain areas have different speed limits at different times of the day. One example of this is school zones, where the speed limit may be as low as 15 mph. In these speed zones, posted signs tell you what times the posted speed limit is in effect. The posted speed limit in school zones is in effect between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., unless a different time is indicated on the sign.

Why You Should Obey Speed Laws

Driving at an unsafe speed can be dangerous. Therefore speed laws are for both personal and public safety. Posted speed limits are very specific. Like many other laws that are not followed, the consequences of not obeying speed laws include:

• Personal injury.
• Death.
• Property damage.
• Fines, violation points and license suspension.

If that is not enough to convince you, consider these statistics. Nationally in 2006, speeding was found to be a contributing factor in 32% of all fatal crashes and resulted in the loss of 13,543 lives. In New York, 31% of the fatal crashes involved speeding during 2006, resulting in 449 deaths.

Recognizing Other-Driver Error

Unless a vehicle is significantly faster than you, you may not be able to determine whether the other driver is speeding. Here are things that you can do to avoid a crash resulting from drivers making this type of error:

• Drive with the flow of traffic as much as possible.
• Stay within the speed limit.
• If you are being passed, move to the right to allow faster traffic to pass.
• Maintain a safe following distance by observing the three-second rule.