District of Columbia Drivers Handbook - District of Columbia Drivers Manual - Washington DC Drivers Handbook - Washington DC Drivers Manual

DEPARTMENTOFMOTORVEHICLES
DISTRICTOFCOLUMBIA
DRIVINGMANUAL
DRIVINGMANUAL
Rev. 2/07/2012
Contents
Introduction..................................................................................... 2
Driver License Examination Process............................................. 3
Types of Drivers License & Permits.............................................. 7
Other Services................................................................................. 11
Important Things To Know ........................................................... 14
Driver Information .......................................................................... 15
Driving Rules ................................................................................... 43
Parking Rules .................................................................................. 46
Traffic Rules..................................................................................... 49
Signals, Signs and Markings ......................................................... 55
Identifying Signs by Shapes and Colors ...................................... 58
Regulatory Signs ............................................................................ 61
Introduction
Thismanualprovidesinformationonsafedrivingrulesandpracticesalldrivers
shouldknow.Thismanualprovidesinformationonallaspectsofdriving.Be
suretoreadtheentiremanualcarefully.Ifyoudonotreadandstudythis
manual,youmaynotpasstheknowledgetestrequiredforobtainingaDCdriver
license.Youwillnotbepermittedtorefertothismanualwhiletakingthe
examination.
Anyonewhooperatesamotorvehicleormotorcycleonpublicroadwaysinthe
DistrictofColumbiaisrequiredtohaveadriverlicense.Youarerequiredtohave
aDCdriverlicensewithin30daysofmovingtotheDistrictofColumbia.
YoumayobtainaDCdriverlicenseifyou:
Areatleast17yearsold(learnerpermitatage16);
Areabletosubmitproofoffulllegalname,dateofbirth,socialsecurity
numberandDCresidency;
Havesuccessfullycompletedtheknowledgetest,skillsroadtestandvision
screening;
Haveparental/guardianconsentifunderage18;
Surrenderanydriverlicenseoridentificationcardpreviouslyheld;
Havenothadyourlicensesuspended,revoked,ordenied;
Complywithmedicalrequirements;
HavenooutstandingdebttotheDistrictofColumbiaorunpaidfinesfor
movingtrafficviolationsinotherjurisdictions.
Thismanualwillprovideinformationneededtodriveanon-commercialvehicle
(passengercar).Ifyouwantalicensetodriveacommercialvehicle,youwill
needtoreadandstudytheCommercialDriverLicense(CDL)Manual.Ifyouwant
alicensetodriveamotorcycle,youwillneedtoreadtheMotorcycleOperation
Manual,inadditiontothismanuals.
Driver License Examination Process

Knowledge Examination
ThedriverlicenseknowledgeexaminationcanbetakenatanyDMVservice
center.TheexaminationisavailableinEnglish,Spanish,French,Vietnamese,
KoreanandChinese.Theexaminationisalsoavailableinaudioorvisualwith
touchscreenresponse.Theofficialexaminationwillbeacomputerizedtest
consistingof25questions.Apassingscoreconsistofatleast20correctanswers
(80%).Therewillbea$10feechargedeachtimeyoutaketheknowledgetest.
Theknowledgetestisdesignedtocheckyourknowledgeoftrafficlaws,rulesof
theroad,motorvehiclelaws,andsafedrivingpractices.Theinformationon
whichyouwillbetestedisinthisguide.
Sample questions for a Class D driver license:
1.Ifatrafficsignallightisgreenandapoliceofficersignalsyoutostop,youshould:
A.Obeythetrafficofficer
B.Obeythetrafficsignal
C.Firstobeythetrafficofficer,thenthesignal
D.Dowhatthevehicleinfrontofyoudoes
2.Thebestwaytotellifyouarepermittedtopassothervehiclesistoseeif:
A.Thereisagreenflashinglight
B.Theroadaheadisstraight
C.ThevehicleaheadsignalsthatitisOKtopass
D.Therearesolidorbrokenlanemarkings
3.Whenonashortentrancetoaninterstatewherethereisnoaccelerationlane:
A.Enterthefarrighttrafficlaneandspeeduptotheflowoftrafficthere
B.Usetheshoulderofthemainroadtogetuptothespeedofthetraffic
C.Speedupontheentranceonlyafteryouhavefoundagapintraffic
Answers: 1-A, 2-D, 3-C
Ifyouarebetweentheagesof1620yearsold,youwillbeplacedinthe
GraduatedLicensingProgramalsoknownasGRAD(GradualRearingofAdult
Drivers).Theofficialexaminationwillbeacomputerizedtestconsistingof30
questions.Apassingscoreconsistofatleast24correctanswers(80%).
ForeignNationalsthatpossessavalidout-of-countryorout-of-statedriverlicense
thatwouldliketoobtainaDCdriverlicensewillberequiredtotakeandpassthe
knowledgeandeyeexaminations.
IfyourDCdriverlicensehasbeenexpiredformorethan90days,youwillbe
requiredtotakeandpasstheknowledgeexamination.IfyourDCdriverlicense
hasbeenexpiredformorethan180days,youwillberequiredtotakeandpass
theknowledgeexaminationandskillsroadtest.Ifyourdriverlicenseisrevoked,
uponbeingreinstated,youwillberequiredtotakeandpasstheknowledge
examinationandskillsroadtest.
IfyouareobtainingorrenewingaDCdriverlicenseandyouare70yearsorolder
whenyourdriverlicenseexpires,youmusthaveyourphysiciancompletethe
MatureDriversectionoftheDCDriverLicense/MotorVehicleApplication,
certifyingbasedontheirmedicaldiagnosis,youhavetheabilitytosafelyoperate
amotorvehicle.
Ifyoufailtheofficialknowledgetest,youwillnotbeallowedtore-testuntil72
hoursafterthefailtest.Ifyoufailyourknowledgetestsix(6)consecutivetimes,
youwillnotbeallowedtoretestuntiloneyearfromthefirstfailedtestdate.
Vision Screening
Toscreenyourvision,youwillbeaskedtolookintoamachineandreadlinesof
lettersornumberstotheDMVrepresentative.Thisscreeningdetermineswhether
youreyesightandperipheralvisionmeettheDistrictsstandardstosafelyoperate
amotorvehicle.Itisnotamedicalexam.Ifyoufailthevisionscreening,youare
requiredtosubmitanEyeReportfromyoureyecareprofessional.Ifyouneedto
wearglassesorcontactlensestopassthevisionscreening,youmustwearthem
whenyoudrive,andyourlicensewillshowthisrestriction.
Ifyouhavehadcorrectivevisionlasersurgery,adoctorscertificationisrequired
toremovethecorrectivelensesrestrictionfromyourdriverlicense.
Road Skills Test
TheRoadSkillsdrivingtestwillincludemaneuvers,drivingintraffic,yourability
touseturnsignals,safelycontrollingthevehicleandparallelparking.Theroad
skillstestwillbeadministeredonDCroads.A$10feewillbechargedforeach
RoadSkillstest.
RoadSkillstestaregenerallywaivedifyoupossessavalidout-of-statelicensefor
thesameclassoflicenseandareconvertingtoaDCdriverlicense.IfyourDC
driverlicensehasbeenexpiredformorethan180days,youwillberequiredto
takeandpasstheknowledgeandskillsroadtestexaminations.
Roadskillstestarescheduledbyappointmentonly.Toscheduleadriverlicense
roadtestappointmentwiththeDMV,youmustpossessavalidlearnerpermit.
Youmayscheduleyourroadtestappointmentonlineatwww.dmv.dc.gov orby
calling311.
Failuretocancelascheduledroadtestwithintwobusinessdayswillresultina
$10cancellationfee.Thisfeewillbecollectedthenexttimeyoucompletea
licenserelatedtransaction.Thisfeewillnotbechargedifyoucancelyourroad
testpriortotwobusinessdaysorifDMVcancelsyourroadtest.Youmaycancel
aroadtestbycallingtheDMVCallCenterat311.
Onthedayofyourscheduledroadtestyoumust:
Arriveatleast10minutesbeforeyourappointment;
Arriveinavehiclethatfulfillsthevehiclerequirements;
Bringyourvalidlearnerpermit;
Beaccompaniedbyalicenseddriver21yearsorolder;
Bringacarthathasvalidregistrationandproofofinsurance;and
Wearyourseatbelt.
IfyouareintheGRADprogram(age1620),bringyourcompletedCertificateof
EligibilityforProvisionalLicensew/conditionsform.
Ifyouhavealearnerpermitanddriveyourselftoyourroadtestappointment
withoutbeingaccompaniedbyalicenseddriver21yearsorolder,youwillnotbe
abletotakeyourtest.Ifyoufailyourroadskillstest,youwillnotbeallowedto
retestpriorto72hoursafterthefailtest.Ifyoufailtheroadskillstestsix(6)
consecutivetimes,youwillnotbeallowedtoretestuntiloneyearfromthefirst
failedtestdate.
Thevehicle usedtotaketheroadskillstestmust:
Haveahandemergencybrakelocatedbetweentheseats.Inlieuofahand
emergencybrakelocatedbetweentheseats,thevehiclemayhaveasecond
steeringwheeland/orbrakelocatedonthepassengersideoranyother
emergencysafetydevicethatisineasyreachoftheDriverLicenseExaminer;
Haveacurrentregistrationfromanystate;
Haveamotorvehicleliabilityinsurancecardorthepolicy(copiesunacceptable);
Thecard/policymustidentifythevehicleandincludetheexpirationdate;
Displayavalidinspectionsticker(ifrequiredinthestatewherethevehicleis
registered);
Displayafrontandrearlicensetag(ifrequiredinthestatewherethevehicle
isregistered);
Haveproperlyfunctioningbrakelights,signals,horn,anddriverssidewindow;
Haveawindshieldprovidinganunobstructedfieldofvision;and
Havetworearviewmirrors(onemustbeontheoutsideoftheleftsideof
yourvehicle).
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Rentalvehiclesareallowedforroadtestsonlyifthepersontakingthetestis
listedontherentalcontractasanapproveddriveroftherentalvehiclewith
properinsurancecoverage.
Yourroadtestmaybecancelledforoneormoreofthereasonslisted:
Theexaminerbelievesheorshewouldhavetroublereachingthebrakeor
otherwisestoppingthevehicleinanemergency;
ThereisinclementweatherorothercircumstancesbeyondDMV'scontrol
thatmaketheroadtestdangerous;or
Youandyourvehiclehavenotmetalloftheroadtestrequirements.
Types of Driver Licenses & Permits

Learner Permit
Ifyouareundertheageof21,youmustoperateundertheGradualRearingof
AdultDrivers(GRAD)Program.TheGRADprogrampermitsnovicedrivers(1621yearsofage)tosafelygaindrivingexperiencebeforeobtainingfulldriving
privileges.Alearnerpermitallowsyoutooperateamotorvehiclewhen
supervisedbyanotherdriverwhois21yearsorolder,hasavalidfulldriver
license,andisseatednexttoyouinthepassengerfrontseat.Toobtainalearner
permityoumustbeatleast16yearsold,passtheknowledgetestandvisiontest.
Ifyouareundertheageof18,youmustalsohaveaparentalconsentform
signedbyyourparent/guardian.Thelearnerpermitisvalidforoneyear.Ifyou
areintheGRADProgramandyourlearnerpermitexpiresbeforeyouareableto
movetotheprovisionallicensestage,youmustrenewyourlearnerpermitwithin
90daysafterexpirationtoavoidtakingtheknowledgetestagain.
Provisional Driver License
Toobtainaprovisionallicenseyoumustbeatleast16years,6monthsold.You
musthaveheldavalidlearnerpermitforatleast6monthsandhavenopointable
violations.Youmustprovideasigned40hoursCertificationofEligibilityfor
ProvisionalLicenseformcertifyingthatyouhaveatleast40hoursofdriving
experienceaccompaniedbyalicenseddriverwhois21yearsorolderandwho
hasavalidfulldriverlicense.Youmusttakeandpasstheroadskillstest.The
provisionallicenseisvalidforoneyearandisrenewable.Priortoage18,youare
notallowedtooperateavehicleforcompensation.
Full Driver License
Onceyouhaveheldyourprovisionaldriverlicenseforatleast6monthsyoumust:
Havenopointablemovingviolationsfor12consecutivemonths;
Practicednightdrivingforatleast10hours,provideasignedCertificationof
EligibilityforFullDriverLicenseformcertifyingthatyouhaveatleast10
hoursofnightdrivingexperienceaccompaniedbyalicenseddriver(s)who
is21yearsorolderandwhohasavalidfulldriverlicense,youmaythenbe
issuedafulldriverlicense(ClassD).
IfyouarenotrequiredtoparticipateintheGRADprogram,onceyouhave
completedalloftherequirementsforthelearnerpermityoumusttakeandpass
theRoadSkillstestandmaythenbeissuedafulldriverlicense(ClassD).Witha
ClassDdriverlicenseyoumayoperatevehicleswithagrossvehicleweight
rating(GVWR)lessthan26,001poundsfornon-commercialuse,mopedsand15
passengervansseatinguptofifteen(15)passengers.Tomaintainthedriver
licenseyoumustremainasafeandresponsibledriver.
Gradual Rearing Of Adult Drivers (GRAD)Program

GRADPermissibleDrivingHours
Learner Permit
Mustbeaccompaniedbyadriver21yearsorolder
Everyday,6:00am9:00pm
Provisional License
SeptemberJune
MondayThursday,6:01am10:59pm
Friday-Sun,6:01am11:59pm
July&August
Full license with conditions between the ages of 17 18 years old
SeptemberJune
MondayThursday,6:01am10:59pm
Friday-Sun,6:01am11:59pm
July&August
YoucanoperateamotorvehicleduringGRADrestrictedhoursifyouaredriving
toorfromwork,aschool-sponsoredactivity,religiousoranathleticevent,or
relatedtrainingsessioninwhichyouareaparticipant,sponsoredbytheDistrict
ofColumbia,acivicorganization,oranothersimilarentitythattakes
responsibilityfortheminor,orifaccompaniedbytheholderofavaliddriver
licensewhois21yearsofageorolder,wearingaseatbelt,andoccupyingthe
passengerseatbesideyou.
Attheage21,GRADdriversarereleasedfromtheprogram.Duringthelearner
permitstage,onceyouareage21,youmayimmediatelyschedulearoadtest
appointment.Nodrivingcertificationformorsix(6)monthsholdingperiodis
required.
Duringprovisionallicensestage,onceyouareage21,youmayvisitaDMV
servicecenterlocationtoobtainafulldriverlicense.Nodrivingcertificationform
orsix(6)monthsholdingperiodisrequired.
GRAD Program Restrictions

Learner Permit:
YouCANNOTdrivealone.Youmustbeaccompaniedbyandunderthe
instructionofadriverwhois21yearsorolder,hasavalidfulldriverlicense,and
isseatednexttoyouinthepassengerfrontseat.Drivinghoursarerestrictedfor
learnerpermitholders.Youandyourpassengersmustwearseatbeltsatall
times.Youmaynotoperateamotorvehicleforcompensation.Youmaynot
operateacommercialvehicle.Youmaynotuseamobilephoneorother
electronicdevice(withorwithouthandsfreeaccessories)whiledrivinginthe
DistrictofColumbia.
Provisional License for drivers 16 1/2 - 20 years old:
Youcandrivealone.Youcandrivewithone(1)passengerthatistheholderofa
validfulldriverlicensewhois21yearsofageorolder,occupyingthefront
passengerseatnexttoyouandiswearingaseatbelt,andanyotherpassenger
whoisyoursibling,childorparent.Youandyourpassengersmustwear
seatbeltsatalltimes.Drivinghoursarerestrictedforprovisionallicensedrivers.
Youmaynotoperateamotorvehicleforcompensationifundertheageof18.
Full License with Conditions (Under age 18)
Youcandrivealone.Ifyouareunder18yearsold,youcandrivewithnomore
thantwo(2)passengersunderage21.Thisrestrictiondoesnotapplyto
passengerswhoareyoursiblingsorchild.Ifyouareunder18yearsold,youcan
notoperateamotorvehicleotherthanapassengervehicleormotorizedbicycle
usedsolelyforthepurposesofpleasureandnotforcompensation.Youandyour
passengersmustwearseatbeltsatalltimes.Ifyouareunder18,your
parent/legalguardianisnotifiedofyourGRADviolations.Drivinghoursare
restrictedforfulllicensedriversbetweentheagesof1718yearsold.
GRAD Program Enforcements
Learner Permit Stage:
Ifyouareunder18,yourparent/legalguardianisnotifiedofyourGRAD
violations.Anypointabletrafficviolationforwhichyouadmitto,havebeenfound
liablefor,orconvictedofwillextendtheamountoftimeyoumustwaittoapply
foraprovisionallicense.Youmustbefreeofanypointabletrafficviolationfor
whichpointswereorcouldhavebeenassessedforsix(6)consecutivemonths
beforegraduatingtotheprovisionallicensestage.Duringyourlearnerpermit
stage,if8pointsormorehavebeenassessedagainstyouoryouhaveviolated
anyGRADprogramrestrictions,youwillbesubjecttoaninety(90)days
suspensionofyourlearnerpermitandpaymentofareinstatementfee.
Provisional License Stage:

Ifyouareunder18,yourparent/legalguardianisnotifiedofyourGRAD
violations.Anypointabletrafficviolationthatyouadmitto,havebeenfound
liablefor,orconvictedofwillextendtheamountoftimeyoumustwaittoapply
forafulllicense.Youmustbeviolationfreefortwelve(12)consecutivemonths
beforegraduatingtotheFullLicensewithconditionsstage.Duringyour
provisionallicensestage,ifyouviolateanyGRADprogramrestrictions,youwill
besubjecttoathirty(30),sixty(60)orninety(90)dayssuspensionofyour
provisionallicensedependinguponwhetheritisyourfirst,second,thirdor
moreviolationofGRADprogramrestrictions.Thesepenaltiesareinadditionto
anyotherpenaltythatmaybeapplicable.Additionally,likeanyotherdriver,
youwillbeautomaticallysuspendedifyourpointtotalreaches10.After
suspension,youwillberequiredtopayareinstatementfeetoreinstateyour
provisionallicense.
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Other Services
Organ Donor
Peoplewhochoosetobecomeorganandtissuedonorsseedonationasawayto
makeadifferenceintheworld.Advancesinmedicalsciencemakeitpossible
throughthetransplantationofhumanorganstorestorecertainhandicapped
individualstohealth.Onedonorcansavethelivesofuptoeightpeopleand
enhancethelivesofuptofiftyothers.
Didyouknow?
Peopleofallagesandmedicalhistoriescanbedonors,eventhosewith
diabetes,hepatitis,orotherhealthconditions.
Therearenochargestothedonorsfamilyorestateforcostsrelatedtothe
organdonationprocess.
MostmajorreligionsintheUSsupportorganandtissuedonation.
Donationdoesnotpreventtheoptionofanopen-casketfuneral.
Organandtissuerecoveryhappensonlyafteralllife-savingeffortshave
beenexhaustedanddeathhasbeenlegallydeclared.
Howtosignup?
IntheDistrictofColumbia,ifyouare18yearsorolder,youcanindicateyour
intenttodonateonyourdriverlicenseapplicationbycheckingtheYesboxto
theorgan/tissuedonorquestion.
Itisalwaysimportanttotellyourfamilyandsignificantothersthatyouwishto
beadonorsotheycanserveasyouradvocateandspeakonyourbehalfatthe
timeofyourdeath.Inaddition,youshouldshareyourwishtobeadonorwith
yourphysician,faithleader,andattorney.
Formoreinformationcontact:
USDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesatwww.organdonor.gov
TheCoalitiononDonationatwww.donatelife.org or1-866-BE-A-DONOR.
Selective Service System
YoucanregisterforSelectiveServicewiththeDMVwhileobtainingyourDC
driverlicense.Ifyouwishtoregister,youcanindicateyourintenttoregisteron
yourdriverlicenseapplicationbycheckingtheYesboxtoindicateyouwould
liketoregisterforSelectiveService.Uponreviewofyourdriverlicense
application,aseparateapplicationwillbeprovidedforyoutocompleteforthe
selectiveserviceregistration.AllSelectiveServiceRegistrationapplicationsare
forwardedtotheSelectiveServiceSystemforprocessing.
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What is the Selective Service System?

TheSelectiveServiceSystemisanindependentagencywithintheExecutive
BranchoftheFederalGovernment.TheDirectorofSelectiveServiceisappointed
bythePresidentandconfirmedbytheSenate.SelectiveServiceisnotapartof
theDepartmentofDefense.
TheFederallawunderwhichtheagencyoperatesistheMilitarySelectiveService
Act.Underthislaw,themissionoftheSelectiveServiceSystemistoprovidethe
numbersofmenneededbytheArmedForces,withinthetimerequired,should
CongressandthePresidentdecidetoreturntoadraft,intheeventofanational
emergency.SelectiveServicewouldalsoberesponsibleforadministeringa
programofalternativeserviceforconscientiousobjectors.
What is Selective Service Registration?
RegistrationistheprocessofprovidingtheSelectiveServiceSystemwith
personalinformation,suchasname,address,dateofbirth,socialsecurity
numberandotherrelatedinformation.Itisacivicandlegalresponsibility.Even
though,nooneiscurrentlybeingdrafted,menarerequiredtoregisterwith
SelectiveServiceassoonastheyreachage18.
RegisteringwithSelectiveServicedoesnotmeanthatyouarejoiningthe
military.
Registrationprovidesourcountrywithameanstodevelopandmaintainan
accuratelistofnamesandaddressesofmenwhomightbecalleduponifareturn
tothedraftisauthorized.
FailuretoregisterorotherwisecomplywiththeMilitarySelectiveServiceActis
uponconviction,punishablebyafineofupto$250,000,imprisonmentforupto
fiveyears,orboth.Inaddition,federalandcertainstatelawsrequireregistration
asaprerequisiteforobtainingstudentfinancialaid,jobtraining,government
employment,andU.S.naturalization.
Who Must Register?
Withfewexceptions,allmaleUnitedStatescitizensandmalealiensresidingin
theUnitedStatesanditsterritoriesmustregisterwithin30daysoftheir18th
birthday.
Parolees,refugees,andapplicantsforasylumareconsideredtoberesidentsof
theUnitedStatesandthereforemustregisterwithin30daysoftheir18th
birthday.
Disabledmenwhoareabletofunctioninpublic,withorwithoutassistance,must
register.Afriendorrelativemayhelpadisabledmancompletetheregistration
formifheisunabletodosohimself.
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MembersoftheNationalGuardandReserveForces,notonfull-timeactiveduty,
mustregister.
Mencannotregisterafterreachingage26.
Registration Information Office
SelectiveServiceSystem
DataManagementCenter
P.O.Box94638
Palatine,IL60094-4638
Phone:847-688-6888
TTY:847-688-2567
http://www.sss.gov/
Register to Vote
IfyouareaUScitizenand18yearsorolderbeforethenextelection,youcan
indicateyourintenttoregistertovoteorupdateregistrationinformationonyour
driverlicenseapplicationbycheckingtheYesboxtotheregistrationquestion
andcompletetheDCVoterRegistrationform.
ToregistertovoteintheDistrictofColumbiayoumust:
beaU.S.citizen;
beaD.C.resident;
beatleast18yearsoldonorbeforethenextelection;
notbeinjailforafelonyconviction;
nothavebeenadjudgedmentallyincompetentbyacourtoflaw;and
notclaimtherighttovoteanywhereoutsideD.C.
Youshouldreceiveyourvoterregistrationcardwithinthree(3)weeksof
completingtheapplication.
BoardofElectionsandEthicsatwww.dcboee.org or(202)727-2525.
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IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
Thedriverandallpassengersinavehiclemustwearaseatbelt.
Youmustbehands-freewhiledrivingwithacellularphoneintheDistrict
ofColumbia.
ResidentsarerequiredtoupdatechangeofaddresswiththeDepartmentof
MotorVehicleswithinfive(5)days.
Insurancemustbemaintainedaslongasthevehicleisregistered.Lapsein
coverageissubjecttofines.Donotcancelinsuranceuntilyourvehicletags
aresurrenderedtoDMV.
IfstoppedbyMPDwhiledrivingamotorvehicleintheDistrictofColumbia,
youwillresponsibleforprovidingyourvaliddriverlicense,vehicle
registrationandproofofinsurance.Failuretocomplymayresultinafine
and/orarrest.
$5ofyourdriverlicensefeewillgototheDCDriverEducationFund.
Driversreceivepointsforcertainmovingtrafficviolations,whetherthe
violationsoccurintheDistrictofColumbiaorinotherstates.DMVassesses
pointsifyouarefoundliableatahearing,failuretopayaticketwithinthe
timerequired,areconvictedincourtofatrafficviolation,oryoupaythe
ticket(paymentisanadmissionofliability).Thenumberofpointsyouwill
receivedependsonthetypeofviolation.
Pointswillstayactiveonyourdrivingrecordfortwoyears.
IfyoumaintainavalidDCdriverlicenseforafullcalendaryearwithout
obtainingpointablemovingviolations,youmaybeeligibletoreceivea
GoodPointonyourdrivingrecord.
Ifyouaccumulate10or11points,yourDClicensewillbesuspendedand
youwillloseyourdrivingprivilegesforaperiodof90days.Yourdriving
privilegesaresuspendeduntiltheyhavebeenofficiallyreinstated.
Ifyouaccumulate12ormorepoints,yourDClicensewillberevokedand
youwillnotbeeligibleforreinstatementforsixmonths.Yourdriving
privilegesarerevokeduntiltheyhavebeenofficiallyreinstated.
IfyouareconvictedofcertaincriminaltrafficviolationsinDC,including
drivingwhileintoxicatedordrivingundertheinfluence,yourminimum
revocationperiodis6monthsforthefirstoffense,2yearforthesecond
offense,and3yearsforthethirdorsubsequentoffense.Yourdriving
privilegesarerevokeduntiltheyhavebeenofficiallyreinstatedandthe
reinstatementfeeispaid.
Yourdriverlicenseandvehicleregistrationcanbesuspendedforfailureto
paychildsupport
Yourdriverlicensecanberevokedifyouareconvictedofanon-driving
relateddrugoffense
Havingsomethingattacehdtoorhangingfromtherearviewmirrorwhile
drivingisagainsttheregulationsintheDistrictofColumbia
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Driver Information
Be In Shape to Drive
Drivingisoneofthemostcomplexthingsthatpeopledoanditisnot always
easytobeasafeuseroftheroadway.Drivingisalsooneofthefewthings
peopledoregularlythatcaninjureorkillus.
Beingasafedrivertakesalotofskill,experience,responsibility,andjudgment.
Thistaskisevenmoredifficultwhenjustlearningtodrive.Themotoristsability
todrivesafelydependsontheabilitytoseeclearly,notbeingoverlytired,not
drivingwhileondrugs,beinggenerallyhealthy,andbeingemotionallyfitto
drive.
DC DMVThe Drive to Excellence
TheDCDMViscommittedtoprovidingexcellentcustomerservice,promotinga
safedrivingenvironmentandprotectingcustomerinterests.
Driving Privilege
DrivingamotorvehicleintheDistrictofColumbiaisaprivilegeandnotaright.
Yourdriverlicensegrantsyoutheprivilegetooperateamotorvehicleonthe
roadwayssafelyandresponsibly.
Obtaining a False or Forged Identification Card, Driver License or Permit
Thelawstatesthatifyouattempttosecureafalseorfraudulentidentification
card,driverlicenseorpermit,orknowinglypossessafalseorfraudulent
identificationcard,driverlicenseorpermit,youmaybesubjecttoafineor
imprisonment.
Road Signs
Youmustbeabletoreadandexplainallhighwaysigns.Theknowledgetest
consistsofseverallocalandhighwaysignsandtheDMVexaminerwillcheckto
seeifattentiontothesignsispaidduringthedrivingtest.
Traffic Laws
Trafficlawsareintendedtopreventaccidentsandkeeptrafficmoving.Ifyou
violatethelaw,youcancauseaccidents,slowtrafficorbeticketedand/orfined.
Four Major Components of Driving
1. Looking and Seeing
2. Thinking and Deciding
3. Letting Others Know What You Are Going To Do
4. Making a Decision
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Looking and Seeing

Youlookwithyoureyesbutyouseewithyourmind.Keepinganalertmind
towhatisgoingonaroundyouwillprepareyoufortheimportantdecisions
youmustmakewhenyoudrive.
Thinking and Deciding
Afteryouseewhatisimportant,youmustthinkaboutthemanddecidewhat
todo.Ifyouareinterestedinyourownsafetyandthesafetyofothers,you
willdecidewhattodoonthebasisoftheleastrisk.Noticethatwesaidthe
leastrisk.Alldrivinginvolvessomerisk.Thesmartdriverquicklysizesup
thesituation,realizesthatthereareseveraldifferentthingshe/shemightdo
anddecidestodothethingthatinvolvestheleastrisk.
Letting Others Know What You Are Going To Do
Otherdriversandpedestriansontheroadmustknowwhatyouaregoingto
doiftheyaretokeepoutofyourway.Youletthemknowthroughhand
signals,turnsignals,headlights,brakelightsandbythepositionofyour
vehicle.
Making a Decision
Whenyouhavedecidedwhatyouaregoingtodo,youmustdoitusingall
yourdrivingexperienceandskills.
Obeying Traffic Laws
YoumustobeyallofDistrictofColumbiastrafficlaws.Youhavearesponsibility
toobeyroadsigns,trafficsignals,lanemarkings,ordersofpoliceofficers,andin
emergencysituationsthedirectionoffirefighters.
General Laws
Youmustknowthegenerallaws
Youcommitamisdemeanororfelonywhenyoudisregardanytrafficlawor
failtodosomethingrequiredbythelaw
Youmustobeytheinstructionsofapoliceofficereventhoughtheymaybe
contrarytolaws,signs,signals,andmarkings.Suchinstructionsmaybe
necessarytokeeptrafficmovingsafely.
Youmustnottrytoevadeatrafficsignalorroadsignbyleavingtheroad
andtravelingacrossprivateproperty.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressivedrivingisaformofrecklessdriving.TheNationalHighwayTraffic
SafetyAdministrationhasestimatedthataggressivedriverscause2/3ofallfatal
crashesandareresponsiblefornearly35%ofallcrashes.
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Apersonmaybeguiltyofaggressivedrivingiftheydooneofthefollowing:
PasstrafficlightswithsteadyREDindication;
Overtakeandpassvehicles;
Passonright;
Changelanesswiftly;
Followtooclosely;
Failtoyieldright-of-way;or
Exceedmaximumspeedlimit
Whatcausesaggressivedriving?
Crowdedroads
Beinginahurry
Roadwork
Stressfromotherareasoflife
Dangerousdrivingattitudes
Selfishness
Howtoavoidbecominganaggressivedriver:
Planahead
Obeythespeedlimit
Identifyalternativeroutes
Justbelate
Beacourteousandpatientdriver
Howtoprotectyourselffromaggressivedrivers:
Getoutofthewayandletanaggressivedriverpass
Dontchallengethem
Avoideyecontact
Alwaysbeacourteousdriver
Helppreventaggressivedriving:
ReportincidentsofaggressivedrivingtothePolice
Setanexampleforyoungerpassengers
Reckless Driving
Apersonisguiltyofrecklessdrivingifhedrivesamotorvehicle:
Withawillfuldisregardforthesafetyofpeopleorproperty;or
Inamannerthatindicatesawillfuldisregardforthesafetyofpeopleor
property
Negligent Driving
Apersonisguiltyofnegligentdrivingifheorshedrivesamotorvehicleina
carelessorimprudentmannerthatendangersanypropertyorthelifeofany
individual.
17
Drag Races
Youmustnotengageinanyvehiclerace,speedexhibition,orspeedcontest
includingthosecommonlyknownasdragracesonanypublicstreet,road,or
highway.
Accidents
Inaccordancewiththelaw,therearecertaindutiestobeperformedwhenyouare
involvedinanaccident.Themaindutiesofanydriverinvolvedinanaccidentareto:
Stop
Remain: Asclosetothesceneaspossibleuntilyouhaveaidedanyinjured
personandidentifiedyourself.Ifpossible,moveyourcarawayfromtheline
oftraffic.
Aid any injured person: Youmustrenderassistancetoanypersoninjuredin

theaccident.Dependingupontheextentoftheinjury,assistanceinmost
instancesisaccomplishedbycallingforanambulance.Normally,you
shouldnotattempttomoveapersonwhoisunconsciousorseriouslyhurt.
Identify yourself: Driversinvolvedinaccidentsmustgivetheirname,

addressandtheregistrationnumberofthevehicletheyaredriving.Upon
request,showyourdriverslicensetootherperson(s)involvedinthe
accident.Ifnooneisinconditiontoreceivetheinformationandnopolice
officerispresent,youmust,assoonaspossible,reportthisinformationto
thenearestpolicedepartment.
Provide insurance information: Youmustgivethenameandaddressofyour

insurancecompany,thenameandaddressofthelocalagentorlocaloffice,
andyourpolicynumberorotheridentifyingnumber.
Leave written notice: Ifanunattendedvehicleorotherpropertyisdamaged,

anattemptmustbemadetolocatetheowner.Iftheownercannotbelocated,
awrittennoticegivingtheidentifyinginformationlistedabovemustbeleftin
oronthedamagedvehicleorpropertyinaconspicuousandsecureplace.
Make required report: Anymotorvehicleaccidentinwhichyouareinvolved

shouldbereportedtoyourinsurancecompany.
Duty of a Motorist Striking a Domestic Animal with a Motor Vehicle
Ifyoushouldstrikeandinjureadomesticanimalwithamotorvehicle,you
shouldimmediatelynotifythepolicedepartmenthavingjurisdictioninthearea
wheretheaccidentoccurred.Thepolicewillcontacttheproperagencytoobtain
medicalcarefortheanimal.
Safe Driving Practices
Keepyourmindonyourdriving,obeythelawsandbecourteoustoother
highwayusers.Althoughyoumayobeythetrafficlaws,youstillcanbeinvolved
inatrafficaccident.Otherdriversmaynotobeytrafficlaws,ortheymaynotbe
alert,ortheirvehiclesmaybeinpoormechanicalcondition.Tobeasafedriver,
youmustbealert,foreseedangerandmakeallowancesforthemistakesof
others.Thissectionsuggestssafetypracticesthatwillhelpyoutoavoidaccidents
or,whenunavoidable,toreducetheirseverity.
18
Toinsureyoursafety,basicsafetyrulesareveryimportant:
Lookovertheconditionoftheoutsideofthevehicleinspecttires,lookfor
looseobjects,leaks,etc.;
Adjusttheseat;
Adjustmirrors;
Properlyfastenseatbelts;
Insertkeyandstartengine;
Beforestartingoff,thinkhowadverseconditions,suchaslight,weather,
roadandtrafficconditionswillaffectyourtrip;and
Checkvehiclebrakelightsandsignalsbeforeyoudrive
Turning
Safeturningrequiresplanning:
Makeupyourmindwellinadvanceofreachingtheturningpoint.Last
minutedecisionsoftencauseaccidents.
Moveintotheproperlanewellbeforeyouneedtomaketheturn.Thefaster
thetrafficflows,thesooneryoushouldgetintotheproperlane.
Lookbehindyouandtobothsides.Signalyourintentionasrequiredbylaw
beforechanginglanes.(seegeneraldrivingrulesp.43)
Slowdowntoareasonableturningspeedbutdosogradually.Theonly
exceptioniswhenyouareleavinganinterstateorotherlimitedaccess
highway(seeinterstateandotherlimited-accesshighways).
Maketheturnaccordingtothelaw.
Backing
Backingamotorvehiclerequiresskillandgoodjudgment.Watchforchildren
walking,runningorplayingontoycarsortricycles.Inmostconditions,itissafe
tobackupprovidedyouturnyourheadandlookbackouttherearwindowand
tobothsideviewmirrors.Dontdependontheonerearviewmirroralone.Never
backupfastorfar;instead,findawaytoturnaround.Neverbackoutorintoan
intersection;instead,turnintoasidestreetandturnaroundthereordrivearound
theblock.Ifyouuseadrivewaytoturnaround,itissafertobackintoitanddrive
outthanviceversa.Backoutofangledparkingspacescarefully.
Use of the Horn
Soundyourhornonlytowarnapedestrianorthedriverofanothervehicleof
yourpresence.Thehornisnotintendedtotaketheplaceofbrakes.Neveruse
thehorninapostedQuietZoneunlessinanemergency.Donotuseyourhorn
toalertacyclistofyourapproachinanon-emergencysituation.Aloudhorncan
causeacyclisttolosecontrol.
Starting from a Garage or Driveway
Watchfornearbyvehiclesorpedestrians.
Movecarefullytojointrafficattheproperspeed.
Whenyoumustbackout,besuretolookbehindyourcarfirst.Youmay
needtoleaveyourcartobesurethereisnothinginyourway.
19
Watchcarefullybehindthevehiclethroughthemirrorsandbyturningyour
headtolookoutthewindowwhileyouarebackingup.
Stopbeforeenteringthestreetandlookagainbeforeproceeding.
Hand Signals under Special Conditions

Usehandsignalsinadditiontoyourturnsignalswhenthesunisshiningbrightly
andwhenvehiclesimmediatelybehindyouobscureyourturnsignal.
Crowding Inside the Vehicle
Neverletpassengersorparcelscrowdyouwhileyouaredriving.Neverlet
anythinginthevehicleobstructyourvisioninalldirections.Havingsomething
attachedtoorhangingfromtherearviewmirrorwhiledrivingisagainstthe
regulationsintheDistrictofColumbia.
Pets
Keeppetsawayfromyouasyoudrive.Donotletthemsitonyourlaporget
freshairfromthedriverssidewindow.
Loose Objects
Looseobjects,particularlythoseonthefrontdashboardandtherearwindow
shelf,canbecomeprojectilesinanaccident.Putlooseobjectsinthetrunkoron
thefloor,sinceevenobjectsonseatscanflyupandstrikeyouoranother
passenger.Afallingbagofgroceriesmaytakeyoureyesofftheroadoryour
handsoffthesteeringwheel.Keepobjectsoffthefloorthatwouldinterferewith
thebrakeorgaspedals.
Driving Pass Parked Cars
Whendrivingpassparkedcars,watchoutforpedestrians(especiallychildren),
andbicyclistssteppingoutorrunningfrombetweencars.Watchoutforopening
cardoors.
Driving Conditions
WhentoReduceSpeed
Youmustslowdownwhen:
Comingtoanintersection,railroadgradecrossing,curve,orthecrestofahill;
Nearplaygroundsandschools,orwherechildrenareplaying;
Travelinguponanynarroworwindingroadway;
Thereisdangertopedestrians;and
Weatherorhighwayconditions,oryourowncondition,requireslower
speedsforsafety.Neverdrivesoslowlyastointerferewithothervehicles
movingatnormalspeeds.Driverswhoblockorhinderothertrafficby
drivingtooslowlycancauseaccidents.
20
Wet Pavements
Wetpavementsarefarmoreslipperythandry
pavement.Whentheroadiswet,itismuch
moredifficulttoholdtheroadoncurvesand
ittakesalongerdistancetostop.Be
especiallycarefulatthebeginningofalight
rain;themixtureofoilandwateronthe
pavementisparticularlydangerous.Theoils
andothervehiclefluidshavenotbeen
washedawayyetastheywouldafterarainofseveralhours.Similarly,watch
outforwetleavesonpavementintheautumn.
Hydroplaning and Flooding
Atspeedsupto35milesperhour,mosttireswithtreadwillwipetheroad
surfacethewayawindshieldwipercleansthewindshield.Asspeedincreases,
thewipingactionofthetiresbecomeslesseffectiveandtiresstarttorideona
layerofwaterjustaswithawaterski.Thisiscalledhydroplaning.Whenthis
happens,youcannotbrake,accelerateorproperlyturn.Assoonasyoufeelany
lossofcontrol,takeyourfootoffthegaspedalandholdthesteeringwheelfirmly
inthedirectionyouintendtogo.Allowyourvehiclespeedtodecreaseuntilyou
regaincompletecontrolofthevehicle.
Floodingcanoccurduringheavyrainfall.Flashfloodscancomerapidlyand
unexpectedly.Theycanoccurwithinafewminutesorhoursofexcessiverainfall.
Donotdrivethroughfloodedareas.Ifyouseeafloodedroadwayahead,turn
aroundandfindanotherroutetogettoyourdestination.Becautious,epeciallyat
night,whenthevisibilityislimited.Sixinchesofwaterwillreachthebottomof
vehicles,causinglossofcontrolorpossiblestalling.Twofeetofmovingwater
cancarryawaymostvehiclesincludingsportsutilityvehiclesandpick-uptrucks.
Evenifthewaterappearsshallowenoughtocross,donotattempttocrossa
floodedroad.Watercanhidedips,orworse,floodwaterscandammage
roadwaysbywashingawaytheunderlyingroadsurface.Ifthereisnoother
route,proceedtohighergroundandwaitforthewaterstosubside.
Following Distance
Leaveasmuchspacebetweenyourvehicleandthe
oneaheadasyoupossiblycantoallowforasudden
stop.Mostrear-endcollisionsarecausedby
followingtooclosely.Watchthecaraheadofyou
whenitpassesareferencepoint,suchasasignor
overpass.Thencountonethousandone,one
thousandtwo,onethousandthree,onethousand
four.Ifyoupassthesamespotbeforeyouare
finishedcountingtoonethousandfour,youare
followingtooclosely.Whenyouarefollowing
vehicleswhichstopoften(buses,postofficevans)
youshouldallowmorefollowingdistancethanusual.Whendrivinginbad
21
weather,youshouldincreasethedistancebetweenyourvehicleandtheone
aheadofyoutofourorfiveseconds.
Remember dont cut trucks off. It takes much more time and distance for a truck
to stop.
Three to Four Second Following Distance Rule Stopping Distance
Thedistanceinwhichyoucanstopyourvehicleisimportantinhelpingyouto
chooseasafedrivingspeed.Thechartthatfollowscanbeusedasaroughguide,
butyouractualstoppingdistancewilldependuponmanyfactors,including:
Thelengthoftimeittakesadrivertoseeandrecognizethatthereisa
dangeroussituation.
Thelengthoftimeittakesfromtheperceptionofdangertothestartof
braking-3/4second.
Typeandconditionofthepavement.
Percentageofgradeofroadway.
Kindandconditionoftiretreads.
Vehicledesignandconditionofshockabsorbers.
Typeandconditionofbrakes.
Directionandspeedofthewind.
StoppingdistancesarebasedontestsmadebytheU.S.Departmentof
Transportation.Thedriverreactiontimeisbasedonareactiontimeof3/4
second.
Distracted Driver Syndrome
The Problem
Drivingisariskyactivity.Eachyear,morethan40,000peoplearekilledinmotor
vehicleaccidentsandoverthreemillionpeopleareinjured.Researchindicates
thatinmorethan50percentofallaccidents,driverinattentionwasacontributing
factor.Howdoesdriverdistractionaffectdrivingperformance?Drivinginstructors
estimatethatadrivermakes200decisionsforeverymileofdriving.Ifyouare
mentallysolvingbusinessorfamilyproblemswhiledriving,youareaddingto
thetotalworkloadinyourbrain.Ifyoutakeyoureyesofftheroadforthreeto
fourseconds,yourvehicletravelsthelengthofafootballfieldifyouaregoing55
milesperhour.
22
Otherfactors,suchasfatigue,weatherandtrafficconditions,canincreasethe
negativeimpactofdistractionsondrivingability.Weveallseenthempeople
drivingdowntheroadreadingthenewspaper,puttingonmake-upor
concentratingonacellphoneconversation.Thosearethemostobvious
examplesofdriverdistraction.Whatmaysurprisemanypeopleisthenumberof
otherthingswedoinourcarsthattakeattentionawayfromthevitaltaskof
driving.
Eating,drinkingbeverages,orsmoking.
Changingtheradio,CD,ortape.
Shaving,puttingonmake-up,orengaginginotherpersonalgroomingtasks.
Engaginginintense,complicated,emotional,orlengthyconversationson
cellphonesorwithpassengers.
Readingaroadmap,newspaperortakingnotes.
Focusingattentiononchildrenorpets,especiallythosewhoarebeingrowdy.
Retrievingunsecuredcargoorobjects.
Drivinganunfamiliarvehiclewithoutfirstadjustingthemirrorsandseat,
selectingentertainmentoptionsandlocatingthelights,turnsignalsand
windshieldwipers.
Usingcellularphones.
Fatigue
Drivingforlongdistancesmaymakeyoudrowsyorunawareofwhatis
happening.Beingdrowsyisthefirststageoffallingasleep.Beingunawareof
whatishappeningisknownashighwayhypnosis.Itiscausedbymonotony
thesoundofthewind,thetiresandthesteadyhumoftheengine.Takethese
precautionstoavoidhighwayhypnosis:
Atthefirstsignofdrowsiness,dosomethingpositive.Dontjustsitthere
andtrytofightit.
Atthefirstrestorservicearea,pulloffthehighwayandeithertakeanap,
stretchabit,takeabreak,or,ifpossible,changedrivers.
Dontdependonstay-awakedrugs.Theyareapttomakeyourdriving
evenmorehazardous.
Keeptheinteriorofthecarascoolaspossible.
Toovercomehighwayhypnosis,makeanefforttostayalert.
Keepshiftingyoureyesfromoneareaoftheroadwaytoanother,nearand
farleftandright.Avoidstaringstraightahead.
23
Shiftyourpositionintheseat.
Talktoyourcompanionorlistentotheradio.
Varyyourvehiclesspeedslightlyfromtimetotime.
Danger Signs for Drowsy Drivers
Youreyescloseorgooutoffocusbythemselves
Youhavetroublekeepingyourheadup
Youcantstopyawning
Youhavewandering,disconnectedthoughts
Youdontrememberdrivingthelastfewmiles
Youmissedyourexit
Youkeepdrivingoutofyourlane
Yourspeedbecomesvariable
Ifyoubecometiredorsleepywhiledriving,itisbesttorest,or,ifpossible,
changedrivers.Beingtireddullsyourmindandslowsdownyourreactions,
makingdrivinghazardous.Keepinmindthatlivesareatstake.
Concentration
Concentrationisessentialforsafedriving.Drivingisafull-timejob.Youshould
beconstantlyawareoftheroadandtheothervehiclesaroundyou.Keepalert
andyoumaybeabletoforeseeanaccidentandavoidit.Whileyouaredriving,
donotadjusttheradio,read,applymakeup,shaveoruseacellphonewithouta
hands-freedevice.Constantlycheckthepositionofvehiclesbehindyou,aswell
asthosebesideandaheadofyou.
Emotions Affect Your Driving
Ifyouareupsetorangry,takesometimetocalmdownbeforedriving,orlet
someoneelsedrive.Youwouldbebetteroffnotdrivingatallwhenyouare
emotionallyupset.Expressingyouremotionswhiledrivingisdangerous.
Cellular Phones
IntheDistrictofColumbia,youmustbehands-freewhiledrivingwithacellularphone.
The Solution to Distractions
Suggestionsforhelpingyoumanagedistractionssafely:
Secureeveryoneandeverythingbeforeputtingthevehicleintomotion.
Pre-setclimatecontrols,theradioandthecassetteorCDplayer.Knowthe
locationofturnsignals,wipersandlightsinthevehicle.
Ifyouwillbetemptedtolookatthenewspaper,thebusinessreportorthe
dayplanner,puttheminthetrunkofthevehicleuntilyouarriveatyour
destination.
Dontattendtopersonalgroomingbehindthewheel.
Dontwaituntilyouaredrivingtoplanyourroute.Planbeforeyougo.Leavea
littleearlierandyouwillarriveatyourdestinationsafelyandwithlessstress.
Postponecomplexoremotionalconversationsonthephoneorwith
passengersuntilyouarriveatyourdestination.
Ifapassengerisdistractingyou,pulloverwhereitissafeandlegaltodoso.
24

Dontstartdrivinguntilthesituationisundercontrol.
Whenyouarehungryorthirsty,takeabreak.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Itisanticipatedthatthedemandonourroadsystemwillincrease40percentby
2020andthatroadcapacitywillonlyincreaseby9percent.Todaysdriversare
becomingincreasinglyfrustratedonroadsthatroutinelyhandledoublethe
numberofcarsof20yearsago.Rushhourtraffic,theincreasingnumberof
constructionsites(workzones)andtrafficaccidentsaddtothedriversfrustration.
Thebiggestculpritsinclude:
Tailgating
Unsafelanechanging
Speeding
Runningredlightsandstopsigns
SimpleRulestoReduceRoadRageandAggressiveDriving
Alwaysallowextratraveltime
Donotremainbehindthewheelformorethanthreehoursatatime
Maintainanadequatedistancefromthevehicleinfrontofyousoyouwillbe
abletostopintimetoavoidacollision
Alwayssignalyourintentionwhenturningorchanginglanes
Alwayscometoafullstopatredlightsandstopsigns.Donotrunyellowlights.
Letotherdriversmergeintotrafficinanorderlyfashion
Donotblockthepassinglane
Obeypostedspeedlimits
Concentrateonyourdrivingnotonyourcellphone,stereo,passengers,
orotherdistractions
Useyourhornsparingly,onlytoremindotherdriversofyourpresence
Neverengageininappropriatebehaviorsuchasmakingfacesorrudeor
obscenegestures
Avoideyecontact
Extendcommoncourtesytootherdriversatalltimes.Alldriversmustdotheir
partinmakingdrivingasafer,lessstressfulandmorepleasantexperience.
25
Special Driving Situations
Night Driving
Nightdrivingismoredifficultthandaydrivinganditismoredangerous.Permile
driven,thefatalaccidentrateatnightthroughoutthenationistwo-and-one-half
timesashighasduringtheday.Atnight,thedriverdoesnotseeasfar,assoon,
orasmuchandeverythinghasadifferentappearance.Theglareofoncoming
headlightsgreatlyincreasesthedifficultyofseeingwhatsahead,especiallyfor
olderdrivers.Theglarecausesthepupilsoftheeyestocontractandittakestime
forthemtoreadjusttolessintenselight.Toavoidtheglarefromoncoming
headlights,glancebackandforthbetweenthesideoftheroadandstraight
ahead.Duringthisrecovery,youmaybedrivingasthoughblind.
Youcanmakeyournightdrivingsaferby:
Keepingyourspeedlowenoughtobeabletostopwithinthedistanceyou
canseeahead.
Whenapproachingothervehicles,donotstareattheirheadlights.Usequick
glancesto:
Learnthelanepositionofoncomingvehicles.
Learnyourownposition.
Becertainoftherightedgeofroad.
Lookaheadforobjectsinyourpath.
Keepyourwindshieldclean.Withacleanwindshield,theheadlights
ofoncomingcarswontbotheryouasmuch.
Donotwearsunglassesatnight.
Stayawakeandalert.Fresh,coolairwillhelp.
Usetheroadedgelineforaguide.Ifthereisnoroadedgeline,use
thecenterlineforaguide.
Watchcarefullyforhighwaysigns.Theyaremoredifficulttoseeatnight.
Beespeciallywatchfulforpedestriansandstoppedvehiclesatnight.
Donotstopontheroadwayforanyreason.
Carryaredwarninglightorflaresforusewhenstopsalongsidethe
roadwayareunavoidable.
Cutdownonsmokingwhenyouaredrivingavehiclewiththewindows
closed.
26
Winter Driving
Winterdrivingrequiresspecialprecautions.
Usechains,snowtiresorradialtires.Chainsdothemosttoimprovetraction
andstoppingoniceandinsnow.Yet,neitherchainsnorradialorsnowtires
makeitsafeforyoutodriveoniceorsnow-coveredroadwaysatnormal
speeds.Youmustslowdown.
Chains,snowtiresorradialtiresmustbeusedondesignatedsnow
emergencyrouteswhenasnowemergencyisdeclared.
Keepwindowsandlightsclear.Removealliceandsnowandkeepitoff.
Keepanicescraperinthevehicle.
Getthefeeloftheroadway.Startoutveryslowly.Thentestyourbrakes
gentlytofindouthowwellyoucanstop.Startslowingdownlongbefore
youcometoanintersectionorturn.
Keepasafedistance.Thespaceneededbetweenyouandthecarinfrontof
youismuchgreateroniceandpackedsnow.Snowtires,radialtiresand
evenchainsslideoniceandpackedsnow.
Donotslamonthebrakes.
Donotsteersharply,orchangespeedquickly.
Keepanemergencykitinyourvehicle.Itshouldincludethefollowing:
Flares
Firstaidkit
Blanket
Kittylitterorsandfortractiononsnow/ice
Smallshovel
Keepyourgastankfilled
Keepwindshieldfluidfull
There is no such thing as a completely safe speed on ice and snow.
Inwinterweather,everycityblockandeverystretchofhighwaymaybedifferent
dependinguponsun,shade,theamountofsaltingbeingdoneandother
conditions.Watchaheadfordangerspots.Blacktoproads[asphalthighways]can
easilyhideathinlayeroficeproducedbymeltingandre-freezing(sometimes
knownasblackice)andcancauseanaccidentifyouarenotawareofthedanger.
Remember: Ramps and bridges freeze first before highways and roads. Also,
plowed roads may refreeze at night or have icy patches from the daylight
thawing of snow. Four-wheel drive vehicles slide on ice and snow too. If you are
driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dont assume that you can drive in ice and
snow the way you would on dry pavement.
27
Anti-Lock Brake Systems

Ifyourvehiclebeginstoskidandisequippedwithananti-lockbrakesystem,do
notpumpthebrakes.Instead,maintainsteadypressureonthebrakestoregain
controlofyourvehiclefromaskid.(PleaseseeBrakingwithanAnti-LockBrake
System.)
Skid Prevention
Avoidabruptchangesinspeedordirection.Driveasthoughyouhavean
eggbetweenyourfootandthegasorbrakepedal.
Practicestoppingandskidrecoveryinasafeareaonprivatepropertyatslow
speedbeforeattemptingtodriveonpackedsnoworice.
Slowdownwellinadvanceofthestoppingpoint.
Donotbrakestronglyandlockthewheels.Ifthewheelsdontturn,you
donthavecontroloverthevehicle.Pumpthebrakepedalsonvehiclesthat
arenotequippedwithanti-lockbrakesystems.
Whenroadconditionsarebad,leaveearlierthanyounormallywouldto
avoidhavingtorush.
Curves
Becausecurvescauseslippingandskidding,becarefulofthem,especiallywhen
tractionispoor.Bemoreconcernedaboutcurvesinwetweather,evenmore
cautiousonsnowandmostcautiousonice.Slowdowntoasafespeedbefore
enteringthecurve.Onacurvepostedfor35milesperhouringoodweather,a
safespeedmaybeonly20milesperhourinwetweatherandonly5milesper
hourorlessoniceorsnow.
Recovery from a Skid
Dontpanicanddontbrake.
Immediatelysteerinthedirectionoftheskid.Ifyourrearwheelsstartgoing
totheright,turnyourfrontwheelstotheright.Takeyourfootoffthegas
pedal(accelerator).
28
Driving in Fog
Fogcanbethoughtofasacloudatgroundlevel.Itformswhenthetemperature
dropstothedewpoint(thetemperatureatwhichairissaturated),andinvisible
watervaporintheaircondensestoformsuspendedwaterdroplets.Fogcan
reducevisibilityto1/4mileorless,creatinghazardousdrivingconditions.
Whenitisfoggy,itisbestnottodriveatall,butifyoumust,thesesafety
precautionswillhelp:
Reduceyournormaldrivingspeed.
Reducespeedstillfurtherwhenyouseeheadlightsortaillightsahead.
Theheadlightsmaybeonavehiclebeingdrivendownthecenterofthe
roadway.Thevehiclewiththetaillightsmaybestoppedorbarelymovingon
oralongthesideoftheroadway.
Bepreparedforanemergencystop.
Ifthefogissothickyoucannotgoatleast10mph,pullcompletelyoffthe
highwayorstopatarestarea,servicestationorotherparkingspace.
Uselowbeamsonheadlightsor,ifyouhavethem,specialfoglights.
Highbeamsoftenreflectbackintoyoureyes,blindingyou.
Withnightdriving,usetheroadedgelinesortherightsideoftheroadfora
guide.Youmaynotseehighwaysignsuntiltoolate.Yellowpavement
markingsshouldneverbeonyourrightside,butalwaysonyourleftside.
Yellowisusedtodivideopposingroadwaytrafficandindicatethelefttravel
edgeoftheroadway.Whitepavementmarkingsdenotetherighttraveledge
oftheroadway.
Leaveearlyenoughtoavoidtheneedtohurry.
Drive Defensively
Donttrusttheotherdrivertodowhatyouthinkheorsheshoulddoorwhatyou
woulddointhatpersonsplace.Forexample,ifthepersonsturnsignalis
flashing,dontassumethatthedriverwillmakeaturn.Planaheadanddecide
whattodoifthedriverdoesnotturninthedirectionshownbytheturnsignal.
Dontassumethateverydriverwillstopwhenthereisastopsignoraredtraffic
light.Somedriversdeliberatelyrunstopsignsandtrafficlights.Youshould
constantlybethinkingofanescaperouteasyoudrive.Afterafewweeksof
practice,thiswillbecomesecondnature.Ifasuddenemergencyarises,you
willhaveaplanofactionready.Forinstance,ifyouseeanapproachingvehicle
starttopassandyouthinkthatdrivermaynothaveroomtogetbackintothe
properlane,slowdownandchecktheshoulderandnearbyarea.Thatway,you
willknowwhereyoucangoifnecessary.Lookasfaraheadasyoucan.Inthis
way,youmayseetroubledevelopinginfrontofthevehicleaheadofyouthat
maycauseitsdrivertoswerveorstopsuddenly.Forexample,ifyounotice
flashingredoryellowlightsonavehicleahead,youshouldlookforobjectsor
peopleontheroad.Ifacollisionseemsinevitable,dontpanic.Trytosteeryour
wayoutofit.Doanythingtokeepfromhittinganothervehicleorobjecthead-on;
trytohitatanangle.Ifyouhaveachoice,runningyourvehicleintoaditchmay
bepreferabletohittinganothervehicle.
29
How to Avoid Being Hit from the Rear

Rear-endcollisionsarethemostcommonkindofmotorvehicleaccidents.Asthe
driverofthevehiclebeingfollowed,hereswhattodotolessenthechancesof
beinghitfromtherear:
Besureyourstoplightsarecleanandinworkingorder.
Tokeepawareofwhatisgoingonbehindyou,checkyourrearviewmirror
periodically.
Yourbackwindowmustbecleanandnotfogged.Outsidemirrorsarehelpful.
Signalwellinadvanceforstops,turnsandlanechanges.
Slowdowngradually,notsuddenly.
Keeppacewithtraffic.
Ifavehiclefollowstooclosely,slowdownandletitpass.
Interstate and Other Limited Access Highways
Ifyouknowhowtouseinterstatehighwaysproperly,theywillgetyouwhereyou
wanttogosooner,moreeasilyandmoresafely.However,youmustknowthe
safetypracticesofthehighways.
Before You Start
Areyourtiresinconditionforhighspeeds?Doyouhaveadequateoiland
coolingwater?Doesyourvehiclehaveanymechanicaldefectthatmaybe
dangerous?Doyoufeelinconditiontomakethistrip?Doyouhaveenoughfuel?
Haveyouhadenoughsleep?Markyourmaptoindicateentrancesandexitsyou
expecttouse.Planaheadtoallowtimetochangesafelyintotheproperlane.
Thiswillhelpyouhaveasafe,fastandpleasanttrip.
Entering the Interstate
Interstateandotherlimitedaccesshighwaysareusuallyreachedbyanentrance
rampandaccelerationordecelerationlane.Theentrancerampgetsyougoingin
thedesireddirectionandtheaccelerationlanegivesyoutheopportunitytoget
uptothespeedofthetraffic.Whenenteringaninterstate,thesolidpaintedlines
thatdividetheentranceandtheinterstateshouldnotbecrossed.Ifthereisa
shortentrancetoaninterstate,wherethereisnoaccelerationlane,youshould
speedupontheentranceonlyafteryouhavefoundagapinthetraffic.In
general,youshouldstopbeforeenteringaninterstatewhenwaitingforabreakin
thetraffic.Ifenteringaninterstatefromtheleftentrance,comparewhatyousee
inyourmirrorswithwhatyouseewhenlookingoveryourshoulder.
Leaving
Getintotherighthandlanewellbeforereachingtheexit.Dontslowdownonthe
mainhighway.Startslowingdownassoonasyougetintothedecelerationlane
andcontinueslowingatthebeginningoftheexitramp.Slowdowntotheposted
advisoryspeedfortheramporyoumayhavetroublegettingaroundcurves.If
youexitatthewrongplaceonaninterstate,continueuntilyouareofftheexit
rampandlookforawaytore-entertheinterstate.
30
Lane Changing and Passing on an Interstate Highway

Becauseofthesustainedhighspeedsonaninterstateandotherlimitedaccess
highways,carefullanechangingandpassingareessential.
HereAreaFewTipstoHelpYou:
ItislegalinDistrictofColumbiatopassontheleftorontheright,butslow
movingvehiclesmuststayintherightlane.Thus,mostofyourpassing
shouldbeontheleft.Also,youcannotpassontheshoulderoftheroad.
Safepassingdependsoncooperationbetweendrivers.Dontspeedupwhen
beingpassed.
Quickmovementsathighspeedscanbefatal.Dontreturntotheotherlane
toosoonafterpassing.
Alwayssignalalanechange.
Checkyourblindspotsbyglancingoveryourshoulder.
Checktheoutsidemirrororlookoveryourshouldertowardtheleftrearor
rightrearbeforechangingintoanotherlane.
Nevercruiseintheblindspotofthevehicleaheadofyou.
Roundabouts
Aroundaboutisacircularintersectionatwhichalltraffictravels
counterclockwise,alwaystotheright,aroundacentralisland.Vehiclesentering
fromeachlegoftheintersectionmustyieldtothetrafficalreadyinthe
roundabout,whichiscomingfromtheleft.Vehiclesexittheroundaboutby
makingasimplerightturnontothedesiredstreetorhighway.
Approaching the Roundabout
Whenyouareapproachingtheroundabout,decideasearlyaspossiblewhich
exityouneedtotaketogetintothecorrectlane.Reduceyourspeedandif
possible,adjustittomeetagapinthetrafficintheroundabout.
Entering the Roundabout
Uponreachingtheroundabout,yieldtothetrafficcomingfromtheleft.Watch
outfortrafficalreadyintheroundabout,especiallycyclistsandmotorcyclists.Do
notenteraroundaboutwhenanemergencyvehicleisapproachingonanother
leg.Thiswillenabletrafficalreadyintheroundabouttoclearinfrontofthe
emergencyvehicle.
Traveling Within a Roundabout
Alwayskeeptotherightofthecentralislandwithintheroundaboutandtravelin
acounterclockwisedirectionaroundthecenterisland.Donotstopexceptto
avoidacollision;youhavetherightofway.
Wheretheroundaboutiswideenoughtoallowtwoormorevehiclestotravel
side-by-side,donotovertakeothervehicles.Watchoutfortrafficcrossinginfront
ofyouontheroundabout,especiallythosevehiclesintendingtoleaveatthenext
exit.Whenanemergencyvehicleisapproaching,provideaclearpathtoturn
throughtheroundabout.
31
Exiting the Roundabout

Maintainaslowspeeduponexitingaroundabout.Alwaysindicateyourexitby
usingyourrightturnsignal.Onroundaboutshavingawideroadway,watchfor
vehiclestoyourright,includingbicycles,whosepathsyoumaycrosswhile
exiting.Makesuretheyintendtoyieldbeforeyouexit.Watchforandyieldto
pedestrians.Donotaccelerateuntilyouarebeyondthepedestriancrossingpoint
attheexit.
Motorcyclists and Bicycles
Givemotorcyclistsandbicyclistsplentyofroomandshowdueconsideration.
Bicyclistsmayentertheapproachroadwayfromabicyclelane;theywilloften
keeptotherightontheroundabout;theymayalsoindicatelefttoshowtheyare
continuingaroundtheroundabout.
Large Vehicles
Donotovertakelargevehicles.Largevehicles(forexample,trucksandbuses)
mayhavetoswingwideontheapproachtoorwithintheroundabout.Watchfor
theirturnsignalsandgivethemplentyofroom,especiallysincetheymay
obscureothervehicles.Largevehiclesmayneedtousethefullwidthofthe
roadway,includingmountableapronsprovidedtonegotiatearoundabout.Their
driversshouldbecarefulofallotherusersoftheroundaboutsand,priorto
enteringtheroundabout,satisfythemselvesthatotherusersareawareofthem
andwillyieldtothem.
Pedestrians
Pedestrianshavetheright-of-waywithinthecrosswalksattheroundabout;
however,pedestriansmaynotsuddenlyleaveacurborothersafewaitingplace
andwalkintothepathofavehicleifitissoclosethatitmaynotbeabletostop.
Multiple lane roundabout:

Forroundaboutswithmultiplelanes,chooseyourentryorexitlanebasedon
yourdestination.Forexample,to:
Turnrightattheintersection,choosetheright-handlaneandexitinthe
right-handlane.(Bluecar)
Gostraightthroughtheintersection,chooseeitherlane,andexitinthelane
youentered.(Redcar)
Turnleft,choosetheleftlane,andexit.(Yellowcar)
32
Stopping
Stoppingonthetraveledportionofahighwayisprohibited.Stoppingonthe
shoulderispermittedonlywhenyourcarwontrunorinotheremergencies.
Whenthisoccurs,raisethehoodortieawhiteclothontheleftdoorhandleor
radioantenna.Staywithyourvehicle,neverwalkalonganinterstateorother
limitedaccesshighway.
Backing
Dontbackuponanyhighway,underanycircumstances.
Emergencies
Brake Failure
Trypumpingthebrakepedal[non-ABSsystems].Ifthisdoesntrestore
brakingability:
Usetheemergency(parking)brake.
Shifttoalowergear,ifpossible.
Ifnecessary,rubsidesofthetiresagainstthesideofthecurb.Brakingwith
Anti-LockBrakeSystems(ABS)Anti-LockBrakingSystems(ABS)are
designedtopreventyourwheelsfromlockingupwhenbraking.Whenever
thevehiclescomputerdetectsthatoneormorewheelsarelocking,ABS
beginstopumpthebrakesforthedriveratamuchfasterratethanthedriver
evercouldtoavoidlocking.WhentheABSengages,youwillheararumble
fromthebrakesandthebrakepedalwillvibrateunderyourfoot.Allthe
driverhastodoispressdownhardonthebrakepedal,holdit,andsteerthe
vehicleinthedirectionthatyouwantittogo.TheABScomputeris
controllingwhichwheelisbrakinginordertopreventaskid.
Resist the temptation to take your foot off the brake when ABS is engaged.
Maintain constant pressure on the brake pedal. Drivers should be aware that
removing steady pressure from the brake pedal or pumping the brakes will
disengage or turn off the ABS.
DriversshouldpracticeusingABSandbecomefamiliarwithhowyourvehicle
reactstosuddenoremergencybraking.Thebestplacetopracticeisanempty
parkinglot.
Wet Brakes
Afterdrivingthroughdeepwater,youshouldtestyourbrakes.Theymaypullto
onesideornotholdatall.Todrythebrakes,putthecarinlowgear,driveslowly
andapplybrakeslightly.Testthebrakesevery200feet,continuinguntilbraking
actionreturnstonormal.
33
Windshield Wipers Fail

Ifyourwindshieldwipersfailduringinclementweather,openthewindow,put
yourheadoutthewindow,driveyourvehicleofftheroadwayandSTOP.
Accelerator Pedal Sticks
Slaptheacceleratorpedalhardwithyourfoot.
Shifttoneutral.
Applythebrakes.
Pullofftheroadwayandstop.
Steering Fails
Ifyousuddenlylosesteeringcontrol,easeupontheaccelerator.Ifyourvehicle
continuesthroughitsnaturalbalancetostayinyourlaneontheroadway,wait
untilitslowsdownandthenapplythebrakesgentlytoavoidchangingdirection.
Ifyourvehiclestartsofftheroadortowardapedestrianoranothervehicle,apply
thebrakesquickly,usingmaximumpressure.
Loss of Control Steering and Locking Device
Neverturnyourvehiclesignitiontothelockpositionwhilethevehicleisstillin
motion.Thiswillcausethesteeringtolockandifyoutrytoturnthesteering
wheelyouwilllosecontrolofthevehicle.
Headlights Fail
Ifthehighwayislighted,getofftheroadwayontotheshoulderorotheravailable
spaceasrapidlyandsafelyaspossible.Ifthehighwayisdark,tryyourparking
lights,yourdirectionalsignals,oryouremergencyflashersandgetoffthe
roadway.Ifalllightsfail,stayontheroadwayandslowdownenoughtopulloff
theroadwaysafely.
Fire In Vehicle
Knowinghowtofightfiresisimportant.Fireshavebeenmadeworsebydrivers
whodidntknowwhattodo.Herearesomeprocedurestofollowincaseoffire:
Pull off the road
Thefirststepistogetthevehicleofftheroadandstop.Indoingso:
Parkinanopenarea,awayfrombuildings,trees,brush,othervehiclesor
anythingthatmightcatchfire.
Dontpullintoaservicestation!
Useyourcellularphone,ifyouhaveone,tonotifythepoliceofyour
problemandyourlocation.
34
Keep the fire from spreading

Beforetryingtoputoutthefire,makesurethatitdoesntspreadanyfurther.
Withanengine fire,turnofftheengineassoonasyoucan.Dontopenthe
hoodifyoucanavoidit.Shootthefireextinguisherthroughlouvers,
radiator,orfromtheundersideofthevehicle.
Foracargo fireinavanorboxtrailer,keepthedoorsshut,especiallyifyour
cargocontainshazardousmaterials.Openingthevandoorswillsupplythe
firewithoxygenandacceleratethefire.
Extinguish the fire
Herearesomerulestofollowinputtingoutafire.
Knowhowthefireextinguisherworks.Studytheinstructionsprintedonthe
extinguisherbefore youneedit.
Whenusingtheextinguisher,stayasfarawayfromthefireaspossible.
Aimatthesourceorbaseofthefire,notupintheflames.
Positionyourselfupwind.Letthewindcarrythecontentsoftheextinguisher
tothefireratherthancarryingtheflamestoyou.
Continueuntilwhateverwasburninghascooled.Absenceofsmokeorflame
doesnotmeanthefireiscompletelyoutorcannotrestart.
Onlytrytoextinguishafireifyouknowwhatyouaredoinganditissafetodoso.
Vehicle Approaching in Your Lane
Ifyouseeavehiclecomingtowardyouinyourlane,pulltotheright,slowdown,
soundyourhornandflashyourheadlights.Donotturnintothelanethevehicle
hasleftastheotherdrivermaywakeup,realizetheirmistakeandturnback
intotheirproperlane.
Stalling on Railroad Tracks
Lookbothwaysfortrains.Ifthereisatraincoming,getoutofthevehicleandrun
alongthesideofthetrackstowardthetrain,toavoidbeingstruckbythedebris
fromtheaccident.
Running Off the Roadway
Ifyourunofforareforcedofftheroad,theserulesmaysaveyourlife:
Dontpanic.
Takeyourfootofftheaccelerator.
Dontjamonthebrakes.Brakecarefullyornotatall.
Gripthesteeringwheeltightly,asunusualstressonthewheelmaytwistit
fromyourhand.
Donttrytogetbackontheroadwayuntilyouhavethevehiclecompletely
undercontrol,(speedisreducedto15mphorless)andyouhavelooked
fortrafficbehindyouandbesideyou.Thenturnthewheelssharplytoward
theroadway.Besurenottogoacrossthecenterlineoftheroadorinto
anotherlane.
35
Rumble Strips
Rumblestripsareshortsectionsofcorrugatedroadwaywhichalertyouwiththe
noiseyourtiresmakewhenyoudriveoverthem.Rumblestripswarnofpossible
hazardssuchasdangerousintersectionsorwhenoneisdrivingtooclosetothe
roadwayedge.
Tires
Lookfortireproblems.Itisdangeroustodrivewithdefectivetires.
Lookfor:
Excessivewear.Youneedatleast4/32-inchtreaddepthineverymajor
grooveonfrontwheels.Youneed2/32inchonotherwheels.Nofabric
shouldshowthroughthetreadorsidewall.
Cutsorotherdamage.
Treadseparation.
Dualtiresthatcomeincontactwitheachotherorpartsofthevehicle.
Mismatchedtiresizes.
Radialandbias-plytiresusedtogetheronthesameaxle.
Cutorcrackedvalvestems.
Re-grooved,recapped,orre-treadedtiresonthefrontwheelsofabusare
notallowed.
Wheel and Rim Problems
Defectivewheelsorrimscouldcauseanaccident.
Bentorcrackedrimscancauseatiretolosepressureorcomeoff.
Rustaroundwheelnutsmaymeanthenutsareloosechecktightness.
Afteratirehasbeenchanged,stopashortwhilelaterandrechecktightness
ofthenuts.
Missingclamps,spacers,studsorlugsmeandanger.
Mismatched,bentorcrackedlockringsaredangerous.
Wheelsorrimsthathavehadweldingrepairsarenotsafe.
Blowouts
Blowoutsareverymuchlikerunningofftheroadwayontoasoftshoulder.Ifyour
tireblowsout:
Dontapplythebrakes.
Gripthesteeringwheeltightly.
Signalaturntotherightandpullthevehiclesafelyontotheshoulder.
Decelerateandlookforasafeplacetodriveofftheroad.
Waituntilthevehicleisalmoststopped.
Flooded Engine
Pressthegaspedaltothefloorandholditdown.
Turnthekeyintheignitionandkeepitthereforshortintervals(10-15
seconds).
Whentheenginestarts,releasethegaspedal.
Donotpumpthegaspedal;itwillmakethefloodingworse.
36
Disabled Vehicle
Getallfourwheelsofftheroadway,ifpossible.
Turnontheparkinglightsoremergencyflashinglightsand,ifavailable,set
outflares,blinkingredlightsorareflectivetriangle.
Tieahandkerchieforwhiteclothtotheradioantennaortotheleftdoor
handleand/orraisethehood.
Right-of-Way
Lawsgoverntheright-of-way,butneverputtheselawsaheadofsafety.The
right-of-waymeanstherightofonevehicleorpedestriantoproceedinalawful
manneronahighwayinpreferencetoanothervehicleorpedestrian.Ifyouhave
theright-of-wayandothersyieldittoyou,proceedimmediately.
Youmust,ofcourse,obeystopsigns;yieldsignsandtrafficsignalsat
intersections.
Ifyouentertheintersectionafteranothervehicle,youmustyieldtherightof-way.
Ifyouareabouttoturnleftatanintersectionorintoanalley,privateroador
driveway,youmustyieldtheright-of-waytootherpedestriansandvehicles
untilitissafetoturn.
Ifyouareenteringapublicstreetorhighwayfromaprivateroador
driveway,youmuststopandyieldtoallapproachingvehiclesand
pedestrians.
Ifatrafficlightturnsgreenforyou,youmuststillyieldtopedestriansand
vehiclesintheintersection.Beonthelookoutforredlightrunners.
Authorized emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances and fire
engines, have the right-of-way when they are giving a signal, either audible
(siren) or visual (flashing light). When you hear or see a vehicle approach, you
should immediately drive to the curb and stop, remaining stopped until the
emergency vehicle has passed. Do not follow any fire apparatus closer than 500
feet when it is responding to an emergency.
Pedestrians Right-of-Way
Allpedestrianshavetheright-of-wayatstreetcrossingsintownsandcities,
exceptwheretrafficofficersortrafficcontroldevicescontroltraffic.Pedestriansin
acrosswalk,whethermarkedorunmarked,havetheright-of-wayexceptwhen
theyenterthecrosswalkonaredlightoragainstthedirectionofatrafficofficer.
Pedestrian Signals
Atsomeparticularlybusyintersections,pedestriansignalsmaybeusedin
combinationwithnormaltrafficsignals.Driversmustobeythenormaltraffic
signals.PedestriansmustobeytheWALKandDONTWALKsignals.
37
Crossing at Crosswalks
Thedriverofavehicleshallcometoacompletestopwhenapedestriancrossing
theroadwayinacrosswalkis:
Onthehalfoftheroadwayonwhichthevehicleistraveling;or
Approaching so closely from an adjacent lane on the other half of the

roadway as to be in danger. Wheneveranyvehicleisstoppedatamarkedor
unmarkedcrosswalkatanintersectiontopermitapedestriantocrossthe
roadway,thedriverofanyothervehicleapproachingfromtherearshallnot
overtakeandpassthestoppedvehicles.Apedestrianmaynotsuddenly
leaveacurborotherplaceofsafetyandwalkorrunintothepathofa
vehiclewhichissoclosethatitisimpossibletoyield.
Crossing at Locations Other than Crosswalks
Thoughitisnotrecommended,ifapedestriancrossesaroadwayoutsideofa
crosswalk,thevehiclemustyieldtheright-of-waytoanypedestrian.Thoughthe
pedestriandoesnothavetheright-of-wayintheseinstances,thedrivermust
alwaysyieldtopedestriansintheseinstances.
Crossing at Special Pedestrian Crossings
Ifapedestriancrossesaroadwayatapointwhereapedestriantunnelor
overheadisprovided,thepedestrianshallyieldtheright-of-waytovehicles
approachingontheroadway.Althoughthepedestrianmaynothavetheright-ofway,thedriveralwayshastheresponsibilitytoyieldtopedestriansinthe
intersection.
Crossing between Adjacent Intersections
Betweenadjacentintersections,atwhichatrafficcontrolsignalisinoperation,a
pedestrianmaycrossaroadwayonlyinamarkedcrosswalkorafteryieldingthe
right-of-waytoanyvehicleapproachingontheroadway.
Individuals with Disabilities
Driversshouldbeespeciallyalertforandyieldtheright-of-waytopedestrians
whoaredeaf,orhavephysicaldisabilitiesthatrequiretheuseofcanes,crutches,
walkers,guidedogs/serviceanimals,wheelchairs,ormotorizedscooters.These
individualsmayhavedifficultydetectingoncomingtrafficandmayneedextra
timetocrosstheroad.Driversshouldexerciseextremecareandbepreparedto
stopwhenapproachingchildrenorobviouslyconfusedorincapacitated
individuals.
A five-sided sign is used to warn of school crossings. Diamond-shaped signs
warn of pedestrian crossings.
Sharing the Highway with Others
Themainpurposeoftrafficlawsandrulesoftheroadistoenablemany,
roadwayusers;motorvehicles,bicyclesandpedestrianstosharetheroadways
equallyandfairlyatalltimes.Roadwaysafetyisbaseduponsharingtheroad
withothers.
38
Sharing the Road with Large Trucks

Maneuverability
Trucksaredesignedprimarilytocarrymanyproductstoandfromtownsand
cities;theyarenotdesignedtobeasmaneuverableascars.Truckshavelonger
stoppingandacceleratingdistances,awiderturningradius,andweighmore.On
multi-lanehighways,tractor-trailersgenerallystayinthecenterlanetohelpthe
flowoflocaltrafficonandoffthehighway.Stayinginthemiddlelanealso
increasesthetruckdriversoptionsifheorshehastoswitchlanesinorderto
avoidadangeroussituationoraaccident.
Passing
Whenpassingatruck,firstchecktoyourfrontandrear,andmoveintothe
passinglaneonlyifitisclearandyouareinalegalpassingzone.Letthetruck
driverknowyouarepassingbyblinkingyourheadlights,especiallyatnight.The
driverwillmakeiteasierforyoubystayingtothefarsideofthelane.Onalevel
highway,ittakesonlythreetofivesecondslongertopassatruckthanacar.On
anupgrade,atruckoftenlosesspeed,soitiseasiertopassthanacar.Ona
downgrade,thetrucksmomentumwillcauseittogofaster,soyoumayneedto
increaseyourspeed.Completeyourpassasquicklyaspossible,anddontstay
alongsidetheothervehicle.Ifthedriverblinksthelightsafteryoupass,itmaybe
asignalthatitiscleartopullbackin.Besuretomovebackonlywhenyoucan
seethefrontofthetruckinyourrearviewmirror.Afteryoupassatruck,
maintainyourspeed.Manyauto/truckaccidentsarecausedbyautosmakinga
quicklanechangeinfrontofatruck,thensuddenlyslowingorstoppingbecause
oftrafficcongestion,notallowingthetruckdrivertimetoreadjustforasafe
spaceallowance.
Following a Truck
Ifyourefollowingatruck,stayoutofitsblindspots,upto20feetinfrontof
thecab,oneithersideofthetractortrailer,particularlyalongthesidesofthecab,
andupto200feetintherear.Staytotherearofthetruckandclosetothetractor
ontherightside.Positionyourvehiclesothetruckdrivercanseeitintheside
mirrors,thenyouwillhaveagoodviewoftheroadaheadandthetruckdriver
cangiveyouplentyofwarningforastoporaturn.Youwillhavemoretimeto
reactandmakeasafestop.Whenyoufollowatruckatnight,alwaysdimyour
headlights.Brightlightsfromavehiclebehindwillblindthetruckdriverwhen
theyreflectoffonthetruckslargesidemirrors.Ifyouarestoppedbehindatruck
onanupgrade,leavespaceinfrontofyouincasethetruckdriftsbackslightly
whenitstartstomove.Also,keeptotheleftinyourlanesothedrivercansee
thatyourestoppedbehindthetruck.
If you cannot see a trucks mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you!
39
Do Not Hang Out In the No-Zone/Side No-Zones

Trucksandbuseshaveblindspotsonbothsides.Ifyoucannotseethedrivers
faceontheside-viewmirror,heorshecannotseeyou.Ifthetruckchanges
lanes,youcouldbeintrouble.
Rear No-Zones: Avoidtailgating.Unlikecars,trucksandbuseshavehugeno
zonesdirectlybehindthem.Thetruckorbusdrivercannotseeyourcarback
there.Ifthetruckorbusbrakessuddenly,youhavenoplacetogo.
Front No-Zones: Donotcutinfronttoosoonafterpassingatruckorbus.Truck
andbusdriversneednearlytwicethetimeandroomtostopascars.Lookforthe
entirefrontofthetruckinyourrearviewmirrorbeforeyoupullinfront,andthen
donotslowdown.
Backing up No-Zones: Nevercrossbehindatruckthatisbackingup.Hundredsof
motoristsarekilledorinjuredeachyearbyignoringtrucksthatarebackingup.
Truckdriversdonothavearearviewmirrorandmaynotseeyoucuttingin
behindthem.
Truck Stopping Distance
Truckstakelongertostop.Acartravelingat60milesperhourcanstopinabout
366feet.Atrucktravelingatthesamespeedtakesmorethan400feettostop.
Right and Left Turns
Paycloseattentiontotruckturnsignals.Theycannotseecarssqueezedin
betweenthemandthecurb.Truckdriversmustmakewiderightorleftturnsso
thattherearofthetruckorrearofthetractorortrailercanclearthecornerorany
otherstandingobstructions.Sometimes,spacefromotherlanesisusedtoclear
corners.Toavoidaaccident,donotpassuntiltheturningactioniscomplete.
Bad Weather
Followingorpassingaheavytruck(orbeingpassedbyone)inrainorsnow
createsvisibilityproblems.Splashorsprayfromatruckswheelsandtrailercan
reducevisibilitytonearlyzero.Wheneverdrivinginwetweather,besureyour
vehicleswindshieldwipersareworkingandthereisfluidinthewasherreservoir.
Besureyourheadlightsareon.
Some of the Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Driving Around Trucks:
Do not cut off a truck in traffic or on the highway to reach your exit or
turn. Cuttingintotheopenspaceinfrontofatruckremovesthetruck
driverscushionofsafety.Takeamomenttoslowdownandexitbehinda
truckitwillonlytakeafewextraseconds.
Dont linger alongside a truck when passing. Alwayspassatractor-trailer
completelyandalwaysontheleftside.Ifyoulingerwhenpassingany
vehicle,yourpositionmakesitimpossibleforthetruckertotakeevasive
actionifanobstacleappearsintheroadahead.
40
Following too close or tailgating. Tailgatingatruckorcarisdangerous

becauseyoutakeawayyourowncushionofsafetyifthevehicleinfrontof
youstopsshort.Whenfollowingbehindatruck,ifyoucantseethetruck
driversoutsidemirrors,thereisnowaythetruckdrivercanseeyou.Ifthe
vehicleyouarefollowinghitssomethingintheroad,youwillhavenotime
toreactbeforeithitsthefrontofyourcar.
Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer.
Becauseofitslargesize,atractor-traileroftenappearstobetravelingata
slowerspeedthanitis.Asubstantialnumberofcar-truckcollisionstake
placeatintersectionsbecausethedriverofthecardoesnotrealizehow
closethetruckisorhowquicklyitisapproaching.
Stopping for School Vehicles
Whenaschoolvehicleisstoppingorhasstoppedontheroadway,andis
operatingthealternatingflashingredlights,allvehiclesmuststopatleast20feet
fromthefrontorrearoftheschoolvehicle.Noonecanproceeduntilthe
alternatingflashingredlightshavebeenturnedoff.Driversshouldcontinueto
exercisecautiononcetheflashinglightshavebeenturnedoff.Driversofother
vehiclesarenotrequiredtostopwhentheyareonadividedhighwayandthe
schoolvehicleisontheothersideofthedividedhighway.
Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists
Almosthalfofallfatalmotorcycleaccidentsinvolvecars.Incollisionswith
motorcycles,driversoftensaythattheyneversawthemotorcycle.Driversofcars
mustalwaysbealertformotorcycles,astheirsizemakesthemverydifficultto
see.Alwaysremainalertandcheckyourblindspotfrequentlytomakesurethata
motorcycleisnotpassingyou.Youneedtobeespeciallyalertformotorcycles
whenturningatintersectionsandwhenpullingoutfromasideroadordriveway.
Amotorcycleisentitledtousetheentirelane.Becausethemotorcycleisvery
maneuverable,theoperatormaymovefromsidetosidewithinthelanetoavoid
obstacles.Allowampleroomforthemotorcyclewhenpassingandrememberit
isagainstthelawtoovertakeorpassamotorcyclewithinthesamelane.Be
especiallycarefulwhenfollowingamotorcycle.Maintainasafefollowing
distanceatalltimes,asthemotorcyclecanstopmorequicklythancars.
Sharing the Road with Bicycles
Bicycle Right-of-Way
BicyclesaretreatedasvehiclesinDistrictofColumbia.Bicyclistshaverightsand
dutieslikethoseofamotorvehicle.Motoristsmustyieldtheright-of-wayto
bicyclistsatintersectionswhenpassingandwhenturning.Mostbicyclesdonot
haveturnsignalsandtheiroperatorsusehandandarmsignalstoalertyouof
theirintentions.
41
Following a Bicyclist
Asyouapproachabicyclist,slowdown.Avoidtheuseofyourhorn.Bicyclists
canusuallyhearanapproachingvehicleandloudnoisescanstartlethebicycle
operator,causinganaccident.Donotfollowabicycleclosely.Bicyclescanstop
andmaneuverquicklyandabicyclistcanswerveorchangespeedtoavoidaroad
hazard.Youngbicyclists,inparticular,aremorelikelytomakesurprisingchanges
indirection.
Passing a Bicyclist
Whenpassingabicyclist,waituntilitissafeandallowadequateclearance
(usuallyaboutthreefeetfromthesideofyourvehicle)andreturntoyourlane
whenyoucanclearlyseethebicyclistinyourrearviewmirror.Donotuseyour
horntoalertoralarmtherider.Ifyouareunabletosafelypass,reduceyour
speed,followthebicycleandwaitforasafeopportunitytopass.Abicycleshould
beoperatedasclosetotherightsideoftheroadaspossible.However,cyclists
areexpectedtouseturnlanes.Mergesafelywithbicycletrafficwhenturning.Do
notmakerightturnsacrossthepathofbicycletraffic.Itiscommonforan
experiencedcyclisttoreachspeedsof20-30milesperhourandbecloserthan
youthink.
Mopeds
Mopedsareconsideredtobethesameasbicycles.Bothmustobeytherules,
regulationsandlawstowhichotherbicyclistsandmotoristsarerequiredto
adhere.Apersonoperatingamopedmusthaveavaliddriverslicense.
42
Driving Rules
Keep to the Right
Youshouldkeeptotheright,exceptwhenyourvehicleisabouttoovertakeand
passanothervehicleorcyclist,ortomakealeftturn.Onatwo-laneorother
narrowhighway,youmustgranttheapproachingvehicleone-halfofthepaved
orimprovedportionoftheroad.
Signaling
Youmustuseaturnsignal,armorhandsignal,orboth,continuouslyforatleast
100feetbeforeturning.Youshouldsignalforamuchgreaterdistanceanda
longertimeintervalwhentravelingatahighspeed.Thisisparticularlyimportant
whenchanginglanesonallhighways.Whenmakingaturnjustpastan
intersection,signalonceyouareintheintersection.
Passing
Itispreferabletopassontheleft.However,intheDistrictofColumbia,itislegal
topassoneithertheleftorrightonone-wayroads,providedthereisroomfor
morethanonelineoftraffic.Itisalsolegaltopassoneithertheleftorrighton
highwayswithfourormorelanes.
When You Must Not Pass on Two-Lane Highways
Youmustnotpass:
Wherethesolidyellowlineisonyoursideofthecenteroftheroadway.
Wheretherearetwosolidyellowlines.
Whenpassingwillinterferewiththesafeoperationofoncomingvehicles.
Whenapproachingthetopofahilloronacurveandthereisnotsufficient
clearviewahead.
Whencrossingorwithin100feetofanintersection.
Whencrossingorwithin100feetofarailroadcrossing.
Whentheviewisobstructeduponapproachingwithin100feetofany
bridge,viaductortunnel.
Ontheshoulderofthehighwayeithertotherightortheleft.
Whenbeingpassedbyanothervehicle,youmustnotincreaseyourspeed.
Theendofano-passingzonedoesnotmeanthatitissafetopass,only
thatitislawfultopasswhensafe.
Overtaking and Passing on a Two-Lane Highway
Whenyouovertakeanyvehicleonatwo-lanehighway,passontheleft.Beforeyou
crossthecenterline,becertainthereistimetopassandgetbackintotherightlane
beforemeetingavehiclecomingintheoppositedirectionandbeforeano-passing
zonebegins.Whileyouarepassing,ifitappearsthatyouwillnothavetimeto
completethepassbeforemeetingoncomingtraffic,slowdownandreturntothelane
behindthevehicleyouwerepassing.Turnonyourleftorrightsignal,dependingon
whichlaneyouareentering,toinformthedriverbehindyouandthedriverahead.
Donotuseyourhornwhenpassingacyclist.Whenpassingavehicle,youshould
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returntotherightlanewhenyouseebothheadlightsofthepassedvehicleinyour
rearviewmirror.Whenpassingacyclist,allowaminimumofthreefeetclearance.If
youaredrivingthevehiclebeingovertaken,givewaytotherightinfavoroftheovertakingvehicle.Donotincreaseyourspeeduntilthepassingiscompleted.Youmay
passontherightonlywhenthevehiclebeingovertakenismakingorisaboutto
makealeftturn.However,youmuststayonthetraveledportionoftheroad.You
cannotdriveontheshoulderoftheroadtopassanothervehicle.
Lane Driving
Whenaroadismarkedinlanes:
Youshouldstayinonelane.Youmustnotdrivepartlyinonelaneandpartly
inanother.
Youmustnotmovefromonelanetoanotherunlessyoucandososafely.
Youshouldsignalyourintentiontochangelanesnolessthan300feet
beforeyoudoso.Itisreferabletosignalsoonertoenabledriversaheadand
behindyoutotakeappropriateaction.
Whenyouaredrivingmoreslowlythanthetrafficflowonahighwaythat
hastwoormorelanesinyourdirection,youshouldmovetoandstayinthe
rightlane.
Ifyouseeavehiclestoppedontheshoulderwithitshoodup,youshould
slowdownandmovetotheleftpartofyourlane.
Turns
Right Turns
Getintothelanefurthermosttotherightwellaheadoftheturn.
Signalyourintentiontoturnforatleast100feet.
Yieldtopedestriansincrosswalks.
Bealertforvehiclesaheadthatarealsoturningright.
Yieldtobicycliststravelingbetweenyouandthesideoftheroad.
Left
Turn: Two-Lane, Two-Way to Two-Lane, Two-Way

Yieldtooncomingtrafficincludingbicycles.
Dontcutthecorner.
Left
Turn: Four-Lane, Two-Way to Four-Lane, Two-Way

Getintotheleftlaneonyoursideofthehighwaywellaheadoftheturn.
Yieldtooncomingtrafficincludingbicycles.
Turnintotheleftlanegoingyourway.
Dontcutthecornerorturnsowidethatyougetintotherightlanegoing
yourway.
Left Turn: Two-Way to One-Way
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Yieldtoalltrafficincludingbicycles.
Turnsharplyintotheleftlane.
Dontcutthecornerorturnsowideyougetintotherightlane.
Left
Turn: One-Way to Two-Way

Getintotheleftlanewellaheadoftheturn.
Yieldtotrafficincludingbicycles.
Dontstarttheturnattheedgeoftheintersection;insteaddriveintothe
intersectionandturnsharplyintothelaneshown.
ItisillegaltomakealeftturnonredintheDistrictofColumbia.
Left
Turn: One-Way to One-Way

Getintothelanefurthermosttotheleftwellaheadoftheturn.
Turnsharplyintothefirstlaneontheleftsideofaone-wayroad.
ItisillegaltomakealeftturnonredintheDistrictofColumbia.
Using Your Headlights

Alwaysturnonheadlightswhenthewindshieldwipersareon.Usehighbeamsin
opencountrytoseepersonsorvehiclesahead.Uselowbeamswhen
approachingorcloselyfollowingothervehicles.Lowbeamsshouldalsobeused
withstreetlightsandinfog.
Youmustturnonyourheadlightsone-halfhouraftersunsetandone-half
hourbeforesunrise.
Youmustturnonyourheadlightsatothertimeswhenyoucannotsee
personsorvehiclesonthehighwayclearlyatadistanceof500feetorless.
Youmustusehighbeamswheneverneededtoseepersonsorvehiclesaheadof
youexceptthat:
Youmustchangetolowbeamsatleast500feetbeforemeetingoncoming
vehicles.
Youmustchangetolowbeamswhenfollowingavehicleatadistanceof
300feetorless.
Neverdrivewiththeparkinglightsonbecauseparkinglightsdenotea
parkedcar.
Energy Saving Tips
Bydrivingcarefully,youwillgetbettergasmileageandsavemoneyonfuel.
Accelerategradually.
Drivesmoothlyandatmoderatespeeds.
Anticipatestopstominimizehardbraking.
Avoidunnecessarydriving.
Combinetripsandcarpoolwhenpossible
45
Parking Rules
Whenparkingandleavingyourvehicleonahighwayorastreet,youmuststop
theengine,locktheignition,removethekeyandsettheparkingbrake.Itisalso
advisabletoraisethewindowsandlockthedoors.
Parallel Parking
Whenparkingonatwo-wayroadway,youmustparkparalleltoandwithin12
inchesofthecurb.
Whenyoutakethetestforyourdriverslicense,youmayhavetoshowthe
examinerthatyoucanparkinaparallelparkingspace6feetwideand25feet
long.Thisisatimedexercise.
Thestepstotaketoparallelparkare:
Checkfortrafficinyourrearviewmirror.Ifacarbehindyouisfollowingtoo
closely,donotstopsuddenly.Continuedrivingandfindanotherspace.
Stoppingsuddenlywithacarbehindyoumayresultinarearendcollision.
Putonyourturnsignaltowarnotherdriversthatyouintendtopark.Ifthe
driverfollowingyoustops,heshouldstopseverallengthsbehindyou.
Makesurethespaceislargeenoughforyourcar.
Pullupuntilyouareabouttwoorthreefeetfromthecarinfrontofyour
parkingspace.Backbumpersshouldbeabouteven.
Backthecarslowlywhileturningthesteeringwheelsharplytotheright.
Beginstraighteningthefrontwheelswhenyourdriversseatisinlinewith
therearbumperofthecaraheadofyourparkingspace.
Continuetobackslowly,andturnthesteeringwheelsharplytotheleftwhen
yourcarclearsthecarinfrontofyou.
Whenyouthinkyourvehicleisparallelwiththecurb,turnthesteeringwheel
totherighttostraightenthewheels.
Stopbeforetouchingthevehiclebehind.
ShifttoDrive,andcenterthecarintheparkingspace.Youshouldbewithin
12inchesfromthecurb.
Parking on a Hill
Whenparkingyourvehicleonadownhillgrade,youmustturnyourfrontwheels
towardthecurbortheedgeoftheroad.Whenparkingyourvehicleonanuphill
gradewithacurb,youmustturnyourfrontwheelsawayfromcurbandbringthe
nearsidefrontwheelintocontactwiththecurb.Whenparkingyourvehicleonan
uphillgradewithnocurb,youmustturnyourfrontwheelstowardtheedgeofthe
road.Ifyourvehiclehasanautomatictransmission,itshouldbeplacedinpark.If
youhaveamanualtransmission,leavethevehicleingearandsettheparkingbrake.
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Parking on highways: Youmustneverparkonthepavedortraveledpartof

anyhighwayoutsideofabusinessorresidentialdistrictunlessyourvehicle
isdisabledandcannotbemoved.Pulltotherightasfaraspossible.
Parking lights: Whenyouparkavehicleontheshoulderorsideofany

highwayfromsunsettosunriseorwhenlightisinsufficienttoseepeopleor
objects1000feetaway,youmustturnonyourparkinglights(or4-way
flashersifthevehicleissoequipped).Turnsignallightsshouldnotflashon
eithersideofaparkedvehicle.
Opening the door of a parked vehicle: Neveropenthedoorofavehiclethat

willimpedetheflowoftrafficorendangeranypersonorvehicle.Instead,
usethedooronthecurbside.
Moving a vehicle from a parked position: Youmustsignal,yieldtheright-ofwayandpullintothestreetwhenitissafetodoso.
Double parking a vehicle: Doubleparkingavehicleisprohibitedbecauseit

blockstrafficandcausesaccidents.
Stopping
Stop Means Cease Movement and No Rolling Stops
Wherethereisastopsign,youmustmakeafullstopbeforethestopline,if
thereisone.Ifnot,youmuststopbeforeenteringthecrosswalk.
Wherethereisaflashingredtrafficsignal,youmustmakeafullstop.
Wherethereisasteadyredtrafficsignal,unlessasignprohibitingaturnis
inplace,youmaycautiouslyentertheintersectionandmakearightturn
afterfirstmakingafullstopandyieldingtheright-of-waytopedestrians,
bicyclistandothertrafficlawfullyusingtheintersection.
Wherethereisayieldsignandvehiclesorpedestrianskeepyoufromusing
theroadwaybeyondthesign,youshouldcometoafullstopandproceed
whenthewayisclear.
Whenemergingfromanalley,driveway,privateroad,orbuildingacrossa
sidewalkorintoastreetorhighway,youmuststopandyieldtopedestrians
andothervehicles.
Beforeenteringanintersectionwhentheroadwaybeyondtheintersectionis
blockedwithtraffic,youshouldstopandcrosstheintersectionwhenitisno
longerblocked.
Atarailroadcrossingwithloweredgatesand/orflashingredlights,you
muststop.
Stopping, Standing, Parking Prohibited
Exceptwhennecessarytoavoidaconflictwithothertraffic,orincompliancewith
thedirectionofapoliceofficerorofficialtrafficcontroldevice,donotstopa
vehicle:
Infrontofapublicdriveway.
Onasidewalk.
Withinanintersection.
Onacrosswalk.
Betweenasafetyzoneandtheadjacentcurb,orwithin30feetofpointson
thecurbimmediatelyoppositetheendsofasafetyzoneunlesstheState
HighwayAdministrationorlocalauthorityindicateadifferentlengthbysigns
ormarkings.
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Alongsideoroppositeanystreetexcavationorobstructionwherestopping,
standingorparkingwouldobstructtraffic.
Uponanybridgeorotherelevatedstructureuponahighwayorwithina
highwaytunnel.
Atanyplaceanofficialsignprohibitsstopping.
Inadirectionthatistheoppositefromtheflowoftraffic.
Donotstandorparkavehicle,whetheroccupiedornot,exceptverybrieflyto
pickupordischargepassengers:
Infrontoforwithin5feetofaprivatedriveway,publicdrivewayoralley.
Within10feetofafirehydrant.
Within25feetinfrontofanyflashingsignal,stopsign,ortrafficcontrol
signallocatedatthesideofaroadway.
Within20feetoftheentrancetoanyfirestationdrivewayoronthesideofa
streetoppositetheentrancetoanyfirestationwithin75feetofthat
entrance,whenproperlypostedwithasign.
Onacurveorthebrowofahillweresolidlinesindicatinganopassingzone
appearsonthesurfaceoftheroad.
Atanyplaceanofficalsignprohibitsstanding.
Ontheroadwaysideofanyvehiclestoppedorparkedattheedgeorcurbof
astreet.
Infrontofanybarricadeorsignthathasbeenplacedforthepurposeof
closingthestreet.
Donotparkavehicle,whetheroccupiedornot,excepttemporarilywhileloading
orunloadingmerchandiseorpassengers:
Within50feetofthenearestrailofarailroadcrossing.
Atanyplacewhereanofficialsignprohibitsparking.
Unlessyouareanindividualwithadisability,parkinginaspaceorzone
properlymarkedasrestrictedfortheuseofindividualswithdisabilities.
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Traffic Rules
Turnabout
Attimesitmaybenecessarytoturnyourcararoundinclosequarters;for
example,duringyourdrivingtestorattheendofadead-endstreet.
Todothis:
Startfromtheextremerightsideoftheroad.Lookforothertrafficandif
clear,proceedforwardslowlywhileturningthesteeringwheeltotheleft.
Stopwithinseveralinchesoftheleftcurbortheedgeofthestreet.
Thenproceedbackwardslowlywhileturningthesteeringwheeltotheright.
Stopwithinseveralinchesoftherightcurbortheedgeofthestreet.
Proceedforwardslowlywhileturningthesteeringwheeltotheleft.This
shouldcompleteyourturnabout.Ifnot,repeattheprocedures.
Speed Restrictions
DistrictofColumbiatrafficlawsprovidebothageneralspeedrestrictionand
specificspeedlimits.Youmustobeyboth.Nooneshoulddriveonahighwayata
speedgreaterthanisreasonableundertheexistingconditions,takinginto
accounttheactualandpotentialhazards.Ineveryevent,speedshouldbe
controlledinordertoavoidcollidingwithanyperson,vehicleorother
conveyanceonorenteringthehighway.Nooneshoulddriveatsuchaslow
speedtheyimpedethenormalandreasonablemovementoftrafficexceptwhen
areducedspeedisnecessaryforthesafeoperationofthevehicleorin
compliancewiththelaw.Neverexceedthepostedspeedlimit.Uptothelimit,it
issafesttodriveattheaveragespeedatwhichtrafficismoving.Studieshave
shownthatthemoreyoudepartfromtheaveragetrafficspeed,fasterorslower,
thegreateryourchancesareofhavinganaccident.
Moreaccidentsarecausedbyfactorsotherthanspeed,butspeedincreasesthe
severityandextentofdamagesandinjuries.Considerthefollowingfacts:
Deathiseighttimesmoreprobableinanaccidentat60milesperhourthan
at20milesperhour.
Theimportantspeedinahead-oncollisionisthesumofthespeedofboth
vehicles.Fortwovehicles,eachgoing50milesperhour,thesumis100
milesperhour.
Hittingasolidstationaryobjectat60milesperhourisequaltofallingoffa
10-storybuilding.
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Speed Limit Laws/unless otherwise posted

DistrictofColumbiacitystreetsis25milesperhour
DistrictofColumbiaalleyis15milesperhour
DistrictofColumbiaSchoolZoneis15milesperhour
OnOrdinaryHighways3050milesperhour
OnDividedHighways3055milesperhour
OnInterstateHighways5575milesperhour
Speed Signs
Therearetwokindsofspeedsigns:
Speed Limit Signs

Speedlimitsignshaveblacklettersandnumeralsonawhiterectangular
backgroundandarethelegalallowablelimits.
Advisory (Recommended) Speed Signs

Advisoryspeedsignshaveblacklettersonayellowororangebackground
andoftenareshownunderawarningsign.Advisoryspeedsignsareposted
alongportionsofhighwaystowarnyouthatconditionsmayoftenmakeit
unsafetodrivefaster.Althoughanadvisoryspeedsigndoesnothavethe
forceoflaw,ifyouexceeditandhaveaaccident,itmaybeconcludedthat
youviolatedthegeneralspeedrestrictionandaresubjecttoaticket.
Other Traffic Laws
Safety Zones
Neverdrivethroughasafetyzone,whichisanareainaroadwaymarkedby
signsforpedestriansonly.Alwaysproceedcautiouslywheneverpeopleare
standing,walking,sittingorbicyclingclosetoalineoftraffic.
Coasting
Neverdrivewiththegearsinneutralortheclutchpedaldepressedlongerthanis
neededtoshiftgears.Ifyouneedtoreactquickly,youmaynotbeabletogetthe
vehicleingear.
School Crossing Guards
Youmustfollowthedirectionofanyauthorizedcrossingguard.School-crossing
guards,havetheauthoritytostop,controlandguidevehiculartraffic.Theyare
stationedatlocationsadjacenttoschoolsoratanyotherlocationsdeemed
necessary.
U-Turn
YoucannotmakeaU-turnonacurveorahillwherethevehiclecannotbeseen
atleast500feetawaybythedriverofanothervehicleproceedingineither
direction.U-turnsareprohibitedintheDistrictofColumbiaatintersections
controlledbytrafficlightsorpoliceofficer,oronacrosswalkadjacenttosuchan
intersection.
Wearing of Headsets, Earphones, and Earplugs Prohibited
Apersonmaynotwearearplugs,aheadset,orearphonesattachedtoaradio,
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tapeplayer,CDplayerorotheraudiodevicewhiledrivingamotorvehicle.Useof
earphonesorearplugsforcellularphonesareacceptable.Hearingaiddevicesare
acceptable.
Vehicle Equipment
Since1965,theU.S.Governmenthasrequiredthatallmotorvehiclesofferedfor
saleintheUnitedStatesbeequippedwithvarioussafetyequipmentand
emissioncontroldevicestoreduceaccidentsandcontrolairpollution.Under
federalandDistrictofColumbiamotorvehiclelaws,itisunlawfulforanyoneto:
Removeoralteranysafetydeviceorequipmentwhichhasbeenplaced
uponanymotorvehicle,trailer,semi-trailer,orpoletrailerincompliance
withanylaw,rule,regulationorrequirementoftheUnitedStatesorof
DistrictofColumbia.
Remove,alterorotherwiserenderinoperableanyexhaustsystememission
controldevice(i.e.,catalyticconverter),gasolinetankfillerinlet,orcrankcase
ventilationdevicewhichhasbeeninstalledbyamanufacturerofmotor
vehiclesproducedasa1968orlatermodel,ifthemotorvehicleisfactory
equippedwiththesedevicesasrequiredbyfederallaworbyruleof
regulation.
Seat Belt Law/Click It or Ticket
TheDistricthasoneofthestrongest,mostcomprehensiveseatbeltlawsinthe
nation.Afterthelawwasenactedin1997,seatbeltuseincreased24%.Injuries
wereprevented.Livesweresaved.
Ittakesafewsecondstofastenaseatbelt.It'ssosimple.Yetitcanbethemost
significantactionyoucantaketoprotectyourlifeandthoseyoucareabout.
Bucklingupdramaticallyincreasesyourchanceofsurvivingacrash.Andit'syour
bestweaponagainstadrunk,tired,oraggressivedriver.
Seat Belts Must Be Worn
TheDistrictofColumbialawrequiresthatthedriverandallpassengerswearseat
beltsinpassengercars,trucks,tractors,multi-purposevehiclesorpassenger
buses.Apersonmaynotoperateanyofthesevehiclesunlesstheoperatorand
eachoccupantiswearingaseatbelt.
You Will Be Pulled Over
Unlikemanyotherstates,Districtlawallowspolicetostopavehiclesolely
becauseitsdriversandpassengersarenotproperlybuckledup.
$50 Fine and 2 Points
That'sthepenaltyfornothavingyourseatbeltproperlybuckledatalltimesfor
driversandallpassengers,infrontandbackseatswithfewexceptions.Drivers
areresponsibleforseatbeltcomplianceforallpassengers.
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Ifaphysicianlicensedtopracticemedicinedeterminesandcertifiesinwriting
51
thattheuseofaseatbeltbyapersonwouldpreventappropriaterestraintdueto
apersonsphysicaldisabilityorothermedicalreason,theseatbeltprovisionsdo
notapplytothatperson.Thephysicianscertificatemuststatethenatureofthe
physicaldisabilityandthereasonthatrestraintbyaseatbeltisinappropriate.
Thecertificatemustbecarriedinthevehicle.Apersonwhoviolatesthe
provisionsissubjecttothepenaltiesofthelaw.
Head Restraints
Headrestraintsareinstalledtoprotectfromspinalinjury,whiplash,whichcan
occurwhenavehicleisstuckfromtherear.Beforestartingtodrivethevehicle,
adjusttheheadrestraintonyourseattoapositiondirectlybehindyourhead.
Thispositionvarieswitheachdriver,soitsimportantthattheheadrestraintbe
adjustedtoprovideyouwithmaximumprotection.Somevehicleshavehigh-back
seatsthatcannotbeadjusted.
Child Safety Seats
IntheDistrictofColumbia,theoperatorofamotorvehiclemaynottransportany
childoflessthan3yearsofageunlessthechildisproperlyrestrainedinachild
restraintseatinthebackseat.
Air Bags
Airbagsareimportantsafetydevices.Theyworkbestwhendriversand
passengersareproperlysecuredbylapandshoulderbeltsandaresittingasfar
backaspossible.Mostairbagsaredesignedtoinflateinamoderate-to-severe
frontalaccident.Someaccidentsatlowerspeedsmayresultininjuries,but
generallynottheseriousinjuriesthatairbagsaredesignedtoprevent.Lapand
shoulderbeltsshouldalwaysbeused,eveninvehicleswithairbags.
Toincreasethelifesavingcapabilitiesofairbags:
Alwayswearsafetybeltsproperly,usinglapandshoulderbeltswhere
available
Pregnantwomenshouldplacethelapportionofthesafetybeltunderthe
abdomenaslowaspossibleonthehipsandacrosstheupperthighs.
Sitasfarawayfromthesteeringwheelaspractical.Trytomaintain10-12
inchesfromthesteeringwheelhubtothechest.
Childrenage12andundershouldridebuckledupinarearseatinachild
safetyseatorseatbeltappropriatefortheirageandsize.
Infantsshouldneverrideinthefrontseatofavehiclewithapassengerside
airbag.
Ifitisimpossibleforyoutofollowthesesafetytips,itmightbebetterforthe
airbagstobeturnedoff.Peoplewhofallintooneofthefollowingrisk
groupsshouldconsiderinstallinganairbagon-offswitch.
Thosewhomusttransportinfantsridinginrear-facinginfantseatsinthe
frontpassengerseat.
Thosewhomusttransportchildrenundertheageof12inthefront
passengerseat.
Driverswhocannotchangetheircustomarydrivingpositionandkeep10
inchesbetweenthecenterofthesteeringwheelandthecenteroftheir
breastbone.
52
Thoseindividualswhosedoctorsrecommendthat,duetotheirmedical
condition,theairbagsposeaspecialriskthatoutweighstheriskofhitting
theirhead,neck,orchestinanaccidentiftheairbagisturnedoff.
Work Zones
Aworkzoneisanareaalongahighwaywhereconstruction,maintenance,or
utilityworkisoccurring.Becauseworkzonesoftenareunexpectedand
sometimeshinderthesmoothflowoftraffic,theycanpresentachallengetoeven
themostskilleddrivers.Itisimportantforthedriversownsafetyandthesafety
ofpedestriansandworkersthatdriversusegreatcarewhenapproachingand
passingthesesites.Specialworkzonetrafficsignsandotherdevicesaresetup
inadvanceofwheretheworkactuallyistakingplaceandcontinuebeyondthe
workarea.Thezonemaybeeitherstationary(abridgeisbeingwidened)ormay
beamobileoperationthatmovesdowntheroadslowlyorfromtimetotime
pavementstripingorpatching.
Usually,temporarydevicessuchasfixedorportablesigns,changeablemessage
signs,arrowpanels,pavementmarkings,and/orchannelingdevices(cones,
drums,barricades,barriers,etc.)areinstalledtoguidetrafficsafelythroughthe
zone.TrafficwarningsignsinworkzonesusuallyareORANGE.
Whenapproachingordrivingthroughaworkzonestayalertforchangingtraffic
patternsandslowingorstoppedtraffic.Stoppedtrafficmaybehiddenarounda
curveoroverahill.Paycloseattentiontotrafficsignsandotherdevices,suchas
cones,drums,barricades,barriers,ormarkings,thatareplacedtosafelyguide
youthroughtheworkzone.Obeythedirectionsofthepoliceandflaggers.
Whenyouseesignsindicatinglaneclosuresahead,preparetomovefrom
theclosedlane.
Watchforslowerspeedlimits.
Observewhatotherdriversaredoingandavoidsuddenmoves.Donot
weavefromlanetolane.Brakegraduallytogivedriversbehindyouample
timetoslowdown.Keepupwiththeflowoftraffic.
Bealertforunusualpavementsurfaceconditions,suchasroughsurfaces,
metalplates,unevenpavementbetweenlanes,anddrop-offsatthe
pavementedge.Theycanmakeitmoredifficultforyoutocontrolyour
vehicle.Gradual,controlledmovementsarebestunderthesecircumstances.
Maintainareasonablespeedandspacingbetweenvehicles.Youmayhave
nowheretogoifyouaretravelingtoofastorfollowingtoocloselyandthe
vehicleinfrontofyousuddenlyslowsorstops.
Bepatientandconsiderateofworkersandotherroadusers.Attimes,traffic
inworkzonesmustbestopped.Thisusuallyhappenswhentrafficfrom
oppositedirectionsmusttaketurnsusingasinglelane,whenworkersor
equipmentmustenterthelaneoftraffic,orwheresomeworktaskmightbe
dangeroustopassingvehicles.Then,temporarytrafficsignalsmightbe
installedorpolicestationedtodirecttraffic.Moreoften,trainedandcertified
flaggerswithSTOP/SLOWpaddlesareusedtostop,slow,and/ordirect
trafficthroughworkzones.
53
54
Signals, Signs and Markings
Regulatory Signs
Thesesignstelldriversofthespeedlimitandotherlawsandregulations.Speed
limitsmaybereducedinworkareas.
Warning Signs
Warningsignsareusedtoalertdriverstounusualorpotentiallyhazardous
conditionsinornearworkzones.Mostsignsusedinhighwayandstreetwork
areasareorangeanddiamond-shaped.
Channeling Devices
Barricades,conesanddrumsarethemostcommonlyuseddevicestoguide
driverssafelythroughworkareas.Atnighttheymaybeequippedwithwarning
lightsforimprovedvisibility.
Changeable Message Signs
Theseelectronicsigns,whichcandisplayavarietyofmessagespertainingto
roadconditions,trafficproblems,emergencysituations,specialevents,etc.,are
oftenusedtoalertmotoriststospecialconditionswithinworkzones.
Arrow Panels
Arrowpanelsareusedbothduringthedayandatnighttogiveadvancewarning
anddirectionalinformationtotelldriverswhereitisnecessarytomoveinto
anotherlanetotherightorleft.
Traffic Signals
Trafficsignalsapplytoeveryonewhoiswalking,drivingorridingabicycleona
streetorhighway.Failingtoobeythesignalsmessageisamajorcauseof
accidents.Thedriverofavehicleapproachinganintersectioncontrolledbya
trafficcontroldevicemaynotdriveacrossprivateproperty,suchasgasstations,
storeparkinglotsetc.,orleavetheroadwayforthepurposeofavoidingthe
instructionsofatrafficcontroldevice.
Trafficsignalsareusuallyred,yellowandgreenfromtoptobottom,orleftto
right.Atsomeintersections,therearesinglered,yelloworgreenlights.Some
trafficsignalsaresteady,othersflash.Somearecircular,andsomearearrows.
Thelawrequiresthatifthetrafficlightsorcontrolsareoutofserviceor
malfunctioningwhenyouapproachanintersection,youmustcometoastopas
youwouldforastopsign.Youmustthenproceedaccordingtotherulesofright
ofway,unlessyouaredirectedtoproceedbyatrafficofficer.
55
Steady Red Signal

Stop.Cometoacompletestopbeforereachingtheintersection,atthestopline,
ifthereisone.Ifnot,youmuststopbeforeenteringthecrosswalkandremain
stoppedaslongasthesignalisred.Youmayturnrightataredsignalafter
comingtoacompletestop,unlesstherearesignspostedattheintersection,
whichreadsNoTurnonRed.Whenturningonaredsignal,youmustyieldthe
right-of-waytopedestrians,bicyclistsandallothertraffic.Itisillegalinthe
DistrictofColumbiatomakealeftturnonred.
Steady Yellow Signal
Thismeansthatthesignalischangingfromgreentored.Itspurposeisto
providetimeforapproachingtraffictostopsafelyandtoclearothervehicles
fromtheintersectionbeforethelightturnsred.
Steady Green Signal
Proceedwithcautionafteryouhavecheckedfirsttoseethatothervehicleshave
clearedtheintersection.Whenitissafetoproceed,youmayenterthe
intersectiontogostraightaheadorturnunlessasignoradditionalsignal
prohibitstheturn.Youmustyieldtopedestriansandvehiclesalreadyinthe
intersection.
Steady Red Arrow Signal
Stop.Cometoacompletestopbeforereachingtheintersection,stoplineor
crosswalkforthedirectionindicatedbythearrow.Remainstoppedaslongasthe
arrowsignalisred.
Steady Yellow Arrow Signal
Likethesteadyyellowsignal,theyellowarrowmeansthatthesignalischanging
fromgreentored.Itspurposeistoprovidetimeforapproachingtraffictostop
safelyandtoclearothervehiclesfromtheintersectionbeforethelightturnsred.
Steady Green Arrow Signal
Proceedwithcautioninthedirectionthearrowpoints.Rememberthatyoumust
yieldtoallpedestriansandvehiclesalreadyintheintersection.
Flashing Red Signal
Youmustcometoacompletestop,yieldtoallothertrafficandtopedestrians.
Proceedwhenthewayisclear.
56
Flashing Red Signal at Railroad Crossing

Flashingredsignals,whichmaybeaccompaniedbybells,warnyouthatatrain
iscoming.Youshouldstopandwaitforittogobyandchecktomakesure
anothertrainisnotapproachingonanothertrack.
WhenapproachingarailroadcrossingthatdoesNOThaveanywaringsystem
(suchasflashinglightsorgates),it'simportanttoslowdown,lookandlistenfor
anysignofanoncomingtrainandthenstopbeforethetracksifthereisone
coming.Trainsarealwaysmovingmuchfasterthantheyappearfromadistance
sodriversshouldnevertrytobeatoneout.Markingsontheroad,consistingofa
white"X"andtheletters"RR,"alertyouthatyouareabouttocrossrailroadtracks
andneedtowatchfortrains,whichcan'tstopquickly.
Flashing Yellow Signal
Youmustslowdownandproceedwithcaution.
Multiple Signals
Thesignalsareusedtoallowtraffictomakeleftturnswithagreenlight.
Lane Use Signals
Thesignalsareusedtocontroltrafficflowbyreversinglanesdirectionduring
differenthoursoftheday.Thelanesandtheirdirectionsmaybemarkedwith
signsandsignals.YoumustneverdriveinalaneunderaredXsignal.Youare
permittedtodriveinalaneunderagreenarrowsignal.AsteadyyellowX
signalmeansadrivershouldmoveoutofthelaneassoonassafelypossible.A
flashingyellowXsignalmeansthatadriverispermittedtousethelanefora
leftturn.Itislikelythatyouwillbesharingthelanewithleft-turningvehicles
comingfromtheoppositedirection.
57
Identifying Signs by Shapes and Colors
Identifysignsbyshapesandcolorsaswellasbythewords,numbers,orthe
symbolsonthem.
SIGN COLORS
Thecolorofaroadwaysigncantellyouatfirstglancewhatkindofinformationit
hastooffer.
Red
Stop,yield,donotenter,orwrongway
Yellow
Generalwarningofwhattoexpectahead
White
Regularsign,suchasspeedlimit
Orange
Constructionandmaintenanceworkareawarning
58
Green
Guideinformation,suchasdistanceordirection
Blue
Motoristservices
Brown
Recreationandculturalinterestareas
SIGN SHAPES
Theshapeofatrafficsigncantellyouasmuchaboutthesignsmessageasits
color.Inpoorvisibilityconditions,suchasheavyfog,youmaybeabletomake
outonlytheshapeofasign.
Octagon: Stop
Theoctagonal(eight-sided)shapealwaysmeansstop.Youmustcometoa
completestopatthesign,stopline,pedestriancrosswalkorbeforeenteringan
intersection.
59
Triangle: Yield
Slowdown,orstopifnecessary,andgivetherightofwaytovehiclescrossing
yourpath.
Diamond: Warning
Thesesignswarnyouofspecialconditionsorhazardsahead.Youmayhaveto
slowdown,sobeready.
Rectangle: Regulatory or Guide

Verticalsignsaregenerallyusedtogiveinstructionsortellyouthelaw.Inthe
horizontalposition,thesignsmaygivedirectionsorinformation.
Pentagon: School and School Crossing

Thepentagon(five-sided)shapewarnsyouofschoolzonesandmarksschool
crossings.
Round: Railroad Warning

Blackonyellowisusedonlytowarnthatthereisarailroadcrossingahead.
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Regulatory Signs
8-Sided Sign, White Letters on Red

TheStopsignistheonly8-sidedsignyouwillseeonthehighway.Whenyoucome
toastopsign,youmustmakeacompletestopatthestopline.Ifthereisnostopline,
stopatthecrosswalk.Ifthereisnocrosswalk,stopbeforeenteringtheintersection.
Beforestarting,youmustyieldtheright-of-waytoanyvehicleorpedestrian.
3-Sided Sign, Red Letters on White

Youwillseenoothersignofthisshapeonthehighway.Slowdownasyou
approachayieldsign.Looktotheleftandtheright.Yieldtopedestriansand
vehicles.Youmustyieldtheright-of-waytoanyvehicleorpedestrian.Onceyou
haveyieldedtovehiclesorpedestrians,youmaynotproceeduntilyoucandoso
safely.
Rectangular (4-Sided) Signs, Black on White

Thesesignsareusedtoregulatetraffic.Thisparticularsigntellsyouthe
maximumspeedlimitforthestretchofhighwaywhereitisposted.
Other Regulatory Signs

Therearemanyotherregulatorysigns.Regulatorysignsrestrictparking,people,
vehicles,weightsandtypesofvehicles,etc..
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Overhead Lane Use Signs

Thesesignsareusedwhereturningmovementsarerequiredorwhere
unconventionalturningmovementsarepermittedfromspecificlanesatan
intersection.
High Occupancy Vehicle

Thissignmeansthelaneorlanesindicatedarereservedforbusesandvehicles
withtheminimumnumberofoccupantsspecifiedonthesign.
Sharp Right Turn

Thereisasharpturntotherightintheroadahead.
Right Curve
Thereisacurvetotherightahead.
Sharp Right and Left Turns

Theroadaheadturnssharplyright,thenleft.
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Warning Traffic Signs

Mostwarningsignsareblackonyellowandmostarediamondshaped.Slow
downandwatchforothersignsandsignalsthatmayfollow.
Stop Sign Ahead

Slowdownandbereadytostopatthestopsignahead.
4-Way Stop
ThissignmeanstherearefourSTOPsignsattheintersection.Trafficfromall
directionsmuststop.Thefirstdrivertostopisthefirstdrivertogo.Otherdrivers
mustwaittheirturn.Youalsomaysee3-WAY,5-WAYorALL-WAYsigns.
Signal Ahead
Slowdownandbereadytostopatthesignalahead.
Yield Sign Ahead

Slowdownandbepreparedtostopattheyieldsignoradjustyourspeedtothe
flowofthetraffic.
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Winding Road
Theroadaheadiswindingwithaseriesofcurvesorturns.Adjustyourspeed.
Side Road
Asideroadentersthehighwayfromtheright.Adjustyourspeedsoyoucansee
anyvehiclesenteringorexitingfromthesideroad.
Crossroad
Anotherroadcrossesthehighwayahead.Bealertforcrosstrafficandregulatory
signsorsignals.
No Passing Pennant
Thepennant-shaped,no-passingsignsupplementstheregulatoryDONOTPASS
sign.Thepennantislocatedontheleftsideofaroadwayandpointstobeginning
ofano-passingzone.
Exit Advisory Speed

Themaximumsafespeedforanentranceorexit
64
Merge
Mergingtrafficfromtherightisjustahead
The 5-Sided Sign is used to Warn of Schools and School Crossings

DiamondSignWarnsofPedestrianCrossing.SlowDown,PreparetoStop,if
necessary.
T Intersection
Theroadwayendsahead.Slowdownandpreparetostoporyieldbeforeturning.
Advisory Speed
Thisisthemaximumsafespeedforacertainstretchofhighwayandisposted
underotherwarningsigns.Slowdowntotheadvisoryspeedshown.
Y Intersection
Youmustbeareitherrightorleftahead.Slowdownandstayalerttotheflowof
traffic.
Divided Highway Begins
65
Keep to the right
Merge Left
The right lane ends ahead
Divided Highway Ends Ahead
Steep Hill Ahead
Bicycle Crossing/Bike Path
66
Drive with caution
Roadway Slippery When Wet, Reduce Speed

Thefirsthalfhourofrainisthemosthazardous.
Route Markers
Animal Crossing
Theanimalpicturedonthesigniscommoninthisarea:watchforthisspecies
crossingtheroadparticularlyduringtwilightandnight-timehours.
Turn Signals and Emergency Signals

Youmustusehandsignalsordirectionalsignalstoshowthatyouareaboutto
turn.Turnsignalsarerequiredwhenchanginglanesorovertakingavehicle.Itis
againstthelawtouseyourdirectionalsignalstotelldriversbehindyouthatthey
canpass.Four-wayemergencyflashersshouldonlybeusedwhileyourvehicleis
legallystoppedordisabledonthehighwayorshoulder.
67
Pesdestrian Crossing
Slow Moving Vehicle
Two-way Traffic
No Right Turn
No U-turn
Do Not Enter
68
Theinterstatesystemhasroutemarkersintheshapeofashield.Thetopcarries
thelegendINTERSTATEinwhitelettersonaredbackground.Thebottomisblue
withtheroutenumberinlargewhiteletters.
UnitedStatesNumberedRoutes(otherthaninterstateroutes)aremarkedwitha
signofblacknumbersonawhitebackgroundofthefamiliarU.S.shield.
StateRoutesaremarkedwithasignofblacklettersonawhiterectangular
background.
DC Route
DC295,alsoknownastheAnacostiaFreeway,isafreewayintheDistrictof
Columbia,andcurrentlytheonlynumberedrouteintheDistrictthatisnotan
InterstateHighwayorU.S.Highway.
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District of Columbia Drivers Handbook - District of Columbia Drivers Manual - Washington DC Drivers Handbook - Washington DC Drivers Manual

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DEPARTMENTOFMOTORVEHICLES

Driver License Examination Process

Types of Driver Licenses & Permits

Gradual Rearing Of Adult Drivers (GRAD)Program

GRAD Program Restrictions

Provisional License Stage:

What is the Selective Service System?

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

Looking and Seeing

Aid any injured person: Youmustrenderassistancetoanypersoninjuredin

Identify yourself: Driversinvolvedinaccidentsmustgivetheirname,

Provide insurance information: Youmustgivethenameandaddressofyour

Leave written notice: Ifanunattendedvehicleorotherpropertyisdamaged,

Make required report: Anymotorvehicleaccidentinwhichyouareinvolved

Hand Signals under Special Conditions

Danger Signs for Drowsy Drivers

Special Driving Situations

Anti-Lock Brake Systems

How to Avoid Being Hit from the Rear

Lane Changing and Passing on an Interstate Highway

Exiting the Roundabout

Multiple lane roundabout:

Windshield Wipers Fail

Keep the fire from spreading

Approaching so closely from an adjacent lane on the other half of the

Sharing the Road with Large Trucks

Do Not Hang Out In the No-Zone/Side No-Zones

Following too close or tailgating. Tailgatingatruckorcarisdangerous

Turn: Two-Lane, Two-Way to Two-Lane, Two-Way

Turn: Four-Lane, Two-Way to Four-Lane, Two-Way

Left Turn: Two-Way to One-Way

Turn: One-Way to Two-Way

Turn: One-Way to One-Way

Using Your Headlights

Parking on highways: Youmustneverparkonthepavedortraveledpartof

Parking lights: Whenyouparkavehicleontheshoulderorsideofany

Opening the door of a parked vehicle: Neveropenthedoorofavehiclethat

Moving a vehicle from a parked position: Youmustsignal,yieldtheright-ofwayandpullintothestreetwhenitissafetodoso.

Double parking a vehicle: Doubleparkingavehicleisprohibitedbecauseit

Speed Limit Laws/unless otherwise posted

Speed Limit Signs

Advisory (Recommended) Speed Signs

Signals, Signs and Markings

Steady Red Signal

Flashing Red Signal at Railroad Crossing

Identifying Signs by Shapes and Colors

Rectangle: Regulatory or Guide

Pentagon: School and School Crossing

Round: Railroad Warning

8-Sided Sign, White Letters on Red

3-Sided Sign, Red Letters on White

Rectangular (4-Sided) Signs, Black on White

Other Regulatory Signs

Overhead Lane Use Signs

High Occupancy Vehicle

Sharp Right Turn

Sharp Right and Left Turns

Warning Traffic Signs

Stop Sign Ahead

Yield Sign Ahead

Exit Advisory Speed

The 5-Sided Sign is used to Warn of Schools and School Crossings

Divided Highway Begins