Driving Laws, Regulations, and Rules of the Road

While driving laws and regulations vary by state and city, there are many basic rules of the road that should be followed at all times. Proper adherence to driving regulations will ensure a safe trip for everyone on the road. Whether a new driver or an experienced driver, it's always beneficial to brush up on driving regulations to avoid accidents or problems on your trip.

Rules of the Road

These are basic driving regulations and courtesies that all drivers should follow. Refer to your state's official rules as well.

Passing a Vehicle: You must always pass a vehicle on the left-hand side. If you are on a multi-lane road or highway, proceed with caution when transitioning into the left lane and remain in that lane until it is safe to return to the right lane. It is your responsibility to transition safely, while it is the other passenger's responsibility to allow you to pass and not speed up. If you are in a no passing zone, refrain from passing.
Right of Way: While most intersections are governed by traffic lights or signs, there are times when roads are not designated by any signage. When two cars approach an intersection and one car is turning through the other car's path, the car going straight has the right of way. If two cars reach adjacent intersections, the car furthest to the right has the right of way. If a road ends in a "T" and one car is on the road that ends while the other is going straight through, the car going through has the right of way. Always proceed with caution and make sure roadways are safe and clear.
4-Way Stops: A 4-way stop is an 4-way intersections that has a stop sign on each side of the intersection. If you pull up to the 4-way stop and there are no other vehicles stopped, you have the right of way and may proceed. If two or three vehicles are at the 4-way stop, the vehicle furthest to the right has the right of way. In the event that 4 cars are stopped at a 4-way stop, the alternating sides go first (north and south, then east and west). Only ONE vehicle may pass through a 4-way stop at one time. Even when it is your turn to pass through, always be cautious and yield to anyone who has started to pass through out of turn.
Emergency Vehicles: When you see or hear an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire truck, police car, etc.), you must immediately pull over to the side of the road in order to let the emergency vehicle pass. Pull over as far to the right as you can and stop your vehicle, taking care not to block any intersections. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, you should allow the cars in front of you that had pulled over pull back onto the road first and merge with them. Do not zoom your car out to pass the cars that were pulled over.
Trucks: When following a large vehicle, such as a semi truck, be cautious of the truck's blind spots. Even though you may able to see most of the truck, unless you see the truck's mirrors, they may not be able to see you. Be especially cautious at night when visibility is reduced.
Pedestrians: Drivers must always yield right of way to pedestrians when they cross in a designated crosswalk when the "Walk" signal is lit. Otherwise, pedestrians must yield to the right of way of vehicles. When pedestrians cross in an undesignated crossing area or when the "Don't Walk" signal is lit, vehicles have the right of way and pedestrians should yield. However, drivers should always be prepared to yield to pedestrians.
Motorcycles: Both drivers and motorcycle riders must obey the rules of the road at all times. When following a motorcycle, be careful not to get too close and make sure to give them plenty of space. If the motorcycle stops short, you'll want to have plenty of room to stop your own vehicle. Since motorcycles are smaller, you may not be able to see them as easily or you may misjudge the amount of space between your vehicle and the motorcycle. Keep an eye out for motorcycles and treat motorcycle drivers safely and with respect.
Space From Vehicles: Aside from the ample amount of space you should leave between your vehicle and a motorcycle, keep distance from other cars and trucks by way of the "two second rule". Choose an object up ahead on the roadside. When the car in front of you passes it, start counting. You should pass that object no sooner than two seconds before the vehicle in front of you.
Roundabouts: A roundabout is a circular intersection in which vehicles travel around a central point, usually in a counter-clockwise direction. Vehicles going into and exiting the roundabout must yield to all traffic in the roundabout. When approaching a roundabout, slow down until there is a large enough gap and it is safe for you to enter. Do not stop while inside the roundabout. If you miss your exit out of the roundabout, circle through again.
Accidents: If you find yourself involved in an accident, stop your vehicle in a well-lit area if possible. If you are not injured, check on the passengers of the other vehicle and protect the person from traffic. Do NOT attempt to move an injured person; call 911 and wait for an EMT. You may do more harm than good. If you have flares, set them up to alert other drivers of the accident. Ask everyone involved for their names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information.
Cell Phone Use: All states have their own rules on using a cell phone while driving, but it is always prudent to pull over to the right side of the road if you will be using your phone.
Signaling: In most areas, you must use a continuous turn signal 100 feet before turning, while others require you to use your turn signal 200 feet before turning. If after the turn, your vehicle does not automatically turn off your signals, turn them off promptly to avoid confusion.

Glossary of Traffic Signs

You will encounter many traffic signs while on the road, and it is your responsibility as a driver to understand and follow all posted signs. To familiarize yourself with signage, visit the Manual of Traffic Signs.

All Way Stop Sign: A regular stop sign, usually designated with an "all way" or "four-way" stop below it, to alert motorists of a 4-way stop at an intersection.

Chevron: A chevron is typically used in conjunction with other directional signs to provide additional guidance on which way a road turns. They are generally placed in areas with a history of accidents, at sharp curves, or where road visibility is low.

Do Not Pass: Indicates that it is either unsafe to pass other vehicles or it is otherwise prohibited to do so.

Interstate: Indicates the major interstate highway a driver is currently on, or one that is approaching.

Merge: This sign alerts motorists that one lane is ending and must merge with the lane adjacent. Drivers in both lanes should be cautious and should alternate from through lane to merge lane to avoid traffic jams.

No Turn: Lets motorists know that a right or left turn cannot be made at said intersection.

No Turn on Red: Regardless of state's turn on red rules, when this sign is posted, no vehicle may turn at a red light.

One Way: A one way sign means that a road only has traffic going in one direction. All motorists must travel in the direction that the sign indicates.

Pedestrian Crossing: Usually posted at designated pedestrian crosswalks. Drivers should take care to watch for pedestrians that may be crossing, and pedestrians should only cross at such designated crosswalks.

Railroad Crossing: A railroad crossing sign alerts drivers that a railroad track is intersecting a road. Some vehicles, such as government or school vehicles, must come to a complete stop at all sets of tracks. Otherwise, when a train is approaching, the crossing sign's lights will begin to flash. Once these lights start to flash, vehicles should stop a reasonable distance from the tracks and wait for the train to pass. Do not try to"beat the train" and go through the sign.

Slippery When Wet: Indicates that in bad weather conditions (snow, rain, etc.), the road may become especially slippery and motorists should drive with caution.

Speed Limit: All vehicles must travel no faster than the miles per hour posted on that section of the road.

Stop: Vehicle must stop completely, look both ways, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Yield: All vehicles must proceed with caution, but do not have to stop if the way is clear. Yield signs are common when lanes merge, on highway off- or on-ramps, and on channelized turn lanes.

State DMV Websites and Drivers' Guides

To view and study the driving laws and regulations of individual states, please visit the corresponding Department of Motor Vehicles' website or driver handbook link below:

Introduction

Parts of a Car

History of Cars

Roadside Assistance

Child Safety

Classic Cars

Car Racing

Alternative Fuel

Driving Laws

Safe Driving

Road Trips

Car Maintenance

Driving Laws, Regulations, and Rules of the Road