DMV Rules of the road: Essential Information You Should Know

While driving on the road, there will be appeared road signs frequently. It would be a nightmare if you can’t understand what they mean and maybe lead to a fine that you must pay. In addition, there is also a road signs and rules section on your DMV test. Thus, in order to pass the test successfully as well as drive safely, this article is provided you with the vital DMV Rules of the road that you must know.

 

 

1. What are the types of US roads? 

Overall, there are many kinds of the US road that you will have to pass by every day, but the major categories amount are listed below:

 

1.1. Local roads 

Local roads are defined as those that travel through small villages. These are mainly minor roads with limited speed restrictions. Most local roads will be paved, but others may be dirt or gravel. This sort of route will often restrict big cars while allowing for walking, riding, or small automobiles.

 

1.2. Collector roads

Collector roads are typically used to provide access to enterprises or as thoroughfares for access from various local roads. Speed limits can change. Collector roads occasionally pass through small towns, and the speed limit can drop substantially and rapidly. Be cautious, since these locations are frequently monitored by authorities.

 

1.3. Arterial roads

A high-traffic urban road lying beneath a highway is known as an arterial road. These routes usually move traffic away from confluences and onto main highways. On arterial highways, there are frequently huge traffic signs and warning signs to look out for, so use caution when crossing this sort of road.

 

1.4. Freeways

Because contain fewer traffic signals and greater speed restrictions, freeways are the most regularly traveled roadways and provide faster travel. On and off ramps link a motorway to a major thoroughfare.

 

1.5. Tollways

Tollways are public or private roadways that will be paid to motorists. This is a type of road pricing that is often utilized to assist cover the expenses of road development and maintenance.

 

2. What are the general DMV rules of the road in the US?

In general, depending on which state are you living in that the DMV rules of the road will be different. You can check on your state DMV Motorcycle Handbook to have a clear understanding as well as get all the rules information. However, there will be common DMV rules of the road that you must pay attention to:

 

2.1. Steering

First and foremost in DMV rules of the road, steering wheels are always placed on the left side of the car. 

 

2.2. Driving position

Secondly, you must always drive on the right side of the road. Imagine how dangerous it will be if you drive on the wrong side of the road. 

 

2.3. Lines

Next, there are two types of lines on the road: the white line and the yellow line. 

• White lines: divide lanes of vehicles heading in the same direction. When there are smudged or broken lines, it is safe to switch lanes. On the other hand, stay in your lane while it appears the solid white lines.
• Yellow lines: Traffic traveling in opposite directions are separated by yellow lines. Specifically, yellow lines that are smudged or broken indicate that you can pass cautiously while keeping an eye out for approaching vehicles. On contrary, a solid yellow line should never be crossed (or double yellow line).

 

2.4. Intersection 

In this DMV rules of the road, you are required to pass in front of any vehicles heading left from the other direction while turning left at a junction (Do not try to pass behind them).

Moreover, if you notice an emergency vehicle moving with lights flashing and/or a siren running, you must pull over or stop at a junction to allow it to pass.

 

2.5. Passing

Pass other vehicles moving in your way by using the left lane. Importantly, you are allowed to pass in the right lane only when absolutely essential. If you are driving in the far left lane and someone wants to pass you, shift over to the right lane when it is safe to do so and allow them to pass.

 

2.6. Pedestrians

One of the DMV rules of the road is always to make way for pedestrians. When you notice individuals attempting to cross the roadway, come to a complete stop.

 

2.7. School bus

Don’t try to pass a school bus when it has flashing red lights. You should wait until the lights have stopped in any circumstance. 

 

2.8. Bike lanes

Be aware of bicyclists. Because their lane is often shared with cars, thus you should follow the general rules when meeting them.

 

2.9. Car horn

Overuse of car horns is not suggested. It is recommended to use it in emergency or unsafe situations. 

 

3. What are the Road sign and Traffic Signals to watch for? 

In general, when driving on the road, you should attentively watch and follow the road sign, because it is one of the most important parts of DMV rules on the road. Let’s check the following types of road signs you must know:

 

3.1. Road Signs

• Stop Sign: a red octagonal sign (with the letter STOP) indicates that you must stop immediately at an intersection. 

 

 

• Yield Sign: a white or yellow triangle sign signifies that incoming traffic should yield the right of way. Because you must wait for oncoming traffic to clear before proceeding, it is typically wise to slow down and check for oncoming traffic before proceeding.

 

 

• Speed Limit: these signs (often a huge vertical rectangular sign) indicate how fast you may travel in miles per hour in a certain location. Limits might vary often, even on the highway, so keep an eye out. These may also indicate a minimum speed.

 

 

• Railroad crossing: a huge X or a pair of intersecting railroad tracks. The phrase railroad crossing or the initials RR may be included. If a train is approaching, lights and bells should alert you. If you come to a complete stop at a railroad crossing sign that does not have accompanying lights, check both ways before going.

 

 

• Parking: MUTCD authorizes two types of parking signs: allow parking and no parking. However, most states have an extra rule that prohibits parking. The MUTCD R7 series has these signs. Some states have added their own criteria to the MUTCD because not all circumstances are addressed.

 

 

• One way: A narrow horizontal rectangular sign (typically white with a black arrow) indicates that you may only proceed in one direction along a roadway; the arrow should specify which direction.

 

 

3.2. Traffic Lights

The traffic temple system in the United States, like many other nations throughout the world, includes three-color circular traffic lights: Blue – Yellow – Red. In addition, the United States has an extra three-color higher nose light: Green – Yellow – Red to allow for cars to turn left.

• Green indicates that you may proceed
• Yellow indicates that you should slow down before coming to a complete stop
• Red indicates that you must stop until the light changes. A flashing yellow light suggests that you should continue with care

Unless there is a NO TURN ON RED sign, it is permissible to turn right at a red light. Oncoming traffic has the right of way; wait until it clears before making a turn. Making a left turn at a red light is illegal.

 

3.3. Safety

The first thing to know before driving in the United States is the US road traffic laws: state law (depending on which state you are in) and federal law (general law of the country).

In the United States, automated camera surveillance systems are quite widespread on major roadways, near schools, and in regions with high foot traffic.

States in the United States prohibit automobiles in traffic from using horns or headlights.

In the United States, fines are the most common penalty for traffic offenses. To a greater degree, your driver’s license will be suspended or you may be arrested.

In the United States, everyone must go through an electronic surveillance system, and police officers are never directly fined.

 

That’s all the information on DMV rules of the road. We hope that after reading this article, you have a clear understanding of the road rules and can pass the DMV test easily as well as safe driving while operating your own vehicle. If you are looking for a website that can help you with the DMV test, practice with our DMV Practice Test now!