Right of way: Who is allowed to go first
Four-way stop: who goes first?: The vehicle that arrived first; if tied, the one on the right
Uncontrolled intersection: Yield to vehicles already in the intersection and to the one on your right
Turning left at an intersection: Yield to oncoming traffic
Roundabout rule: Yield to traffic already in the circle, and enter to the right
Emergency vehicle with siren behind you: Pull to the right edge and stop
Funeral procession: Yield, do not cut in
School bus with flashing red lights and stop arm: Stop; wait until it moves
Pedestrians in a crosswalk: Always yield
White cane or guide dog: Pedestrian is blind; yield and stop
Following distance rule: At least 3 seconds behind the car ahead
Three-second rule: Pick a fixed object; you should pass it 3 seconds after the car ahead
Following distance in bad weather: Increase to 4 or more seconds
Blind spot: An area around your car you can't see in mirrors
Checking blind spots: Turn your head and look over your shoulder
Signal before turning: Signal at least 100 feet before the turn in many states
Use the turn signal before changing lanes: Always
Seat belt law: Driver and passengers must wear seat belts
Children in cars: Use child restraints suited to height, weight and age
Texting while driving: Illegal in most states and extremely dangerous
Distracted driving: Anything that takes your eyes, hands or mind off driving
Drunk driving: Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs
BAC limit for adults 21 and over: 0.08 percent in all states except Utah (0.05)
Zero tolerance for drivers under 21: Any alcohol can lead to a loss of license
Drowsy driving: Pull over and rest when tired
Speed limit: Maximum legal speed under good conditions
Basic speed law: Never drive faster than is safe for conditions
Slow down in rain: Roads are slippery, especially in the first minutes of rain
Hydroplaning: Tires lose grip on a thin layer of water
If your car hydroplanes: Ease off the gas, steer straight, don't slam the brakes
Skidding on ice: Ease off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go
Fog driving: Use low beams and slow down
High beams: Use at night in open areas, dim for oncoming cars within 500 feet
Headlights on when: From sunset to sunrise and whenever you use wipers in many states
Parking uphill with a curb: Turn wheels away from the curb
Parking downhill: Turn wheels toward the curb
Parallel parking distance from the curb: No more than 12 inches in many states
Parking near a fire hydrant: Not allowed, usually within 15 feet
Parking in front of a crosswalk: Not allowed
Passing on the left: Pass only where permitted and when the road is clear
Never pass on: Hills, curves, bridges or railroad crossings
Merging: Match the speed of traffic and find a gap
Exiting a highway: Signal and move into the exit lane early
Slow-moving traffic on the highway: Stay in the right lane
Railroad crossing with no gates: Slow down, look both ways and listen
Never stop on the tracks: Keep going or wait before the crossing
Stopping distance: Reaction distance plus braking distance
Reaction time: About three-quarters of a second to react
Braking distance increases: With speed; double speed means about four times the braking distance
ABS brakes: Anti-lock brakes that prevent wheels from locking; press firmly and hold
Tailgating: Following too closely
Road rage: Angry, aggressive driving; stay calm and don't engage
If you're in a crash: Stop, check for injuries, call 911, exchange information
Hit-and-run: Leaving the scene of a crash, which is a crime
Documents to carry: License, registration, proof of insurance
Learner's permit: Lets new drivers practice with a licensed adult
Graduated driver licensing (GDL): System that adds privileges in stages for new teen drivers
Insurance: Required by law in nearly all states
Check your car: Look at tires, lights and mirrors before driving
Adjust mirrors and seat: Before you start driving
Hands on steering wheel: 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 positions
Turning wheel when backing: Look behind you and move slowly
Three-point turn: Turn around on a narrow street using three moves
U-turn: Allowed only where signs and laws permit
Right turn on red: Allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it
Left turn on red: Allowed in some states only from a one-way street to a one-way street
Move over law: Slow down and change lanes for stopped emergency vehicles
Yielding to buses: Often required when a bus signals to pull out
Motorcycles: Give them a full lane and check mirrors twice
Bicycles: Give at least 3 feet when passing in many states

Free flashcards from Peabody at peabody.kids/flashcards/driving-rules-of-the-road