You stop at a red light on a two-way street. The one-way road to your left carries traffic leftward. No device prohibits the turn. What may you do?
Correct answer: Turn left after yielding as required
Michigan permits a stopped left turn from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way road carrying traffic in the turn's direction, unless a traffic-control device prohibits it. Required yielding still applies.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.14 > B(3), quoting MCL 257.612(1)(c)(i)–(ii). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You want to turn left from a one-way street into a two-way street at a steady red light. Does Michigan's left-on-red permission cover this turn?
Correct answer: No; the destination must be one-way
The left-on-red exception requires a one-way destination carrying traffic in the direction of the turn. A two-way destination does not qualify.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.14 > B(3), quoting MCL 257.612(1)(c). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You have stopped and may legally turn right on red. A pedestrian is lawfully crossing the crosswalk your turn would enter. What must you do?
Correct answer: Yield to the pedestrian before turning
A permitted turn on red does not override a pedestrian's lawful use of the adjacent crosswalk. Yield before making the turn.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.14 > B(3), quoting MCL 257.612(1)(c)(ii), final sentence. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A green light changes to steady yellow as you approach. You can stop safely before the marked limit line. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop before the marked limit line
Michigan requires a stop for steady yellow when it can be made safely. Cautious passage is allowed when a safe stop cannot be made.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.14 > B(2), quoting MCL 257.612(1)(b). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
Your signal turns green while another vehicle is still lawfully clearing the intersection. What is required before you enter its path?
Correct answer: Yield until the lawful conflicting movement clears
Traffic facing green must yield to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk when the indication appears.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.14 > B(1), quoting MCL 257.612(1)(a). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You approach an intersection controlled by a flashing red light. How must you treat it?
Correct answer: Stop, then proceed under stop-sign yielding rules
A flashing red requires a stop. Your right to proceed afterward follows the rules that apply after stopping at a stop sign.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.14 > B(6), quoting MCL 257.614(1)(a). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A normally operating traffic signal flashes yellow toward you. What does that indication require?
Correct answer: Proceed only with caution
Flashing yellow permits passage only with caution. It is not the same as a dark or malfunctioning signal requiring a stop.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.14 > B(7), quoting MCL 257.614(1)(b); MJI 4.12(A)(2), MCL 257.649(5). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
All lights at an intersection are out. No officer, temporary sign or other device directs traffic. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop, yield to hazards, and proceed with care
With no other direction, stop at the marked line, or before the near crosswalk if no line exists, or before the intersection if neither exists. Yield to immediate hazards and use ordinary care.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(2), quoting complete MCL 257.649(4)–(5); corroborated by MSP dark-signal FAQ. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
No lane markings or signs direct a different path. How should you position your car for an ordinary right turn?
Correct answer: As close as practicable to the right curb or edge
Both the approach and the right turn are made close to the right-hand curb or roadway edge as practicable, unless authorized devices direct a different course.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.16 > A(1), quoting MCL 257.647(1)(a) and (e). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
On a two-way street with no special turn markings, where should you approach an ordinary left turn?
Correct answer: In your half of the road nearest the center line
Approach a left turn in the part of the right half of the roadway nearest its center line. Do not begin from the oncoming half.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.16 > A(2), quoting MCL 257.647(1)(b). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You are turning left between two one-way streets. No sign or marking gives a different route. Where should the approach and turn be made?
Correct answer: Near the left curb or edge, as practicable
When both roads are one-way, the ordinary approach and left turn follow the left-hand curb or edge as closely as practicable.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.16 > A(2), quoting MCL 257.647(1)(d) and (e). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
Official lane markings authorize a turning path different from the ordinary curb-side turn. Which path must you follow?
Correct answer: The path directed by the official markings
Authorized pavement markings, signs or signals directing a different turning course control the maneuver.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.16 > A(1)–(2), quoting MCL 257.647(1)(e). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You plan to move into the next highway lane. What is required before moving from your present line of travel?
Correct answer: Check that it is safe and give a turn signal
A lane change is a movement from a direct line. Check that it can be made safely and signal; the court reference expressly confirms the signal requirement for highway lane changes.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.16 > B, quoting MCL 257.648(1); F, People v Hrlic, 277 Mich App260,266 (2007). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A driver extends the left hand and arm straight out horizontally. Which intended action does that signal communicate?
Correct answer: A left turn
Michigan's hand-and-arm signal for a left turn is the left arm extended horizontally. Upward means right; downward means stopping or slowing.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.16 > B, quoting complete MCL 257.648(3)(a)–(c). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
At an uncontrolled intersection, a car from another road has already entered before you arrive. What must you do?
Correct answer: Yield to the car already in the intersection
The ordinary uncontrolled-intersection rule requires an approaching driver to yield to a vehicle that has already entered from a different road.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(1), quoting MCL 257.649(1)–(3). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
Two cars reach an uncontrolled intersection at approximately the same time. The other car is on your right. Who should yield?
Correct answer: You should yield to the car on your right
When vehicles enter from different roads at approximately the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(1), quoting MCL 257.649(2)–(3). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
At a YIELD sign, cross traffic is too close for you to enter safely. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and yield until entry is safe
A yield sign requires yielding to immediate hazards. If stopping is necessary for safety, you must stop.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(3), quoting complete MCL 257.649(6). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
At a STOP sign there is no crosswalk, but there is a clearly marked stop line. Where should you make your stop?
Correct answer: At the clearly marked stop line
When no crosswalk exists, the stop-sign rule uses the clearly marked stop line. Stopping farther into the intersecting road is not a substitute.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(5), quoting complete MCL 257.649(8). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You are entering a freeway from a ramp marked with merge signs. A freeway vehicle is too close for safe entry. What must you do?
Correct answer: Yield and adjust speed to merge safely
The driver on the merging roadway must yield to an immediate hazard on the through roadway and adjust speed for a safe merge.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(6), quoting MCL 257.649(9); MSP freeway-merging FAQ corroboration. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You want to turn left into a driveway between intersections. An oncoming car is close enough to conflict with the turn. What must you do?
Correct answer: Yield until the oncoming hazard has passed
A midblock left turn across opposing traffic must yield to approaching vehicles close enough to be an immediate hazard.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(7), quoting MCL 257.649a(1). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A two-way center left-turn lane separates the travel lanes. May you enter it from a driveway to accelerate and merge into traffic?
Correct answer: No; it is not an entering merge lane
MSP specifically states that a center left-turn lane cannot be used as a merge lane when entering the roadway.
Source: MSP Traffic Laws FAQs, updated April 23, 2026 > Lane Use > How far can you drive in a center turn lane?. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A slow vehicle is ahead and the center two-way left-turn lane is empty. May you use that lane to pass it?
Correct answer: No; that lane is for left-turn movements
A two-way left-turn lane serves left-turn maneuvers. An empty center turn lane is not a passing lane.
Source: MSP Traffic Laws FAQs, updated April 23, 2026 > Lane Use > Can the center left turn lane be used as a passing lane?. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A fallen branch blocks your half of a two-way road. You would need to cross the center line to pass it, but a car is approaching in its proper lane. What must you do?
Correct answer: Yield to the oncoming car before going around
The obstruction exception does not give you priority in the opposing lane. Yield to traffic traveling properly on the unobstructed side.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.18 > A, quoting complete MCL 257.634(1)(a)–(d), especially (b). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
Another car is lawfully passing you on the left. How should you handle your speed until it has completely passed?
Correct answer: Do not increase speed while it is passing
Give way to the right as required and do not increase speed until the overtaking vehicle has completely passed.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.9 > A(1), quoting MCL 257.636(1)(a)–(b). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A car ahead is turning left. To pass it on the right, you would have to drive off the pavement. Is that permitted?
Correct answer: No; passing cannot take you off the pavement
A left-turning vehicle can create a permitted right-side passing situation, but passing must still be safe and must not take you off the pavement or main-traveled roadway.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.9 > A(1), quoting complete MCL 257.637(1)–(2). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You can safely leave the required clearance while passing a bicycle on its left. No stricter local rule applies. What is the state's ordinary minimum clearance?
Correct answer: At least 3 feet
The ordinary requirement is a safe distance of at least 3 feet. Michigan has an impracticability provision requiring safe distance and speed, and some local rules require more; this scenario excludes those complications.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.9 > A(2), quoting complete MCL 257.636(2); corroborated by MSP Bicyclist Safety. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A bicycle is traveling ahead in a no-passing zone. What does Michigan law say about passing it?
Correct answer: A bicycle may be passed there only if it is safe
Michigan expressly allows overtaking a bicycle in a no-passing zone when safe. That permission does not remove safe-clearance or other applicable passing duties.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.9 > A(2), quoting MCL 257.636(2)–(3). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
On an undivided road, you approach a stopped school bus displaying two alternating flashing red lights. How far from the bus must you stop?
Correct answer: At least 20 feet
Approaching traffic that must stop for the bus must make a full stop no nearer than 20 feet while the alternating red signal is operating.
Source: MSP Legal Update No.165, June 2025 > Stopping for a school bus displaying flashing red lights, MCL 257.682(1). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You are stopped behind a school bus whose alternating red lights are on. Which event ends this particular requirement to remain stopped?
Correct answer: The bus resumes moving or its visual signal stops
The bus stop requirement continues until the bus resumes motion or its visual signals are no longer actuated. A guessed time or a wave from another driver does not end it.
Source: MSP Legal Update No.165, June 2025 > Stopping for a school bus displaying flashing red lights, MCL 257.682(1). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A stopped school bus is across a raised median that impedes vehicle crossing. There is no crosswalk or pedestrian walkway there. Do opposite-direction drivers have to stop solely for its red bus lights?
Correct answer: No, this divided-road exception applies
The opposite-roadway exception requires the specified physical separation and does not apply where a crosswalk or pedestrian walkway is present. Lane count alone is not the test.
Source: MSP Legal Update No.165, June 2025 > Stopping for a school bus displaying flashing red lights, complete MCL 257.682(2) description. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A bus with alternating red lights is stopped across a raised divider, but a pedestrian walkway is present at that location. May you rely on the opposite-roadway school-bus exception?
Correct answer: No; the walkway removes that exception
Michigan's divided-road school-bus exception expressly excludes locations where a crosswalk or pedestrian walkway is present.
Source: MSP Legal Update No.165, June 2025 > Stopping for a school bus displaying flashing red lights, MCL 257.682(2), opening qualification. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
The posted limit is 55 mph, but heavy rain makes that speed unsafe. What does Michigan's basic speed law require?
Correct answer: Choose a reasonable speed for the conditions
The basic speed law requires a careful, prudent speed suited to traffic, road surface, road width and other existing conditions. A posted limit does not make an unsafe speed lawful.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.13 > Opening complete MCL 257.627(1) quotation. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
After a bend, your clear view ahead becomes much shorter. Which requirement should govern your speed?
Correct answer: Be able to stop within the assured clear distance ahead
Michigan's basic speed law prohibits a speed that prevents stopping within the assured, clear distance ahead.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.13 > Opening complete MCL 257.627(1) quotation, second sentence. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
On a 55 mph road with two lanes in your direction, a police car is stopped on your side with emergency lights on. The farther lane is safely open. What is required?
Correct answer: Move over and reduce speed to 45 mph or less
When the safe lane change is available, use it and reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit while proceeding cautiously. Moving over alone is not enough.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.6 > A, quoting MCL 257.653a(1)(a); corroborated by MSP Move Over. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A stopped ambulance on your side has its emergency lights on. Nearby traffic prevents a safe move into the next lane. What should you do?
Correct answer: Slow at least 10 mph below the limit and pass cautiously
When the move cannot be made safely under the stated conditions, slow by at least 10 mph below the posted limit and proceed with due care and caution.
Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.6 > A, quoting MCL 257.653a(1)(a)–(b); corroborated by MSP Move Over. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A tow truck is stationary on your side of the road with its warning lights operating. Which statement is correct?
Correct answer: The Move Over law also covers that road-service vehicle
MSP identifies tow trucks as authorized road-service vehicles covered by the Move Over requirement when the specified warning lights are operating.
Source: MSP Move Over, Michigan's Move Over Law and FAQs > Michigan's Move Over Law > authorized vehicle list; FAQ > Do I have to move over for a tow truck?. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You are parking parallel to the right curb on an ordinary two-way street. How close must the wheels on the right side be to the curb?
Correct answer: Within 12 inches
MSP's current parking guidance states that right-side wheels must be within 12 inches of the curb. Its separate local one-way left-curb exception does not apply to this scenario.
Source: MSP Traffic Laws FAQs, updated April 23, 2026 > Parking > vehicle facing the wrong way, describing MCL 257.675. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You want to leave your parked car across a private driveway while visiting next door. No officer or traffic necessity requires it. What should you do?
Correct answer: Choose a place that does not block the driveway
Michigan's parking restrictions include parking in front of a public or private driveway. An empty driveway or hazard lamps do not create permission.
Source: MSP Traffic Laws FAQs, updated April 23, 2026 > Parking > specific laws about parking, describing MCL 257.674(1)(b). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
A median crossover is wide enough for two cars side by side, but it has no lane markings. How should drivers treat it?
Correct answer: As a single-lane crossover
MDOT explains that extra width may accommodate a large vehicle's turn. An unmarked crossover is treated as one lane; markings identify a two-lane crossover.
Source: MDOT Michigan lefts > Frequently asked questions > Are Michigan Lefts one lane or two?. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
You stop at a red light in a median turnaround. Your destination is straight across the one-way roadway, not a left turn onto it. May you cross on red using the left-turn exception?
Correct answer: No; going straight is not the permitted left turn
A permitted left on red does not authorize straight travel through the red signal. MSP specifically distinguishes these two movements at a Michigan-left turnaround.
Source: MSP Traffic Laws FAQs, updated April 23, 2026 > Lane Use > Michigan left / turnaround, Improper left turn on red; MJI4.14(B)(3), MCL257.612(1)(c). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗
