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New York Traffic laws and responsibilities

New York Traffic laws and responsibilities

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Question 1 of 66
  1. 1. Your left arrow turns green while a vehicle lawfully completing an earlier movement is still in your turning path. What should you do?
  2. 2. You need to turn left into a driveway across double solid yellow lines. No sign prohibits the turn, and the movement can be made safely. Do the lines alone forbid it?
  3. 3. You intend to go straight on green, but the traffic queue beyond the junction leaves no room for your car to clear it. What is the appropriate action?
  4. 4. You and a car on your right reach an uncontrolled intersection at about the same time on crossing roads. Both will go straight. Who should yield?
  5. 5. You want to turn left into a shopping-center entrance. An oncoming car is close enough that turning would cut across its path. There is no signal. What should you do?
  6. 6. A sidewalk continues across the driveway you are using to leave a parking lot. Where should you make the required initial stop?
  7. 7. You are waiting to turn left while opposing traffic passes. Why should you keep the front wheels straight until you start the turn?
  8. 8. On an undivided two-way road, an ambulance approaches from the opposite direction with emergency lights and siren operating. What should you do?
  9. 9. An emergency vehicle with lights and siren is approaching as you are already crossing an intersection. What should you do before pulling over?
  10. 10. You hear a nearby siren on a two-way road but cannot yet determine where the emergency vehicle is coming from. What should you do?
  11. 11. A volunteer firefighter's personal car approaches displaying its authorized blue light, not emergency-vehicle red lights. Which statement describes how to respond?
  12. 12. On a controlled-access highway, a passenger car is stopped on the shoulder beside your lane. It has no emergency-service lights. An adjacent lane is safely available. What should you do?
  13. 13. An emergency vehicle is stopped with its lights flashing on the shoulder of a multi-lane controlled-access highway. Traffic beside you prevents a safe lane change. What should you do?
  14. 14. On a normal approach to a turn, what is New York's minimum continuous signaling distance before you turn right or left?
  15. 15. You are making a right turn at an ordinary intersection with no signs or markings directing a different path. Which path should you use?
  16. 16. Both streets at your left turn are one-way, each with two lanes. No markings direct a different path. From and into which lanes should you turn?
  17. 17. You are turning right close to a curb. Why must you allow for the path of your rear wheels, even after the front wheels have cleared an obstacle?
  18. 18. A curve would prevent approaching drivers from seeing your car during a U-turn from 500 feet away in either direction. What does New York law require?
  19. 19. You missed a driveway in a posted school zone. There is no separate NO U-TURN sign and the road looks clear. May you make a U-turn there?
  20. 20. You have completed the first forward movement of a lawful three-point turn and are about to reverse. What should happen before and during the reverse movement?
  21. 21. Passing the car ahead would require you to exceed the posted speed limit. What is the correct choice?
  22. 22. Your mirrors show no vehicle in the lane to your left. Before moving there to pass, what additional check should you make?
  23. 23. You have overtaken another car on the left. Which observation helps confirm that you are far enough ahead to start returning right?
  24. 24. A lawful pass would take you into an opposing lane. You cannot return to your authorized lane before coming within 200 feet of an approaching vehicle. What should you do?
  25. 25. On a two-way road, you are 80 feet before a railroad crossing. Passing would require using the opposing lane. There is no special lane allocation. May you begin?
  26. 26. You are 70 feet before a bridge on a two-way road, and the bridge obstructs your view of oncoming traffic. Passing would use the opposing lane. What should you do?
  27. 27. A car ahead waits to turn left. The only space on its right is an ordinary shoulder, with no sign or officer authorizing shoulder travel. May you use that space to pass?
  28. 28. A one-way street has two unobstructed travel lanes and no signs restricting passing. You are behind a slower vehicle in the left lane. When may you pass on the right?
  29. 29. Another driver is overtaking you on the left on a two-way road. Which response does New York's manual recommend?
  30. 30. You are traveling below the normal speed of traffic in the left lane, with no left turn planned. Several vehicles pass you on the right. What should you do when safe?
  31. 31. A school bus across the median of a divided New York highway has stopped with its red warning lights flashing. You are approaching in the opposite direction. What must you do?
  32. 32. The school bus ahead activates its amber warning lights as it approaches a passenger stop. How should you respond?
  33. 33. You are stopping behind a school bus with flashing red lights. What minimum separation does the New York Driver's Manual recommend?
  34. 34. You have stopped for a school bus's flashing red signal. The bus remains stationary, no authorized person has signaled you onward, and the children you saw have left the roadway. What should you do?
  35. 35. You are driving through a school's parking area when a marked school bus stops with red lights flashing to discharge passengers. Does the stopping rule apply there?
  36. 36. A second marked school bus has stopped behind a bus loading passengers. The second bus is also displaying its red warning signal. You approach the second bus. What must you do?
  37. 37. You finish ordinary parallel parking wholly on a two-way roadway where angle parking is not authorized. What is the maximum permitted gap between the right-hand wheels and the right curb?
  38. 38. A curb has a NO PARKING restriction but no stricter stopping or standing restriction. Which use fits the ordinary New York exception?
  39. 39. At a curb marked NO STANDING, a passenger is ready to enter your car immediately. No stricter restriction applies. Which action is ordinarily allowed?
  40. 40. A NO STOPPING restriction applies along your lane, but the traffic light ahead turns red. Should you stop as the signal requires?
  41. 41. You intend to leave your car unattended near a fire hydrant. Under the statewide rule, with no official control indicating a different distance, how far away must you keep it?
  42. 42. No sign, marking or parking meter sets a different distance. Under New York's statewide rule, how close may you park to a crosswalk at an intersection?
  43. 43. You want to park on the approach to a stop sign located at the roadside. No official control gives a different distance. What is the statewide minimum clearance?
  44. 44. You plan to park across the street from a fire-station driveway. That opposite-side restriction is properly signposted, with no different distance specified. What statewide clearance applies?
  45. 45. You will leave your car parked near a railroad crossing, not load or unload it. No official control sets another distance. From what point is the 50-foot restriction measured?
  46. 46. You want to stop your passenger car beside an already parked car to let a friend out. There is no emergency or official direction requiring the stop. Is the brief duration enough to make double parking lawful under the statewide rule?
  47. 47. Your relative's valid disability parking permit is in your car, but you are shopping alone and the relative is at home. May you use a reserved disability space?
  48. 48. You are transporting a person with a valid disability permit. The reserved space is occupied, but the diagonally striped area beside it is empty. May you park there?
  49. 49. A hands-free conversation becomes emotionally intense even though both hands remain on the wheel. What is the safety concern?
  50. 50. While your car is moving on a public road, you hold your phone to read a nonemergency text but do not type a reply. Is that allowed?
  51. 51. A healthy adult sits in the back seat of a modern family car on a New York road. No exemption applies. What does the law require?
  52. 52. A 20-month-old child rides in the rear seat and still fits within the rear-facing seat manufacturer's height and weight limits. How must the seat face?
  53. 53. A six-year-old who is 43 inches tall and weighs 45 pounds rides in a car with an available lap-and-shoulder belt. Which arrangement meets the normal New York requirement?
  54. 54. You cannot remember the last few miles and have drifted onto a rumble strip. What should you do?
  55. 55. You are planning a long drive after a week of short nights. Which preparation best reduces fatigue risk?
  56. 56. After drinking, a driver says, 'I feel confident, so I know my driving is fine.' Why is that conclusion unsafe?
  57. 57. For a driver age 21 or older in a private passenger car, which BAC reaches New York's ordinary per-se DWI threshold?
  58. 58. A 30-year-old driver's BAC is below 0.08 percent, but alcohol has impaired the person's ability to drive. Does being below 0.08 make the driving lawful?
  59. 59. A 19-year-old drives a private passenger car after drinking and has a measured BAC of 0.03 percent. Which statement is correct?
  60. 60. A person who has been drinking has strong coffee before driving. What is the important limitation of that plan?
  61. 61. An over-the-counter allergy medicine warns that it may cause drowsiness. What should a driver do before taking it and driving?
  62. 62. A driver takes a medicine that can cause drowsiness and also drinks alcohol. What is the safest conclusion?
  63. 63. Friends appoint a designated driver before a celebration. Which plan makes that arrangement dependable?
  64. 64. In a privately owned family car traveling on a New York public highway, an adult passenger opens a beer while the driver remains sober. Is that permitted?
  65. 65. You approach a modern roundabout. Which statement correctly describes the traffic pattern and who must yield?
  66. 66. As you approach your chosen exit while driving through a roundabout, what should you do?
Review all 66 questions with answers

  1. Your left arrow turns green while a vehicle lawfully completing an earlier movement is still in your turning path. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Let it clear before making the indicated turn

    A green arrow permits the indicated movement, but it does not remove the duty to yield to traffic lawfully remaining in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.

    Source: VTL §1111(a)(2), Green indications; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Green Arrow ↗

  2. You need to turn left into a driveway across double solid yellow lines. No sign prohibits the turn, and the movement can be made safely. Do the lines alone forbid it?

    Correct answer: No; they do not prohibit a lawful left turn to leave the highway

    New York's no-passing-zone rule has an exception for a left turn entering or leaving the highway. Yield to oncoming traffic and obey any separate turn restriction.

    Source: VTL §1126(b), No-passing zones; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Pavement Markings > Double solid lines ↗

  3. You intend to go straight on green, but the traffic queue beyond the junction leaves no room for your car to clear it. What is the appropriate action?

    Correct answer: Wait before the intersection until there is room beyond it

    Do not enter when backed-up traffic would leave you blocking the intersection. A green indication is not permission to create gridlock.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 5 > Right-of-Way, backed-up traffic and blocking the intersection ↗

  4. You and a car on your right reach an uncontrolled intersection at about the same time on crossing roads. Both will go straight. Who should yield?

    Correct answer: You should yield to the car on your right

    For approximately simultaneous arrival from different roads at an uncontrolled intersection, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

    Source: VTL §1140(b), Vehicle approaching or entering intersection; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Right-of-Way ↗

  5. You want to turn left into a shopping-center entrance. An oncoming car is close enough that turning would cut across its path. There is no signal. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Wait for the oncoming car to pass before turning

    Left-turning drivers must yield to opposing vehicles close enough to create an immediate hazard. That rule also applies when turning into a driveway.

    Source: VTL §1141, Vehicle turning left; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Right-of-Way, left turns into driveways ↗

  6. A sidewalk continues across the driveway you are using to leave a parking lot. Where should you make the required initial stop?

    Correct answer: Before driving across the sidewalk

    Stop before entering the sidewalk across a driveway. Then yield as necessary before crossing it and joining roadway traffic; an absent stop sign does not remove the stopping rule.

    Source: VTL §1173, Emerging from alley, driveway, private road or building; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Right-of-Way, driveway exits ↗

  7. You are waiting to turn left while opposing traffic passes. Why should you keep the front wheels straight until you start the turn?

    Correct answer: A rear impact is less likely to push you into opposing traffic

    If the wheels already point left, a rear-end impact can push the vehicle toward the opposing lane. Keep them straight until the turn can safely begin.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 5 > Turns, keep wheels straight until beginning the turn ↗

  8. On an undivided two-way road, an ambulance approaches from the opposite direction with emergency lights and siren operating. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Safely pull to the right edge and stop until it passes

    The duty to yield to an approaching emergency vehicle applies from either direction on a two-way roadway. Move right safely, clear of intersections, and stop.

    Source: VTL §1144(a), Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Emergency Vehicles ↗

  9. An emergency vehicle with lights and siren is approaching as you are already crossing an intersection. What should you do before pulling over?

    Correct answer: Clear the intersection, then safely move right and stop

    Avoid blocking the emergency vehicle's route through the intersection. Clear the junction first, then take a safe stopping position at the edge of the roadway.

    Source: VTL §1144(a), stopping clear of any intersection; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Emergency Vehicles ↗

  10. You hear a nearby siren on a two-way road but cannot yet determine where the emergency vehicle is coming from. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Safely pull to the right and stop until you know it is not approaching you

    When a nearby siren's source is uncertain, the manual directs you to move safely to the right edge and stop until you can determine that it is not heading toward you.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 5 > Emergency Vehicles, siren or air-horn heard nearby but location unknown ↗

  11. A volunteer firefighter's personal car approaches displaying its authorized blue light, not emergency-vehicle red lights. Which statement describes how to respond?

    Correct answer: Yield as a courtesy when safe; the driver still must obey traffic laws

    A volunteer's personal vehicle displaying a blue light does not gain emergency-vehicle traffic privileges from that light. The manual encourages safe courtesy yielding.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 5 > Blue, Green and Amber Lights, volunteer firefighters' personal vehicles and courtesy yielding ↗

  12. On a controlled-access highway, a passenger car is stopped on the shoulder beside your lane. It has no emergency-service lights. An adjacent lane is safely available. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Use due care and move out of the lane next to the stopped car

    New York's expanded Move Over rule covers ordinary stopped motor vehicles on parkways and controlled-access highways. It calls for a lawful, safe move away from the adjacent lane, not just responses to emergency lights.

    Source: VTL §1144-a(d), certain other motor vehicles on parkways and controlled-access highways; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Emergency Vehicles > Move Over Law ↗

  13. An emergency vehicle is stopped with its lights flashing on the shoulder of a multi-lane controlled-access highway. Traffic beside you prevents a safe lane change. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Reduce speed and use due care while avoiding an unsafe lane change

    Move Over does not require a dangerous lane change. Slow down and exercise care when traffic or another hazard prevents safely moving away from the stopped vehicle.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 5 > Emergency Vehicles > Move Over Law, reduce speed and unsafe-lane-change exception; VTL §1144-a(a) ↗

  14. On a normal approach to a turn, what is New York's minimum continuous signaling distance before you turn right or left?

    Correct answer: The final 100 feet before the turn

    The turn signal must operate continuously for at least the last 100 feet traveled before turning. Giving a signal still does not make an unsafe turn permissible.

    Source: VTL §1163(b), Turning movements and required signals; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Turns, advance signaling ↗

  15. You are making a right turn at an ordinary intersection with no signs or markings directing a different path. Which path should you use?

    Correct answer: Approach near the right edge and enter the right lane

    The normal right-turn path stays as close as practicable to the right edge and enters the right lane. Follow different lane controls where they are provided.

    Source: VTL §1160(a) and (d), Required position and method of turning at intersections; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Turns > Right Turn ↗

  16. Both streets at your left turn are one-way, each with two lanes. No markings direct a different path. From and into which lanes should you turn?

    Correct answer: From the left lane into the left lane

    When turning left between one-way streets, approach in the extreme left lane and finish as nearly as practicable in the left lane available in the new direction.

    Source: VTL §1160(c) and (d), left turns on other than two-way roadways; NY DMV Chapter 5 > Turns > Left Turn from One-Way Road into One-Way Road ↗

  17. You are turning right close to a curb. Why must you allow for the path of your rear wheels, even after the front wheels have cleared an obstacle?

    Correct answer: The rear wheels track inside the front-wheel path, nearer the curb

    The rear wheels travel inside the front-wheel path during a turn. Front-wheel clearance alone does not ensure that the back of the vehicle will clear the curb or another obstacle.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 5 > Turns, rear wheels travel inside the path of the front wheels ↗

  18. A curve would prevent approaching drivers from seeing your car during a U-turn from 500 feet away in either direction. What does New York law require?

    Correct answer: Do not make the U-turn at that location

    A U-turn is prohibited on a curve or near a hillcrest where approaching drivers cannot see the vehicle within 500 feet from either direction. A quick turn does not cure the visibility problem.

    Source: VTL §1161(a), U turns in certain areas prohibited; NY DMV Chapter 5 > U-Turns ↗

  19. You missed a driveway in a posted school zone. There is no separate NO U-TURN sign and the road looks clear. May you make a U-turn there?

    Correct answer: No; New York prohibits U-turns within a school zone

    New York separately prohibits U-turns within a school zone. Do not assume that an empty road or the absence of an additional NO U-TURN sign permits one.

    Source: VTL §1161(b), U turns in certain areas prohibited; NY DMV Chapter 5 > U-Turns ↗

  20. You have completed the first forward movement of a lawful three-point turn and are about to reverse. What should happen before and during the reverse movement?

    Correct answer: Check again for traffic and look behind as you back

    A three-point turn requires fresh observations between movements. Check traffic again and look behind while reversing, stopping before reaching the curb or an obstacle.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 5 > U-Turns > To make a three-point turn, steps 3–4 ↗

  21. Passing the car ahead would require you to exceed the posted speed limit. What is the correct choice?

    Correct answer: Wait rather than make a pass that requires speeding

    New York's manual states that passing another vehicle does not authorize exceeding the speed limit. Wait for a safe, lawful opportunity instead.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 6 > Passing, opening paragraph: speed limit while passing ↗

  22. Your mirrors show no vehicle in the lane to your left. Before moving there to pass, what additional check should you make?

    Correct answer: A quick look over your left shoulder into the blind spot

    Even properly adjusted mirrors leave blind spots. Make a brief shoulder check before changing lanes, while maintaining control and attention to the road ahead.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 6 > How to Pass on the Left, mirrors and shoulder check ↗

  23. You have overtaken another car on the left. Which observation helps confirm that you are far enough ahead to start returning right?

    Correct answer: Its front bumper is in your interior mirror, with a clear gap

    Before returning right, signal, confirm the passed vehicle's front bumper in the interior mirror, and check over your right shoulder for sufficient pavement between the vehicles.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 6 > How to Pass on the Left, return-to-right-lane procedure ↗

  24. A lawful pass would take you into an opposing lane. You cannot return to your authorized lane before coming within 200 feet of an approaching vehicle. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Do not begin that pass

    When passing in an opposing lane, you must return before coming within 200 feet of an approaching vehicle, as well as avoid interfering with traffic. Do not rely on others to make room.

    Source: VTL §1124, Limitations on overtaking on the left; NY DMV Chapter 6 > How to Pass on the Left ↗

  25. On a two-way road, you are 80 feet before a railroad crossing. Passing would require using the opposing lane. There is no special lane allocation. May you begin?

    Correct answer: No; you may not drive left of the roadway within that approach distance

    The left-of-roadway restriction applies when approaching within 100 feet of a railroad grade crossing and while traversing it. This scenario does not involve a one-way or specially allocated lane.

    Source: VTL §1125(a)(2) and (b), Further limitations on driving to left of center; NY DMV Chapter 6 > How to Pass on the Left ↗

  26. You are 70 feet before a bridge on a two-way road, and the bridge obstructs your view of oncoming traffic. Passing would use the opposing lane. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Stay in your lane and do not begin the pass

    Do not drive left of the roadway when approaching within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel with an obstructed view. Wait until visibility and all passing rules permit the movement.

    Source: VTL §1125(a)(3) and (b), Further limitations on driving to left of center; NY DMV Chapter 6 > How to Pass on the Left ↗

  27. A car ahead waits to turn left. The only space on its right is an ordinary shoulder, with no sign or officer authorizing shoulder travel. May you use that space to pass?

    Correct answer: No; the left turn does not authorize passing on that shoulder

    A left-turning vehicle is one situation in which a safe right-side pass can be lawful, but it does not authorize leaving the main-traveled roadway for an ordinary shoulder.

    Source: VTL §1123(a)(1) and (b), When overtaking on the right is permitted; NY DMV Chapter 6 > How to Pass on the Right ↗

  28. A one-way street has two unobstructed travel lanes and no signs restricting passing. You are behind a slower vehicle in the left lane. When may you pass on the right?

    Correct answer: When you can change lanes and pass safely within the roadway

    New York permits a safe right-side pass on a one-way roadway with sufficient unobstructed width for at least two lines of moving vehicles. Check mirrors, blind spots and traffic before moving.

    Source: VTL §1123(a)(3) and (b), When overtaking on the right is permitted; NY DMV Chapter 6 > How to Pass on the Right ↗

  29. Another driver is overtaking you on the left on a two-way road. Which response does New York's manual recommend?

    Correct answer: Ease your speed slightly and remain centered in your lane

    A small speed reduction helps the passing driver clear your vehicle. Stay centered rather than speeding up, crowding the other vehicle, or making an abrupt stop.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 6 > Being Passed, response to a vehicle passing on the left ↗

  30. You are traveling below the normal speed of traffic in the left lane, with no left turn planned. Several vehicles pass you on the right. What should you do when safe?

    Correct answer: Move into the available right lane

    Slower traffic generally belongs in the right-hand lane unless passing or preparing for a left turn. Move right safely rather than making other traffic repeatedly pass on that side.

    Source: VTL §1120(b), Drive on right side of roadway; exceptions; NY DMV Chapter 6 > Being Passed ↗

  31. A school bus across the median of a divided New York highway has stopped with its red warning lights flashing. You are approaching in the opposite direction. What must you do?

    Correct answer: Stop before reaching the bus despite the divided roadway

    New York requires approaching traffic from both directions to stop for the school bus's flashing red signal, including on opposite sides of a divided highway.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 6 > School Buses, opposite side of a divided highway; VTL §1174(a) ↗

  32. The school bus ahead activates its amber warning lights as it approaches a passenger stop. How should you respond?

    Correct answer: Reduce speed and prepare to stop

    The amber lights warn that the bus is preparing to stop to receive or discharge passengers. Slow down early so you can stop safely when required.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 6 > School Buses, yellow warning lights before a passenger stop ↗

  33. You are stopping behind a school bus with flashing red lights. What minimum separation does the New York Driver's Manual recommend?

    Correct answer: At least 20 feet from the bus

    The manual recommends stopping at least 20 feet away. The legal obligation is to stop before reaching the bus; keep the extra separation and watch for children.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 6 > School Buses, recommended 20-foot stopping separation; legal stop-before-reaching rule in VTL §1174(a) ↗

  34. You have stopped for a school bus's flashing red signal. The bus remains stationary, no authorized person has signaled you onward, and the children you saw have left the roadway. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Wait for the bus to move or an authorized signal to proceed

    Do not decide on your own that the passenger stop is finished. The statute permits proceeding when the bus resumes motion or its driver or a police officer signals you to proceed.

    Source: VTL §1174(a), Overtaking and passing school bus, release from required stop; NY DMV Chapter 6 > School Buses ↗

  35. You are driving through a school's parking area when a marked school bus stops with red lights flashing to discharge passengers. Does the stopping rule apply there?

    Correct answer: Yes; school parking and access areas are included

    The school-bus rule includes school parking areas, driveways and access routes. Treat the flashing red bus signal as a required stop there, not just on the street.

    Source: VTL §1174(a), expanded public-highway definition for school and BOCES grounds; NY DMV Chapter 6 > School Buses ↗

  36. A second marked school bus has stopped behind a bus loading passengers. The second bus is also displaying its red warning signal. You approach the second bus. What must you do?

    Correct answer: Stop before reaching the second bus

    The stopping law also covers a bus stopped because a bus ahead is receiving or discharging passengers, when its red signal is operating. Do not pass through that bus queue.

    Source: VTL §1174(a), school bus stopped because a school bus in front stopped to receive or discharge passengers; related NY DMV Chapter 6 > School Buses ↗

  37. You finish ordinary parallel parking wholly on a two-way roadway where angle parking is not authorized. What is the maximum permitted gap between the right-hand wheels and the right curb?

    Correct answer: 12 inches

    The right-hand wheels must be parallel to and within 12 inches of the right curb or roadway edge. Leave enough space for the vehicles ahead and behind to maneuver.

    Source: VTL §1203(a), Additional parking regulations; NY DMV Chapter 7 > How to Park, step 4 ↗

  38. A curb has a NO PARKING restriction but no stricter stopping or standing restriction. Which use fits the ordinary New York exception?

    Correct answer: A temporary stop while actively loading merchandise into the car

    A parking prohibition allows temporary stopping or standing while actually loading or unloading merchandise or passengers. Merely remaining in the vehicle or running the engine is not active loading.

    Source: VTL §1200(c), Basic rules; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations > No Parking ↗

  39. At a curb marked NO STANDING, a passenger is ready to enter your car immediately. No stricter restriction applies. Which action is ordinarily allowed?

    Correct answer: Stop briefly to receive the passenger and then leave

    A no-standing restriction permits a temporary stop while actually receiving or discharging passengers. It does not create a general waiting or merchandise-loading space.

    Source: VTL §1200(b), Basic rules; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations > No Standing ↗

  40. A NO STOPPING restriction applies along your lane, but the traffic light ahead turns red. Should you stop as the signal requires?

    Correct answer: Yes; obeying the traffic signal is an exception to the stopping restriction

    No-stopping rules do not prohibit stops necessary to obey traffic signals, signs or police directions, or to avoid conflicts with traffic.

    Source: VTL §1200(a), Basic rules; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations > No Stopping ↗

  41. You intend to leave your car unattended near a fire hydrant. Under the statewide rule, with no official control indicating a different distance, how far away must you keep it?

    Correct answer: At least 15 feet

    The ordinary hydrant clearance is 15 feet. This scenario excludes the statute's attended-vehicle exception, which requires a licensed driver seated in front and able to move immediately.

    Source: VTL §1202(b)(1), Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specified places; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations > Fire hydrants ↗

  42. No sign, marking or parking meter sets a different distance. Under New York's statewide rule, how close may you park to a crosswalk at an intersection?

    Correct answer: No closer than 20 feet

    The ordinary restriction prohibits standing or parking within 20 feet of an intersection crosswalk. Do not confuse this clearance with the prohibition on stopping directly on the crosswalk.

    Source: VTL §1202(a)(2)(b), crosswalk at an intersection; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations ↗

  43. You want to park on the approach to a stop sign located at the roadside. No official control gives a different distance. What is the statewide minimum clearance?

    Correct answer: 30 feet

    The ordinary rule bars standing or parking within 30 feet on the approach to a roadside stop sign, yield sign, flashing signal or traffic-control signal, unless official controls indicate otherwise.

    Source: VTL §1202(a)(2)(c), approach to roadside signals and stop or yield signs; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations ↗

  44. You plan to park across the street from a fire-station driveway. That opposite-side restriction is properly signposted, with no different distance specified. What statewide clearance applies?

    Correct answer: 75 feet from the entrance

    The opposite-side fire-station restriction extends 75 feet when properly signposted. Do not substitute the 20-foot distance that applies beside the driveway entrance itself.

    Source: VTL §1202(a)(2)(d), fire-station driveway opposite-side signposting condition; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations ↗

  45. You will leave your car parked near a railroad crossing, not load or unload it. No official control sets another distance. From what point is the 50-foot restriction measured?

    Correct answer: The nearest rail of the crossing

    The parking restriction extends 50 feet from the nearest rail, not from a warning sign or the center of the crossing. Official controls may indicate a different distance.

    Source: VTL §1202(a)(3), parking near the nearest rail of a railroad crossing; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations ↗

  46. You want to stop your passenger car beside an already parked car to let a friend out. There is no emergency or official direction requiring the stop. Is the brief duration enough to make double parking lawful under the statewide rule?

    Correct answer: No; the roadway-side stopping prohibition also covers a brief stop

    New York's general rule prohibits stopping, standing or parking on the roadway side of a vehicle at the curb. A quick passenger drop-off is not a general exception to that prohibition.

    Source: VTL §1202(a)(1)(a), roadway side of a stopped, standing or parked vehicle; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Parking Regulations > Double parking ↗

  47. Your relative's valid disability parking permit is in your car, but you are shopping alone and the relative is at home. May you use a reserved disability space?

    Correct answer: No; the vehicle must be used to transport the eligible person

    Possessing or displaying someone else's valid permit is not enough. The reserved-space privilege is for a vehicle being used to transport the person entitled to it.

    Source: VTL §1203-b(2), Parking spaces; NY DMV Chapter 7 > Reserved Parking for People with Disabilities ↗

  48. You are transporting a person with a valid disability permit. The reserved space is occupied, but the diagonally striped area beside it is empty. May you park there?

    Correct answer: No; the striped area must remain available for access

    The diagonally striped access area is needed for wheelchair movement and vehicles with special equipment. A disability permit does not authorize blocking that access space.

    Source: NY DMV Chapter 7 > Reserved Parking for People with Disabilities, diagonally striped access areas ↗

  49. A hands-free conversation becomes emotionally intense even though both hands remain on the wheel. What is the safety concern?

    Correct answer: The conversation can take your attention away from driving.

    Mental distraction matters even without a handheld device.

    Source: Chapter 8 > Driver Distractions: mental activities and emotional conversations. ↗

  50. While your car is moving on a public road, you hold your phone to read a nonemergency text but do not type a reply. Is that allowed?

    Correct answer: No. Reading a message while holding the device is prohibited too.

    VTL 1225-d covers holding a device to read messages, not only sending them.

    Source: VTL 1225-d(1), (2)(b): moving vehicle and definition of using; Chapter 8 > Penalties for Texting, Electronic Device Use. ↗

  51. A healthy adult sits in the back seat of a modern family car on a New York road. No exemption applies. What does the law require?

    Correct answer: The passenger must wear the seat belt properly.

    The adult seat-belt requirement applies in the rear seat as well as the front.

    Source: VTL 1229-c(3): passengers age sixteen or older; Chapter 8 > Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats, and Air Bags. ↗

  52. A 20-month-old child rides in the rear seat and still fits within the rear-facing seat manufacturer's height and weight limits. How must the seat face?

    Correct answer: Rearward.

    A child under two must ride rear-facing unless the specified manufacturer size limits are exceeded.

    Source: VTL 1229-c(1)(a): rear-facing requirement and manufacturer-limit exception. ↗

  53. A six-year-old who is 43 inches tall and weighs 45 pounds rides in a car with an available lap-and-shoulder belt. Which arrangement meets the normal New York requirement?

    Correct answer: A federally approved child restraint appropriate for the child's size, used as directed.

    Children ages four through seven normally need an appropriate child restraint; the adult belt alone is not the restraint in this scenario.

    Source: VTL 1229-c(1)(b), (4)(b)-(c), (5): child restraint, fit and oversized-child defense; Chapter 8 > Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats, and Air Bags. ↗

  54. You cannot remember the last few miles and have drifted onto a rumble strip. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Find a safe place away from traffic to stop and rest.

    Memory gaps and lane drift warn of fatigue; tricks do not replace rest.

    Source: Chapter 8 > Drowsy and Fatigued Driving > Symptoms of Fatigue; Actions for the Drowsy Driver. ↗

  55. You are planning a long drive after a week of short nights. Which preparation best reduces fatigue risk?

    Correct answer: Get adequate sleep beforehand and allow time for rest stops.

    Adequate sleep before the trip is the foundation of fatigue prevention.

    Source: Drowsy Driving > Tips to Avoid Driving Drowsy; Chapter 8 > Effective Countermeasures > Prevention. ↗

  56. After drinking, a driver says, 'I feel confident, so I know my driving is fine.' Why is that conclusion unsafe?

    Correct answer: Alcohol can weaken the judgment needed to recognize one's own impairment.

    Feeling capable is not a reliable test of driving ability after alcohol.

    Source: Chapter 9 > What Alcohol Does: impaired judgment and overconfidence. ↗

  57. For a driver age 21 or older in a private passenger car, which BAC reaches New York's ordinary per-se DWI threshold?

    Correct answer: 0.08 percent.

    VTL 1192(2) sets the per-se DWI threshold at 0.08 percent. Lower BAC does not establish that driving is safe or lawful.

    Source: VTL 1192(2): DWI per se; Chapter 9 > Alcohol, Other Drugs and the Law. ↗

  58. A 30-year-old driver's BAC is below 0.08 percent, but alcohol has impaired the person's ability to drive. Does being below 0.08 make the driving lawful?

    Correct answer: No. Driving while ability impaired by alcohol is a separate prohibition.

    The ability-impaired rule is not limited to the 0.08-percent per-se threshold.

    Source: VTL 1192(1) and (2): ability impaired versus per-se DWI. ↗

  59. A 19-year-old drives a private passenger car after drinking and has a measured BAC of 0.03 percent. Which statement is correct?

    Correct answer: New York's under-21 alcohol rule can apply even though the BAC is below 0.08 percent.

    VTL 1192-a covers an under-21 driver's BAC from 0.02 through 0.07 percent; other impaired-driving charges may also be relevant.

    Source: VTL 1192-a: under-21 BAC range and relationship to 1192 charges. ↗

  60. A person who has been drinking has strong coffee before driving. What is the important limitation of that plan?

    Correct answer: Coffee does not remove the alcohol from the person's blood.

    Coffee is not a way to reduce BAC or establish fitness to drive.

    Source: Chapter 9 > Your BAC: coffee and cold showers do not reduce BAC. ↗

  61. An over-the-counter allergy medicine warns that it may cause drowsiness. What should a driver do before taking it and driving?

    Correct answer: Check the warning and ask a pharmacist or clinician how it may affect driving.

    Nonprescription medicines can impair driving too; do not test their effects in traffic.

    Source: Chapter 9 > Other Drugs: nonprescription medicines, labels and professional advice. ↗

  62. A driver takes a medicine that can cause drowsiness and also drinks alcohol. What is the safest conclusion?

    Correct answer: The combination may increase impairment; do not drive after combining them.

    Alcohol and other drugs can interact and worsen driving impairment.

    Source: Chapter 9 > Other Drugs: combined effects of alcohol and other drugs; VTL 1192(4-a). ↗

  63. Friends appoint a designated driver before a celebration. Which plan makes that arrangement dependable?

    Correct answer: The designated driver does not drink alcohol, and another ride is arranged if needed.

    Choose a non-drinking driver in advance rather than relying on impaired self-assessment.

    Source: Chapter 9 > How to Avoid Trouble: designated driver, overnight stay and alternative transportation. ↗

  64. In a privately owned family car traveling on a New York public highway, an adult passenger opens a beer while the driver remains sober. Is that permitted?

    Correct answer: No. The open-container prohibition applies to passengers in this car too.

    VTL 1227 prohibits an open alcoholic beverage in this ordinary private-car scenario; its specified transport exceptions do not apply.

    Source: VTL 1227(1)-(2): open alcoholic beverages, highway location and specified exceptions. ↗

  65. You approach a modern roundabout. Which statement correctly describes the traffic pattern and who must yield?

    Correct answer: Traffic moves counterclockwise; drivers entering yield to traffic already inside.

    Enter when there is a safe gap in the traffic circulating counterclockwise around the central island.

    Source: Chapter 8 > Roundabouts > Three basic principles; How to Navigate a Roundabout > Motor Vehicles: counterclockwise circulation and yield at entry. ↗

  66. As you approach your chosen exit while driving through a roundabout, what should you do?

    Correct answer: Signal right before exiting and yield to pedestrians at the exit crossing.

    Use the right signal as you approach your exit, then leave carefully and yield to crossing pedestrians.

    Source: Chapter 8 > Roundabouts > Exiting the Roundabout: right signal before exit and yielding to pedestrians. ↗

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New York Traffic laws and responsibilities

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