Traffic Laws and Regulations

Driver License and Chemical Tests

• Refusing to take a chemical test when requested by an officer will result in license revocation.

License Suspension

• Accumulating 12 points within a three-year period will result in license suspension if it has not previously been suspended.
• Accumulating 8 points within a three-year period will result in license suspension if it has been previously suspended and reinstated.
• A license will be suspended for 30 days for a first-time conviction of driving at a speed of 55 mph and more than 15 mph above the speed limit.
• A license will be suspended for 60 days for a second conviction of driving at a speed of 55 mph and more than 15 mph above the speed limit.
• A license may be suspended for 12 months if it has been suspended for a third time due to the point system.

Driving Rules

• It is illegal to text while driving under any circumstances.
• All occupants of a moving vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• When approaching a school bus that is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway, drivers may continue driving.
• When approaching a school bus that is stopped on the opposite side of a center turning lane on a three-lane roadway, drivers must come to a complete stop.
• When passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road, drivers should vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle or slow down.
• Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit outside of cities and towns is 55 mph.
• Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on interstates is 70 mph.

Safe Driving Practices

• Keep a minimum following distance of two seconds during normal weather and traffic conditions.
• Back up at a speed of no more than 10 mph.
• Try to see 10 to 15 seconds ahead on the road.
• Check mirrors approximately every 10 seconds.
• When driving at speeds of 45 mph or faster, signal to turn at least 200 feet before beginning the turn.

Vehicle Maintenance

• A vehicle must pass a safety inspection once a year.

Special Driving Situations

• If possible, before beginning down a steep hill, switch into a lower gear.
• A driver license is required to steer a vehicle that is being towed or pushed.

Traffic Accidents

• About 38% of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol.
• In urban areas, about two out of every five people killed in traffic accidents are pedestrians.

Driver Impairment

• It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent.
• Driving under the influence of any medication that impairs driving is not permitted under any circumstances.

Road Signs and Markings

• A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means that vehicles next to the broken line may pass.
• When parking uphill on a two-way road with no curb, turn the front wheels to the right, toward the side of the road.

Post-Accident Procedures

• If involved in a minor collision at an intersection, move the vehicle out of the traffic lane, if possible.