Understanding Slow-Moving Vehicles

Large Vehicles and Trucks

• The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference in the length of the turning path.
• Large vehicles and trucks are not as easy to maneuver as passenger vehicles.
• When driving near large vehicles and trucks, do not:
  • Change lanes directly in front of them to reach an exit or turn.
  • Drive next to them longer than you need to.
  • Always pass a large vehicle on the left side.
  • Follow too closely.

Safety Zones

• Safety zones are spaces set aside for pedestrians waiting for buses, streetcars, and trolleys.
• Safety zones are marked by raised buttons or markers on a road.
• Do not drive through a safety zone under any condition.

Slow-Moving Vehicles

• They can take longer to get up to speed when entering traffic.
• Large trucks, bicycles, and some cars lose speed on long or steep hills.
• Some slow-moving vehicles have an orange and red triangle on their back, such as road maintenance vehicles.
• Adjust your speed to share the road with these vehicles.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)

• NEVs and LSVs reach a maximum speed of 25 mph.
• They are restricted from roads where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph.
• Watch for slow-moving vehicles when you see these signs or markings: NEV USE ONLY, NEV ROUTE.

Animal-Drawn Vehicles

• Horse-drawn vehicles and people riding horses or other animals are allowed to share the road with motor vehicles.
• It is against the law to intentionally scare horses or livestock.

Bicycles

• Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers.

Sharing the Road

• Drivers need to share the road with other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, road workers, and large vehicles.

Blind Spots (the No Zone)

• Large vehicle and truck drivers have a better view in front of them and bigger mirrors.
• But they also have large blind spots, also called No Zones.
• If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you.

Braking

• Large vehicles and commercial trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles traveling at the same speed.
• The heavier the vehicle and the faster it is moving, the longer it takes to safely stop.
• A loaded truck will take longer to stop than an empty truck.

Turning

• When a vehicle turns, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels.

Emergency and Road Work Vehicles

• Drivers must move over and slow down for emergency and road work vehicles.
• These include: Stationary emergency vehicles or tow trucks displaying flashing amber warning lights, Stopped road work vehicles displaying emergency flashing or amber warning lights.

Vehicles with Hazardous Loads

• A diamond-shaped sign on a truck means that the truck’s load may be dangerous (gas, explosives, etc.).
• Vehicles with these signs must stop before crossing railroad tracks.

Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather

• You must drive slower when there is heavy traffic or bad weather.
• At the same time, you should not block normal and reasonable traffic flow by driving too slowly.

Towing

• You must drive in the far-right lane or a lane marked for slower vehicles when you:
  • Tow a vehicle or trailer.
  • Drive a truck with three or more axles.
  • If no lanes are marked and there are four or more lanes in your direction, you may only drive in the two lanes closest to the right edge of the road.

Learn about slow-moving vehicles and how they can affect emergency personnel and traffic flow. Discover the characteristics of slow-moving vehicles like large trucks, bicycles, and cars on hills. Identify slow-moving vehicles by their orange and red triangles.