Vehicle Regulations and Safety Protocols

Questions and Answers

What is the maximum speed limit for heavy trucks on the freeway at night?

65 (correct)

What should you do when going down a steep grade in a heavy vehicle?

Use a low gear

What should you do when turning right in a vehicle that is too large to turn by staying in the proper lane?

As soon as the front wheels pass the corner, turn wide to right.

How can farm tractors meet lighting requirements when operating on the highway at night?

Visible 1,000 ft from the front, 2 red lights visible 1,000 ft from the back, and 2 red reflectors from the back. Signup and view all the answers

What are the vehicle size and weight requirements for class A, B, and C driver licenses?

A - 26,001 and up or a trailer over 10,000; B - 26,001 and up or a trailer 10,000 or less; C - 10,000 or less or a trailer 20,000. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first action of the driver of a disabled truck or bus?

Put out the proper flares, flags, or reflectors. Signup and view all the answers

Where should flares be placed around a truck when necessary?

On a 2-way road: 10 ft in front, 100 ft behind; on a divided highway: 10 ft in front, 100 to 200 ft behind. Signup and view all the answers

What are the height limits between which reflectors must be mounted?

At least 24 inches high and no more than 60 inches high. Signup and view all the answers

What color should clearance lamps, side marker lamps, or reflectors mounted on or near the front of a vehicle be?

Amber. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest height allowed by state law for a vehicle including its load?

14 Ft. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest weight allowed by state law for a vehicle including its load?

80,000 pounds. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the greatest distance between two vehicles when one vehicle is towing the other?

15 Ft. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when hauling equipment that is wider, heavier, or longer than the law permits?

Obtain an oversize/overweight permit. Signup and view all the answers

When are turn indicator signals required on a vehicle?

All vehicles unless manufactured prior to 1960. Signup and view all the answers

Outside the city limits, what type of vehicle must stop at all railroad crossings?

Buses carrying passengers for hire. Signup and view all the answers

What type of vehicles are required to have mud flaps?

Truck/trailer with 4 or more tires on rear axles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum speed limit for a taxi cab on a numbered U.S. or state highway during the day?

<ol start="70"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum speed limit for motorbuses at night on numbered U.S. and state highways?

65 (same as cars) and 55 for school buses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest width ordinarily allowed by state law for a vehicle on the highway?

102 inches. Signup and view all the answers

Flashing lights are permitted on what types of vehicles?

Emergency vehicles, highway maintenance equipment, snow removal equipment, church buses, school buses, tow trucks. Signup and view all the answers

What usually determines the number of trailers that may ordinarily be pulled by one vehicle?

The unloaded weight of the vehicle; if it is less than 2,500 pounds, only one trailer is allowed. If it is over 2,500 pounds, two trailers are allowed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest length ordinarily allowed by state law for any combination of truck or trailer?

65 ft. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum weight which a trailer or semi-trailer must have before the vehicle is required to have brakes that can be applied by the driver?

4,500 pounds. Signup and view all the answers

When towing another vehicle with a chain or cable, the flag that is attached to the chain or cable must be what color?

White. Signup and view all the answers

When one truck is following another truck or vehicle, it must keep far enough back to allow how many vehicles to safely enter between them?

One. Signup and view all the answers

When mud flaps are required on a vehicle, they must come within how many inches of the surface?

8 inches. Signup and view all the answers

What are the regulations regarding lugs and flanges on Texas state highways?

A tire may not have protuberance other than rubber, unless it does not damage the highway. Signup and view all the answers

What are the limits on load extensions over the front and rear of vehicles?

May not extend more than 2 feet in the front and 4 feet in the back. Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest method to use when backing a large truck?

Walk around the truck and check for clearance, use both rearview mirrors, have someone guide you. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of requiring registration papers on trucks at all times?

The papers show the weight of the vehicle and how much it can haul. Signup and view all the answers

All school buses, taxis, and other vehicles hauling passengers for hire must carry a chemical-type fire extinguisher of at least what capacity?

One quart. Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements concerning clearance lights on trucks and buses?

2 amber on the front and 2 red in the back. Signup and view all the answers

Every trailer, semi-trailer, or pole-trailer must have how many reflectors on the rear?

<ol start="2"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Mounted reflectors must be at least how many inches above the ground?

<ol start="24"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How can you test the trailer service brakes?

At normal air pressure, release the parking brakes. Move the vehicle forward slowly, and apply the trailer hand brake. Signup and view all the answers

The tractor protection valve will pop when the pressure falls to 100 psi.

False Signup and view all the answers

The tractor protection valve will pop when the pressure falls between 20-45 psi.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the required lighting of a semi-trailer 80 inches or more in width?

2 amber clearance lights on the top and inside. Signup and view all the answers

To drive, you need to raise the landing gear only until it just lifts off the pavement.

False Signup and view all the answers

How can you test if air is flowing to all trailers?

Go to the rear of the rig. Open the emergency line shut-off valve at the rear of the last trailer. You should hear air escaping, showing the entire system is charged. Signup and view all the answers

How can you test the tractor-protection valve?

Push in the 'air supply' knob, step on and off the brake pedal several times to reduce the air pressure in the tanks. Signup and view all the answers

How can you test the trailer emergency brakes?

Charge the trailer air brake system and check that the trailer rolls freely. Then stop and pull out the trailer air supply control. Signup and view all the answers

How can you test the trailer service brakes?

At normal air pressure, release the parking brakes. Move the vehicle forward slowly, and apply the trailer hand brake. Signup and view all the answers

When coupling, the tractor should be...

Directly in front of the trailer. Signup and view all the answers

When coupling you should back...

Slowly. Signup and view all the answers

How do you know if the trailer is at the proper height?

The trailer should be low enough that it is raised slightly by the tractor when the tractor is backed under it. Signup and view all the answers

When coupling, you should back using...

The lowest reverse gear. Signup and view all the answers

How do you check for a secure connection?

Pull tractor gently while the trailer brakes are still locked to check that the trailer is locked on the tractor. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if the trailer is too high when you try to couple?

You will miss and not get a coupling. Signup and view all the answers

After coupling, how much space should be between the upper and the lower 5th wheel?

None. Signup and view all the answers

You should look into the back of the 5th wheel to see if it is locked into the kingpin?

True Signup and view all the answers

ABS will increase your stopping distance.

False Signup and view all the answers

Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the right side of the trailers.

False Signup and view all the answers

When you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS, you should...

Brake as you always have. Signup and view all the answers

If your ABS malfunctions, you will lose your brakes.

False Signup and view all the answers

ABS makes it possible to drive faster more safely.

False Signup and view all the answers

When coupling, you should inspect the 5th wheel which will include...

Grease on the 5th wheel plate, 5th wheel in proper position and tilted down toward the rear of the tractor, with jaws open. Signup and view all the answers

What does the emergency air line do?

It supplies air to the trailer air tanks. Loss of air pressure in the emergency line causes the trailer emergency brakes to come on. Signup and view all the answers

Blue is used for the service line and red for the emergency.

True Signup and view all the answers

Why should you use chocks when parking a trailer without spring brakes?

Eventually, the air will leak away and there will be no brakes. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the shut-off valves?

In the back of the trailer. Signup and view all the answers

You may not notice a major leak in the service line until you try and put on the brakes.

True Signup and view all the answers

All new trailers and converter dollies are required to have anti-lock brakes.

True Signup and view all the answers

When braking hard you should check your mirrors to make sure that your trailer is staying where it should?

True Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not use the trailer hard brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?

This is the wrong thing to do since the brakes on the trailer wheels caused the skid in the first place. Signup and view all the answers

If you must back on a curved path, back to the driver's side so you can see.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type of trailers can get stuck on railroad highway crossings?

Lowboy and car carrier. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not use the trailer hand valve while driving?

The trailer hand valve should only be used to test the brakes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what trailer air supply control does.

You push it in to supply the trailer with air, and pull it out to shut the air off and put on the trailer emergency brakes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what the service line is for.

The service line (called the control line) carries air, which is controlled by the foot brake or the trailer hand brake. Signup and view all the answers

More than half of truck drivers' deaths in crashes are the result of truck rollover.

True Signup and view all the answers

Fully loaded rigs are ___ times more likely to roll over in a crash than empty rigs.

<ol start="10"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What can you do to prevent rollovers?

Keep the cargo close to the ground and drive slowly around turns. Signup and view all the answers

Keeping the cargo low is even more important in combination vehicles than in straight trucks.

True Signup and view all the answers

Rollovers happen when you turn too ________.

Fast. Signup and view all the answers

Trucks with trailers have a dangerous...

Crack the whip effect. Signup and view all the answers

When pulling trailers, a sudden movement with your steering wheel may cause your trailer to tip over.

True Signup and view all the answers

Large combination vehicles take longer to stop when they are...

Empty. Signup and view all the answers

How much following distance should you have?

At least 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph. Signup and view all the answers

How much following distance should you have when driving 50 mph?

At least 1 second for every 10 feet of your vehicle plus an additional second. Signup and view all the answers

When lightly loaded, the very still suspension springs and strong brakes give poor traction.

True Signup and view all the answers

Tests have shown that bobtails are easy to stop.

False Signup and view all the answers

In any combination rig, allow lots of ______ distance and look far ahead.

Following. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to recognize that the trailer has started to skid?

Seeing it in your mirrors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Speed Limits and Regulations

Maximum speed limit for heavy trucks on the freeway at night is 65 mph, same as cars.
Maximum speed limit for taxi cabs on numbered U.S. or state highways during the day is 70 mph.
Maximum speed limit for motorbuses at night on numbered U.S. and state highways is 65 mph (55 mph for school buses).

Vehicle Sizing Requirements

Class A license requires a vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more or a trailer over 10,000 pounds.
Class B license requires a vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more or a trailer 10,000 pounds or less.
Class C license requires a vehicle 10,000 pounds or less or a trailer 20,000 pounds.

Emergency Protocols for Disabled Vehicles

The first action of a disabled truck or bus driver is to put out proper flares, flags, or reflectors.
Flares should be placed 10 feet in front and 100 feet behind on a two-way road, or 100 to 200 feet behind on a divided highway.

Lighting and Reflector Requirements

Farm tractors must have visible lights from 1,000 feet at night: 2 red lights at the back and reflectors.
Clearance lamps and reflectors on the front of a vehicle must be amber, while those at the back must be red.
Reflectors must be mounted at a height of at least 24 inches and no more than 60 inches above the ground.

Load and Vehicle Limits

State law allows a maximum vehicle height of 14 feet and a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds.
Vehicles cannot exceed a width of 102 inches and must not tow more than one trailer if the vehicle's unloaded weight is under 2,500 pounds.

Trailer and Coupling Procedures

Aging demands for checking trailer connections: ensure the 5th wheel is properly greased and positioned.
When coupling, the tractor should align directly in front of the trailer, and the backing should be done slowly.
To test trailer service brakes, release parking brakes and apply the hand brake while moving slowly.

Safety Measures

When towing another vehicle with a chain or cable, attach a white flag to the chain.
Use chocks when parking a trailer without spring brakes to prevent rolling due to air leaks.
Keep cargo low to prevent rollovers, especially in combination vehicles.

ABS and Braking Protocol

ABS on trailers does not increase stopping distance and allows braking as usual.
Yellow ABS malfunction lamps are present on trailers, aiding in monitoring functionality.

Rollover Prevention

Trucks fully loaded are 10 times more likely to roll over than empty.
Rollover incidents can be mitigated by maintaining slow speeds during turns and being cautious with steering movements.

Driving Distances and Handling

Maintain at least 1 second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph, plus an additional second at higher speeds.
Always look far ahead and maintain ample following distance in combination rigs to accommodate longer stopping times.

Additional Guidelines

The service line controls air based on braking pressure; the emergency air line activates trailer brakes when air pressure is lost.
Use the lowest reverse gear when backing up to ensure stability and control.

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

School buses and vehicles transporting passengers for hire are mandated to carry a chemical-type fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of one quart.

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Description

This quiz covers important regulations for vehicle speed limits, sizing requirements, and emergency protocols. Learn about the responsibilities of truck and bus drivers when faced with vehicle disabilities, as well as the specific requirements for lighting and reflectors. Test your knowledge on these crucial aspects of road safety!