Virginia Driver's Manual PDF

Dear New Driver, This manual covers everything you need to know for safe driving on Virginia roads – from street signs to railroad crossings to the proper hand placement on your steering wheel. But what you’re about to read in the next few paragraphs is the most important part of this driver’s ma...

Dear New Driver, This manual covers everything you need to know for safe driving on Virginia roads – from street signs to railroad crossings to the proper hand placement on your steering wheel. But what you’re about to read in the next few paragraphs is the most important part of this driver’s manual – the actions you must take to protect your life while driving. At the Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office, we study data to understand the driving habits that are most likely to kill Virginians. Our goal is to use this information to keep you safe. So, please continue reading and take seriously the things we’ve learned. Guys – please read extra closely. 72% of all people killed in crashes in 2023 in Virginia were men. That’s nearly three-quarters of fatalities despite being slightly less than half the population according to census data. Men are driving too fast, they’re driving under the influence, they’re driving distracted and they’re not wearing their seat belts. Women do these things too – but our data shows men do them more and the consequences are deadly. So, please read on and take these lessons to heart. It could make all the difference in saving your life or the lives of others on the road. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR LIFE BEHIND THE WHEEL 1. Always wear your seat belt.  In 2023, 54% of vehicle occupants killed in a crash weren’t wearing a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt greatly increases your chances of surviving a car crash. 2. Plan ahead for a sober ride home if you’re going out drinking.  Drunk driving crashes are 100% preventable yet, in 2023, 293 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia. Use a rideshare app, call a taxi or designate a non-drinking friend.  Remember, Virginia has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking. 3. Avoid distractions when driving.  Always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.  When reading or sending a text, your eyes are off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, you’ve traveled the length of a football field essentially blindfolded. 4. Follow the posted speed limit.  In 2023, 449 people died in speed-related crashes in Virginia. It’s important to monitor your speed and drive the speed limit. 5. Keep a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you.  Use the two-, three-, and four-second rule when trying to determine your space behind the vehicle in front of you. Increase your following distance when road conditions change. So, as you start your journey toward getting your driver’s license, remember to follow the rules of the road to keep yourself and others safe. By following these simple steps, you’re not just looking out for yourself but also helping to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on Virginia’s roads. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and, as a new driver, it’s now yours too. Safe travels, Gerald F. Lackey, Ph.D. DMV Commissioner  Virginia Driver’s Manual: Table of Contents Section 1 – Testing Searching...........................................................................19 Two-part knowledge exam.................................................3 Blind spots.........................................................................20 Road skills test...................................................................4 Sharing the road................................................................20 Vision screening.................................................................4 Pedestrians............................................................20 Vision standards....................................................4 Bicycles.................................................................20 Mopeds.................................................................20 Motorcycles...........................................................20 Section 2 – Signals, Signs and Light rail................................................................21 Low speed vehicles...............................................21 Pavement Markings Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and RVs....................21 Traffic signals......................................................................5 Light to medium trailers.........................................21 Lane use signals.....................................................6 Backing.............................................................................22 Traffic signs........................................................................6 Parking.............................................................................22 Sign colors.............................................................6 Visibility.............................................................................22 Sign shapes............................................................6 Lights.................................................................................23 Regulatory signs.....................................................7 Hazardous conditions........................................................23 Warning signs........................................................8 Night driving.........................................................23 Work zones...........................................................10 Fog........................................................................23 Pavement markings............................................................11 Rain......................................................................23 Painted curbs.....................................................................13 Snow.....................................................................23 Dangerous driving behaviors..............................................23 Aggressive driving..................................................23 Section 3 – Safe Driving Distracted driving..................................................24 Hand position....................................................................14 Drowsy driving......................................................24 Speed limits.......................................................................14 Drinking and driving..............................................24 Stopping............................................................................15 Traffic crashes....................................................................25 Yielding the right-of-way....................................................16 Deer/large animal hazards..................................................25 Roundabouts.....................................................................16 Traffic stops........................................................................26 Changing lanes..................................................................17 Passing.............................................................................17 Over-correcting.................................................................18 Turning.............................................................................18 Section 4 – Seat Belts, Airbags, and U-turns.............................................................................18 Child Safety Seats Turn signals........................................................................18 Seat belts...........................................................................26 Maintaining a space cushion..............................................19 Air bags.............................................................................27 Following distance.................................................19 Child safety seats...............................................................27 V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 1 Table of Contents Section 5 – Penalties License suspension............................................................28 License revocation.............................................................28 Conviction-related suspensions and revocations.................28 Other DMV requirements, suspensions and revocations.....29 Driver Improvement Program................................29 Medical review program........................................29 Insurance monitoring program...............................30 Suspension for failing to satisfy child support-related requirements................................30 Alcohol and the law...........................................................30 Administrative License Suspension.........................30 Open alcohol containers in vehicles......................30 Transporting children while under the influence of alcohol/drugs.....................................................30 Vehicle impoundment...........................................30 Restitution.............................................................30 Alcohol related violations and penalties involving persons under age 21.............................30 Section 6 – License Types Learner’s permit................................................................31 Driver’s license..................................................................32 Commercial driver’s license...............................................32 School bus driver’s license.................................................32 International driver’s license..............................................32 Section 7 – Other Important Information Receiving your license by mail...........................................33 Address Changes................................................................33 New to Virginia..................................................................33 Titles, registrations, license plates, decals............................33 Safety inspections..............................................................33 Tire safety inspections........................................................33 Insurance requirements.....................................................34 Applying to register to vote................................................34 Organ, eye and tissue donation..........................................34 Section 8 – Sample Knowledge Exam Sample exam.....................................................................35 2 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L  The exam may be taken only once per business day. An audio version of the exam is available and the exam is offered Section 1: in many different languages and American Sign Language. Therefore, translators may not be used for tests in offered Testing languages. If you fail the knowledge exam three times, you will not be able to take it a fourth time until you complete and pass the classroom component of driver education. You may have the option of completing an 8-hour course based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual and approved by DMV exclusively for satisfying the three-times-failure requirement. This course is available at a driver training school and online. Please see the requirements below based on your age.  Customers age 18 and older may complete a course based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual. The completion date of the driver’s manual course must be after the date that you failed the knowledge exam the third time. When you successfully complete the course and give DMV your certificate of completion, you can take the knowledge exam again.  Customers younger than 18 may complete the course In this section you’ll learn about: based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual if they have previously completed the classroom component of  Two-part knowledge exam driver education. Before you can take this course, you  Road skills test must present your certificate of completion for the  Vision screening classroom component of driver education to the driver  Vision standards training school that will be conducting the driver’s manual course. The completion date of the driver’s manual course must be after the date that you failed the knowledge exam the third time. When you successfully complete the course and give DMV your certificate of Tests will include a vision screening and may completion, you can take the knowledge exam again. include a two-part knowledge exam and a road skills test. A DMV representative will tell you which tests you need to take. When testing, you cannot:  get help while taking the exam Two-Part Knowledge Exam  help another person taking the exam  try to get test questions or answers before the exam You will need to take the knowledge exam if you do not hold a valid driver’s license from another U. S. state,  give another person exam questions or answers Canada, Germany, France, or the Republic of Korea. The  use a cell phone during the exam two-part knowledge exam is given on a computer and tests your knowledge of traffic signs, motor vehicle laws, and A sample knowledge exam is in Section 8 of this manual and safe driving. Exam questions are taken from information in at dmv.virginia.gov. this manual. You must correctly answer all ten traffic sign questions in part one of the exam before you can take part two of the exam. Part two tests your general knowledge Services for Persons With Disabilities with multiple choice questions. You must answer at least 80 Customers with special needs or who require special help percent of these questions correctly to pass part two. with applications or testing should tell a DMV staff member at any DMV location. If you fail the exam and you are under age 18, by law you must wait a full 15 days before you can retake the exam. For example, if you fail the exam on January 1, the earliest you can take the exam again is January 17. V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 3 Section 1: Testing Road Skills Test Vision Screening You will need to take the road skills test if you do not hold To screen your vision, a DMV staff member will ask you to a valid driver’s license from another U. S. state, Canada, look into a machine and read a series of letters or numbers. Germany, France, the Republic of Korea, or Taiwan. You must The vision screening is not a medical exam. The screening provide a vehicle for the road skills test (cannot be taken in shows whether your vision meets Virginia’s standards to safely an autocycle). The vehicle must have a valid safety inspection drive. If you fail the vision screening, you may be asked to sticker, license plates, registration card and decals, working visit an eye care professional. brakes, safety belts, horn, lights, turn signals, mirrors and speedometer. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision screening, you must wear them when you drive. Your license To take the road skills test, the DMV examiner will require will display a C for this restriction. To have this restriction that you either: removed after having laser surgery to correct your vision, you  present an acceptable driver’s education certificate of must visit a DMV customer service center and pass the vision completion, or screening without wearing glasses or contact lenses or submit a Vision Screening Report (MED 4).  complete a behind-the-wheel checklist (DMV form CSMA 19 available at dmv.virginia.gov or any DMV office) that describes specific driving tasks that you may Vision Standards be asked to perform while taking the road skills test. A Driver’s license – unrestricted licensed driver will need to certify on the form that he/ she has been with you while you practiced the driving  20/40 or better vision in one or both eyes, and tasks and that you have complied with all requirements  110 degrees, or better, horizontal vision in one or both for learner’s permit holders while operating a motor eyes, or comparable measurement that shows a field of vehicle. vision within this range. For applicants under 18, the road skills test will be given as Driving – restricted to daylight hours only part of the driver education course taken at a public, private  20/70 or better vision in one or both eyes, and or commercial driving school. If you are home schooled, refer to the Home-Schooled In-Car Driver Education Information  70 degrees, or better, horizontal vision. If you have Sheet (HS 3) for more information about taking the road skills vision in only one eye, you must have horizontal vision test. of at least 30 degrees or better when looking toward your nose and 40 degrees or better when looking Applicants age 18 or older must hold the learner’s permit for toward your temple, or comparable measurement that 60 days prior to the first road skills test or complete a course shows a field of vision within this range. of driver’s education at a driver training school approved by DMV or the Department of Education. For applicants who A daylight driving only restricted license permits you to drive choose to take driver’s education, the road skills test will be only during the period of time beginning a half-hour after administered by the driver training school. For those who opt sunrise and ending a half-hour before sunset. to hold a learner’s permit for 60 days, the road skills test will Bioptic telescopic lenses: If you wear bioptic telescopic be given by a DMV staff member. The test may be taken only lenses, read the DMV publication Driver’s Licensing once per business day. If you fail the road skills test, you must Information for Bioptic Telescopic Lense Wearers (MED 44) wait two days to take it again. If you fail the road skills test available at dmv.virginia.gov or contact DMV at DMV three times, you will not be able to take it a fourth at (804) 497-7100. time until you complete and pass the in-vehicle part of driver education at a driver training school approved by DMV or the Department of Education. The completion date for the in-vehicle part must be after the date you failed the road skills test the third time. Once you successfully complete the in-vehicle part and give DMV your certificate of completion, you can take the road skills test again. 4 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L  Section 2: You may not turn right on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read “No Turn on Red,” or if a red arrow pointing to the right is displayed. Signals, Signs and Left turn on red: You may turn left at a red light if you are on Pavement Markings a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. You may not turn left on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read “No Turn on Red,” or if a red arrow pointing to the left is displayed. Red arrow: A red arrow means you must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow. You may not proceed in the direction of the arrow as long as the red arrow is displayed, unless signs are posted at the intersection that read “Right on Red Arrow After Stop” or “Left on Red Arrow After Stop.” Virginia law prohibits right and left turns at red arrow lights. Note: If you are traveling in another state, make sure you know In this section you’ll learn about: its laws for right and left turns at red and red arrow lights.  Traffic signals  Traffic signs Flashing red light: At a flashing red light, come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming  Pavement markings vehicles and pedestrians. You may go when the  Painted curbs way is clear. At a railroad crossing, you must come to a complete stop even if you don’t see a train. Flashing red arrow: At a flashing red arrow, come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from Traffic signals, signs and the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection, and pavement markings are used for traffic proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear. control to provide a smooth, orderly flow of traffic. It is important to understand and obey them. It is illegal to avoid Yellow light or arrow: A yellow these traffic controls by cutting through a parking lot or field. light or arrow are cautions warning that the light is about to change. Obey all signs and signals unless directed by a police officer; If you have not entered the always follow the officer’s direction. intersection, stop; or, if unsafe to stop, cautiously go through it. If Traffic Signals you are already in the intersection, go through it cautiously. Traffic signals apply to drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, Do not speed up to beat the light. moped-riders and pedestrians. Flashing yellow light: A flashing yellow light Red light: At a red light, come to a complete stop means slow down and proceed with caution. at the stop line or, if there is no stop line, before Flashing yellow lights are at locations with entering the intersection or before reaching the higher-than-normal hazardous conditions. crosswalk. Remain stopped as long as the signal is red, unless turns are allowed. Flashing yellow arrow: At a flashing yellow arrow, you may turn in the direction of the arrow, if the way is clear. Yield Right turn on red: You may turn right while the traffic signal the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. If pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible a traffic light changes from red to flashing yellow arrow while a vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. pedestrian is in the intersection, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning. V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 5 Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings Green light or arrow: At a green light, you may go if the way Traffic Signs is clear. At a green arrow, you may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. If you The color and shape of a traffic sign communicates are turning without a green arrow, important information about the sign’s message. In poor you must yield the right-of-way visibility conditions, such as heavy fog, you may be able to to vehicles coming from the other make out only the shape of a sign. As you approach a sign and direction and pedestrians in the while still distant, you may see the color long before you can intersection. Be sure to check for read the message or see the symbol, giving you some advance less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. information. If a traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is in the street, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before Sign Colors turning. Sign colors help you know what the intention of the sign is. Out of service signals: When traffic signals are not working Red used with white conveys stop, yield, do not, and no. Stop because of a power outage or other problem and not displaying signs, yield signs, do not enter or wrong way signs, the circle any lights, you are required to stop, proceeding through the and slash in a no turn sign, and the restrictions in a parking sign intersection as though it were an all-way stop. This does not are examples. apply if a law enforcement officer or other authorized person is directing traffic at the intersection, or if portable stop signs are in Black used with white conveys regulatory information. Speed use. limit, do not pass, no turns are examples where the operation is regulated by law and the black and white sign would be found. Lane use signals indicate lanes where you can and cannot drive during different hours of the day. Yellow used with black conveys a warning. Curve ahead, stop ahead, overhead clearances, slippery when wet, are all Red X: Never drive in a lane marked with examples. A specialized class of warning signs uses a strong a red X signal. yellow/green color with black to advise of school zone, pedestrian and/or bicyclist activities. Yellow X or Yellow Diagonal Green and white, blue and white, and brown and white signs Downward Arrow: These signals are used to provide helpful information. The green sign is used mean that you should move out to provide destination types of information, while the blue sign of the lane as soon as safely is used to inform regarding motorists services. The brown sign is possible. used to advise of historical or cultural interests that might exist in the area. Green Arrow: You are permitted to drive in a lane marked with a green arrow signal. Orange and black and pink and black signs are used to advise and warn in construction (orange) and incident (pink) areas. They are used with black and white signs that convey Left-turn Arrow: You are permitted to enter in a regulations that might exist only because of the construction lane marked with a one-way or effort or the incident. two-way arrow only to turn in the Sign Shapes direction of the arrow. Octagon (Stop): This eight-sided shape always means stop. You Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons must come to a complete stop (PHBs): PHBs appear over intersections without stoplights and at the sign, stop line, pedestrian alert drivers when pedestrians are at crosswalk or curb. Wait for any a crosswalk. One yellow light at the vehicle or pedestrian to clear the way. At some intersections bottom flashes when a pedestrian you’ll find a sign beneath the stop sign that reads “All Way” or activates the PHB. Next, the yellow “4 Way.” At these intersections all vehicles on all roads leading light turns solid to alert drivers to into the intersection must stop. If you get to the intersection prepare to stop. Then, the top two at the same time as other vehicles, the driver on the left must red lights on the PHB turn solid yield to the driver on the right. while a walk signal appears at the crosswalk, and drivers must stop. Triangle (Yield): You must Lastly, while the walk signal counts slow down as you come to the down for the pedestrians, the PHB’s two red lights alternate intersection. Be prepared to stop. flashing, telling the driver that if the crosswalk is now clear, they Let any vehicles, pedestrians or may proceed with caution. bicyclists safely pass before you proceed. 6 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L  Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings Rectangle (Regulatory or Guide): No Right Turn: Right turns are illegal. Do not Vertical signs generally give make a right turn when you see this sign. instructions or tell you the law. Horizontal signs may give directions or information. No U-Turn: U-turns are illegal. Do not make Diamond (Warning): These signs warn a U-turn when you see this sign. you of special conditions or hazards ahead. Slow down and drive with caution. Be ready to stop. Pentagon (School Zone/School Crossing): No Turn on Red: You may not turn on the This five-sided shape marks red light. Wait for the signal to turn green. school zones and warns you about school crossings. Two signs may be used together to show the actual location of the crosswalk. Do Not Pass: This sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. You may not pass cars ahead of you in your lane, even if the way is Regulatory signs inform you of the law; clear. you must obey their instructions. Remember that a red circle with a slash means NO — the symbol inside the circle tells you what is Left Turn Yield on Green: This sign is used prohibited. with a traffic signal. It tells you that the traffic turning left at a green light does not have the Speed Limit: These signs tell you the maximum legal speed right-of-way and must yield to traffic coming that you may drive on the road where the sign is posted when from the other direction. Stop and look for weather conditions are good. Some roads oncoming traffic, then proceed with caution. have electronic speed limit signs that change based on weather or traffic conditions. During rain, snow and ice, you may receive a ticket Keep Right: A traffic island, median or barrier is for driving too fast for the conditions even ahead. Keep to the side indicated by the arrow. if you are driving at or less than the posted speed limit. Do Not Enter – Wrong Way: These signs mean you cannot Lane Use Control: These drive in that direction. If you drive past these signs are used where turns are signs you are going in the required or where special turning wrong direction and could movements are permitted for get into a head-on crash with specific lanes. Traffic in the lane vehicles headed your way. must turn in the direction of Immediately slow down, pull the arrow. over, and cautiously turn around. High Occupancy Vehicle: These signs One Way: Traffic flows only indicate lanes reserved for buses and in the direction of the arrow. vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers as specified on the sign. Disabled Parking: Parking spaces marked with these signs are reserved for people with No Left Turn: Left turns are against the law. disabled parking permits. In Virginia, U-turns are considered as two left turns and are illegal if this sign is posted. V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 7 Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings Warning signs alert you to possible hazards ahead. Slow Slippery When Wet: When pavement is down and watch for other pavement markings, signs, signals wet, reduce your speed. Do not brake hard or work zones that may follow. or change direction suddenly. Increase the distance between your car and the one ahead of you. Advisory Speed: This sign indicates the maximum safe speed for a highway exit. Low Clearance Sign: The overpass ahead has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is taller than the height shown on the sign. Reduced Speed Limit Ahead: Prepare to reduce your speed; the speed limit is Hill: A steep grade is ahead. Check your changing ahead. brakes. Deer Crossing: Deer cross the roadway in Stop Ahead/Yield Ahead: A stop this area. Slow down, be alert and be ready sign or yield sign is ahead. Slow to stop. down and be ready to stop. Horse-Drawn Buggies: Regularly travel in this area. Slow down and don’t use the horn. State law requires motorists to pass with at least Signal Ahead: Traffic signals are three feet of clearance when the way is clear. ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop. No Passing Zone: This sign marks the Tractors and Farm Equipment: Regularly beginning of a no passing zone. You may not travel in this area. Be ready to slow down or pass cars ahead of you in your lane, even if stop. Only pass when the way is clear. the way is clear. Pedestrian Crossing: Watch for Merge: Two lanes of traffic moving in the same people who are walking, riding direction are about to become one. Drivers in bicycles or other devices entering both lanes are responsible for merging safely. a crosswalk or crossing your path. Slow down and be prepared to stop. A second sign with an arrow may show the actual location of Lane Reduction: The right lane ends soon. the crosswalk. Drivers in the right lane must merge left when space opens up. Drivers in the left lane should allow other vehicles to merge smoothly. Bicycle Crossing/Bike Path: Bicycles regularly cross or ride beside traffic in this area. Drive with caution. A second sign with Divided Highway Begins: The highway ahead an arrow may show the actual is split into two separate roadways by location of the bike crossing. a median or divider and each roadway is one-way. Keep right. School Zone/School Crossing: Divided Highway Ends: The highway ahead Watch out for children crossing no longer has a median or divider. Traffic goes the street or playing. Be ready to in both directions. Keep right. slow down or stop at school zones and surrounding areas. Obey the speed limit and signals from crossing guards. A second sign with an arrow may show the actual location of the sidewalk. 8 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L  Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings Open Joints: Slow down. Open joints on Right and Left Curves: The road ahead bridges or ramps could cause a motorcyclist curves right, then left. Slow down. to lose control of the motorcycle. Right Curve with Safe Speed Indicator: Expansion Joints: This sign is used when a The road ahead curves right. Slow down joint across lanes creates a bump or is wide to the safe speed indicated. enough to cause loss of traction in wet weather. Winding Road: The road ahead winds with a series of turns or curves. On all curves, slow Intersections: An intersection down for better control. is ahead. Be alert for vehicles entering the road on which you are traveling. Low Ground Railroad Crossing: A steep slope where the railroad tracks cross the road may Y Intersection: You must bear either right or cause the bottom of low vehicles to get caught left ahead. or drag on the tracks. Railroad Crossing: Advance warning signs are T Intersection: The roadway you are traveling placed before a railroad crossing. These signs on ends ahead at a stop sign. You must turn warn you to look, listen, slow down and be right or left after yielding to oncoming traffic prepared to stop for trains or any vehicles using and pedestrians. the rails. Roundabout: These signs indicate a circular Railroad Crossbuck: This sign is a warning of a railroad intersection with an island in the center crossing. Look, listen, slow down and be is ahead. Also called traffic circles, these prepared to stop for trains or any vehicles intersections may have one or more lanes. using the rails. Trains may be approaching Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way from either direction. If there is more than one to traffic already in the circle and travel in a track, trains may be approaching from either counter clockwise direction. direction on either track. Right Curve – Side Road: The road ahead Railroad Crossbuck and Flashing Lights: Flashing lights may curves right and a side road joins from the be used with crossbuck signs. Always stop left within the curve. Be alert for vehicles when the light begins to flash and be alert for entering the roadway you are traveling on. approaching trains. Do not proceed until all trains or any other vehicles using the rails have passed, the tracks are clear, and the lights are Sharp Right Turn: Slow down and be no longer flashing. Be especially alert at multi- prepared for a sharp right turn in the track crossings because a second train could road ahead. be approaching from the opposite direction. Crossbuck, Flashing Lights and Gate: Gates are used with flashing light signals at some Sharp Right and Left Turns: Slow down crossings. Stop when the lights begin to flash and and be prepared for the road ahead to before the gate lowers. Remain stopped until the turn sharply right, then left. gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. Do not attempt to drive around the lowered gate. V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 9 Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings Pavement markings, consisting of an X and RR, may be Rough Road, Bump, or Uneven Lanes: These signs are used painted on the pavement at the approach to some crossings. when certain road conditions, such as loose gravel or road When approaching railroad tracks, be alert. Trains may construction, affect the roadway surface and create potentially approach the difficult crossing at any conditions time and from for motorists, either direction. especially Unless you can motorcyclists. clear the tracks completely, never start across the tracks. Make sure there is room for your vehicle on Road Construction Ahead – Detour: These the other side of signs indicate a change in the traffic pattern the tracks before or route ahead. Slow down. Unusual or proceeding. potentially dangerous conditions are ahead. Note: School buses must always stop at railroad crossings, even when the lights are not flashing. If a dangerous condition exists at a rail crossing, call the Flashing Arrow Boards: Large flashing arrow number listed on the emergency boards or flashing message signs in work sign. This will allow the rail zones direct drivers to proceed into different company to stop or reroute traffic lanes and inform them that part of the approaching rail traffic until the road ahead is closed. hazard is removed. Be sure to give the posted crossing number so that the hazard can be identified Flaggers: Flaggers are highway correctly. workers who normally wear orange or yellow vests, or yellow-green shirts or jackets. They use STOP/SLOW paddles or red flags to stop or direct traffic through the work zone, and to let other workers or construction vehicles cross the road. Photo Speed Enforcement: This sign indicates that automated photo enforcement is in place for speeding in a work zone. Always obey the posted speed limit in a work zone. If your car stalls on the tracks, don’t hesitate. Get out of the Traffic Control Devices: car right away and run diagonally away from the tracks in the Barricades, vertical signs, concrete direction of the oncoming train. barriers, drums and cones are the most common devices used to guide drivers In a work zone, the lives of highway workers depend on safely through work zones. When drivers like you obeying the posted speed limits and avoiding driving near the devices, keep your distractions. If you are convicted of exceeding the speed limit vehicle in the middle of the lane and in a highway work zone, you may be fined up to $500. If you obey the posted speed limit. As you are convicted of using a handheld communications device in leave the work zone, stay in your lane a highway work zone, you will be fined $250. Remember, the and maintain your speed. Don’t change color orange marks a work zone and means slow down and be lanes until you are completely clear of alert. the work zone. 10 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L  Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings Message Boards: You may see portable or permanent message A broken yellow line boards along roadways. They provide information about traffic, alongside a solid yellow road, weather or other hazardous conditions. Always obey any line means that passing is directions posted on these message boards. For information allowed from the side of about road conditions or road construction in advance of your the broken line, but not trip, visit www.virginiadot.org, www.511virginia.org or call 511. from the side of the solid line. Rumble Strips Ahead signs warn motorists of black or orange strips placed across the travel Vehicles on the solid lanes in advance of work zones, including a yellow line side may only flagger or lane closure. Rumble strips should cross the line to pass be slowly driven over, not swerved around. pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of scooters or skateboards, when the Slow Moving Vehicles traveling at 25 opposite lane is clear and you can pass safely. MPH or less, such as farm equipment, horse- drawn vehicles or highway work vehicles, must display these signs when using a public Double solid yellow highway. Be prepared to adjust your speed or lines mark the center of position when you see a vehicle with one of the road and separate these signs. traffic traveling in two different directions. Passing is not allowed in Pavement Markings either direction. You may not cross the lines unless Road markings guide and warn drivers as well as regulate you are making a left turn traffic. Markings may be red, yellow or white. They may be or passing pedestrians, used alone or in combinations. Each has a different meaning. bicyclists, and riders of scooters or skateboards, Red markings are generally not used; but, some communities when the opposite lane do use red curbs to indicate no parking zones. is clear and you can pass safely. Red reflectors on the pavement show areas not to be entered or used. They are positioned on the road surface so that only traffic flowing in the wrong direction would observe them. Broken white lines Yellow center lines mean two-way traffic, flowing in separate lanes of traffic opposite directions. going in the same direction. You may change lanes with caution. Broken yellow center lines mean that passing Dotted white lines are actually small rectangles in a series on the left is allowed in where each is closely spaced to the next. They are used to either direction when show lane assignment in intersections and interchanges where the way ahead is clear. there might otherwise be a tendency to drift out of a lane or an area of intended use. Often they are used to guide two turning lanes through the intersection. Dotted white lines are also used to denote the opening of a turn lane at an intersection and entrance/exit lanes at interchanges. Many two-lane roads in Virginia do not have lane markings to separate the lanes. On an unmarked two-lane road, you may pass a slow moving vehicle on the left side if there are no signs prohibiting passing. Make sure that the way is clear. V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 11 Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings Solid white lines Yield line is a line of show turn lanes triangles extending across and discourage the roadway that may be used with a yield sign to lane changes near show the point at which intersections, you must yield or stop, if interchange/ necessary. A yield line is on- and off- often seen at the entrance ramps, and at of a roundabout. other locations where lane changes might be dangerous. Solid On three-lane roads with traffic moving in both directions, white lines also road markings show when drivers may use the center lane for mark the right making left turns or for passing. edge of pavement. Arrows used with If the center lane is marked by a single broken yellow line white lines indicate which turn may be made from the lane. on both sides, drivers traveling in either direction may use Stop lines, crosswalks and parking spaces also are marked by the center lane for passing. white lines. White lane arrows are curved or straight. If you are in a lane If both sides of the center marked with a curved arrow or a curved arrow and the word lane are marked by a solid ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow. If your lane yellow line and a broken is marked with both a curved and straight arrow, you may turn yellow line, drivers traveling or go straight. in either direction may use the lane for making left turns. However, they may not travel Wrong-way arrows indicate that traffic further than 150 feet in this only moves in the direction indicated lane. by the arrow. If you drive against the direction of these arrows, you are going in the wrong direction and could get into A shared lane marking, or a head-on crash with vehicles headed sharrow, consists of a bicycle your way. Immediately slow down and symbol with a double pull over. chevron arrow above it and is used on travel lanes too narrow for motor vehicles and bicycles to share side-by- side. Sharrows clarify where bicyclists are encouraged to Double solid white lines separate lanes of traffic going in ride in the lane and remind the same direction. Most drivers to expect bicyclists often they are used to on the road. designate special use lane from conventional lanes, as when used Bicycle lanes are indicated by a solid to separate a High or dashed white line or green pavement Occupancy Vehicle lanes markings, and a bicyclist symbol. A bicycle from the other lanes of lane is for the preferential use of bicyclists. an expressway. You may Drivers should not drive in the bicycle lane not cross these lines. You except when necessary to turn left or right. may enter the designated Before turning, check your mirrors for special use lane only bicyclists that may be behind you and yield where signs and markings to bicycles in the lane. allow. 12 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L Bicycle boxes are painted on the road at intersections. They A diamond-shaped marking may also indicate that the lane is contain a white bicycle symbol. Bike boxes and the bike reserved for use as a bus lane. lanes approaching and leaving the box may be painted green. Drivers must stop for a red traffic signal behind all bicycle Toll Plazas and Lanes boxes, not inside the box. Bicycle riders will move into the box in front of drivers at the intersection. Right turns on red All toll facilities in Virginia accept payment using E-ZPass toll are not allowed at these intersections. If turning right on a transponders. Transponders allow drivers to pay electronically green light, drivers must signal and yield to bicycles on the without having to stop to pay with cash. If you have a right. transponder, as you approach a toll plaza look for and follow signs with the purple E-ZPass logo. If you do not have a transponder, as you approach a toll plaza, look for and follow signs for cash only lanes. Slow down as you approach toll plazas. Be extra cautious as you approach, enter, and depart toll plazas. There may be other drivers changing lanes and/or toll employees crossing the lanes. Some toll roads have high speed lanes reserved for vehicles with E-ZPass transponders. Do not enter those lanes unless you have a transponder. However, if you do enter one of those lanes by mistake, do not stop. Stopping is unsafe and could cause a rear-end crash. Cameras will photograph the car’s license plate number and the registered vehicle’s owner will be billed for the toll. Bus-only lanes are indicated by BUS ONLY markings and/or red-colored pavement. High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes are marked on highways by a diamond shape in the center of the lane. HOV lanes may also be special lanes separated by a barrier or solid double white lines. During A painted curb means that you must follow special rules to heavy traffic periods, HOV park there. Check with the locality for specific meanings. lanes are reserved for Generally, the colors on the curb mean: buses, vanpools, carpools, other high occupancy White — Stop only long enough to pick up or drop vehicles, motorcycles, and off passengers. certain clean special fuel vehicles. Road signs show Yellow — Stop only long enough to load or unload. the minimum number of Stay with your car. passengers a vehicle must carry (excluding motorcycles Red — Do not stop, stand or park. and clean fuel vehicles) to use the HOV lanes and the times that HOV restrictions are in effect. If the lanes are separated by a barrier, they are reversible. This means that during certain times of the day, traffic flows one way. During other times of the day, traffic flows in the opposite direction. V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 13 Section 3: Safe Driving Every time you get behind the wheel, you accept Section 3: responsibility for your actions. You must obey Virginia’s traffic laws, and ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and other motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists on the roadways. Safe Driving Hand Position Sit straight but relaxed and place your hands on the steering wheel. If your steering wheel were a clock, your hands should be at the 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions. Hold the wheel with your fingers and thumbs. Avoid gripping it with your palms. In this section you’ll learn about:  Hand position  Speed limits  Stopping  Yielding the right-of-way  Roundabouts Speed Limits  Changing lanes  Over-correcting A speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal conditions. You may drive slower than  Turning the speed limit, as long as you don’t impede the normal  U-turns movement of traffic, but it is illegal to drive any faster. By law  Turn signals you must drive slower where signs indicate a school zone speed limit or work zone speed limit is in effect, and/or if  Maintaining a space cushion conditions such as road construction or bad weather make  Searching the posted speed unsafe. According to Virginia law, if you are  Blind spots driving 20 or more miles per hour (MPH) above the speed  Sharing the road limit, or over 85 MPH, a law enforcement officer may charge you with reckless driving, regardless of the speed limit. It is  Backing considered a misdemeanor criminal offense if convicted of  Parking reckless driving. The court may require a fine, suspend your  Visibility driving privilege and/or impose a jail sentence. If the violation results in death and the operator’s license was suspended  Lights or revoked at the time of the offense, it may be considered  Hazardous conditions a felony, which carries more serious consequences. You are  Dangerous driving behaviors subject to an additional $100 fine if convicted of driving between 81 and 85 MPH in a 65-MPH zone. It is illegal to  Traffic crashes use radar detectors in Virginia.  Deer hazards  Traffic stops 14 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L  Section 3: Safe Driving Unless there is a speed limit sign stating otherwise, the  You do not have to stop if maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles you are traveling in the is 25 MPH for school, business and opposite direction on a residential areas; 35 MPH for unpaved roadway with a median or roads and 55 MPH for all other roads. barrier dividing the road Some school zones may have automated and the bus is on the photo enforcement, as indicated by signs opposite side of the median with the message “Speed Photo Enforced” or barrier. However, be or similar. prepared for unexpected actions by persons exiting the school bus. Stopping You must always stop your vehicle:  at all stop signs, red traffic lights and flashing red signals  when entering a street or crossing over a sidewalk from a driveway, alley, building or parking lot Stopping Distance  at railroad crossings with flashing signals Three factors determine the distance that it takes to stop your vehicle: perception time, reaction distance and braking  when signaled by flaggers directing traffic distance.  for pedestrians attempting to cross the street at a crosswalk Perception time: The time it takes you to recognize a hazard.  at the direction of a police officer. If you don’t obey a law enforcement officer’s signal to stop and the officer Reaction distance: The distance your vehicle travels between pursues you and is killed as a direct result of the pursuit, the time you recognize a problem and the time you apply the you will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. brakes.  at the scene of a crash in which you are involved Braking distance: The distance your car travels after you apply the brakes. When approaching a stop sign and the car in front of you proceeds, stop at the sign and proceed when the way is clear. Perception time, reaction distance and braking distance are affected by weather, visibility, and your mental and physical condition. Braking distance is also affected by how fast your Stopping for School Buses vehicle is traveling, the condition of your brakes and tires, In the following pictures, the red vehicles and the pavement condition. For example, wet pavement can must stop and remain stopped until all double your braking distance. children are clear of the roadway and the bus moves again. Average stopping distance on dry, level pavement. You must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when you approach from any direction on a highway, private road or school driveway. Stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again. Source: Code of Virginia Section 46.2-880 You must also stop if the bus is loading or unloading passengers and the signals are not on. Antilock Brakes If your vehicle has antilock brakes, be sure that you understand how they work. Check your vehicle owner’s manual and practice braking before you go out on the road. Remember, never pump antilock brakes. V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 15 Section 3: Safe Driving Yielding the Right-of-Way  When passing stationary vehicles that have activated vehicular hazard warning signal flashers, displayed Yield also means to stop if you cannot merge safely into the caution signs, or been marked with properly lit flares or flow of traffic. torches, you are required to make a lane change and proceed with caution. Examples of yielding the right-of-way:  When passing stationary vehicles in the process of trash  When vehicles from different directions arrive at an collection on a highway of at least four lanes, change to intersection at different times, the vehicle that arrives a lane not next to the vehicle, if you can change lanes first goes first. safely. If on a highway of fewer than four lanes or if you are unable to change lanes, slow down to 10 miles per  When vehicles from different directions arrive at the hour below the posted speed limit and pass at least two same time at an intersection with no signs or signals, the feet to the left of the vehicle. driver on the left must allow the driver on the right to go first.  When passing a stationary mail vehicle, proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed for highway  If the traffic lights at an intersection are not working, conditions. all vehicles coming to the intersection must stop. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.  Drivers are required to also change lanes and proceed with caution for stationary vehicles displaying hazard  Drivers entering an interstate from an entrance ramp lights, warning signs, or flares. must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the highway.  You may not park within 500 feet of where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm.  Drivers entering any intersection or roundabout must yield to traffic already in it. Approaching vehicles – same direction  When entering a roadway from a private road or  Never follow an emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet driveway, you must stop and yield to all traffic and when its lights are flashing. pedestrians.  When police, fire and rescue vehicles or ambulances  You must yield to pedestrians or bicyclists who are approach you from behind your vehicle using a siren, crossing a street within a clearly marked crosswalk or at flashing lights or both, you must immediately yield the an unmarked intersection. Remember that turns on red right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right edge of the road are especially hazardous to pedestrians. Avoid conflict and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. with pedestrians and bicyclists; permit them to cross the Approaching vehicles – opposite direction street safely.  When emergency vehicles approach you in the opposite  You must yield to funeral processions. Do not cut lane on an undivided highway, you must pull over to the through, join or interfere with a funeral procession. edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle Unless led by a police escort, the lead vehicle in a passes. funeral procession must obey all traffic signs and signals. These requirements do not apply in highway work zones. Other drivers in the procession may follow carefully without stopping and may use hazard lights (flashers) to indicate they are in the procession. Roundabouts  You must yield to all military convoys. Never cut through or join a military convoy. Roundabouts are circular intersections with an island in the center and have one or more lanes. Entering traffic must yield the Yielding to Vehicles with Flashing Lights right-of-way to pedestrians, and to traffic Drivers must take specific actions when they see vehicles with already in the circle. Each road approaching flashing or blinking blue, red, amber (yellow) or white lights on the roundabout is marked with a yield sign roadways. and may also have yield line markings on the pavement. Stationary (Stopped) vehicles Drivers must pay attention and obey the signs. After entering  When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or the roundabout, drivers must travel in a counter-clockwise tow truck with flashing lights on a highway, proceed with direction. caution and, if reasonable, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, change to a lane not next to the When approaching a roundabout, slow down. Use your turn vehicle. If you are unable to safely change lanes, reduce signals to indicate where you want to go. If you plan to turn your speed and proceed with caution. Violations can right, stay to the right as you enter the roundabout. If you result in court suspension of your driver’s license and plan to go straight, you may stay in either lane (if it is a dual demerit points on your driving record. lane circular intersection). If you plan to turn left, stay to the left as you enter the roundabout. 16 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L  Section 3: Safe Driving More information about driving safely through a roundabout quickly glance over your shoulder and check for any vehicles is available at the Virginia Department of Transportation web that may be in your blind spot. site at http://www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-roundabouts.asp. Whether you are changing lanes, passing, entering or exiting a highway, always use your turn signals and check traffic to the rear and sides. When driving on a multi-lane highway, stay in the right lane if you are driving slower than the traffic around you. The left lane is for passing only. When passing, use the left lane and avoid cruising. The left lane is for passing only, not cruising. Passing When passing another vehicle:  check the traffic ahead of you, behind you and in your blind spot before you attempt to pass. Signal and then accelerate to pass. Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your Tips for driving safely through a roundabout: rearview mirror.  As you approach the roundabout, slow down; look for  it is against the the street and direction signs. This will help you know law to exceed the which exit to take. These signs should be posted along speed limit as you the roadside before you reach the roundabout. pass.  When you arrive at the roundabout, yield the right-of-  complete the pass before you reach a No Passing zone. way to pedestrians and bicyclists. You also must yield If you’re still in the left lane when you reach the zone, to any vehicles already in the roundabout. Sometimes you’re breaking the law. your entry point will be controlled by a stop or yield  you may pass on the right if the vehicle you are passing sign, or traffic signal. When the way is clear, you may has signaled and is making a left turn. Be cautious enter the roundabout. because the vehicle you are passing may be blocking  While inside the roundabout, stay in your lane until you your view or blocking the view of other drivers. You are ready to exit. Use your vehicle’s right turn signal to may not pass on the right if you must drive off the let drivers around you know what you want to do. pavement or main portion of the roadway to get around  Do not change lanes or take an exit before checking the other vehicle. for vehicles that may be continuing through the  when approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle, roundabout in the lane next to you or behind you. moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device, Expect vehicles to be in blind spots you cannot see in reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left. your rearview or side mirrors. Quickly glance over your shoulder and check for any vehicles that may be in your When being passed, don’t speed up. Maintain a steady blind spot. speed or slow down. Passing is unlawful and unsafe: Changing Lanes  on hills, curves, at intersections or railroad crossings, except on roads with two or more lanes of traffic Before changing lanes, check your side and rearview mirrors moving in the same direction for traffic approaching you from behind. Then, use your turn signal to let other drivers know you plan to change lanes.  off the pavement or on the shoulder of the road Check for other drivers who also may be moving into the  when a school bus is stopped to load or unload same lane. Just before you begin moving into the other lane, passengers on a public road (unless a physical barrier V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L | 17 Section 3: Safe Driving or unpaved median separates traffic going in either When two vehicles are direction) or on a private road approaching each other  when a solid line marks the left side of your lane and signaling to turn left, both vehicles should turn in  when approaching a crosswalk and the vehicle front of each other so that ahead of you or the lane next to you is stopped the passenger sides of the vehicles are beside each Over-correcting other. Over-correcting occurs when the driver turns the steering wheel more sharply than expected, causing the rear wheels of the vehicle to slide toward the outside of the turn. This may result in the loss of vehicle control. U-Turns Most over-correction crashes are single vehicle crashes and U-turns are not legal everywhere. Before are often preventable. A driver should remain alert at all you make a U-turn, check for No U-Turn times. Reduce speed and use extra caution while driving on or No Left Turn signs. In business districts, curved roads. If you veer off the road, curved or straight, do cities and towns, U-turns are allowed only not panic. Gradually reduce your speed, look in the direction at intersections. Never make a U-turn on a you want to go, slowly steer back onto the roadway. highway. Turning When making a U-turn, turn on your left-turn signal, stop, and yield for approaching traffic. When the way is clear, To make a right turn you should be in the lane furthest proceed into the outside or right hand lane traveling in the to the right. Signal your intent to turn by using the proper opposite direction. turn signal. You should signal at least three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn. Look to your left and right to check the intersection for pedestrians and traffic. Then brake Turn Signals smoothly before and during the turn. If there is a red traffic When you plan to change lanes, turn, or enter or exit a light or a stop sign at the intersection, come to a complete highway, first give the proper turn signal. Using your turn stop before you make the turn. Turn into the lane closest to signal, which is required by law, communicates your intended the curb unless pavement markings lead you otherwise, and movement to drivers around you. Develop a good habit and then change lanes if needed. use turn signals or hand signals even if no other traffic is on To make a left turn you should be in the furthest left lane the road. possible, turning into the leftmost lane on the intersecting road, unless pavement markings lead you otherwise; or, Hand Signals unless multiple left turn lanes are provided. If multiple left turn lanes are provided, you should choose the lane that will best serve your need once you enter the intersecting road. Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. You should signal at least three to four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of Left Turn Right Turn Slow or Stop the turn. Look in all directions, checking the intersection for Left hand and Left hand and Left hand and pedestrians and traffic coming from the opposite direction. arm pointing arm pointing arm pointing Keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you are straight out upward downward actually going to make the left turn. This prevents you from being pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle crashes into you from behind. When the way is clear, make the left When you plan to turn, signal three or four seconds, 100 feet, turn, yield to any vehicles (including bicycles and pedestrians) ahead of your turn. Be aware that drivers planning to turn into approaching from the opposite direction. your lane may not know exactly where you will turn; drivers may pull out in front of you. Be alert. After you complete the turn or lane change, be sure the turn signal stops flashing. 18 | V I R G I N I A D R I V E R ’ S M A N U A L  Section 3: Safe Driving Maintaining a Space Cushion Increase your following distance when driving:  behind a large vehicle that blocks your vision Space around your vehicle gives you distance to react in  in bad weather or heavy traffic emergencies and avoid a crash. Create a space cushion around your vehicle by staying in the middle of your lane.  when exiting an expressway Make sure there is enough room ahead of your vehicle and  behind a motorcycle or bicycle behind it for other vehicles to pass or stop safely.  when being tailgated Use the two-, three- and four-second rule to determine if Tailgating is when one driver follows another too closely. you are following far enough behind the vehicle ahead of If you find yourself in this situation, do not brake suddenly. you. If possible, move over to another lane, or gently tap your brakes to flash your brake lights and slow down. This should Following Distance encourage the tailgater to pass you or slow down. At these speeds and on dry surfaces, this distance,