Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. A driver certified only for intrastate operation receives which restriction on the CDL?

   Correct answer: A restriction barring interstate operation

   Certifying as intrastate adds the K restriction, which prohibits operating the CMV in interstate commerce.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 1 (Introduction - Restrictions)

2. 2. If federal or state inspectors judge your vehicle unsafe, they will:

   Correct answer: Place it out of service until repairs are made

   An unsafe vehicle is ordered out of service and may not be driven until the defect has been corrected.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.1.1 (Why Inspect)

3. 3. Most CDL holders who drive in interstate commerce must provide their licensing agency with:

   Correct answer: A current medical examiner's certificate

   Non-excepted interstate drivers must give the state a current medical examiner's certificate, often called a DOT medical card.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 1.2.3 (Self-Certification Statements)

4. 4. The working load limit of a cargo securement system must be at least what fraction of the cargo's weight?

   Correct answer: One-half of the weight of the article or articles

   Federal rules require the combined working load limit of the tie-downs to be at least one-half the weight of what is being secured.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 3 (Transporting Cargo Safely - Securing Cargo)

5. 5. Vehicles required to stop at a railroad crossing must stop no closer than:

   Correct answer: 15 feet from the nearest rail

   Where a stop is required, halt no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.15.4 (Stopping Safely at Railroad-highway Crossings)

6. 6. Texting and hand-held phone use while driving a CMV are:

   Correct answer: Restricted by federal regulation

   Federal rules restrict texting and hand-held mobile phone use because they take a driver's attention off the road.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.9.4 (Cell/Mobile Phones)

7. 7. Vehicles required to stop at a crossing must stop no farther than what distance from the nearest rail?

   Correct answer: 50 feet

   The required stop must be between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail so you have a clear view of the tracks.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.15.4 (Stopping Safely at Railroad-highway Crossings)

8. 8. While crossing railroad tracks you should:

   Correct answer: Not shift gears

   You do not shift gears while on the tracks, because a missed shift could leave you stalled on the crossing.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.15.5 (Crossing the Tracks)

9. 9. States set legal maximums for GVWR, GCWR, and:

   Correct answer: Axle weights

   Legal weight limits cover gross vehicle and combination ratings as well as axle weights, which are often set by a bridge formula.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 3.2.2 (Legal Weight Limits)

10. 10. Who is responsible for making sure a truck is not overloaded before a trip?

    Correct answer: The driver

    Before every trip the driver must confirm the truck is not overloaded and that the load is balanced and tied down.

    Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.1 (Vehicle Inspection - Cargo)

11. 11. Federal and state law require that commercial drivers:

    Correct answer: Inspect their vehicles

    Both federal and state rules make driver inspections mandatory; inspectors can place an unsafe vehicle out of service.

    Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.1.1 (Why Inspect)

12. 12. A bridge formula generally allows:

    Correct answer: Less maximum axle weight when axles are closer together

    The bridge formula permits lower maximum axle weight for axles set close together to protect roads and bridges.

    Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 3.2.2 (Legal Weight Limits)