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. Under California's hands-free law, a driver may operate a cell phone mounted to the dash or windshield only by:

   Correct answer: Using a single tap or swipe of a finger

   A mounted phone may be activated only with a single tap or swipe of a finger. You may never hold the phone in your hand or take your eyes off the road to type or scroll.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Distracted Driving / Cell Phone Laws

2. 2. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit when passing a school while children are present is:

   Correct answer: 25 mph

   The speed limit near a school when children are present is 25 mph unless otherwise posted, and it may be lower. Always slow down and watch for children.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Speed Limits

3. 3. What does California's "Basic Speed Law" require of drivers?

   Correct answer: You must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions

   The Basic Speed Law means you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions — regardless of the posted limit. Rain, fog, and heavy traffic can all make the safe speed lower than the sign.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Speed Limits

4. 4. California law limits how far cargo may extend past your vehicle's fenders. Beyond the right fenders, cargo may extend no more than:

   Correct answer: 6 inches

   Cargo may not extend past the fenders on the left side at all, and no more than 6 inches past the fenders on the right side; cargo extending more than 4 feet behind the rear bumper needs a marker flag.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Vehicle Loads

5. 5. Operating a vehicle with a license plate that is illegible or has been altered is:

   Correct answer: Illegal

   State law prohibits operating a vehicle whose plate cannot be read, and changing a plate's markings in any manner is likewise prohibited.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Other Roadway Requirements

6. 6. Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit in a residential or business district?

   Correct answer: 25 mph

   The speed limit in a residential or business district is 25 mph unless a different limit is posted.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Speed Limits

7. 7. At a red light, a right turn is:

   Correct answer: Allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it

   You may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic — unless a sign prohibits the turn.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights

8. 8. An alley is defined as a road no wider than 25 feet used to reach the side or rear of buildings. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in an alley is:

   Correct answer: 15 mph

   Alleys carry a default limit of 15 mph unless a posted sign says otherwise, since their tight width and blind corners call for extra caution.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Alleys

9. 9. Before turning, you must signal continuously during the last:

   Correct answer: 100 feet before the turn

   Signal continuously during the last 100 feet before turning so other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians know your intentions.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Turns

10. 10. In a highway construction or maintenance zone where workers are present, fines for traffic violations are generally:

    Correct answer: Doubled

    Fines for many violations are doubled in a construction or maintenance zone when workers are present. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and obey the posted signs and flaggers.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Work Zones / Construction Areas

11. 11. California law requires you to turn on your headlights whenever you:

    Correct answer: Use your windshield wipers because of weather

    If weather conditions require you to use your windshield wipers — rain, snow, mist, or fog — you must also turn on your headlights (low beams).

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Headlights

12. 12. A driver who is under 18 years old may use a cell phone while driving:

    Correct answer: Not at all, except to call for help in a true emergency

    Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or any electronic device while driving — not even hands-free — except to call for help in a genuine emergency.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Cell Phone Laws / Provisional Licenses