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. When are you NOT required to stop for a stopped school bus?

   Correct answer: On a four-lane road when the bus is stopped facing the opposite direction

   On a roadway of four or more lanes, a driver moving in the opposite direction from a stopped bus does not have to stop.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Special Stops (School Buses)

2. 2. After you have safely pulled over for a police stop, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Stay inside with your hands visible on the steering wheel

   Remain in your vehicle with both hands in view on the wheel until the officer directs otherwise. Exiting can be seen as a threat.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Proper Action When Stopped by Law Enforcement

3. 3. Outside of business and residential areas, the minimum signaling distance before a turn is what?

   Correct answer: 200 feet

   On higher-speed roads outside business and residential districts, signal continuously for at least 200 feet before your turn.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Signaling

4. 4. Illinois safety-belt law requires seat belts for which occupants?

   Correct answer: Every driver and passenger age 8 and older, in front and back seats

   All drivers and passengers age 8 and up must buckle up in any seat, even when the vehicle has air bags. Younger children use a child restraint.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Safety Belt Law

5. 5. On a two-lane road, what must you do when a school bus stops with red lights flashing and its stop arm out?

   Correct answer: Stop before reaching the bus and stay stopped until the signals go off

   You must stop for a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading and remain stopped until the stop arm folds and the flashing lights stop, or the driver waves you on.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Special Stops (School Buses)

6. 6. Turning right at a red light in Illinois is generally handled how?

   Correct answer: Allowed after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it

   You may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, as long as no sign bans the turn.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals (Steady Red)

7. 7. A vehicle sound system on a public road may not be audible from what distance or more?

   Correct answer: 75 feet

   It is unlawful to play a radio or other sound system so loud that it can be heard from 75 feet or more away while driving.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Additional Laws

8. 8. How should you treat a funeral procession you encounter on the road?

   Correct answer: Yield the right of way and do not cut into the line of vehicles

   Drivers must yield to all vehicles in a funeral procession and may not break into or interrupt the line unless directed by an officer.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Funeral Processions

9. 9. A left turn on a red light is permitted in Illinois only in which situation?

   Correct answer: When turning left from a one-way roadway onto another one-way roadway carrying leftward traffic

   Once stopped, a left turn on red is allowed only when you move from one one-way roadway to another where the flow runs to the left.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals (Steady Red)

10. 10. Under Illinois law, using a handheld cellphone to text or talk while driving is treated how?

    Correct answer: Prohibited, though hands-free use is permitted for drivers 19 and older

    Handheld phone use and texting behind the wheel are illegal. Drivers age 19 and older may use hands-free or Bluetooth devices.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Distracted Driving

11. 11. In a roundabout, traffic moves in which pattern and who yields?

    Correct answer: Counterclockwise, and entering drivers yield to traffic already in the circle

    Roundabout traffic flows counterclockwise around a center island. Vehicles entering or exiting must yield to circulating traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Rotary and Roundabout

12. 12. In which case may a driver legally use a phone that is not hands-free?

    Correct answer: When reporting an emergency

    A hand-held phone is permitted only for calling in an emergency, when you are pulled over on the shoulder, or when halted in blocked traffic with the transmission in park or neutral.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Distracted Driving