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 another vehicle is passing you, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Let the vehicle pass and keep from speeding up

   A driver being passed must yield to the passing vehicle and must not increase speed until the pass is complete.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Passing

2. 2. A driver following another vehicle should switch from high beams to low beams once within what distance of that vehicle?

   Correct answer: 300 feet

   High beams must be dimmed when following a vehicle that is 300 feet or less ahead, to avoid glare in that driver's mirrors.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Low Beam or High Beam Headlights

3. 3. A driver may not pass another vehicle within how many feet of an intersection or railroad crossing?

   Correct answer: 100 feet

   Passing is prohibited when crossing, or coming within 100 feet of, an intersection or a railroad grade crossing.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Passing

4. 4. Maryland law requires a driver to turn on headlights whenever visibility ahead is limited to less than how far?

   Correct answer: 1,000 feet in front of the vehicle

   Headlights must be on any time a driver cannot clearly see at least 1,000 feet ahead, whether from darkness, weather, or other causes.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — When to Use Your Headlights

5. 5. What does Maryland law say about wearing headsets or earphones while driving?

   Correct answer: Wearing them in both ears while driving is prohibited

   A driver may not operate a vehicle with earplugs, headsets, or earphones covering both ears; hearing aid devices are the exception and are allowed.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Wearing of Headsets, Earphones and Earplugs Prohibited

6. 6. As a general rule, where should a driver keep the vehicle on a two-way road?

   Correct answer: To the right of the road's center

   A driver should generally stay to the right of the center of the road, except when passing, when a sign or signal permits otherwise, or when avoiding an obstruction.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Lane Driving

7. 7. Under Maryland law, when a driver turns on the windshield wipers in bad weather, what else must be turned on?

   Correct answer: The headlights

   State law ties the two together: whenever the wipers are running because of inclement weather, the headlights must also be on.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — When to Use Your Headlights

8. 8. What does Maryland law say about using a hand-held cell phone while driving?

   Correct answer: Holding and using a phone while driving is against the law

   It is illegal to use a hand-held phone or to text while driving; a driver may use a phone for calls only in hands-free mode.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Cell Phones

9. 9. A driver taking part in a funeral procession is required to do what?

   Correct answer: Turn on the headlights and hazard flashers

   Vehicles in a funeral procession must have their headlights and hazard flashers on, and other drivers must yield the right-of-way to the procession.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Funeral Processions

10. 10. When using high beams, how far before an oncoming vehicle must a driver switch to low beams?

    Correct answer: 500 feet

    A driver must dim to low beams at least 500 feet before meeting a vehicle coming the other way so the other driver is not blinded.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Low Beam or High Beam Headlights

11. 11. A driver younger than 18 may use a cell phone while driving only in what situation?

    Correct answer: To make a 911 emergency call

    Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone at all while driving, even hands-free, with the sole exception of placing a 911 emergency call.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Cell Phones

12. 12. On a road with two or more lanes going the same direction, when is it acceptable to pass on the right?

    Correct answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left and it is safe to do so

    Passing on the right is allowed when the vehicle ahead is about to turn left or when on an unobstructed multi-lane road, as long as it can be done safely without leaving the roadway.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Passing