Maryland CDL — General Knowledge practice
Traffic Laws
Speed limits, turning and signaling rules, headlight and seat-belt requirements, and the everyday laws every driver must follow.
Questions reviewed against the official Maryland driver handbook · July 7, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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. Within how many days must a CDL holder notify their employer after being convicted of a traffic violation (other than parking)?
Correct answer: Within 30 days
You are required to inform your employer of any traffic conviction within a 30-day window, no matter which vehicle was involved.
2. What is required of a CMV driver regarding seat belts?
Correct answer: The seat belt must be worn at all times while operating the vehicle
You must always wear a seat belt while operating a CMV; unbelted drivers are far more likely to be killed if thrown from the vehicle.
3. How many driver's licenses is a commercial driver permitted to hold?
Correct answer: Only one
A CMV driver may hold only a single driver's license, and an employer may not let you drive if you carry more than one.
4. If your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, within what time must you inform your employer?
Correct answer: Within two business days
A CDL holder must notify their employer within two business days of any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification.
5. What does Maryland law require of a CMV driver approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing?
Correct answer: Move over to a non-adjacent lane, or slow to a safe speed if moving over is not possible
Under the Move Over law you must change out of the lane next to the stopped vehicle, or, if that is unsafe, reduce speed and pass with caution.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.6: Controlling Speed
6. A holder of a hazardous materials endorsement who is convicted of a disqualifying crime must surrender that endorsement within what time?
Correct answer: Within 24 hours
If certain disqualifying events occur, you must notify the issuing state and surrender your hazmat endorsement within 24 hours.
7. What is required of every commercial vehicle at a railroad-highway grade crossing in Maryland?
Correct answer: It must stop at every such crossing
In Maryland every commercial vehicle must come to a stop at each railroad-highway grade crossing.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 1.4: Disqualifications
8. Is a person under 18 permitted to use a hands-free cell phone while driving in Maryland?
Correct answer: No — drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all except to call 911
A driver under 18 is barred from any phone use behind the wheel, even a hands-free device; the only exception is dialing 911.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.9: Distracted Driving
9. Information about which of your past jobs must you give an employer when applying for a commercial driving job?
Correct answer: All driving jobs held during the previous 10 years
When applying for a commercial driving position, you have to disclose every driving job you held during the previous 10 years.
10. Where is it illegal to carry an open container of alcohol in a vehicle?
Correct answer: Anywhere in the passenger area within reach of the driver or passengers
An open container may not be in the passenger area — the seats or any spot easily reachable by the driver or passengers.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.22: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving
11. The manual calls speeding the top cause of injuries and fatalities in which location?
Correct answer: Roadway work zones
Speeding traffic is the leading cause of injury and death in work zones, so always obey the posted limits through them.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.6: Controlling Speed
12. What do the federal rules say about text messaging while operating a commercial vehicle?
Correct answer: Texting while driving is banned except to reach emergency services
CMV drivers may not type or read messages while driving; the only exception is contacting police, fire, or medical help in an emergency.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.9: Distracted Driving
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Every Maryland question is written from the official Maryland driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free