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. Massachusetts law generally prohibits a vehicle from idling for longer than what?

   Correct answer: 5 minutes

   State law bars a vehicle from idling longer than five minutes; shifting to neutral cuts fuel use if you truly must idle.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Green Driving Tips

2. 2. What is the fine for a first offense of using a hand-held mobile device while driving?

   Correct answer: $100

   A first violation of the hands-free law brings a $100 fine; later offenses cost more and add a required education program.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Penalties for Violating the Law

3. 3. A child must ride in an approved child passenger restraint until reaching what point?

   Correct answer: 8 years old or 57 inches tall

   A child must stay in a federally approved restraint until reaching age eight, or a height of 57 inches, whichever comes first.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Child Passenger Restraints

4. 4. Under Massachusetts law, occupants of a passenger vehicle are required to do what?

   Correct answer: Wear a safety belt or use a child restraint

   Every person in a passenger vehicle must wear a safety belt or ride in an appropriate child passenger restraint.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Safety/Seat Belt Law

5. 5. Where should you NOT make a U-turn?

   Correct answer: Near a curve or hilltop where you cannot see 500 feet

   Avoid a U-turn near a curve or hilltop, or anywhere sight lines are shorter than 500 feet in either direction.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — U-Turns

6. 6. On an ordinary road, how far ahead must you signal before turning?

   Correct answer: At least 100 feet ahead

   Signal a turn a minimum of 100 feet ahead on an ordinary road; on a highway, begin signaling roughly 500 feet in advance.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Turns

7. 7. A driver under 18 years old may use a mobile electronic device while driving in what situation?

   Correct answer: Only to report an emergency

   A driver younger than 18 is barred from using a mobile device at all behind the wheel; the lone exception is calling in an emergency.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Drivers Under 18

8. 8. On a road with two or more lanes going your direction, which lane should you normally use?

   Correct answer: The right lane, except to pass or turn left

   Use the right lane for normal driving. Move left only to pass, to make a left turn, or when the right lane is blocked.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Using Lanes

9. 9. A driver who is at least 18 may use a cell phone while driving only under what condition?

   Correct answer: The device is operated hands-free

   Massachusetts law lets drivers 18 and older use a mobile device only in hands-free mode; it may not be held except to activate that mode.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Hands-Free Mobile (Cell) Phone Use

10. 10. Wearing headphones or earphones in both ears while driving is treated how under state law?

    Correct answer: Illegal because it blocks outside sounds

    It is illegal to wear a device in both ears that limits your awareness of your surroundings. A driver 18 or older may use just one earpiece for a phone.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Headphones

11. 11. When turning or exiting on a highway, how far in advance should you signal?

    Correct answer: At least 500 feet in advance

    On a highway you should signal at least 500 feet before your turn or exit, giving other drivers plenty of warning.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Turns

12. 12. Where should you never place a rear-facing child safety seat?

    Correct answer: In a front seat with an active passenger air bag

    A rear-facing seat must never go in a front seat that has an active passenger air bag; the back seat is the safest place for children.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Air-Bag Safety