Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

10 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 passing another vehicle, what does the law say about your speed?

   Correct answer: You may not exceed the speed limit while passing

   You may not exceed the speed limit while passing; if you have any doubt about passing safely, you should not pass.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Special Rules for Motorcycles: Rules for Passing

2. 2. From which lane may you legally make a U-turn?

   Correct answer: From the lane nearest the center line

   Begin a U-turn only from the lane nearest the center line, and only where you and others can see at least 500 feet.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Turns: U-Turns

3. 3. What does the manual say about changing lanes within an intersection?

   Correct answer: It is illegal and dangerous

   Changing lanes in the middle of an intersection is both illegal and dangerous.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Lane Use & Restrictions: Using Lanes

4. 4. How far ahead must you signal a turn on an ordinary road versus a highway?

   Correct answer: At least 100 feet normally, and 500 feet on a highway

   Signal at least 100 feet before a turn on a regular road, and at least 500 feet before a turn on a highway.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Turns

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

   Correct answer: The right lane except when passing, turning left, or if it is blocked

   Ride in the right lane except when passing, making a left turn, or when the right lane is blocked.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Lane Use & Restrictions: Using Lanes

6. 6. Where does the manual say you must not attempt a U-turn?

   Correct answer: Near the top of a hill, at a curve, or where you cannot see 500 feet

   Do not try a U-turn near the top of a hill, close to a curve, or anywhere you or approaching drivers cannot see for 500 feet.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Turns: U-Turns

7. 7. What does the manual say about traveling in a center lane marked for left turns from both directions?

   Correct answer: You may not drive along in a shared center turn lane

   A common center left-turn lane is only for turning; you may not travel or drive along in it.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Turns: Left Turns from Center Lanes

8. 8. Which areas may you never use to pass another vehicle?

   Correct answer: A breakdown lane, shoulder, or sidewalk

   You must never use a breakdown lane, road shoulder, or sidewalk to pass another vehicle.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Special Rules for Motorcycles: Rules for Passing

9. 9. How far before an exit ramp should you signal when leaving a highway?

   Correct answer: At least 500 feet before the exit ramp

   Flag your exit no less than 500 feet ahead of the ramp, then slow to the posted ramp speed as you leave.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Special Rules for Motorcycles: Entering and Exiting the Highway

10. 10. It is illegal to send or read what while operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts?

    Correct answer: An electronic message

    The manual lists sending or reading an electronic message among the illegal acts while operating a motor vehicle.

    Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Miscellaneous Rules of the Road