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. Passing is unsafe and usually illegal on a hill or curve when you cannot see clearly at least how far ahead?

   Correct answer: 500 feet

   You should not pass on any curve or hill where your view is less than 500 feet, because you cannot be sure the road is clear.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Passing

2. 2. Headlights are required from sunset to sunrise and also whenever visibility drops to:

   Correct answer: 400 feet or less

   Besides the sunset-to-sunrise rule, you must use headlights any time you can see no farther than 400 feet.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Night Driving

3. 3. Unless a different limit is posted, what is the speed limit within cities and towns?

   Correct answer: 35 mph

   The default limit inside cities and towns is 35 mph. Special limits may be posted for particular areas.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Maximum Speed Limits

4. 4. What is the highest posted speed limit allowed on interstate highways in the state?

   Correct answer: 70 mph

   Interstates carry a maximum posted limit of 70 mph. Driving far below the flow of traffic there is also dangerous.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Maximum Speed Limits

5. 5. When you pass another vehicle, how far to its left does the law require you to stay?

   Correct answer: At least two feet

   When you pass, keep a gap of two feet or more on the left side of the other vehicle.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Passing

6. 6. Under North Carolina law, on which side of the roadway are you normally required to drive?

   Correct answer: The right side

   You must keep to the right. Driving on the left is legal only in limited situations, such as one-way streets or while lawfully passing.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Driving on Your Side of the Road

7. 7. Where no special limit is posted, the maximum speed outside of cities and towns is:

   Correct answer: 55 mph

   Outside cities and towns the default maximum is 55 mph, unless a sign posts something different.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Maximum Speed Limits

8. 8. For tinted vehicle windows, the least amount of light that must be able to pass through is:

   Correct answer: 35%

   Window tint must allow light transmittance of no less than 35 percent to be legal.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Window Tinting

9. 9. A school bus is limited to a top speed of:

   Correct answer: 45 mph

   A school bus may not exceed 45 mph, while activity buses used for school events may go up to 55 mph.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — School Buses

10. 10. By law, what is the highest speed a moped is allowed to reach?

    Correct answer: 30 mph

    A moped's top speed may not exceed 30 mph. Models capable of going faster are illegal to operate in the state.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Mopeds

11. 11. For a first littering offense from a vehicle, the minimum fine a convicted driver faces is:

    Correct answer: $250

    The driver is held responsible for litter thrown or blown from the vehicle, with a minimum fine of $250 on a first conviction.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Keeping the Road Litter-Free

12. 12. When must you turn on your headlights in relation to your windshield wipers?

    Correct answer: Whenever the wipers are on because of inclement weather

    State law requires headlights any time you are running the wipers because of bad weather.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Windshield Wipers/Headlights