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 you self-certify and operate in both interstate and intrastate commerce, which must you choose?

   Correct answer: Interstate commerce

   If you operate in both, you must self-certify as interstate commerce, which carries the federal medical certificate requirements.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (1.2.1)

2. 2. What is the rule on texting while operating a commercial motor vehicle?

   Correct answer: Prohibited

   Texting while driving a CMV is prohibited; it takes your eyes off the road and involves both physical and mental distraction.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.9.5)

3. 3. How does the manual describe your responsibility for keeping a vehicle within legal weight limits?

   Correct answer: The driver is responsible for staying within legal weight limits

   The driver is responsible for not being overloaded; states set maximums for gross and axle weights, sometimes using a bridge formula.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (3.2)

4. 4. In roadway work zones, what is the leading cause of injuries and deaths?

   Correct answer: Speeding traffic

   Speeding traffic is the leading cause of injury and death in work zones, so you must obey posted limits and watch that your speed does not creep up.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.6.7)

5. 5. Which activity is considered a distraction that takes your attention away from driving?

   Correct answer: Reading a text message

   A distraction is anything that takes attention from driving — including eating, adjusting controls, reading maps, using a phone, or daydreaming.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.9)

6. 6. What does the manual say about wearing a safety belt in a commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: Required at all times while operating a CMV

   A safety belt has to be worn any time you operate a CMV; it keeps you behind the wheel during a crash and sharply lowers your injury risk.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (1.4)

7. 7. After how many convictions for hand-held phone use while driving a CMV will your CDL be disqualified?

   Correct answer: Two or more convictions

   Your CDL is disqualified after two or more convictions of a state hand-held-phone law while operating a CMV.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.9.4)

8. 8. What does a 'move-over' law generally require when you approach a stopped emergency vehicle?

   Correct answer: Slow down and move over a lane when it is safe

   Move-over laws require you to slow down and, if safe, change into a lane not next to the emergency vehicle or work zone; if a lane change is unsafe, slow and proceed with caution.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.8.2)

9. 9. According to the manual, a driver thrown from a vehicle is about how many times more likely to be fatally injured?

   Correct answer: Four times

   According to the manual, being ejected from the vehicle makes a fatal injury about four times as likely — the very reason the belt matters so much.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (1.4)

10. 10. What does federal law allow regarding hand-held mobile phones while driving a CMV?

    Correct answer: Only a hands-free phone operated with a single button

    Drivers may not hold a mobile phone to talk while driving a CMV; only a hands-free phone that can be used with a single button and stays close by is allowed.

    Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.9.4)