Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

11 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. How many placards must a placarded hazardous materials vehicle display, and where?

   Correct answer: Four identical placards on the front, rear, and both sides

   A placarded vehicle must show at least four identical placards, on the front, the rear, and both sides, readable from all four directions.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Lists of Regulated Products)

2. 2. Which of the following is listed as a serious traffic violation for a CDL holder?

   Correct answer: Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted limit

   Excessive speeding of 15 mph or more over the limit is a serious violation, along with reckless driving, erratic lane changes, and following too closely.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 1 (Serious Traffic Violations)

3. 3. What happens if you commit two serious traffic violations in a CMV within three years?

   Correct answer: Loss of the CDL for at least 60 days

   Two serious violations within three years cost you your CDL for at least 60 days. Three or more within three years bring at least 120 days.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 1 (Serious Traffic Violations)

4. 4. What does the rule allow regarding a mobile phone while driving a CMV?

   Correct answer: Using only a hands-free phone kept within close reach

   You may only use a hands-free phone positioned close to you and operable without holding it. Holding a phone or dialing by pressing more than one button is prohibited.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Cell Phones)

5. 5. You may drive a vehicle carrying hazardous materials without a hazmat endorsement only when what is true?

   Correct answer: The load does not require placards

   You can drive a hazmat-carrying vehicle without the endorsement only if the load does not require placards. If placards are required, you must have the endorsement.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Hazardous Materials Rules)

6. 6. What does federal regulation say about texting while operating a commercial motor vehicle?

   Correct answer: It is prohibited while driving

   Texting is prohibited for CMV drivers. Reading from or manually entering text into an electronic device while driving is banned, with limited emergency exceptions.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Texting)

7. 7. What is the intent behind the rules for transporting hazardous materials?

   Correct answer: Contain the product, communicate the risk, and ensure safe drivers and equipment

   The rules are meant to contain the product, communicate the risk, and ensure safe drivers and equipment. Shipping papers and placards handle the communication part.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Why Are There Rules?)

8. 8. What is the disqualification for a second or later conviction for using a hand-held phone or texting while driving a CMV?

   Correct answer: 60 days for a second offense within three years

   A second conviction within three years brings a 60-day disqualification, and three or more within three years bring 120 days, along with civil penalties.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Cell Phones / Texting)

9. 9. If your vehicle carries hazardous materials in amounts that require placards, what must you have?

   Correct answer: A hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL

   You may drive a hazmat vehicle that does not require placards, but if placards are required you cannot drive it unless your CDL carries the hazardous materials endorsement.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Hazardous Materials Rules)

10. 10. How many hazard classes are used to categorize regulated hazardous materials?

    Correct answer: Nine

    There are nine hazard classes, ranging from explosives and gases through flammables, oxidizers, poisons, radioactive materials, corrosives, and miscellaneous hazards.

    Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Hazard Class Definitions)

11. 11. What is the penalty for a first railroad-highway grade crossing violation?

    Correct answer: At least 60 days

    A first grade-crossing violation costs your CDL for at least 60 days. A second within three years brings 120 days, and a third within three years brings at least one year.

    Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 1 (Railroad Crossing Violations)