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. State law requires headlights whenever you cannot clearly see people or vehicles ahead for a distance of about:

   Correct answer: 1,000 feet

   Headlights are required when visibility drops so you cannot see pedestrians or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead, as well as at night, in bad weather, and in work zones.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

2. 2. When must you turn your headlights on while passing through a posted work zone?

   Correct answer: Any time you travel through it, regardless of the hour

   Headlights are required in every posted work zone, day or night, whether or not workers are present, to make you more visible.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

3. 3. At night, Pennsylvania law says you must dim your high beams to low beams when you come within how far of an oncoming vehicle?

   Correct answer: 500 feet

   You must switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle so your high beams do not blind the other driver.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

4. 4. When you are driving 35 mph or faster, Pennsylvania law requires that you signal a turn at least:

   Correct answer: 300 feet ahead

   At 35 mph or more you must give your turn signal at least 300 feet before the turn, giving faster traffic more warning.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

5. 5. At a red light with no sign prohibiting it, a right turn is allowed only after you:

   Correct answer: Come to a full stop and yield to pedestrians and traffic

   Turning right on red is legal where no sign bans it, but you must first stop fully and let pedestrians and other traffic pass.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

6. 6. Pennsylvania law forbids passing another vehicle when you are within 100 feet of, or crossing, a(n):

   Correct answer: Intersection or railroad crossing

   You may not pass within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing, unless a traffic control device says otherwise, or within 100 feet of a bridge, structure, or tunnel.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

7. 7. While using an acceleration lane to merge onto a highway, passing a vehicle ahead of you is:

   Correct answer: Against the law

   It is illegal to pass another vehicle in an acceleration lane. Use the lane to build up to highway speed, then merge into a gap in traffic.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

8. 8. A posted SPEED LIMIT sign tells you the maximum legal speed:

   Correct answer: Allowed under ideal road and weather conditions

   The posted limit is the top legal speed under ideal conditions. In rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic you must slow down below it.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

9. 9. Under Pennsylvania's anti-texting law, sending or reading a text while driving is:

   Correct answer: A primary offense that police can stop you for

   Texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning police can stop you for it alone. A conviction carries a fine, and the ban does not cover GPS or systems built into the vehicle.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Laws and Important Issues

10. 10. Under Pennsylvania law, when you are traveling slower than 35 mph you must turn on your signal at least how far before turning?

    Correct answer: 100 feet

    At speeds under 35 mph you must signal at least 100 feet ahead of the turn so others can react to your move.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

11. 11. On a highway with two or more marked lanes in the same direction, passing another vehicle on the right is:

    Correct answer: Permitted where lane markings allow it

    You may pass on the right where there are two or more marked lanes in each direction, or when the driver ahead is signaling a left turn. Otherwise passing on the right is not permitted.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

12. 12. Under Pennsylvania law, bicyclists on public roads are:

    Correct answer: Required to follow the same traffic laws as drivers

    Bicycles are recognized vehicles, and riders must obey the same traffic laws as motorists, including stopping at red lights.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Introduction; Laws and Important Issues