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. Where should a rear-facing child safety seat never be installed?

   Correct answer: In front of an air bag

   A rear-facing seat must never be placed in front of an active air bag, because deployment could seriously harm the child.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Child Passenger Safety Laws

2. 2. What is the minimum age to operate a golf cart on South Carolina roads with a valid license?

   Correct answer: 16 years old

   You must be 16 or older and carry a valid license before operating a golf cart, which also needs a state-issued registration decal.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — State Rules of the Road, Golf Carts

3. 3. On a two-lane road, when a school bus stops with red lights flashing and its stop arm out, you must:

   Correct answer: Stop whether you meet it or follow it

   On a two-lane highway all traffic in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus displaying its flashing red lights and stop arm.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Rules for School Buses

4. 4. A permitted golf cart may be driven on secondary streets only where the posted speed limit is:

   Correct answer: 35 mph or less

   Golf carts may travel during daylight on secondary roads posted at 35 mph or less and within four miles of the registered address.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Golf Carts

5. 5. Tossing a cigarette butt or wrapper from your vehicle onto the highway is:

   Correct answer: Against the law and subject to a fine

   Littering the roadway is against the law; offenders may be fined and ordered to pick up litter under court supervision.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Littering is Against the Law

6. 6. South Carolina's safety belt law is a primary enforcement law, which means an officer may:

   Correct answer: Stop you just for an unbuckled driver or passenger

   Under primary enforcement, police may stop a vehicle solely because a driver or occupant is not properly belted or restrained.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Using Safety Belts

7. 7. Regarding the zipper (late) merge when a lane is closing, South Carolina rules state that it:

   Correct answer: Is recommended but not legally required

   The law does not require the zipper merge, but it is recommended as a best practice, especially in construction zones where traffic is heavy.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Zipper Merge (Late Merge)

8. 8. A child may move from a booster seat to an adult belt once the child reaches at least age eight or:

   Correct answer: 57 inches tall

   A child using a booster stays in it until reaching age eight or 57 inches tall, and can then use an adult belt if it fits properly.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Child Passenger Safety Laws

9. 9. Under South Carolina law, how far ahead of a turn or lane change must you activate your signal?

   Correct answer: At least 100 feet before the maneuver

   State law requires signaling at least 100 feet before you turn, change lanes, or merge, giving others time to react.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Communicating, Signaling Your Movements

10. 10. Driving with an unsecured load on your vehicle or trailer is:

    Correct answer: Illegal and can result in a fine

    An unsecured load is both illegal and dangerous; a load counts as secure only when nothing can slide, fall, shift, or blow onto the road.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Secure Your Load

11. 11. South Carolina law regarding wireless devices while driving makes it unlawful to:

    Correct answer: Use a device that needs the use of either hand

    The law bans handling any wireless communication device behind the wheel whenever operating it takes either of your hands.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Driver Distractions

12. 12. To reduce the risk of air-bag injury, children of what age and younger must ride in the back seat?

    Correct answer: Age seven and younger

    Children age seven and younger must be secured in a rear seat to avoid injury from a deploying front air bag.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Child Passenger Safety Laws