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. May a commercial driver read or send text messages while operating a CMV?

   Correct answer: No, texting while driving a CMV is prohibited

   Reading or manually entering text on an electronic device is prohibited by federal rules while you drive a CMV.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.9.5 (Texting)

2. 2. If your license is suspended, revoked, or you are disqualified, how quickly must you notify your employer?

   Correct answer: Within two business days

   A driver must inform the employer within two business days of any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)

3. 3. When applying for a commercial driving job, how many years of prior driving employment must you disclose?

   Correct answer: The past 10 years

   Applicants must give the prospective employer information on every driving job held during the previous 10 years.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)

4. 4. Under Louisiana litter law, who is responsible for trash that comes from a vehicle?

   Correct answer: The driver of the vehicle

   The driver is held responsible for all litter leaving the vehicle and can even be cited for litter thrown by passengers.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Littering (R.S. 30:2531)

5. 5. If you are convicted of a traffic violation in another state, how soon must you notify your home licensing agency?

   Correct answer: Within 30 days

   A conviction from any other jurisdiction must be reported to your home licensing agency within 30 days, no matter which vehicle you drove.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)

6. 6. How long must a driver keep the original distance and fuel records used for IRP and IFTA reporting?

   Correct answer: A minimum of four years

   These source records must be retained for a minimum of four years and are subject to audit by taxing jurisdictions.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 1.5 (International Registration Plan / IFTA)

7. 7. Within how many days must you tell your employer that you were convicted of a traffic violation, no matter what vehicle you were driving?

   Correct answer: Within 30 days

   You are required to notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic conviction other than a parking ticket.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)

8. 8. When must a driver first inspect the cargo and securing devices after beginning a trip?

   Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles

   Cargo and its tie-downs must be checked again within the first 50 miles after the trip starts, with adjustments made as needed.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 3.1 (Inspecting Cargo)

9. 9. When must a commercial driver wear a safety belt?

   Correct answer: At all times while operating the vehicle

   The seat belt must be worn at all times while operating a CMV; it helps you keep control and cuts the risk of being thrown out in a crash.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)

10. 10. How may a driver legally use a mobile phone while operating a commercial motor vehicle?

    Correct answer: Only hands-free, dialed with a single button press

    Only a hands-free phone kept close by, dialed with a single button press, may be used while driving a CMV.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.9.4 (Cell/Mobile Phones)

11. 11. If your personal driver license is suspended, can you get a 'hardship' license to keep driving a commercial vehicle?

    Correct answer: No, a hardship CMV license is not allowed

    The rules do not allow a hardship license to operate a CMV when your personal driving privilege has been revoked, cancelled, or suspended.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 1.3.7 (Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle)

12. 12. What penalty can a court impose for driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL?

    Correct answer: A fine of up to $5,000 or jail

    Operating a CMV without a CDL can bring a fine of up to $5,000 or jail time.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)