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. Riding a motorcycle without the proper Class M license can lead to which of these consequences in Maryland?

   Correct answer: A fine, points, and the motorcycle being towed

   Improperly licensed riders may face a fine, a suspended license or privilege, points added to their record, and the motorcycle being towed away.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Motorcycle Licensing Requirement

2. 2. Under Maryland's fender rules, a motorcycle must have two fenders that are described how?

   Correct answer: Unaltered

   The law requires two unaltered fenders as part of the motorcycle's required equipment.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Motorcycle Equipment

3. 3. Maryland law says a passenger on a motorcycle must be provided with what?

   Correct answer: Retractable foot rests

   The equipment list requires two retractable foot rests for a passenger, giving the passenger firm footing while riding.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Motorcycle Equipment

4. 4. In Maryland, what license class does a person need to legally operate a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: A Class M license

   A rider must hold a Class M license; operating without one can bring fines, license suspension, points, and having the motorcycle towed.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Motorcycle Licensing Requirement

5. 5. According to Maryland's equipment rules, a legal motorcycle must have at least how many brakes?

   Correct answer: Two brakes

   The manual lists two brakes as required equipment, which matches the independent front and rear braking systems riders should use together.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Motorcycle Equipment

6. 6. Under Maryland's implied consent provision, driving on a highway means you have agreed to what?

   Correct answer: Submit to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs

   By operating on a highway or public-use private property, a driver consents to testing for alcohol concentration or drugs when lawfully requested.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Alcohol and the Law: Implied Consent

7. 7. Maryland's mirror rules state that the mirrors may not have which features?

   Correct answer: Sharp edges or injury-causing projections

   Mirrors must be factory equipment or equivalent and cannot have sharp edges, projections, or irregular indents that could cause injury.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Motorcycle Equipment

8. 8. What does Maryland law say about riding between rows of stopped or slow-moving cars in the same lane?

   Correct answer: It is prohibited

   Lane sharing, sometimes called lane splitting, is prohibited in Maryland; cars and motorcycles each need a full lane to operate safely.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Keeping Your Distance: Lane Sharing

9. 9. How many working headlights does Maryland require on a street-legal motorcycle?

   Correct answer: At least one headlight

   The equipment rules call for at least one headlight, along with a rear red light, a brake-activated stop light, and a light for the license plate.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Motorcycle Equipment

10. 10. What is the minimum reflective surface size Maryland sets for a motorcycle's rearview mirrors?

    Correct answer: At least seven square inches

    Each mirror's reflective surface must be no smaller than seven square inches so the rider can see part of the lane behind and beside them.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Motorcycle Equipment

11. 11. The manual states that a legal pass must be completed within what limit?

    Correct answer: The posted speed limit

    Passing must be finished within the posted speed limit and only where passing is permitted, so riders should never speed to complete a pass.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Keeping Your Distance: Passing

12. 12. If a motorcycle has a windscreen but the operator wears no approved eye protection, what does the law require of the windscreen?

    Correct answer: It must be mounted high enough to protect the face and eyes

    When the rider isn't using approved eye protection, the windscreen must be mounted high enough to shield the face and eyes in a normal seated position.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Required Operator Equipment