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. A graduated driver license (GDL) holder is subject to what cell-phone rule?

   Correct answer: They may not use any phone, handheld or hands-free

   GDL permit and probationary drivers may not use any cellular telephone or handheld electronic device while driving, whether handheld or hands-free.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Cellular Telephones

2. 2. Regarding backup lights, what does New Jersey law prohibit?

   Correct answer: Having backup lights on while moving forward

   It is against the law to have any backup lights lit while the vehicle is moving forward; they are for reversing only.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Backup Lights

3. 3. Which use of a cellular telephone while driving is a primary offense in New Jersey?

   Correct answer: Holding the phone to text or talk

   Using a handheld phone or texting device is a primary offense; police may stop and cite a driver for it. A hands-free phone is legal (though discouraged).

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Cellular Telephones

4. 4. How far in advance must a New Jersey driver signal before making a turn?

   Correct answer: At least 100 feet

   State law requires moving into the proper lane and signaling at least 100 feet before any turn, and canceling the signal afterward.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Turning Regulations

5. 5. New Jersey law requires drivers to keep to the right except in what situation?

   Correct answer: When overtaking and passing another vehicle

   The keep-right rule requires staying near the right edge or curb, and you may leave that position only to overtake someone.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Keeping to the Right

6. 6. Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit on New Jersey's non-posted rural roadways?

   Correct answer: 50 mph

   Where no limit is posted, rural roadways carry a 50 mph limit; suburban business and residential districts are 35 mph.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Speed Control

7. 7. What is New Jersey's speed limit, unless otherwise posted, in a school zone, business district, or residential district?

   Correct answer: 25 mph

   Unless otherwise posted, the limit in school zones and business or residential districts is 25 mph.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Speed Control

8. 8. Under New Jersey law, when must a driver turn on the vehicle's headlights?

   Correct answer: Whenever the wipers are being used in rain or snow

   Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, when visibility is 500 feet or less, and whenever the windshield wipers are in use for rain, snow, or fog.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Using Headlights

9. 9. New Jersey law says a driver may pass on the right in which situation?

   Correct answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room

   You may move past on the right only where two or more lanes run the same way, or where the car ahead is turning left and space exists; using the shoulder to get by is never legal.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Passing

10. 10. What does New Jersey law require a driver to do about snow or ice on the vehicle before driving?

    Correct answer: Remove accumulated ice and snow before driving

    State law requires making reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from the vehicle, including the hood, roof, trunk, and windshield, before driving.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Snow and Ice

11. 11. Unless a sign prohibits it, when may a driver make a right turn at a red light in New Jersey?

    Correct answer: After a full stop, once traffic and pedestrians are yielded to

    A right turn on red is allowed only after coming to a full stop and yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and only where no 'No Turn on Red' sign is posted.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Right Turn on Red

12. 12. Where is a driver NOT permitted to pass another vehicle?

    Correct answer: On a hill or curve where you cannot see ahead

    Passing is prohibited on hills or curves where you cannot see far enough ahead, at intersections and railroad crossings, on narrow bridges, in tunnels, and where signs or lines prohibit it.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Passing