Chapter 2 Administrative and Traffic Laws

Responsible driving (red book)Notes and Study Guide

Administrative Laws

Right-of-Way Rules

Speed Limits

Risks

What Is An Administrative Law?

An administrative law governs the procedures for issuing drivers licenses,learners permits, and registering motor vehicles.

Following Administrative Laws

Getting a drivers license: Must pass knowledge and road test Must pay the fee State can suspend or revoke license Suspend is for a specified period of time

(usually 30 to 90 days, but must be less than 365 days)

Revoke means that the state takes away for your license for a year or more

After the specified time is complete, you may apply for a new license

Following Administrative Laws Continued…

Violations in the Point System: Various traffic violations cost a number of points,

depending on their seriousness The points are put on the driver’s record If a driver has been suspended, and continues to get

points after they start driving again, can have their license revoked

Some violations are so serious the driver can have their license revoked immediately

These include: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident where there has been an injury, and using a vehicle in a crime

Administrative Laws Continued

Certificate of Title: States issues Title

when you buy a car It proves you own the

car Anyone selling a car

must supply the title to the buyer

The certificate lists the name of the owner, the make style, VIN number, and the engine number of the car

Vehicle Registration:

When you purchase a vehicle you must register it with the state

You’ll receive a registration form and license plates

You must provide the name of your insurance company

Registration must be renewed every year or two

Keep your registration in your car in your vehicle

Following Administrative Laws

Insurance:You must show that

you can pay for damages you may cause if you are in a crash that results in death, injury, or property damage to others

What Is The Right-Of-Way?

• As a driver you will have to yield the right-of-way, or letting others go first.

• Never assume you have the right-of-way, it is always given to someone.

• Right-of-Way laws protect drivers from collisions

• Right-of-Way laws are the same in all states.

When Should You Yield the Right-of-Way? Any emergency vehicle, with lights and/or sirens on.

People who are blind and are carrying a white cane or using a guide dog, no matter where they cross.

Yield to any pedestrians at crosswalks.

On a non-divided highway, all drivers must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children.

When signaling a move left or right into a lane being used by other drivers.

Yield to any vehicle that is passing or appears to be so close that it presents a danger.

KINDS of speed limits

Posted speed limits - you can not safely drive faster or slower, then the shown speed.

A fixed speed limit is the maximum and minimum speed you can drive. You can never legally drive faster then the posted speed. If you drive faster then the limit, you can get a ticket.

You can also be ticketed for driving too slow, slow drivers can cause traffic tie-ups and congestion.

KINDS OF SPEED LIMITS

Advisory speed limit warn you to adjust your speed on roads that are not straight or flat. (If there is a very sharp curve, underneath the warning sign, there is a square yellow sign to advise you of the maximum speed that is safe for that curve.)

Some states have day and night speed limits. They may lower the speed limit at night because it is more dangerous to drive at night.

Basic Speed LawsBasic Speed Laws

No matter what the speed limit is posted, all states have a basic speed rule in their traffic laws. The law says to always drive at a speed reasonable and proper for existing conditions.

No matter what the speed limit is posted, all states have a basic speed rule in their traffic laws. The law says to always drive at a speed reasonable and proper for existing conditions.

High risk behaviors High risk behaviors

Aggressive driving - speeding, running red lights or stop signs, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, unsafe passing

Reckless driving - endangering other drivers that involves improper driving acts such as driving under the influence, sleeping while driving, failure to yield right-of-way

Inattention & distractions - leading causeof crashes, eating, drinking, tuning radio, talking to others in vehicle, texting or talking on cell phone

Aggressive driving - speeding, running red lights or stop signs, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, unsafe passing

Reckless driving - endangering other drivers that involves improper driving acts such as driving under the influence, sleeping while driving, failure to yield right-of-way

Inattention & distractions - leading causeof crashes, eating, drinking, tuning radio, talking to others in vehicle, texting or talking on cell phone

Maintain a Responsible AttitudeShow responsibility and respectBe courteous even if you are angryConcentrate on driving safely

ROAD RAGE A phenomenon that

affects all drivers Affects just as many

women as men Emotional crisis 27% of all accidents

are a result

Ways to handle Road Rage

Expect people to make mistakes

Mistakes can be unintentional

Breathe deeply and count to 10

Turn on music Have patience Delay driving Never make eye contact

Some ways to tame your own ROAD RAGE Remember that driving is not a competitive

sport. Help others by using your turn signal Stay alert and check side and rearview mirrors Take a deep breath and safely get out of the way Allow plenty of time and recognize anger will not

get you there faster or clear up traffic It is not your job to change others bad habits,

you can only control your own attitude to avoid conflict.

Places to go if you are a victim of ROAD RAGEPull off to nearest

exit that is well lit in public area

Do not get out of the vehicle

Call 911If you do get out

your vehicle yell FIRE

Go to a hospital or police station

Ways to avoid being a target of Road Rage

Do not make obscene gestures, even if someone makes them at you

Use your horn only when necessary

Do not switch lanes without signaling

Do not take up more than 1 parking spot

Turn down radio so you do not distract other in near by cars

Never tailgate

Unless you are disabled, do not park in a space reserved for the disabled

Make sure your door does not hit the car parked next to you

If you are driving slowly pull over and allow traffic to pass

Avoid stopping in the road to talk to a pedestrian

or other driver