New Jersey DMV Notes from drivermanual.pdf
NJ Driver Testing
license,insurance,registration,emmission
Change of address should be notified within 1 week.
Change of name should be notified within 2 weeks.
Out of state license should be transferred within 60 days.
Exam permit and probationary drivers shall display 2 red visible decals on license plate of vehicle.
Restrictions on license appear printed on license.
Applicants under 21 may only travel within New Jersey.
Licenses: A(endorsement>T tractor trailer,>26k pounds),B(P towing a trailer,>16 passengers),C(S school bus,8-15),D,E
N tanker vehicle
H hazardous material
L may not operate vehicle equipped with air brakes.
Tests: Knowledge, Vision, Road, Commercial
GDL: Special learner permit: 16, Probational: 17, Basic : 18 years
early bird road: special learner permit@16,probationary license@17,basic driver license@18.
Young Adult: 17
Adult: 18 years
No driving between 11:01 pm and 5 am
No using handheld/hands free electronic devices.
6 hrs behind the wheel instruction
Non driver id: 17 yrs
hearing impaired designation: 41 db Loss or more
20/50 vision
80% 40 out of 50
GDL>21 yrs, holder should have 3 months practice before road test.
vehicle may be the cause of rejection
Driver Responsibility
All front-seat occupants of passenger vehicles operated in New Jersey to wear a seat belt.
GDL permits: all passengers seated anywhere in the vehicle to use seat belts
under 18 years old to be belted
If a vehicle hits something, the vehicle stops, but the person keeps going at the same speed that the vehicle was moving.
Never put more than one person in one belt.
CaR SEaTS
20 pounds and 26 inches
facing the rear.
at least 17 pounds, facing forward
Never place rear-facing infant safety seats in the
front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger-side air bag.
Children up to age eight or a weight of 80 pounds must ride in a federally approved safety or booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle.
air bags could seriously injure or kill children who are sitting in the front seat.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Air bag/“SRS” (supplemental restraint system)/“SIR” (supplemental inflatable restraint)
A motorist should always check the condition of the vehicle before driving it. If the items below are not working properly.
It is against New Jersey law (N.J.S.A 39:3-52) to have any backup lights on while a vehicle is moving forward.
A motorist should be able to stop within 25 feet at 20 mph.
antilock braking system (ABS)
A vehicle should not be driven with tires that have less than 1/16 inch of tread.
hear the clicking and see the lighted arrows flash on the dashboard.
non-freezing spray to stop icing.
remove snow or ice from a vehicle before driving it.
More than 95 percent of the information a motorist needs is visual.
colored lenses should be avoided,Anti-reflective coatings should
be used, eye checkup every two years, reduce blind spots.
restrict vehicle idling to three minutes or less.
grip the steering wheel by the outside rim at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions.
The motorist should keep the vehicle in the center of the lane that it is traveling. On a two-lane road with traffic coming toward the vehicle, the motorist should keep to the right.
moving through a turn 165 degrees,controlled slipping
The faster a vehicle is going, the longer it will take it to stop.
reaction time of 3/4 second
conventional drum and disc brake system or an antilock braking system
(ABS)
A motorist should always use his/her right foot for both the brake and the gas pedal. If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, the left foot should be used for the clutch.
A motorist should turn on the turn signal at least 100
feet before turning and be sure to cancel the signal after making a turn.
horn should be able to be heard for at least 200 feet.
In reverse, turning the wheel to the right will direct the vehicle to the right.in reverse, front of the vehicle will swing in the opposite direction of a turn.
To drive in reverse, a motorist’s head and body should be turned to the right until he/she can see clearly through the back window of the vehicle without the use of mirrors. The motorist’s right hand and arm should be placed over the back of the front passenger seat; the left hand should grasp the top of the steering wheel.
A vehicle should be driven slowly in reverse – typically, walking speed (2 to 4 mph). The motorist should not turn forward until the vehicle is totally stopped.
If a motorist must turn the wheel while reversing other than in a straight line (e.g. parallel parking), two hands must be on the wheel to steer, while a motorist’s head and body is turned to look out the rear window.
Always stay in the same lane until the turn is finished.
3-Point tU rn ( k tU rn),turning a vehicle around.
Set the hand brake and put the vehicle in park.
When parking a vehicle facing downhill: The hand brake should be
set and the vehicle’s wheels should be turned toward the curb. The vehicle should be in park or, with a manual transmission, in reverse.
When parking a vehicle facing uphill: The hand brake should be set
and the vehicle’s wheels should be turned away from the curb. The vehicle should be in park or, with a manual transmission, in low.
The vehicle’s tires should be no more than six inches from the curb.
Safe driving rules and regulations
Speed control
25(school,business,residential),35(suburban),50(rural highways),55(state highways),65(interstate)
At any legal speed, keep up with the flow of the traffic.
If vehicle problems prevent a motorist from keeping up with the normal flow of traffic, he/she should pull off the road and activate hazard lights.
The Safe Corridors law doubles fines on various state highways for a variety of driving offenses, including speeding and aggressive driving.
Passing
Most passing should be on the left. Passing on the right is allowed only on roads with more than one lane going in the same direction, if vehicles on the roadway are moving in two or more substantially continuous lines or when the motorist ahead is making a left turn and there is room to pass. Never pass on the right shoulder of the road. This is against the law.
Motorists must drive in the lane nearest to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway.
A motorist should always be prepared to yield.
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility.Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Intersections: controlled , uncontrolled (4-way stop signal.), blind
yield to the motorist on the right
Driving on private property to avoid a traffic signal or sign is a motor vehicle violation
Entering highway, speed to the flow of the traffic. Leaving highway,slow to speed limit of exit lane.
Avoid stopping in entry and exit lanes.
Weave lane: The motorist entering from the entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to the motorist leaving the expressway.
If a motorist’s vehicle becomes disabled, he/she must:
Pull off as far as possible onto the shoulder or median
Turn on emergency flashers.
Raise the hood to signal for assistance.
Stay in the vehicle and lock the doors.
Ask anyone who stops to go to a phone and call for assistance.
Not get into a stranger’s vehicle.
Green lights or signals will highlight open booths.
Interchanges> cloverleaf turn is often necessary
Right turn on red ok after a motorist comes to a full stop and checks for traffic.
Use a proper turn signal at least 100 feet before making any turn, and cancel the signal after completing the turn.
While turning left, slow down, give signal, yield to oncoming vehicles, dont cross the dividing line, dont cut corners, dont turn wide.
A motorist must stop at least 15 feet from railroad crossings when there are flashing lights, ringing bells or flag signals. A
motorist should never attempt to cross until the gates have been raised and the lights have stopped flashing.
A motorist must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. State law requires motorists to stop at least 25 feet away if he/she is traveling on a two-lane road or on a multi-lane highway where lanes are only separated by lines or on a privately maintained road. When traveling on a dual-lane highway, a motorist should slow to 10 mph if on the other side of a safety island or raised median.
If a school bus has stopped directly in front of a school to pick up or let off children, a motorist may pass from either direction at a speed of no more than 10 mph.
ice cream or frozen dessert truck: stop if flashing red lights, yield right of way to person who is crossing,speed not more than 15 mph.
The motorist should keep at least 300 feet behind a signaling emergency vehicle.
A motorist should never park within 200 feet of a fire department vehicle in service.
Move Over Law: motorists approaching a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or other emergency service vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red, blue, amber or yellow light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, must change lanes, safety and traffic conditions permitting, into a lane not adjacent to the authorized vehicle.
Headlights must be used between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. Headlights must also be used when visibility is 500 feet or less, when using windshield wipers (during rain, snow and ice) or when encountering fog, mist, smoke or other factors that reduce visibility.
Bright beams can momentarily blind other motorists by constricting the pupils and should not be used if other vehicles are approaching or when driving behind another vehicle.Never flash high beams at an approaching motorist.
fog lights : These auxiliary driving lights may be used with low-beam headlights to provide general lighting ahead of a motor vehicle, specifically during foggy weather conditions
It is illegal for a vehicle to be parked more than six inches from the curb.
Do not park
Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and within 75 feet on the street opposite a fire station entrance.
Within 20 feet of the end of the safety zone.
Within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or side line of a street or intersection highway, except at alleys
Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
Within 50 feet of a stop sign
Although the use of a hands-free cellular telephone is legal, it is strongly discouraged
A graduated driver license (GDL) motorist may not use a handheld or hands-free cellular telephone, or any other handheld electronic device, when
behind the wheel.
Throwing trash, debris or rubbish from a moving or parked vehicle is illegal. Litter is a safety hazard and an eyesore.
Defensive Driving
Be alert > proactive , Be prepared > reactive
If a motorist is angry or excited, he/she should take time to cool off.
To report an aggressive motorist call (888) SAF-ROAD or cell phone #77
Do not be distracted or inattentive while driving.
Maggie’s Law, which was enacted in June 2003, makes it illegal to knowingly drive a vehicle while impaired by lack of sleep. This law establishes driving while fatigued as recklessness under the vehicular homicide statute.
highway hypnosis may be avoided by not looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds, rest every two hours.
At night, a quick flip of the headlights from low to high and back to low might be helpful to warn the other if inattentive.
Safe distance: 1 car length back (about 20 feet) for each 10 miles per hour of speed.
3 sec+ rule:count 1001,1002,1003
Stopping Distance = Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance
heavier vehicles may take longer to stop
Stay in the proper lane and slow down to make the pass easier for the other motorist. Return to normal speed after the passing vehicle is well ahead.
Road surfaces are the most slippery during the first few minutes of a rainfall. When driving through a water puddle, a motorist should test the brakes by pumping them.
Hydroplaning: ride up on a film of water starting at about 35 mph
do not drive on bald or badly worn tires, and slow down when heavy rain, standing water or slush is present.
New Jersey law states that a motorist is responsible for any ice that flies from his/her vehicle and causes death, injury or property damage
windshield washing fluid.
Motorists with (ABS) antilock brakes,not pump the brakes.
In New Jersey, motorists may use studded snow tires between November 15 and April 1.
Motorists are prohibited from allowing their motor vehicles to idle for more than three consecutive minutes.
frost or ice:Turn on the defroster
fog:low beam and fog lights
Sun glare:Sun visors,Hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down
Nearly 90 percent of driving decisions are based upon what a motorist sees while driving
Whenever weather conditions reduce visibility to less than 500 feet State law requires the headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use.
A motorist should look at least 12 seconds ahead.
Look. Listen. Think.
If a motorist encounters an animal, he/she should slow down until the animal has passed.
work zones are identified by an advance warning sign or flashing lights on a vehicle.
End Road Work sign
An ignition system permits key removal only when the vehicle’s transmission is in the Park position.
Never turn the ignition to the lock position while the vehicle is in motion.
A motorist should handle a skid in both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles in the same way. If the rear end of the vehicle
starts to slide, a motorist should take his/her foot off the gas pedal.
To avoid a spin, the motorist should turn in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding, without over steering. When skidding, a motorist should look in the direction that he/she wants to go.
For emergency stops, put another warning device at least 300 feet back (about 120 paces)
Running off the pavement: do not try to turn back onto the pavement right away. stay on the shoulder and ease up on the gas pedal until 25 mph or less.
A motorist should never attempt to put out a fire.
A vehicle with windows and doors closed will float for about three to ten minutes.
wear a seat belt to survive the initial impact.
A front-engine vehicle will sink nose first.
rolling down a window is easier than opening a door in water.
Follow the air bubbles to reach the surface.
break failure: shift to a lower gear and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times.
tire blowout: hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle straight while gradually slowing down. remove his/her foot from the gas pedal but not use the brakes.
never panic.
rear collision: apply brakes.
side collision: grip steering wheel.
headon collision: protech face
New Jersey law requires motorists to notify the police of accidents where there is injury, death, or vehicle or property damage. If someone has been killed, do not move the body or permit anyone to move the body until the police or ambulance arrives.
Drinking, Drugs and health
The majority (90 percent) of the alcohol detoxified is oxidized (burned up) by the liver. The other 10 percent is eliminated in breath, urine and sweat. This fact is the prime reason why sober-up-quick methods do not work.
blood alcohol concentration(BAC) breath test
Quantity of alcohol consumed
Body weight
How quickly drinks were consumed
Food eaten
illegal for an individual who is 21 years of age or older to drive with a BAC of .08 percent or higher.
younger than 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .01 percent or higher.
If a motorist has reached a BAC of slightly above .05 percent after drinking, the risk for causing a motor vehicle accident doubles. The risk is six times as great when driving with a BAC of .10 percent. The risk is 25 times as great when driving with a BAC of .15 percent.
Refusal to take a breath test is equal to driving with a BAC of .10 percent for a first offense.
Refuse to take a breath test in New Jersey are also subject to an MVC insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years.
it does not matter what alcoholic beverage is consumed.
Although food does slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, eating will not prevent a high BAC when steadily drinking large amounts.
Designated Drivers: herocampaign.org
Drugs that may affect basic driving skills include cold pills, tranquilizers and some prescription medications.After alcohol, marijuana
State law permits the MVC to retest 10 percent of the driving population each year. A motorist should have his/her eyes tested every
year or two. If over age 40, a motorist should have his/her eyes checked every year for special problems.
Driver privileges and penalities.
Driving is a privilege, not a right.
DUI(Driving Under Influence) $230 per day IDRC fee
$100 Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund fee (
$75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund fee
interlock device requirement for six months to one year
interlock device prevents vehicle from being started when the alcohol level of the motorist’s breath exceeds a predetermined amount.
New Jersey has an implied consent law.
Motor vehcle violations: unsafe driving, reckless driving, abandaning a vehicle in limited access highways for more than 4 hrs without permission.
Point System
Racing on highway 5
Failure to pass right of vehicle proceeding in opposite direction 5
Tailgating 5
Reckless driving 5
Exceeding maximum speed 30 mph or more over the limit 5
Improper passing of a school bus 5
Personal injury 8
Sharing the road with others.
Vehicle-pedestrian collisions have a five percent fatality rate if the car is going 20 mph, but the rate jumps to 85 percent at 40 mph.
Motorist should stop about 30 feet before a crosswalk to avoid blocking visibility of a motorist in the second lane.
Visually challenged persons get right-of-way
blind persons who use a predominantly white or metallic cane, blind persons accompanied by a guide dog
Trucks -the no-zone principle: avoid the area around trucks where vehicles disappear into blind spots.
Maintain a consistent speed when passing.
Never pass a truck on the right.
yield the right-of-way to buses re-entering traffic after dropping off or picking up bus passengers.
The motorized scooter may only have a maximum speed capability of no more than 15 mph
A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is a four-wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of more than 20 mph, but no more than 25 mph on a paved surface.
LSVs must have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number.
A motorist must have a valid Class D license to operate an LSV.
All terrrain vehicles (ATV)
Horse-drawn vehicles and horseback riders have the same rights and responsibilities as do motor vehicles when using public roadways.
Vehicle Information
New Jersey residents who buy a new or used vehicle must title, register, and insure it before driving it on public roads.
If a motorist moves into this state, the law requires his/her vehicle to be titled and registered within 60 days; sooner, if the out-of-state registration
expires before then.
An initial registration for a brand-new vehicle will be valid for four years. All other registrations are typically valid for one year.
To avoid a $25 penalty when buying a used car, the title must be presented to an MVC agency for transfer within 10 business days of the sale.
The rear plate must be lighted so it is visible from 50 feet at night, even with reflectorized plates.
emissions inspections every two years.
New gasoline-fueled vehicles must pass their first MVC inspection five years after 7.4b). they are initially registered
on-board diagnostics, or OBD, test.
Any vehicle with a lit “check engine” light will automatically fail the OBD test.
vehicle’s gas cap is sealing correctly so that it limits the escape of fumes into the environment
(inspection sticker) in the lower driver side corner of the windshield
Emissions Repair Facility (ERF)
Motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory in the State of New Jersey. Every vehicle registered in New Jersey must have liability insurance.
Driver Safety.
Yellow Light: A motorist should stop before entering the intersection or crosswalk,
Green Light: Yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection and when turning left or right. Before making a left
turn, yield to approaching vehicles.
Flashing Yellow Light: Slow down and proceed with care.
Flashing Red Lgiht: Stop. Yield to traffic and pedestrians. Go only when safe.
Unlit signal: 4 way stop.
Traffic engineers use color, such as an optional yellow-green or a standard yellow, for the pedestrian crossing and bicycle warning signs which are of utmost importance.
Traffic Signs:
Warning: Warn motorists of hazards ahead that are difficult to see.
Guidance: Guide motorists to a destination by clearly identifying the route.
Regulatory: Regulate traffic speed and movement
license,insurance,registration,emmission
Change of address should be notified within 1 week.
Change of name should be notified within 2 weeks.
Out of state license should be transferred within 60 days.
Exam permit and probationary drivers shall display 2 red visible decals on license plate of vehicle.
Restrictions on license appear printed on license.
Applicants under 21 may only travel within New Jersey.
Licenses: A(endorsement>T tractor trailer,>26k pounds),B(P towing a trailer,>16 passengers),C(S school bus,8-15),D,E
N tanker vehicle
H hazardous material
L may not operate vehicle equipped with air brakes.
Tests: Knowledge, Vision, Road, Commercial
GDL: Special learner permit: 16, Probational: 17, Basic : 18 years
early bird road: special learner permit@16,probationary license@17,basic driver license@18.
Young Adult: 17
Adult: 18 years
No driving between 11:01 pm and 5 am
No using handheld/hands free electronic devices.
6 hrs behind the wheel instruction
Non driver id: 17 yrs
hearing impaired designation: 41 db Loss or more
20/50 vision
80% 40 out of 50
GDL>21 yrs, holder should have 3 months practice before road test.
vehicle may be the cause of rejection
Driver Responsibility
All front-seat occupants of passenger vehicles operated in New Jersey to wear a seat belt.
GDL permits: all passengers seated anywhere in the vehicle to use seat belts
under 18 years old to be belted
If a vehicle hits something, the vehicle stops, but the person keeps going at the same speed that the vehicle was moving.
Never put more than one person in one belt.
CaR SEaTS
20 pounds and 26 inches
facing the rear.
at least 17 pounds, facing forward
Never place rear-facing infant safety seats in the
front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger-side air bag.
Children up to age eight or a weight of 80 pounds must ride in a federally approved safety or booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle.
air bags could seriously injure or kill children who are sitting in the front seat.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Air bag/“SRS” (supplemental restraint system)/“SIR” (supplemental inflatable restraint)
A motorist should always check the condition of the vehicle before driving it. If the items below are not working properly.
It is against New Jersey law (N.J.S.A 39:3-52) to have any backup lights on while a vehicle is moving forward.
A motorist should be able to stop within 25 feet at 20 mph.
antilock braking system (ABS)
A vehicle should not be driven with tires that have less than 1/16 inch of tread.
hear the clicking and see the lighted arrows flash on the dashboard.
non-freezing spray to stop icing.
remove snow or ice from a vehicle before driving it.
More than 95 percent of the information a motorist needs is visual.
colored lenses should be avoided,Anti-reflective coatings should
be used, eye checkup every two years, reduce blind spots.
restrict vehicle idling to three minutes or less.
grip the steering wheel by the outside rim at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions.
The motorist should keep the vehicle in the center of the lane that it is traveling. On a two-lane road with traffic coming toward the vehicle, the motorist should keep to the right.
moving through a turn 165 degrees,controlled slipping
The faster a vehicle is going, the longer it will take it to stop.
reaction time of 3/4 second
conventional drum and disc brake system or an antilock braking system
(ABS)
A motorist should always use his/her right foot for both the brake and the gas pedal. If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, the left foot should be used for the clutch.
A motorist should turn on the turn signal at least 100
feet before turning and be sure to cancel the signal after making a turn.
horn should be able to be heard for at least 200 feet.
In reverse, turning the wheel to the right will direct the vehicle to the right.in reverse, front of the vehicle will swing in the opposite direction of a turn.
To drive in reverse, a motorist’s head and body should be turned to the right until he/she can see clearly through the back window of the vehicle without the use of mirrors. The motorist’s right hand and arm should be placed over the back of the front passenger seat; the left hand should grasp the top of the steering wheel.
A vehicle should be driven slowly in reverse – typically, walking speed (2 to 4 mph). The motorist should not turn forward until the vehicle is totally stopped.
If a motorist must turn the wheel while reversing other than in a straight line (e.g. parallel parking), two hands must be on the wheel to steer, while a motorist’s head and body is turned to look out the rear window.
Always stay in the same lane until the turn is finished.
3-Point tU rn ( k tU rn),turning a vehicle around.
Set the hand brake and put the vehicle in park.
When parking a vehicle facing downhill: The hand brake should be
set and the vehicle’s wheels should be turned toward the curb. The vehicle should be in park or, with a manual transmission, in reverse.
When parking a vehicle facing uphill: The hand brake should be set
and the vehicle’s wheels should be turned away from the curb. The vehicle should be in park or, with a manual transmission, in low.
The vehicle’s tires should be no more than six inches from the curb.
Safe driving rules and regulations
Speed control
25(school,business,residential),35(suburban),50(rural highways),55(state highways),65(interstate)
At any legal speed, keep up with the flow of the traffic.
If vehicle problems prevent a motorist from keeping up with the normal flow of traffic, he/she should pull off the road and activate hazard lights.
The Safe Corridors law doubles fines on various state highways for a variety of driving offenses, including speeding and aggressive driving.
Passing
Most passing should be on the left. Passing on the right is allowed only on roads with more than one lane going in the same direction, if vehicles on the roadway are moving in two or more substantially continuous lines or when the motorist ahead is making a left turn and there is room to pass. Never pass on the right shoulder of the road. This is against the law.
Motorists must drive in the lane nearest to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway.
A motorist should always be prepared to yield.
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility.Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Intersections: controlled , uncontrolled (4-way stop signal.), blind
yield to the motorist on the right
Driving on private property to avoid a traffic signal or sign is a motor vehicle violation
Entering highway, speed to the flow of the traffic. Leaving highway,slow to speed limit of exit lane.
Avoid stopping in entry and exit lanes.
Weave lane: The motorist entering from the entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to the motorist leaving the expressway.
If a motorist’s vehicle becomes disabled, he/she must:
Pull off as far as possible onto the shoulder or median
Turn on emergency flashers.
Raise the hood to signal for assistance.
Stay in the vehicle and lock the doors.
Ask anyone who stops to go to a phone and call for assistance.
Not get into a stranger’s vehicle.
Green lights or signals will highlight open booths.
Interchanges> cloverleaf turn is often necessary
Right turn on red ok after a motorist comes to a full stop and checks for traffic.
Use a proper turn signal at least 100 feet before making any turn, and cancel the signal after completing the turn.
While turning left, slow down, give signal, yield to oncoming vehicles, dont cross the dividing line, dont cut corners, dont turn wide.
A motorist must stop at least 15 feet from railroad crossings when there are flashing lights, ringing bells or flag signals. A
motorist should never attempt to cross until the gates have been raised and the lights have stopped flashing.
A motorist must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. State law requires motorists to stop at least 25 feet away if he/she is traveling on a two-lane road or on a multi-lane highway where lanes are only separated by lines or on a privately maintained road. When traveling on a dual-lane highway, a motorist should slow to 10 mph if on the other side of a safety island or raised median.
If a school bus has stopped directly in front of a school to pick up or let off children, a motorist may pass from either direction at a speed of no more than 10 mph.
ice cream or frozen dessert truck: stop if flashing red lights, yield right of way to person who is crossing,speed not more than 15 mph.
The motorist should keep at least 300 feet behind a signaling emergency vehicle.
A motorist should never park within 200 feet of a fire department vehicle in service.
Move Over Law: motorists approaching a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or other emergency service vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red, blue, amber or yellow light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, must change lanes, safety and traffic conditions permitting, into a lane not adjacent to the authorized vehicle.
Headlights must be used between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. Headlights must also be used when visibility is 500 feet or less, when using windshield wipers (during rain, snow and ice) or when encountering fog, mist, smoke or other factors that reduce visibility.
Bright beams can momentarily blind other motorists by constricting the pupils and should not be used if other vehicles are approaching or when driving behind another vehicle.Never flash high beams at an approaching motorist.
fog lights : These auxiliary driving lights may be used with low-beam headlights to provide general lighting ahead of a motor vehicle, specifically during foggy weather conditions
It is illegal for a vehicle to be parked more than six inches from the curb.
Do not park
Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and within 75 feet on the street opposite a fire station entrance.
Within 20 feet of the end of the safety zone.
Within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or side line of a street or intersection highway, except at alleys
Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
Within 50 feet of a stop sign
Although the use of a hands-free cellular telephone is legal, it is strongly discouraged
A graduated driver license (GDL) motorist may not use a handheld or hands-free cellular telephone, or any other handheld electronic device, when
behind the wheel.
Throwing trash, debris or rubbish from a moving or parked vehicle is illegal. Litter is a safety hazard and an eyesore.
Defensive Driving
Be alert > proactive , Be prepared > reactive
If a motorist is angry or excited, he/she should take time to cool off.
To report an aggressive motorist call (888) SAF-ROAD or cell phone #77
Do not be distracted or inattentive while driving.
Maggie’s Law, which was enacted in June 2003, makes it illegal to knowingly drive a vehicle while impaired by lack of sleep. This law establishes driving while fatigued as recklessness under the vehicular homicide statute.
highway hypnosis may be avoided by not looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds, rest every two hours.
At night, a quick flip of the headlights from low to high and back to low might be helpful to warn the other if inattentive.
Safe distance: 1 car length back (about 20 feet) for each 10 miles per hour of speed.
3 sec+ rule:count 1001,1002,1003
Stopping Distance = Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance
heavier vehicles may take longer to stop
Stay in the proper lane and slow down to make the pass easier for the other motorist. Return to normal speed after the passing vehicle is well ahead.
Road surfaces are the most slippery during the first few minutes of a rainfall. When driving through a water puddle, a motorist should test the brakes by pumping them.
Hydroplaning: ride up on a film of water starting at about 35 mph
do not drive on bald or badly worn tires, and slow down when heavy rain, standing water or slush is present.
New Jersey law states that a motorist is responsible for any ice that flies from his/her vehicle and causes death, injury or property damage
windshield washing fluid.
Motorists with (ABS) antilock brakes,not pump the brakes.
In New Jersey, motorists may use studded snow tires between November 15 and April 1.
Motorists are prohibited from allowing their motor vehicles to idle for more than three consecutive minutes.
frost or ice:Turn on the defroster
fog:low beam and fog lights
Sun glare:Sun visors,Hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down
Nearly 90 percent of driving decisions are based upon what a motorist sees while driving
Whenever weather conditions reduce visibility to less than 500 feet State law requires the headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use.
A motorist should look at least 12 seconds ahead.
Look. Listen. Think.
If a motorist encounters an animal, he/she should slow down until the animal has passed.
work zones are identified by an advance warning sign or flashing lights on a vehicle.
End Road Work sign
An ignition system permits key removal only when the vehicle’s transmission is in the Park position.
Never turn the ignition to the lock position while the vehicle is in motion.
A motorist should handle a skid in both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles in the same way. If the rear end of the vehicle
starts to slide, a motorist should take his/her foot off the gas pedal.
To avoid a spin, the motorist should turn in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding, without over steering. When skidding, a motorist should look in the direction that he/she wants to go.
For emergency stops, put another warning device at least 300 feet back (about 120 paces)
Running off the pavement: do not try to turn back onto the pavement right away. stay on the shoulder and ease up on the gas pedal until 25 mph or less.
A motorist should never attempt to put out a fire.
A vehicle with windows and doors closed will float for about three to ten minutes.
wear a seat belt to survive the initial impact.
A front-engine vehicle will sink nose first.
rolling down a window is easier than opening a door in water.
Follow the air bubbles to reach the surface.
break failure: shift to a lower gear and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times.
tire blowout: hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle straight while gradually slowing down. remove his/her foot from the gas pedal but not use the brakes.
never panic.
rear collision: apply brakes.
side collision: grip steering wheel.
headon collision: protech face
New Jersey law requires motorists to notify the police of accidents where there is injury, death, or vehicle or property damage. If someone has been killed, do not move the body or permit anyone to move the body until the police or ambulance arrives.
Drinking, Drugs and health
The majority (90 percent) of the alcohol detoxified is oxidized (burned up) by the liver. The other 10 percent is eliminated in breath, urine and sweat. This fact is the prime reason why sober-up-quick methods do not work.
blood alcohol concentration(BAC) breath test
Quantity of alcohol consumed
Body weight
How quickly drinks were consumed
Food eaten
illegal for an individual who is 21 years of age or older to drive with a BAC of .08 percent or higher.
younger than 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .01 percent or higher.
If a motorist has reached a BAC of slightly above .05 percent after drinking, the risk for causing a motor vehicle accident doubles. The risk is six times as great when driving with a BAC of .10 percent. The risk is 25 times as great when driving with a BAC of .15 percent.
Refusal to take a breath test is equal to driving with a BAC of .10 percent for a first offense.
Refuse to take a breath test in New Jersey are also subject to an MVC insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years.
it does not matter what alcoholic beverage is consumed.
Although food does slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, eating will not prevent a high BAC when steadily drinking large amounts.
Designated Drivers: herocampaign.org
Drugs that may affect basic driving skills include cold pills, tranquilizers and some prescription medications.After alcohol, marijuana
State law permits the MVC to retest 10 percent of the driving population each year. A motorist should have his/her eyes tested every
year or two. If over age 40, a motorist should have his/her eyes checked every year for special problems.
Driver privileges and penalities.
Driving is a privilege, not a right.
DUI(Driving Under Influence) $230 per day IDRC fee
$100 Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund fee (
$75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund fee
interlock device requirement for six months to one year
interlock device prevents vehicle from being started when the alcohol level of the motorist’s breath exceeds a predetermined amount.
New Jersey has an implied consent law.
Motor vehcle violations: unsafe driving, reckless driving, abandaning a vehicle in limited access highways for more than 4 hrs without permission.
Point System
Racing on highway 5
Failure to pass right of vehicle proceeding in opposite direction 5
Tailgating 5
Reckless driving 5
Exceeding maximum speed 30 mph or more over the limit 5
Improper passing of a school bus 5
Personal injury 8
Sharing the road with others.
Vehicle-pedestrian collisions have a five percent fatality rate if the car is going 20 mph, but the rate jumps to 85 percent at 40 mph.
Motorist should stop about 30 feet before a crosswalk to avoid blocking visibility of a motorist in the second lane.
Visually challenged persons get right-of-way
blind persons who use a predominantly white or metallic cane, blind persons accompanied by a guide dog
Trucks -the no-zone principle: avoid the area around trucks where vehicles disappear into blind spots.
Maintain a consistent speed when passing.
Never pass a truck on the right.
yield the right-of-way to buses re-entering traffic after dropping off or picking up bus passengers.
The motorized scooter may only have a maximum speed capability of no more than 15 mph
A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is a four-wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of more than 20 mph, but no more than 25 mph on a paved surface.
LSVs must have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number.
A motorist must have a valid Class D license to operate an LSV.
All terrrain vehicles (ATV)
Horse-drawn vehicles and horseback riders have the same rights and responsibilities as do motor vehicles when using public roadways.
Vehicle Information
New Jersey residents who buy a new or used vehicle must title, register, and insure it before driving it on public roads.
If a motorist moves into this state, the law requires his/her vehicle to be titled and registered within 60 days; sooner, if the out-of-state registration
expires before then.
An initial registration for a brand-new vehicle will be valid for four years. All other registrations are typically valid for one year.
To avoid a $25 penalty when buying a used car, the title must be presented to an MVC agency for transfer within 10 business days of the sale.
The rear plate must be lighted so it is visible from 50 feet at night, even with reflectorized plates.
emissions inspections every two years.
New gasoline-fueled vehicles must pass their first MVC inspection five years after 7.4b). they are initially registered
on-board diagnostics, or OBD, test.
Any vehicle with a lit “check engine” light will automatically fail the OBD test.
vehicle’s gas cap is sealing correctly so that it limits the escape of fumes into the environment
(inspection sticker) in the lower driver side corner of the windshield
Emissions Repair Facility (ERF)
Motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory in the State of New Jersey. Every vehicle registered in New Jersey must have liability insurance.
Driver Safety.
Yellow Light: A motorist should stop before entering the intersection or crosswalk,
Green Light: Yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection and when turning left or right. Before making a left
turn, yield to approaching vehicles.
Flashing Yellow Light: Slow down and proceed with care.
Flashing Red Lgiht: Stop. Yield to traffic and pedestrians. Go only when safe.
Unlit signal: 4 way stop.
Traffic engineers use color, such as an optional yellow-green or a standard yellow, for the pedestrian crossing and bicycle warning signs which are of utmost importance.
Traffic Signs:
Warning: Warn motorists of hazards ahead that are difficult to see.
Guidance: Guide motorists to a destination by clearly identifying the route.
Regulatory: Regulate traffic speed and movement
Comments