Maine
Driver’s License Manual
Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows
Rev 11/23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 – YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE……..…………………………………………1-1
Introduction…………………………………………..…………………………………………1-1
Acquiring a Maine Driver’s License……………………………………………………………1-2
Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits………………………………………………1-3
Required Non-Commercial License Tests...……………………………………………………1-3
Out of State License or Driving on an Existing License………………………………………..1-5
Driver License Renewal...………………………………………………………………………1-6
Loss of Driving Privileges…….………………………………………………………………..1-6
Section 1 Practice Questions……..……………………………………………………………1-11
SECTION 2 – STATE LAWS AND RULES..….……………………………………………2-1
Titling Your Motor Vehicle…...………….……………………………………………………..2-1
Registering Your Vehicle…………………………………………………………………….…2-2
Insuring Your Motor Vehicle..………….………………………………………………………2-3
Inspecting Your Motor Vehicle……………….………………………………………………...2-4
Maintaining Your Motor Vehicle…………….…………………………………………………2-5
Tools and Supplies…………………………….………………………………………………...2-6
Excessive Sound System Noise……………….………………………………………………...2-6
Section 2 Practice Questions………………….………………………………………………...2-7
SECTION 3 – READY TO DRIVE…………………………………………………………..3-1
Vision and Hearing…………………………….………………………..………………………3-1
Fatigue………………………………………….…………………...…………………………..3-1
Driver Distractions……………………………………………………………………………...3-3
Aggressive Driving……………………………….……………………………………………..3-5
Keeping Fit to Drive (Alcohol & Drugs)………….…………………………………………….3-5
Emotions………………………………………….……………………………………………3-15
Your Health……………………………………………………………………………………3-15
Section 3 Practice Questions…………………………………………………………………..3-16
SECTION 4 – BEFORE YOU DRIVE……………………………………………………….4-1
Adjusting Your Seat and Mirrors……………………………………………………………….4-1
Using Safety Belts………………………………………………………………………………4-2
Air Bags...........…………………………………….……………………………………………4-3
Keeping Children Safe…………………………….…………………………………………….4-4
Section 4 Practice Questions……………………………………………………………………4-5
Rev 11/23
SECTION 5 – GETTING STARTED….…….……………….……………………………...5-1
Starting the Engine……..……………………………………….………………………………5-1
Moving Forward…….………………………………………….……………………………….5-1
Stopping…………….………………………………………….………………………………..5-3
Steering…………….………………………………………….………………………………...5-3
Backing…………….………………………………………….………………………………...5-3
Conservation……….………………………………………….………………………………...5-4
Section 5 Practice Questions…………………………………………………………………....5-4
SECTION 6 – RULES OF THE ROAD……………………….……………………………..6-1
Operating a Motor Vehicle……………………………………….……………………………..6-1
Yielding Right-of-Way………………………………………….………………………………6-1
Traffic Controls…………………………………………………………………………………6-3
Traffic Signals…………………………………………………………………………………..6-3
Traffic Signs…………………………………………………………………………………….6-4
-Warning Signs………………………………………………………………………….6-4
- Railroad Crossings…………………………………………………………………….6-5
- Work Zone Signs………………………………………………………………………6-5
- Regulatory Signs………………………………………………………………………6-6
- Guide Signs……………………………………………………………………………6-7
- Route Number Signs…………………………………………………………………..6-7
Pavement Markings……………………………………………………………………………..6-8
- Yellow Lane Markings………………………………………………………………...6-8
- White Lane Markings………………………………………………………………….6-8
Use of Lanes…………………………………………………………………………………….6-8
- Crosswalks and Stop Lines…………………………………………………………..6-11
Other Lane Controls…………………………………………………………………………...6-12
- Shared Center Left Turn Lane………………………………………………………..6-12
- Reversible Lanes……………………………………………………………………..6-12
Section 6 Practice Questions…………………………………………………………………..6-13
SECTION 7 – GENERAL DRIVING………………………………………………………...7-1
Turning………………………………………………………………………………………….7-1
Intersections……………………………………………………………………………………..7-1
Traffic Circles and Roundabouts………………………………………………………………..7-2
Changing Lanes…………………………………………………………………………………7-3
Expressway Driving…………………………………………………………………………….7-4
Passing…………………………………………………………………………………………..7-6
Rules for School Buses………………………………………………………………………….7-8
Parking…………………………………………………………………………………………7-9
- Perpendicular and Angle Parking…………………………………………………….7-11
- Parallel or Offset Parking…………………………………………………………….7-11
Turning Around………………………………………………………………………………..7-13
Rev 11/23
Section 7 Practice Questions…………………………………………………………………..7-14
SECTION 8 – MANAGING TIME AND SPACE…………………………………………...8-1
Seeing What’s Critical…………………………………………………………………………..8-1
Look to the Sides………………………………………………………………………………..8-2
Look Behind…………………………………………………………………………………….8-3
Managing Speed………………………………………………………………………………...8-5
- Adjusting for Road Conditions……………………………………………………….8-6
- Curves…………………………………………………………………………8-6
- Slippery Roads………………………………………………………………...8-6
- Hydroplaning…………………………………………………………………..8-7
- Flooded Roadways…………………………………………………………….8-7
Stopping Distance……………………………………………………………………………….8-7
Speed Limits…………………………………………………………………………………….8-7
Managing Space……………………………………………………………………………….8-11
- Space in Front………………………………………………………………………...8-11
- Space to the Side……………………………………………………………………..8-13
- Space Behind Affects Your Following Distance…………………………………….8-14
Communicating………………………………………………………………………………..8-15
- Signaling Change of Direction……………………………………………………….8-17
- Keeping Your Car Where it can be Seen…………………………………………….8-19
Section 8 Practice Questions…………………………………………………………………..8-19
SECTION 9 – AVOIDING CRASHES………………………………………………………9-1
Emergencies and Avoiding Crashes…………………………………………………………….9-1
- Braking………………………………………………………………………………...9-1
- Steering………………………………………………………………………………...9-1
- Speeding Up…………………………………………………………………………...9-2
- Protecting Yourself in Collisions……………………………………………………...9-2
- Accidents………………………………………………………………………………9-3
- Emergency First Aid…………………………………………………………………..9-4
- Skids…………………………………………………………………………………...9-4
- Drop Offs/Uneven Surfaces…………………………………………………………...9-4
Vehicle Problems………………………………………………………………………………..9-5
- Brake Failure…………………………………………………………………………..9-5
- Wet Brakes…………………………………………………………………………….9-5
- Tire Blowout…………………………………………………………………………..9-5
- Stuck Gas Pedal………………………………………………………………………..9-6
- Breakdowns……………………………………………………………………………9-6
- If Your Engine Floods…………………………………………………………………9-6
- If Your Car Stalls on Railroad Tracks…………………………………………………9-6
- If there is an Oncoming Car in Your Lane…………………………………………….9-6
- If Your Car Battery Dies………………………………………………………………9-7
- If Your Vehicle Plunges into Water…………………………………………………...9-7
Section 9 Practice Questions……………………………………………………………………9-7
Rev 11/23
SECTION 10 – SHARING THE ROAD……………………………………………………10-1
Pedestrians……………………………………………………………………………………..10-1
Bicycles………………………………………………………………………………………..10-1
Motorcycles or Mopeds………………………………………………………………………..10-5
Large Vehicles…………………………………………………………………………………10-5
Emergency Vehicles…………………………………………………………………………...10-9
Police/Traffic Stops…………………………………………………………………………10-10
Move-Over Laws……………………………………………………………………………..10-10
Slow Moving Vehicles……………………………………………………………………….10-11
Section 10 Practice Questions………………………………………………………………..10-12
SECTION 11 – SPECIAL DRIVING CHALLENGES……………………………………11-1
Night Driving…………………………………………………………………………………..11-1
Work Zones……………………………………………………………………………………11-1
Rural Roads……………………………………………………………………………………11-3
Hazardous Driving Conditions………………………………………………………………...11-4
Wildlife Safety…………………………………………………………………………………11-7
Carrying Passengers and Freight………………………………………………………………11-8
Section 11 Practice Questions…………………………………………………………………11-9
SECTION 12 – TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE……………………………………………..12-1
Appendix A
-Typical Reasons for Road Test Refusals
- Road Test Information
- Road Test Instructions
- Residency/Lawful Presence Requirements
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SECTION 1
Your Driver’s License
Introduction
A driver’s license brings new freedom and independence – and also a solemn responsibility.
Everyone on or near the road – from the driver or cyclist next to you to the person walking on the
sidewalk – is counting on you to pay attention to your driving. You must always be prepared for
the possibility that you will need to stop, swerve, speed up or slow down to avoid a collision.
That means you need to have your full attention on the road and always be fit to drive.
Your life, your passengers’ lives and the lives of other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians depend
on your ability to drive safely. If you are impaired by drugs or alcohol, or if you’re texting or
paying attention to anything other than your driving, you are putting lives at risk.
Devastating and deadly accidents are all too common, and often caused by someone who is
breaking the law. What you don’t hear as much about are all the crashes that are avoided by
drivers who are alert, sober, responsive and who follow the rules of the road.
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles was established in 1905 out of concern for public safety as
the age of the automobile began. Today, it’s hard to imagine the dangers of the that time when
there were more horses than cars on the roadways. For more than 100 years, the Bureau of Motor
Vehicles (BMV) has been dedicated to our mission to promote safety on Maine’s roadways by
qualifying and licensing drivers, along with maintaining records of driver history, vehicle
ownership and vehicle registration. This manual is designed to prepare you with the knowledge
and skills you need to operate a motor vehicle safely and obtain a driver’s license.
Earning your driver’s license is only the beginning, though. Please remember that the skills,
behaviors, and rules of the road you are learning today are more than just the answers to a test.
Safe driving is a life-long commitment and one that you must reaffirm every time you get behind
the wheel.
As you take your first steps toward earning your license to operate a motor vehicle, I encourage
you to promise yourself that you will be fit to drive every time you get behind the wheel. We
wish you success in earning your driver’s license, and enjoyment of all the freedom and
opportunities that it will bring in your lifetime.
Take Care,
Shenna Bellows
Secretary of State
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Acquiring a Maine Driver's License
Driving a motor vehicle on public highways in Maine is a privilege and a serious responsibility.
The ability to drive a car, truck or motorcycle widens your horizons. It allows you to work, visit
friends, and enjoy your leisure time.
A motor vehicle used unwisely or carelessly, can be fatal. Thousands of people die each year in
the United States because of motor vehicle accidents. To obtain your driver's license you must
know the rules of the road and how to safely drive a car or other vehicle in traffic. Being a safe,
intelligent driver takes time and effort, but the process only begins when you get your license.
Who Needs a Maine Driver's License?
• Any resident of the State who wishes to operate a motor vehicle in Maine. New residents
who hold a valid driver's license from another state must surrender that license and apply
for a Maine driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in this state.
Who Does Not Need a Maine Driver's License to Operate a Motor Vehicle in Maine?
• Any resident who has a valid learner's permit may drive if they are accompanied by a
licensed driver who is at least 20 years of age and has held a valid license for a minimum
of 2 years. The licensed driver must occupy the seat adjacent to the driver with the
learner's permit.
• Any non-resident who is at least 16 years of age and who has a valid operator's license or
learner's permit issued by his or her home state.
• Any military personnel possessing a valid military license operating a military vehicle.
How Do You Obtain A Permit in Maine?
• You must be at least 15 years of age.
• If under 18 years of age you must complete an approved driver education course.
• To obtain a learner's permit you must successfully complete a driver knowledge written
examination. A learner's permit is generally valid for 2 years. It allows a person to
operate a vehicle when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years of age
and has held a valid license for 2 years. The accompanying operator must be licensed to
drive the class of vehicle(s) being operated.
• Use of a mobile telephone or handheld electronic devices are prohibited by law when
driving in Maine.
• Written exams and visual screenings are offered on a scheduled basis at all Motor
Vehicle branch offices. Two forms of identification are required. An example, for
instance, could be a birth certificate and social security card. Although your social
security number will not be displayed on your license, it must be provided upon
application or renewal for a license. Birth certificates or Passports are required from
applicants up to and including age 22 to determine date of birth. Photocopies of birth
certificates must have an embossed seal or stamp of an issuing agency. Notarized copies
are not acceptable.
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Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits
License Classification (Types of Vehicles)
Maine has 3 classes of driver's licenses.
• Classes A and B: Class A and B licenses are commercial vehicle licenses and are
distinguished by the size and weight of the vehicle to be driven. A Class A license covers
any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more
pounds provided the gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight of the vehicle or
vehicles’ being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. Class B covers any single vehicle
with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a
vehicle not more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight. Holders
of a Class A or B license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles in
Classes B and C.
• Class C: Class C is the standard license classification issued to most motor vehicle
operators. A Class C license covers any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that
does not meet the definition of Class A or B. A Class C license is a commercial driver's
license only if it carries a hazardous material, tanker and/or passenger (bus) endorsement.
Holders of a Class C license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all
vehicles in that class.
Separate study manuals are available to use for study purposes when applying for a commercial
driver's license or motorcycle endorsement.
School buses, passenger buses and motorcycles are not a separate class, but their use requires a
special endorsement and an examination for those specific vehicles.
NOTE: School bus license applicants must be 21 years of age or older and have at least one year
of licensed driving experience. Additionally, any individual convicted of an O.U.I. offense
within the preceding ten-year period is ineligible to receive a school bus operator's license.
Mopeds may be operated on a license of any class. A motorized bicycle or tricycle may only be
operated by a person who possesses a valid license of any class, an appropriate learner's permit
or a license endorsed for a motorcycle or moped.
Required Noncommercial License Tests
How Do You Obtain A Driver's License?
• Be at least 16 years of age and have completed an approved driver education course.
• Be at least 18 years of age if you have not completed an approved driver education
course.
• Before a person under 21 years of age can apply for a road test, that person must have
held a learner's permit for 6 months from the date of issue of the learner's permit and
must complete a minimum of 70 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving,
while accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years of age and has held a
valid license for 2 years. The 70 hours of practice driving must begin after issuance of the
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permit. The parent, stepparent, guardian, or spouse must certify the person's driving time
on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State. When a person has no parent a stepparent,
guardian, spouse, or an employer may certify the driving time.
• Successfully complete a road test. When ready to take the road test you will mail the road
test request form or driving log that was issued to the Motor Vehicles main office in
Augusta. You will then be scheduled for a road test at a testing location nearest to your
residence. Bring your learners permit and appointment notice with you to that scheduled
appointment. Drivers must furnish their own vehicle, properly registered (bring
registration) and inspected, for the road test. You must be accompanied by a licensed
operator who is in possession of a valid driver's license. During the winter months, it is
possible that weather conditions could cause the cancellation of your scheduled exam.
Applicants scheduled for a road test on a day experiencing snow and/or icy conditions
can elect to be rescheduled at no fee. Applicants selecting this option can call (207) 624-
9000, ext. 52119.
• A person under 18 years of age who has been issued a Maine driver's license may not:
operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile telephone or handheld electronic devices;
operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.; carry passengers other
than immediate family members unless accompanied by a licensed operator who has held
a valid license for 2 years, is at least 20 years of age, is occupying a seat beside the driver
and is licensed to operate the class of vehicle operated by the driver. Immediate family
member means grandparent, step grandparent, parent, stepparent, brother, stepbrother,
sister, stepsister, child, stepchild, spouse, analogous family members as may be
connected via the operation of a family foster home and when living with the immediate
family, foreign exchange students, court appointed wards of an immediate family
member and a child whose parent is deployed for military service and is under the
guardianship of an immediate family member.
These restrictions are in effect for a period of 270 days from when road test was passed.
Any violation of the conditions of these restrictions will result in a license suspension and a
270-day extension of the restrictions which may extend beyond the 18th birthday.
The first license issued to a new applicant under 21 years of age is provisional for a period of
two years but only one year for persons at least 21 years of age or older when receiving that first
license. If a person is convicted of a moving violation that occurred while operating with a
provisional license, the license will be suspended for 30 days. Second and third offenses involve
more severe penalties.
What Will the Tests Include?
• The written test measures your understanding and knowledge of traffic laws, regulations,
driving skills and vehicle handling, as well as your ability to identify and understand
highway signs. Special emphasis is placed on understanding Maine's drinking and driving
laws.
• The vision screening will measure your visual acuity (how clearly you see) and your
peripheral vision (how far you can see to either side while looking straight ahead).
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• During the actual road test an Examiner will always be assessing your ability to maintain
control of your vehicle. Proper control must be maintained when driving forward or
backward, turning left or right, or driving straight ahead. You will also be evaluated on
how well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians, as well as traffic
signs, signals, and conditions. You will not be asked to do anything that is extraordinary
or illegal.
Note: The road test will not be given until all other tests have been successfully completed.
Who Must Take the Examinations?
• Those applying for an initial license must take all examinations.
• Anyone changing their license classification must take all required examinations. Special
tests are administered for those wishing to operate a motorcycle, bus, or school bus.
Additional endorsements may be added to a license following the successful completion
of all pertinent written and vision tests.
• Applicants with a valid out-of-state license may have the written and road tests waived.
Out of State License or Driving on an Existing License
Message for Those Transferring their Out-of-State License to a Maine
Non-Commercial Driver's License
• You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a Maine license.
• If you are 16 or 17 and hold a valid out-of-state license, you may be required to provide
evidence of completion of an approved driver education course prior to the issuance of a
Maine license.
• Any out-of-state license must be surrendered at the time of issuance of the Maine license.
• You will need to apply for a Commercial Driver's License if you expect to operate:
o A combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more
pounds, if the gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight of the vehicles being
towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
o A single motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more
pounds or such a vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or
gross weight not more than 10,000 pounds.
o A vehicle carrying hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding by
Federal DOT regulation.
o A vehicle designed to carry over 15 passengers including the driver.
• A written test is not required if you are applying for a passenger car license.
• Any misstatement on the license application will result in the immediate revocation of
your license and your privilege to operate in the State of Maine. Furthermore, court
action may be taken against you for any misstatement.
• The Secretary of State shall not accept the application of any minor under the age of 18
years for an operator's license or instruction permit unless signed by a parent or legal
guardian having custody of the minor or by the spouse of the minor provided the spouse
is of the age of 18 years or older. Any person who has signed the application of a minor
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for an operator's application or learner's permit may thereafter file with the department a
notarized written request that the license or learner's permit of said minor, so granted, be
suspended.
• You are responsible for abiding by the Maine Motor Vehicle Laws and must become
familiar with the Maine Driver’s License Manual.
Driver License Renewal
Information about Your Driver's License
When you have passed the required tests, you may purchase a picture license which is valid until
your sixth birthday following the date of issue of the license or your fourth birthday following
the date of issue of the license if you are age 65 or older. You must show proof of lawful presence
and legal residency at the time of photo license processing. If you are under 18 years of age, you
must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to sign for the issuance of your picture license,
which will be mailed to you after processing. You should carry your license with you at all times
when driving. You must show your license to any police officer who asks to see it. It is illegal to
lend your license to anyone else.
Altering a License: Changing information on a driver's license carries severe penalties which
may include the loss of your license.
Lost License: If your license is lost or destroyed you must notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
and apply for a duplicate copy of the license. Once notified, the Bureau will forward the
information and material needed to apply for and process a duplicate license.
Renewing Your Driver's License: About 45 days before a driver's license expires, a renewal
notice is mailed to the driver's most recent address on file at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If
you do not notify us of any address change, you may not receive a renewal notice. It is unlawful
to drive a motor vehicle with an expired license.
Change of Name or Address: If your name or address changes from that given on your license,
Maine law requires that you notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the change.
Loss of Driving Privileges
Maintaining Your Driver's License
Remember, having a driver's license is a privilege that can be taken away at any time if you drive
inappropriately.
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Secretary of State's Authority
The Secretary of State has the authority to impose restrictions on your driver's license when it
appears necessary. One of the more common restrictions is the requirement that a licensee who
has corrective lenses must wear them while driving. Restrictions apply also as to time of day and
location of use. Driving in violation of any restrictions is unlawful.
The Secretary of State may require you to appear for a license examination or hearing at any
time, even after you have been issued a driver's license. The Secretary may also require you to
furnish a statement from your doctor regarding your physical or mental condition.
The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend your license upon receipt of a written adverse
report of your driving from a law enforcement officer or other member of the public.
Suspension of a Minor's License or Permit
Any person who has signed the application of a minor for an operator's license or
instruction permit can, thereafter, file, with the Secretary of State, a notarized written request
asking that the minor's license or instruction permit be suspended.
License Penalties and Suspension
The Secretary of State and the courts have a great deal of authority in suspending your operator's
license. Driving is a privilege, and only those who prove themselves to be safe may retain that
privilege.
Your Driver's License May Be Taken Away by Revocation or Suspension
Revocation: While rarely used, it means that your license and driving privilege is formally
terminated and you would have to apply for a new license at the end of the revocation period.
Typical offenses requiring revocation are:
• Vehicular Manslaughter. Revocation for at least 5 years. If alcohol is involved revocation
is permanent.
• Habitual Offender. Revocation for at least one year.
Suspension: Suspensions temporarily withdraw driving privileges. A person whose license has
been suspended will not be allowed to drive until a written notice of reinstatement is received.
Typical offenses requiring suspension are:
• Failure to file required insurance.
• Failure to appear in court for a traffic citation.
• Operating Under the Influence (O.U.I.).
• Administrative License Suspension.
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Administrative License Suspension
Rules for administrative license suspensions relating to demerit point accumulation, convictions
and adjudications are the most commonly utilized tool for the control of driver behavior in
Maine.
Suspension Periods for Designated Convictions
The license or privilege to operate of any person convicted of eluding a police officer, passing a
roadblock or street racing may be suspended for a period of up to 90 days.
Any person who is convicted of operating after suspension may have their license suspended for
a period of 60 days.
Persons convicted of the following offenses may have their licenses suspended for a period of 30
days:
• Failure to stop for a police officer
• Leaving the scene of an accident (bodily injury)
• Operating alone on a permit
• Operating without a license (criminal offense)
• Passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing
• Speeding by 30 miles per hour or more over the speed limit
• Altering a license or registration certificate
• Loaning a license
• Unlawful use of a license
• Displaying a suspended license
• Falsifying an application for registration or license
• Giving false information to a police officer
Using False Identification to Obtain Liquor
This law requires a court to suspend the driver's license of any person, not yet 21 years of age,
who is adjudicated of the offense of using false or fraudulent credentials to obtain liquor or gain
entrance into a drinking establishment. The court is given discretionary authority to suspend the
license for 30 days for a first offense and is required to suspend the license for 90 days for a
second offense and one year for any subsequent offense. The Secretary of State is obligated to
impose the suspension for second and subsequent offenses. The offense will carry six demerit
points
Suspension for Demerit Point Accumulation: The Maine Point System
By law, the Secretary of State is required to adopt rules establishing a uniform system of
assigning demerit points for persons convicted of certain motor vehicle traffic offenses.
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Once certain point levels are reached (currently 6 points), a warning is issued by the Secretary of
State, and if the point total reaches 12 points or more the driver's license will be suspended.
Points will be erased from a driver's record when they become one year old.
When a suspension occurs, a driver is entitled to a hearing by the Secretary of State's office. The
hearing examiner may continue, modify, or rescind the earlier action taken. The person under
suspension may be represented by an attorney at any hearing and the hearing decision may be
appealed to Superior Court.
Eluding a Police Officer
Eluding a police officer is a serious offense. Anyone, after being requested or signaled to stop,
who attempts to elude a law enforcement officer by driving a vehicle at a reckless rate of speed,
resulting in a high-speed chase between the operator's vehicle and any law enforcement vehicle
using a blue light and siren, is guilty of a Class C crime. If any person suffers any serious bodily
injury because of the operator's attempt to elude a law enforcement officer, that operator
commits a Class B crime.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Increase in classification for the offense of leaving the scene of a bodily injury accident from a
Class D to a Class C crime, if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury or death and the
person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly failed to stop at the scene of the accident.
Violation Free Credit
The violation free credit system awards one point for each calendar year free of convictions or
suspensions. One is permitted to accumulate up to four violation free credit points.
Continuing Driver Education
The Maine Driving Dynamics Course is an approved five-hour program designed to increase
knowledge of driving hazards and the techniques to avoid these hazards. The focus is on the
prevention of collisions despite adverse conditions and unsafe actions of other drivers. The
course also emphasizes the dangers associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs in
association with driving.
Successful completion of a Maine Driving Dynamics Course or other approved driver
improvement course will deduct three points from a driver's point total. Anyone may, even with
no record, receive credit for successful completion of this course, but points will be deducted
only once in any twelve-month period.
Courses are conducted by trained instructors whenever and wherever there is sufficient demand.
The courses are often part of the local adult and continuing education program. For further
information please call the Bureau of Highway Safety at (207) 626-3840.
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120 Day Suspension
Any person whose license has been suspended three times within a three-year period by the
Secretary of State or by a court may be subject to a further suspension for a period up to
120 days.
Mandatory Suspensions
In addition to the discretionary powers of the Secretary of State, there are certain violations
which require total mandatory suspension with no exceptions and no "work" license option.
A few are listed below (for the full list, refer to M.R.S.A. Title 29-A).
• Failure to answer to a motor vehicle summons to court. Whenever a person fails to appear
in court on the day specified, or fails to pay any related fine, the license will be
suspended until the appearance is made or the fine is paid.
This is one of the most common reasons for suspension. Fines must be paid.
• Operating under the influence, blood level 0.08% or over, or refusal to submit to a blood
alcohol test require mandatory suspensions of varying terms (see Section on Alcohol).
• Driving to Endanger: Suspension for at least 30 days
• Illegal transportation, possession, or consumption of liquor by a minor in a motor vehicle:
Suspension for at least 30 days.
• Illegal transportation of drugs by a minor in a motor vehicle: Suspension for at least 30
days.
• If you are responsible for accident damage and do not have liability insurance, license
and registration must be suspended until proof of insurance is filed with the Secretary of
State.
Revocation of a driver's license for certain crimes
This law requires the Secretary of State to revoke indefinitely the driver's licenses of individuals
convicted of designated criminal offenses when the individuals used a motor vehicle to commit
the offense and the operation of the vehicle caused, or created a substantial risk or fear of serious
bodily injury. The designated criminal offenses, including convictions, are assault, aggravated
assault, elevated aggravated assault, criminal threatening, and reckless conduct. The license
revocation periods are three years for Class A, B or C crimes, two years for a Class D crime, and
one year for a Class E offense.
Other Suspensions at Discretion of the Secretary of State
The license of any person whom the Secretary of State determines is incompetent to drive, e.g.,
adverse physical or mental impairments, may be suspended without a hearing, provided the
Secretary of State has reviewed all available evidence.
Incompetence relative to physical or mental handicaps is determined in accordance with
established rules (Chapter 3 of the Maine Functional Ability Profiles booklet, as amended),
Physical, Emotional and Mental Competence to Operate a Motor Vehicle.
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Any person whose license is suspended may request a hearing, but the suspension may remain in
effect pending such a hearing.
A judge has discretionary authority to suspend the driver's license of any person found in
contempt for failing to pay a fine in any criminal or civil violation proceeding. A judge may
order a driver license suspension for offenses unrelated to the operation of motor vehicles.
Section 1 practice questions:
1. Who can file a request with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to suspend the license or
instruction permit of a minor?
2. The illegal transportation of liquor by a minor carries a minimum suspension of how many
days?
3. How many classes of driver's license are issued in Maine?
4. What are demerit points?
5. Name the violations of traffic laws which, upon conviction, carry automatic 90-day
suspensions.
6. According to Maine law how many days do you have to inform the BMV of a name or address
change?
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SECTION 2
State Laws and Rules
Owning and Maintaining a Motor Vehicle
Just like having a driver's license, owning a motor vehicle carries many responsibilities. Motor
vehicles operated on Maine's public roadways must be registered, insured, and well maintained.
Titling Your Motor Vehicle
A motor vehicle must have a title before it can be registered in Maine.
1. What is a title?
A title is a legal document which identifies ownership of a motor vehicle.
2. Why do I need a title?
To prove ownership and to show any liens (debts) on your vehicle.
3. How do I apply for a title?
If the vehicle is purchased from a Maine auto dealer, the dealer will furnish you with the blue
copy of the title application which must be presented at the time of your first registration. If the
vehicle was not purchased from a Maine auto dealer, a title application must be completed by
you and submitted with the prior certificate of title or manufacturer's certificate of origin,
properly transferred to you.
4. Who is the title given to?
If you are the owner and have no lien holder you will receive the title. If you have borrowed
money to pay for the car, the bank or credit union that lent you the money will get the title.
5. Where do I keep the certificate of title?
In a safe place; never in the vehicle
6. What vehicles do not need a title under the title law?
Vehicles more than 25 years old, motorcycles with an engine size less than 300 cc and trailers
with an unloaded weight of 3,000 pounds or less.
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7. What should I do if my title is stolen, lost, destroyed, or mutilated?
You should make application at once for a duplicate title. Send in your mutilated or illegible
Certificate of Title with the application and proper fee.
Note: If you have any questions regarding title information, please call 207-624-9000
Registering Your Vehicle
If you own any motor vehicle, mobile home, trailer, or semi-trailer driven on Maine roadways,
you must register it.
1. How do I register a vehicle in Maine?
Payment of the excise tax to a municipal tax collector is the first step in registering your motor
vehicle. An excise tax must be paid on all types of vehicles except semi- trailers. The amount of
excise tax due depends upon the age and factory list price of the vehicle being registered. The
excise tax receipt, in turn, serves as your registration application. The back of the white copy of
the registration must be completed and signed before a registration can be issued. If you are less
than 18 years of age a parent or guardian must also sign the registration form.
2. Where is a motor vehicle registration issued?
After payment of the excise tax, your registration and plates may be obtained by visiting any of
the Motor Vehicle Branch Offices listed on the inside cover of this manual or by mailing your
application and the correct fee to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 29 State House Station,
Augusta, Maine 04333. Most Maine municipalities issue registrations and plates as well. Check
with your municipality to see if they are a participant in the state's municipal agent program.
3. How much does a motor vehicle registration cost?
The registration fee for a passenger vehicle is $35.00. A registration remains valid for one year
from the month it is issued. The fee for pick-up trucks with a maximum gross vehicle weight of
6,000 pounds is also $35.00. The registration fee for larger trucks increases as the registered
gross weight increases.
4. Do I need to apply for a Maine title so I can register?
At the time of first registration, an application for title must be submitted for a vehicle that is 25
years old or newer.
5. Is payment of sales tax required?
When registering any vehicle for the first time in Maine your registration application must be
accompanied by a "Use Tax Certificate". This form is used to determine if any Maine sales tax is
due. Any sales tax due must be paid at the time of first registration. These forms may be obtained
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from any Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office or from a municipal tax collector. If the vehicle to be
registered was purchased from a Maine auto dealer, the dealer will furnish you with the sales tax
form, which must be presented at the time of first registration. If you have any questions
concerning sales or use tax, you should contact the Sales Tax Division of Maine Revenue
Service at 207-287-2336.
6. How soon after moving to Maine must I register my vehicle?
Maine law requires that a Maine motor vehicle registration must be applied for within 30 days
once residence in the state of Maine is declared or established.
Insuring Your Motor Vehicle
Maine law requires every owner and operator of a motor vehicle to maintain motor vehicle
liability insurance and to present evidence upon request of a law enforcement officer. Any
vehicle you are operating must be insured even though you are not the owner. Therefore, you
should verify and carry evidence of insurance in the vehicle. Maine law also requires Maine
motorists to show evidence of insurance when you register a motor vehicle.
Acceptable forms of evidence of insurance include: a motor vehicle insurance card, a letter from
an insurance company or agent showing that the vehicle is covered by a liability insurance
policy, an insurance binder or an insurance policy that has a summary document that describes
the vehicle insured, the name of the insured, the amount of insurance (must meet Maine's
minimum liability requirements), the type of insurance coverage and the period the vehicle is
covered (effective and expiration dates) to either the municipal agent or the Bureau of Motor
Vehicles.
Failure to produce evidence of insurance when required can result in a charge of uninsured
operation and suspension of license and registration privileges. If you are adjudicated of failure
to produce evidence of insurance, you will be required to file proof of financial responsibility
through an SR-22 insurance certificate or face suspension of your license and registration
privileges. It is a crime to display evidence of insurance that is fictitious or altered.
If an uninsured motorist causes an injury or property damage of $1000 or more, they may not
operate a vehicle until proof of financial responsibility or proper insurance have been shown. In
addition, if a court judgment is obtained, driving and registration privileges are suspended until
such judgment is satisfied.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: By law, all automobile liability policies written in Maine include
"uninsured motorist" coverage. This protects the insured for bodily injury damages up to the
limits of the Maine Financial Responsibility Law with higher limits optional.
Assigned Risk: Any individual unable to procure insurance coverage through regular channels
for whatever reasons can obtain coverage through the Maine Automobile Insurance Plan. All
insurance companies selling automobile insurance in Maine are required by law, to participate in
this shared market.
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Inspecting Your Motor Vehicle
All motor vehicles bearing a Maine registration must have a current Maine inspection before
being operated on any public way. These inspections must be done at an official inspection
station once a year. Check with any of these stations for details. Failure to have a current
inspection sticker could mean a fine and loss of points on your driver's license. Motorcycles must
have a valid inspection sticker. A police officer may conduct a vehicle safety inspection at any
time. In fact, Maine occasionally uses legal roadblocks for just that purpose.
Note: A motor vehicle safety check is also part of the driver examination. Examinations
will not be given if vehicles do not pass the regular examination criteria, or if any doors are
inoperative, seats are not securely fastened to the floor of the vehicle, or if the glove
compartment door is not securely fastened in a closed position.
These are the major items that are subject to examination which must meet State inspection
standards before your vehicle can pass inspection:
• Vehicle Identification Number - (VIN) The VIN must not be changed, removed, or
hidden from view.
• Rear View Mirror - Must not be cracked, broken, clouded or have sharp edges.
• Horn - Must be loud enough to hear from 200 feet away.
• Windshield Wipers - Wipers and blades must be in good working condition
• Defroster - Fan must work and defroster must blow heated air on the windshield.
• Turn signals, headlights, rear lights, stop lights, and plate light - All lights must work
properly, and all lenses must be of the proper color and type.
• Brakes - Your vehicle must have a foot brake and a parking brake. The foot brake must
be able to stop the vehicle within 30 feet when the vehicle is going 20 miles per hour.
The parking brake must be able to hold the vehicle on a hill.
• Windshield and Windows - Must not be cracked, broken, clouded, or blocked.
• Steering and Front End - Parts must be in good working condition and not worn.
• Exhaust System - All parts must be free of holes, leaks and must not make excessive
noise.
• Fuel System - All parts must be free of holes and leaks.
• Tires - Must have 2/32 of an inch tread and be free of cuts, tears, or other dangerous
conditions. For commercial vehicles of 10,000 pounds G.V.W., 4/32 of an inch tread is
required.
• Registration Plates - All issued plates must be attached to the vehicle and easy to read.
• Body or Chassis - All parts must be present and free of rust, sharp edges, or other
defects.
• Speedometer-Odometer - Must work properly and not be tampered with or changed.
• Fuel Inlet - Must not be changed in any way.
• Catalytic Converter - Must be properly installed and not changed in any way.
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Maintaining Your Motor Vehicle
Ensuring that your car is in proper working order may help you to avoid an accident or
breakdown. A car in good shape can give you an extra safety margin when you need it.
While you may need a mechanic to correct the problem, you can perform the safety check
yourself.
Vehicle Maintenance
Make note of the condition of the following items whenever you drive:
• Headlights - Replace burned out bulbs and clean dirty lenses that can cut your night
vision by more than half.
• Signal and Brake Lights - Replace bulbs or fuses when necessary. If these lights don't
work properly you will not be able to communicate with other drivers.
• Windows and Windshields - Keep the glass clear, inside, and out, to reduce glare and
ensure good visibility.
• Tires - Look for signs of worn treads and check air pressure when tires are "cold" (before
you've driven very far). If your tires aren't in good shape, you'll have less control, use
more gas and risk a tire blow-out.
• Brakes - Check to see that the pedal stays well above the floor when you step on it.
Listen for scraping and squealing and be aware if your vehicle is pulling to one side when
braking.
• Steering - If your steering wheel turns two inches or more without moving the vehicle it
has too much play and you may not be able to turn fast enough to avoid a collision.
• Windshield Wipers - Check the wiper blades for wear and for tension on the windshield.
Keep the windshield fluid bottle full and use a fluid with antifreeze in the winter. If these
items are not functioning properly, your visibility will be severely limited.
• Exhaust System - If you hear loud noises or rattles or notice rust on the muffler or
tailpipe, you should have the exhaust system checked by a mechanic. A leaky muffler
improperly discharges poisonous fumes. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless gas
found in the exhaust of all gas-powered engines which causes weariness, headaches,
dizziness, nausea and ringing in the ears. Prolonged inhalation of carbon monoxide can
be fatal.
• Vehicle Emissions - A person may not operate a gasoline-powered motor vehicle on a
public way if the motor vehicle emits visible smoke, other than water vapor, in the
exhaust emission for a period more than 5 consecutive seconds.
• Gauges - Make sure that all your gauges are in good working order. These can serve to
notify you of potentially serious problems with your vehicle, such as overheating or loss
of oil pressure.
• Suspension - Push down on the front and rear of your vehicle. If it bounces more than
twice, you may need new shocks. When shocks are worn you may have difficulty staying
in your lane when driving through curves in the road.
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On a regular basis, you should also check or have checked:
• Oil level
• Engine coolant
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid level
• Fan belt tightness and wear.
Maintaining your vehicle with frequent oil changes (every 3,000 - 5,000 miles) and periodic
engine tune-ups will serve as prevention against many common motor vehicle problems as well
as maximizing your car's performance.
Tools and Supplies
It is advisable to equip your car with the following items in the event of a breakdown or
emergency:
• Owner's manual
• Spare tire
• Tire jack
• Lug wrench
• First aid kit
• Blanket
• Flashlight
• Road maps
Excessive Sound System Noise
A person may not operate a sound system in a vehicle on a public way at a volume that is audible
at a distance greater than 25 feet and that exceeds 85 decibels or that is greater than is reasonable
with due regard to the location of the vehicle and the effect on persons in proximity to the
vehicle. Violation of this law is a traffic infraction and will be assessed $50 for a first offense,
$100 for a 2nd offense and $150 for a 3rd or subsequent offense.
Section 2 - Practice Questions:
1. What is a title and how do you apply for one?
2. How often should I have my vehicle inspected?
3. What tax must be paid prior to registering a motor vehicle?
4. Will I need liability insurance when I register my motor vehicle?
5. Where and how do I register my motor vehicle?
6. What are some of the emergency supplies I should always have in my vehicle?
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SECTION 3
Ready to Drive
Driving is one of the most dangerous things that you will ever do. It is very important for you to
be in good health and make good choices when you drive. Here are some ways to be a safer
driver:
Vision and Hearing
You must be able to see clearly when you drive. It is very important that you can read all traffic
signs from a distance. You must see clearly so that you can quickly react to problems. If you
cannot see clearly, you cannot be a safe driver.
You should have your eyes checked regularly by an optometrist and always follow their
recommendations. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses at night as they will reduce your,
critical, nighttime vision.
Most of what you do behind the wheel is based on what you see. Good eyesight means:
• Seeing clearly: If you cannot see clearly you will have difficulty judging distances and
spotting potential trouble. If so, you won't be able to react as quickly as you should.
• Good side vision: You need to see out of the corner of your eye. This lets you spot
vehicles coming up on either side of you while your eyes are on the road ahead.
• Judging distance: You can see clearly and still not be able to judge distances. Good
distance judgment is important in determining how far you are from other vehicles.
• Good night vision: Many people who can see clearly in the daytime have trouble at night.
Some cannot see things in a dim light. Others may have trouble with the glare of
headlights. These challenges can put a driver at risk.
Have your eyes checked every year or two by a trained professional. You may never know about
bad side vision or bad distance judgment unless your eyes are checked on a regular basis.
Hearing is more important to driving than many people realize. Your hearing can warn you of
danger - the sound of horns, a siren, screeching tires. Sometimes you can hear a vehicle in a
blind spot area that you cannot see. Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly
that you do not notice them. Drivers who know they have hearing problems can learn to adjust.
They can lean more heavily on their sight. Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the
radio is blaring. Keep the radio turned down and do not wear headsets or ear buds while driving.
Fatigue
You are fatigued when you are physically or mentally tired. It can be caused by physical or
mental strain, illness, or lack of sleep. Remember, when you're tired, you can't drive as well as
you do when rested. Fatigue can affect your focus. Fatigue can also make your mind and body
slow down so decisions are slower and harder to make and you tend to get upset more
easily. You may not react as quickly as you need to if a car suddenly stops in front of you. Do
not drive if you are overly tired because you do not want to fall asleep while driving.
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Wake Up to the Facts
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that each year as many as
240,000 accidents are related to sleepiness at the wheel. And in a recent survey, 25% of surveyed
drivers reported having fallen asleep while driving, while one in twenty reported having had a
crash due to falling asleep or being drowsy while driving. What's more, these crashes can be very
serious. And here's an even more sobering thought; like driving under the influence of alcohol,
drowsiness severely impairs your driving ability.
You Can't Fight Off the Sandman
Most of us believe we can control when we fall asleep. But the reality is that sleep is not
voluntary. You can't shake it off with caffeine. You can't stave it off with loud music. And you
can't hold it off simply by cracking the window for fresh air. The fact is that if you're drowsy at
the wheel it’s possible to fall asleep briefly and never even know it; these "micro-sleeps" or brief
naps last only four to five seconds but when you're cruising along at 55 miles an hour, the tiniest
nap can be fatal.
Catch Up on Your Sleep Before It Catches Up with You.
If you feel like you're not getting enough sleep, you're not alone. It's estimated that 30% to 50%
of us aren't getting the amount of sleep our bodies require. The result is a "sleep debt" we owe
ourselves. And the only way to erase this debt is to get more sleep. So don't be fooled by feeling
alert just before you plan to drive, because as soon as you get behind the wheel and relax, your
sleep debt may take over and put you in serious danger of falling asleep.
How Much Sleep Does Your Body Really Need?
Everybody has a biological need for a certain amount of sleep. It's possible you may be able to
get by with as little as 6 hours. But you could be someone who requires as much as 10 hours of
sleep. How can you know? For starters, you shouldn't have to rely on an alarm clock to wake you
every morning; if you're getting enough sleep, your brain will wake you automatically. Here's
another way to tell: do you sleep later during weekends or doze off when you're sitting up? If
you do, your body is telling you something. And you owe it to your health and safety to listen by
getting more sleep.
Give It a Rest for Safety
Here are some tips to help assure you arrive safely.
• Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before leaving on a trip. Plan to drive only
during the time you are normally awake. And never try to push through to your
destination rather than pulling off the road and finding a safe place to rest.
• Avoid driving during your body's "downtime". Take that needed break and find a safe
place to sleep between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Talk with your passenger if you have someone along for the trip to keep your mind
stimulated. Trade off driving duties to allow one another to rest.
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• Make sure both people in the front seats are awake. A driver who needs rest should go to
the back seat, buckle up and nap. Why? When the objective is to always remain alert, it
doesn't help if the person next to you is sawing logs.
• Schedule a break every two hours or 100 miles but stop sooner if you're experiencing any
of the danger signs of fatigue and take a short 15 to 20-minute refresher nap.
• Check the labels on your medicine. Some medicine will cause drowsiness.
• Do not drink alcohol and drive.
• Do not take other drugs when you drive.
The Danger Signs of Drowsiness
• You must make a conscious effort to keep your eyes open.
• You want to prop your head up.
• You can't stop yawning.
• You don't remember driving the last few miles.
• You keep drifting from your lane.
• You have wandering, disconnected thoughts.
If you experience even one of these symptoms, you're headed for trouble so pull off the road and
find a safe place to take that needed short nap.
The best way to avoid fatigue is to get plenty of rest.
Driver Distractions
A distraction is anything that takes your mind or body away from driving. Distractions can
cause crashes, injuries, and deaths. Not looking at the road or taking your hands off the steering
wheel is dangerous. Anything that takes your mind away from driving is a hazard.
Try to prevent distractions before driving by turning off
cell phones, setting navigation systems, eating, and
grooming before you leave, and securing all loose items.
When driving:
• Do not talk on the phone and do not text.
• Don’t argue with passengers.
• Do not eat while driving.
• Be sure children are safely buckled up.
• Keep pets in a pet carrier, not loose in the vehicle.
• Eliminate things that take your mind away from driving. It is your job to drive your
vehicle safely.
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We live in a 24-hour-a-day, information-driven society in which instant communications is an
accepted part of life. Data shows that 91% of Americans have a cell phone, and text messaging
has increased over 2,200% in the last five years!
Instant communications can make businesses more efficient, increase productivity and bring
other benefits to society, including rapid response to emergencies. However, the use of
communication devices in moving vehicles can distract the driver's attention from the primary
task of driving and lead to crashes as critical and as devastating as those caused by impaired
driving or other dangerous driving behavior.
Distracted driving may now be the single largest contributing factor to traffic crashes.
An in-cab driving study of commercial truck drivers by the Virginia Tech Transportation
Institute indicated that by far the most dangerous distraction observed was texting. The study
revealed that truck drivers who texted while driving had 23 times the risk of being involved in a
crash or a near-crash incident.
Laws that prohibit cell phone use and texting have an impact on safety, but stopping the
senseless crashes and deaths that distractions can cause is best accomplished by changing driver
behavior.
To manage or eliminate distractions, it's important to understand the three distinct types:
Visual distractions that cause the driver to look away from the road and view something
unrelated to driving, such as billboards, accident scenes, street signs and other external stimuli.
Manual distractions in which the driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel or
other driving control to perform a non-driving task, such as eating, drinking, adjusting mirrors,
tuning the radio, or programming a GPS.
Cognitive distractions are mental thoughts and feelings (anger, anxiety, worry, etc.) that distract
the driver and divert attention from the road.
While the news media and regulators have focused primarily on the dangers of texting and hand-
held cell phone use in moving vehicles, other types of distractions are equally dangerous. Nearly
all accidents involve a combination of two or even all three types of distractions!
Short glances at vehicle instrumentation, mirrors, installed communication devices, or other
technology can be done safely if these scans are limited to less than one second and are related
only to the driving task. In the rush to be on time for a pick-up or delivery deadline or to get
ahead of traffic congestion we may make the sometimes-fatal mistake of attempting to multi-task
behind the wheel.
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Using a Cellular Telephone in Your Vehicle
When properly used cellular phones enhance driver safety and provide a mobile alert network for
the community. To help ensure car phone users drive safely please follow the commonsense
advice offered below.
• Recognize that driving requires your full attention.
• Pull off the road before dialing.
• Have your vehicle fitted with a hands-free or speaker phone.
• Ask a passenger in the car to place the call for you.
• For emergencies, tell the operator whether you are reporting a medical or police
emergency, your exact location, and whether there appear to be injuries.
• Put portable phones in their cradles so they do not become projectiles in a crash.
A person who has not attained the age of 18 years is specifically prohibited from operating a
motor vehicle while using a mobile telephone or handheld electronic device. A violation of the
statute is considered a traffic infraction.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is dangerous. Aggressive driving includes speeding, following too close,
unsafe lane changes, not signaling when you turn, and not obeying traffic controls (stop signs,
yield signs, traffic signals, rail crossing signals, etc.)
Aggressive driving can harm you and others.
Don’t get angry when other drivers make mistakes or act rude. Be patient and courteous to
others.
Keeping Fit to Drive
Driving is one of the most complex things that people do. To do it well takes a lot of skill and
judgment. When you are a new driver it will take all the ability you have to drive safely. If
anything happens to lower that ability you will not drive as well. Your ability to drive is affected
by:
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Alcohol and other drugs are contributing factors in about 40% of all fatal crashes. Your chance
of being in a crash is much greater if you drink or use drugs when driving. When learning to
drive in Maine, one of the most important things to bear in mind is this: OPERATING A
MOTOR VEHICLE IN MAINE IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT - those who fail to drive in a
safe and prudent manner will be denied that privilege. In other words - if you misbehave behind
the wheel, you WILL BE SEVERELY PENALIZED.
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ONE OF THE SUREST WAYS TO LOSE YOUR LICENSE IS TO DRINK AND DRIVE.
Alcohol is a drug. It is the most used and abused drug in America today; alcohol can and has
ruined the lives of untold millions. If you have been drinking, DON'T DRIVE. If you will be
driving, DON'T DRINK!
To discourage drinking and driving, Maine has enacted one of the nation's toughest operating
under the influence (OUI) laws. In fact, the chance of arrest and punishment is higher in Maine
than in most other states!
REMEMBER: If you value your life and the lives of others, and the thought of either a criminal
record or time in jail does not appeal to you - DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!
If you are under 21
It is illegal for those of you who have not reached the age of 21 to consume, purchase or
transport any alcoholic beverage. Therefore, you may not drive after consuming any amount of
alcohol. Alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to see what is happening around you. They
slow your reaction to dangers and delay your reflexes.
If you are convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, you will:
• lose your driver's license for at least one year
• receive a stiff fine
• possibly spend some time in jail
• be required to pay a license reinstatement fee
• be required to complete an alcohol and other drug education, evaluation and treatment
program
• if you have passengers under the age of 21 with you, your license will be suspended for
an additional 180 days
Effect of Alcohol and other Impairing Drugs
Alcohol and other drugs will affect:
• Your judgment – Your ability to solve problems.
• Your vision – Your most important driving sense is your vision. Alcohol and drugs blur
your vision and slow your ability to focus. They cause double vision. They reduce your
ability to judge distance, speed, and movement. Vision is impacted at .02 BAC for all
drivers.
• Color Distinction – Reduces your ability to see different colors.
• Your reaction time – Alcohol and other drugs lower your ability to react to danger.
Do not drive if you have consumed alcohol or other drugs. You begin losing your driving skills
with the first drink. With one or more drinks you could be arrested for driving under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs. Never let someone else drive if they have been drinking.
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How Drinking Impairs Driving
Driving an automobile is not the easy, carefree task as many would have you believe. Driving
requires constant decision making and is, by its very nature, difficult and dangerous. Good
Driving Requires:
• Good Judgment - Good judgment is the ability to think clearly and to make quick
decisions, including proper evaluations of time, space, and distance. Alcohol impairs
good judgment. The more a driver drinks, the more rapidly their judgment goes from bad
to deadly.
• Good Perception - Good perception is the ability to see clearly and be visually aware of
what is going on around you while driving. The ability to see well becomes even more
important at night since normal vision is reduced by 50% because there is not enough
light for your eyes to function properly. Drinking severely diminishes good perception.
For instance:
o Alcohol relaxes the eye muscles and thus reduces your ability to see when there is
a sudden increase in light, such as when the headlights of an oncoming car are in
your eyes. It normally takes about seven seconds for your eyes to recover from
headlight glare so at 55 miles per hour that is almost the length of two football
fields! The eyes of drinking drivers take significantly longer to adjust to that same
glare.
o Alcohol also affects your ability to identify objects to the side when looking
ahead. After consuming alcohol, you have a reduced ability to see merging,
passing or parked vehicles, and/or pedestrians or bicyclists on the side of a road.
o Additionally, alcohol decreases your ability to judge how close or far away
another vehicle or object is.
• Emotional Control - Having control over one's emotions enables the sober driver to use
good judgment while driving. As a depressant, alcohol gradually shuts down more and
more areas of the brain. As time passes, drinkers become less and less rational, more
easily saddened, upset or angry and thus more likely to take risks while driving.
• Alertness, Concentration, Coordination and Reaction Time - Alcohol also interferes
with the brain's ability to react and to concentrate. A driver who has consumed alcohol is
more apt to fall asleep at the wheel or drive off the roadway. Moreover, the more a
person drinks, the less control they have over coordinating body functions and
movements.
Simply put, a person who has been drinking is more likely to:
- Drive too fast or too slow for prevailing conditions;
- Fail to dim headlights for oncoming traffic;
- Pass improperly - leaving insufficient clearance, taking too long, or swerving too much;
- Make frequent lane changes;
- Fail to remain in the center of the lane;
- Overshoot and/or disregard traffic signals;
- Lose alertness and adaptability in emergencies; and
- Take too long to brake.
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WARNING: Worse yet, as your sight, reflexes, coordination, and judgment diminish with each
sip of alcohol, you become less and less aware of it. You even develop a false sense of well-
being and confidence. In short, you become a menace to yourself and everyone else on or near a
roadway and you don't even realize it!!
GOOD DRIVERS DON'T DRINK!
Your likelihood of a car crash increases with each drink! Your chances of an accident increases
as your BrAC rises:
Alcohol Level (See Pages 3-9 & 3-10)
0.05grams ............... 1 times
0.10grams ............... 6 times
0.15grams ............... 25 times
Over 50% of all fatally injured drivers have an alcohol level of .06 grams per 100 milliliters of
blood or 210 liters of breath.
Myths Concerning Alcohol
Beer vs. booze. Some people think that if they drink beer, they are consuming less alcohol than
those who drink mixed drinks. They are wrong! There is approximately the same amount of
alcohol in a 12 oz. can of beer as there is in a 1 oz. shot of 100 proof hard liquor or a 4 oz. glass
of table wine (or a 10 oz. wine cooler).
"People get drunk only from switching drinks." WRONG! Switching doesn't usually make
much of a difference. People get drunk from drinking too much. Period!
"People are friendlier when they have been drinking." WRONG! Statistics show that roughly
one-half of all murders are alcohol-related, as are one-third of all suicides.
"Few women abuse alcohol" WRONG! Alcohol abuse does not
discriminate. Women are just as likely to abuse alcohol as men.
Sobering up. Because everyone's liver oxidizes alcohol at a
constant rate, nothing but time will sober you up. Drinking black
coffee, taking a cold shower, or exercising will only result in a
wide awake, wet, or sweating drunk!
Alcohol and the Law
KNOW THE LAW: THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF MAINE'S OPERATING
UNDER THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
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Immediate Suspension by Secretary of State
If you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with an alcohol level of 0.08 grams per
100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath, you are guilty of a criminal offense of operating
under the influence (see description below). You will, in most instances, be promptly arrested
and taken off to jail. Following your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohol
level test result, the Secretary of State will immediately suspend your license. This suspension
takes place prior to any court appearance, so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge, you won't be driving!
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol
per 210 liters of breath concentration. It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis. BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumed, the time required by the body
to rid itself of alcohol, and the person's weight. The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate
that cannot be changed.
Note: Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving ability.
Alcohol Level Testing
There are two types of tests which can be used to measure alcohol level: The Breath or Blood
test. These tests are designed to measure the quantity of alcohol in a sample of blood or breath.
The results of such testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted in all courts
as accurate. Under current Maine law, the police officer will administer a breath test (either a
Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer) unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered. If the breath test is not administered, the driver will be required to submit to a
blood test which may be administered by a physician of the driver's choice if the physician is
reasonably available.
"Implied Consent" What is it All About?
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driver's license is not a basic "right"
guaranteed under our Constitution. It is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the
discretion of the State.
Stated briefly, when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you automatically consent to a test at
any time the authorities wish to administer it. You will not be forced to take such a test, but your
driver's license will be immediately suspended if you refuse. The suspension will be for a period
of up to six years by the Secretary of State. It is an administrative suspension - that means no
court action is necessary. In addition, testimony of the arresting police officer regarding
your driving performance can result in an OUI conviction even without the alcohol test
results to back it up!
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to submit to a chemical test to
determine drug concentration if there is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor
vehicle while under the influence of a drug other than alcohol.
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The administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State remains in effect even if you are
later found innocent of OUI. Also, if you are found guilty based on the police officer's testimony,
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravating factor by the judge and another
OUI suspension will be tacked on, so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had
submitted to the test.
Remember, a test can also protect you. If you are not legally intoxicated, the test will show it.
If you are Convicted of Operating under the Influence or Operating with an Excessive
Alcohol Level
1st Court Conviction If you are convicted of OUI and your alcohol level is 0.08 to 0.14 grams
per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath:
• you will receive a mandatory fine of at least $500.00, $600.00 with refusal
• you lose your license for at least 150 days
• you must pay a license reinstatement fee
• be required to attend an alcohol and other drug education and treatment program
Or
If you are convicted of OUI and your alcohol level is 0.15 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or
210 liters of breath or more; or you are traveling 30 mph or more over the speed limit; or you
attempt to elude an officer of the law; or you refuse to take an alcohol level test; or you have a
passenger under the age of 21 in the vehicle:
• you will spend at least 48 hours in jail (96 hours if you refuse a test)
• lose your license for at least 150 days
• pay a license reinstatement fee
• and be required to attend an alcohol and other drug education and treatment program
Any additional OUI offenses will result in more severe penalties. Also, all 2nd and subsequent
OUI offenders will have to demonstrate proof of liability insurance before being allowed to have
their license reinstated. Maine offers an ignition interlock program for OUI offenders. Contact
the OUI Section (207) 624-9000 ext. 52104 for additional information.
There are no provisions whatsoever for a work or limited license during the minimum period of
suspension for an OUI conviction. Offenders are initially absolutely prohibited from driving!
Conditional Licenses
When a person convicted of OUI applies for reinstatement of their license, they are issued a
license under the condition that they do not operate a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their
system.
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Additional Suspension:
A suspension period of 275 days must be added to the OUI or refusal suspension if
a passenger under the age of 21 was in the vehicle.
After the first OUI conviction, the reinstated license is conditional for one year.
After a second or subsequent conviction, it is conditional for ten years.
A conditional licensee will have their driver's license suspended for one year, without
preliminary hearing, if operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol.
A conditional licensee will have their driver's license suspended for the same suspension periods
which apply to 2nd or 3rd OUI convictions if operating with 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per
100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath or higher.
A conditional licensee will have their driver's license suspended for a period of two years for any
refusal to submit to an alcohol test, a penalty which will be added to any suspension previously
handed down for an OUI conviction.
Other Impairing Drugs and Driving
Many drugs besides alcohol affect your ability to drive. These drugs can have the effect that
alcohol does, or even worse. This is true of many prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.
The word "drug" commonly refers to prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, as
well as illegal substances. The use of an over-the-counter medication or a prescription drug does
not constitute a defense in court. When alcohol and other drugs combine in the body, the risk of
having a traffic accident becomes even greater.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Over-the-counter drugs for headaches, colds, and allergies or for calming nerves can make you
drowsy. Pep pills, “uppers” and diet pills can make you nervous, dizzy, and unable to focus.
Some allergy remedies, cough syrups and cold pills which you can buy without prescription
contain codeine, alcohol, antihistamines, or bromides which can affect driving. They can also
affect your vision. Check the label before you take an over-the-counter drug. If you are not sure
if it is safe, ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
Prescription Drugs
Some prescription drugs can affect you just as alcohol does. Check the label before you take a
drug. If you are not sure if it is safe to take the drug and drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Amphetamines. Amphetamines are used as stimulants, but they can decrease one's
ability to concentrate and cause hallucinations. Also, when the effect wears off, one is
likely to be very tired and depressed.
2. Tranquilizers. These drugs can cause dizziness or drowsiness when combined with
alcohol. They can cause heart failure, dangerously lower blood pressure, and cut off the
flow of oxygen to the brain.
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3. Barbiturates. Barbiturates are sedatives used primarily to help one to sleep. Excessive
use can produce drowsiness, confusion, lack of coordination, tremors, and difficulty in
thinking clearly.
4. Marijuana. Studies show that users of marijuana have more arrests for traffic violations
than other drivers. Use of marijuana can cause drowsiness and inability to judge time and
space. Also, some users report that they tend to concentrate on only one object at a time,
ignoring other objects around them.
Illegal Drugs
Hard drugs. Hard drugs such as morphine, opium, cocaine, and heroin are narcotics. These
drugs have the power to make users completely unaware of, or indifferent to, their surroundings.
Other side effects include dizziness, incoherence, nausea and vomiting. Illegal drugs can affect
your reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness just like alcohol.
Combining Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Drug-Alcohol Mix. Many times, worse than alcohol or drugs used alone is the use of
alcohol and drugs at the same time. The combined influence of these two substances can produce
dangerous effects on the mind and body, often resulting in death.
Never drink when you are taking other drugs. Drugs can increase the effects of alcohol. They can
also add effects of their own. You should not drink alcohol or use drugs and then drive.
It is extremely dangerous to drive under the influence of any drug, legal or otherwise. If you are
convicted of driving in this condition you will be subject to the same punishments as those for
driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, being found in possession of illegal drugs or
illegal transportation of drugs by a minor may result in severe penalties.
Vehicle Seizure
A person arrested for operating under the influence or operating after suspension if the
suspension was for a previous OUI or OUI offense, is subject to vehicle seizure and payment of
any towing and storage fees as well as a fine and jail time. This means that you could lose not
only your freedom, but your vehicle as well.
Drivers Involved in Fatal Accidents
• Every driver involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident or an accident where a death is
likely to occur must submit to a chemical test. Failure to do so will result in a one- year
license suspension.
• If the Secretary of State is satisfied that a driver, while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs, negligently operated a motor vehicle in such a manner as to cause the death of any
person, the Secretary of State shall immediately suspend that operator's license for at least
1 year. This suspension will be consecutive to any suspension imposed for refusal to submit
to a chemical test.
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• Moreover, a conviction for vehicular homicide in criminal court will result in an extended
prison term and a revocation of your driver's license for at least 5 years. If you were
under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the offense, your license will be revoked
permanently.
Open Container Law
The operator of a vehicle on a public way
is in violation of law if the operator or a passenger in the passenger area of the vehicle consumes
alcohol or possesses an open alcoholic container.
Exceptions:
• The operator or a passenger possesses an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle
not equipped with a trunk if the open alcoholic beverage container is located behind the
last upright seat of the vehicle or in an area not normally occupied by the operator or
passenger.
• A passenger transported for a fee consumes alcohol or possesses an alcoholic beverage
container in a vehicle designed for the for-hire transportation of passengers other than a
taxicab.
• A passenger possesses an open alcoholic beverage container, or a passenger consumes
alcohol in the living quarters of a motor home, trailer, semi-trailer or truck camper.
• The operator or the operator's employer holds a valid off-premise catering license and
alcohol is being transported either to or from a catered event.
REMEMBER: Any conviction of OUI Results in a Criminal Record!!
Operating Under the Influence is Costly, in Fact One Drink Over the Legal Limit Could Cost
Well Over $7,000:
Towing Charges
$50.00
Bail bond
$40.00
Lawyer
$2000.00
Fine
$500.00
Alcohol Education course
$300.00
3-Year Insurance Surcharge
$4000.00
Loss of Work Time (Jail)
$300.00
License Reinstatement Fee
$50.00
Total
$7240.00
Special Notice for Teenagers and Young Adults
The leading cause of death for young people in the United States (ages 16 to 24) is alcohol
related automobile accidents. Approximately 8,500 young adults are killed and an additional
40,000 are crippled or disfigured every year due to drinking and driving in this country.
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Remember, alcohol is a drug, a drug which has damaged or destroyed the lives of tens of
millions of drinkers and their families. Alcohol is the Most Dangerous and Widely Used Drug
in the United States Today.
Though one or two drinks may make some people feel livelier, alcohol is a depressant and the
more you take in, the more your brain is put to sleep. Once absorbed into your blood stream,
alcohol travels to all parts of your body. An abusive drinker is likely to have many serious
physical problems because of excessive use of alcohol.
Moreover, you can have fun, relax, and enjoy life without drinking. Ultimately, whether you
choose to drink is up to you. You must, however, be aware that it is illegal for you to buy alcohol
if you are less than 21 years of age. Furthermore, it is illegal for you to transport alcohol in a
motor vehicle unless in the scope of employment or at the request of a parent or guardian. It is
illegal to transport illegal drugs in a motor vehicle at any time.
If you are ever found to be operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in your blood
(or refuse to submit to the blood or breath test) you will lose your driver's license for at least
one year, and if convicted of OUI, receive a fine and possibly a jail sentence.
NOTE: Regarding Maine's OUI laws, all licenses issued to minors (people under 21 years of
age) are considered provisional and subject to immediate suspension until the individual attains
the age of 21.
IN ADDITION
• A criminal record has seldom ever been considered an asset when applying for a job,
college entry, military service, or credit.
• Overall costs associated with OUI offenses (i.e. fines, increased insurance charges, court
costs) are, in most instances, much more prohibitive for teenagers than they are for older,
more financially secure adults - $7,240.00 is a lot harder to come by for someone who is
either unemployed or making minimum wage.
Over half of the young people killed in alcohol related crashes were not the ones who were
drinking! Protect your future.
Don't drink and drive, and don’t ride along with anyone who has.
Get home safe so call a taxi - catch a bus - call a friend or relative!
Could you live with yourself if you killed or injured someone while driving after drinking?
When you drive, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers, other drivers on the road,
and pedestrians. You can protect your family and friends not only by not drinking and driving
yourself, but by encouraging others to do likewise.
MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION: CHOOSE LIFE!!
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Emotions
Emotions can affect your ability to think. They affect your ability to see and respond to hazards
as well. It is more difficult to drive well when you are worried, excited, afraid, angry, or sad.
Ways to deal with your emotions:
• Give yourself time to cool off. Take a short walk or a nap. Stay off the road until you feel
more in control.
• Give yourself extra driving time. Leave early.
• Have someone else drive.
Your Health
Any health problem can affect your driving ability such as a bad cold, infection, or a virus. Even
little problems like a stiff neck, a cough, or a sore leg can affect your driving. If you are not "up
to par" let someone else do the driving.
With short-term illnesses, you must decide for yourself if you can safely drive. With long-term
conditions that could affect your driving the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will share in that
decision. The driver's license examiner can help you decide when and how you may safely drive
and whether you need any special equipment. Many people with long-term medical conditions or
disabilities are licensed to drive in Maine.
Medical conditions and disabilities that are evaluated include, but are not limited to:
• Conditions that affect alertness: For example, diabetes, heart problems, epilepsy, and
severe lung disorders may reduce alertness. However, if the condition is shown to be
stable and well controlled you may be licensed to drive in Maine.
• Physical disabilities: Many people drive with, for example, multiple sclerosis, cerebral
palsy, amputation of limbs, paralysis, or Parkinsonism. Some people will need additional
training and perhaps special equipment on the vehicle which may result in a restriction on
a license.
• Vision and hearing problems
If your medical condition has changed, or you have started to use special equipment, a driving
evaluation may be required. An examiner will need to assess your driving abilities to determine
if you can continue to handle the vehicle safely and retain your license.
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Section 3 Practice Questions:
1. What is the BrAC level which denotes operating under the influence (O.U.I.) in Maine
for people under 21 years of age.
2. What is the legal BrAC level for determining O.U.I. in those aged 21 and older in Maine?
3. What does "implied consent" mean?
4. What drug is the most damaging and widely used in the United States today?
5. True or false? An O.U.I. offense could cost you more than $7,000.
6. List the three distinct types of driving distractions?
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SECTION 4
Before You Drive
Adjusting Your Seat
Sit straight up with your back against the seat and feet on the floor. Adjust your seat and mirrors
so you can clearly see all around the vehicle. You should be sitting so you can easily reach the
foot pedals. Proper seat adjustment will allow you to comfortably reach the steering wheel while
leaving enough space for airbag deployment in a crash. Here are some general rules to follow
when adjusting your seat:
• Adjust the seat so that you are high enough to see the road. If the seat is too low, use a
seat cushion. Don't move the seat so far forward that you can't steer properly.
• You should be able to move your foot easily from the brake to
the gas pedal while keeping your heel on the floor.
• The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than your
shoulders but should also be below your chin level.
• Leave 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel
because of the airbag. Do not lean the seat back.
• Your head rest should contact the back of your head above the
level of your ears.
Adjusting Your Mirrors
• Adjust the inside mirror so that it frames the rear
window. If you have a day/night mirror, make sure it is
set for the time of day you are driving and use it to
guard against glare from the headlights of cars behind
you. Adjust the rearview and side mirrors before you
start driving because in heavy traffic, when you really
need them, you won't have time to adjust them.
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Adjust outside mirrors to give maximum view to the side and rear. Here’s how to adjust your
outside mirrors. To set the left side mirror, rest your head against the closed left window. Set the
mirror so you can barely see the rear left edge of your vehicle.
• To set the right-side mirror, lean to the right so your
head is directly below the rearview mirror. Set the
mirror so that you can barely see the right side of your
vehicle.
Using Safety Belts
Always fasten your safety belt. Everyone in your vehicle must have a fastened safety belt or
child safety seat. Safety belts reduce injuries and deaths in crashes. They keep you from being
thrown from the vehicle. Your chances of surviving a crash are up to five times greater if you
stay inside the protection of your car.
In Maine it is against the law to drive without wearing a safety belt.
You're in better shape to handle an emergency if you are wearing safety belts.
If you wear a lap belt your chances of coming out of a collision alive are
about twice as good as if you do not. If you are wearing both lap belt and
shoulder strap your chances are three to four times as good. They keep you
from being thrown from the car. Safety belts also help the driver control the
car. Here's how:
• They keep you from moving around on the seat at sudden stops and turns. They keep you
behind the wheel no matter what happens. You can't control your car if you slide from
behind the wheel.
• They slow your body down with your car. If you are not wearing safety belts and have a
collision, here's what happens:
Your car stops but you keep going at the same speed you
were traveling, until you hit the dashboard or windshield.
At 30 MPH, this is like hitting the ground from the top of
a three-story building.
• They help you to stay alert by keeping you from slouching while you drive. They also
help to keep you from getting tired by cutting down on the effort needed to keep your
body in the seat as the car bounces and turns.
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If you were struck from the side, the impact
could push you across the seat. Safety belts
keep you in position so you can control the
car.
The only way that safety belts can do all these things is if they are buckled. There is no time to
buckle them when an emergency happens. You must do it before you start the car.
NOTE: Approximately 45,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. each year. Such
crashes are the primary cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 34. Statistically,
every citizen has a one in three chance of being in a serious accident in his or her life. When used
properly lap and shoulder belts can reduce the risk of a serious or fatal injury by 40-55%.
Despite these statistics, more than half of all adult Americans don't buckle up. Young people are
even less likely to do so, it's estimated that less than a quarter of all teens use safety belts.
To wear the safety belt properly:
• Wear the shoulder harness across your shoulder and chest. Adjust the shoulder strap so it
is snug but just loose enough to let your fist go between the belt and your chest. The
shoulder harness should not be under your arm or behind your back. This can cause
internal injuries during a crash.
• Keep the lap belt tight, but comfortable, across your lap and hips.
Make sure it is below your stomach and rests on your hip bones. This
will help keep you from sliding out of the safety belt during a crash.
• If you wear safety belts like this, they will be comfortable, and
they will give you plenty of protection.
Safety belts should be worn even if you have air bags. Many vehicles
are now equipped with airbags which will inflate upon frontal impact. Airbags give you extra
protection when the front of your vehicle hits, or is hit by, an object. You must also use your
safety belts to gain full protection during a crash.
Air Bags
Air bags work along with safety belts. In a crash, air bags and safety belts help keep your head
and upper body from hitting the steering wheel or dash. Safety belts and air bags will help
protect you during a vehicle crash. Safety belts hold you in place during a collision. Always
wear safety belts, even if you have air bags.
Read your owner’s manual for specific information about your air bags.
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Keeping Children Safe
Make sure child safety seats are used correctly. All children age 12 and under must be in the
back seat. Never place a rear-facing child safety seat in front of an active passenger air bag. To
ensure that children ride safely, remember these rules.
• Read your vehicle owner’s manual and child restraint directions for specific information.
The safety seat should be held properly in place by the vehicle's safety belts and the child
should be correctly buckled in the child safety seat.
• The back seat is the safest place for a child of any age to ride. Infants, under age 2, should
always ride in the back seat facing the rear. Those two years and older front facing.
• Make sure everyone is buckled up. Unbuckled occupants can be hurt or killed by an
airbag.
• 12-year old and younger should always ride in the rear seat.
• Children near airbags are at risk, particularly those in rear-facing child safety seats. Never
place an infant in the front seat of a car with a passenger side airbag.
• All drivers or front seat passengers, especially short, pregnant, or elderly ones should sit
as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard.
Use of safety belts - passengers, operators.
1. Definitions.
• "Child safety seat" means a child safety seat that meets the standards described in the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• "Federally approved child restraint system" means a child passenger restraint system that
is designed to elevate a child to enable that child to properly sit in a federally approved
lap and shoulder belt system and that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards.
2. Children under 55 pounds. When a child who weighs less than
55 pounds is being transported in a motor vehicle that is required
by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped
with safety belts, the operator must have the child properly secured
in a child safety seat.
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3. Passengers less than 18 years of age.
• The operator shall ensure that a child who weighs at least 55 pounds but less than 80
pounds and who is less than 8 years of age is properly secured in a federally approved
child restraint system.
• The operator shall ensure that a child who is less than 18 years of age but more than 8
years of age or who is less than 18 years of age and more than 4 feet, 9 inches in height is
properly secured in a seat belt unless that child is required to be secured in a child
restraint system or in a child safety seat.
• The operator shall ensure that a child who is less than 12 years of age and who weighs
less than 100 pounds is properly secured in the rear seat of a vehicle, if possible.
4. Other passengers 18 years of age and older; operators. When a person 18 years of age or
older is a passenger in a vehicle that is required by the United States Department of
Transportation to be equipped with seat belts that passenger must be properly secured in a seat
belt. The operator of a vehicle that is required by the United States Department of Transportation
to be equipped with seat belts must also be secured in a (the operator's) seat belt.
5. Exceptions.
• A rural mail carrier of the United States Postal Service is not required to be secured in a
seat belt while engaged in the delivery of mail.
• The operator of a taxicab or a limousine is not responsible for securing in a seat belt a
passenger transported for a fee.
• A newspaper delivery person is not required to be secured in a seat belt while engaged in
the actual delivery of newspapers from a vehicle or performing newspaper delivery duties
that require frequent entry into and exit from a vehicle.
Section 4 Practice Questions:
1. In Maine children and adults up to what age are required to wear safety belts or be
secured in a safety seat when riding in an automobile?
2. True or false? Seat belts help you to stay alert.
3. Approximately how many people die each year in motor vehicle accidents in the United
States?
4. True or false? If your vehicle has air bags then the use of safety belts is not required.
5. True or false? When used properly, lap and shoulder belts can reduce the risk of a serious
or fatal injury by 40-55%.
6. Why is it recommended that the driver should set their seat back so there is at least 10
inches of space between their body and the steering wheel?
5-1
SECTION 5
Getting Started
Starting the Engine
Check your owner’s manual for how to start the vehicle. Be sure
the vehicle is in “P” (park). To start the engine, apply the brake,
turn the ignition to the on position to check the lights and gauges
(fuel level, ABS, air bags, etc.). Turn the ignition switch to start
(engage the engine), turn on the low beam headlights, and lock the
doors.
Moving Forward
Put the vehicle in “D” (drive). Check ahead and check for traffic to the sides and behind. Signal
and then gradually accelerate. The top of your foot should be on the gas pedal while your heel
remains on the floor.
Basic Operating Procedures: Manual Transmission
The key to smooth clutch operation is learning to sense the friction point. This is the point when,
as you let up the clutch pedal, the engine and the transmission engage. As you continue to let up
the clutch, you must match the forward (or backward) motion of the car with an increase in
pressure on the gas pedal.
Follow these steps to put the car in motion:
1. Press the brake pedal with your right foot. With your left foot, press the clutch pedal to
the floor.
2. Shift into first gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch on your turn signal to indicate the direction you plan to move.
5. Check for traffic in your rear-view and side-view mirrors. Look over your shoulder to
check blind spots.
6. Slowly let the clutch up to the friction point. Remember to look towards the roadway and
not down at your feet or hands!
7. Move your right foot from the brake to the accelerator.
8. As you press down gently on the accelerator, slowly let up the clutch pedal all the way.
If the car jerks forward, you either released the clutch abruptly, or you pressed too hard on the
gas pedal. If the car lurches and the engine stalls, you've not fed the engine enough gas.
How can you use each forward gear?
Your selection of gears depends on the power and speed you need for various driving tasks. First
gear gives the power needed to set a car in motion. Second gear lets you go 15 to 25 mph,
depending on the horsepower of the engine and on whether the transmission is a 3,4, or 5-speed.
You can also use second gear to start on ice or drive in heavy snow. Third gear, in cars with 3-
5-2
speed transmissions, is generally used for all speeds over 25 mph. If a car has a 4- or 5-speed
transmission and a small engine, third is used at speeds up to 30 or 40 mph. Use of fourth gear is
for driving above 35 mph on a flat roadway. When driving uphill, you may need to achieve 40
mph or more before shifting to fourth or fifth gear.
Shifting to a higher gear
1. Accelerate to a speed appropriate for the gear you want to be in.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor.
3. Release the accelerator.
4. Shift to the next higher gear.
5. Press again on the accelerator. Release the clutch pedal part way.
6. Let the clutch pedal up all the way while continuing to accelerate.
Downshifting
There are several reasons to downshift: to gain power, accelerate, steer effectively, slowing the
car on a down slope (except when the road is slippery), and to slow down or stop. To shift to a
lower gear, follow these steps:
1. Release the accelerator. (If you also want to slow down, press the brake pedal)
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor.
3. Shift to the next lower gear. (A sudden decrease in speed may require you to shift to an
even lower gear - as when braking sharply and downshifting from fourth gear to second)
4. Release the clutch pedal to the friction point while pressing down on the accelerator as
necessary.
Holding the car in place
Learning to move a manual shift car forward after stopping on an uphill grade takes practice. To
keep the car from rolling backward:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Press the clutch to the floor, and shift into first gear.
3. Let the clutch pedal up to the friction point and press gently on the accelerator.
4. Release the parking brake as you begin to feel the car pulling forward.
5. Press the accelerator as you let up the clutch pedal.
6. Accelerate in first gear until you have gained enough speed to shift into second gear.
Stopping
Check your mirrors for traffic to the rear. Move your foot to the brake pedal. Press steadily and
smoothly until your vehicle comes to a stop. If in a manual transmission vehicle, you will also
depress the clutch while coming to a stop.
5-3
Signaling When You Slow Down or Stop Unexpectedly
Your brake lights let people know that you are slowing down. If you are going to stop or slow
down at a place where another driver doesn't expect it, tap your brake pedal three or four times
quickly in order to signal your intention to the driver behind you.
Steering
Always turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. This works whether you are
going forward or in reverse.
Hand Position
Place your hands on the steering wheel and imagine that it is a clock. Put your hands at 9 and 3
or 8 and 4 to avoid injury from an air bag deployment and for best control. Grip the steering
wheel firmly but gently. Use your fingers, not the palms of your hands when steering. Keep your
thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel. To maintain better vehicle control never hold the
inside of the wheel when driving.
Backing
To safely back up:
• Check behind the vehicle before you get in. Children or small objects are hard to see
from the driver’s seat.
• Start the vehicle. Apply the brake and shift to reverse. Grasp
the steering wheel at 12 o’clock with your left hand. Put your
right arm on the back of the passenger seat and look through the
rear window. Your mirrors do not show the area directly behind
your vehicle and a back-up camera provides a limited view so do
not depend solely on your mirrors or a back-up camera while
backing.
• Back slowly. It is harder to steer while backing. Steer in
the direction you want the rear of the vehicle to move. If
turning while backing, make quick checks to the front and
sides. Back no faster than a slow walk. Continue looking
to the rear until you are fully stopped.
Because it is hard to see while you are backing, try to do as
little backing as possible. Avoid backing into traffic. When
entering a driveway or parking space, back into it unless signs
forbid it. That way you will be going forward when you pull out.
5-4
Conservation
Avoid excessive idling. The average car uses a cup of gas every six minutes when idling. When
you stop or start the car, don't idle for more than one minute. Driving slowly for the first few
minutes is a more efficient way to warm the motor. Idling wastes an estimated 6 billion gallons
of fuel each year. It creates pollutants that are linked to cancer; heart and lung diseases, such as
asthma; as well as impaired brain development in children and cognitive decline in older adults.
Many states, counties, and municipalities (including some in Maine) have ordinances limiting
idling.
Section 5 practice questions:
1. Why is it recommended that you grip the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 position?
2. True or false? The rule of turning the steering wheel in the direction you want to go only
applies when going forward.
3. How should you communicate to drivers to the rear when you will be slowing down or
stopping unexpectedly?
4. True or false? Your entire foot should be used when applying the gas pedal.
5. When idling the average car uses how much gas every 6 minutes?
6. When backing your vehicle how fast should you go?
6-1
SECTION 6
Rules of the Road
Operating a Motor Vehicle
Driving a motor vehicle is a serious responsibility and rules and guidelines alone are not
sufficient to make you a good driver. While respect for the law is essential, to be a good driver
you must also possess an accommodating attitude toward others as well as an ample sense of
responsibility.
Traffic laws and procedures are designed to prevent accidents and to keep traffic moving.
Obeying these guidelines always will go a long way toward making you a safe and prudent
driver. There is, however, some risk involved in all driving. To minimize this risk, you should
rely not only on the law, but on paying careful attention to everything going on around you.
The following sections summarize traffic laws and prudent driving practices and procedures.
Yielding Right-Of-Way
Right-of-way rules tell you and other drivers how to proceed. When there are no signs, symbols,
or police present set rules will determine who has right-of-way when two or more streets come
together. They also cover other situations.
Even though right-of-way rules have the force of law, a good driver never depends exclusively
on them for safety. A driver who has the right of way should use it sensibly, never insist on it.
Never assume that you have the right-of-way. Always look at the
situation and think about your own safety.
Yield the right-of-way to:
• At a 4-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first gets to
go first (of course all vehicles must stop).
• If two cars approach an intersection at the same time from
opposite directions and one driver is signaling for a turn, the
right-of-way belongs to the car going straight.
• The driver on your right at a four-way stop has the right-of-way if both of you arrive at
the same time beside each other.
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• Cars entering from a private drive or road must yield to any
vehicle or pedestrian on a public way. If you are entering a street
or highway you must do so without interfering with other traffic.
• Drivers already on an interstate highway, if you are on the
entrance ramp, have the right-of-way.
• Wait for all moving traffic to pass when starting from a parked
position.
• Do not pass any vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• If two cars enter an uncontrolled intersection at about the same time, yield to the car on
your right.
• When approaching an intersection, yield the right-of-way to vehicles which have already
entered the intersection.
• When entering a traffic circle, the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right- of-
way.
• You must yield to emergency vehicles approaching from any direction when they are
sounding a siren and emitting a flashing light. You must immediately drive to the right
side of the roadway, clear of any intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle has
passed. Failure to do so is a Class E crime.
• Motor vehicle operators turning left must yield to bicycle and roller ski operators
approaching from the opposite direction, and may not turn left under those circumstances
unless they can do so safely and without interfering with bicycle/roller ski operation.
When to yield the right-of-way for waiting pedestrians:
• When pedestrians are in a marked crosswalk and there are no traffic lights or police at the
intersection.
• When the car is turning a corner and the pedestrians are crossing with the light.
• When the car is crossing a sidewalk. Cars coming out of driveway or alley must stop
before the sidewalk and wait for pedestrians and traffic.
• Always yield the right-of-way to school children crossing a street.
6-3
Traffic Controls
Traffic controls include traffic signals, signs, and road markings. They also include directions
from law enforcement, highway workers and school crossing guards. An operator may not drive
a motor vehicle through a parking area to avoid obeying the requirements of a traffic control
device.
Traffic Signals
Traffic lights are usually at intersections. They are red, yellow, and green from top to bottom. If
traffic lights are horizontal, the red light is on the left, the yellow light is in the middle and the
green light is on the right. Some locations have single green, yellow or red lights.
GREEN Traffic Light: GO. You may go through with
caution if the way is clear of traffic and pedestrians.
YELLOW Traffic Light: Caution. The light is about to
change to red. Begin to slow down. A yellow light clears
the intersection before the light turns red.
RED Traffic Light: STOP. You must stop before entering the intersection. You must wait
behind any stop line or crosswalk until the light turns green. A right turn at a red light is
permitted, after stopping, unless posted otherwise. Vehicles making a right turn on red must
yield to pedestrians and all vehicle traffic.
Flashing YELLOW Traffic Light – Slow down and proceed with caution. Be prepared to stop
for any traffic. Flashing yellow lights can also be found at construction areas and on some
vehicles as well as at some intersections.
Flashing RED Traffic Light –Stop and look both ways before entering the intersection.
Sometimes flashing red lights mark a railroad crossing. Sometimes those crossings have gates or
barriers. Stop and wait until the flashing light stops and barriers are raised before proceeding.
Lighted Arrows
The color of the lighted arrow means the same thing that it does in a traffic light.
A red light with a green arrow means you may go cautiously in the direction of the arrow,
yielding to all other vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
A steady yellow arrow clears the turning traffic at an intersection before the light turns red.
A steady green arrow pointed upwards means you may go straight ahead.
A steady red arrow means traffic making the turn indicated by the arrow must stop until the
arrow changes to green.
When there is more than one traffic light obey the one that is directly over your lane.
6-4
Lane Use Control Lights: Special overhead lights
are sometimes used to indicate which lanes of a
highway may be used at certain times:
Steady Red "X": Do not drive in this lane.
Steady Yellow "X": Clear this lane, signal is about to change to red.
Flashing Yellow "X": This lane may only be used for a left turn.
Green Arrow: You may use this lane.
Traffic Signs
Traffic signs tell you about rules, hazards, and road locations. They also give highway directions
and show where road services are.
Warning Signs - These signs warn of danger ahead. They are usually diamond shaped. They are
usually yellow with black lettering or symbols. Some common signs:
Intersection Ahead
Side Road Ahead
T-Intersection Ahead
No Passing Zone
Curvy Road Ahead
Right Curve
Divided Highway
Begins
Divided Highway Ends
Lane Ends
Merging Traffic
Added Lane
Traffic Signal Ahead
Stop Sign Ahead
Sharp Curve Ahead
Advisory Speed
Around Curve
School Zone
Pedestrian Crossing
Share the Road with
Bicycles
Bicycle Crossing
Slippery When Wet
6-5
Railroad Crossings - Most railroad crossings have signs or signals. Some common
ones:
• A round yellow warning sign with an “X” symbol and black “RR.” The
sign cautions you to slow down, look and listen for a train or railroad
vehicle. Be prepared to stop.
• A white, X-shaped sign with “Railroad Crossing.” If a train or railroad
vehicle is coming you must stop behind the stop line or before the tracks.
• At crossings with more than one track the number of tracks may be posted.
Not all crossings with more than one track have these signs so always look
for more than one track, train, or railroad vehicle at each crossing.
When crossing railroad tracks, look both ways and cross the tracks quickly. Do
not stop on the railroad tracks. If a train is crossing, wait until the train is well
down the track before you drive ahead. If there are lights and gates, wait until they show it is safe
to cross. If you must stop for traffic or a signal near a railroad crossing, wait at the stop line
before the tracks (not on the tracks).
Work Zone Signs - Are orange diamond or rectangular shaped signs with black letters or
symbols. These signs warn you of work zones and people working on or near the road. The
warnings include workers ahead, reduced speed, detours, slow moving road machinery or surface
changes.
Flagger Ahead
Workers Ahead
Road Construction Ahead
One Lane Road
Ahead
Detour
A flagger may direct traffic in a work zone. You must do as the
flagger directs.
Barriers keep you from entering closed roads or other areas where
there is danger. If there is a short-term traffic signal, stop at the
white line (if there is one.)
Barrel Cone Tube Barrier Road Closed
6-6
Slowdown in work zones and be ready to stop quickly. Do not tailgate. Fines for speeding in a
work zone are doubled.
Regulatory Signs - These signs are square, rectangular, or may have a special shape. They are
white with black, red, or green letters or symbols. These signs tell you about traffic direction,
lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations. Some signs have a red circle with a
red slash across the symbol. This means you cannot do certain things.
Common regulatory signs are:
No Left Turn
No Right Turn
No U-Turn
Straight
Left Turn Only
Straight or Turn Right
Speed Limit Signs - These black and white signs indicate the legal speed if
conditions are ideal.
Stop Sign - A stop sign has eight sides (octagon) and is red with white
letters. You must stop behind the stop line or crosswalk if there is one. If
there is no crosswalk or stop line, stop at the point nearest the intersection to
enable you to see approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. The stop
must be made before any portion of your vehicle has entered the intersection.
If it is a four-way stop, wait your turn. In all cases you must wait until it is
safe before proceeding. Look for vehicles and pedestrians and, if any are
present, yield the right-of-way.
Yield Sign - A yield sign is a red and white down-pointing triangle with red
letters (some old signs may still be yellow with black letters). It means you
should slow down to wait for traffic to clear on the road you are entering or
crossing. You must slow and yield to traffic or pedestrians that have the
right-of-way before proceeding.
6-7
Shared Center Lane- Left Turn Only – This sign marks a lane that is only
for left turning vehicles. It is not for through traffic or for passing other
vehicles. Traffic travelling in either direction may use this lane.
One-Way Street -Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow. Do not
turn in the opposite direction of the arrow. Never drive the wrong way on a
one-way street.
If you see police directing traffic, do as they direct. Police have authority
to direct all traffic and pedestrians as needed. It is illegal to refuse or fail
to obey police orders. You can lose your license for trying to flee or
escape a police officer. When police are not present, traffic signals and
signs have the authority of law. It is unlawful to remove or deface traffic
signs.
Guide Signs - These signs are square or rectangular and are green, brown, or blue. They advise
you of intersecting roads. They help direct you to cities and towns. They mark points of interest.
They can also help you find hospitals, service stations, restaurants, and hotels.
Route Number Signs - The shape and color of route number signs indicate the type of roadway:
interstate, U.S., state, city, county, or local road. When planning a trip, use a map or GPS to
determine the route. During the trip, follow the route signs to prevent from getting lost in an
unfamiliar area.
Interstate Route
U.S. Route
State Route
6-8
Pavement Markings
Marks painted on the road give you directions or warnings. They divide lanes and show where
you may pass other vehicles or change lanes. They also mark turn lanes and cross walks. They
show where to stop for signs or traffic signals.
Yellow Lane Markings
Two direction roadway, Two direction roadway, Two direction roadway,
passing permitted passing permitted when passing prohibited in both
dashed line is on your side directions
White Lane Markings
One direction roadway,
passing permitted
Use of Lanes
Different traffic lanes should be used for different purposes, there are correct lanes for through
traffic, passing and turning.
Lanes for Through Traffic: During ordinary driving, drive in the lane that has the smoothest
flow of traffic - the least stopping and starting. Smooth driving allows you to keep more distance
between yourself and other drivers. It also helps save gas.
6-9
If there are three or more lanes going in one direction, the middle lane, or lanes, is
usually the smoothest. The left lane is for drivers who want to pass or turn left. The right lane is
used by drivers who go slower or who are entering or turning off the road.
If a road has only two lanes in one direction, the right lane generally has the smoothest traffic
flow. However, some roads have special left turn lanes at intersections. This helps keep traffic
moving smoothly in both directions.
Lanes for Passing: In general, you should pass on the left. Passing on the right can be dangerous
because other drivers don't expect it. Cars on the right side are also more difficult for other
drivers to see.
• Never pass a vehicle by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the
roadway.
• Never pass a vehicle using a lane designated by an official sign or traffic control device
that limits the use of the center lane to turning only.
Never pass another motor vehicle on the right side except:
• When the car you are passing is making a left turn and there is room for two or more
lanes to move in the same direction.
• When the car you are passing is in the left lane on a street or highway with two or more
marked lanes for traffic to move in the same direction.
Lane Restrictions
On any section of the Maine Turnpike or Interstate-95 that consists of three lanes in either
direction, trucks, including truck tractors, but excluding pickup trucks may only operate in the
two farthest right-hand lanes.
Lanes for Turning: The safest way to turn is by crossing as few lanes of traffic as you can. Here
are two rules to help you:
Start from the lane closest to where you want to go. If you are turning left approach in the
lane closest to the center line, pull out toward the midpoint of the intersection and wait with
wheels straight, until it's clear to turn. Keep just left of the midpoint as you turn and turn into the
leftmost lane going in your direction. For right turns, start from the rightmost lane and keep as
close to the curb as possible throughout the turn.
6-10
When making: Left Turns
1. From two-way to two-way street.
2. From one-way to one-way street.
3. From divided to divided highway.
4. From two-way to one-way street
1.
2.
3.
4.
Right Turns
1. Cars
2. Larger Vehicles
1.
2.
Turn into the lane that is closest to the lane from which you came. When making a left turn,
turn into the leftmost lane going in your direction whether on a divided highway, 2- way or one-
way street. When making a right turn, turn into the rightmost lane going in your direction.
When making a left turn from a one-way street, you must set up close to the left curb or edge of
roadway. If you need to move into another lane, make the lane change only after you have
finished your turn and when traffic is clear.
Don't turn the wheels before you make the turn. If you are struck from behind, you may be
pushed forward into oncoming traffic.
6-11
If you have already started through an intersection you should keep going. If you have started to
make a turn you should follow through as last second changes can cause accidents. If you have
made a mistake, go on to the next intersection and work your way back to where you wanted to
go.
Sign and Road Markings
Many streets have signs that show what each of the lanes is to be used for:
Cars in left lane
must turn left.
Cars in right
lane must go
straight or turn
right.
Cars in left lane may turn left or go straight.
Cars in center lane must go straight. Cars in
right lane must turn right.
Solid white lines painted on the roadway separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction that
have different uses. They also discourage changing lanes. Broken white lines simply indicate
multiple lanes going in the same direction and they allow safe lane changes.
Crosswalks and Stop Lines
Crosswalks show where pedestrians may cross the road. At a stop sign or traffic signal, you must
stop behind the stop line or crosswalk. If crosswalks are not marked, then you must stop before
the intersection close enough to see approaching traffic. If there is a stop line before the
crosswalk, you must stop at the stop line.
Here are common crosswalk signs and markings.
Crosswalks
Crosswalks are special areas set aside for people to
cross the street. They are often marked with yellow or
white lines. There may be warning signs.
Most crosswalks are at intersections, but sometimes
they are in the middle of a block.
Be alert for school zones in the country as well as in
town. You must stop when the school crossing guard
directs you and remember to always yield the right-
of-way to any schoolchildren crossing the street.
Pedestrian Crossing / School
Zone
6-12
Stop Lines
Stop lines are usually
painted on the roadway at a
distance from an intersection to give pedestrians a walkway in front of stopped cars. Stop your
car before the painted stop lines.
When turning a corner, watch for people who are about to cross the street. Remember, if you
have a green light, the light may also be green for them. You must yield to pedestrians in a
crosswalk, marked or unmarked.
A person who is blind or visually impaired may use a white cane as a means for safe and
independent travel. This person may also be led by a guide dog. In either case, this person always
has the right of way. If you see anyone in the roadway with a white cane or guide dog, stop at
least 10 feet away and wait until the person is out of danger. An operator who fails to yield the
right-of-way to a visually impaired pedestrian is liable for a traffic infraction with a minimum
$50 and maximum $1,000 fine.
Other Lane Controls
Shared Center Left Turn Lane
On many streets where it is hard to make a left turn safely, there
is a shared left turn lane located in the middle of the roadway.
When using a shared left turn lane check your mirrors and for
vehicles ahead, signal left and check your left blind spot. Steer
smoothly into the shared left turn lane, when traffic is clear,
make your left turn.
Reversible Lanes
A reversible lane may be used during rush hours. The lanes may have
double dashed yellow lines to either side. Signals above the lanes show
which lane is safe to travel. Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic
in one direction at certain times and in the opposite direction at other
times. Before entering the lane, check to see which lanes can be used at
that time. A green arrow means you can use the lane. A red X means you
cannot use the lane.
6-13
Section 6 practice questions:
1. At a four way stop, who has the right of way?
2. What does a red line through a red circle mean?
3. What is the difference between a solid white line on the roadway and a broken
one?
4. When about to move into a shared left turn lane are you required to check the
blind spot area before moving into the lane?
5. When approaching an intersection that has a stop line and/or a crosswalk where
should you stop?
6. When making a turn onto a roadway with multiple lanes going in your direction
which lane should you initially turn into?
7-1
SECTION 7
General Driving
Turning
When turning:
• Check for traffic controls, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Signal your turn.
• Enter the closest lane in the direction you want to go.
• Look as far as you can through the turn.
• Accelerate smoothly and make sure your signal
cancels.
Right turns
• Do not swing wide to the left before a right turn.
• Always turn right from the rightmost portion of your
lane.
Left turns
• Yield to oncoming traffic.
• Always turn left from the leftmost portion of your
lane.
Multiple left or right turn lanes
• Enter the same lane from which you are turning.
• Stay in that lane until the turn is finished.
•
Intersections
An intersection is any place where roads meet, so that one line of traffic meets or crosses
another. It includes:
• Cross streets and side streets,
• Freeway entrances,
• Driveway and shopping center entrances.
Here are some of the rules to follow anytime you approach an intersection.
7-2
Make sure you look both ways, even when you cross a one-way street
(Someone might be going the wrong way).
At all intersections slow down and search for:
•
traffic controls,
•
oncoming traffic and cross traffic,
•
pedestrians and bicyclists,
•
road conditions, and
•
objects that block your view.
Do not rely on others to obey traffic signals or signs. At an intersection, look left and right, even
if other traffic has a red light or stop sign because someone may run either one. They may not
yield the right of way when required so be prepared to do so to avoid a crash.
Before moving after a stop, check for traffic and bicyclists. Look left, then right, then left again
before you enter the intersection. When a light turns green, make sure your path of travel is clear
and there is no cross traffic.
Never think that another driver will give you any extra space. Do not turn into a lane just because
an oncoming vehicle has a turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn after they pass you or they
may have forgotten to turn their signal off.
Make sure you have a good view. If your view
of a cross street is blocked by buildings, trees, a
fence or a row of parked cars, edge forward
slowly until you can see.
Don't start to turn yet! Wait until traffic
clears.
If a line of cars in one lane is blocking your view of another lane, wait until the cars pass. If you
try to look by edging the front of your car into the other lane, you may get hit.
Traffic Circles and Roundabouts
A traffic circle is a circular intersection. Traffic circles or roundabouts are sometimes built at
intersections of heavily traveled streets and roads. All vehicles approaching traffic circles or
roundabouts must yield the right- of-way to vehicles already in the circle or roundabout unless
otherwise directed by a police officer or by traffic control devices. Enter a roundabout by
proceeding to the right around the raised center island (counterclockwise). Raised pavement on
the inside of the circle enables trucks to negotiate around the small island, while vehicles stay in
the outer travel lane. At large traffic circles, called rotaries, vehicles also proceed to the right or
7-3
counterclockwise around the center island at a slow rate of speed until the street desired is
approached. Drivers must yield the right-of- way to a vehicle on the operator's left. Exit from the
circle or roundabout is then made by making a right turn. Extreme caution should be used when
entering and leaving traffic circles or roundabouts and strict attention to highway signs and
pavement markings is necessary.
If you are going to be turning from a rotary circle within two exits, it is suggested that you
should be in the right most lane (This applies unless otherwise indicated by road markings on
pavement or traffic signs specifying the lane to be used. When using traffic circles:
● Slow down to enter the circle. This sign warns you that there is a traffic circle ahead.
• Yield to the traffic in the circle.
• Enter a traffic circle to the right and follow the lane lines.
• Signal your exit.
Changing Lanes
When changing lanes:
• Check your mirrors.
• Check your “blind spot” by turning your head and looking over your shoulder in the
direction you plan to move. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle caused by
headrests and door pillars that block your vision. Blind spots are also areas that are not
covered by your mirrors.
• Whenever you change lanes, give the correct signal and look over your shoulder in the
direction you are about to move to make sure you do not get in the way of a vehicle that
is already there. Never rely solely on your rearview mirrors when making a lane
change.
• Find a gap in traffic, signal, and then look again before changing lanes. Adjust speed and
move into the other lane. Cancel your turn signal after completing a lane change.
7-4
Changing lanes includes:
• Changing lanes from one lane to another on a roadway,
• Entering a freeway or a highway from an entrance lane,
• Entering the roadway from the curb or shoulder of the road.
Here are some important things to do when you check for traffic behind you:
• Glance in the rearview and side mirrors. Make sure that nobody is preparing to pass you.
• Look over your left or right shoulder. Look towards the side you will be moving. Be sure
no one is near the left (or right) rear corner of your car. These areas are called "blind
spots" because your mirrors do not cover these areas. You must turn your head and look.
• Be alert for motorcycles or bicycles.
• Check quickly. Do not take your eyes off the road ahead for more than an instant. The
vehicle ahead of you could stop suddenly while you are checking behind.
• No matter what kind of car you have, or how well you adjust your mirrors, there are still
blind spots so never rely solely on your mirrors. It is the car you don't see that is the most
dangerous.
• Check all lanes. Someone in another lane may plan to move into the same spot you do.
• Always signal what you intend to do at least 100 feet before making a change.
Expressway driving
Entering a Multi-lane Highway
While expressway driving involves the same basic skills as driving on a secondary road, the
increase in speed makes caution even more crucial. The severity of an accident increases
dramatically at higher speeds!
• Communicate by using your left turn signal.
• Most expressways are reached by an entrance ramp and an acceleration lane. The
acceleration lane, which varies in length, enables you to get up to the speed of traffic
before merging into the regular lanes.
• Find a gap in traffic and merge left. Before merging, use your rear-view mirror and look
over your shoulder to ensure that the way is clear.
• Cancel your turn signal once entry is complete.
Some entrances to some expressways do not have acceleration lanes. In this case you
should stop before entering, wait for a break in the traffic and then speed up and merge.
7-5
Proceed carefully as cars which are already on the expressway are traveling very fast and
do not have to yield to you. Do not impede the flow of traffic by pulling into the lane
before you have built up enough speed.
Expressway passing
You should always be in the right-hand lane unless you are passing. Do not pass on the right or
pass on the shoulder of the roadway.
Sudden movements at high speeds are very dangerous. Use your mirrors and check over your
shoulder to make sure that the way is clear before passing. Mirrors alone are not sufficient due to
"blind spots". If a car is directly behind you in an adjacent lane, it will not be visible in the side
mirrors. Always notify other vehicles of your intent to pass by using the appropriate blinker.
Safe passing depends on cooperation between drivers. Don't speed up when being passed. Pass
as quickly and safely as possible. Do not stay alongside another vehicle any longer than you
must. Don't cut in too soon after passing someone. Make sure you can see the entire passed
vehicle in your rearview mirror before moving back to the right lane. Never cruise along in the
blind spot of the vehicle next to you.
Exiting a Multi-lane Highway
Get into the right-hand lane well before reaching the exit. Signal your intent to exit. Don't slow
down on the main expressway, rather, start slowing down as soon as you enter the deceleration
lane and continue slowing at the beginning of the exit ramp. Slow down to the posted speed on
the ramp or you may have difficulty getting around sharp curves. Make sure your signal cancels.
Stopping on an expressway
Never stop on an expressway unless it is an emergency. If an emergency should occur, use the
proper signal, and pull off the pavement as far as the shoulder permits. Raise your hood to signal
your need for assistance. Under no circumstance should you ever back up, walk or stand on the
traveled portion of the expressway.
7-6
Expressway Hypnosis
Traveling for long distances on straight roads may make you drowsy or unaware of what is
happening around you. This is an extremely dangerous situation; concentration is vitally
important whenever you are behind the wheel. Make every effort to stay alert on the highway:
1. Keep the interior of the car cool.
2. Constantly scan the road ahead of you.
3. Talk to your companion or listen to music.
4. Vary your speed slightly from time to time.
At the first sign of drowsiness you must act and don't try to fight it. Pull over at the nearest rest
stop or service area and either walk around and stretch, take a nap, or if possible, change drivers.
Don't depend on stay-awake drugs which are likely to make your driving even more hazardous.
Passing (non expressway):
Space to Pass
Whenever you pass another car on a two-lane road you must enter a lane that belongs to
oncoming cars. Therefore, it's important to watch for other vehicles. Signal, and then pass when
the way is clear.
At highway speeds of 50 to 55 mph, you need from 10 to 12 seconds to complete a pass safely.
You must judge whether or not you have enough room to pass whenever you approach (1) an
oncoming car, (2) a hill or a curve, (3) an intersection, or (4) a roadway obstruction.
To pass:
• Check for oncoming traffic.
• Check your mirrors and check over your shoulder for vehicles following or passing you.
• Signal.
• Steer into the passing (left) lane.
• Adjust speed.
• Wait until you can see the entire passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
• Signal and check over your shoulder before returning to the right lane.
• Steer into the right lane, adjust your speed and cancel your turn signal.
7-7
When being passed:
• Stay in your lane.
• Hold a steady speed to allow the pass to occur.
If the passing vehicle changes their mind, and decides to drop back behind you, you may
need to speed up before an oncoming vehicle arrives.
Never pass:
• If there is an oncoming vehicle. At highway speeds you will
travel over 800 feet in 10 to 12 seconds. So will an
oncoming car. That means you need over 1600 feet or about
one-third of a mile to pass safely (use your odometer to get
to know what this distance looks like). It is hard to judge the
speed of oncoming cars or motorcycles one-third of a mile
away. They don't seem to be coming as fast as they really
are. A car far enough away seems to be standing still. In fact, it may be too close for you
start a pass.
• If your view is blocked by a curve or hill. Any time your view is blocked by a curve or a
hill, you should assume that there is an oncoming car just out of sight. Therefore, you
should treat a curve or a hill as you do an oncoming car. This means you should not start
to pass if you are within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.
• At intersections. Do not pass where someone is likely to enter or cross the road. Passing
is dangerous at intersections, crossroads, and shopping center entrances. While you are
passing, your view of people and cars is blocked by the car you are passing.
• When approaching a railroad crossing or bridge
Lane Restrictions. Before you pass, look ahead for road conditions and traffic that may cause
other road users to move over into your lane. You might lose your space for passing due to:
• People or bikers near the road,
• A narrow bridge,
• A patch of ice, broken pavement, or something on the road.
Space to Return. Don't pull out to pass unless you know you have enough space to return. Don't
count on having enough time to pass several cars at once. And don't count on other drivers to
make room for your return.
7-8
Signs and Markings. Yellow road markings divide lanes of
traffic going in opposite directions. Many roads have lane
markings that tell when you cannot see far enough to pass.
Maine law requires that you complete a pass before you reach
the beginning of a no passing zone.
You may pass if there is a broken center line on your side of the
road. Pass only if there are no oncoming cars in the passing
lanes.
Lane markings and signs can tell you when it is unsafe to pass. Only you can tell when it is safe
to pass.
You may not pass where a yellow pennant NO PASSING
ZONE sign appears on the left of the road or a rectangular
white (regulatory) DO NOT PASS sign appears on the right
of the road.
When passing bicyclists, slow down and give them as much space as you can. Maine law
requires that there be at least three feet of space between the right side of your vehicle and the
bicycle as you pass.
Rules for School Buses
Where there are school buses, there are usually children. And children are likely to do the
unexpected.
It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing on school property, on any
undivided highway or parking area in Maine. If you are approaching a stopped school bus
from either direction, with its red lights flashing, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop
to the front or to the rear of the school bus and wait while children are getting on or off the bus.
You must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or until signaled by the school bus driver to
do so. Violations carry severe penalties.
You should not pass when there is
a solid center line on your side of
the road.
7-9
Multi-lane Divided Highway
You must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and/or stop arm extended. After the red
lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is no longer visible you may go ahead slowly while
watching for children. If the roadway has a solid divider between you and the bus, you do not
have to stop.
Parking
You must make sure that your vehicle is not a hazard when it is parked. When you park on a
public road, make sure you do not get in the way of traffic. You must park parallel to the road
except where angle parking lines are painted on the roadway. Leave at least two feet of space
between your car and vehicles parked in front or behind.
• Always park in a marked parking area.
• Move as far away from the driving lanes as possible. If there is a roadside shoulder, pull
as far onto it as you can. If there is a curb, park as close to it as you can (and no more
than 18 inches away)
7-10
• Make sure your car can't move. Set your parking brake and shift gears to park (first or
reverse in a manual shift car).
• If you are parked on a hill: Turn wheels so that if the car moves downhill the wheels will
be stopped by the curb. Or, if there is no curb, the wheels will turn the car off the road
(not into traffic). Turn the wheels to the right when parking downhill or uphill without a
curb. Turn the wheels to the left when parking uphill with a curb.
• Avoid traffic. Get out of your car on the curb side if you can. If you must use the street
side, check for traffic behind you, especially bicycles, before you open the door.
• Secure your car. Turn off the engine and remove the key when you leave a car. If the car
will be out of your sight you would be wise to lock it.
Some municipal ordinances do not allow you to park:
• In an area reserved for persons with disabilities unless you have a special parking permit
or plates for the disabled ($100 Fine). In addition, State law prohibits misuse of disability
plates and placards ($100 Fine).
• In a loading zone.
• Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
• Within 15 feet of a driveway entrance to a fire station or directly across from the
entrance.
• Within 15 feet of a crosswalk.
• At an entrance to a school, church, theater, hotel, hospital, or public place during hours
designated.
When is it acceptable to park in a disability parking spot with an access aisle?
A person parking in a disability parking spot, with an access aisle, will utilize the aisle to enter or
exit the vehicle. A disability plate or placard must be displayed.
• Used when the access aisle is needed to enter or exit the vehicle when using a platform
lift or other mobility device.
For additional information regarding the issuance of disability plates and disability parking
placards in the State of Maine, please contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (207) 624-9000,
extension 52149.
Misuse of an access aisle is considered a
traffic infraction and subject to a fine of not
less than $200.00.
Access Aisle
Parking in an access aisle is prohibited.
7-11
No-Parking Zones - Check for signs or painted curbs that may ban or limit
parking. Some no parking zones are indicated by colored curb markings.
Perpendicular and Angle Parking
•
When entering:
o Find a parking space and check traffic.
o Signal.
o Center your vehicle in the parking space.
o Move to the front of the space and stop.
•
When exiting:
o Check for traffic.
o Continue to check traffic and back up until your front bumper clears the vehicle
beside you.
o Turn the steering wheel sharply in the direction you want the rear of your vehicle
to move.
o When your vehicle clears the parking space stop. Shift to drive and move ahead.
Angle Parking Perpendicular Parking
Parallel Parking/Offset Backing
When entering:
• Find a parking space. Check for
traffic and signal.
• Pull up parallel to the vehicle you
will be parking behind. Stop even
with that vehicle but about 2 feet
away from it.
7-12
• When traffic is clear, shift to reverse and look to the rear.
• Turn wheels sharply right, look over your right shoulder and back slowly toward the car
behind.
• Continue backing until your front door passes the back bumper of the car ahead, quickly
straighten the wheels and continue to back straight.
• When clear of the car ahead, turn wheels sharply left and back slowly to car behind.
• Stop before touching the bumper of the vehicle behind you.
• Turn wheels sharply right and pull forward toward the center of the parking space.
• Straighten wheels unless you are on a hill. You should be about 6 inches from the curb
but not more than 18 inches away from the curb when done parking.
• Adjustments to this method, depending on the size of your vehicle, may be required but
practice is always the key.
When exiting an offset or parallel parking space:
• Check traffic and apply the brake. Shift to reverse and back up close to the vehicle parked
behind you.
• Check for traffic and signal. Shift to drive and move forward slowly. Steer out into the
roadway.
• Make sure that the front bumper of your vehicle will clear the vehicle ahead. If not, shift
to reverse and readjust.
• Move quickly into the traffic lane when the doorpost of your vehicle clears the rear
bumper of the vehicle ahead of you.
Starting from a Parking Place
If parked on the right-hand side of the road, after starting your vehicle, look over your left
shoulder (not through your rearview mirror only). When the way is clear give the appropriate
signal and pull slowly out into the street and into the correct lane as soon as possible. Do the
same from left curb, except look over your right shoulder as you enter the roadway.
Regardless of the type of street or position, always make sure that the lane which you are about
to enter is free of traffic for a safe distance.
7-13
Turning Around
Two-point Turnaround – A street, alley or driveway can be used to turn around
when you cannot drive around the block.
• Reverse Two-Point Turnaround – Check that there are no vehicles behind you.
Signal a right turn. Drive one car length past the driveway or alley, put your
right arm on the passenger seat, look back over your right shoulder and back
into the driveway. Shift to drive and check for traffic. When it is clear, signal
left, and then turn left into the proper lane and drive away.
• Forward Two-Point Turnaround – Check that there is no oncoming traffic and
signal a left turn. Move close to the center of the road and turn into the
driveway or alley. Turn as near as possible to the right side of the drive. Stop as
the rear of the vehicle clears the curb or edge of the driveway. Check for traffic,
signal a right turn and shift to reverse. When the path is clear, back up while
turning the steering wheel quickly all the way to the right. Straighten your
wheels and stop when you are centered in the lane. Shift to drive, cancel your
signal, and drive away.
Three-Point Turnaround – Use this only if the road is too narrow for a U-turn.
It’s best to go around the block if you can. This should only be used on a two-lane
road.
• Check the mirrors and signal a right turn. Stop on the right side of the road.
• Turn on your left turn signal, check traffic and check over your left shoulder. When traffic is
clear, turn hard left, drive to the other side of the road, and stop.
• Shift to reverse. Check traffic and check your blind spots to both sides. When traffic is clear,
turn hard right and back up to the other side of the road and stop.
• Shift to drive and turn on the left turn signal. Check traffic and blind spots. When traffic is
clear, turn hard left and drive forward into the right lane heading in the new direction. Check
again for traffic and cancel your turn signal.
7-14
Section 7 practice questions:
1. How should you proceed when approaching a traffic circle?
2. What procedures should you follow before attempting to pass another vehicle?
3. To change lanes safely while driving, what procedures should you follow?
4. Where is it dangerous to pass?
5. How do you determine whether or not there is enough room to pass a vehicle in front of
you?
6. True or False? When attempting to pass another vehicle you should always treat a hill or
curve as an oncoming vehicle?
7. Where is the driver's "blind spot" usually located?
8. True or False? When driving long distances on straight roads you should keep your
vehicle as warm as possible.
9. What procedures should you follow when entering an expressway?
8-1
SECTION 8
Managing Time and Space
Driving requires skills you can only gain through practice. This section covers critical skills for
safe driving.
Seeing what’s Critical
As you drive you must always be constantly aware of your surroundings. You must be aware of
what is ahead, to the sides and behind you. Have a search pattern for use every time you are
driving.
Continual searching helps you to see hazards early. It gives you time to change speed or
direction to avoid hazards. Stay alert, don’t stare, and keep your eyes moving as you search for
possible problems. Most of what you do while driving is a reaction to what you see.
Having Clear Windows and Mirrors
Prior sections have told you where to look. This section will tell you how to have a clear view
wherever you are looking.
By law, and for safety's sake, you must be able to see clearly through all windows, the
windshield, and all mirrors. To see clearly you should:
• Keep the windshield clean. Bright sun or headlights on a dirty windshield make it hard to
see. Carry a rag so that you can stop and clean your windshield when needed.
• Keep the washer fluid full. However, do not use washer fluid on a very cold day as the
mixture may freeze on the windshield.
• Smoking while driving causes a film to build up on the glass inside the car. Clean the
inside of the windows frequently if you smoke.
• Clear snow, ice, or frost from all windows and head and taillights before you start to
drive.
• Don't hang things from the mirror or clutter the windshield with decals. Anything in the
car that blocks a driver's vision is a violation of the law.
Wearing Glasses
If you wear glasses or contact lenses:
• If restricted, you must always wear them when you drive.
• Keep an extra pair of glasses in the car in case your regular glasses are broken or lost.
8-2
To be a good driver, you need to see well. Seeing well means:
Look ahead – Looking far ahead gives you time to plan your path.
The sooner you see a problem, the more reaction time you have.
How far you look down the road depends on where you are
driving. In cities and urban areas, you may not be able to see as far
ahead as on a highway. Don’t follow closely behind larger
vehicles as they will block your vision. Give yourself space so you
can see.
Suppose you are the driver looking through the windshield. You are approaching the end of the lane. If you don't change lanes
soon, you may have to make a sudden lane change, or stop and wait for traffic to clear.
To avoid last minute moves, you need to look far
enough ahead to see things early. One of the most
common mistakes drivers make is looking in front of
the car instead of up the road. An expert driver tries
to keep looking 20 to 30 seconds ahead.
Looking 20 to 30 seconds ahead also helps you to
control the car in another way. When you focus
attention ahead, it is easier to keep your car on a
steady path.
Taking in the Whole Scene/Look to the sides
Looking 20 to 30 seconds ahead doesn't mean looking at the middle of the road. It means taking
in the entire scene which includes the sides of the road as well. Scanning the roadside helps you
to see:
• Vehicles and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them.
• Signs warning of conditions ahead.
• Signs giving you information about places ahead and how to reach them.
• Animals. Many cars strike deer, especially in October and November. If you see a deer,
sound the horn, and look for other deer following.
If you look ahead, you will be able to see important things that you may not see later, such as
someone getting into a parked car. The car door might open again, or the car might suddenly
move into your lane.
8-3
Roadside Areas
Whenever there is a lot of activity along the side of the road, there is a good chance that someone
will cross or enter. Therefore, it is very important to look to the sides when you are near:
• Shopping centers and parking lots,
• Construction areas,
• Busy sidewalks,
• Playgrounds, schoolyards, and parks,
• Lawn and garage sales.
A 5-sided sign means you are in a school zone and
must slow to 15 mph during recess, or when children
are going to or leaving school, during school opening
or closing hours (½ hour before the start of the school
day to ½ hour after the end of the school day), or when
school speed limit signs are flashing during school
opening or closing hours.
School Crossing
Railroad Crossings
Look both ways as you approach a railroad crossing.
• Be alert for buses, school buses, tank trucks, etc. that must stop at all railroad crossings.
• If you must stop in heavy traffic, stop before the tracks - not on them.
• Slow down and look both ways, even if the warning sign is not flashing as it may not be
working.
• If red lights are flashing, stop at least 15 feet from the crossing and wait until they go out
or until you see that the way is clear in both directions. Do not drive around any railroad
crossing gate or barrier.
• If you are stopped at a railroad crossing where there is more than one set of tracks, don't
start as soon as a train goes by. Wait until you have a clear view down the track in both
directions before you start across. Another train could be coming from the other
direction.
• Don't shift a manual transmission while crossing the railroad tracks. Being in gear gives
you better control on the uneven surface.
Tracks marked "Exempt" are not used often but may be in use. Check all tracks
regardless of these signs.
Look behind – You must be aware of traffic behind you. Check behind you when changing
lanes, slowing down, or stopping. Check before you enter an intersection. Check your mirror
often for traffic behind you - every 6 to 8 seconds. This way you will know if someone is
following too closely or coming up too fast which gives you time to alter your speed or path if
necessary. Additionally, you will know the cushion of space you have to the rear at all times.
8-4
You need to look behind you whenever you slow down quickly, back up, or drive down a long or
steep hill.
When You Slow Down Suddenly
Look in the mirrors quickly before you slow down or stop. It is very important to do this
when you slow down suddenly.
Here are some situations when you need to check behind before slowing:
• When you slow down for something in the road ahead that the driver behind you cannot
see (for example, you come around a corner and see a car stalled in the middle of the
road).
• When you are preparing to turn into a side road or driveway. (When the turn is just before
a large intersection, a driver behind will not expect you to slow down where you do and
may be too close behind)
• When you are stopping to pull into a parking space.
• When you are slowing or stopping for pedestrians.
Allowing a Space Cushion for Problem Drivers
There are certain people you should give a lot of room to while driving. If you are alert you will
learn to spot them as you drive.
Drivers who cannot see you.
Someone who cannot see you may enter your path
without knowing you are there. People who have
trouble seeing you might include:
• Drivers at intersections, or driveways, whose view is blocked by buildings, trees, or other
cars.
• Drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces.
• Drivers whose windows are covered with snow or ice.
People who are distracted. Even when others can see
you, allow extra room if you think they may be
distracted. People who may be distracted include:
Delivery men and women.
Construction workers.
Children who often run into the street without looking.
8-5
People who may be confused. A person who is confused is very likely to make a move without
looking. People who may be confused include:
• Tourists, often at complicated intersections.
This tourist may be confused by the sign and may change lanes suddenly. Be prepared to react.
Drivers who slow down for what seems to be unknown reasons.
The driver has pulled into the exit lane and then braked suddenly. Be careful because the car may swing back into
your lane.
Drivers in trouble. If other drivers make a mistake, do what you can to help them out. Drivers
who need help include:
• Drivers who pass as you approach a curve or an oncoming car. Slow down and let them
back in your lane.
• Drivers who may be forced into your lane by a car, pedestrian, bicyclist, obstruction in
the road, or narrowing of the roadway. Slow down and move to the right as much as you
can.
Managing Speed
Driving safely requires adjusting your speed for road and traffic conditions, keeping a safe
following distance, and obeying the speed limit. What is a safe speed? How fast is too fast? It all
depends on conditions.
When You Are Going Up a Long or Steep Hill
Check your mirrors. Drivers of trucks and buses often try to build up speed so that they can make
it to the top of the next hill. If you see them early, you can change lanes.
8-6
Adjusting for Road Conditions
Curves – Always slow before entering a curve. A safe speed allows you
to slightly accelerate through the curve. Slow more if traction is poor,
when following other vehicles or if you cannot see the end of the curve.
Hard braking in a curve can cause a skid because about two tons of
vehicle is moving in a straight line with only the front tires to control the
turn. If the curve is too sharp, or if you are going too fast, the tires can
lose their grip and cause a skid. Bad curves are usually posted with
yellow diamond shaped signs.
Sharp curve to the left.
Curve to the right
Slippery roads – Reduce speed at the first sign of rain, snow, sleet, or ice. When the roadway is
slippery, it will take longer to stop, and it will be harder to turn without skidding. If the road
ahead is slippery, it does not provide the grip your tires need to maintain control so on a slippery
road you must drive slower than you would on a dry road.
Here are some guidelines for how much to slow the car:
• Wet road: Slow down 5 to 10 mph.
• Packed snow: Slow down to half speed.
• Ice: Slow to a crawl.
Falling or drifting snow, wet leaves, or gravel on the road may make it slippery. Some road
surfaces are more slippery than others when wet.
These roads are usually posted with warning
signs:
You know it is important to slow down when the road is slippery. But you must watch out for
when slippery conditions develop such as:
• When it starts to rain, pavement can be very slippery for the first few minutes. Heat
causes oil in the asphalt to come to the surface. Also, oil may have dropped on the road
surface from other vehicles. Rain makes the road slippery until the oil is washed away.
8-7
• On cold, wet days, bridges and overpasses can hide spots of ice. Be aware that bridges
and overpasses tend to freeze first and dry out last.
• When the temperature is near freezing, road ice is wet (slushy) so is more slippery
than at colder temperatures.
Hydroplaning – At low speeds, most tires will wipe water from
a road surface. It is like the way a windshield wiper cleans water
off the window. As you go faster, your tires cannot wipe the road
as well. They start to ride up on a film of water, like water skis.
This is called "hydroplaning." In heavy rain, the tires can lose all contact with the road at high
speeds. Balding tires lose contact at much lower speeds. In that case, a slight change of direction
or a gust of wind could throw your car into a skid. The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to
be sure that your tires are in good condition and that you keep your speed down when the road is
wet.
Flooded Roadways – Do not drive through large bodies of standing water. If the
roadway is flooded, find another route.
Stopping Distance
Total stopping distance is the distance from the time you realize you must stop until your vehicle
is completely stopped. Several things affect stopping distance:
• Speed – the faster you are traveling, the more time and distance it takes to stop.
• Perception time – the time it takes you to recognize you must stop. The average
perception time for an alert driver is ¾ to 1 second.
• Your reaction time – the time it takes for you to react and move your foot from the gas to
the brake pedal and begin braking. The average driver has a reaction time of ¾ to 1
second.
• Braking distance – the distance it takes to stop your vehicle. At 50 mph on dry pavement
with good brakes, it can take about 158 feet. Adding perception time and reaction time
nearly doubles this distance.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are posted on many roads. These limits are based on the condition of the
road, how far you can see, and what typical traffic is like. Posted speed limits do not tell you at
what speed you must drive. They only say you cannot go faster than the speed shown. If road and
weather conditions make the posted speed unsafe, you must slow down.
Maximum speeds in Maine, unless posted otherwise, are:
• 45 Miles per hour outside any business or residential or built-up area of Maine.
• 25 Miles per hour in a business district, residential district, or built-up area of the state.
• 15 Miles per hour when passing a school during recess, or when children are going to or
from school during the school's opening or closing hours. It is difficult to know just when
8-8
these periods are so when in doubt, use extreme care. A fine twice that of the usual fine is
imposed for exceeding the posted speed limit in a school zone.
Traffic experts have studied road conditions, traffic, and accidents on the road to decide on a
reasonable speed limit. It is illegal to exceed the posted speed limit. Racing on the highway and
driving recklessly are not allowed. Maine law also says you must not drive so slowly that you
interfere with the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except where reduced speed is
necessary for safety. Some highways may have minimum posted speed limits.
What is the Road Surface Like?
The only contact your car has with the road is through the tires. And, at any time, the four tires
together have only one square foot of rubber on the surface of the road. How good a grip this one
square foot provides depends on the condition of the road and the tires. Many new drivers do not
pay attention to road conditions. That is why new drivers have more "out of control" accidents
than experienced drivers. (Also check the tread of the tires. Replace tires before they get too
worn for safety.)
How Well Can You See?
If something is in your path, you need to see it in time to be able to stop. Assuming you have
good tires, good brakes, and dry pavement conditions the following chart should help to
determine how far ahead you should see to drive safely when traveling at certain speeds.
STOPPING DISTANCE AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS
On Dry Level Pavement
M.P.H.
Reaction Time
Distance (feet)
Braking distance
(feet)
Total Stopping
Distance (feet)
Total Stopping Distance in
Approximate Vehicle Lengths
(Vehicle Length = 16 ft.)
10
11
9
20
1
20
22
23
45
3
30
33
45
78
5
40
44
81
125
8
50
55
133
188
13
60
66
206
272
18
70
77
304
381
25
Some Things Keep You from Seeing:
• Darkness. You must be closer to an object to see it at night than during the day. Never
drive so fast that you cannot stop within the distance you can see ahead with your lights.
Headlights will let you see clearly only about 250 feet ahead. Therefore, if you drive
faster than about 50 mph on a dark road, you are really "driving blind."
• Rain, Fog, or Snow. In a very heavy rain, a snowstorm or thick fog, you may not be able
to properly see, even when you drive slowly. If this happens, pull off the road and wait
until the conditions improve.
8-9
• Intersections. Trees, bushes, or buildings at intersections can block your view of cars
coming from the side. You need to approach a "blind" intersection slowly enough to be
able to stop if a car pulls out suddenly.
• Hills and Curves. You never know what's on the other side of a steep hill or a sharp
curve. If a stalled car is there you must be going slowly enough to stop. When you come
to a steep hill or curve, slow down so that you can stop if needed.
• Parked Cars. Cars parked along the side of the road block your view. People may be
ready to get out of a car or walk out from between parked cars. Give parked cars plenty
of room and be prepared to stop.
How Much Traffic is there?
When there are lots of cars there is less driving space; therefore, you have less time and space to
react. In heavy traffic you need to reduce your speed to have time to react within the shorter
space and timeframe.
Some of the places where you need to reduce speed are:
• Shopping centers, parking lots, and downtown areas. They are packed with cars and
people moving in different directions at the same time.
• In heavy traffic.
• Narrow bridges and tunnels. Cars approaching each other are forced closer together.
• Toll plazas. Cars are changing lanes as they approach and leave the plazas.
• Schools, playgrounds, and residential streets.
How Fast Is Traffic Moving?
Cars moving in the same lane at the same speed cannot hit one another. Accidents tend to happen
when one driver is going faster or slower than other cars on the road.
Driving in traffic: If you are going faster than traffic (even if you are keeping within the posted
speed limit), you must keep passing other cars. Each time you pass another car there is more of a
chance for a collision. The car you are passing may change lanes suddenly. On a two-lane road
an oncoming car may appear suddenly. True, it may not be a big chance, but if you are passing
one car after another, the chances begin to add up. Also, speeding does not save more than a few
minutes out of an hour's drive time.
Going slower than other cars or stopping suddenly can be just as bad as speeding. Cars bunch up
behind you and could cause a rear-end crash. If many cars are pulling out to pass you, even
though you are driving at the posted speed, you could slow up a bit or pull over to the right side
so you can be passed safely.
Entering traffic: You need skill and caution to enter a freeway safely from an access lane, and
merge smoothly with the fast-moving traffic. Look for a gap, then increase speed in the entrance
lane and enter the gap at highway speed.
Leaving traffic: On an expressway, do not slow down until you move into the exit lane. When
you turn off a road at an intersection or driveway, try not to slow too early or go too slowly
8-10
(below 5 to 10 mph). Slowing way down or stopping will increase your chances of being hit
from behind.
Reacting to slow-moving traffic: Some vehicles have trouble keeping up with the speed of
traffic. When you see these vehicles ahead, adjust your speed before you reach them. Slowing
suddenly is one cause of traffic accidents. Watch for large trucks and small cars as these vehicles
may lose speed on long or steep hills and, when entering traffic, they take longer to get up to
speed.
Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts and roadway maintenance vehicles usually go 25 mph
or less. These vehicles have a red edged orange triangle (slow-moving vehicle sign)
posted on the back of their vehicle.
Warning Signs
There are many signs that warn you of danger ahead. If you see these signs, you should reduce
your speed. Then you will have time to react if there is trouble.
Warning signs are almost always yellow and shaped like a diamond. Here are some of the most
common ones:
1. There is a traffic signal ahead.
2. There is another lane of traffic on the right merging with your lane ahead.
3. There is two-way traffic.
4. The divided highway ends ahead.
5. The divided highway begins ahead.
6. There is a place ahead where deer often cross the road.
7. The right lane ends ahead (merge left).
8. Bicycles or bicycle crossing ahead, pay extra attention.
9. There is an intersection ahead.
10. There is a stop sign ahead.
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Managing Space
The more space you allow between your vehicle and other roadway users, the more time you give
yourself to react. This is called a space cushion. Always try to maintain a safe space cushion around
your vehicle.
Maintaining a Safe Cushion
When a driver makes a mistake, other drivers need time to react. The only way you can be sure
you will have enough time to react is by leaving plenty of space between your car and the cars
around you. That space becomes a "space cushion" which protects you from others. In general,
you should try to keep a cushion of space on all sides of your motor vehicle which should
properly consider the existing speed and road conditions.
Space in Front
Following too closely limits your view of the road. It does not allow enough reaction time to
avoid a collision. Keep at least 4 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front.
To determine your following distance:
• Watch when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole, or any other fixed point.
• Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same point (“One-thousand-one, one-
thousand-two, one-thousand-three, one-thousand-four”).
• You are following too close if you pass that point before counting 4 seconds.
• Slow down and check your new following distance. Repeat until you are following no
closer than four seconds.
In some situations, you should allow an extra cushion. A four plus second following distance
may be needed during adverse conditions.
Always increase your following distance:
• On slick roads. On slippery roads. If the car ahead should slow or stop, you will need
more distance to stop your car.
• When following motorcycles or bicycles. If the cyclist should fall, you will need extra
distance to avoid striking the rider. The chances of a fall are greatest on wet or icy roads,
metal surfaces (such as bridge gratings or railroad tracks), or on gravel.
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• When the driver behind you wants to pass, slow a bit while they pass to assist the passing
driver.
• When following large vehicles or vehicles pulling a trailer whose view to the rear may be
blocked. The drivers of trucks, buses, vans, or cars pulling campers or trailers can't see
you very well if you are too close. They could slow down suddenly without knowing you
are behind them.
• When following trucks, tractor-trailers and buses, there are several things you should
keep in mind:
o Don't follow so closely that their drivers can't see you in their rearview mirrors or
your view of the road ahead is blocked.
o Trucks and buses often make wide turns, leaving an open space to their right in
the process. Don't pass such vehicles on the right if there is a chance that they are
making a right-hand turn.
o Large vehicles gain a substantial amount of momentum when going downhill and
often lose speed when climbing a hill. Take these factors into consideration when
deciding whether to pass a large vehicle.
o Leave space in front of you when stopped behind a truck or bus at an intersection,
especially on a hill, in case the vehicle rolls back a bit before starting forward.
• At night, in fog, or in bad weather.
• When following vehicles that stop at railroad crossings, like transit buses, school buses or
vehicles carrying dangerous materials. School buses and tank trucks carrying flammable
liquids must stop at all railroad crossings so expect the stops and slow down early to
allow plenty of room for stopping.
• When you have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer, the extra weight increases your
braking distance.
• When speeds are high.
• You should also allow a space cushion when you are stopped on a hill. The vehicle ahead
may roll back when it starts up.
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Space to the Side
You need a space cushion to the side to have room to react to sudden moves toward your lane by
other cars. A space cushion on the sides of your vehicle allows you to move right or left.
• Don’t drive alongside other vehicles on multi-lane streets as you may be in their blind
spot. Driving alongside reduces the space you may need to avoid a collision if someone
crowds your lane or tries to suddenly change lanes. Either pull ahead of the other vehicle
or drop back.
• Don’t crowd the center line. Keep as much space as you can between you and oncoming
traffic. Keep right except to pass. When you are in the lane next to the center line, there is
no space for escape. And an oncoming vehicle could swerve across the center line or turn
left without signaling.
• Make space for vehicles entering multi-lane roads by moving over a lane or slowing
down.
• At freeway exits, don't drive alongside other cars. A driver on the freeway to your left
may exit suddenly or a driver exiting may suddenly swerve back onto the freeway.
• Keep a space between yourself and parked cars. Someone may step out of a car, from
between parked cars or a car may start to pull out of their parking space suddenly.
• Give more space to pedestrians, children, and bicyclists.
• When you are passed by a tractor-trailer, move to the right side of your lane. Give
yourself space from the tractor-trailer as it passes.
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Space Behind Affects Your Following Distance
Give yourself extra following distance before reducing speed or turning. The driver behind you
has more control over the space behind you than you do. However, you can help by maintaining
a steady speed and signaling in advance when you plan to slow down or turn.
If you are being followed too closely and there is a lane to your right, move over to encourage
the other driver to pass. If there is no right lane, wait until the way ahead is clear, then reduce
speed slowly to encourage the tailgater to pass.
Splitting the Difference
Sometimes there will be dangers on both sides of the
road. There may be parked cars to the right and
oncoming cars to the left. In this case, steer a middle
course between the oncoming cars and the parked cars.
Split the difference.
Taking Dangers One at a Time
Sometimes you have two dangers to deal with at the same time. Suppose there is an oncoming
car to the left and a bicyclist to the right. Instead of driving between the car and the bike, take
them one at a time. Slow down, let the car pass, and then move to the left to allow plenty of room
(three feet) as you pass the bicyclist.
Don't pass yet. Wait until the approaching car passes the
bicycle.
Then pull out and pass the bicycle.
Sharing Space with Other Road Users
When you are in moving traffic, you can control the speed and position of the motor vehicle to
keep a space cushion around you. When you approach a line of traffic, however, you must share
space with vehicles already there. One of the biggest problems drivers have is judging how much
space they are going to need.
Learn to judge how much space you must have to merge with traffic, to cross or enter traffic and
to pass other motor vehicles. Remember, when you make any of these movements you must
yield the right of way to the other cars. It is your responsibility to allow enough space to keep
from interfering with existing traffic.
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Space to Merge
Anytime you merge with other traffic, you need a gap of four seconds to merge safely. That will
give both you and the car behind you a safe following distance. You need a four-second gap
whenever you change lanes or enter a freeway from an entrance lane or merge with another road.
• Don't try to squeeze into a gap that is too small. Leave yourself a big enough space
cushion.
• If you must cross several lanes, change lanes one at a time. If you stop to wait until all
lanes are clear, you will tie up traffic and may cause a collision.
Space to Cross or Enter
Whenever you cross or enter traffic from a complete stop, you will need large gaps. To get
moving from a full stop, you need a gap that is:
• About a half a block on city streets,
• About a full block on the highway.
To enter a lane of existing traffic, you need a little more time to complete your turn and to get up
to the speed of the other cars. You need a gap that is:
• About two-thirds of a block in the city,
• About two blocks on the highway.
When you cross traffic, you need enough room to get all the way across.
• Stopping halfway across is only safe when there is a median divider large enough to hold
your car.
• If you are crossing or turning, make sure there are no cars or people blocking the path
ahead or the path to the side. You don't want to be caught in an intersection with traffic
bearing down on you.
• Even if you have the green light, don't start across if there are cars blocking your way. If
you are caught in the intersection when the light changes, you will block traffic.
• Never assume another driver will share space with you. Don't turn just because an
approaching car has a turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn just beyond you. Or
their signal may have been left on from an earlier turn. This is likely to happen with
motorcycles because their signals aren’t always self-cancelling. Wait until the other
driver starts to turn before making your move.
Communicating
Accidents often happen because one driver doesn't see another driver. Or when one driver does
something the other driver doesn't expect. Drivers must let others know where they are and what
they plan to do by communicating. Communicating in a vehicle is done in various ways that
include:
Attract attention
Use headlights – Turning on your headlights helps other roadway users see you. Besides helping
you to see at night, headlights help other people see you in the daytime as well. Especially:
8-16
• In rain, snow, or fog. On rainy, snowy, or foggy days, it's sometimes very hard for other
people to see your car. On gray days, cars seem to blend into the surroundings. By Maine
law whenever visibility is too dim for you to see 1000 feet ahead or at any time when
windshield wipers are in constant use you must turn on the headlights
• When it begins to get dark. If you turn on the headlights a little early-when it begins to
get dark-you will help other drivers to see you. By Maine law you must have headlights
on when driving anytime from sunset to sunrise.
• When driving away from a rising or setting sun.
• Whenever you are moving and lights are necessary, use your headlights.
• It is not a good driving practice to operate a motor vehicle with only the parking lights
on.
• Turn on the headlights whenever you have trouble seeing other cars. If you can't see
them, they can't see you.
• Motorcyclists are always required to have their headlights on when operating a
motorcycle on Maine roadways.
Seeing Well at Night
It is harder to see things at night, due to darkness, than during the daytime. But you can do some
things to improve your nighttime visibility:
• Use the high beams whenever possible. High beams let you see twice as far as low
beams. Be sure to use high beams on unfamiliar roads, in construction areas, or where
there may be people along the side of the road.
• When a vehicle equipped with multiple beam road lights approaches an oncoming vehicle
within 500 feet or follows a vehicle within 300 feet, the operator shall dim the headlights
or switch to a low beam and shall turn off a fog auxiliary light.
• Use low beams in fog, snow, or heavy rain as light from your own high beams will reflect
back on you from such precipitation and cause a glare that will affect your vision.
If a vehicle comes toward you with high
beams on, and fails to dim the lights, slow
down and look toward the right side of the
road. This will keep you from being blinded
by the other car’s headlights. You should also
be able to see enough of the edge of the lane
to stay on the roadway until the car passes.
Do not try to "get back" at the other driver by
keeping your bright lights on. If you do, both
drivers will be blinded.
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Use your horn – People cannot see you unless they are looking in your direction. The horn
can be used to get their attention. Use it whenever it will help prevent an accident. Horns
can be misused. You should not use the horn without cause or just to make an
unreasonably loud noise. Tap the horn lightly; well in advance, to inform others that you
are there. Try to avoid using the horn when near bicyclists or horses because the riders or
horse may become startled, lose control, and veer out into the roadway. But if danger is
near, don't be afraid to sound a sharp blast. Give your horn a light tap when:
• Pedestrians or bicyclists appear to be moving into your lane of travel
• Passing a driver who starts to turn into your lane
• A driver is not paying attention or may have trouble seeing you
Not using your horn – Use your horn only when you need to signal other road users not just to
scare others.
Signal
Always signal before you turn or slow down.
Signal in advance – Give others time to react.
Signal when changing lanes, turning or when
merging into traffic. Be sure to cancel your
signal afterwards. When making a turn that is
beyond a side street, do not put your turn
signal on until after passing the side street.
Signal when reducing speed - Brake lights let others know that you are slowing down. Tap your
brake pedal when:
• Turning off a road that does not have a separate turn or exit lane.
• Parking or turning before an intersection.
Signaling Change of Direction
Other drivers expect you to keep driving in the same direction. If you are going to change
direction let others know by signaling with the blinkers or by hand. Timely signals give other
drivers time to react.
Always signal before you:
• Change lanes,
• Turn at an intersection
• Enter or leave a freeway
• Enter or exit a parking lot
• Turn into a driveway
8-18
It is a good idea to also signal before you:
• Pull away from the curb or pull over to the side of the road to stop
If you do not signal, other drivers will not know what you plan to do. To make sure others do
know:
• Make it a habit to signal every time you change direction. Signal even when you don't see
anyone around. The car you don't see is the most dangerous.
• Signal as early as you can-at least 100 feet before any change or turn.
• Use hand signals if the turn signals are not working.
• If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, signal after that intersection. If you signal
before the intersection, another driver might get the wrong idea at that intersection and
pull into your path.
• After you have made a turn or lane change, make sure the signal cancels.
Hand Signals
Left turn
Right turn
Slowing or stopping
Using Emergency Signals
If your car breaks down on the highway, make sure that other drivers can see it. Some accidents
occur because a driver didn't see a stalled car until it was too late to avoid hitting it.
If you are having car trouble and must stop along the side of the road:
• If possible, pull all the way off the road so you are well out of traffic.
• Turn on your emergency flashers.
• If your car doesn't have flashers, use the proper turn signal.
• Lift the hood to signal an emergency.
• If you cannot get completely off the roadway, try to stop where people have a clear view
of you.
• Try not to stop just over a hill or around a curve.
• Give other drivers plenty of warning. If you have emergency flares place them at least
100 feet behind the car (Large vehicles must place 3 emergency devices in specified
places). This allows other drivers to change lanes if they need to.
• If you don't have emergency flares, stand by the side of the road, and wave traffic around.
Use a cloth or a flag if you have it. Stay off the roadway. Don't even change a tire if it
means you must stand in a traffic lane.
8-19
Keeping Your Car Where It Can Be Seen
• Drive where your car can be seen. Do not drive in another driver's blind spot.
• Try to avoid driving on either side and slightly to the rear of another vehicle for a long
period of time. Either speed up or drop back to clear that lane and so you can be seen.
• When passing another vehicle, get through the other driver's blind spot as quickly as you
can.
Section 8 practice questions:
1. Good drivers try to see ahead for at least how many seconds?
2. You are at a stop sign. A car approaches from the left which has its directional signal
flashing indicating a right turn into the road you are about to leave. Is it safe to assume
that this vehicle will make the turn?
3. True or False? You should use your low beams in fog, snow, or heavy rain.
4. What procedures should you follow when you are having car trouble and must stop?
5. What is a safe speed?
6. AT 50 MPH it takes about ________ feet to stop?
7. What traffic signs are almost always yellow, and diamond shaped?
8. Unless otherwise posted at what speed should you travel when driving through a business
district?
9. What should you do if you are driving along in the rain, snow or fog, and begin to have
difficulty seeing either ahead, beside or behind you?
10. When following trucks, tractor trailers and buses, what driving considerations should you
keep in mind?
11. True or False? The driver behind you has more control over the space directly behind you
than you do.
9-1
SECTION 9
Avoiding Crashes
Emergencies and Avoiding Crashes
If you do all the things this manual says, you may never have an emergency. But no one is
perfect so chances are unexpected things will happen. If you are well prepared, you will be able
to react correctly and quickly enough to avoid an accident. When it looks as if a collision may
happen, many drivers simply hit the brakes as hard as they can. This only locks the wheels, puts
the car in a skid, causes you to lose control, and makes things worse.
Braking may be the right thing to do, but it is not the only thing to do. When that emergency
occurs, if you are prepared, you may be able to avoid a crash. You have three ways to avoid a
crash or reduce its impact; braking, steering, or speeding up.
Braking
The first action for most drivers is to stop. Pumping the brakes is generally the best way to stop
the car in an emergency. Pumping allows the car to stop quickly while allowing you to continue
steering. If you have anti-lock brakes, simply hold the pedal down firmly and let the car do the
work. Many new vehicles have ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems). An ABS braking system
helps you stop without skidding. It helps to maintain steering control. Be sure to read the vehicle
owner’s manual on how to use the ABS. Rules for using ABS are:
•
Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep applying pressure.
•
ABS only work if you keep pressure on the brake pedal. The pedal may vibrate, and you
may hear a clicking noise. This is normal.
•
You can still steer with the ABS engaged.
•
If the car begins to skid, quickly let up on the brake. Then quickly push it down again.
•
Use this quick pumping action until the car has stopped.
Controlled braking stops the car even faster but requires more skill. You need to get a feel
for the brakes and the steering. Push down the brake pedal until just before the wheels lock (if
you don’t have ABS), or until you feel a need for more steering control. Then, release the brakes.
Repeat these moves until the car comes to a complete stop.
If your vehicle does not have ABS, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for how to best use
the brakes.
Steering
You may be able to avoid a collision by steering around a hazard. If you can see that you won't
stop in time to avoid hitting something, turn away from it. Concentrate on the steering. If you
can, stay off the brakes while turning. This lessens the chance of a skid, particularly if you are
turning onto a soft shoulder.
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To be able to turn quickly you need to hold the steering wheel correctly. Your hands must be on
opposite sides of the steering wheel, at the 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 clock positions. Get used to
holding the steering wheel this way all the time.
To avoid an accident, turn away from the obstacle. Once you clear it, turn the steering wheel in
the opposite direction to get back in your lane but be ready to turn back again quickly if need be.
This is sometimes called “swerving.” To quickly steer around a problem:
• Make sure you have a good grip with both hands on the steering wheel.
• Steer in the direction you want to go but try to avoid other traffic.
• Once you have missed the hazard, straighten your vehicle and slow down.
Use caution when ‘swerving’ because many people steer away from one collision only to
end up in another.
Speeding Up
Sometimes it is necessary to speed up to avoid a collision. This may happen when another car is
about to hit you from the side or from behind. In a car with manual transmission, you may need
to shift into a lower gear and push the gas pedal to the floor. If the car has an automatic
transmission, you can do the same thing by simply pushing the gas pedal to the floor.
It is illegal for an operator to read printed material while driving a motor vehicle. Printed
material does not include a map or written directions to a specific location.
Protecting Yourself in Collisions
You may not always be able to avoid a collision. Try everything you can to keep from
getting hit. If nothing works, try to keep the injury from being too serious:
If you are about to be hit from the rear:
• Be ready to apply your brake so that you won't be pushed into another car.
• Brace yourself between the steering wheel and seat back.
• If your car has head restraints, press the back of your head firmly against the head
restraint.
If you are about to be hit from the side:
• Brace yourself with the steering wheel to keep from being thrown against the side of the
car.
• Get ready to steer quickly so that if the car spins around you can attempt to control the
vehicle.
If you are about to be hit from the front:
• If you are wearing a shoulder strap, use your arms and hands to protect your face.
9-3
• If you are not using a shoulder strap, throw yourself across the seat so that you don't hit
the steering column or the windshield.
Accidents
If you are involved in an accident:
• Stop your car at once and render all possible aid to any injured people and send for an
ambulance if needed. Do not move an injured person unless there is another danger that
would require them to be moved to safety.
• Stay at the scene until the police arrive and have questioned everyone involved.
• If you can, move your car off the road so that you do not block traffic.
• Get the names and addresses of all people involved in the accident and any witnesses.
Also make sure to get the names and addresses of any injured persons.
• Record the other driver's information:
o Name and address (make sure the driver's name is the one on the license)
o Make, model and year of car
o Driver's license number
o License plate number
o Insurance company name
o Damage to his or her car
Make note of:
• The time, date, and place of accident
• The position and direction of travel of cars and pedestrians before and after the crash
• Bad weather or roadway conditions
• Always contact the police if there is any injury. Give the police information about the
accident at the time of the accident. Give just the facts.
• If a parked car is damaged, try to find the owner. If the owner can’t be found leave a note
in a place where the owner can find it. The note should contain:
o Your name and address
Driver's license number
License plate number
o Date and time of accident
o A description of property damage
If the accident involves any injuries, or property damage of $1,000 or more, the drivers must
report it to the police or local sheriff. Failure to report an accident may result in criminal charges
and a driver's license suspension.
Operators involved in non-reportable accidents involving injury or death of a dog, a cat or
livestock must “take reasonable steps” to notify the owner, or if the owner cannot be located,
local law enforcement or animal control.
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Emergency First Aid
If you are involved in or come upon a personal injury accident and no one else is on the scene,
you should try to help the victims. If emergency medical assistance is already on the scene,
follow their instructions and pay attention to the road and traffic control officers, not the
accident.
Here are some basic first-aid tips to use if emergency help is not immediately available:
• Don't move the victim unless absolutely necessary due to a fire or other life- threatening
danger. If you must move the victim, keep the back and neck as straight as possible by
putting your arms under the victim, grab ahold of their clothing and pull the victim head-
first away from danger.
• If downed wires are present, don't go near them. Wait for emergency crews to handle the
situation. If the wires are touching the vehicle or lying near it, warn occupants to stay
inside until help arrives.
• Check to see if the victim is breathing, if not, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),
if you have been properly trained, or mouth to mouth breathing.
• You can help stop bleeding by putting pressure directly on the wound with your hand or a
clean cloth, if available. Maintain pressure until help arrives. If the wound is in an arm or
leg and there are no apparent broken bones, also carefully lift the limb to help slow
bleeding while maintaining pressure on the wound.
• Do not put ointment or grease on burns. You may apply cold water to burns and cover
them with a clean cloth.
• Do not give an injured person anything to drink, not even water.
• Cover the victim with a blanket or a coat to maintain body temperature and help prevent
shock.
Skids
Skids happen when you are traveling too fast or when you brake too hard. Skids happen
whenever your tires cannot grip the road. While the tires are skidding you will not be able to
steer. If your vehicle begins to skid:
• Release pressure from the brake or accelerator to regain steering.
• Look where you want to go.
Drop Offs/Uneven surfaces
Drop-offs can cause crashes unless you handle them right. Don’t panic if your wheels drop off
the paved road surface. Slow down gradually and then turn back onto the road.
If the right wheels of your car unexpectedly run off on to the shoulder of the road:
• Don't panic! Grip the steering wheel firmly.
9-5
• Ease up on the gas pedal.
• Don't hit the brake pedal suddenly and hard. Step on the brakes gently.
• After you've slowed down, you can steer back onto the road. Before doing so, check the
road for traffic ahead and behind, then turn your wheels to reenter the road.
Vehicle Problems
There is always a chance of having something go wrong with your vehicle. You can avoid most
breakdowns by following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. No matter how
well you take care of your car, or how carefully you drive, there is always a chance that your car
will fail and that you will be forced to deal quickly with both an unpleasant and unexpected
situation. They can all be overcome or minimized if you know what to do. The following
paragraphs note some of the more common car failures and how best to deal with them.
Knowing what to do could save your life.
Brake Failure
A brake warning light tells you that your brakes are not working. Do not drive if you see this
warning light. If your brakes stop working while driving:
• Pump the brake pedal rapidly and hard several times. If that doesn’t work…
• Use the parking brake. Apply the parking brake slowly to avoid locking the rear wheels.
Be ready to release the brake if you start to skid.
• Shift to a lower gear and look for a place to slow to a stop.
• Use your horn and lights to warn other drivers.
• If the parking brake fails, turn off the engine and look for a safe place to stop. Make sure
the vehicle is parked well off the road.
• After the car has stopped, call for help. Do not drive without brakes.
Wet brakes:
• Always test the brakes after driving through deep water. The brakes may pull you to one
side, or they may not work at all.
• "Dry" the brakes by driving slowly and putting your brakes on lightly for a short distance.
Tire Blowout
If a front tire blows out, your vehicle will pull hard toward the blown tire. If a rear tire blows out,
the vehicle will wobble, shake, and pull toward the blown tire. If a tire goes flat:
• Don't panic or slam on the brakes.
• There may be a strong pull to the right or left.
• Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer straight.
• Slow gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal.
• Allow the vehicle to slow down by itself. Brake gently only if you must.
9-6
• Do not stop on the road. Pull off the road in a safe place and turn on the emergency
flashers.
Stuck Gas Pedal
If your vehicle is speeding out of control:
• Keep your eyes on the road.
• Shift to neutral.
• Steer smoothly and gently put on the brakes.
• Find a safe place to pull off the road.
• As you bring your car to a stop, turn off the engine.
• If you cannot free the pedal so that it does not get stuck again, call for assistance and do
not try to drive the car.
Breakdowns
If your vehicle breaks down, make sure that other drivers can see it. Crashes often happen
because drivers do not see a disabled vehicle until it’s too late to stop.
If you have a breakdown:
• Get your vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
• Turn on your emergency flashers.
• Warn other roadway users. Put emergency flares 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle.
Give other drivers time to change lanes or slow down.
• Call the police about the breakdown.
If your engine floods:
Engines become flooded when there is too much gas in the cylinders. This condition makes it
impossible for the gas to burn.
• Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold it there. Do not pump the gas pedal.
• Turn the key and let off on the pedal when the engine starts.
• If this doesn't work, wait about ten minutes, and then repeat the above.
If your car stalls on railroad tracks:
If a train is coming and you are not having any success moving your vehicle, stop trying and get
away. To avoid debris from any crash, leave your vehicle and head quickly toward the oncoming
train and away from the tracks at a 45º angle. When you are safely away from the tracks, call the
railroads emergency phone number (look for nearby blue sign with emergency number).
If there is an oncoming car in your lane:
9-7
• Blow your horn and flash your lights to warn the other driver.
• Brake quickly, but not so fast that you lock your wheels and lose control.
• Quickly pull off into the right shoulder or ditch. Do not drive into the left lane.
If your car battery dies:
• Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
• Attach the other end of the cable to the positive terminal of a working battery.
• Attach the other cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
• Attach the last clamp to the engine block of the stalled engine.
• Start the car with the good battery.
• After a bit of charging start the car with the dead battery.
• Allow both cars to run for a few minutes to more fully recharge the dead battery.
• Once the car is started, remove the clamps in the reverse order that the connections were
made.
• Never smoke when jump-starting a vehicle and make sure that your eyes are protected.
If your vehicle plunges into water:
A car with windows and door closed may float from 3 to 10 minutes. The best escape route is
through a window, because water pressure makes it hard to open a door. If your car has power
windows, open them as soon as possible, because the water will cause a short circuit in the
electrical system.
Section 9 practice questions:
1. In avoiding a collision, a driver has three options. What are they?
2. What should you do if your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks?
3. If your brakes become wet after driving through deep water, you can "dry" them
by______?
4. What is the first thing you should do when confronted by an oncoming vehicle in
your lane?
5. What is the first thing you should do if you are involved in an accident?
6. True or false? Always contact the police if you are involved in an accident in
which someone is injured.
7. Should you try to pull injured victims from a vehicle that has been involved in an
accident?
10-1
SECTION 10
Sharing the Road
Everybody has a right to the roadway. Remember to be courteous. Communicate to let others
know where you are and what you plan to do.
Pedestrians
As a driver:
• You must yield the right-of-way to any person crossing the street in a marked
crosswalk.
• Always yield to pedestrians even if they are not in a crosswalk.
• When traffic-control devices are not in operation, an operator must yield the
right-of- way to a pedestrian crossing within a marked crosswalk.
• Be aware of pedestrians crossing at mid-block crosswalks. They may not be
marked by warning signs and road markings.
• Always yield to the vision impaired. When a pedestrian is crossing a street with a guide
dog or carrying a white cane, you must come to a complete stop.
• Yield to all pedestrians even if the traffic light is green.
• You must not overtake or pass other vehicles stopped or slowing to yield
to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• When making a right or left turn (rarely allowed in Maine) on red, you
must yield to pedestrians.
• Watch for pedestrians when driving next to parked or stopped vehicles.
• Check for pedestrians before backing, especially in parking lots.
• Slow down near playgrounds and in residential areas. Children can run out from between
parked vehicles so be ready to stop quickly.
• In a school zone when lights are flashing or children are present outside, you must obey a
slower speed limit. At school crossings where there is a crossing guard you must stop and
yield as signaled.
• Use extreme caution where children are playing or walking.
• When crossing a sidewalk, you must yield to all pedestrians or bicyclists on the sidewalk.
• Despite all laws, you must exercise care to avoid colliding with pedestrians or bicyclists.
Bicycles
Bicycles are considered vehicles. Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as other
vehicles. A bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. There are nearly
900,000 bicycles in Maine and most bicycling is done on the roadways of Maine. As a motorist
10-2
you should drive defensively around a bicyclist because the slightest mistake by you or the
bicyclist could result in an injury or death. The biggest differences between bicyclists and
motorists as road users are that bicycles are less visible, quieter, and do not have a protective
vehicle casing around them. This means you need to look a little harder and drive a little more
cautiously when encountering bicyclists.
Bicycles are hard to see in traffic. Search for them and be extra careful around them. Bicyclists
have varying skill levels. A skillful rider is predictable and holds a steady line. An unskillful
rider may swerve without notice, ignore traffic signs and signals, and ride without a light at
night. Be ready for sudden turns by the bicyclist.
Here are some rules to help you share the road with bicyclists:
• Share the road with bicyclists; they have a legal right to its use.
• Be courteous and cautious even if it delays you a bit.
• Yield to bicyclists at intersections, just like you do for
pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Yield the right-of-way when a bicycle path or bike lane crosses
the road. Do not stop, park, or drive in a bicycle lane unless
you are entering or leaving an alley or driveway.
• Slow and allow as much space as you can when approaching or
passing a bicycle. Leave at least three feet of passing space
between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist as you
overtake them. Slow down and let a cyclist clear an intersection before you make a turn.
• Bicyclists should operate on the right portion of the way as far to the right as practical
except when it is unsafe to do so as determined by the bicyclist. In some instances, it is
safest for a bicyclist to "command the lane" by riding toward the center or to the left if
turning.
• Bicyclists may be moving faster than you realize (experienced bicyclists can easily travel
over 30 mph). They also have smaller profiles and sometimes are not noticed in traffic.
Look carefully for bicyclists, especially before turning or opening a car door.
• Learn to recognize situations and obstacles which may be hazardous to cyclists, such as
potholes, debris, and drain grates. Give them adequate space to maneuver.
• Anticipate bicyclists' movements. Bicyclists are supposed to signal their intentions with
hand signals.
• Don’t slow or stop your vehicle suddenly as you can stop more quickly than a bicycle. By
stopping quickly, you could cause a crash.
• In inclement weather, give bicyclists extra trailing and passing room, just as you would
other motorists.
• Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially if the roadway is narrow.
• When a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side by side, bicycles should
"take the travel lane," which means riding in or near the center of the lane.
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• A driver of a motor vehicle near a person operating a bicycle may not make a right turn
unless the turn can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with the safe
and legal operation of the bicycle.
• Do not use your horn close to bicycles unless there is a chance of a crash. Your horn
could startle them and cause them to steer into your path.
• Watch for bicyclists entering your lane. Watch out if you see children riding bikes on the
sidewalk as they may suddenly ride onto the road.
• Do not turn sharply in front of bicycles. Do not force a bicyclist off the road.
• Although bicyclists are required to ride in the direction of traffic, you should look for
them riding anywhere on the road.
• Be extra careful around bicyclists when the road is wet or has sand or gravel. These
things affect bicycles much more than other vehicles.
• Cooperate with bicyclists. They must use hand signals when turning and stopping. They
may not be able to signal if conditions require both hands on the handlebars. Look for
other clues of what they plan to do. Riders usually turn their head or look over their
shoulder before changing lanes or turning.
Stop Left Turn Right Turn or Right Turn
• When parked on the street, check to the sides and rear for bicycles before you open your
door. When opening the vehicle door, the “Dutch Reach” method is recommended. Using
the Dutch reach method, the driver will open their door using the right hand. Using the
right hand causes the body to twist left which forces the driver to look over their road-
side shoulder making it easier to see oncoming bicyclists.
• Check for bicyclists in your path before backing up. Be extra cautious near schools or
residential areas where riders may be present.
• Children or inexperienced adults on bicycles are often unpredictable in their actions.
Expect the unexpected.
Bicycle Operation
Bicyclists are vehicles and have all the rights and responsibilities of other vehicle drivers.
Although a license isn't required to drive a bicycle on Maine's roadways, bicycle drivers must
obey all the rules of the road. If you break any traffic laws, like riding a bike on the left side of
the road, running a stop sign or traffic light, you are subject to fines.
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Be sure to practice on your bicycle before entering traffic. Never ride in traffic above your skill
level. When riding a bicycle follow these rules:
• Regularly inspect and maintain your bicycle. Bicycles, like any machine, must be
properly maintained so it will perform correctly. Be safe and keep your bike tuned up or
take it to a bicycle shop for inspection regularly (a professional inspection is
recommended every six months.)
• Properly secure loads. Never hang bags or packages on your handlebars or hold them in
your arms. Secure loads on a rack, in bike bags, or on a bicycle trailer. Only use back
packs for light loads.
• Wear a helmet correctly. When worn correctly, a bicycle helmet can reduce your
chances of head injury in an accident. Only use an ANSI/Snell approved helmet designed
specifically for bicycling. Once a helmet has sustained any impact it should be replaced.
Helmets should also be replaced if they are five years old or older or are left in a hot car.
Worn correctly, a helmet should be set just above your eyebrows and is snug on your
head so that it stays in place if you shake your head. If your helmet is loose or tilted back
exposing your forehead it cannot adequately protect your head. All persons under 16
years of age riding on bicycles are required to wear helmets and sit on passenger seats
when traversing public ways.
• Ride with traffic. Always ride on the right side of the road. Do not pass motorists on the
right side. If you approach an intersection with a right turning lane and intend to continue
straight, do not enter the right turn lane. Ride with the through traffic.
• Watch for potential road hazards. Always scan the road 50 to 100 feet ahead for road
hazards like drain grates, potholes, railroad tracks (cross them at right angles), puddles
(which may be hiding a pothole), or road debris. Slow down and allow time to maneuver
around these hazards and negotiate with traffic.
• Avoid opening car doors. Give yourself three or four feet of room between yourself and
parked vehicles.
• Ride in a predictable manner. Always ride straight and be predictable. Do not weave from
side to side, or suddenly move out into traffic. Be alert and plan to avoid obstacles. If the
road is narrow for a bicycle and a car to travel side by side, the bicyclist should occupy
the lane until it is safe to move back to the right. Always check over your shoulder before
changing your lane position. Never weave between parked cars.
• Signaling turns. As a vehicle driver you must always signal your intent to turn, using the
hand signals illustrated earlier in this section. Look before you make a lane change or
turn. Make sure lanes are clear of traffic to safely make a lane change or turn.
• Left hand turns. You may turn left as a vehicle by moving into the left lane or the left side
of the travel lane. Before you maneuver, look behind for traffic, signal your turn and
change lane position when clear to do so. Or, you can make a left turn in two parts by
crossing straight across the intersection and then pulling over to the side. Now, when it is
safe to do so, turn to your left and proceed across the intersection.
• Night equipment. A bicycle must have a front light that emits a white light visible from a
distance of at least 200 feet to the front. Also, a red or amber light or reflector to the rear
that is visible at least 200 feet to the rear. Reflector material is recommended on the
pedals, unless the bicyclist is wearing reflective material on the feet or ankles.
• Be prepared for conditions. Always carry water and appropriate clothing when traveling
by bicycle. In the rain, allow yourself extra stopping distance when you use your brakes.
10-5
Motorcycles or Mopeds
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. This section covers basic
information on motorcycles and mopeds. A separate study manual is available to prepare for a
motorcycle endorsement/license test. There is specific
information you need to know to safely share the road with
motorcycles:
• Give motorcycles a full lane. Do not attempt to share the
lane. Motorcycles need space to react to other traffic.
• Motorcycles are smaller so more difficult to see. Always
check your mirrors and blind spots for them.
• Before turning left be alert for motorcycles. Look carefully to the front and sides.
• Do not believe a motorcycle is turning when it has a turn signal
flashing. Turn signals on a motorcycle may not self-cancel so
the rider may have forgotten the signal is on.
• When following a motorcycle, stay at least 4 seconds back.
When it is wet, increase the following distance. Riders may
suddenly change speed or lane position to avoid potholes,
gravel, wet or slick places. They may also change speed or
direction because of pavement seams, railroad crossings and
grooved paving. All of these can be deadly to a motorcyclist.
• Remember that scooters and mopeds travel at much lower speeds than motorcycles.
There are more and more motorcycles on the road. They have as much right to the road as cars.
Give them as much space as you would give a car. When you pass a motorcycle, give it a whole
lane. Don't try to squeeze past in the same lane. The motorcyclist moves from side to side
quickly, to see and be seen, and to avoid objects on the road.
Motorcycles give their riders no protection. Therefore, they are involved in nearly 10%
of all motor vehicle deaths, although they make up only 4% of the vehicles on the road.
In many motorcycle accidents, drivers of other vehicles are at fault. Drivers turning left in front
of an oncoming motorcycle cause many of the accidents. They fail to see the motorcyclist, or
they think the motorcycle is going slower than it really is.
Wait for an oncoming motorcyclist to pass before turning left.
Large Vehicles
Over 250,000 crashes occur between cars and large vehicles each year. A few simple precautions
will help prevent problems between cars and large vehicles, such as trucks and buses. Bus and
truck drivers face special challenges because of the large size and weight of their vehicles. Many
crashes could be avoided by keeping the following points in mind:
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• Large vehicles are bigger and harder to handle than a car.
• Larger vehicles have much larger blind spots than cars. Drivers of large vehicles rely
mostly on their mirrors to gather information on what is beside and behind them. Even
though trucks and buses have many mirrors, there are still areas around the vehicle which
the driver has difficulty seeing. Some of these areas are impossible to see and are known
as blind spots. All vehicles have blind spots, even automobiles, but with large vehicles
there are many such areas and they may be rather large.
• Never attempt to pass behind a truck or bus that is backing.
• If you cannot see the mirrors of the large vehicle ahead of you, the driver probably can't
see you so stay out of the blind spots.
• They take more space to speed up, stop and turn.
• The weight of large vehicles means that the speed of these vehicles might sharply
increase or decrease according to the terrain. This change in speed is much greater for
large vehicles than automobiles. The speed of a large vehicle might drop sharply when
the vehicle is going uphill; this same vehicle might often gain speed quickly when
starting downhill. The basic rule about space, however, still applies so avoid actions
which take space from the driver of a large vehicle which they need to operate safely.
• Stopping distances are much greater for heavier vehicles than for automobiles. Be sure
that there is plenty of room between you and large vehicles that are traveling behind you.
Always leave plenty of space between you and vehicles ahead of you when being
followed by a large vehicle. This will give you plenty of time to react as well as the
driver of the large vehicle behind you should something unexpected occur.
• Never pass or pull in front of a large vehicle that is already slowing or stopping. The
driver has based their braking ability on the space ahead. If you suddenly pull in the lane,
you have compromised the driver's braking ability and could cause an accident.
• Another challenge arising from the size of trucks and buses is that of making turns. Right
turns can be especially difficult. Many times, large vehicles will be forced to swing to the
left before turning to the right. This is necessary to clear the sidewalk or any objects, such
as a telephone pole, that may be on the side of the road. Drivers of automobiles must be
watchful for this maneuver and avoid driving into the turning path of the truck or bus.
• Watch for the positioning of the larger vehicle and the path the vehicle seems to be taking.
Also watch for directional signals of the large vehicles. Many times, the signal may be the
only indication that the vehicle is about to turn right when it seems to be moving left.
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The No-Zone
The No-Zone is the area around larger vehicles that is in the driver’s blind spots. These blind
spots are on the sides, rear and front.
• Side No-Zones – Large trucks and
buses have big No-Zones on both
sides. A trucks largest blind spot is
on the right side. It starts behind
the cab and goes the length of the
truck. If you cannot see a driver’s
face in the side view mirror, they
cannot see you. Do not drive alongside a large vehicle any longer than you must. If the
driver needs to swerve or change lanes suddenly you could collide.
• Front No-Zones – Because they are so big and heavy larger
vehicles take longer to stop than cars. A loaded truck at 55
mph takes at least 335 feet to stop. That’s more than 1 ½ times
the stopping distance a car would need. Never merge in front
of a moving larger vehicle or change lanes too closely in front
of them. When passing, make sure you can see the whole
front of the vehicle in your rear-view mirror before pulling
back into the lane the larger vehicle occupies.
• Rear No-Zones – Large vehicles have huge blind spots-up to 200
feet behind them. If you are too close, the driver cannot see your
car and you cannot see what is ahead of you. Some driver's
"draft" off a large vehicle. This is the practice of following so
closely behind a truck thinking the wind drag created by the
truck will pull your car along. Do not do this. Not only does it
not work but it is extremely dangerous. Stay to the left in your
lane so the driver can see you in their side mirror. When stopped
behind a large vehicle on a hill, leave space between your car and the larger vehicle and
be aware that the large vehicle may stall or roll backwards as they pull forward which
may cause a collision with your car.
Turning and Oncoming Large Vehicles
10-8
Watch for large vehicles’ turn signals and give them lots of room. Large vehicles sometimes
swing wide to the left to clear a curb on a right turn. Avoid a crash by not turning until the larger
vehicle has finished its turn.
Keep in mind:
• Avoid wind blast when you meet a truck by moving as far as you can to the rightmost
portion of your lane.
• Many crashes with large vehicles occur at intersections. Drivers often misjudge the
vehicle’s speed before turning left. If you are not sure about the speed of an oncoming
truck it is safer to wait until they have gone by before turning. The truck may be going
faster than you think and it also takes much longer for a larger vehicle to stop.
• Stop lines at intersections are designed to give larger vehicles more turning space.
Always stop behind the stop lines.
• Do not cut in front of a truck in traffic. Do not try to beat a truck into a single-lane
construction zone. Trying to save a few seconds could cost you your life.
Maintaining Space
• Just as with automobiles, the space requirements of large vehicles are much greater when
road conditions are bad. Remember when driving in poor weather conditions or when
visibility is limited to give large vehicles an extra margin of space on all sides. When the
road conditions are poor, forcing the driver of a large vehicle to use the brakes can lead to
skids or jackknife situations.
• Most professional drivers understand the dangers of excessive braking when the roads are
slick; the drivers of automobiles should remember to avoid actions which will force the
bus or truck driver to use their brakes any more than necessary under such conditions.
This is simply another way of giving large vehicles the extra space they need to operate
safely.
• When you are immediately behind a large vehicle, do not follow too closely (tailgate). A
good rule to follow is that if you cannot see the mirrors of the large vehicle you are
following, you are too close and, in the driver’s blind spot. If you follow too closely it
also limits your visibility of the road ahead. If the driver of the large vehicle should have
to stop quickly, you will be at risk.
10-9
• Always dim your headlights when following a large vehicle at night. Bright lights will
reflect off the mirrors of the large vehicle and make it difficult for the driver to see the
road ahead.
Passing
• Before passing a large vehicle be sure to check ahead, behind and in the direction you
will move. This is necessary to be sure that you have enough room to complete the
maneuver.
• Never pass unless in a legal passing zone and don't pass if you must speed in order to
complete the maneuver.
• When you have passed a truck or bus, do not pull back into the lane until you can clearly
see the front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror. Also, be sure to check your blind spot
by looking over your shoulder before returning to the right lane.
• Because of the size of large vehicles, at highway speed the vehicle will push a cushion of
air to the side and rear. When a large vehicle is passing you, stay as far to the right of
your lane as possible until the vehicle is clear. This rule also applies when a truck or bus
is approaching you from the opposite direction.
• Do not speed up when a large vehicle passes you. Maintain your speed or slow down
slightly to allow the larger vehicle to pass.
• When the roads are wet, it is a good idea to have your windshield wipers on before large
vehicles pass you. These vehicles tend to create a lot of spray which can severely
diminish your ability to see the road ahead.
Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicles have sirens, flashing lights and special horns to help them move through
traffic. Make room for ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and other emergency vehicles. These
vehicles often move at high speeds and use lights and sirens to clear the way for themselves. At
such times, this requires that you pull over to the side of the road and stop. If you are at an
intersection, get out of it before you pull over. It is unlawful to follow within 500 feet of any fire
truck responding to a fire alarm.
You must yield to an emergency vehicle when the flashing lights and siren are on. Pull over
to the edge of the road and stop so they may pass. Avoid blocking intersections.
Police/Traffic Stops
If you are pulled over by the police:
10-10
• Move to the right side of the road. Make sure you are in a safe spot.
• Stay in the vehicle unless asked to get out.
• Turn off your engine. Turn on your hazard flashers. At night, turn on your inside lights so
the officer can see inside the vehicle. Roll down your window so that you and the officer
can talk.
• Remain calm. Keep your safety belt fastened. Ask your passenger(s) to do the same.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
• The officer may ask for your license, insurance card or vehicle registration. Tell the
officer where they are located and reach for them slowly with one hand on the wheel.
• Answer the officer’s questions.
• Never try to run from the law. Many fatal crashes result from police chases.
Move-Over Laws
When you encounter an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the roadside you must slow and
yield the right-of-way. If possible, move over to the next lane. If a lane change is not safe, slow
down and use caution as you drive by the emergency vehicle.
Slow Moving Vehicles
Watch for slow moving vehicles, especially in rural areas. A fluorescent or
reflective orange and red triangle displayed on the rear indicates that the vehicle
is moving less than 25 mph. Use caution when you see a slow-moving vehicle
and be sure it is safe before you pass.
10-11
• Farm machinery – Watch for farm equipment moving across the road
or driving on state highways in rural areas. Pass with care. Remember
that the driver may not see or hear your vehicle.
• Animal drawn vehicles and horseback riders – Animals driven, ridden,
or led along the side of a roadway are easily frightened by passing
vehicles. They are usually even less predictable than people in their
reactions, tending to rear, swerve or stop suddenly when startled. The alert motorist can
prevent accidents by anticipating potentially dangerous situations and slowing down and
proceeding cautiously when approaching or passing animals. You may have to share the
road with horse drawn vehicles or horseback riders. They have the same right to the
roadway as a motorist does. They must follow the same rules as vehicles do. Pass with
care. Do not use your horn or “rev” the engine when near an animal as this may scare
them and cause a crash. It is against the law to purposefully frighten any animal being
ridden, driven, or led on or near a public way. Watch out for left turns into fields and
driveways. Warning signs may be posted in areas where you are likely to find horse
drawn vehicles and horseback riders. Be alert when in these areas.
Section 10 practice questions:
1. When encountering bicyclists, how should you drive?
2. True or False? Bicyclists are vehicle drivers and have all the same rights and
responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles?
3. When passing a bicyclist, how much room should you give?
4. When encountering an emergency vehicle that has its’ emergency lights and siren
activated what is a motorist required to do?
5. How many ‘no zones’ are there around a large truck?
6. When are you required to yield to pedestrians crossing the street?
11-1
SECTION 11
Special Driving Challenges
Night Driving
Driving at night is harder and more dangerous than driving in daylight.
The distance you can see is limited. Some tips for driving at night are:
• Use your high beams if there are no oncoming vehicles. High
beams let you see twice as far as low beams.
• Dim your high beams for oncoming traffic. If an oncoming
vehicle does not dim their headlights, look towards the right
side of the roadway. This helps you to avoid being temporarily
blinded by oncoming headlights.
• Use your low beams when following another vehicle.
• In fog, rain, or snow, use your low beams to avoid glare. Some
vehicles are equipped with fog lights.
• Avoid looking directly into the headlights of other vehicles.
Instead keep scanning the roadway around your vehicle.
• Search well ahead of your headlight beams. Looking for dark
shapes in or near the roadway.
• Glance to the right and left to check the edges of the pavement
and for possible hazards to the sides.
• Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses at night or on cloudy
days. Tinted or colored lenses reduce the light you need for
good vision.
• Increase your following distance by at least a second at night. Add at least two seconds
for night driving on unfamiliar roads.
Work Zones
You probably have noticed construction and maintenance projects on the state's public road
system, work that is being done to improve and repair our roadways. Because closing a road and
detouring traffic adds expense and travel time, the work must go on while traffic passes through
the work site or in nearby lanes.Work zones may involve lane closings, detours and heavy
equipment moving on or near the road.
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Watch out for signs, cones, barrels, large vehicles, and workers
in work zones. Always slow down even if no workers are
visible as narrow lanes and rough pavement can be a hazard.
Flashing Arrow Panels: Large flashing or sequencing arrow
panels may be utilized if a lane ahead is closed. Prepare to slow
down and move into the lane indicated.
Construction Warning Signs: These signs are posted
to alert drivers of road construction or maintenance
activity ahead. They also serve to guide a motorist
safely through or around the work site. These signs
are black symbols or lettering on an orange
background and are often diamond shaped.
Channeling Devices: Barricades, vertical panels, concrete
barriers, drums, and cones are the commonly used devices to
guide drivers safely through a work zone. When driving near
these devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and
maintain a responsible speed. As you leave the work zone stay in
your lane, maintain your speed, and don't change lanes until you
are completely clear of the work zone.
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Flaggers: Flaggers wear high visibility vests, shirts or jackets and
use a stop/slow paddle and hand signals to control traffic through
the work zone. Usually a flagger is stationed on each end of the
work zone to let the two directions of traffic alternately travel
through the work zone. Be patient and always obey the signals of
a flagger. They normally wear orange vests, shirts or jackets and
use red flags or paddles to direct traffic safely through the work
zone and to allow workers or construction vehicles the
opportunity to cross the road. It's very important to be patient and
obey the signals of a flagger.
In a work zone:
• Slow down, increase your following distance and be prepared to stop.
• Be very careful when driving through a work zone at night even if no workers are there.
• Stay well away from workers and construction vehicles.
• Obey the posted work zone signs until you see an “End Road Work” sign.
• Expect delays, plan for them, and leave early so you can finish your trip on time.
• Use a different route to avoid work zones if possible.
Rural Roads
Driving on rural roads can be dangerous. Stay alert, watch for warning signs, and obey the speed
limit. Some problems and driving hazards are unique to rural roads:
• Gravel or Dirt – There is less traction on gravel or dirt roads. Slow down and increase
your following distance as these surfaces may cause a skid when stopping your vehicle.
• Narrow roads – Rural roads are narrower and may have ditches or drop offs instead of
shoulders. Slow down and center your vehicle in your lane. Look for oncoming traffic
that may be in or crowding your lane.
• Narrow bridges and single lane bridges – When crossing a single lane bridge the first
driver to the bridge has right-of-way. Take turns when crossing the bridge.
• Open Bridge Gratings or Steel Bridges – Reduce your speed, increase your following
distance, and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Limited view – Wooded areas, crops growing in fields next to a roadway and steep hills
can block your view. In these areas, slow down and be ready to stop.
• Uncontrolled intersections –These intersections can be very dangerous as they lack
traffic lights, stop or yield signs. Approach them with caution. Slow down and be ready
to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic indicating a turn.
11-4
Hazardous Driving Conditions
Winter Driving
Winter driving has its own special hazards which call for extra
driving skills. On slippery roads, the important points to safe
driving are slower speeds, gentler stops and turns, and
increased following distances. The following are guidelines for
safe winter driving.
• Make sure that your car is in good mechanical
condition before the bad weather hits; breakdowns
during storms are especially problematic. Getting a
tune-up is an important first step in winterizing your
car, it should ensure that your car is in good working
order and maximize its fuel efficiency. Additionally,
make sure that your tires are in good condition, or have
snow tires put on. Also, ask your mechanic to check
your antifreeze, water hoses, exhaust system, battery
charge and brakes. Make sure that your oil is of
sufficient weight to perform in the winter and that your
battery terminals are clean.
• Although it is important not to begin driving before
your engine is warmed up, don't warm it too much.
Thirty seconds is usually enough time to allow your
engine to idle. Even a cold engine will warm up faster
when being driven than when left to idle for long
periods of time. When it is extremely cold, drive at
slower speeds for a few miles.
• Get the feel of the road. Try the brakes occasionally
while driving slowly. Determine just how slippery the
road is and adjust your speed accordingly. Never slam
on the brakes; this can cause your wheels to lock and
throw you into a skid.
How to steer out of a skid
Stay off the brake. If you brake hard, your wheels will lock and that makes the skid worse.
Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go as this will line the front of the car
up with the back.
As soon as the car begins to straighten out, turn the wheel back the other way so that the car
won't over correct.
If you fail to turn the wheel back, you will start a new skid.
Continue to correct your steering, left and right, until you recover completely from the skid.
11-5
Look for something to stop you. If you can't control your car on a slippery surface, try to find
something to stop you. Try to get a wheel on dry pavement or on the shoulder of the road, or
slowly edge into a snowbank or some bushes.
• When stopping on icy or snow-covered roads, pump brakes on and off very gently. Be
sure to release the pressure on the brake at the first hint that the wheels are starting to
slip. Do not release the clutch or take the vehicle out of drive until the vehicle has almost
completely stopped. When stopping a car with anti-lock brakes, simply press firmly on
the brake pedal (follow instructions in owner's manual).
• Follow at a safe distance. Keep well behind the vehicle ahead of you, giving yourself
plenty of room to stop. Remember that on snow or ice it takes three to twelve times as
much distance to stop your car as it does on dry pavement.
• Slow down when approaching hills and curves. Make turns gradually, moving the
steering wheel carefully.
• Keep the windshield and windows clear. Make sure that your windshield wipers,
defroster, and headlights are working and that you have plenty of wiper fluid.
• If you should get stuck, don't spin your wheels. Keep them as straight as possible, shovel
snow out from around them and use traction mats, sand, or cat litter to provide extra
traction. If you still can't pull out, rock the vehicle by going back and forth from reverse
to drive and you should be able to roll out.
If you must wait for help:
• Stay with your car. Most deaths occur when people leave the car, get lost, and freeze to
death.
• Put a red flag on your radio antenna or driver's door handle and, if available, place flares
to the front and rear of your car.
• Wrap any passengers and yourself in blankets or any warm clothing which is handy.
• Run the engine and heater until the car is warm, and then shut it off. Repeat this when
you start to feel cold again.
• Crack your windows slightly to allow a supply of fresh air and keep the exhaust pipe
clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep yourself and your passengers as active as possible. DO NOT LET ANYONE GO
TO SLEEP.
Prepare for winter by placing the Following Items in Your Vehicle:
• Shovel
• Flares and a red flag for your antenna
• Ice Scraper
• Jumper Cables
• Bag of Sand
• Warm clothing and footwear
Operators of vehicles under 10,000 pounds shall “take reasonable measures” to prevent
snow or ice from falling off their vehicle while driving
11-6
Fog
The best rule during foggy conditions is to avoid driving. If you must drive, you should:
• Reduce your speed and always be prepared to stop your vehicle within the limits of your
vision, even if those limits are not more than a few feet.
• Turn your headlights on. Put them on low beam to prevent the glaring reflection of your
own lights in the fog.
• Look for road edge markings to help guide you.
• If the fog becomes so thick that you can barely see, pull off the road and stop, using your
emergency flashers. Wait until visibility improves as it is dangerous to creep along at 5 or
10 miles an hour.
Rain
Wet roads can be as dangerous as icy roads, so always reduce your speed during wet road
conditions. When roads are wet you will need more distance for stopping and you may skid
when turning sharply.
Roads are more dangerous at the start of a light rain when road oil and water mix to form a
greasy film on the road.
Rain also creates vision problems. Be sure to keep your windshield wipers and defroster in good
condition.
Make sure you are clearly seen by turning on your headlights.
Signal all turns and begin braking well in advance so other drivers will know what you are
planning to do.
"Hydroplaning", which can cause skidding, can take place when you're driving on wet roads. At
lower speeds, most tires will "wipe" the road surface, the same way windshield wipers clean the
windshield. But, as your speed increases, the tires can't "wipe" the road as well and start to ride
up on a film of water just as a water skier does.
In most cars, hydroplaning may begin at speeds as low as 30 to 40 MPH and the severity
increases with any increase in speed to a point that your tires may be totally riding on a film of
water. In a bad rainstorm, the tires may lose all contact with the road at 50 to 60 MPH. If this is
the case, there is no friction for braking, accelerating, or cornering. Under these conditions a gust
of wind, a curve, or a slight turn of the steering wheel could cause a skid.
To reduce the chances of hydroplaning, you should: slow down during rainstorms, replace tires
as soon as they become worn and keep tires properly inflated.
11-7
Flooded Roadways
Flooded roadways are extremely dangerous to both drivers and passengers. NEVER ATTEMPT
TO DRIVE ACROSS A FLOODED ROADWAY. As little as six inches of water can float some
small cars. Two feet of water will carry away most vehicles. Once a vehicle floats off the
roadway into deeper water, it may roll uncontrollably while filling with water, trapping the driver
and all passengers inside. In the United States, nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are people
who become trapped in their vehicles. In many cases, victims drive right off the edge of an
eroded roadway without knowing that the road is no longer there. Flooded roadways are
especially dangerous at night when it is more difficult to recognize the flood dangers. If your
vehicle stalls in a flooded roadway, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Remember it's
better to be wet than dead.
Night Driving Reminder: Use extra caution.
The fatal accident rate for night driving is nearly three times greater than for daytime driving,
even though there are fewer miles driven at night. It's good practice to drive slower at night
because overall visibility is much more restricted due to the darkness.
Wildlife Safety
It happens all the time. In Maine, cars and trucks crash into moose and deer thousands of times
every year. It is that big of a problem. Of course, most people are delighted to see a beautiful
white-tailed deer or a majestic bull moose, but few people know how to handle a head-on
encounter with Maine's largest and wildest creatures. Collisions with deer increase in the
autumn, peaking in November - during breeding season. But wildlife collisions can happen any
time of the year.
May and June are Peak Moose Collision Months!
Collisions with moose increase dramatically in the months of May and June. Autumn incidents
are also common but don't let your guard down as wildlife crashes can happen during all 12
months a year.
Tip: Deer eyes reflect light from headlights very well but because moose are so much taller,
drivers typically won't see their eyes reflected in the headlights. This makes moose even
harder to see when it is dark so gives you less time to avoid a collision. Watch for the
reflective eyes of deer and the silhouette of the moose.
From Dusk to Dawn
While wildlife collisions can happen at any time of the day, moose and deer are most active
between dusk and dawn as they tend to travel at night. So be especially alert after sunset because
dark colored animals can be very difficult to see until they are right in front of your vehicle.
11-8
Warning Signs Mean Business
The locations for Maine's moose and deer crossing signs are chosen based on where there are
high concentrations of wildlife and where collisions are a problem.
"Herd" the One About the Traveling Moose?
Moose and deer often travel in small groups. If you see one animal cross the road, you can bet
that there are more animals nearby that may cross as well.
The Moose Standoff
If you see a moose standing in or near the roadway you must use extreme caution, especially
during mating season which runs from August through October. When spotting a moose in or
near the roadway you should:
• Slow Down
• Do not try to drive around a moose
• Stay in your vehicle. Do not get out to observe or to chase the wildlife off the road. By
getting out of the car you could put yourself or other drivers at risk. Moose can be
unpredictable and may attack you or your vehicle
• Give moose plenty of room and give them time to wander off the road.
What if a Crash is Unavoidable?
If a crash with an animal is imminent, apply the brakes and steer straight. Let up on the brakes
just before impact to allow the front of your vehicle to rise slightly while trying to hit the tail end
of the animal. This can reduce the risk of the animal striking the windshield area and may
increase your chances of missing the animal. Duck down to protect yourself from windshield
debris.
Carrying Passengers and Freight
No passenger type vehicle should carry a load which extends over the sides of the vehicle
beyond the line of the fenders on the left side, or extends more than six inches beyond the line of
the fenders on the right side of the vehicle. You must not drive a vehicle if it is so loaded, or
when there are more than 3 persons in the front seat so that your view is obstructed to the front or
to the sides, or so that the load interferes with your use of the vehicle controls. Don't let
passengers sit on the hood, roof or trunk of a moving vehicle.
No person may ride in a camp trailer, mobile home, semi-trailer, utility trailer or trunk of a
vehicle while it is being driven or moved on any highway.
When a passenger, under 19 years of age, is transported in a pick-up truck, that passenger must
ride in the passenger compartment of that pick-up truck unless the passenger under 19 is a:
• Worker or trainee, including agricultural worker or trainee, engaged in the necessary
discharge of their duties or training or is being transported between work or training
locations.
• Licensed hunter being transported to or from a hunting location.
• Participant in a parade.
11-9
• A passenger secured in a seatbelt in a manufacturer-installed seat located outside the
passenger compartment.
A person driving an open vehicle, including pick-up trucks and convertibles, may not transport a
dog in the open portion of that vehicle while on a public way unless the dog is secured in a
manner that prevents the dog from falling, jumping or being thrown from the vehicle. Exceptions
are when a dog is being transported by a farmer or farm employee for the performance of
agricultural activities requiring services of the dog, or a hunting dog at a hunting site or that is
being transported between hunting sites by a licensed hunter.
Section 11 practice questions:
1. When operating your vehicle on ice or snow, it takes ______ to _____ times as
much distance to stop your vehicle as it does on dry pavement.
2. What is "hydroplaning" and how should it be handled?
3. What are the two peak moose collision months in Maine?
4. When stopping on icy or snow-covered roads how should you apply your brakes?
5. How should you approach an uncontrolled intersection?
6. Construction warning signs are what color?
12-1
SECTION 12
Test Your Knowledge
Select (a, b, or c) that best answers the question.
1. Alcohol and other drugs:
a. Reduce your judgment
b. Increase your reaction time
c. Improve your ability to focus
2. A yellow dashed line on your side of the roadway only means:
a. Passing is prohibited on both sides
b. Passing is permitted on both sides
c. Passing is permitted on your side
3. If you arrive at a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs at the same time as another
driver, you should:
a. Continue through the intersection
b. Yield the right-of-way to the driver on your right
c. The driver on your left should go first
4. Which sign warns a divided highway begins?
a. b. c.
5. This road signs means:
a. Right curve
b. Curvy road ahead
c. Sharp curve ahead
6. Regulatory signs are:
a. Green
b. Yellow
c. White
12-2
7. If a pedestrian is crossing in the middle of the street, not at a crosswalk (also known as
jaywalking), even if it is illegal, you:
a. Must stop for them
b. Do not have to stop for them
c. Should honk your horn at them
8. Motorcycle operators have the right to:
a. Use a complete traffic lane
b. Share a traffic lane with a vehicle
c. Use the shoulder of a roadway
9. When approaching or passing a bicyclist you should:
a. Slow down and allow as much space as possible
b. Sound your horn to alert your presence
c. Speed up and quickly pass the bicyclist
10. When driving at night use your high beams when:
a. Fog, rain or snow is present
b. Following another vehicle
c. There is no oncoming traffic approaching
Correct Answers: 1. a; 2. c; 3. b; 4. a; 5. c; 6. c; 7. a; 8. a; 9. a; 10. C
Appendix A
Typical Reasons for Road Test Refusals
The examiner may refuse the road test for:
• Vehicle non-compliance with the Maine Motor Vehicle Inspection criteria (inspection
sticker has expired).
• Front seats not available for examiner or are not properly secured to the floor of the
vehicle.
• Vehicle improperly equipped (for climatic conditions) e.g. snow treads or chains.
• Glove compartment not properly secured.
• Applicant refuses to remove pets from vehicle.
Road Test Information
The duty of the examiner is to render an impartial decision covering all phases of the
road test.
During the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate your ability to operate and control a
motor vehicle with sufficient skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on the
highways of the State of Maine, whether it be driving forward or backward, maintaining your
proper lane position, turning left or right or driving straight ahead. You will also be evaluated on
how well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians, as well as traffic signs,
signals, and conditions. You will not be asked to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal.
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending on road conditions, traffic and the
applicant's judgment and ability to cope with situations that arise during a road test, as well as
driving habits.
Residency/Lawful Presence Requirements
A license may not be issued to a person unless acceptable documentary evidence of the person's
residence or domicile in this State is presented. The Secretary of State may exempt from the
requirements someone who has established, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State, that the
person is on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, the spouse or child of a person on
active duty in the United States Armed Forces or a student enrolled in a university, college or
school within the State.
Acceptable documentary evidence of a person's residence or domicile in this State must include
the Applicant's name and the physical address of the person's residence or domicile in the State.
A post office box or other mail drop address is not sufficient. Acceptable documentary evidence
includes, but is not limited to:
1. A tax return, W-2 form or paycheck stub.
2. A utility bill or a letter from a utility company showing application for service.
3. A contract to which the applicant is a party; or
4. A document issued by a governmental entity.
A person who is unable to provide acceptable documentary evidence as outlined above, may
meet the requirements of the statute by either:
1. Submitting the affidavits of 2 individuals who have a personal or professional
relationship with the person and knowledge of the person and the person's residence or
domicile, which may include a shelter, in this State. A single affidavit signed by a parent
or guardian of a minor making an application is sufficient to meet the residency
requirements. The affidavit is a sworn statement and a false statement by the affiant
constitutes false swearing, which is a violation of Title 17-A Section 452. The Secretary
of State shall provide forms for the completion of affidavits (available at any Bureau of
Motor Vehicles branch office or online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/forms); or
2. By taking an oath or affirmation before the Secretary of State (or his designee), swearing
to the person's residence or domicile which may include a shelter.
An applicant who supplies false information pursuant to this statute makes a material
misstatement of fact described in MRSA 29-A Section 2103 and is subject to the penalties under
that section.
You cannot obtain or renew a driver's license or non-driver identification card unless you
provide acceptable valid documentary evidence of legal presence in the United States. To
establish evidence of legal presence you must present a legible, unexpired, valid document from
the list as follows:
A. Birth Certificate - must be a certified copy from a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent
agency showing the individual was born in:
1. A State of the United States,
2. District of Columbia,
3. Puerto Rico after January 12, 1941,
4. Virgin Islands after January 16, 1917,
5. Guam after April 11, 1899,
6. American Samoa after February 15, 1900,
7. Swains Island after March 3, 1925, or
8. Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands after January 8, 1978.
B. Passport or Passport Card from the United States
C. Consular of Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Report of Birth or Certification of Report
of Birth
D. Certificate of Naturalization,
E. Certificate of U.S. Citizenship,
F. United States Citizen Identification Card,
G. Identification Card for a Resident Citizen in the U.S.
H. American Indian Card, or
I. Northern Mariana Identification Card.
Acceptable alternative documents for a person born in the United States may include:
1. A certified letter from a jurisdiction listed above stating that no birth record exists. The
letter must include the person's name, date of birth, the years covered by the search for a
birth record, and that there is no birth record on file; and
2. A document issued by the United States or a jurisdiction listed above, showing the name,
date of birth and the birth occurred in a jurisdiction listed above, including military
discharge records, census records, and school records; or
3. At least one of the following:
a. Baptismal certificate, religious record or tribal record showing name, date of birth
and that the birth occurred in a jurisdiction listed above.
b. A hospital birth certificate showing name, date of birth and that the birth occurred
in a jurisdiction listed above.
c. A doctor's record of birth showing name, date of birth and that the birth occurred
in a jurisdiction listed above, or
d. A newspaper or insurance files showing name, date of birth and that the birth
occurred in a jurisdiction listed above.
Persons born outside the United States claiming citizenship through one United States citizen
parent may present:
1. person's foreign birth certificate,
2. proof of citizenship of parent, and
3. evidence of the applicant's legal relationship to parent
Persons born outside the United States claiming citizenship through two United States citizen
parents may present:
1. person's foreign birth certificate,
2. parent's marriage certificate or evidence of the applicant's relationship to the citizen
parents, and
3. proof of parent’s citizenship
Non-Citizens. A person not claiming citizenship may present the following documents to
establish evidence of legal presence in the United States:
A. Permanent Resident Card or Resident Alien Card,
B. Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence,
C. Arrival/Departure Form I-94 or foreign passport with the notation "Processed for I-551"
or I-551 Alien Documentation and Identification System (ADIT) stamp,
Temporary Resident Card,
D. Reentry Permit,
E. Employment Authorization Card,
F. Travel Document or Refugee Travel Document,
G. An Arrival/Departure card, Form I-94 stamped or endorsed.
H. Notice of Action or other official notification showing the period of admission,
I. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) (Form I-20) or (DS-2019)
properly endorsed or stamped,
J. Letter, order, appellate decision, Arrival/Departure Form I-94 or foreign passport
stamped with Section 207 Refugee, Section 208-Asylee, Section 212(d)(5) Parolee, or
Cuban/Haitian Entrant, Section 243(h), Section 241(b)(3), or Conditional Entrant,
K. Arrival/Departure Form I-94 or Canadian passport coded S13,
L. Letter or tribal document establishing person is an American Indian born in Canada,
M. Letter, order, appellate decision or Arrival/Departure Form I-94 showing a grant of
asylum,
N. An approved or pending application for asylum,
O. An approved or pending application for temporary protected status, or letter or order
granting temporary protected status or deferred enforced departure,
P. Letter, order, appellate decision or Arrival/Departure Form I-94 showing a grant of
withholding of deportation, withholding or removal, suspension of deportation,
cancellation removal, deferral of removal or Convention Against Torture relief,
Q. Pending application for status as a special immigrant juvenile,
R. Letter or notice acknowledging person as victim of crime pursuant to Victims of
Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, certification letter from United States
Department of Health and Human Services in accordance with the Victims of Trafficking
and Violence Protection Act of 2000, or letter or notice showing person has a prima facie
case as a self-petitioning spouse pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act,
S. Letter, notice, or order of the Board of Immigration Appeals or a federal court granting a
stay of deportation or removal,
T. Letter or notice showing a grant of deferred action or Order of Supervision or similar
status,
U. Any other documents issued by the United States Department of Justice or Homeland
Security, including predecessor or successor federal agencies with responsibility for
implementation of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which indicates legal presence in
the United States.
A driver's license or non-driver identification card issued to a non-citizen may be issued for
a period less than the terms described in statute.
A. A credential will not be issued if the authorized period of admission is less than 120 days.
B. A credential will expire on the date indicated as the expiration date of the authorized
period of admission.
C. If the authorized period of admission is duration of status, the issued credential will
expire four (4) years from date of issuance.
D. If the authorized period of admission is neither, duration of status nor indicated by a
specific date, the issued credential will expire 120 days from the date of issuance.
