new jersey - driver manual

ManualDriverThe

New Jersey

www.njmvc.gov

Table of Contents

New Jersey Driver MaNual

The new Jersey Driver license System 5

new Jersey Driver Testing 29

Driver Responsibility 37

Safe Driving Rules & Regulations 57

Defensive Driving 79

Drinking, Drugs & Health 101

Driver Privileges & Penalties 109

Sharing the Road with Others 129

Vehicle Information 141

Motorcycle Manual 147

Appendices

Driver Safety 185

MVC locations 196

Chapter 1

New Jersey Driver MaNual www.njmvc.gov

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The new Jersey Driver license System

6 laws governing driver licenses8 Digital Driver license8 Types of new Jersey licenses11 6 Point ID Verification16 Graduated Driver license (GDl)21 Special learner Permits for new Jersey residents 22 Examination Permits for new Jersey Residents

22 Examination Permits for Out-of-State Drivers23 Examination Permits for Out-of-Country Drivers 23 International Driving Permit (IDP)24 non-Driver ID24 Hearing-Impaired Designation24 Commercial Driver license (CDl)

) lawS GOVERnInG DRIVER lICEnSES

• A motorist who operates a motor vehicle in the State of New Jerseymustcarryavaliddriverlicense,avalidprobationarylicenseoravalidatedNewJerseypermit.Themotoristmustalsocarryvalidinsuranceandvehicleregistrationcards.(N.J.S.A.39:3-29)

• AmotoristwithavalidatedNewJerseydriverpermitmustbeaccompaniedbyanappropriatelylicenseddriver.(N.J.S.A.39:3-13,39:3-13.2a)

• AmotoristwhoisalegalresidentofNewJerseymustbelicensedinthisstate.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10,39:3-17.1)

• A motorist who changes addresses must report this change to the MVCwithinoneweekaftermoving.ThisincludesindividualswhoaremovingoutofNewJersey.(N.J.S.A.39:3-36)

• Amotoristwholegallychangeshis/hername(marriage,divorce,adoption)mustreportthechangetotheMVCwithintwoweeks.(N.J.S.A.39:3-9b)

• Amotoristwithavalidout-of-statelicensewhomovestoNewJerseymustapply foraNewJersey licensewithin60days (commercialdriver license–CDL-within30days)orbeforethecurrentlicenseexpires,whicheverissooner.Theout-ofstate licensemustbesurrenderedprior to receivingaNewJerseylicense.(N.J.S.A.39:3-17.1,39:3-10.17,39:5D-5)

• AmotoristwhoisaforeignnationalwithavalidlicensefromanothercountrymaybeeligibleforaNewJerseydriver license. If themotorist receivesaNewJersey license,he/shewillnothave tosurrender theout-of-countrylicense.

• Operatorsofcommercialvehicles,suchaslargetrucks,busesandvehiclesthat transport hazardous materials, must satisfy more stringent testingstandardsthanthedriversofautomobilesormotorcycles.Theseoperatorsmuststillpossessavalid,basicNewJerseydriverlicensepriortoapplyingforaCDL.


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.• Individuals who have never had a driver license must complete theMVC’sGraduatedDriverLicense(GDL)Program,whichintroducesdrivingprivileges in phases with a period of supervised driving before getting abasicdriverlicense.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10,39:3-13through39:3-13.8)

• AllapplicantsforaNewJerseydriverlicensewhoareunder18yearsofagemust present a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian.(N.J.S.A.39:3-13and39:3-13.3)

• GDL,speciallearnerandexaminationpermitsarevaliduntilallqualificationsforaprobationarylicensearemet,orfortwoyears,whicheveroccursfirst.Allothersarevalidfor90days.

• All applicants for a New Jersey driver license must provide a full name,current address, Social Security number, 6 Points of ID Verification andother documentation that verifies that their legal presence in the UnitedStates is authorizedunder federal law.Documentsmustbe inEnglishorhave an approved translation. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-9a, 39:3-9b, 39:3-10 andN.J.A.C.13:21-1.1,13:21-1.2,13:21-1.3,13:21-8.2)

• Allexaminationpermitandprobationarydriversshallnotoperateamotorvehiclewithoutdisplayingtwovisible,reflectivedecals,whichareprovidedby the Motor Vehicle Commission, on the license plates of the vehicle(39:3-13and39:3-13.4f)

) DIGITal DRIVER lICEnSEIn2011,NewJerseybeganissuingthenextgenerationof security-enhanced digital driver license. TheDDL,alongwithnewfacialrecognitiontechnology,helpstopreventidentitytheftandensuresthatonlythoseindividualswhoarelegallyentitledtohaveadriverlicensemaygetone.TheDDLhasmorethan20covert andovert featuresand is issued toallcustomersatMVCagenciesstatewide.Motoristsunder 21 years of age are issued a distinctive,vertical-formatdriverlicense.Driverlicensesarevalidforfouryears.

Alteringadriver licenseorpresentinganaltereddriver licensemayresult inthelossofamotorist’sdrivingprivilege,afineupto$1,000and/orup tosixmonths imprisonment.Additionally,obtainingadriverlicenseillegallymayresultinafineupto$200to$500and/orimprisonmentof30to90days.

) TyPES Of nEw JERSEy lICEnSESThefollowingchartshowsage requirements, license feesand required testsfor each type of license that the MVC offers. Testing for commercial andmoped licenses will require the use of topic-specific manuals in addition tousingthisDriverandMotorcycleManual.CopiesofthecommercialormopedmanualsmaybeobtainedatanyMVCagencyorviewedonlineor requestedatwww.njmvc.gov.Manualsmayalsobeobtainedbycalling(888) 486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate.

An endorsement added to a license will expire with the license. When anendorsementisaddedtoanexistinglicense,thechargefortheendorsementisproratedtocovertheperiodremaininguntilexpiration.


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Basic Automobile LicenseFor all types of Class D motor vehiclesregisteredbytheMVC,exceptmotorcycles.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

4 Years

18 (Permit: 16)

$10

$24

KVR 1

Probationary Automobile LicenseFor all types of Class D motor vehiclesregisteredbytheMVC,exceptmotorcycles.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

Commercial Driver LicenseForlargetrucks,busesandvehicles(ClassesA,BandC).

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

Motorcycle LicenseFormostvehicleswithfewerthanfourwheels(ClassE). Issuedasaseparate licenseorasan endorsement (M) if the individual alreadyholdsabasicNewJerseydriverlicense.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

Probationary Motorcycle LicenseFormostvehicleswithfewerthanfourwheels(ClassE). Issuedasaseparate licenseorasan endorsement (M) if the individual alreadyholdsabasicNewJerseydriverlicense.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Tests Required:

4 Years

17

$10+$4 decals

$6 3

KVR 1

4 Years

17

$10+$4 decals

$6 3

KVR 1

4 Years

18/21 4

$125 5

$32

CKVR

4 Years

17

$5

$24 or $18 6

KVR 1

Boat LicenseFor individuals 16 years of age and older, whooperate a motorboat on fresh, non-tidal waters,such as lakes, creeks or rivers, that are notaffectedbytidalconditions.AllpersonswhowishtooperateapowervesselmustpossessaBoatingSafetyCertificate.FormoreinformationaboutNewJerseyboatingrequirements,visittheStatePoliceMarine Services Web site at www.state.nj.us/njsp/maritime/index.html. (N.J.S.A.12:7-61.1)

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

4 Years

16

n/a

$18

n/a non-tidalwaters only

1

K-Knowledge, v-vision, r-road, C-Commercial2

Oruntilabasiclicenseisobtainedat18yearsofage.3Motoristmustreturntoagencyinoneyeartohavelicenseupgraded.Feeis$19.50.4

CDLapplicantsmustbeatleast18yearsold.Applicantsunder21maytravelonlyinNewJersey(intrastate,notinterstate)andmaynotreceiveHAZMATorpassengerendorsements.

5Out-of-stateCDLtransferfeesare$10.

6ClassEendorsementsare$24;ClassMendorsementsare$18.

Note:Feesinthismanualaresubjecttochange.Currentfeesareavailableonlineatwww.njmvc.govorbycalling(888) 486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate.

Moped License Forunlicensedmotorists15yearsofageandolder.NotneededifoperatorhasaClassA,B,C,DorElicense.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

4 Years 2

15

$5

$6

KVR 1

Agricultural License For farming purposes only. May be granted topersonsbetween16and17yearsold.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

4 Years 2

16

$10

$6

KVR 1


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) 6 POInT ID VERIfICaTIOnPerN.J.A.C.13:21-8.2,allNewJerseydriverlicenseapplicantsmustcomplete6PointIDVerificationbypresentingdocumentsthatprovetheirage,identity,and legalpresence in theU.S.Allapplicantsmustprove identity throughaprescribedcombinationofdocumentsthatincludes:

• Atleastoneprimarydocument

• Atleastonesecondarydocument

•AtleastsixpointsofID

• Proofofaddress

Usethecharton thefollowingpages toselectyourdocuments,oruse theonlineDocumentSelectoratwww.njmvc.gov/6point.Ifdiscrepanciesexistwithinorbetweendocumentspresented to theMVC,theapplicantmayberequiredtoprovideadditionaldocumentation.Anypermitorlicenseapplicationmayberefusedifadocumentappearsaltered,falseorotherwiseinvalid.

Anon-citizenmust submitproofof continued legalpresence in theUnitedStates.TheMVCmayacceptotherdocumentsprovingidentity,dateofbirthandcontinuedlegalpresence.DocumentsmustbeprovidedinEnglish.

A motorist referred for a conference due to identification issues will berequiredtoprovideanoriginalorcertifiedcopyofhis/hercivilbirthcertificateif a U.S. citizen. Passports will not be accepted. Non-U.S. citizens may beaskedforadditionalidentificationdocuments.

For assistance with 6 Point ID Verification, visit www.njmvc.gov or call(888) 486-3339 toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500 fromoutofstate.

Ifyourcurrentlegalnameisdifferentfromthenameonyourcivilbirthcertificate(e.g.,yourmaidenname),thenyoumustshowlegalproofofthenamechange.Legal proof = Certified marriage or civil union certificate, divorce decree orcourtorder linking thenewnamewithapreviousname.U.S.passport isnotproof of legal name change. A divorce decree may be used as authority toresumeusingapreviousnameonlyifitcontainsthenewnameandthepreviousnameandpermitsareturntouseofthepreviousname.

Certain documents may require proof of legal U.S. presence. Visitwww.njmvc.govforalistorcall(888)486-3339.

All documents must beoriginAlorCertified CopieSin english and have the required state and/or municipal seals.CertifiedcopiesofNewJerseyrecordsareavailablefromthemunicipality thatoriginally issuedthemand from the State Bureau of Vital Statistics at www.nj.gov/health/vitalor (609) 292-4087. For information about Jersey City/Hudson County birthcertificates, visitwww.nj.gov/health/vital/jerseycity. For information aboutbirthcertificatesfromPuertoRico,visitwww.nj.gov/health/vital.

imPOrtAnt inFOrmAtiOn

requirements:At LeAst One PrimAry DOcumentAt LeAst One secOnDAry DOcumenttOtAL DOcuments must be wOrth 6 POints Or mOrePrOOf Of ADDress sOciAL security number

us citizens4-point documents:

Validcivilbirthcertificateorcer-tifiedcopyfromoneofthe50states,DistrictofColumbiaoraUSterritory.Photocopiesorcertificatesfromhospitalsorreligiousentitiesarenotaccepted.PleasereadImportantInformationonpreviouspage.

USDepartmentofStatebirthcertificate(FormFS-545,FS240orDS-1350)

USpassport,currentorexpiredlessthan3years(maynotbeusedforproofoflegalnamechange)

CurrentNJdigitaldriverlicense

CurrentNJdigitalnon-driverIDcard

CurrentNJdigitalboatlicense

ValidactivedutyUSmilitaryphotoIDcard

USadoptionpapers

Certificateofnaturalization(FormN-550,N-570orN-578)

Certificateofcitizenship(FormN-560,N-561orN-645)

non-citizens4-point documents:

ForeignpassportwithINSorUSCISverificationandvalidrecordofar-rival/departure(FormI-94)

ForeignpassportwithINSorUSCISverificationandvalidFormI-551stamp

Currentalienregistrationcard(newFormI-551)withexpirationdateandverificationfromINSorUSCIS

Refugeetraveldocument(FormI-571)

USre-entrypermit(FormI-327)

ValidI-94stamped“Refugee,”“Parolee,”“Asylee”or“NoticeofAc-tion”(FormI-797approvedpetition)byINSorUSCIS

ValidI-94withattachedphotostamped“ProcessedforI-551…”byINSorUSCIS

3-point document: Currentphotoemploymentauthori-

zationcard(FormI-688BorI-766).MustbepresentedwithvalidSocialSecuritycard.

2-point documents: Currentalienregistrationcard(old

FormI-551)withoutexpirationdateandwithINSorUSCISverification

Phototemporaryresidentcard(FormI-688)

chOOse PRIMARY DOcuments Youmustshowatleastoneofthese

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3-point documents:

Civilmarriage,domesticpartner-shiporcivilunioncertificateissuedbythemunicipalityinwhichthecer-emonyoccurred.Pleasenote:Pho-tocopiesorcertificatesissuedbyreligiousentitiesarenotacceptable

Orderordecreeofdivorce,dissolutionortermination(see“Im-portantInformation”p.12)

Courtorderforalegalnamechange,signedbyajudgeorcourtclerk

CurrentUSmilitarydependentcard

USmilitaryphotoretireecard

ValidNJfirearmpurchasercard

2-point documents: USschoolphotoIDcardwithtranscriptorschoolrecords

UScollegephotoIDcardwithtranscript

Validfederal,stateorlocalgovernmentemployeedriverlicense

Validfederal,stateorlocalgovernmentemployeephotoIDcard

USmilitarydischargepapers(DD214)

FAApilotlicense

1-point documents: You cannot use more than tWo of these

CurrentPHOTOdriverlicensefromanyotherstateortheDistrictofColumbia

SocialSecuritycard

Bankstatementorrecord

ATMcardwithpreprintednameandapplicant’ssignature.(Pleasenote:AnATMcardandbankstatementcannotbesubmittedtogether.)

Currenthealthinsurancecard,pre-scriptioncardoremployeeIDcardwithprintedpaystub

Stateprofessionallicense

NJpublicassistancecardwithphoto(alsoknownasaNJSocialServicesIDcard)

Highschooldiploma,GEDorcollegediploma

Propertytaxstatement,billorreceiptissuedbyaNewJerseymunicipality

ForNJhighschoolstudents:awaivercertificateforthewrittenportionofthedriver’stest

VeteransAffairsuniversalaccessphotoIDcard

2 chOOse seConDARY DOcuments Youmustshowatleastoneofthese

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You must also present proof of residential address, which may be, but is not limited to, one of these

Utilityorcreditcardbillissuedinthepast90daysthatshowsyournameatyourcurrentaddress.

Note:MailaddressedtoP.O.boxesnotacceptedasproofofaddress(39:3-9a)

Checkingorsavingsaccountstatementfromabankorcreditunion,issuedinthepast60days

Highschoolorcollegereportcardortranscriptcontainingyouraddress,issuedwithinthepasttwoyears

Originalleaseorrentalagreementshowingyournameasthelesseeorrenter

Propertytaxbill,statementorreceiptfromthepastyear

Anyletterorcorrespondence(includingtaxbills)receivedfromtheIRSorstatetaxofficeinthepastyear

First-classmailreceivedfromanyfederal,stateorlocalgovernmentagencyinthepastsixmonths

Ifyouareunder18,thenwewillacceptaParentorGuardianCertificationthatverifiesyouarelivingwithaparentorguardian

Tocomplete6PointIDVerification,MVCwillverifythatyourSocialSecuritynumbermatchesyournameandbirthdateonrecordwiththeSocialSecurityAdministrationdatabase.

IfyouarenoteligibleforaSocialSecuritynumber,youmustprovideanexemptionletterfromtheSocialSecurityAdministration.

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ADD uP POintsPrimAry

secOnDAry

tOtAL

+

Mustequal6ormorepoints

3 chOOseProofofAddress 4 sOciAL

SecurityNumber

) GRaDuaTED DRIVER lICEnSE (GDl)In 2001, New Jersey sought to enhance driver preparation and safety byimplementingamulti-stagedriver licensingsystem.Knownas theGraduatedDriverLicense(GDL)Program,thesystemgraduallyintroducesdrivingprivilegestofirst-timedrivers,extendstheirpracticedrivingtimeandrequiresaminimumageof18inordertoreceiveanunrestricted,basicdriverlicense.GDLrestrictionsplaceduponfirst-timedriversmustbestrictlyadheredto.Failuretodosomayresultinafineof$100orapossiblesuspensionofamotorist’sdrivingprivilege.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10and39:3-13through39:13.8)


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OPtiOn

MVCwillvalidateSpecialLearnerPermitsONLYaftertrainingcoursecompletion.

GET a SPECIal lEaRnER PERMIT• Mustbeatleast16yearsold

• Musthavesignedparentorguardianconsent

• Mustbeenrolledinapprovedbehind-the-wheeldrivertrainingcoursethroughtheN.J.DepartmentofEducationorcommercialdrivingschool

• Anapprovedinstructormustpurchasethepermit

• MustpassMVC’sknowledgeandvisiontests

• Mustpayrequiredfee

steP 1

GRaDuaTED

DRIVER

lICEnSE The early Bird road OPtiOn

PRaCTICE wITH an aDulT SuPERVISInG DRIVER• Mustobservespeciallearnerpermitdrivingrestrictions

• Mustpracticeatleastsixmonths

GET a PRObaTIOnaRy lICEnSE• Musthavecompletedsixmonthsofsuperviseddriving

withoutanysuspensionsorpostponements

• MustpassMVC’sroadtest

• Mustbeatleast17yearsold

steP 3

wITH a PRObaTIOnaRy DRIVER lICEnSE• Mustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear

• Mustobserveprobationarydriverlicenserestrictions

steP 4

GET THE baSIC DRIVER lICEnSE• Mustbeatleast18yearsold

• Musthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddrivingwithprobationarydriverlicenserestrictions


steP 5

Note:PermitmaynotbeusedforpracticedrivinguntilvalidatedatanMVCDriverTestingCenter.

A

steP 2

GRaDuaTED

DRIVER

lICEnSE The young adulT road OPtiOn

GET an ExaMInaTIOn PERMIT• MustpassMVC’sknowledgeandvisiontest



• Mustobtainparentorguardianconsentifyouareunder18yearsofage

steP 1

PRaCTICE SuPERVISED DRIVInG• Mustpracticewithanadultsupervisingdriver

• Mustpracticeatleastsixmonths

• Mustobserveexamination-permitdrivingrestrictions

steP 2

GET a PRObaTIOnaRy lICEnSE• Musthavecompletedsixmonthsofsuperviseddriving

withoutanysuspensionsorpostponements

•MustpassMVC’sroadtest

steP 3

PRaCTICE unSuPERVISED DRIVInG• Mustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear

• Mustfollowprobationarydriverlicenserestrictions

steP 4

GET THE baSIC DRIVER lICEnSE• Mustbeatleast18yearsold

• Musthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddriving


steP 5

B


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GRaDuaTED

DRIVER

lICEnSE The adulT road OPtiOn CGET an ExaMInaTIOn PERMIT


• MustpassMVC’sknowledgeandvisiontests


steP 1

PRaCTICE SuPERVISED DRIVInG• Mustpracticewithanadultsupervisingdriver

• Mustpracticeatleastthreemonths

• Mustobserveexaminationpermitdrivingrestrictions

steP 2

GET a PRObaTIOnaRy lICEnSE• Musthavecompletedthreemonthsofsupervised drivingwithoutanysuspensionsorpostponements

• MustpassMVC’sroadtest

steP 3

PRaCTICE unSuPERVISED DRIVInG• Mustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear

• Mustfollowapplicableprobationarydriverlicenserestrictions

steP 4

GET THE baSIC DRIVER lICEnSE• Musthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddriving


steP 5

^ sPeciAL LeArner Permit restrictiOns • Nodrivingbetween11:01p.m.and5:00a.m.

• Nousinghand-heldorhands-freecellphonesoranyotherelectronic devices.

• Permitholdermustbeaccompaniedinthefrontseatbyanadult supervisingdriverwhoisatleast21yearsofageandwhopossessesa validNewJerseydriverlicenseandhasaminimumofthreeyears’ drivingexperience.

• Passengersarelimitedtoanyparent,guardianordependantofthespecial

permitholderandoneadditionalpassenger.

• Permitholderandallpassengersmustwearseatbelts.

• Mustdisplaydecalsonlicenseplates.

^ exAminAtiOn Permit restrictiOns • Nodrivingbetween11:01p.m.and5:00a.m.1

• Nousinghand-heldorhands-freecellphonesoranyotherelectronic devices.

• Permitholdermustbeaccompaniedinthefrontseatbyanadult

supervisingdriverwhoisatleast21yearsofageandwhopossesses avalidNewJerseydriverlicenseandhasaminimumofthreeyears’ drivingexperience.1

• Passengersarelimitedtodependantsofthepermitholderandone

additionalperson,unlessaccompaniedbyaparent/guardian.

• Permitholderandallpassengersmustwearseatbelts.


^ PrObAtiOnAry Driver License restrictiOns • Nodrivingbetween11:01p.m.and5:00a.m.1

• Nousinghand-heldorhands-freecellphonesoranyotherelectronicdevices.

• Passengersarelimitedtodependantsoftheprobationarylicenseholder

andoneadditionalperson,unlessaccompaniedbyaparent/guardian.

• Probationarylicenseholderandallpassengersmustwearseatbelts.


1IftheExaminationPermitorProbationaryLicenseholderis21yearsofageorolder,hourandpassengerrestrictionsdonotapply.


New Jersey

Garden Stateg d l

NNewNewNew JJersJersJerseyeyey

Garden Stateg d l

New Jersey

Garden Stateg d l

GDL DecALAllGDLdriversunderage21,whopossessapermitorprobationarylicense,arerequiredtodisplaytwovisible,redreflectivedecals,distributedthroughtheMVC,on any vehicle that they operate. One decal is to be displayed on the top leftcorneroftherearlicenseplateandtheotheronthetopleftcornerofthefrontlicenseplate.Thetwo,removabledecals are provided to a driver at the time a permit isissuedforafeeof$4.Additionaldecalsareavailablefor$4perpairatanyMVCagency.(39:3-13and39:3-13.4f)

GDL Driver exemPtiOnsExemptions to the hours rule for permit and probationary drivers under 21years:Proofofaneedtodriveduringtheprohibitedhoursforemploymentand/or religion. For an exemption, the motorist must carry a legible certificationto indicatethisneedfromhis/heremployeror religiousofficialontheofficialletterheadofthebusiness,organizationorreligiousinstitution,withthesignatureof the certifying official and his/her name, title, address and phone number.(N.J.A.C.39:21-8.18)

Note:Ifthestudentdrivercommitsatrafficoffense,responsibilitywillbewithboththestudentandinstructororadultsupervisingdriver.Allmotoristswhopossess a probationary driver license, whose probationary licensing periodis not extended by the MVC beyond the standard 12 months, must visit anMVCagency toupgrade toabasicdriver licenseafter theendof those12months. Motorists who fail to do so will remain subject to the probationarydriverlicenserestrictionsandcouldbecitedbylawenforcementforviolatingtherestrictions.

) SPECIal lEaRnER PERMITS fOR nEw JERSEy RESIDEnTS AnyNewJerseyresidentwhoisatleast16yearsoldandisnotinsuspensionstatuscanobtainaspeciallearnerpermitatanyMVCagency.Theapplicantmusthavethesignedconsentofhis/herparentorguardian,mustbeenrolledin a behind-the-wheel driver training course approved by the New JerseyDepartmentofEducationorconductedbyacommercialdrivingschool,andmustpasstheMVC’sknowledgetestandvisionscreening.Anapprovedcourseis six full hoursof behind-the-wheel instruction in adual-controlled vehicle.ThesehoursareexclusiveoftimespentattheMVCforpermitpurchasingor

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) ExaMInaTIOn PERMITS fOR nJ RESIDEnTS AnyNewJerseyresidentwhoisatleast17yearsoldandisnotinsuspensionstatus can obtain a driver examination permit at any MVC agency. Theexamination permit is different from a student learner permit because theapplicantdoesnothavetobeastudentandaninstructorisnotnecessary.

Note:Adriverexaminationpermitisrequiredevenifthemotoristpossessesavalidlicensefromanotherstate.SeeExaminationPermitsforOut-of-StateDrivers.

Afteranapplicantfillsouttheformwithhis/herpersonalinformationandprovides6PointsofIDVerificationandproofthattheU.S.governmentauthorizeshis/herpresenceinthiscountry,he/shecanpurchaseapermittotaketothenearestDriverTestingCenter.BasicautomobilelicenseapplicantsmustsupplyaSocialSecuritynumberoranexemptionfromtheSocialSecurityAdministration.

Note: Most agencies conduct knowledge testing and vision screening. Tofind out which MVC agencies offer driver testing services, check online at www.njmvc.gov or call (888) 486-3339 toll-free in New Jersey or(609) 292-6500 fromoutofstate.

TheMVCwillvalidatethepermitforpracticedrivingaftertheapplicantpassesthe requiredknowledge test and vision screening. Results are valid for twoyears(seeChapter2).

) ExaMInaTIOn PERMITS fOR OuT-Of-STaTE DRIVERSAllout-of-statedriversarerequiredtopurchaseanexaminationpermitwithin60daysofbecomingapermanentNewJerseyresidentorwhenhis/herout-of-statelicenseexpires,whichevercomesfirst.

testing.Theinstructormustpurchasethepermit,whichisvalidfortwoyears.(N.J.S.A.39:3-13.1)

Afteranapplicantfillsouttheformwithhis/herpersonalinformationandpro-vides6PointsofIDVerificationand,ifapplicable,proofthattheU.S.governmentauthorizeshis/herpresenceinthiscountry,theinstructorcanpurchaseapermitatanyMVCagency.

Uponcompletionof theapproveddriver trainingcourseandbeforepracticedriving, thepermitholdermusthave thepermitvalidatedatanyMVCDriverTestingCenter.


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Out-of-statedriverswhoareunder18yearsofageandmovetoNewJerseyaresubjecttothisstate’sGDLProgram.IftheywishtoapplyforaNewJerseylicense,he/sheshouldfollowthestepsoutlinedforspecialandexaminationpermitholders.PermitsmaybepurchasedatanyMVCagencyuponpresentingtherequiredproofofageand6PointIDVerification.Applicantsarerequiredtopassvisionscreeningtest.Knowledgeandroadtestsarewaivedaslongasyouhaveavalid,non-probationarydriverlicenseissuedbyanyofthe50statesorDistrictofColumbia.

Out-of-statedriverlicensesmustbesurrenderedwhentheMVCissuesaNewJerseydriverlicense.

) ExaMInaTIOn PERMITS fOR OuT-Of-COunTRy DRIVERS Anon-citizenmustshowformalproofthatU.S.CitizenshipandImmigrationSer-vices(USCIS)hasauthorizedhis/herpresenceinthiscountryunderfederallaw.

Students and their families on visas must show INS Form I-20, studentidentificationcardsorcertificationonschoolletterheadindicatingstatus.

Note:Foreigndriversmayusetheirnativedriver licensesasproofofdrivingexperienceiftheircountriesaremembersoftheUnitedNationsConventiononRoadTrafficandiftheapplicantshavetheirlicensestranslatedintoEnglishbyaconsulateoranMVC-approvedtranslator.Aroadtestmaystillberequired.

Note:LicensesfromUSPossessionsandTerritoriesareconsideredout-of-country.

) InTERnaTIOnal DRIVInG PERMIT (IDP)Visitorswitha foreigndriver licensewho travel to theUnitedStatesshouldcarryanIDPorattachanacceptableEnglishtranslationtotheirnationaldriverlicenses.TheIDPistranslatedintotheofficiallanguagesoftheUnitedNations(including English) and is useful in traffic emergencies. Non-citizens mustobtaintheIDPintheirnativecountrybeforetravelingtotheUnitedStates.

NewJerseymotoristswhotraveltoforeigncountriesmayobtainanIDPappli-cationthroughtheirlocalAAAclub.Visitwww.aaa.com/vacation/idpc.html formoreinformation.

Note: A motorist must carry a valid driver license. Although it is an officialdocument, the IDP cannot replace a driver license, but it can be used inconjunction with the license to provide an additional source of motoristidentificationandspanforeignlanguagebarriers.

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) nOn-DRIVER IDAnindividual,17yearsofageorolder,whodoesnotpossessavaliddriverlicensemayapplyforanon-driveridentificationcard.Toobtainanidentificationcard,theindividualmustshowproofofageandprovide6PointsofIDVerificationandproofthathis/herpresenceinthiscountryisauthorizedunderfederallaw.Thecostis$24.Thenon-driverIDmustbesurrenderediftheindividualappliesforandreceivesaNewJerseydriverlicense.(N.J.S.A.39:3-29.2to39:3-29.8)

) HEaRInG-IMPaIRED DESIGnaTIOnA special driver license for deaf or hearing-impaired motorists (41 dB lossormore) isprovidedbytheMVC.Toobtainthis license,which isdesignatedwith the international symbol of the deaf or a numerical code, a motoristmustcompleteanapplication,availableatanyMVCagency.Verificationbyaphysicianoraudiologistisrequired.(N.J.S.A.39:3-11a)

) COMMERCIal DRIVER lICEnSE (CDl)Therearethreeclassesofacommerciallicense;A,B,andC.However,noonecanapplyfortheselicensesuntilhe/sheisinpossessionofavalidbasicClassDNewJerseydriverlicenseorhe/shepossessesavalidout-of-stateCDL.

Class A:Licenseisnecessaryfortheoperationoftractortrailersoranytruckortrailerwithagrosscombinationweightrating(GCWR)of26,001poundsormore, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle beingtowedismorethan10,000pounds.TheClassAlicensealsoallowsthemotoristtooperateallvehiclesintheclassB,CandDcategories,providedthemotoristhasqualifiedforalltheproperextraendorsements.Seethechartonpage25.

Class B:LicenseisnecessaryfortheoperationofanyvehiclewithaGVWRof26,001poundsormore:

• Avehiclewithagrossvehicleweightratingof26,001poundsormoretowingatrailerwithagrossvehicleweightratingoflessthan10,000pounds

• Abuswithagrossvehicleweightratingof26,001poundsormoredesigned totransport16ormorepassengers,includingthedriver

AClassB licenseallows themotorist tooperateall vehicles in theClassCandDcategories,providedthemotoristhasqualifiedforalltheproperextraendorsements.


Class C:LicenseisnecessaryforanyvehiclewithaGVWRoflessthan26,001pounds,usedandplacardedtotransporthazardousmaterial:

• Anybus,includingschoolbuses,designedtocarry16passengersormore,includingthemotorist,andwithaGVWRoflessthan26,001poundsandallschoolvehiclesdesignedfor15passengersorfewer,includingthemotorist

• Anybusorothervehicledesignedtotransport8to15passengers,includingthemotorist,whichisusedforhire

cOmmerciAL Driver exemPtiOnsTaxi drivers, ride-sharing van drivers, funeral procession drivers, operatorsof rescue, first-aid squad or firefighter apparatus, farmers hauling their ownproductsandequipmentwithin150milesoftheirfarms,non-civilianoperatorsofmilitaryequipmentandoperatorsofconstructionequipmentnotdesignedforoperationonpublicroadsareexemptandneednotapplyforacommercialdriverlicense.Operatorsofrecreationalvehiclesarealsoexempt,providedthevehicleisbeingoperatedonlyforpersonaluse.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10k,39:3-10.11)

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cOmmerciAL License restrictiOnsNumberedrestrictions,suchascorrective lenses,arenotedonallcommerciallicenses.Anexampleofaspecialrestrictiononacommercial licenseis“L”forairbrakes.Thismeansthemotoristmaynotoperateavehicleequippedwithairbrakes,ifdesignatedonthelicense.

cOmmerciAL Driver mAnuALFormoreinformationoncommercialmotorvehiclelicensing,refertotheMVC’sCommercialDriverManual.AllCDL testsarebasedon informationcontainedin themanual.Togetacopy,visitanyMVCagencyor regionalservicecenterorview/requestitonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.Manualsmayalsobeobtainedbycalling(888) 486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate.

cOmmerciAL License enDOrsementsMostcommercialdriverswillneedtoobtainatleastonespecialendorsement.Anexampleofanendorsementonacommerciallicenseis“H”forhazardousmaterials,whichmeansthatthemotoristmaylegallytransporthazardousmaterials.

CoDe VehICLe enDoRseMent sPeCIAL RequIReMent

T DoubleandTripleTrailer

Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclespullingtwoorthreetrailers

Requiresaknowledgetest.ClassAlicenserequiredtooperatethistypeofvehicle

P Passenger Neededbyoperatorsofbusesorsimilarvehiclesusedtotransportpassengers

Requiresaroadtest.Otherspecialrequirementsarenecessary(seeCDLManual)

S SchoolBus Neededbyallschoolbusdrivers

Requiresaknowledgeandroadtest.Motoristswhoholdan“S”endorsementwillalsohavetotestfora“P”endorsement.Botharerequiredtooperateaschoolbus

N TankerVehicle

Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclesusedtotransportliquidsorgasinbulk

Requiresaknowledgetest.

H HazardousMaterials

Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclesusedtotransporthazardousmaterials

Requiresaknowledgetestandmayrequirearoadtest.Mustbetrainedandretestedeverytwoyears.SeetheFederalMotorCarrierSafetyAdministrationforrequirements(www.fmcsa.dot.gov)


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new Jersey Driver Testing

30 Requirements for a basic Driver license32 Road Test34 Reasons for Rejection

) REquIREMEnTS fOR a baSIC DRIVER lICEnSE6 POint iD verificAtiOnAllapplicantsforaNewJerseydriverlicensemusthaveallrequireddocumentstosatisfythe6PointIDVerification.

visiOn testAvisionscreeningisrequiredforallmotorists.TheMVCmayreferapplicantswithimpairedvisiontoaphysician.

KnOwLeDGe testTheknowledgetestconsistsof50questions,plusasurveyquestionaboutorgandonation.TheMVCofferstheknowledgetestinEnglishandtheseforeignlanguages:Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian andSpanish.Iftheapplicantcannotreadinanylanguage,anoraltestthatisconductedinEnglishorSpanishmaybearranged.Iftheapplicantisunabletotakeanoralorwrittentestinthelanguagesprovidedorifhe/sheishearingimpaired,he/shemayuseanMVC-approvedinterpreter,accordingtothefollowingguidelines.

interPretersAnapprovedforeignlanguageinterpreteris:

• Afull-timefacultymemberofacollegeoruniversityintheUnitedStates,whodisplaysacurrentidentificationcardissuedbythatcollegeoruniversity

• Apriest,minister,rabbiorotherreligiousleaderofarecognizedorganization,whodisplayscredentialsshowinghis/herassociationinsuchanorganization

• AnindividuallistedontheN.J.AdministrativeOfficeoftheCourts(Language ServicesSection)RegistryofInterpretersandAgencies

Anapprovedhearing-impairedinterpreteris:• AninterpretercertifiedbytheNationalRegistryofInterpretersfortheDeaf

andlistedwiththeNewJerseyDivisionoftheDeaf

• AninterpreterwhohasbeenevaluatedbytheDivisionoftheDeafandisontheapprovedlistofprofessionalinterpreters

The MVC will pay the interpreter fees for hearing-impaired applicants. Contactany Driver Testing Center for more information about approved interpreters orfeepayments.

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test requirements

Out-Of-stAte AnD Out-Of cOuntry APPLicAntsApplicantswhowishtotransferavalidout-of-statelicensearerequiredtotakea vision screening. Out-of-state applicants between 17 and 18 years of agewhopossessavalidout-of-statelicensewillbegivenaprobationarylicenseforaperiodofoneyearandmustcomplywithGDLrequirementsandrestrictions.

All out-of-country applicants must pass the knowledge test and a visionscreeningandmaybe required topassa road test.Test resultsare valid fortwoyears.

Note:ApplicantsfromU.S.possessionsandterritoriesareconsideredoutofcountry.

visiOn rechecKPeriodically, theMVCmayrequireavisionrecheckofaNewJerseymotorist.Licenserenewalwillbepermitteduponpassingthevisionscreening.

heALth questiOnsIftheapplicanthasahealthproblem,amedicalreviewmaybenecessary.Theexaminerwilldiscussthiswiththeapplicant.

sCReenIng tests MInIMuM RequIReMents

EYESIGHT Basic license applicants: 20/50 vision with orwithoutcorrectivelenses.Forsightinoneeyeonly,thateyemustmeetthe20/50ruleandtheapplicantmusthavedocumentationsignedbyalicensedphysician.Cdl license applicants: 20/40 vision with orwithoutcorrective lenses inbotheyes.Mustbeabletodistinguishamongred,greenandamberlights.

WRITTEN 80 percent, or 40 of the 50 questions, must have correctanswers.

HEALTH Informexaminerofhealthproblems.Underfederallaw,commercial drivers must carry a medical examiner’sfitness statement and have it renewed every twoyears.

) ROaD TESTAfter an applicant passes the knowledge test and vision screening and, ifapplicable, an approved behind-the-wheel course, the MVC will validate his/her permit so that he/she can practice. GDL permit holders under 21 yearsof age must have a minimum of six months supervised practice driving priortoa road testappointment.GDLpermitholders,21yearsoldandover,musthaveaminimumofthreemonthssupervisedpracticedrivingpriortoaroadtestappointment.Tomakeanappointmentforaninitialroadtestoraretest,visitanyDriverTestingCenterorscheduleonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.Appointmentsmaynotbemadebyphone.

rOAD test checKListEveryroadtestapplicantmustbringalltheitemsonthischecklisttotheroadtestsiteinordertotakethetest.

� 6PointsofID

� Validatedpermit

� Valid inspection sticker, valid registration and valid insurance IDdocumentsforvehicleusedattest(unlesscoveredbyBPUorfederalDOTregulations)

� 2redGDLdecals(ifGraduatedDriverLicense(GDL)requirementsareapplicable)

� Vehiclefortestmustnothaveanyobstructionsorconsolesthatpreventtheexaminerfromreachingthefootorparkingbrakes

� Allsignals,brakelightsandwindshieldwipersonvehiclefortestmustbeinworkingorder

� Norentalcarsarepermittedunlessthetestapplicant’snameislistedasadriverontherentalagreement

� Applicantmustbeaccompaniedbyalicenseddriver.(Theaccompanyingdrivermustholdavalidlicensetooperatethetypeofvehicleforwhichtheapplicanthasapermit,exceptforamoped.)

Note:Vehiclesregisteredoutofstatemustcomplywithmotorist’shomestate’slawswithregardtoinsuranceidentification.

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AccOmPAnyinG Driver requirementsAn applicant may drive a properly registered vehicle to the road test area.However,alicenseddrivermustremaininthevehiclewiththeapplicantatalltimes.Avehiclemaynotbemoved,evenintheroadtestline,withoutalicenseddriver inthevehicle. If theaccompanyingmotorist is licensed inastateotherthanNewJersey, or has less than three yearsof drivingexperience, he/shemustdrivethevehicletotheroadtestarea.TheMVCdoesnotsupplyvehiclesforroadtests.

eLements Of the rOAD testOntheactualroadtest,anMVCexaminerwillridewiththeapplicantwhenhe/shedrivesinanoff-roadtestareaoronapublicroadcourse.Thepurposeoftheroadtestistomakesurethattheapplicantunderstandstherulesoftheroadandcandrivesafely.Iftheapplicant’svehiclehasastandardtransmission,theexaminerwillasktheapplicanttodemonstratehis/herabilitytocorrectlyshiftgears.

During the basic road test, the examiner may test the applicant on thefollowingitems:

test IteM PAgeDrivinginreverse 49

Followingothervehicles 84

Nearingcorners,intersections 62

Parking(parallel) 52

Sittingproperly 38

Startingavehicle 44,45

Steeringproperly 46,47

Stoppingatsigns 71

Stoppingsmoothly 48

Turning 50,68,69

Turningaround 51

Usingthehorn 43

Yieldingright-of-way 61

Ifanapplicantpassestheroadtest,theexaminerwillissueanauthorizationforlicensing.Thepermit,authorizationand6PointsofIDVerificationmustbetakentoamotorvehicleagencytoobtainthedigitaldriverlicense(DDL).

TheMVCwilllicenseasuccessfulapplicantforaClassDbasicdriverlicenseorClassEmotorcyclelicenseasaprobationarydriveriftheapplicanthasneverbeenlicensedtodriveamotorvehicleinthisoranyotherstate.TheMVCwillmonitorhis/herdrivinghabitsfortwoyears.

Ifanapplicantfailstheroadtest,he/shemustwaitatleasttwoweeksbeforetakingthetestagain.Toreschedulethetest,gotoanyDriverTestingCenterinpersonorscheduleonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.Afterseveralfailures,theMVCmayrequireanapplicanttowaitsixmonthsbeforeretakingtheroadtest.

) REaSOnS fOR REJECTIOnMostapplicantsbelievethattheirdrivingperformanceistheonlycriteriontheexaminerusestogradetheirroadtest.However,thevehiclemaybethecauseoffailure.Somelicenseapplicantsmaynothavetheopportunitytotakeaninitialroadtestbecauseanexaminerconsidersthevehicleunsuitableorunsafeforthetest.

HerearesomeofthemorecommonreasonstheMVCrejectsroadtestvehicles:• Improper,expiredornoinspectionsticker

• Lackofexamineraccesstofootbrakeorparkingbrake

• Anydefectorconditionthataffectsthesafeoperationofthetestvehicle,suchasbutnotlimitedto:

–Poorbrakes(pedalmustnotfadeorgotothefloorboard)–Parkingbrakedoesn’twork–Unsafetires(smooth,cut,badlyworn)–Vehicleinteriorisnotinreasonablycleancondition–Vehiclefailedinspection,andmotoristdoesnotbringtheVehicle

InspectionReportissuedbytheinspectionstationtoroadtestarea–Vehiclenotequippedwithradialtiresorsnowtiresorchainswhen

roadissnowcovered–Fastengineidle(cannotjudgespeedcontrol)–Missingseatbelts(seatbeltsarerequiredonallvehicles

manufacturedafterJuly1,1966)

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Additionalitemsformotorcycleandmopedtestsonly:• Lackofequipmentrequiredbystateregulations

• Nohelmet

• Unapprovedgogglesorfaceshield

• Nobellorhorn(butnotasirenorwhistle)thatcanbeheard100feetaway

See motorcycle section for more specific information.

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Driver Responsibility

38 buckle up – new Jersey’s Seat belt law39 Car Seats40 Child Restraint law40 air bags42 Car Condition44 Starting a Parked Car46 Steering

47 Stopping Distances48 Proper braking49 Driving Signals49 Driving in Reverse50 Turning 51 Parking

SafedrivingistheresponsibilityofallindividualswhooperateavehicleonNewJerseyroads.Therulesoftheroadmustbeobeyedatall timesandlawsmustbestrictlyfollowed.Amotoristmustensurethesafetyofallpassengerswhoareridinginhis/hervehicleandbemindfuloftheothermotoristswhosharetheroadeachday.

) buCklE uP – nEw JERSEy’S SEaT bElT lawNew Jersey’s seat belt law requires the motorist, front-seat passengers andchildrenunder18yearsoldtobebelted(N.J.S.A.39:3-76.2f).Non-complianceisaprimaryoffense.Apoliceofficercanstopamotoristsolelyforaviolationoftheseatbelt law.Thelawalsoexpandsthedefinitionofpassengervehicletoincludevans,pickuptrucksandutilityvehicles.Underasecondarylaw,allbackseatoccupants,18yearsofageandolder,arerequiredtobuckleup.Unbuckledback seat passengers can be issued a summons when the vehicle they areridinginisstoppedforanotherviolation.

The motorist is responsible for all passengers under 18 years of age.Front-seat passengers 18 years of age and over are responsible forthemselves. Motorists with GDL permits or probationary licensesmust use seat belts. Additionally, they must require all passengersseated anywhere in the vehicle to use seat belts. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2f,39:3-13.2a,39:3-13.4)

TheexemptionsareanypassengervehiclemanufacturedbeforeJuly1,1966,apassengervehiclethatisnotrequiredtobeequippedwithseatbeltsystemsunder federal law and a physical or medical reason, verified in writing by alicensedphysician,thatmakesthemotoristorpassengerunabletowearaseatbelt.(N.J.S.A.39:3-76.2g)

Seat belts can save a life and improve a motorist’s chances of surviving acrashby60percent.Amotorist’schancesofsurvivingacollisionarethreetofour timesbetter if he/she iswearingbotha seatbelt anda shoulder strap.Fastening a seat belt takes only three seconds and reduces the chances ofdeathorseriousinjury.Seatbeltshelpinmanyways,forexample:

•Theykeepmotoristsandpassengersfrombeingthrownfromthevehicleinacollision.Ifamotorist/passengerisheldinplace,anyinjurymaybelesssevere.

•Theyslowabodydownwiththevehicle.Ifavehiclehitssomething,thevehiclestops,butthepersonkeepsgoingatthesamespeedthatthe

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vehiclewasmoving.Hittingthedashboardorwindshieldat30mphislikefallingfromthetopofathree-storybuilding.

•Theykeepamotorist/passengerfromslidingontheseatduringsudden

stopsandturns.Beltsandstrapsalsokeepamotoristinpositionsohe/shecancontrolthevehicle.

Tips for seaT BelT use• Buckleupwithbothlapandshoulderbeltsoneverytrip.(Airbagsare

supplementalprotectiondevices.)

• Wearthelapbeltundertheabdomenandlowacrossthehips.Theshoulderportionshouldcomeoverthecollarbone,awayfromtheneck,andcrossoverthebreastbone.Theshoulderbeltinmostnewvehiclescanbeadjustedonthesidepillartoimprovefit.

• Knowhowtoadjusttheseatbeltsandhowtoreleasethemifmotorists/passengershavetoquicklygetoutofthevehicle.

• Buckleupifridinginthebackseat;usecenterseatbeltsifthoseseatsareused.Seatbeltshelppreventridersfromfallingforward.

• Neverputmorethanonepersoninonebelt.

) CaR SEaTSTrafficaccidentsarealeadingkillerofchildren.Whenridinginavehicle,childrenshouldbeheldinplacebyarestraintsystemthatmeetsallFederalMotorVehicleSafetyStandards.RefertotheparagraphonChildRestraintLaw.

AllchildrestraintsystemsbuiltsinceJanuary1,1981,mustbedesignedtopasstoughsafetytests.Theseseatscarryalabelthatgivesthedateofmanufactureandreads:“ThischildrestraintsystemconformstoallapplicableFederalMotorVehicleSafetyStandards.”

Therearemanytypesandstylesofcarseats.Aninfantcarseatwillprotectababyupto20poundsand26inchesandmustbeplacedinthevehiclefacingtherear.Aconvertiblecarseatisalargerseatthatcanbeusedforaninfantoratoddlerofupto40poundsand40inchesinheight.Theseatcanbeadjustedtoarecliningpositionandplacedinthevehiclefacingbackwardsforababy.Whenthebabyweighsatleast17poundsandcansitupwellwithouthelp,theseatcanbeadjustedtoanuprightpositionandplacedinthevehiclefacingforward.

Note:Itispreferredthatwheneverpossible,childcarsafetyseatsbeplacedinthebackseat.However,ifamotoristisridingwithanewinfantandthevehicledoesnothaveabackseat,move the frontseatas farbackaspossible fromthedashboardandmakesurethechildisbuckledproperlyintheappropriaterestraint forhis/herheight andweight.Neverplace rear-facing infant safetyseatsinthefrontseatofavehiclewithafrontpassenger-sideairbag.

Whileaconvertibleseatisdesignedtobeusedfacingforwardonceachildhasreachedatleast17pounds,aninfantseatmustneverbefacedforward.Todosowouldbeverydangerous.Alwayscheckthelabelonacarseattofindoutthesizeandweightofthechildtheseatisdesignedtoprotect.

Usingthecarseateverytimeachildridesinthevehicle-andusingitcorrectlyeach time - is very important for the safety of the child. Always read theinstructions that come with the seat and follow them very carefully. Correctuseofthecarseatisthebestprotectionamotoristcanofferachild.Formoreinformationonchildcarseats,contacttheDivisionofHighwayTrafficSafetyat(800) 422-3750 orvisitwww.njsaferoads.com.

) CHIlD RESTRaInT lawTheNewJerseychildpassengersafetylaw(N.J.S.A39:3-76.2a)states:

• Childrenuptoageeightoraweightof80poundsmustrideinafederallyapproved safety or booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle. If thereisnorearseat,thechildmustsit inthefrontseatsecuredbyasafetyorboosterseat.

• Childrenunderageeightandover80poundsmustbeinarearseatanduseaseatbelt.Ifthereisnorearseat,thechildmustbeproperlybeltedinthefrontseat.

• Failuretocomplywiththislawcouldmeana$54fineandcourtcosts.

) aIR baGSAirbagsarestandardequipmentinalmostallnewvehiclesandaredesignedtosupplementseatbeltsinfrontalcrashes.Federalsafetystandardsrequiredthatmanufacturersequipallnewpassengercarsandlighttruckswithairbagsby 1999. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,statisticsshowthatbetween1986and2000,frontairbagssavedthelivesof5,303front-seatriders.

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Airbags inflateat speedsofup to200mph toprotect adults in a front-endcollision.Anaverage-sizedadultwhoiscorrectlybeltedisnotlikelytocomeincontactwiththeairbaguntilitisfullyinflated.

Whenairbagsarecombinedwithlap/shoulderseatbelts,theyhavesavedmanyadult livesandpreventedmanyinjuriesinmotorvehiclecrashes.However,airbagscouldseriouslyinjureorkillchildrenwhoaresittinginthefrontseat.

In1995,theNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration(NHTSA)allowedcutoffswitchesinpickuptrucks,sportscarsandautoswithnobackseat.InJan-uary1998,itallowedrepairshopsanddealerstoinstalltheswitchesinvehiclesaftertheappropriateapplicationwasmadeforpeopleinthesecategories:

• driver-and passenger-side air bags:Forindividualswithmedicalconditionswhentherisksofadeployingairbagexceedtherisksofimpactingthesteeringwheel,dashboardorwindshield.

• driver-side air bags only: Forindividualswhocannotproperlyoperate

thevehicleandkeepatleast10inchesbetweenthecenterofthesteeringwheelandthecenterofthebreastbone.

• passenger-side air bags only:Forindividualswhomustplaceinfantsinthefrontseatbecausethevehiclehasnorearseat(e.g.,apickuptruck)ortherearseatistoosmalltoholdthechild’srear-facingseat,orthemotoristmustmonitorthechild’smedicalcondition;forindividualswhomustplacechildren,1to12yearsold,inthefrontseatbecausethevehiclehasnorearseat,orbecausetheindividualmusttransportmorechildrenthancanbeseatedintherearseat,orbecausethemotoristmustmonitorthechild’smedicalcondition.

For more information about an air bag on-off switch or for an application torequest one, call NHTSA’s toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at (800) 424-9393.Informationisalsoavailableonlineatwww.nhtsa.gov.

Childrenofanyagearesafestwhentheyarebeltedproperlyinthebackseatofavehicle,especiallywhenthevehicleisequippedwithapassenger-sideairbag.Othersafetypointsare:

• Alwaysputaninfantinarear-facinginfantchildsafetyseatinthebackseatofavehiclewithairbags.

• Alwaysbesurethatchildren12yearsoldandyoungerrideinthebackseatofthevehicle.

• Alwaysmakesureeveryoneisbuckledup.

Amotoristcantellifhis/hervehiclehasanairbagbythewords“airbag”ortheletters“SRS”(supplementalrestraintsystem)or“SIR”(supplementalinflatablerestraint) on the steering wheel and dashboard panel. Manufacturers alsomaymarkthesunvisorsorthesidesoftheopendoorframewithwarninglabelsorenterawarninginthevehicleowner’smanual.

) CaR COnDITIOnIt is the responsibility of all vehicle owners to ensure the proper workingconditionoftheirvehicles.Alwayscheckyourvehiclebeforedrivingandpreventproblemswithregularmaintenanceandcare.

bAcKuP LiGhtsWhendrivinginreverse,backuplightsshouldbeon.Thesemustbecheckedtomakesuretheyareinworkingorder.

Note:ItisagainstNewJerseylaw(N.J.S.A39:3-52)tohaveanybackuplightsonwhileavehicleismovingforward.

brAKesA motorist should be able to brake smoothly and quickly. If the vehicle pullstoonesidewhenitstopsoramotoristfeelsatautpedalorhearsanunusualsquealingorgrinding,thebrakesmustbechecked.Withconventionaldiscanddrum brakes, amotorist shouldpump themgently after driving throughwatertotestthemanddrythemout.Ifthebrakesarehithard,theycouldlockup.Amotoristshouldbeabletostopwithin25feetat20mph.Thiscanbetriedinanemptyparkinglot.Chalkmarkscanbemadeonthesurfacetoseeifthevehiclecanstopwithinthatdistance.

Ifavehiclehasanantilockbrakingsystem(ABS),thebrakescanbetestedbyapplyingsteadypressuretothebrakepedal.AmotoristshouldneverpumpanABSor jerkthesteeringwheelwhenbraking.Onverysoftsurfaces,suchasloosegravelorunpackedsnow,anABSsystemmayactuallylengthenstoppingdistance. In wet or slippery conditions, a motorist should still drive carefully,always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and maintain a speedconsistentwiththeroadconditions.

brAKe LiGhtsIfavehicle’sbrakelightsarenotworking,someonemaycrashintoitfromtheback.Amotoristshouldhavesomeonehelptocheckthebrakelights.Replacebrokenlightcovers.Theymaycauseaglarethataffectsthemotoristinback.

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heADLiGhtsBright and dim lights must work and be in line. A motorist can check themagainstthegaragewalloronparkedvehicles.Lightsshouldbekeptclean. Ifothermotoristsflash their lightswhileamotorist’s lightsareon lowbeam, itcouldmeanthatthelightsareoutofline.

hOrnAhornshouldnotbeoverused,butamotoristshouldcheck itoftentomakesureitworks.Usethehorntosignalwhenpassingorwhencomingoutofablindalley,curveordriveway.

steerinGOnstraight level roadsavehicleshouldholdastraightcourse.Thefrontendshouldnotvibrate(shimmy).Thesteeringshouldrespondtoamotorist’sturnswithouttoomuchplayinthesteeringwheel.

tAiL LiGhtsAlwayskeeptailandsidelightsinworkingorder.Theysignalothermotoristsinthedarkandpreventaccidents.

tiresIfamotoristfeelsorhearsanyunusualthumpingwhiledriving,he/sheshouldcheck the tires.Bumps,cutsorbad treadcancauseblowouts.Tirepressureshouldbecheckedoften,especiallywhentiresarecold.Amotoristshouldchecktheowner’smanualtodeterminepropertirepressureorshouldaskforadviceataservicestation.Properly inflatedtiressavemoneyinfuelconsumption.Avehicleshouldnotbedrivenwith tires thathave less than1/16 inchof tread(abouttheedgeofadime).Toholdontotheroadproperly,tiresmustmatch(donotmixradialswithothertiretypes)andmusthaveenoughtread.

turn siGnALsAmotoristshouldbeabletoheartheclickingandseethelightedarrowsflashon thedashboard. If theydonotwork, the signalsmustbefixedas soonaspossible.Meanwhile,amotoristshouldusehandsignals.

winDshieLDCracksorchipsinawindshieldcouldcauseittobreak;itshouldbereplaced.A windshield should be clean at all times, inside and out. Windshield wipersshouldalwayswork.Iftheycomewithwashers,amotoristcanusenon-freezingspraytostopicing.NewJerseylawsprohibitadd-ontintingonwindshieldsandfrontsidewindows.

snOw AnD ice Statelaw(N.J.S.A39:4-77.1)requiresamotoristtoremovesnowor icefroma vehiclebeforedriving it. If snowor icedislodges fromamoving vehicle, itcouldstrikeanothervehicleorpedestrian,causinginjuryorpropertydamage.Amotoristisrequiredtomakeallreasonableeffortstoremoveaccumulatediceorsnowfromtheexposedsurfacesofhisorhermotorvehiclepriortodrivingit,includingthehood,trunk,roofandwindshield.Anypersonwhoviolatesthislawissubjecttofinesof$25to$75,regardlessofwhetheranysnoworiceisdislodgedfromvehicle.

) STaRTInG a PaRkED CaRBefore getting into a vehicle, look behind it and in front of it. There are blindspots once a motorist is behind the wheel. Children may be there. There alsomay be bottles, cans, bicycles or other things that cannot be seen from themotorist’sseat.

stArtinG checKList• Allwindowsshouldbecleanandnothingshouldblockamotorist’svision.

• Theseatmustbeadjustedsoamotoristcanreachallpedalsandcontrolseasily.(Formostmotorists,theseatmaybeadjustedsohe/sheissittinganarm’slengthfromsteeringwheel).

• Insideandoutsiderearviewmirrorsshouldbeadjusted.

• Seatbeltsandshoulderharnessesshouldbefastenedsothattheyarefirmandcomfortable.

• Thevehicleshouldbeinparkorneutralgearandtheparkingbrakeshouldbeset.

• Doorsshouldbelocked.

Amotoristshouldkeepgoodposturewhiledriving.Theseatshouldbeadjustedsothatthemotoristcanreachthefootpedalseasily.Themotoristshouldbecomfortablebehindthewheel.He/sheshouldnothavetostraintoreachthegear shift levers, turn signals or dashboard controls. A motorist is properlypositionedwhenhe/shecanseeclearlyandcanglancetotherear.

Ifamotoristwearsglasses,he/sheshouldadjustthem.Morethan95percentof the information a motorist needs is visual. To fight glare at night, coloredlensesshouldbeavoidedastheydistortcolor.Anti-reflectivecoatingsshouldbeusedon lenses.Thiswill helpeliminate internal reflections ineyeglasses

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AREA OF FORWARD VISION

BLIND AREABLIND AREA

AREA OF REARVIEW

MIRROR VISION

LEFTSIDE

MIRROR

RIGHTSIDE

MIRROR

Blind Spots

BVMN_blindspots_110907

andmayhelpnightdriving.Amotoristshouldhaveaneyecheckupeverytwoyears.Asamotoristages,visualclaritydeclinesandperipheralvisionbecomeslessdistinct.Forexample,a60-year-oldperceiveslightaboutathirdaswellasa20-year-old.

Insideandoutsidemirrorsshouldbeadjustedtoreduceblindspots.Theseareareaswhereamotoristcannotseebehindhis/hervehicle(onbothsides)throughthemirror.Amotoristcancheckthisbyturninghis/herhead.Theoutsidemirrorshouldbeadjustedsothatthemotoristcanseethetipofthedriver-sidefrontdoorhandleinthelowerrightofthemirror.Thiswillallowthemotoristtoseepartofthelanesoftraffictotheleftandrearofthevehicle.

Afterstartingtheengine,amotoristshouldmakesurehis/herpathisclearbyturning and looking back. A motorist should not depend on rearview mirrors.A motorist must also be sure to check for pedestrians and less conspicuousvehicles,suchasbicyclesandmopeds.Amotoristshouldgivethepropersignalanddrivewithcaution.

Steering

BDMN_steering_110907

10

1112

1

2

9 3

Theillustrationonthepreviouspageshowsblindspotswhiledriving.

Whenontheroad,amotoristcancheckthevehicle’smirrorsbylettingavehiclepassontheleft.Asthepassingvehicledisappearsfromtheinsiderearviewmirror,amotoristshouldbeabletoseeitsfrontbumperintheoutsiderearviewmirror.

iDLinG yOur vehicLeNewJerseylawrequiresallmotoriststorestrictvehicleidlingtothreeminutesorless(N.J.A.C.7:27).

Idlingmorethanthreeminutesisunnecessaryandharmfultoyourvehicleandyourhealth.Vehicleandpropertyownersfacefinesof$250to$1,000foreachviolationofthislaw.

Therearesomespecificsituationsinwhichavehiclemayidleforanextendedtime,suchaswhenstuckintraffic,oratdrive-thruestablishments.Seewww.StopTheSoot.orgforacompletelistingofexemptions.

Sodon’tforget:IdlingStinks,andit’sagainstthelaw—turnthekeyandbeidlefree!

) STEERInG

hAnD POsitiOnAmotorist’sgriponthesteeringwheelisimportant.Thesteeringwheelcanbethoughtofasthefaceofaclock.Fornormaldriving,amotoristshouldgripthesteeringwheelbytheoutsiderimatthe9and3o’clockpositions,keepinghis/herthumbalongthefaceofthewheel.Grippingthesteeringwheelasdescribeddiminishes the risk of hand, wrist or arm injury if the air bag is deployed. Amotoristshouldneverturnthewheelwhilegrippingitfromtheinsideoftherim,handfacinginward.Thesteeringwheelshouldbeheldfirmlybutnottootight,assteadyaspossibleasthevehicle’sspeedincreases.Bothhandsshouldbe

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keptonthewheelatalltimes,exceptwhenshiftinggearsorgivinghandsignals.

Themotoristshouldkeepthevehicleinthecenterofthelanethatitistraveling.Onatwo-laneroadwithtrafficcomingtowardthevehicle,themotoristshouldkeeptotheright.Onceamotoristfeelshowthevehiclereactstosteering,he/shewillbereadytopracticeturning,parkingandothermovements.

It takespracticetogetthefeelofsteering. If thevehiclehasantilockbrakes(ABS),themotoristshouldneverviolentlyjerkthesteeringwheelwhilebraking.(Seepage42,“Brakes”)

hAnD-Over-hAnD steerinGHand-over-hand steering permits a motorist to make steering adjustmentsrangingfromveryminoruptoahalfturnofthewheel,whilekeepingbothhandson the wheel. If turning through a slight curve, both hands will typically retaintheir original grip on the wheel, making only slight finger or wrist adjustmentsas necessary to maintain the path of travel. However, when moving through aturn, thehandsmaymoveasmuchas165degrees.Themotorist initiates theturnbypushingthewheelupfromthe9or3o’clockpositiontoward12o’clock,andtheoppositehandcrossesoveranddowntothe9or3o’clockposition,asappropriatetoprovideadditionalinputortostabilizesteering.Theoriginalhandthenreturnstotheoriginalstartpositionof9or3o’clock.Theprocessisreversedtoreturntoastraightpath,orthewheelcanbeallowedtoslipthroughthefingers(controlledslipping)tostraightenwhencomingoutofaturn,whilebothhandsarealwaysonthewheeltomakeadjustmentsasnecessary.Hand-over-handsteeringis particularly well-suited for precision maneuvers, steering through curves,intersectionentryandexit,andskidrecovery.

) STOPPInG DISTanCESThereisnosimplewaytotellexactlyhowlongitwilltakeavehicletostopatacertainspeed.Stoppingdistancedependson:

• Motoristreactiontime

• Weatherandvisibilityconditions

• Vehicleweight

• Brakeconditions

• Conditionandtypeoftires

• Roadwayconditions

• Speed

Onepointissure:Thefasteravehicleisgoing,thelongeritwilltakeittostop.Whenamotoristmuststopquickly,speedcanbethedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath.

stOPPinG DistAnces On Dry surfAces fOr PAssenGer vehicLes

) PROPER bRakInGTheuseofbrakesmayseemsimple,butitisnot.Amotoristshouldknowthetypeofbrakingsystemthathis/hervehicleuses.Itcouldbeaconventionaldrumanddiscbrakesystemoranantilockbrakingsystem(ABS).Whetherthevehicleisfront-orrear-wheeldrivedoesnotdetermineproperbraking.

Manynewmotoristsmakethecommonmistakeofslammingthebrakepedal,evenifthereisnoemergency.Thevehiclewilljerktoastopquicklyandwearoutbrakesandtires.Steady,gentlepressureshouldbeappliedtothebraketobringthevehicletoacontrolledstop.WithanABS,amotoristshouldnotpumpthebrakesorviolentlyjerkthewheel.AnABS-equippedvehiclemaygooutofcontrolatonly35mphifamotoristviolentlyjerksthesteeringwheelandbrake,evenondrypavement.NewmotoristsshouldpracticehardbrakingandsteeringinanemptyparkinglotorsimilaropenspaceuntiltheyareaccustomedtotheABS.Amotoristshouldalwaysusehis/herrightfootforboththebrakeandthegaspedal. If thevehicle isequippedwithamanual transmission, the left footshouldbeusedfortheclutch.

Speed reaction distance Braking distance total

10 mph 11 ft 8 ft 19 ft

20 mph 22 ft 31 ft 53 ft

30 mph 33 ft 69 ft 102 ft

40 mph 44 ft 123 ft 167 ft

50 mph 55 ft 192 ft 247 ft

60 mph 66 ft 277 ft 343 ft

70 mph 77 ft 376 ft 453 ft

Based on a reaction time of 3/4 second, which is typical for most motorists undermosttrafficconditions.Avehicletravels88feetpersecondat60mph.Decelerationisapproximately14feetpersecond.Seep.71formoreinformationonstopping,p.86forinformationaboutfollowingdistancesandp.90forinformationaboutstoppingatnight.

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Driver Signals

BDMN_driver_signals_110907

STOP

RIGHT TURN

LEFT TURN

) DRIVInG SIGnalSA motorist should always give a proper signal whenturning,changinglanes,stoppingorslowingdown.Mostvehicleshaveturnsignalsandamotoristshouldalwaysuse them. A motorist should turn on the turn signal atleast100feetbeforeturningandbesuretocancelthesignal aftermakinga turn.Notdoingsocouldmisleadothermotorists.(N.J.S.A.39:4-126)

NewJerseylawrequiresamotoristtoknowthecorrecthandsignalsforstoppingandturning,whicharestandardinallstates.Togiveahandsignal,amotoristshouldputhis/herarmwelloutofthevehiclesothatitisvisibletoothermotorists.

• Stop or slowing down:handandarmdownward,palmfacingtotherear

• right turn:handandarmupward

• left turn:handandarmstraightout

Anothersignal is thehorn,which isawarningsignal. Itcalls attention to what the motorist is doing. Motoristsmaysoundthehornwhenpassinganothervehiclewhennot in a business or residential zone. Under normalconditions, the horn should be able to be heard for atleast 200 feet. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-69) Only emergencyvehiclesmayusesirens,whistlesorbells.

) DRIVInG In REVERSEBeforedrivinginreverse,amotoristmustbesurethatthepathisclear.Thiscanbedonebyusingthemirrorsandturningtocheck.He/shemustbeverycarefulbecausetheviewtotherearislimited.Inreverse,turningthewheeltotherightwilldirectthevehicletotheright.Steeringtotheleftwilldirectthevehicletotheleft.Ifamotoristdoesnotturnthewheelwhileinreverse,thevehiclewillmovestraightbackward.

Todriveinreverse,amotorist’sheadandbodyshouldbeturnedtotherightuntilhe/shecanseeclearlythroughthebackwindowofthevehiclewithouttheuseofmirrors.Themotorist’srighthandandarmshouldbeplacedoverthebackofthefrontpassengerseat;thelefthandshouldgraspthetopofthesteeringwheel.

Thisisthepositionamotoristshouldbeintoreverseinastraightline,withsightseeingcorrectionmadeasneeded.Avehicleshouldbedrivenslowlyinreverse–typically,walkingspeed(2to4mph).Themotoristshouldnot turnforwarduntilthevehicleistotallystopped.

Ifamotoristmustturnthewheelwhilereversingotherthaninastraightline(e.g.parallelparking), twohandsmustbeonthewheeltosteer,whileamotorist’sheadandbodyisturnedtolookouttherearwindow.Palmingthewheelwithonehandwhileturninginreverseisdangerousandcanresultinfailingtheroadtest.Amotoristshouldalwaysrememberthatthefrontofthevehiclewillswingintheoppositedirectionofaturn.Avehicleshouldbedrivenslowlyinreverse.

Amotoristmustbeabletodriveinreverseinordertopasstheroadportionofthedrivingtest.He/shewillbeaskedtobackthevehicleabout100feetinastraightline,slowlyandsmoothly.

) TuRnInG To make safe turns, a motorist should decide well in advance where he/shewantstoturn.Last-minuteturnscanbeunsafe.Statelawrequiresamotoristtogetintheproperlaneandsignalatleast100feetbeforemakinganyturn.Thefasterthetrafficismoving,thesooneramotoristshouldplanhis/herturn.Ifaturnismissed,amotoristshouldneverbackup.Itisbettertotakethenextturnthantoriskacollision.Beforeturning,amotoristshouldalways:

• Usethemirrorstolookbehindandtobothsidesforothervehicles(orpeople)toseeifitissafetoturn

• Checkforlessvisiblevehicles,suchasmotorcycles,bicyclesandmopeds

• Signalfirst(useturnsignalsorhandsignals)andthenmoveintotheproperlane.

• Slowdownbeforereachinganintersection

• Keepasteadyspeedandfollowpavementmarkings

• Alwaysstayinthesamelaneuntiltheturnisfinished

• Makesureturnsignalisturnedoffaftertheturniscompleted

the 3-POint turn (K turn)Whenturningavehiclearound,amotoristshouldstartfromtherightedgeoftheroad.Chooseasafespotwithgoodvisibilityinbothdirections.Ifthereisnoothertraffic,themotoristshouldsignalleftandmoveforwardslowlywhileturningthesteeringwheeltotheleft.Thevehicleshouldbestoppedseveral inchesfrom

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3 Point Turn

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1

the left curbor streetedge.Themotorist should thensignal right andbackslowlywhile turning thesteeringwheel to the right, stoppingseveral inchesfromtherightcurborstreetedge.Themotoristshouldnextmovethevehicleforward,signalingleft,whileturningthesteeringwheeltotheleft.Finally,themotoristshouldstraightenthevehicle’swheelsasitfacesinthedirectionhe/shewantstogo.Thisisacomplete3-Point(orK)Turn.AnewmotoristwillberequiredtomakethisturnduringMVC’sroadtest.

) PaRkInGWhenparking,amotoristshouldalwayssetthehandbrakeandputthevehicleinparkor,withamanualtransmission, inreverseorlowgear.Thereareseveralimportantstepsforamotoristtofollowwhenparkinghis/hervehicleonastreetwithacurb:

• When parking a vehicle facing downhill:Thehandbrakeshouldbesetandthevehicle’swheelsshouldbeturnedtowardthecurb.Thevehicleshouldbeinparkor,withamanualtransmission,inreverse.

• When parking a vehicle facing uphill: Thehandbrakeshouldbeset

andthevehicle’swheelsshouldbeturnedawayfromthecurb.Thevehicleshouldbeinparkor,withamanualtransmission,inlow.

AnGLe PArKinGAngleparkingisoftenusedinparkinglotsofshoppingcentersandsometimesatcurbs.

Amotoristshouldfollowtheseruleswhenenteringanangleparkingspacetohis/herright:

• Watchfortrafficbothaheadandbehind.

• Signalandbegintoslowdown.

• Makesuretherearofthevehiclewillcleartheparkedvehicles.

• Steersharplyintotheparkingspace,andthenstraightenthewheelscenteringthevehicleintheparkingspace.

• Shifttopark,orreverseifstandardtransmission,andapplytheparkingbrake.

Amotoristshouldfollowtheserulesbeforebackingoutofanangleparkingspace:• Walkaroundtomakesurenothingisinthevehicle’sway.

• Slowlymovethevehicleinreverseandbesurethatthelaneisclearoftraffic.

• Tapthehorntowarnnearbypedestrians.

• Whenabletoseepastthetopsofvehiclesparkednexttothevehicle,stopandlookagain.

• Lookbackandtoeachsideforothermotorists.

• Rememberthatthefrontofthevehiclewillswingoppositetothedirectionoftheturn.

• Backupslowlywhileturninguntilthevehicle’sleftfrontwheelpassestherearbumperofthevehicleparkedontheleft.

• Straightenthewheelsasthevehiclecomesbackintothelaneoftraffic.

PArALLeL PArKinGParallelparkingisthemostcommontypeofparkingoncitystreets.AmotoristmustbeabletoparallelparkavehicleinordertopasstheMVC’sroadtest.Thistakesthemostpracticeforanewmotorist.Amotoristshouldpracticeoften,inanemptyparkinglotatfirst.Flagsormarkers25feetapartmaybeusedtoshowwheretheothervehicleswouldbe.Ifamotoristhitsthesesigns,he/sheisnotreadyforparkingbetweenrealvehiclesandshouldkeeppracticing.Theslowerandsmootheramotoristbacksintoaparkingspace,theeasieritistopark.Toproperlyparallelpark,amotoristshould:

• Findaparkingspacethatislargeenoughtofitthevehicle.

• Signalforastopandsignaltotherighttoalertmotoriststhatthevehiclewillbackuptotheright.

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Parallel Parking

P R N D 3 2 1

P R N D 3 2 1

P R N D 3 2 1

6”P R N D 3 2 1

BDMN_parallelparking_110907

• Pullupalongside(parallel)abouttwotofourfeetfromthevehicleinfront.

• Turnandchecktoseethatthewayisclearbehindthevehiclebeforebackingup.

• Turnhis/herbodytolookouttherearwindowofthevehicle.Beginbackingupslowlyforabouttwofeetandturnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotheright.

• Whenthefrontofthevehiclehasclearedtherearbumperofthevehicleinfront,stopandchecktheangle.

• Makesuretherightbackwheelhasnothitthecurb.

• Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotheleftwhilebeginningtobackupslowly.

• Makesurethevehiclecanclearitsbackbumper.

• Whenthevehicleisinline,stop.Besurenottohitthevehicleinback.

• Turnthevehicle’swheelsstraight,anddrivetothecenteroftheparking space.Thevehicle’stiresshouldbenomorethansixinchesfromthecurb.

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Chapter 4

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Safe Driving Rules & Regulations

58 Speed Control60 Passing61 keeping to the Right61 yielding the Right-of-way62 Pedestrians in a Crosswalk62 Intersections64 Entering Highways, Parkways and Turnpikes65 leaving Highways, Parkways and Turnpikes

66 Special Highway, Parkway and Turnpike Conditions67 Curves67 Interchanges68 Turning Regulations70 Stopping Regulations74 using Headlights75 Parking Regulations76 Cellular Telephones77 littering

) SPEED COnTROlExceedingthespeedlimitisacommoncontributingfactoroffatalandothertypesofaccidents.Amotoristmustalwaysobeythespeedlimit.Speedaffectsalmosteverythingthatcanhappenwhendriving.Agoodruleistokeepupwiththeflowoftrafficatanylegalspeed.Inordertomakesafeemergencystopswhennecessary,itisimportanttokeepenoughdistancefromsurroundingtraffic.NewJerseylawsetstopspeedlimitsforanygivenroad,street,highwayorfreeway.

25SpeedlimitS

25 mph School zones, businessor residential districts

35SpeedlimitS

35 mph Suburban business and residential districts

50SpeedlimitS

50 mph non-posted rural roadways

55SpeedlimitS

55 mph Certain state highways (as posted) and interstates

65SpeedlimitS

65 mph Certain interstate highways (as posted)

Motoristspaydoublefinesforexceedingthe65mphlimitby10milesperhouror more. Double fines also apply tomostothermovingviolationscommittedina65mphzone.(N.J.S.A.39:4-98.6)

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new Jersey sPeeD Limits (unLess Otherwise POsteD) (N.J.S.A.39:4-98)Neverdrivefasterthanweather,roadorotherconditionssafelyallow,regardlessof the posted speed limit. A motorist should judge his/her speed control byexisting conditions. A motorist should slow down enough to be able to seeclearlyandstopquicklyintraffic.Failuretodosocanresultinamovingviolation.

Alwaysslowdown:• Onnarroworwindingroads

• Atintersectionsorrailroadcrossings

• Onhills

• Atsharporblindcurves

• Wheretherearepedestriansordrivinghazards

• Whentheroadiswetorslippery

Ifvehicleproblemspreventamotoristfromkeepingupwiththenormalflowoftraffic,he/sheshouldpullofftheroadandactivatehazardlights.

DrivinG tOO sLOwLyAmotoristshouldalways try tokeepupwith thenormalflowof traffic,whilenotexceedingthepostedspeedlimit.Somecollisionsarecausedbydrivingtooslowlyandbackinguptraffic.Whenroadsurfacesandtrafficarenormal,NewJerseylawprohibitsblockingtrafficthroughslowdriving.

sAfe cOrriDOrs(N.J.S.A.39:4-203.5)Inanefforttoimprovehighwaysafety,NewJerseyinitiatedtheSafeCorridorsProgram,whichwassignedintolawinJuly2003.TheSafeCorridorslawdoublesfines on various state highways for a variety of driving offenses, includingspeedingandaggressivedriving.Highwaysaredesignatedassafebasedonstatisticsshowingcrashrates50percentoverthestaterateand1,000ormorecrashesreportedoverathree-yearperiod.TheCommissionerofTransportationhas the authority to designate highways as necessary, as well as to removethose that show improvedsafety levels. The law tookeffectonFebruary15,2004.AcurrentlistofSafeCorridorhighwaysisavailableontheNewJerseyDepartmentofTransportationWebsiteatwww.nj.gov/transportation.

Passing

PASS WHEN LINE IS BROKEN

BDMN_passing_110907

NO PASSING WITH DOUBLESOLID LINES

DO NOT PASS WHEN LINE

IS SOLID

) PaSSInGAmotoristmustknow theproper lane fornormaldrivingandhow tochangelanessafely.Therulesforpassingdependonthetypeofroad.Staytotherightoftheroadway’scenterlines.Passingisonlysafewhenthereisnooncomingtraffic.

Watchforthefollowinglanemarkings:(N.J.S.A.39:4-86)• Both center lines are solid:Nopassingallowed.

• one center line is broken:Passingisallowedonlyonthesidewiththebrokenline.

• Both center lines are broken:Passingisallowedonbothsides.

Note:Allpassingmustbecompletedbeforethecenterlinesaresolidagain.

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PAss OnLy when sAfeMostpassingshouldbeontheleft.Passingontherightisallowedonlyonroadswithmorethanonelanegoinginthesamedirection,ifvehiclesontheroadwayaremovingintwoormoresubstantiallycontinuouslinesorwhenthemotoristaheadismakingaleftturnandthereisroomtopass.Neverpassontherightshoulderoftheroad.Thisisagainstthelaw.(N.J.S.A.39:4-85)

Amotoristshouldnotpass:• Onahilloracurveoratanytimehe/shecannotseefarenoughahead

• Atastreetcrossingorintersection

• Atarailroadcrossing

• Onnarrowbridgesorinunderpassesortunnels

• Whenasignprohibitspassingorcenterlinesrestrictpassing

• Whenbehindavehiclethathasstoppedtoletapedestriancross

) kEEPInG TO THE RIGHTThe laws of New Jersey require motorists to keep to the right, except whenpassing.Motoristsmustdriveontherighthalfoftheroadwayunlessdrivingonaone-waystreet.Motoristsmustdriveavehicleascloseaspossibletotheright-handedgeorcurboftheroadway,exceptwhenovertakingandpassinganothervehicle.(N.J.S.A.39:4-82)

Onamulti-laneroadway,motoristsmustdriveinthelanenearesttotheright-handedgeorcurboftheroadwaywhenthelaneisavailablefortravel,exceptwhenovertakinganothervehicleorinpreparationforaleftturn.(N.J.S.A.39:4-88)

) yIElDInG THE RIGHT-Of-wayAlthoughlawsgoverntheright-of-way,amotoristshouldalwaysbepreparedtoyield.Thesebasicrulesalwaysapply.

• emergency vehicles:whenpolicecars,fireenginesandambulancesaregivingwarningsigns(sirens,flashinglights)

• Buses:whenre-enteringtheflowoftraffic

• postal vehicles:whenvehicleisseekingtore-entertheflowoftraffic

• motorized or mobility-assistance devices: wheninacrosswalkorseekingtocrossaroad

• other vehicles that are already in the intersection

) PEDESTRIanS In a CROSSwalkNewJerseyhasexperiencedalargenumberofpedestrianinjurycrashesandfatalities,ascomparedtothenationasawhole.ThemostimportantpedestriansafetymessageforNewJersey residents is:pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. There is no single cause of crashes involving pedestrians.Pedestriansandmotoristsmustalldotheirparttokeeppedestrianssafe.

Amotoristmust:• Stopforpedestriansincrosswalks.(PerN.J.S.A39:4-36,failuretostop

carriesafineofupto$500,upto25daysinjail,communityservice,adrivingprivilegesuspensionofupto6monthsand2points.

• Watchforpedestrianswhenturningrightonred.

• Obeyspeedlimits.

• Besurenottoblockorparkincrosswalks.

• Keepthevehicle’swindshieldcleanformaximumvisibility.

• Bealertforpedestriansatalltimes.

• Beawareofareaswherepedestriansaremostlikelytoappear(nearschools,towncenters,residentialneighborhoods,parks).

• Neverpassanothervehiclethathasstoppedforapedestrian.

• Stopforallpedestriansinacrosswalk,eveniftheybegancrossingwithapropersignalandtheyarestillinthecrosswalkwhenthesignalchanges.

• Rememberthatpedestriansarethemostvulnerableroadwayusers.Motoristswillbeheldresponsibleformaintainingpedestriansafety.

) InTERSECTIOnSAnintersectioniswheretwoormoreroadscrossormergeatangles.Asmostcollisionsoccuratintersections,amotoristshouldbeawareofthethreetypesofintersectionsandknowhowtosafelynavigatethroughthem.Asinglesolidwhite line across a road at an intersection means that a motorist must stopbehindthelineforatrafficsignalorsign.

cOntrOLLeDAnintersectioniscontrollediftherearetrafficsignalsorsignsinanydirectionorcontrolledbyapoliceofficer.Amotoristmustobeythesignalsandsigns.Atacontrolledintersection,amotoristmustyieldforcertainconditions.Atamulti-waystoporstopintersection,amotoristmustyieldtothemotoristontherightif

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bothmotoristsgetthereatthesametime.Amotoristshouldalsoyieldtoanothermotoristalreadystoppedattheintersection.Atanintersectioncontrolledbyayield sign, amotoristmust slowdownand yield to trafficon the intersectingroadway,evenifhe/shehastostop.Whenmakingaleftturnatanintersection,amotoristmustyieldtooncomingtrafficandtostopforpedestrianswithinthecrosswalk.

Amotoristisprohibitedfromenteringorcrossinganintersectingstreetmarkedwith a stop sign unless he or she first brings the vehicle to a complete stopat a point within five feet of the nearest crosswalk or stop line marked uponthepavementatthenearsideoftheintersectionstreet.Themotoristmayonlyproceed after yielding the right-of-way to all traffic on the intersection street,whichissocloseastoconstituteanimmediatehazard.

Note:Drivingonprivatepropertytoavoidatrafficsignalorsignisamotorvehicleviolation.(N.J.S.A.39:4-66.2)

uncOntrOLLeDAnintersectionisuncontrolledwhentwoormoreroadsjoinandthereisnotrafficsignalorregulatorydevice.Amotoristmustbeverycarefulwhenapproachingthesetypesofintersections.Mostofthetimetherewillbeawarningsignpriortoreachingtheintersection.Asamotoristnearsacrossroadthatisnotcontrolled,he/shemustreducespeedandbereadytostopifanytrafficiscomingfromtherightor left.Amotoristcomingfromaprivateroadordrivewaymustyield toalltrafficonthemainroad(althoughamotoristcanneverbesurethatwilloccur).Asageneralrule,thevehicleontheleftshouldyieldtothevehicleontheright.Whenatrafficsignalisnotilluminatedbecauseofapowerfailureorothermalfunction,thetrafficsignalisobservedasa4-waystopsignal.(N.J.S.A.39:4-81)

bLinDBuildings,parkedvehiclesorbushesmayobstructamotorist’slineofsight.Onruralroadways,treesorcropsmayobstructamotorist’slineofsight.Amotoristshould always slow down or stop completely to make sure there is no crosstrafficbeforeproceeding.

trAffic circLeTherearenosetrulesfordrivinginto,aroundandoutofatrafficcircleinNewJersey.Commonsenseandcautionmustprevailatalltimes.Inmostcases,thecircle’shistoricallyestablishedtrafficflowpatterndictateswhohastheright-of-way.Ifamajorhighwayflowsintoandthroughthecircle,itusuallydominatesthetrafficflowpatternandcommandstheright-of-way.Trafficcontrolsigns,such

Merging Lanes

USE TURN SIGNAL

SPEED UP TO FLOW OF TRAFFIC

SLOW TO SPEED LIMIT OF EXIT LANE

USE TURN SIGNAL

AVOID STOPPING IN THE ENTRY AND EXIT LANES

BDMN_merging_lanes_110907

asstoporyieldsigns,attheentrancestothecirclealsogovernwhichmotoristhastheright-of-way.Neverenteratrafficcirclewithoutcheckingallsignsanddeterminingtheintentionsofthemotoristsalreadymovingwithinthecircle.

Wheneveramotoristisindoubtconcerningwhohastheright-of-wayinacircle,he/sheshouldexerciseextremecautionandrememberthebasicrulegoverninganyuncontrolledintersection:Thevehicletotheleftyieldstheright-of-waytothevehicleapproachingfromtheright.

) EnTERInG HIGHwayS, PaRkwayS anD TuRnPIkESHighways,parkwaysandturnpikesarehigh-speed(upto65mph)dividedroad-waysandgenerallyhavemultiple lanes.Trafficoneachsideofthedividewilltravel inonlyonedirection.Therearenodirect intersections.Motoristsentertheseroadwaysbywayofaccelerationlanes,whichareextralanesathighwayentrancesusedbymotoriststospeeduptojointheflowoftraffic.Amotoristmustyieldtotrafficalreadytravelingonthemainroadbeforemovingintotheproperlane.

Keepthefollowingpointsinmindwhenenteringahighway,parkwayorturnpike:• Obeypostedadvisoryspeedlimits(ifany)attheentranceramp.

• Speeduptotheflowoftrafficwhenleavingtheaccelerationlane.

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Merging Lanes

USE TURN SIGNAL

SPEED UP TO FLOW OF TRAFFIC

SLOW TO SPEED LIMIT OF EXIT LANE

USE TURN SIGNAL

AVOID STOPPING IN THE ENTRY AND EXIT LANES

BDMN_merging_lanes_110907

• Avoidcomingtoacompletestopintheaccelerationlane.

• Yieldtotrafficandentertheright-handlanewhensafe.

) lEaVInG HIGHwayS, PaRkwayS anD TuRnPIkES

In most cases, exit ramps or deceleration lanes, which are extra lanes at ahighway exit, are located on the right-hand side of the roadway. A motoristshouldalwayswatchforsignsthatdirectwheretoexittheroadway.Ifamotoristmissesanexitramponahighway,parkwayorturnpike,he/sheshouldgotothenextexit.

Keepthefollowingpointsinmindwhenleavingahighway,parkwayorturnpike:• Startslowingdownwhenenteringadecelerationlane.

• Obeythepostedadvisoryspeedlimitofthedecelerationlane

• Whentheexitislocatedontheleftofaroadway,lookforsignsthatwilldirecttraffictotheproperlaneforexiting.

• Ifyoumissanexit,goontothenextone.

• Neverbackuponanexitrampordecelerationlane.

) SPECIal HIGHway, PaRkway anD TuRnPIkE COnDITIOnSweAve LAneAweavelaneisbothanentranceandanexitforanexpressway.Trafficmaycomeontoandleavetheexpresswayatthesamelocation.Thistrafficweavecausesconflicts,bothformotoristsusingaweavelaneandthoseontheexpresswayandentrance ramp (in termsof speedandspaceadjustments). Themotoristentering from the entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to the motoristleavingtheexpressway.

hiGhwAys thrOuGh citiesThevolumeof trafficmay increasedramatically.Speedsmayslowtoacrawl.Amotoristshoulddriveintheleftorcenterlanetoavoidmergeconflictsduringrushhour.Amotoristshouldsearchforexitsearlyandadjustpositionforexit.

DisAbLeD vehicLesWhen seeing a disabled vehicle ahead, a motorist should reduce speed andincrease the space between his/her vehicle and the disabled vehicle. Thismayinvolvechanginglanes.Bealertforpedestrians,towtrucksand/orpolicevehicles.Ifamotorist’svehiclebecomesdisabled,he/shemust:

• Pulloffasfaraspossibleontotheshoulderormedian• Turnonemergencyflashers.• Raisethehoodtosignalforassistance.• Stayinthevehicleandlockthedoors.• Ifavailable,useyourcellphonetocallforhelp.• Askanyonewhostopstogotoaphoneandcallforassistance.• Notgetintoastranger’svehicle.

cOnstructiOn AreAs

Amotoristshouldalwaysstayalertforconstruction-areawarningsigns.Whencomingacrosstheseareas,amotoristshouldadjustspeedandadjustpositiontomaintainspacearoundhis/hervehicle.

tOLL bOOthsAmotoristshouldstayalertfortollboothsignsandbeginreducingspeedearly,astrafficmaybebackedupatthebooth.Greenlightsorsignalswillhighlightopenbooths.AmotoristshouldbeawareofEZPassboothsandlanes,includinghigh-

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speedEZPasslanes.Whenexitingtollbooths,amotoristshouldsearchtraffictobothsidesformergingpotential,acceleratesmoothlyandadjustspeed.

) CuRVESItisimportantforamotoristtoadjuststeeringandspeedwhenapproachingacurveintheroadbecausevehiclestendtokeepgoingstraight.Thebestwaytoenteracurveistoslowdownbeforeenteringandavoiddriftingintoanotherlane.Amotoristshouldalwayswatchforvehiclesthatmaydriftintohis/herlaneaswell.CheckforCurveAheadwarningsignsandrecommendedspeeds.

) InTERCHanGESDividedroadwaysarebuilt forexpress traffic.Toease trafficflow, thereareusuallynotrafficlightsordirectintersections.Toenterorexitsuchanexpressway,acloverleafturnisoftennecessary.Amotoristshouldwatchforentranceandexitsignsanddriveslowlyinthecircle,obeyingthepostedspeedlimit.

Right Turn

USE TURN SIGNAL

STAY IN LANE

DO NOT CROSS DIVIDING LINE

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SLOW DOWN

) TuRnInG REGulaTIOnS

riGht turn On reDUnless a No Turn on Red sign is posted, New Jersey law authorizes a rightturnonaredlightafteramotoristcomestoafullstopandchecksfortraffic.Amotoristmustyieldtoalloncomingtrafficandpedestriansbeforeturningrightataredlight.Difficult-to-seevehicles,suchasbicyclesandmopeds,mayhaveagreenlight,soitisimportantforamotoristtobeawareoftheirpresence.(N.J.S.A.39:4-115)Alwaysuseaproperturnsignalatleast100feetbeforemakinganyturn,andcancelthesignalaftercompletingtheturn.(N.J.S.A.39:4-126)

riGht turns(N.J.S.A.39:4-123)Tomakeasaferightturn,amotoristshouldapproachtheintersectionasfartotherightaspossible,keepingneartothecurborparkedvehicles.Themotoristshouldnotswingoutwardorintoanotherlanewhilemakingtherightturn.He/sheshoulddriveuptotheturnasfartotherightaspossible,keepingclosetotherightcurborparkedvehiclesatthecurb.Thisvehiclepositioningpriortoarightturnreducesthechanceofanothervehiclebeinginthespaceontherightasthemotoristmakestheturn.He/sheshouldnotswingintothewronglanewhilemakingtheturn.

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Left Turn: Cutting Corners

USE TURN SIGNAL

YIELD TOONCOMINGTRAFFIC

DON’T CUT CORNERS

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Left turns(N.J.S.A.39:4-123)left turns, two vehicles:Whentwovehiclesmeetatanintersectionandbothhave signaled to turn left, extra caution must be applied. When safe, eachmotoristshouldturntotheleftofthecenteroftheintersection.

left turn from a one-way road on to a one-way road:Approachingtheturnin the left lane, themotoristshould turn into the left laneof the roadhe/sheisentering.

left turn from a two-way road onto a two-way road:Approachtheturnascloseaspossibletothelinenearesttothecenteroftheroad.Whenturning,thevehicleshouldnotcrosslanemarkings.Themotoristshouldkeeptotherightofthecenterlineoftheroadthatthevehicleisentering.

Left Turn: Four Lane

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YIELD TOONCOMINGTRAFFIC

USE TURN SIGNAL

DON’TTURN WIDE

left turns, between intersections:Between intersections, solid lines showwhennottopass.However,theselinesmaybecrossedwithcarewhenenteringorleavingdrivewaysinbusinessorresidentialareas.

left turn from a two-way road onto a four-lane highway: Approachtheturnasclosetothecenterlineoftherightsideoftheroadaspossible.Maketheturnbeforereachingthecenteroftheintersection.

Itisimportantnottocrosslanemarkings.Themotoristshouldturnintothelanenearestthecenterlineoftherightsideoftheotherroad.Thisisthepassinglaneofthefour-lanehighway.Whentrafficpermits,themotoristshouldmovetotheright,outofthepassinglane.

) STOPPInG REGulaTIOnSSigns,signalsandtrafficrulesindicatewhenamotoristmuststop.Amotoristshouldnevertrytobeatatrafficlightchange.Amotoristmustbecarefulevenifthelightischangingtogreen(freshgreenlight).Theremaybeothervehiclescomingthroughorstillintheintersection.Mostaccidentsattrafficsignalshappeninthefirstfewsecondsafterthelighthaschanged.Whenayellowlightfollowsagreenlight,amotoristmuststopbeforeenteringtheintersection,unlessyellow

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appearswhenthevehicleistooclosetostopsafely.Ifthelightchangeswhileadriver isalready in the intersection,he/sheshouldgothroughwithcaution.Bealertforastalegreenlight;thisisalightthathasbeengreenforsometime.

Be prepared for it to change to yellow and then red. Slow down andstopaccordingly.

A motorist must stop:• Atanintersectionwithastopsign

• Atanintersectionwitharedlighteitherflashingorilluminated

• Atanintersectionwithayellowlightafteragreen,unlesstooclosetostopsafely

• Whenatrafficofficerordersthevehicletostop

• Whenthereisayieldsign,andtrafficdoesnotpermitasafemerge

• Whenaschoolbusispickinguporlettingoffchildrenand/ortheredlightsareflashing

• Whencomingfromanalley,privatedrivewayorbuilding

• Atabridgespanthatisabouttoopenforboattraffic

• Forablindpedestrianusingawhiteormetallicwalkingcane,oratrainedguidedog,oraguidedoginstructorengagedininstructingaguidedog

• Forapedestrianinacrosswalkoratanintersection

• Foramotorizedwheelchairormobility-assistancedeviceinacrosswalkoratanintersection

Single white stop lines show motorists where to stop at stop signs ortrafficsignals.

stOP At rAiLrOAD crOssinGsToensurepublicsafety,theNewJerseyDepartmentofTransportation(NJDOT)andrailroadcompaniesmarkpublichighwayrailroadcrossingswithoneormorewarning devices. Warning devices include advance warning signs, pavementmarkings in front of a railroad crossing, flashing lights (usually on railroadcrossingsigns),gatesorgateswithflashinglights,bellsandflagsignals.

Amotoristmuststopat least15feet fromrailroadcrossingswhen thereareflashinglights,ringingbellsorflagsignals.Descendinggatesorgatesthathavealreadybeenloweredindicatethatatrainiscomingandamotoristmuststop.Amotoristshouldneverattempttocrossuntilthegateshavebeenraisedandthe

School Bus

CARS MUST STOP 25 FEETAWAY FROM SCHOOL BUS

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lightshavestoppedflashing(N.J.S.A.39:4-127.1).

Special Circumstances:Somevehicles,suchasschoolbusesorvehiclescarryinghazardousmaterials,must always stop at railroad crossings. When driving behind one of thesevehicles,amotoristmustbepreparedtostop,evenifsignalsdonotindicateatrainiscoming(N.J.S.A.39:4-128).

Amotoristshouldneverstophis/hervehicleonrailroadtracks.Ifavehiclestallsonthetracks,andthemotoristseesatraincoming,he/sheshouldgetoutandwalkclearofthetracks.Nevertrytoraceatrain.Mosttrainsneedmorethanamiletostop,iftravelingat60mphormore.

stOP fOr schOOL buses(N.J.S.A.39:4-128.1)Amotoristmuststopforaschoolbuswithflashingredlights.Statelawrequiresmotoriststostopatleast25feetawayifhe/sheistravelingonatwo-laneroador on a multi-lane highway where lanes are only separated by lines or on a

privately maintained road. When traveling on a dual-lane highway, a motoristshouldslowto10mphifontheothersideofasafetyislandorraisedmedian.Schoolbusesareequippedwithyellow (oramber)and redflashing lights.Theyellow (or amber) lights go on before the bus stops, and the red lights go onwhen it has stopped. However, a motorist should not depend on these lights,ifdrivingbehindaschoolbus.Theycouldbemalfunctioning.

Whenabusstops,allmotoriststravelingbehindorapproachingitmuststoptheirvehiclesatleast25feetaway.Amotoristshouldonlyproceedafterthebussignalshavebeenturnedoff,andeventhen,he/shemustwatchforchildren.

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Ifaschoolbushasstoppeddirectlyinfrontofaschooltopickuporletoffchildren,amotoristmaypassfromeitherdirectionataspeedofnomorethan10mph.

stOP fOr frOzen Dessert trucKs(N.J.S.A.39:4-128.4)

Whenapproachingorovertakinganicecreamorfrozendesserttruckfromei-therdirection,andthetruckisflashingredlightsandpostingastopsignalarm,amotoristmust:

• Yieldtheright-of-waytoanypersonwhoiscrossingtheroadwaytoorfromthetruck.

• Watchoutforchildrenandbepreparedtostop.

• Stop,thendrivepastthetruckataslowspeedofnomorethan15mph.

Amotoristneednotstoponadualhighwayifhe/sheisontheothersideofasafetyislandorraisedmedian.

PuLL Over AnD stOP fOr emerGency vehicLes New Jersey law requires all motorists to yield to emergency vehicles whentheysoundsirensand/orflashingredand/orblueemergencylights.Amotoristshouldsteertotheextremerightoftheroadway,stopandwaitforthevehicletopass.Afterward,themotoristshouldkeepatleast300feetbehindasignalingemergencyvehicle(N.J.S.A.39:4-92,39:3-54.12).

Policecars,fire trucks,ambulancesorotheremergencyvehicleshavesirensand red lights. Private vehicles operated by volunteer fire and rescue squadmembers(withemergencyvehicleidentification)respondingtoanemergencycall use blue lights. A motorist should never park within 200 feet of a firedepartmentvehicleinserviceordriveoverafirehoseunlessdirectedtodosobyafire,emergencyrescueorpoliceofficial.

mOve Over LAwNew Jersey’s “Move Over” law requires that all motorists approaching astationary, authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenanceor other emergency service vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinkingor alternating red, blue, amber or yellow light or, any configuration of lightscontainingoneofthesecolors,mustchangelanes,safetyandtrafficconditionspermitting,intoalanenotadjacenttotheauthorizedvehicle.Ifalanechangeisimpossible,prohibitedbylaworunsafe,themotoristmustreducethespeedofhis/hervehicletoareasonableandproperspeedthatislowerthanthepostedspeedlimitandbepreparedtostop,ifnecessary.Motoristswhoviolatethislaw

faceafineofnot lessthan$100andnotmorethan$500.(C.39:4-92.2and39:3-84.6)

) uSInG HEaDlIGHTSProper use of headlights is critical to safe driving. Headlights must be usedbetweenone-halfhouraftersunsetandone-halfhourbeforesunrise.Headlightsmust alsobeusedwhen visibility is500 feetor less,whenusingwindshieldwipers (during rain, snowand ice) orwhenencountering fog,mist, smokeorotherfactorsthatreducevisibility(N.J.S.A.39:3-46).

Beingabletoseeclearlywhiledrivingisveryimportant.Avehicle’slightsshouldalwaysbeingoodworkingorderandclean.Headlightshelpothermotoristsseeapproachingvehicles.Parkingorauxiliarylightscannotlegallybeusedinplaceofheadlightswhenheadlightsarerequired.

briGht AnD DimHeadlights have two sets of beams: bright (high) and dim (low), which arecontrolledbyaswitchorbuttononornear thedashboard.Thebrightbeam isforopen-countrydrivingwhenthereisnotrafficinsight.Thebrightbeamhelpsa motorist see farther ahead and peripherally or at a wider angle. At night, amotorist’spupilsaredilated,allowingmorelighttoaidintheabilitytosee.Brightbeams can momentarily blind other motorists by constricting the pupils andshould not be used if other vehicles are approaching or when driving behindanothervehicle.Itcantakethreetofivesecondsforamotoristtorecoverfromtheglareofapproachinghigh-beamheadlights.Ataspeedof50mph,amotoristwill have traveled the length of a football field while being unable to see. If avehicleisapproachingwithhighbeams,amotoristshouldlooktotherightoftheroaduntilthevehiclepasses.Neverflashhighbeamsatanapproachingmotorist.

Thedimbeamsareusedforcitydrivinganddrivingintrafficonroadways.Dimbeams are focused down on the road. Dim beams are used when travelingbehindothervehiclesorwhenanothervehicleisapproaching.

Other tyPes Of LiGhtsparking lights: These lights are to be used for a short period of time, suchaswhenavehicleisleftinapermittedzone,toshowothermotoristswhereavehicleisparked.Parkinglightsarerequiredonvehiclesparkedinareasotherthanbusinessorresidentialzones.

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tail lights:Theselightsturnonatthesametimeasavehicle’sheadlightsandparking lights. They become brighter when a motorist applies the brakes toshowthathe/sheisslowingorstopping.Duringtheday,withoutheadlights,thetaillightsalsoturnonasamotoristappliesthebrakes.

Brake lights:Theselightsbecomebrighterwhenamotoristappliesthebrakes,showingthatthevehicleisslowingorstopping.

interim (overhead) lights: Found inside the vehicle, these types of lightsshouldbeusedonlybriefly(whennecessary)whendrivingortocomplywithapoliceofficer’srequestto illuminatethemotorist’scompartmentofthevehiclewhenstopped.

dashboard lights: Ifdashboardlightsaretoobright,theymaycreateaglareforthemotoristandimpedevision.Thelightsshouldbekeptdimbutstilllightenoughforamotoristtoreadthedials.

Spotlights:Thesetypesoflightsshouldbeusedonlyinemergencies.Thisalsoapplies toemergencyflashers(hazard lights).Spotlightsmaynotbeusedfordrivingpurposes.

fog lights:Theseauxiliarydrivinglightsmaybeusedwithlow-beamheadlightstoprovidegeneral lightingaheadofamotorvehicle,specificallyduringfoggyweatherconditions(N.J.A.C.13:20-32.25).

) PaRkInG REGulaTIOnSAmotoristshouldalwayscheckfortrafficwhenleavingavehicleafterparking.He/sheshouldalsocheckforbicyclesormopeds,whicharesometimesdifficultto see, before opening the driver-side door and exiting the vehicle.A motoristopeningadoorintotrafficmaybeliableforanycollisionwithamovingvehicle.Itissaferforpassengerstoexitaparkedvehiclefromthecurbside.Amotoristshouldreadparkingsignsbeforeparkingonacitystreettobeawareofrestrictionsortimelimits.Itisillegalforavehicletobeparkedmorethansixinchesfromthecurb(N.J.S.A.39:4-135).Neverparkwhereavehiclewillblocktraffic.

DO nOt PArK (N.J.S.A.39:4-138)Unlessdirectedtodosobyapoliceofficerortoavoidanaccident,amotoristshouldneverstoporparkatanyofthefollowingplaces:

• Onacrosswalk

• Betweenasafetyzoneforpedestriansandtheadjacentcurborwithin

20feetoftheendofthesafetyzone

• Nearproperlymarkedstreetconstruction

• Inaspaceonpublicorprivatepropertymarkedforvehicleparkingforthehandicapped(unlesslegallyauthorized)

• Onaninterstatehighway

• Onasidewalk

• Inabusstopzone

• Infrontofapublicorprivatedriveway

• Withinanintersection

• Within10feetofafirehydrant

• Within25feetofacrosswalkatanintersection,orsidelineofastreetorintersectionhighway,exceptatalleys

• Within50feetofarailroadcrossing

• Within50feetofastopsign

• Within20feetofthedrivewayentrancetoanyfirestationandwithin75feetonthestreetoppositeafirestationentrance

• Onanybridgeorelevatedroadwayorinanytunnel

• Nexttoanothervehicleparkedatthecurb(doubleparking)

• Inanareawhereparkingisprohibitedbymunicipalordinance

Incaseofmechanicaltroubleorotheremergency,amotoristshouldstopontherighthighwayshoulderandturnonemergencyflashers.

) CEllulaR TElEPHOnESState law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices (e.g., cellulartelephones) while driving a motor vehicle on any public road or highway.Using a handheld cellular telephone or texting device is a primary offense.Lawenforcementmaystopandciteamotorist specifically for theseactions.Motorists are permitted to use a hands-free cellular telephone if it does notinterferewithanyfederallyrequiredsafetyequipmentorwiththesafeoperationofthevehicle.Althoughtheuseofahands-freecellulartelephoneislegal,itisstronglydiscouraged.Ahandheldcellulartelephonemaybeusedonlyincertainemergencysituations,whichinclude:

• Fire

• Trafficaccident

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• Seriousroadhazard

• Medicalemergency

• Hazardousmaterialemergency

Motorists in the above-mentioned circumstances must keep one hand onthe steering wheel while using a handheld telephone. To prove legal useof a handheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle, a motorist maybe asked to produce testimony or written statements from appropriateauthorities, or telephone records. The fine for breaking this law is $100(N.J.S.A.39:4-97.3).

“Kulesh’s, Kuberts’, and Bolis’ Law,” enacted in 2012, establishes illegal useof a cell phone while driving as recklessness under the vehicular homicide(N.J.S.A.2C:11-5)andassaultbyauto(N.J.S.A.2C:12-1)statutes.Theintentandeffectofthislawistomakeiteasierforprosecutorstoobtainconvictionsforvehicularhomicideorassaultbyautoagainstapersonwhoillegallyusesacellphonewhiledrivingand,asaresult,killsorinjuressomeone.

A graduated driver license (GDL) motorist may not use a handheld orhands-freecellular telephone, or anyotherhandheldelectronicdevice,whenbehindthewheel.DoingsoisaviolationofGDLrestrictions(N.J.S.A.39:3-13,39:3-13.2A,39:3-13.4).

Aschoolbusdrivermaynotuseahandheldorhands-freecellular telephonewhileoperatingtheschoolbus,exceptinanemergencysituationorwhentheschoolbusisparkedinasafeareaoffofahighway(N.J.S.A.39:3B-25).

) lITTERInGThrowingtrash,debrisorrubbishfromamovingorparkedvehicleisillegal.Litterisasafetyhazardandaneyesore.Finesofupto$1,000maybeimposedonmotoristsfoundthrowingdangerousobjectsfromavehicleontoaroadway. Ifthevehicleismovingwhenlitteristhrown,themotoristmaylosehis/herlicense.Alltrash,debrisorrubbishcarriedinavehiclemustbecoveredtokeepitfromlitteringtheroadway(N.J.S.A.39:4-63,39:4-64).

Chapter 5

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Defensive Driving

80 Prevent a collision 80 aggressive Driving/Road Rage 8 1 Distractions8 1 Tired Driver/Highway Hypnosis82 Communicating and Driving83 keep a Safe Distance/Do not Tailgate84 following Distances85 Changing lanes and Passing85 Passed by another Vehicle

85 Road Conditions88 Reduced Visibility88 night Driving89 Driving Situations92 Reacting to Driving Problems94 Vehicle failure96 Collisions (accidents)98 what to do in Case of a collision

) PREVEnT a COllISIOn Mostcollisionsarecausedbymotoristerror.Amotoristcanreducethechancesofacollisionbyknowingandusingthestandardcollision-preventionformula:

Be alert: Neverthinktheothermotoristwillnotmakeadrivingmistake.

Be prepared: Learnwhattodoinanysituationwhenyouhavetoactfast,andalwaysexpecttheunexpected.

Act in time: Trynottopanic.Knowwhattodoifsomethinghappenssuddenly

) aGGRESSIVE DRIVInG/ROaD RaGE Emotionscanhaveagreataffectonamotorist’sdriving.Ifamotoristisangryorexcited,he/sheshouldtaketimetocooloff.Aggressivedrivingisdefinedasaprogressionofunlawfuldrivingactions,suchasspeeding,improperorexcessivelanechanging,orimproperpassing.Aggressivedriversfailtoconsiderhowtheiractionsbehindthewheelmayaffectothermotoristsontheroad.Whenbehindthewheel,amotoristshouldalwaysremaincalmandfollowtherulesoftheroad.Extremecasesofaggressivedrivingmayleadtoroadrage.

Road rage occurs when motorists lose their tempers or become frustratedbecauseofatrafficdisturbance.Theseaggressivemotoristsmayrunstopsignsandredlights,speed,tailgate,weavethroughtraffic,passillegallyontheright,makeimproperandunsafelanechanges,makehandorfacialgestures,scream,honkhornsorflashhighbeams. Inextremecases,aggressivemotoristsmaycauseacollision.

NewJersey iswagingacampaignagainst roadrage.Thestatehasspeciallytrained enforcement patrols to help stop aggressive motorists. To report anaggressivemotoristcall(888)SAF-ROADorcellphone#77.

Note:While thereareemergencyexceptions to thehandheldcellularphonelaw,itisalwayssafesttopullovertothesideoftheroadbeforemakingacall.

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) DISTRaCTIOnSOperating any motor vehicle requires the motorist’s full attention. In manycases, collisions are caused by a distracted motorist. Inattentive motoristsoften tailgate,go too fastordriftoutof their lanes.They ignore trafficsignsandsignals,roadmarkings,potentialtraffichazards,roadconditionsandothervehicles.Somecausesofinattentivedrivingare:

• Lightingacigarette

• Tryingtofastenasafetybeltwhiledriving

• Reachingacrosstheseattocloseadoororlookintheglovecompartment

• Reachingforcoinsinpocketswhiledrivinguptoatollbooth

• Tryingtoadjustawristwatch

• Watchingchildrenorpetsinthevehicle

• Tryingtoremoveacoat

• Readingmapsandnewspapers

• Eatingwhiledriving

• Adjustingamirrorwhiledriving

• Usingacellularphoneoranyotherelectronicdevice

• AdjustingtheradioorCDplayer

• Shaving

• Usingalaptopcomputerorfaxmachine

• Applyingmakeup

Amotoristshouldneverdoanyofthesewhiledriving.His/herfullattentionmustbeontheroadatalltimes.

) TIRED DRIVER/HIGHway HyPnOSISAtireddriver isadangerousdriver.A tireddrivercannotdrivewellandhis/herreactiontimeisreduced.Themotoristmayalsogetupsetmoreeasilyorevenfallasleepbehind thewheel.A tireddrivercanbeasdangerousasadrunkdriver.Maggie’sLaw,whichwasenactedinJune2003,makesitillegaltoknowinglydriveavehiclewhileimpairedbylackofsleep.Thislawestablishesdrivingwhilefatiguedasrecklessnessunderthevehicularhomicidestatute(N.J.S.A.2C:11-5).

Whenamotoristhasbeenbehindthewheelforalongtime,he/shemayexperience“highwayhypnosis.”Thistrance-likestatemaybeavoidedbynotlookingatany

onethingformorethanafewseconds. It isrecommendedthatamotoristresteverytwohoursand/orsharethedrivingwithanotherlicensedmotorist.

DrOwsy DrivinG – whO is mOst At risK? Motoristswhoare:

• Sleepdeprived

• Drivinglongdistanceswithoutrestbreaks

• Drivingthroughthenightoratothertimeswhentheyarenormallyasleep

• Takingmedicinethatincreasessleepiness,ordrinkingalcohol

• Drivingalone

• Drivingonlong,rural,boringroads

• Youngpeople

• Shiftworkers

• Commercialdrivers

) COMMunICaTInG anD DRIVInGCommunicatewithothermotoristsbyallavailablemeansandsignals.Amotoristshouldalwaysstay inthe lanethatshowswherehe/she intendstoturn.Turnsignals (hand signals) allow a motorist to tell other motorists what he/she isgoingtodo.Anothergoodmethodiscatchingothermotorists’eyes.Itmaybenecessarytotapthehorntowarnothermotorists.Atnight,aquickflipoftheheadlightsfromlowtohighandbacktolowmightbehelpful.

Amotoristshouldalwaysbepatient in townorcity trafficand trynot tomakequick turnsor lanechanges.Donot let rush-hour trafficbecome irritating.Bealertanddrivedefensively.Alwaysusegoodjudgmentinstopping,startingandturning.Knowingalltrafficrules,signsandsignalsishelpful. Ifamotoristmustpullofftheroad,he/sheshouldalwaysturnonthevehicle’semergencyflashers(hazardlights).

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Space Cushion

ONE CAR LENGTH OFDISTANCE PER 10 MPH

KEEP SAFE DISTANCEDO NOT TAILGATE

TOO CLOSE

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) kEEP a SafE DISTanCE/DO nOT TaIlGaTEAmotoristshouldalwayskeepasafedistancefromothervehiclesontheroadsothathe/shehasplentyoftimetoreacttoemergencies.Tailgatingreferstofollowingtoocloselybehindavehicledirectlyinfront.Thisisacommoncauseofaccidents.Tailgatingcancausea seriesof rear-endcollisionswhenmanyvehicles are too close together. There should be plenty of space between amotorist’svehicleandothersonallsides.Amotoristshouldstayinthemiddleofthelaneandmakesurethereisenoughroomaheadtostoporpasssafely.

One cAr LenGthAlthoughthereisnoperfectruleforfollowingdistance,theruleofthumbmostoftenusedistokeeponecarlengthback(about20feet)foreach10milesperhourofspeed.Athighspeedsor inbadweather, followingdistancesshouldbeincreased.

three-secOnDs-PLus ruLeSincemostpeoplehavetroublejudgingdistances,thethree-seconds-plusruletodeterminesafedistancemaybeeasiertouse.Itisusefulatanyspeed.

• Choosesomefixedobjectaheadofthevehicleinfront.Theobjectmaybeasignoratree.Makesuretheobjectdoesnotdistractattentionfromdriving.

• Asthevehicleinfrontpassestheobject,begincountingseconds(one-thousand-one,one-thousand-two,one-thousand-three).

• Ifittakesatleastthreesecondsbeforeyourvehiclepassestheobject,amotoristshouldhaveenoughdistanceforasuddenstop.

• Practicingsafespacemanagement/followingdistanceistheabilitytostop avehiclesafelyandsmoothlyintheeventthevehicleinfrontstops.

• StoppingDistance=PerceptionDistance+ReactionDistance+BrakingDistance.

• Bykeepingafootnearthebrake,amotoristcanreducereactiondistance.

• Timeanddistancerelationshipsaredesignedforthebestdrivingconditions.

• Itshouldbenotedthatheaviervehiclesmaytakelongertostop.

Trytherulewhiledriving.Itcanhelpamotoristdevelopgoodjudgmentforproperfollowingdistances.Duringbadweather,thetimeintervalshouldbeincreasedtofourormoreseconds.

) fOllOwInG DISTanCESWhile keeping the proper following distance in traffic, the motorist shouldalwaysknowtheconditionofhis/hervehicle’sbrakes.Testthemoften.Makesureofthedistanceitmighttaketostop.Thisisveryimportantonwetroadsandwherethereissnoworice.Amotoristshouldalwaysincreasefollowingdistancewithpoorroadconditions.

minimum sAfe fOLLOwinG DistAnce (incarlengths)

road condition 20 mph 30 mph 40 mph 50 mph

ideal 2 car lengths 3 4 5

Wet pavement 4 car lengths 6 8 10

gravel 4 car lengths 6 8 10

packed snow 6 car lengths 9 12

ice 12 car lengths 18

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) CHanGInG lanES anD PaSSInGUsingtheproperlaneisanimportantpartofdefensivedriving.Donotstraddlealane.Bealerttotrafficbehind.Whenalanechangemustbemade,lookattherearviewmirror.Glancebehindtocheckblindspots.Alwayssignallanechanges.Beforepassingavehicleorchanginglanes,keepthefollowingpointsinmind:

• Onlypassorchangelaneswhennecessary.

• Onlypassorchangelanesifitcanbecompletedwithoutspeeding.

• Keepasafefollowingdistance;donottailgate.

• Checktrafficaheadandbehind.

• Onlypasswhensignsandpavementmarkingspermit.

• Signaleverylanechange.

• Signalyourreturntotherightlane.

• Returntotherightlanewhenwellaheadofthevehiclethatwaspassed.(Agoodindicationthatitissafetoreturntotherightlaneiswhenthevehiclethatwaspassedisvisibleintherearviewmirror.)

• Canceltheturnsignal.

) PaSSED by anOTHER VEHIClEWhenamotoristispassedbyanothervehicle,he/shemustbecareful.Stayintheproperlaneandslowdowntomakethepasseasierfortheothermotorist.Returntonormalspeedafterthepassingvehicleiswellahead(N.J.S.A.39:4-87).

) ROaD COnDITIOnS

wet rOADsDrivemoreslowlyonwetroads.Stoppingandturningshouldbecompletedwithgreatcare.The three-seconds-plus ruleshouldbe increased to fourormoreseconds.Quickturnsorchangesinspeedmaycauseavehicletoskid.

Roadsurfacesarethemostslipperyduringthefirstfewminutesofarainfall.Whendriving through a water puddle, a motorist should test the brakes by pumpingthem. This will also help to dry the brakes. Speed should be decreased whenpassingthroughwaterpuddles,especiallythosedeeperthanthetreadofatire.

Hydroplaning

35 MPHOR MORE

35 MPH OR LESS

BVMN_hydroplaning_110907

hyDrOPLAninGWetroadsurfacescancausetirestohydroplane,orrideuponafilmofwater,startingatabout35mph,whichcouldcauseamotoristtolosecontrolofhis/hervehicle.Chancesofhydroplaningincreaseasspeedsincrease.After55mph,tiresmay totally leave the roadsurface. If tires totally leave the roadsurface,braking is virtually impossible, and turning is not possible. A gust of wind, achangeinroadleveloraslightturncancreateaskidifavehicleishydroplaning.Toavoidhydroplaning,donotdriveonbaldorbadlyworntires,andslowdownwhenheavyrain,standingwaterorslush ispresent. Inaheavyrainstorm, trytodriveonthehighestpointoftheroad.Forexample,usethecenterlaneonamultiplelanehighway,whenavailable.

snOw AnD iceWinterdrivinghasspecialdangers,includinglongerhoursofdarkness,fog,rain,snow,sleetandice.Eachoftheseincreasesthepossibilityforanaccident.Asafemotoristispreparedforthesetypesofsituations.

Beforedriving incoldweather,start theengineand let itwarmupaccordingtomanufacturerdirections.Allsnowandicemustberemovedfromtheentirevehicle.NewJersey lawstates thatamotorist is responsible forany ice thatfliesfromhis/hervehicleandcausesdeath,injuryorpropertydamage(N.J.S.A.39:4-77.1). Always make sure the vehicle has the proper type of windshieldwashingfluid.

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Insnowandiceconditions,amotoristshouldtakeprecautionsandgetafeelfortheroad.Gentlyapplyingthebrakeswhiledrivingslowlywillallowamotoristtofindoutjusthowslipperytheroadis.Thiswillalsoallowthemotoristtojudgehowfastthevehiclecangoandstillstopsafely.Avehiclewillskidifamotorist:

• Acceleratestooquickly.

• Turnstoofast.

• Brakesimproperly.

Motoristswhohaveavehiclewithantilockbrakes(ABS)shouldkeepafootonthebrakepedalandnotpumpthebrakes.Conventionaldiscanddrumbrakesrequirefirm,steadypressureon thebrakepedal.Hitting thebrakes toohardmaycausethewheels to lock. If thebrakesdo lock, releasethebrakepedalandthen immediately reapplywithslightly lesspressure.Thisprocessshouldbe repeatedwith lessand lesspressureon thebrakepedaluntil thevehicleisundercontrol.Snowtireshelpdrivingduringthewintermonthsbyprovidingbettertractionformorecontrolledstarting,steeringandstopping.Snowtiresdonotprovidegoodtractiononice.Tirechainsarethebesttractiononiceandinhard-packedordeepsnow.InNewJersey,motoristsmayusestuddedsnowtiresbetweenNovember15andApril1(N.J.S.A.13:20-15.2g).

Tostartonsnowandice,keeptheenginespeedlow.Ifthewheelsspin,alowergearshouldbeused.Whenstuck,rockthevehiclebackandforthbyshiftingbetweenforwardandreversetoescape.

Motoristsareprohibitedfromallowingtheirmotorvehiclestoidleformorethanthreeconsecutiveminutes.Amongtheexceptionsforthisprohibitionincludemotorvehiclesstoppedinthelineoftraffic,motorvehiclesbeingrepaired,motorvehicleswaitingtobeinspected,emergencyvehiclesinemergencysituationsandbuseswhiledischargingorpickinguppassengers(N.J.A.C.7:27-15.8,7:27-14.3).

) REDuCED VISIbIlITyPoor roadway or weather conditions require motorists to increase followingdistancebecauserough,wetorsnow-coveredroadsmayrequiremoreresponsetime.Agoodruleonsnow-coveredroadsistomaintainafollowingdistanceofsixsecondsormore.

frost or ice:Alwaysscrapeandwipeavehicle’swindowsbeforestarting.Turnonthedefroster.Ifthedefrosterdoesnotworkwhiledrivinginfreezingrainorsnow,stopthevehicle.Closethewindowsandlettheheaterwarmupthewindows.

fog:Alwaysslowdownwhendrivinginfog.Headlightsshouldbekeptonlowbeamand fog lights shouldbe turnedon, if the vehiclehas them.Pavementmarkingsandothervehiclelightscanserveasamotorist’sguide.

Sun glare:Sun visors shouldalwaysbeadjusted to shieldamotorist’s eyeswithoutcuttingoffhis/herviewoftheroad.Holdthesteeringwheelfirmlyandslowdown.Watchforlanemarkings.

Inallcases, ifvisibility isgreatly reduced,amotoristshouldstopalongsidetheroadorontheshoulder,outofthewayoftraffic,andturnonemergencyflashers.

) nIGHT DRIVInGNearly90percentofdrivingdecisionsarebaseduponwhatamotorist seeswhiledriving.Atnight,amotorist’svisionisreduced.Todrivesafelyatnight,slowdownanddrivewithintherangeofthevehicle’sheadlights.Amotoristshouldalwaysbesurethevehiclecanstopwithinthedistancethathe/sheseesahead.Amotoristshouldalwaysconsiderthefollowingfactorswhendrivingatnight:

• Speed

• Reactiondistance(distancetraveledbeforehittingthebrake)

• Brakingdistance(distanceneededtocompletelystopvehicle)

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DrivinG AnD stOPPinG At niGht

This table shows the distance the average motorist will need to stop whiledrivingatadesignatedspeedusinglowbeamsatnight.Numbersarebasedonamotoristreactiontimeof1.5seconds.Avehicletravels88feetpersecondat60mph.Decelerationis14feetpersecond.

Othersafetyrulesfornightdrivingare:• Drivewithheadlightsonatdusk,night,dawn,ondarkdaysandwhenever

weatherconditionsreducevisibilitytolessthan500feetStatelawrequirestheheadlightstobeonwhenwindshieldwipersareinuse(N.J.S.A.39:3-46).

• Drivemoreslowlythanduringdaylight.

• Watchforroadsigns,slow-movingorunlitvehicles,bicycles,pedestriansandanimals.

• Allowformoresafetymarginsthanyouwouldduringdaylight.

) DRIVInG SITuaTIOnSAmotoristwillcomeacrossanumberofdifferentdrivingsituationsthathavetheirownuniquesafetyconcernsorrequirements.Amotoristmustknowhowtosafelynavigatehis/hervehicleineachofthesesituations.

city DrivinGWhentravelinginacity,heaviertrafficandmorepedestriansrequiremotoriststobeveryalert.Incitytraffic,amotoristshouldtrytocooperatewithothermotorists.Drivemoreslowlyandwatchforthemovementsofothers.Motoristsmustbemorecareful about pedestrians and less-visible vehicles, such as bicycles, mopeds,motorcycles,motorizedwheelchairsandmobility-assistancevehicles.Pedestriansandindividualsinwheelchairsormobility-assistancevehiclesalwayshavetheright-

Speedreaction distance

Braking distance

Stopping distance

20 mph 44 ft 31 ft 75 ft

30 mph 66 ft 69 ft 135 ft

40 mph 88 ft 123 ft 211 ft

50 mph 110 ft 192 ft 302 ft

60 mph 132 ft 277 ft 409 ft

70 mph 154 ft 376 ft 530 ft

of-wayinacrosswalk.Motoristsmustalwaysstopforpedestriansinacrosswalk;whethermarkedorunmarked(seep.130).

A motorist should look at least 12 seconds ahead. This means that he/sheshouldbeabletoseeanobjectfarenoughaheadsothatittakesatleast12secondstogettoit.Whiledrivingat25mphonaclearroadinacity,amotoristshouldbeable toseeaboutablockahead.When traffic isheavy,extra timetoreact isnecessary,whichmeansdrivingmoreslowly.Byreducingspeed,amotoristgainstime.

Oncitystreets,amotoristwillpassthroughintersectionsveryoften.Manynewmotoristsfailtoseeintersections.Amotoristshouldalwaysconsiderthefollow-ingsafetytips:

• Ifatthemiddleofablock,checkintersectionsaheadfortrafficcontrols.

• Whenapproachingornearinganintersection,reducespeed.Glanceleftandthenright.Keepfootonthebrake.

• Whenatacrosswalk,avehicleshouldbeatitslowestspeed.Amotoristmust decide whether to stop or go across. Take quick glances around. Ifclear,proceedtocross.

Watchforuncontrolledintersectionswheretherearenolightsorsigns.Donotthink thata roadway isprotectedbecause it iswide,smoothorbusy. If therearenotrafficsignals,thereisnotrafficcontrol.Avoidingcollisionsisuptothemotorist.Look.Listen.Think.

hiGhwAy DrivinGTrafficaccidentsanddeathscanhappenonhighwayswhentheweatherisgoodandtheroadsaredry.Exceedingthepostedspeedlimitordrivingtoofastforroadconditionsisoneofthemostprevalentfactorscontributingtotrafficcollisions.

Majorhighwaysareusuallyingoodcondition.Theyoftenhavefourormorelanes.Wide-openspacesoftengiveamotoristthefeelingthathe/shecanrelaxhis/herattention.Itisimportanttostayalertonhighways.Somehighwaysmaynothavetrafficsignsorsignalsatcrossroads.Thismeansamotoristmustdrivedefensivelyandstaywithinthespeedlimit.Alwaysbereadytoreacttotheunexpected.

hiLLs, briDGes AnD Other rOAD hAzArDsAmotoristshouldalwaysbeonthelookoutforsignsthatwarnofroadhazards.Theseincludehills,dips,narrowbridges,bumpsandrailroadtracks.Driveslowlyintheseareas.Ifavehicleismovingtoofast,themotoristmaynotbeabletoslowdownintime.Speedingandapplyingthebrakesfirmlycancauseaskidoraspin.


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Motorists should be cautious when traveling in farm country or in open landwherelivestockordeermaycrosstheroad.Ifamotoristencountersananimal,he/sheshouldslowdownuntiltheanimalhaspassed.Animalsmakeunexpectedmoves,soamotoristmustbealert.

cOnstructiOn zOnes/wOrK zOnes (N.J.S.A.39:4-203.5)Mostmotoristswillencounterconstructiononroadways.InNewJersey,trafficfinesaredoubledformotorvehicleviolationscommittedintheareaofroadwayconstructionzones.Theseworkzonesareidentifiedbyanadvancewarningsignorflashinglightsonavehicleuptoone-halfmilebeforetheworkarea.Flaggersmaycontrol trafficandprotectprojectpersonnel in theworkarea.Sometimesit is necessary to redirect traffic from its normal path around the work zone.Motoristsmayencounteradetourontoanotherroadwaytobypasstheworkareaoradiversionontoatemporaryroadway,suchasamediancrossoveroralaneshift.Iftrafficispermittedthroughoradjacenttotheworkarea,itwillbeguidedwithtemporarytrafficcontroldevices.Attheendoftheworkarea,therewillbeanEndRoadWorksignorthelasttemporarytrafficcontroldevice,somotoristscan resume normal driving. For illustrations of signs and barricades used inconstructionzones,seetheDriverSafetySectionattheendofthismanual.

Itisextremelyimportantformotoriststoremainalertwhentravelingthroughaworkzone.Annually,therearenearly800fatalandover37,000seriousinjurycrashesinworkzones.Inaddition,congestionanddelaysmaymount,causingthe frustration level of motorists to rise. Motorists should keep the followingbasicsinmind:

• Stay alert: Dedicatefullattentiontotheroadway.• pay close attention: Signsandworkzoneflaggerssavelives.• turn on headlights: Workersandothermotoristsmustbeableto

seethevehicle.• don’t tailgate: Unexpectedstopsorslowingmayoccur.• don’t speed: Notethepostedspeedlimitsinandaroundtheworkzone.• minimize distractions:Avoidchangingradiostationsortalkingon

hands-freedeviceswhentravelingthroughaworkzone.• expect the unexpected: Keepaneyeoutforworkersandtheirequipment.• Be patient: Rememberthatwork-zonecrewmembersareworking

toimprovetherideforallmotorists.

) REaCTInG TO DRIVInG PROblEMSA motorist should always be prepared for any problems that he/she mayencounter while driving. Certain situations require the motorist to reactimmediatelyinordertoavoidanaccident.

iGnitiOn systemToday’s vehicles are equipped with ignition systems that, when used properly,willprevent thetheftofanautomobileandvehiclerollaway.An ignitionsystempermitskeyremovalonlywhenthevehicle’stransmissionisintheParkposition.Motoristsinanemergencysituationonthehighwaymayattempttoturnoffthevehiclewhileitisstillinmotion,believingtheywillbringthevehicletoastop.Thebasicrulethemotoristmustfollowwhenoperatingavehiclewithasteeringwheelignitionsystemistoneverturntheignitiontothelockpositionwhilethevehicleisinmotion.Thesteeringwilllockasthevehicleturns,andthemotoristwilllosecontrolofthevehicle.

sKiDsSudden turns, lane changes or hard braking can throw a vehicle into a skid.Thisoftenhappensonwetoricyroads.Amotoristshouldhandleaskidinbothfront-wheelandrear-wheeldrivevehiclesinthesameway.Iftherearendofthevehiclestartstoslide,amotoristshouldtakehis/herfootoffthegaspedal.Avehiclemayspinifthesteeringwheelisquicklyturnedawayfromthedirectionoftheskid.

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Toavoidaspin,themotoristshouldturninthedirectiontherearofthevehicleisskidding,withoutoversteering.Whenskidding,amotoristshouldlookinthedirectionthathe/shewantstogo.Amotoristwillbeabletofeelwhenthevehicleisbackundercontrolandshouldthenstraightenthewheels.Duringasideskid,avoidusingthebrakes.

emerGency stOPsIfanemergencyhighwaystopisnecessary,amotoristshouldalwayskeepseveralbasicpointsinmind.Onahighwaywithpavedshoulders,signalandturnontotheshoulderatorneartrafficspeed.Thenbegintoslowdown.Wheretheshoulderisunpaved,signalaturnandslowdowntoasafespeedbeforeturningoff.Oncethe vehicle is pulled to the shoulder, turn on the parking lights or emergencywarninglights.

Neverblocktaillightsatnightbystandingorworkingbehindthevehicle.Dayornight,putaflareorotherwarningsignjustbehindthevehicle.Putanotherwarningdeviceat least300 feetback (about120paces).Raise thehood. Tie awhitehandkerchieftotheantennaorleftdoorhandleasasignal,ifhelpisneeded.

runninG Off the PAvementIfavehicle’swheelsdriftontotheshoulderoftheroad,donottrytoturnbackonto the pavement right away. This might throw the vehicle off balance. Toooften motorists panic and steer abruptly to return to the road, causing thevehicletoslingshotacrosstheroadwayorintotraffic.Instead,amotoristshouldstayontheshoulderandeaseuponthegaspedal.Afterthevehiclehassloweddownto25mphorless,themotoristmayturnbackontotheroadbyturningthesteeringwheelone-quarterturntowardtheroadway.Thiswillallowtirestoclimbthepavementedgeandgetbackontothepavement.

Ifavehiclerunsoffthepavement:•Slowdown.

•Regaincontrol.

•Turnslowlyontotheroad.

cAr firesMostcarfiresarecausedbyshortcircuitsintheelectricalsystem.Incaseoffire,donotwastetime.Getpassengersoutandawayfromthevehicleatonce,andcallforhelp.Amotoristshouldneverattempttoputoutafire.

PLunGinG intO wAterWatercausesmorepanicthananyotheremergency.Actualtestshaveresultedinafewtips.Avehiclewithwindowsanddoorsclosedwillfloatforaboutthreetotenminutes.Twomajorpointsinescapeandself-rescuefromasubmergedvehiclearetowearaseatbelt,whichwillincreasethechancesofsurvivingtheinitialimpactofthewater,and,whilethevehicleisstillfloatingonthesurface,to escape through an open window. It is hard to open a door against waterpressure,butawindowcanberolleddowneasily.Powerwindowsmayshortout,sotrytoopenthematonce.Glassinthesideandrearwindowscanbebrokenbutonlywithaheavy,hardobject.

Afront-enginevehiclewillsinknosefirst.Someairmaybepushedtotherear,neartheroof.Whenthepressure insideandoutsidethevehicle isequal, it iseasiertoopenadoor.Amotoristshouldtrytoescapethroughadoororwindow.Remember that three to five minutes gives plenty of time in an emergency.Wearingaseatbeltisthebestinsuranceagainstbeingknockedunconscious.Onceoutofthevehicle,amotoristmaybecomedisorientedunderwater.Alwaysremembertofollowtheairbubblestoreachthesurface.

stALLinG On rAiLrOAD trAcKsIfthevehiclehasastandardshift,themotoristshouldtrytomoveitbyrunningthestarterinloworsecondgear.Withanautomaticshift,themotoristwillhavetopushthevehicleoffthetracks.Ifthevehiclecannotbemovedoffthetracks,andatrainiscoming,themotoristshouldmoveasfarawayfromthetracksaspossibleandcallforhelp.

) VEHIClE faIluRENomatterhowwellavehicleismaintained,thereisstillachanceamotoristwillexperiencevehicleproblems.Amotoristshouldalwaysbepreparedforanytypeofsituationandneverpanic.

brAKe fAiLureIfavehicle’sconventionaldiscanddrumbrakessuddenlyfail,amotoristshouldshift to a lowergear andpump thebrakepedal fast andhard several times.Thismaybuildupenoughbrakepressuretostopthevehicle. Ifthatdoesnotwork,theparkingbrakeshouldbeusedwhileholdingthebrakerelease,sothemotoristcanletupiftherearwheelslockandthevehiclebeginstoskid.Withthevehicleinlowgear,themotoristshouldbeginlookingforasafeplacetostopofftheroadwayandcallforhelp.

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tire bLOwOutIfamotoristexperiencesaflattireorblowout,he/sheshouldholdthesteeringwheelfirmlyandkeep thevehiclestraightwhilegraduallyslowingdown.Themotoristshouldremovehis/herfootfromthegaspedalbutnotusethebrakes.Thevehicleshouldcoasttoastoponitsownasthemotoristpullstoasafeareaofftheroadway.

POwer steerinG fAiLureWhenanenginedies,avehicle’spowersteeringwillfail.Themotoristshouldkeepafirmgriponthewheelbecauseextrahandpowerwillbeneededtoturnorkeepcontrol.Thevehicleshouldbebroughttoastopinasafeareaofftheroadway.Themotoristmayneedtopushveryhardonpowerbrakesthatarenotworking.

heADLiGht fAiLureIf headlights suddenlygoout, amotorist should safelybring the vehicle toastopinasafeareaofftheroadway.Theheadlightordimmerswitchesmayhelpthelightsgoonagain.Ifthisdoesnotwork,themotoristshouldputtheparkinglights,emergencyflashersorturnsignalsonandcallforhelp.

GAs PeDAL PrObLemsIfagaspedalsticks,themotoristshouldkeephis/hereyesontheroadwhilequicklyshiftingtoneutral.Steerthevehicletoasafeareaofftheroadway,turntheengineoffandcallforhelp.

hOOD LAtch fAiLureIfthevehicle’shoodsuddenlyfliesup,themotoristshouldslowdownimmediately.He/sheshouldtrytolookunderthehoodtoseetheroadorlookoutofthesidewindowaroundthehood.Usingthecenter lineor lanemarkingsasaguide, themotoristshouldpullthevehicletoasafeareaofftheroadwayassoonaspossible.

winDshieLD wiPer fAiLureWhenwindshieldwipersstopsuddenlyduringrainorsnow,themotoristshouldslowdown,pulltoasafeareaofftheroadwayandturnonemergencyflashers.Callforhelpifnecessary.

) COllISIOnS (aCCIDEnTS)AvOiDinG cOLLisiOnsNomatterhowcarefulamotoristis,emergenciesdoarise.Amotoristmanynotalwaysbeabletoavoidacollision.This iswhy it is importanttoknowhowtosafelyhandleanytypeofsituationthatmayoccur.Properreactioncouldsavethelifeofthemotoristandhis/herpassengersorothersinvolved.Aboveall,seatbeltsshouldalwaysbewornwhiledriving.

Ifamotoristseesthathis/hervehiclemayhitsomething,oneofthreethingscanbedone:stop,turnorspeedup.

Stop quickly:Ifthevehiclehasconventionaldiscanddrumbrakes,themotoristshouldpumpthebrakestogainbettercontrolinsteering.Thewheelswilllockandcauseskiddingifamotoristbrakestoohardandholdsthemdown.Ifthevehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), they will adjust automatically if a wheelbeginstolock.Withthisbrakesystem,amotoristcanputmaximumpressureonthebrakesandretainsteeringcontrolwithoutpumpingthebrakes.

turn quickly: Ifamotoristcannotstop in time,he/sheshould turnawayanddriveoff theroad ifnecessary. If themotoristcankeepfromusing thebrakeswhileturning,thiswilllessenthechancesofaskid.Amotoristshouldnotbrakehardifturningontoasoftshoulderofaroad.Thiscouldcauseskiddingorlossofcontrol.

Speed up:Sometimesitisbestornecessarytospeeduptoavoidacollision.Thismayhappenwhenanothervehicleisabouttohitamotorist’svehiclefromthesideorfrombehind,andthereisroomtothefronttogetoutofdanger.Amotoristshouldpushthegaspedaltothefloor.Theremaybeonlysecondstoact,soamotoristmustdecidequickly.Oncethedangerhaspassed,themotoristshouldslowthevehicle’sspeed.

LAst-minute chOicesAmotoristshouldneverpanic,especially inthefewsecondsbeforeapossiblecollision.Therearesome last-minutechoices thathe/shewillhave tomake.Amotoristshouldalwaysbeawareofwhattodoinanemergencysituation.Reactingproperlyandquicklycanavoidcollisionsor,atleast,minimizedamage.

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Ifacollisionlookspossible,themotoristshouldturnawayfromoncomingtraffic,evenifitmeansleavingtheroad.Drivingofftheroad,ratherthanskidding,givesthemotoristmorecontroloverthevehicle.Themotoristshouldchoosetohitsomethingthatwillgiveway(suchasbrushorshrubs)ratherthansomethinghard.

Choosetohitsomethingmovinginthesamedirection,ratherthansomethingthatisnotmoving.Choosetohitsomethingnotmoving,ratherthansomethingcomingstraighton.Ifhittingsomethingisunavoidable,trytomakeitaglancingblow.Asideswipe,forexample,willhelpslowthevehicle.Trytoneverhitanythinghead-on.Foreveryinchthatamotoriststeersawayfromacollisionbetweenthecenter of the vehicle’s front end and the center of the oncoming object, theenergyofthecollisionwilldissipateandreduceinjuryanddamage.

reAr cOLLisiOnIfthevehicleisabouttobehitfromtherear,themotoristmustbereadytoapplythe brakes to avoid being pushed into a vehicle ahead. The motorist shouldbracehis/herbodybetweenthesteeringwheelandtheseatback,pressingthebackofhis/herheadfirmlyagainsttheheadrest(ifvehiclehasone).

siDe cOLLisiOnIfthevehicleisabouttobehitfromtheside,themotoristshouldkeepatightgriponthesteeringwheel.Thismaykeephim/herfrombeingthrownagainstthesideofthevehicle.Themotoristshouldbereadytoturnfast,sothatifthevehiclespinsaround,he/shecantrytocontrolthevehicle.

heAD-On cOLLisiOnIfthevehicleisabouttobehitfromthefront,themotoristshouldusehis/herarms and hands to protect his/her face if wearing a shoulder strap and thevehicleisequippedwithairbags.Ifthevehicleisnotequippedwithashoulderstraporairbags,themotoristshouldthrowhimself/herselfacrosstheseattokeepfromhittingthesteeringwheelorwindshield.Airbagswilltypicallydeployinvehiclesthathavethem.

PArKeD vehicLe cOLLisiOnIfamotoristhitsaparkedvehicle,thepolicemustbenotified.Thedrivershouldalsotrytofindtheownerofthevehicle.

) wHaT TO DO In CaSE Of a COllISIOnIf amotoristwitnessesacollisionor is involved inone, he/sheshould followthesetipsinordertohelpprotecteveryoneinvolved:

• Stopthevehicle.

• Remaincalm.

• Assumetheworstandgethelp(notifythepolice;callanambulance).

• Waitatthescene,buttrynottoblocktraffic.

• Askforassistancefrompassingmotorists,bikersorjoggers,ifneeded.

• Dependingonthelocationoftheaccident–localroad,highwayorinabusycityintersection–warnoncomingtraffic.

rePOrtinG AcciDents(N.J.S.A.39:4-130,39:4-131)NewJerseylawrequiresmotoriststonotifythepoliceofaccidentswherethereis injury, death, or vehicle or property damage. If someone has been killed,do not move the body or permit anyone to move the body until the police orambulancearrives.

If the motorist is involved in the accident, he/she can help the police byansweringasmanyquestionsaspossible andbygiving themasmany factsabouttheaccidentaspossible.Whendamagetopropertyismorethan$500orthereispersonalinjury,amotoristmust:

• SendawrittenreporttotheMVCwithin10daysifnopolicereportisfiled.Awrittenreportisnotrequiredifareportisfiledbypolice.Amotoristcangetacopyofthereportformfromthepolice.

• Notifyhis/herinsurancecompanyatonce,givingcompleteinformationabouttheaccident.

• Ifthemotoristisshakenup,he/sheshouldseeadoctorassoonaspossible.

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Chapter 6

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101

Drinking, Drugs & Health

102 Effects of alcohol102 How Much is Too Much?104 Drinking and Driving104 Good Hosts and the Drinking Driver

104 Designated Drivers105 Drugs and Driving106 Healthy Driving

) EffECTS Of alCOHOlAlcoholisadrugthataffectsoveralldrivingability.Alcoholmaymakeamotoristoverconfidentandunabletothinkclearly.Motoristswhodrinkmaymakemoremistakes.Evenifamotoristthinkshe/sheisbelowtheleveloflegalintoxication,alcoholwillaffectdriving.Drinkingevenasmallamountofalcoholincreasesamotorist’schancesofhavinganaccident.Neverdrinkanddrive.

Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means that a driver’ssensesand judgmentare impairedbyalcohol.After two, threeor fourdrinks,alcoholbeginstoimpairreactiontime,coordinationandbalance.Visionandtheabilitytojudgedistanceisaffected,makingitmoredifficulttoreactandtodrivesafely.Theonlythingthatcanmakeapersonsoberistime.Alcoholisremovedslowlybythebody.Themajority(90percent)ofthealcoholdetoxifiedisoxidized(burnedup)bytheliver.Theother10percentiseliminatedinbreath,urineandsweat.Thisfactistheprimereasonwhysober-up-quickmethodsdonotwork.

Inaddition,studieshaveprovenconclusivelythatacombinationofalcoholandangerisresponsibleformuchofthereckless,aggressivedrivingthatcancausefatalhighwayaccidents.Whilemostalcohol-relatedcollisionsinvolveonlyonevehicle,theyfrequentlyresultinthedeathorseriousinjuryofnumerouspeople,includingpassengers,pedestriansandothermotorists.

) HOw MuCH IS TOO MuCH?Theonlyscientificwaytocheckisthroughbloodalcoholconcentration,orBAC.Asimplebreathtestwillshowamotorist’sBAC.BACisdeterminedbyfourfactors:

• Quantityofalcoholconsumed

• Bodyweight

• Howquicklydrinkswereconsumed

• Foodeaten

Thebestwaytoreducetheriskofacrashcausedbydrinkinganddrivingisnottodriveatallafterdrinking.

InNewJersey, it is illegalforan individualwhois21yearsofageoroldertodrivewithaBACof .08percentorhigher (N.J.S.A.39:4-50).For individualsyounger than 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .01 percent or higher.Violators face severe penalties in addition to other penalties assessed forDUI/DWI(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.14).

Alcohol

1.5 OUNCES OF86 PROOF LIQUOR

12 OUNCE BOTTLEOR CAN OF BEER

5 OUNCE GLASSOF WINE (12%)

ONE DRINKEQUALS...

EVERY DRINK CONTAINS ABOUT 1/2 OUNCE OF ALCOHOL. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU DRINK, BUT HOW

MANY DRINKS YOU HAVE.

BVMN_alchohol_110907

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IfamotoristhasreachedaBACofslightlyabove.05percentafterdrinking,theriskforcausingamotorvehicleaccidentdoubles.Theriskissixtimesasgreatwhendrivingwith aBACof .10percent. The risk is25 timesasgreatwhendrivingwithaBACof.15percent.

Note: Under state law, refusal to take a breath test is equal to driving witha BAC of .10 percent for a first offense. The current penalty for both is thelossofdrivingprivilegesforsevenmonthstooneyear, torunconcurrentlyorconsecutively,baseduponajudge’sorder(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.4a).MotoristswhorefusetotakeabreathtestinNewJerseyarealsosubjecttoanMVCinsurancesurchargeof$1,000peryearfor threeyears(N.J.S.A.17:29A-35).Failuretopay this surcharge will result in an indefinite suspension of drivingprivilegesuntilthefeeispaid.

Itisimportanttorememberthatitdoesnotmatterwhatalcoholicbeverageisconsumed.Thereisjustasmuchalcoholintheaveragebeerasthereisintheaveragedrinkofwhiskeyorwine.Forexample,1½ouncesof80-proofwhiskey,12ouncesofbeeror5ouncesoftablewineallcontainthesameamountofalcohol: about½ounceof alcohol per drink. Studies show thatmost peoplearrestedfordrinkinganddrivinghadbeendrinkingbeer.

Althoughfooddoesslowtheabsorptionofalcoholintothebloodstream,eatingwillnotpreventahighBACwhensteadilydrinkinglargeamounts.HeavydrinkingwillalwaysproduceahighBAC.Eatingdoesnotmakeamotoristsober.Thebestwaytoavoiddrinkinganddrivingistoarrangeforadesignatedmotorist,usepublictransportationorcallacab.

) DRInkInG anD DRIVInGDrinkingaffectsamotorist’sthinkingandslowsreactiontime.Alcoholmayalsogiveamotoristafalsefeelingthathe/shecandoanything.Lawenforcementistrainedtonoticecertaintelltalesignsthatamotoristhasbeendrinking:

• Speeding:Anintoxicateddriveroftenthinkshighspeeddrivingissafe

• Weaving:Eventhoughanintoxicateddrivermaystayinthecorrectlane,drivingstraightmaybeaproblem

• Slow driving:Anintoxicateddrivermaybeoverlycautiousanddriveslowerthanthenormaltrafficflow

• Jerking motion:Anintoxicateddriveroftenmayhaveshortmentallapsesandnotkeepasteadyspeedonaclearroad

• Quick stops:Anintoxicateddrivermaymakesuddenstopsatatrafficsignorlight,ratherthaneasinguptoit

) GOOD HOSTS anD THE DRInkInG DRIVERAlwaysbeagoodhost.Ifservingalcoholataparty,alwaysprovidealcohol-freedrinksandservenutritious foodsor snacks.Never insist thataguest shoulddrinkanalcoholicbeverageorinsistonrefills.

Stopservingalcoholwellbeforethepartyends. Ifsomeonedrinkstoomuch,donot let themdrive. Ifnoothertransportation isavailable,suggestanaporinvite the guest to spend the night. As a last resort, notify the police. Hostsmaybecomeinvolvedinalawsuitifaguestisinvolvedinadrinkinganddrivingcollisionafterleavingtheparty.

) DESIGnaTED DRIVERSAs the first state in the country to officially launch the Hero Campaign forDesignated Drivers, New Jersey encourages all state residents to participateindesignateddriverprogramswherever they travel,whetherasamotoristorapassenger. Being a designated driver is a great responsibility. The designated

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driverisresponsibleforthesafetransportationoffriendsorfamilymemberswhohavebeendrinkingalcoholicbeverages.Designateddriversnotonlyensurethesafetyofthepeopletheyareescortinghomebutalsothesafetyofothermotorists.

Amotoristwhochoosestohaveadesignateddriverwhenattendingfunctionswhere alcohol will be served shows maturity and consideration for othermotoristswhosharetheroad.MoreinformationaboutdesignateddriversandtheHeroCampaigncanbefoundatwww.herocampaign.org.

) DRuGS anD DRIVInG(N.J.S.A.39:4-49.1,39:4-50)

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on New Jersey roadways under theinfluenceofany illegaldrugs.The labelsonbottlesofprescriptiondrugswilldescribecommonsideeffects.Drugsthat“maycausedrowsinessordizziness”should not be taken before driving. Ask a professional about how over-the-counter drugs may affect driving. Drugs that may affect basic driving skillsincludecoldpills,tranquilizersandsomeprescriptionmedications.

Never mix drugs without asking a medical professional about possible sideeffectsorhowthedrugmayaffectdriving.Alcoholshouldneverbemixedwithanydrugsormedications.

Ifasked,motoristsusingprescriptiondrugsmustshowproofoftheprescriptionto law enforcement. If a motorist does not have a prescription for the drug,and a prescription is necessary in order to obtain the drug, the drug will beconsideredillegal.

Afteralcohol,marijuana is thedrugmostoften foundwithdrivers involved incollisions.Marijuanausemayaffectamotoristinthefollowingways:

• loss of tracking ability:Thisistheabilitytomaintainavehicleinagivenline.

• distance judgment:Followingtoocloselycancauseproblems.

• Vigilance:Notremainingattentivetothedrivingtaskcancauseamotoristtofollowtooclosely,driftintoanotherlane,etc.

• divided attention:Drivingisataskthatrequiresconstantattentiontotraffic,roadwayandweatherconditions,passengers,gauges,etc.

) HEalTHy DRIVInGheALthAnyhealthproblemcanaffectanindividual’sdriving.Evenlittleproblemslikeastiffneck,acoughorasorelegcangiveanindividualtroublewhiledriving.Ifamotoristisnotfeelingwell,he/sheshouldletsomeoneelsedrive.

visiOnVision is important to safe driving. Most of what a motorist does behind thewheelisbasedonwhathe/shesees.StatelawpermitstheMVCtoretest10percentofthedrivingpopulationeachyear.Amotoristshouldhavehis/hereyestestedeveryyearor two. Ifoverage40,amotoristshouldhavehis/hereyescheckedeveryyearforspecialproblems.

Good side vision (peripheral vision) is also essential for safe driving. Sidevision helps a motorist see out of the corners of his/her eyes while lookingstraightahead.

Distancejudgmentisalsoanimportantcomponenttodriving.Amotoristshouldknow his/her distance from any object while driving. Bad distance judgmentoftencausesaccidents.

heArinGHearingismoreimportanttodrivingthanmanypeoplethink.Itcanwarnamotoristofdanger.Thesoundofhorns,sirensorscreechingtireswarnsamotoristtobecareful.Amotoristmaybeabletohearacarthatcannotbeseen.

Evenpeoplewithgoodhearingcannothearwelliftheradioisblaringorhe/sheiswearingearphones.Amotoristshouldalwayskeeptheradioturneddownandneverwearearphones.

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Chapter 7

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Driver Privileges & Penalties

110 The Driving Privilege110 Driving under the influence (dui)115 breath Test (n.J.S.a. 39:4-50.4a)115 Ignition Interlock Device (n.J.S.a. 39:4-50.17)116 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center116 Motor Vehicle Violations 120 Driver Programs

122 Motor Vehicle Surcharges and Point Violations123 Point System124 Moving Violation Point Chart125 Moving Violation Point Chart127 Interstate Compacts

) THE DRIVInG PRIVIlEGEDrivingisaprivilege,notaright.Statelawallowsorrequiresanindividual’sdrivingprivilegetobesuspendedforcertainmotorvehicleviolations,whichmeansthedriverlicensewillbetakenawayandthemotoristmaynotdriveforastatedperiodof time. Inaddition to licensesuspension,finesand imprisonmentmayalsobeimposedformovingviolations.Thelengthofsuspensiontimedependsonthelawthat isbrokenandhowmanyconvictionsamotorist receives.Likewise, licenserestorationdependsonthetypesofoffensesandthenumberofconvictions.Ahabitualoffender isamotoristwhosedriver licensehasbeensuspendedthreetimesinthreeyears.Toavoidanyproblems,itisimportanttoknowandobeyNewJersey’strafficlaws,whichareinplacetoprotecteverymotorist.

Some suspensions are decided on a case-by-case basis. If the sentence isnotmandatory,theChiefAdministratoroftheMVCorthecourtsmaysuspenddrivingprivileges.Reasonsforlossofdrivingprivilegesmayinclude,butisnotlimitedtothefollowingreasons:

• Failuretoappearincourtortopayfines

• Failuretopaymotorvehiclesurcharges

• Drivingwhilesuspended

• Failuretoprovideproofofinsurance

• Physicalormentaldisqualification

• Drugoralcoholuse

• Trafficlawviolations

• Atfaultinafatalaccident

• FailuretorespondtoanMVCnotice

TheMVCChiefAdministratormayalsorequireare-examinationofanypersonconsidered tobeaproblemdriver.This re-examinationwillhelp todeterminewhetherdrivingprivilegesshouldbesuspended.

) DRIVInG unDER THE InfluEnCE (DuI)Driversunderage21(thelegalagetopurchase/consumeanalcoholicbeverage)foundwithabloodalcoholconcentration (BAC)at .01percentormorewhileoperatingamotorvehiclewillbepenalized(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.14).ThecurrentBACfordriversage21andolderis.08percent(N.J.S.A.39:4-50).

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InNewJersey,apersonmustbe21topurchase,possessorconsumealcoholicbeverages.Underagedrinkingisillegalandcanhavesevereconsequencesforyoungpeoplewhodrinkandforadultswhoprovidealcoholicbeveragestothoseunderage21.

If a driver under age 21 buys or drinks alcohol in a place with an alcoholicbeverage license,he/shemaybefined$500and losehis/her licenseforsixmonths.Ifapersonunderage21doesnothaveadriverlicense,thesuspensionstartswhenhe/sheisfirsteligibletoreceivealicense.Also,thepersonmayberequiredtoparticipateinanalcoholeducationortreatmentprogram.

mAnDAtOry PenALties first offense/BAC .08% or more but less than .10% (n.J.S.A. 39:4-50)

• Three-monthsuspensionofdrivingprivilege

• $250to$400fine

• 12-to48-hourparticipationinanIntoxicatedDriverResourceCenter(IDRC)

• $230perdayIDRCfee

• Upto30daysimprisonment

• $100DrunkDrivingEnforcementFundfee(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.8)

• $100AlcoholEducation,RehabilitationandEnforcementFund(AERF)fee

• $1,000annualsurchargeforthreeyears

• $75SafeNeighborhoodServicesFundfee(N.J.S.A.2C:43-3.2)

• Possibleinterlockdevicerequirementforsixmonthstooneyear(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.17)

first offense/BAC .10% or more (n.J.S.A. 39:4-50)• Seven-monthtoone-yearsuspensionofdrivingprivilege

• $300to$500fine

• 12-to48-hourparticipationinanIntoxicatedDriverResource

Center(IDRC)

• $230perdayIDRCfee

• Upto30daysimprisonment

• $100DrunkDrivingEnforcementFundfee(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.8)

• $100AlcoholEducation,RehabilitationandEnforcementFundfee

• $1,000annualsurchargeforthreeyears

• $75SafeNeighborhoodServicesFundfee(N.J.S.A.2C:43-3.2)

• Possibleinterlockdevicerequirementforsixmonthstooneyear(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.17)

Underage first offense/BAC .01% or more but less than .08%(n.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14)

• 30-to90-daysuspensionofdrivingprivilege(onthedaymotoristbecomeseligibletoobtainalicenseoronthedayofconviction,whicheverislater)

• 15to30dayscommunityservice

• ParticipationinanIntoxicatedDriverResourceCenter(IDRC)oralcoholeducationandhighwaysafetyprogram,asprescribedbytheMVCChiefAdministrator.

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driVing

offenSe

ConViCtion

loSS of

liCenSe 1

fineS, feeS,

SUrChArgeSimpriSonment

CommUnitY

SerViCe (CS),

idrC2 or

detAinment

Alcohol-ordrug-related(DUI)3

firstoffense

3monthsto

1year

$250-$500fine;$1,000ayrfor3yrssurcharge;$230perdayIDRCfee;$100drunkdrivingfund;$75SafeNeigh-borhoodServicesFund$100AERF

Upto30days 12-48hrsIDRC


secondoffensethatoccurswithin10yrsoffirstoffense

2years $500-$1,000fine$1,000ayrfor3yrssurcharge;$280perdayIDRCfee;$100drunkdrivingfund;$75SafeNeighborhoodServicesFund$100AERF

48hrs-90days 12-48hrsIDRC

30daysCS


thirdoffensethatoccurswithin10yrsofsecondoffense

10years $1,000fine$1,500ayrfor3yrssurcharge;$280perdayIDRCfee;$100drunkdrivingfund;$75SafeNeigh-borhoodServicesFund$100AERF

180days 12-48hrsIDRC

Upto90days

CS,whichcan

reduceaperiod

ofimprisonment

Drinkingalco-

holicbeverages

whiledrivingor

riding

N/A $200fine,first

offense

$250fine,second

offense

N/A N/A

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ConViCtion

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liCenSe1

fineS, feeS,

SUrChArgeSimpriSonment

CommUnitY

SerViCe (CS),

idrC2 or

detAinment

Drinkingalco-holicbeverageswhiledrivingorriding(secondoffense)

N/A $250fine N/A 10daysCS

DrivingonDUIsuspension

Additional

1-2yrs4

$500fine;$250peryrfor3yrssurcharge

10-90days N/A

Drivingwithnoinsurance(firstoffense)

1year $300-$1,000fine;$250peryrfor3yrssurcharge

N/A CSdeterminedbycourt

Drivingwithnoinsurance(sec-ondoffense)

2years Upto$5,000fine;$250peryearfor3yrssurcharge

14days 30daysCS

Drivingwithpos-

sessingdrugs

2years Min.$50fine N/A N/A

1Underagedrinkingmaycauseasix-monthdelaytogetalicense.2IntoxicatedDriverResourceCenter.3Drivingundertheinfluence(DUI).Alcohol-anddrug-relatedoffensesrequirecompletionofanalcoholscreeningandevaluationprogram.4Alsosuspendsregistrationsforthesameperiod.

The courts may require DUI offenders to use ignition interlock devices on theirmotor vehicles. An interlock device (see page 115) is attached to a motor vehicleto prevent it from being started when the alcohol level of the motorist’s breathexceeds a predetermined amount. The interlock requirement is in addition to anyother penalty required under the state’s drunk driving statute. Installation is for sixmonthstothreeyears,beginningwhenthemotorist’sdriverlicensehasbeenrestoredfollowingsuspension.

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) bREaTH TEST (N.J.S.A.39:4-50.4A)New Jersey has an implied consent law. This means that motorists on NewJerseyroadwayshaveagreed,simplybyusingNewJerseyroadways,tosubmittoabreathtestgivenbylawenforcementorhospitalstafffollowinganarrestforadrinking-and-drivingoffense.Motoristswhorefusetotakeabreathtestwillbedetainedandbroughttoahospital,wherehospitalstaffmaydrawblood.

Motorists who refuse to take a breath test in New Jersey are subject to anMVCinsurancesurchargeof$1,000peryearforthreeyears.Failuretopaythissurchargewillresultinanindefinitesuspensionofdrivingprivilegesuntilthefeeispaid.Motoristswhorefusetotakeabreathtestwillbedetainedandbroughttoahospital,wherehospitalstaffmaydrawblood.

Under state law, refusal to takeabreath test is equal todrivingwith aBACof .10percentforafirstoffense.Thecurrentpenaltyforrefusalisthelossofdrivingprivilegesforbetweensevenmonthsandoneyear,torunconcurrentlyorconsecutively,baseduponajudge’sorder.

) IGnITIOn InTERlOCk DEVICE(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.17)

AmotoristwhoisconvictedofaDUIoffensemustinstallanignitioninterlockdeviceinanymotorvehicletheyown,leaseoroperateduringandaftertheentireperiodforwhichtheirdrivingprivilegeissuspended.Thisdeviceisattachedtothevehiclewithabuilt-inBreathalyzerandpreventsthevehiclefromstartingifthemotorist’sBACexceeds.05percent.Theinterlockrequirementisinadditiontoanyotherpenaltyrequiredunderthestate’sdrunkdrivingstatute.

•first dUi offense with BAC of less than 0.15%: Installationofignitioninterlockdeviceforsixmonthstooneyearfromthedateofdrivingprivilegerestoration(judge’sdiscretion)

•first dUi offense with BAC of 0.15% or higher OR refusal to Submit to Breath test offense: Installationofignitioninterlockdeviceduringsuspensionandforsixmonthstooneyearfromthedateofdrivingprivilegerestoration

•Second or Subsequent dUi OR refusal to Breath test offense: Installationofignitioninterlockdeviceduringsuspensionandforonetothreeyearsfromthedateofdrivingprivilegerestoration

Ifthecourtsentencesamotoristtoinstallaninterlockdevice,he/shewillreceivean MVC notice explaining how to obtain the device, as well as an additionalMVC notice confirming the suspension. An approved list of interlock devicemanufacturerscanbefoundontheMVC’sWebsiteatwww.njmvc.gov.

) InTOxICaTED DRIVER RESOuRCE CEnTERState law requires that any motorist charged with an alcohol-related trafficoffensemustbedetainedatanIDRC.EachofNewJersey’s21countieshasanIDRCwherefirst-andthird-timeoffendersaredetained.Second-timeoffendersaredetainedatoneof three regional IDRCs.TheN.J.DepartmentofHealthandSeniorServices,DivisionofAddictionServices,andtheIntoxicatedDrivingProgramcoordinatesallIDRCs.

Duringdetention,alloffendersattendanalcoholandhighwaysafetyeducationprogram.Thecenterevaluateseachoffender foranalcoholordrugproblemanddeterminestheneedfortreatment.Thosedeemedinneedoftreatmentarereferredtoanappropriateproviderforatleasta16-weektreatmentprogram.

Satisfactory participation in a state-assigned program is a condition forre-licensing.Failuretocomplywillresultinfurtherlossofdrivingprivilegesandthepossibilityofimprisonment.

) MOTOR VEHIClE VIOlaTIOnS • Unsafe driving: A conviction of unsafe driving that endangers a person

orproperty requirespaymentofafineofnot less than$50ormore than$150forafirstoffense;notlessthan$100ormorethan$250forasecondoffense; and not less than $200 or more than $500 for a third offense.Motoristmaybeassessedmotorvehiclepenaltypointsiftheoffenseoccurswithinfiveyearsoftheprioroffense.Thereisalsoa$250courtsurchargeforeachoffense(N.J.S.A.39:4-97.2).

• reckless driving: Drivingrecklesslyinamannerthatwillfullyendangerstherights,propertyorsafetyofothersispunishablebyimprisonmentofupto60days,orbyafineofnotlessthan$50ormorethan$200,orbothforafirstoffense(N.J.S.A.39:4-96).Pointsareassessed.

• Abandoning a vehicle: Motoristswhoabandontheirmotorvehiclesonoralonglimited-accesshighwaysforfourhoursormorewithoutpermissionaresubjecttoafineofnotlessthan$100ormorethan$500andpossiblelossofdrivingprivilegesforuptotwoyears.Forsubsequentviolationsthefineisnotlessthan$500ormorethan$1,000,andthesuspensionisuptofiveyears.Thesamepenaltiesapplywhenownersabandontheirvehiclesonanyhighwayorpublicpropertywithoutconsentfor48hoursormoreandwhenownersabandontheirvehiclesforanyperiodwithoutcurrentlicenseplates(N.J.S.A.39:4-56.5).

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• Carrying alcoholic beverages: Motorists who carry open or unsealedalcoholic beverage containers in passenger areas of motor vehiclesaresubject toafineof$200 forafirstoffenseand$250or10daysofcommunityserviceforallsubsequentoffenses(N.J.S.A.39:4-51a).

• ice and snow: Motoristsofprivatevehiclesfacefinesof$200to$1,000foreachtimeicefliesfromtheirvehiclesandcausesdeath,injuryorpropertydamage.Fines for commercial ownersandoperators range from$500 to$1,500(N.J.S.A.39:4-77.1).

• highway construction zones: Speedingorothermovingviolationsinareasundergoinghighwayconstructionmeandoubledfines.Someoffensesincludereckless driving, careless driving, speeding, improper passing, tailgating,improperturns,failuretoobservetrafficlanes,failuretoobserveatrafficsignalorsignandfailuretoobeydirectionsofanofficer(N.J.S.A.39:4-203.5).

• 65 mph zone: Speeding10mphormoreabove thepostedspeed limitorothercertainmovingviolationsina65-mphspeedzonemeansdoubledfines.Someoffensesincluderacingonapublichighway,refusaltocomplywithanofficer’s request, or failure toobey traffic signsor signals, failure to complywithrulesforpassinganothervehicle,failuretoobeyroadmarkings,failuretoobservedistancebetweenvehiclesandcarelessdriving(N.J.S.A.39:4-98.6).

• failure to comply: Motorists facea$50fine if they fail tocomplywithapoliceofficer’srequesttoilluminatethedriver’scompartmentofthevehiclewhenstopped(N.J.S.A.39:4-57.1).

• insurance fraud: Motoristsconvictedof fraudon insuranceapplicationsandclaimsformsmayreceivefinesofupto$5,000,orimprisonmentforuptothreeyears,orboth.Intheeventthemotoristfraudulentlyreceives$500orless,he/shemaybefinedupto$500and/orimprisonedfornotmorethansixmonthsasadisorderlyperson.Inaddition,apersonconvictedofanautomobileinsurancecrimewilllosehis/herdriverlicenseforoneyear(N.J.S.A.39:6A-15).

• drug offense: ANewJerseymotorist’sdrivingprivilegeswillbesuspendedafterhe/sheisconvictedofdrugoffensesinanyfederalorstatecourt.

• hit-and-run: Ahit-and-runinvolvingbodilyinjuryordeathresultsinafineof$2,500to$5,000and/or180daysinjailforthemotorist.Inaddition,forafirstoffense,themotoristloseshis/herlicenseforoneyear.Forsubsequentoffense,themotoristpermanentlyloseshis/herlicense(N.J.S.A.39:4-129).

• lying on application: Lying when applying for a license or registrationwill result in a fine of not less than $200 or more than $500 and/or uptosixmonthsimprisonment.Amotoristwillalsolosehis/herdriver licenseprivilegesforsixmonthstotwoyears(N.J.S.A.39:3-37).

• forgery and fraud: Altering, forging and/or possession with intent todistributeafacsimileofaN.J.driverlicenseisillegalandwillresultinuptoa$150,000 fine, up to 10 years in prison and a driver license suspension(N.J.S.A.2C:21-2.1).

• driving while suspended: Drivingwhileadriverlicenseand/orregistration

issuspendedcanresultinthefollowingpenalties:–Firstoffense:Fineof$500anduptosixmonthsadditional

licenseandorregistrationsuspension(N.J.S.A.39:3-40)–Secondoffense:Fineof$750,jailsentencefornotmorethan

fivedaysanduptosixmonthsadditionallicenseand/orregistrationsuspension(N.J.S.A.39:3-40)

–Thirdoffense:Fineof$1,000,a10-dayjailsentenceanduptosixmonthsadditionallicenseand/orregistrationsuspension(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

Additional penalties for driving while suspended:• Driving while suspended for failing to pay an insurance surcharge will

resultinanadditional$3,000fine,plusthefinesandpenaltieslistedabove(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Drivingwhilealicenseand/orregistrationissuspendedforfailuretoproperlyinsure a vehicle will result in a fine of $500, an additional driver licensesuspensionofonetotwoyearsandpossiblecourtorderedimprisonmentforupto90days(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Drivingwhilealicenseand/orregistrationissuspendedandhavingacollisionthatcausesinjurytoanotherpersonwillresultinafine,continuedsuspensionandthepotentialforaminimum45-dayjailsentence(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Drivingwhilealicenseand/orregistrationissuspendedforadrugoralcoholoffense,refusaltotakeabreathtestorifthemotoristisahabitualoffender,willresultinafineof$500andanadditionallicensesuspensionofonetotwo years and/or possible court-ordered imprisonment for 10 to 90 days(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Driving while a driving privilege is suspended due to driving while under

theinfluence,refusaltosubmittoachemicaltestorforahabitualoffenderoffense,anddrivingonschoolpropertyorwithin1,000feetofschoolpropertyorthroughaschoolcrossingzonewillresultinonetotwoyearsadditionalsuspensiontime,a$500fineandbetween60to90daysimprisonmentforafirstoffense.Forsecondandthirdoffenses,thesuspensionandfinesremainthesame,buttheimprisonmenttermisincreasedto120to150daysand180days,respectively(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

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• Drivingafterfailingtoinstallaninterlockdevice,asorderedbythecourt,resultsinaone-yearsuspension,inadditiontoanyothersuspensionsalreadyimposed,andmayincludepenaltiesasadisorderlyperson(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.19).

other violations:• Amotoristwhorefusestosubmittoachemicaltestanddrivingonanyschool

propertyorwithin1,000feetofschoolpropertyorthroughaschoolcrossingzone.Motoristwillreceiveforafirstoffensea$600to$1,000fineandaone-totwo-yeardrivingprivilegesuspension;forsecondoffensesthefineis$1,000to$2,000andthedrivingprivilegewillbesuspendedforfouryears.Forathirdoffense,thefineis$2,000andthedrivingprivilegeissuspendedfor20years(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.4a).

• A vehicle owner who knowingly allows another motorist, who is currentlysuspended for driving while intoxicated or suspended for refusal tosubmit to a chemical test, to operate his or her vehicle. The resultis a fine of no more than $1,000, imprisonment for no more than 15days or both. A vehicle owner who violates this law on three or moreoccasions would also be subject to a 90-day driver’s license suspension.(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Amotoristwholoansalicensetoanothermotorist.He/shemaybefined$200to$500,facejailtimeandfaceasuspensionoflicense.

• Amotoristwhohasanotherpersontakethedrivingtest.Motoristmaybefined$200to$500and/orimprisonmentfrom30to90days.Thedriverlicensemayalsoberevoked(N.J.S.A.39:3-37).

• Failuretoappearatanyscheduledcourtproceedingwhenchargedwithanon-indictablecriminaloffense,anordinanceviolationoramotorvehicleoffense.Itwillresultinacourt-ordereddriverlicensesuspensionuntilthependingmatterissettled(2B:12-31).

• Failuretomeettheconditionsofasentenceimposed(suchastopayafine,makerestitutionorperformcommunityservice).Itwillresultinacourt-ordereddriverlicensesuspension(2B:12-31).

• Failure to pay a total of six months’ court-ordered child support or providehealthinsurance.Ifachildsupport-relatedwarrantexistsinthemotoristsname,the courts can order basic and commercial driver licenses and professionaloccupationallicensestobesuspendeduntilpaymentsaremade(N.J.S.A.2A:17-56.44).

• A boater convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) on New Jersey’swaterwayswillbesuspendedfrombothboatingandalldriverlicenseprivilegesandbefined$250to$400forthefirstoffense,$500to$1,000forthesecond

offenseand$1,000forthethirdoffense.Violatorsunder17yearsofagewillhave their vehicleandmoped licenseprivilegesdelayed for threemonths,sixmonthsand twoyears forfirst, secondand thirdoffenses, respectively(N.J.S.A.12:7-46).

driving under the influence (dUi) convictions: • Amotoristcaughtwithapassengerunder18yearsofageat the timeof

theviolationwill faceadisorderlypersonsoffense,will receivesuspensionofdrivingprivilegesfornotmorethansixmonthsandwillperformuptofivedaysofcommunityservice(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.15).

if an individual:• Is at least 13 years old but under 18 years of age, he/she may have

driving privileges suspended or postponed for a graffiti conviction(N.J.S.A.2A:4A-43.3).

• Setsfalsealarmsandisunder21yearsofage,mopedorothermotorvehicleprivilegeswillbesuspendedorpostponedforsixmonths.Ifunder17yearsofageatthetimeofconviction,drivingprivilegeswillbesuspendedimmediatelyand until six months after the day the person reaches 17 years of age.Additionally,thecourtsmayapplycivilpenalties(N.J.S.A.2C:33-3.1).

) DRIVER PROGRaMSDriver imPrOvement PrOGrAmMotoristswhoaccumulatebetween12and14pointsina24-monthperiodwillreceiveaNoticeofScheduledSuspensionbymailfromtheMVC.

Upon receiving the notice, a motorist can do one of the following:• AttendaNewJerseyDriverImprovementProgram• Requestahearing• Surrenderhis/herdriverlicenseforthesuspensionperiod

TheMVCChiefAdministratororanadministrative law judgewilldetermine ifdrivingprivilegesshouldbesuspendedforamotoristwhoisgrantedahearing.A motorist who successfully completes a Driver Improvement Program willhavethreepointsremovedfromhis/herrecord(N.J.S.A.39:5-30.9).Theclassfeeis$150(N.J.A.C.13:19-10.3(c).AftercompletionofaDriverImprovementProgram or after restoration of a motorist’s driving privilege, he/she will bein a probationary period for one year. Any violations that occur during thisprobationary period will result in a scheduled suspension of the motorist’sdrivingprivileges.

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Defensive DrivinG cOursesMostroadcollisionsarecausedbymotoristerror.Toreducethelikelihoodofbeinginvolvedinacollision,amotoristneedstounderstandtheconceptofdefensivedriving. These voluntary courses provide a motorist with standard collision-preventingtechniques.Uponcompletionofthedefensivedrivingcourse:

• Twopointswillberemovedfromtheaccumulatedpointscurrentlyonadriverlicense(N.J.S.A.39:5-30.9).

• Themotoristmayqualifyforaninsuranceratereduction.Contactaninsuranceagentformoreinformation.

• TheMVCwillonlyrecognizeadefensivedrivingcourseonceeveryfiveyearsforpointreduction(N.J.S.A.39:5-30.9).

Inadditiontoclassroom-basedcourses,motoristsalsohavetheoptionoftakinganonlineDefensiveDrivingCourse.TheMVCprovidesalistofapprovedonlineproviders.Foralistofstate-approveddefensivedrivingcourses,checktheMVCWebsite,www.state.nj.us/mvc/licenses/defensive.htm.

PrObAtiOnAry Driver PrOGrAmAmotoristbeginsatwo-yearprobationarydriverperiodafterreceivingaspeciallearner or examination permit. During this probationary period, a motoristconvictedof twoormoremovingviolations totaling fourormorepointsmustenroll in theProbationaryDriverProgram,which isadministeredby theMVC(N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.3(d). The attendance fee is $150 for this program, whichcorrectsimproperordangerousdrivinghabits(N.J.A.C.13:19-10.3f).

Completionofthisprogramwillresultinathree-pointreductiononanindividualmotorist’shistoryrecord.Failuretocompletetheprogramorconvictionofoneor more subsequent moving violations during the test period will result in asuspensionofdrivingprivileges.

ViolAtion SUrChArge

Unlicenseddriver(N.J.A.C.13:19-13.1) $100

Noinsurance–moped(N.J.A.C.13:19-13.1) $100

Drivingwhilesuspended(CourtorMVCreported)(N.J.A.C.

13:19-13.2)$250

Noliabilityinsuranceonmotorvehicle(N.J.A.C.13:19-13.2) $250

DUI/Refusal $1,000

DUI/Refusal(thirdandsubsequentconvictions) $1,500

mAture Driver PrOGrAmA mature driver should constantly re-evaluate his/her driving skills. Driverimprovementcoursesareavailabletomaturedriversatvariousdrivingschoolsorthroughspecificorganizations.

Forexample, theAmericanAssociationofRetiredPersons(AARP)offers55Alive, amotorist improvement course that is specially designed for motoristsage50andolder.Theeight-hourcoursehelpsmotorists refineexistingskillsanddevelopsafedefensivedrivingtechniques.AnaddedbonusisthatinNewJersey,thecoursemayqualifymotoristswhosuccessfullycompletethecoursetoaminimumfivepercentvehicleinsurancediscount.

Tofindoutmoreaboutthiscourse,callAARPtoll-freeat(888)227-7669.Checkwithinsurancecompaniesabouthowcompletingthecoursewillaffectapremium.

) MOTOR VEHIClE SuRCHaRGES anD POInT VIOlaTIOnSMotoristswhoaccumulatesixormorepointswithinthreeyearsaresubjecttoasurchargeof$150forsixpointsand$25foreachadditionalpoint.Surchargesare levied in addition to any court-imposed fines and penalties. Surchargeswillremainoperationalifamotoristhassixormorepointsonhis/hermotoristrecordresultingfromviolationspostedintheprecedingthreeyears.Pointtotalsarebasedonthedatetheviolationsarepostedtoamotorist’srecord,notwhentheviolationsoccurred(N.J.S.A.17:29A-35).

Point system reductions in the Driver Improvement Program, the PointSystem and Defensive Driving Program sections do not apply to themotor vehicle surcharge system. Convicted or administratively suspendedmotorists must pay a prescribed dollar amount each year for three years.

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Ways to pay a motor vehicle surcharge bill: • MailpaymenttoNJ-MVVS,P.O.Box4850,Trenton,NJ08650-4850.

• Payonlineatwww.njmvc.gov (onlineservices).

• Usecharge-by-phone:calltollfree(888) 651-9999(usingAmericanExpress,MasterCard,VisaorDiscover).

• VisitanMVCRegionalServiceCenterorselectagenciesinperson.

Restoration fees may also be paid when making a motor vehicle surchargepaymentusingthecharge-by-phone.Failuretopayanymotorvehiclesurchargeswillresultintheindefinitesuspensionofalldrivingprivileges.TheMVCmayfileajudgmentactioninthestateSuperiorCourtforunpaidsurcharges,securealienagainstanyrealpropertythatamotoristowns,fileforagarnishmentofwagesor take other similar actions (N.J.S.A.17:29A-35). Motor vehicle convictionsmay increase automobile insurance premiums assessed by a motorist’sinsurancecompany.

) POInT SySTEMThe MVC keeps track of a motorist’s driving record by adding points to therecordwhenthemotoristisconvictedofamovingviolation.Themoreserioustheviolation,themorepointsthemotoristisgiven.Seethefollowingpointchartforvariousviolations.Foranexpandedorupdated listofpointviolations,visitwww.njcourtsonline.com.

AllpointviolationsafterMarch1,1974,willstayonamotorist’sdrivingrecord.Twopointswillbeaddedtoadrivingrecordfortrafficviolationscommittedinotherstates.

Uptothreepointswillbesubtractedfromamotorist’spointtotalforeveryyearthatthemotoristgoeswithoutaviolationorsuspension,butthepointtotalwillneverbereducedbelowzero(N.J.S.A.39:5-30.9).

Traffic lawsareenforceableonhighways, roadways,parkingareas,drivewaysand grounds owned and maintained by government entities. Also, motoristsconvictedofrecklessorcarelessdrivinginanyareaopentovehiculartrafficorusagewillbesubjecttothechargesapplicabletothatmovingviolation.

StAtUteS ViolAtionpoint

VAlUe

N.J.S.A.27:23-29 Movingagainsttraffic:NewJerseyTurnpike,Gar-denStateParkway,andAtlanticCityExpressway

2

N.J.S.A.27:23-29 Improperpassing:NewJerseyTurnpike,GardenStateParkway,andAtlanticCityExpressway

4

N.J.S.A.27:23-29 Unlawfuluseofmedianstrip:NewJerseyTurnpike,GardenStateParkway,andAtlanticCityExpress-way

2

N.J.S.A.39:3-20 Operatingaconstructorvehicleinexcessof45mph

3

N.J.S.A.39:4-14.3 Operatingamotorizedbicycleonarestrictedhigh-way

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-14.3d Morethanonepersononamotorizedbicycle 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-35 Failuretoyieldtoapedestrianinacrosswalk 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-36 Failuretostopforpedestrianincrosswalk;passingavehicleyieldingtoapedestrianinacrosswalk

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-41 Drivingthroughasafetyzone 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-52and39:5C-1

Racingonhighway5

N.J.S.A.39:4-55 Improperactionoromissionongradesandcurves 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-57 Failuretoobserveadirectionofanofficer 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-66 Failuretostopavehiclebeforecrossingasidewalk 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-66.1 Failuretoyieldtopedestriansorvehicleswhileenteringorleavingahighway

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-66.2 Operatingamotorvehicleonpublicorprivateprop-ertytoavoidatrafficcontrolsignalorsign

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-71 Operatingamotorvehicleonasidewalk 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-80 Failuretoobeyadirectionofanofficer 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-81 Failuretoobservetrafficsignals 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-82 Failuretokeepright 2

) MOVInG VIOlaTIOn POInT CHaRT

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VAlUe

N.J.S.A.39:4-82.1 Improperoperatingofavehicleonadividedhigh-wayordivider

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-83 Failuretokeeprightatanintersection 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-84 Failuretopassrightofvehicleproceedinginoppositedirection

5

N.J.S.A.39:4-85 Improperpassingonrightoroffroadway 4

N.J.S.A.39:4-85.1 Wrongwayonaone-waystreet 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-86 Improperpassinginanopassingzone 4

N.J.S.A.39:4-87 Failuretoyieldtoanovertakingvehicle 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-88 Failuretoobservetrafficlanes 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-89 Tailgating 5

N.J.S.A.39:4-90 Failuretoyieldatanintersection 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-90.1 Failuretouseproperentrancestolimitedaccesshighways

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-91and39:4-92

Failuretoyieldtoemergencyvehicles2

N.J.S.A.39:4-96 Recklessdriving 5

N.J.S.A.39:4-97 Carelessdriving 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-97a Destructionofagriculturalorrecreationalproperty 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-97.1 Slowspeedblockingtraffic 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-97.2 Drivinginanunsafemanner(pointsonlyassessed

forthethirdorsubsequentviolation(s)withinafive

yearperiod)4

N.J.S.A.39:4-98and39:4-99

Exceedingmaximumspeed1-14mphoverthelimit 2

Exceedingmaximumspeed15-29mphoverthe

limit4

Exceedingmaximumspeed30mphormoreover

thelimit5



VAlUe

N.J.S.A.39:4-105 Failuretostopforatrafficlight 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-115 Improperturnatatrafficlight 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-119 Failuretostopataflashingredsignal 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-122 Failuretostopforapolicewhistle 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-123 Improperrightorleftturn 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-124 Improperturnfromanapprovedturningcourse 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-125 ImproperU-turn 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-126 Failuretogivepropersignal 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-127 Improperbackingorturninginstreet 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-127.1 Impropercrossingofarailroadgradecrossing 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-127.2 Impropercrossingofabridge 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-128 Impropercrossingofarailroadgradecrossingbycertainvehicles

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-128.1 Improperpassingofaschoolbus 5

N.J.S.A.39:4-128.4 Improperpassingofafrozendesserttruck 4

N.J.S.A.39:4-129 Leavingthesceneofanaccident

Nopersonalinjury 2

Personalinjury 8

N.J.S.A.39:4-144 FailuretoobserveStoporYieldsigns 2

N.J.S.A.39:5D-4 Movingviolationoutofstate 2


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) InTERSTaTE COMPaCTSNew Jersey belongs to two interstate compacts. Member states exchangeinformation toensuremotoristcompliancewith the lawand that they receivepenaltiesforviolations.

The Non-resident Violator Compact assures that non-resident motorists inmember states will receive the same treatment as resident motorists. Whenmotoristsreceivetrafficcitationsinmemberstates,theymustfulfillthetermsofthatcitationorfacethepossibilityoflicensesuspensionintheirhomestateuntilthey meet those terms. Non-resident motorists have due process protectionandcannotbedetainedoutof state.Currently,44statesand theDistrict ofColumbiaaremembersofthecompact.Alaska,California,Michigan,Montana,Oregon and Wisconsin are non-members. The compact does not apply toparkingorstandingviolations,highwayweightlimitviolationsandviolationsofhazmattransportationlaws(N.J.S.A.39:5F-1through39:5F-30).

TheDriverLicenseCompactexchangesviolationinformationwithotherstatesandtheDistrictofColumbia.Out-of-stateviolationsbecomepartofamotorist’sNewJerseydrivingrecord.Georgia,Massachusetts,Michigan,TennesseeandWisconsinarenon-memberstates(N.J.S.A.39:5D-1through39:5D-14).

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Sharing the Road with Others

130 People132 Vehicles139 animals

Itisimportantforamotoristtorememberthathe/sheisnottheonlyoneusingtheroadways.Frompeopletoanimalstoothertypesofvehicles,itisamotorist’sresponsibilitytoknowhowtosafelysharetheroadwithothers.

) PEOPlEPeDestriAnsIn2011,143pedestrianswerekilled in traffic-relatedcrashesonNewJerseyroadways.Pedestrianliveslostin2010numbered141.Althoughreducedfromthe157pedestriandeaths in2009, these fatalitiesneed tobebroughtdownfurther,preferablytozero.

Manyofthemeasuresdesignedtomakeroadssaferformotorists,suchaslargemediansandwideshoulders,maketheroadsmoretreacherousforpedestrians.Vehicle-pedestriancollisionshaveafivepercentfatalityrateifthecarisgoing20mph,buttheratejumpsto85percentat40mph.

Pedestrianactivityisatitsgreatestindenselydevelopedareas,suchascitiesand town centers, but it also is significant in neighborhoods and along andacrosssuburbanroadways.Motoristsshouldtakespecialprecautionstowatchforpedestrians.

Inmostcases,pedestrianshavetherightofwayatallintersections.Thereisacrosswalkateveryintersection;evenitisnotpaintedassuch.Thisisknownasan “unmarked crosswalk.” Pedestrians must obey pedestrian signals and usecrosswalks at signalized intersections. Both carry a $54.00 fine for failure toobservethe law.(39:4-32and33).Thepenaltyforpedestriansunder17whoviolatethepedestrianlawsisa$22fine.(39:4-203.3).

Motoristsareprohibitedfromblockingthecrosswalkwhenstoppedataredlightorstopsign.Amotoristmustnotstopwithaportionofhis/hervehicle in thecrosswalkarea.Whenamotoristblocksacrosswalk,itforcespedestrianstogoaroundavehicle,puttingthemindanger.

Amotoristmuststopandstaystoppedforapedestriancrossingtheroadwaywithinamarkedcrosswalkorwithinanyunmarkedcrosswalkatanintersection,exceptatcrosswalkswhenthemovementoftrafficisbeingregulatedbypoliceofficers or traffic control signals, or where otherwise prohibited by municipal,county,orStateregulation,andexceptwhereapedestriantunneloroverheadpedestrian crossing has been provided. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave acurborotherplaceofsafetyandwalkorrunintothepathofavehiclewhichis

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soclosethatitisimpossibleforthedrivertoyield.Amotoristinviolationofthislawmayfaceafineupto$200.Thecourtmayalsoimposeatermofcommunityservicenottoexceed15days.(39:4-36)

Ifapedestriansuffersseriousbodilyinjuryasaresultofamotorist’sviolationofN.J.S.A.39:4-36,themotoristissubjecttoa$100-$500fine,upto25daysinjailand/oradrivingprivilegesuspensionofupto6months.

Neverpassavehiclestoppedatacrosswalk(N.J.S.A.39:4-36).Thisfrequentlycausessevereinjuryordeathtopedestrians,especiallyifthepassingvehicleistravelingatahighspeed.Whenstoppingforacrosswalkonamulti-laneroad,amotoristshouldstopabout30feetbeforeacrosswalktoavoidblockingvisibilityofamotoristinthesecondlane.

Motoristsshouldwatchforsignsthatmarkspecialhazardareas,suchasschoolzones,busstops,playgrounds,parksandschools,wherechildrenaremostlikelytoplayorcrossthestreets.Childrenchasingaball,forinstance,givenothoughtto traffic. Small childrenare hard to see.Always watch formovement aroundparkedvehicles.

Motorists should drive cautiously along roadways with on-street parking, aspedestrians mayappear frombetweenparked vehicles.Motorists travelingatlowerspeedswillhaveagreaterability tostopthevehicleandavoidpotentialconflictswithpedestrians.

Pedestriansandjoggersshouldalwaysfaceoncomingtrafficandusesidewalkswhenavailable.Theyshouldcrossatcrosswalksonlyonthepropersignal,lookallwaysbeforecrossing,avoidcrossingbetweenparkedvehicles,andatnight,wearlight-coloredorreflectiveclothesandcarryawhitehandkerchieforalight.Itisnotagoodpracticetowearheadphoneswhilewalkingorjoggingneartheroadway.

Atnight,motoristsshouldwatchforanyonewalkingalongahighwayandexerciseduecaution.Noneoftheaboveabsolvesmotoristsfromtheirdutytobeextravigilantinwatchingforpedestriansontheroadway.

Alwayswatchforpedestrians.Beextracarefulatintersections,particularlywhenmakinganallowedrightturnonred.Motoristsarerequiredtostopforpedestrianswhohavetheright-of-waywithinacrosswalkandtothosewhoarecrossingatan intersection.Bealert forpedestrianswhenmaking turnsandenteringandexitingdriveways,parkinglotsandalleys.

visuALLy chALLenGeD PersOnsThe law isveryspecific thatvehiclesmustgive the right-of-waywhenanyofthe following crosses any highway or intersection: blind persons who use apredominantlywhiteormetallic cane, blindpersonsaccompaniedbyaguidedog,oraguidedoginstructorengagedin instructingaguidedog.Amotoristmuststopwhenhe/sheseesapersonwithawhiteormetallic“colored”caneorwithaguidedog.Allmotoristsmustcomplywiththislaw(N.J.S.A.39:4-37.1).

) VEHIClESmOtOrcycLesBeAlert!Thelawsgoverningfour-wheelvehiclessuchascarsandtrucksalsogovernmotorcycles.However,aridermayreactdifferentlytosituationswhencompared to other motorists. Always keep in mind several key items whensharingtheroadwithmotorcycles:

• Beawareofslippery,slopedorunevensurfacesorgroovesandgratingsintheroadway.Thesepresentpotentialhazardsformotorcycleriders.

• Checkblindspotstwicebeforechanginglanesormakingturns.• Watchformotorcyclesatintersectionsandwhenmakingaleftturn.• Alwayssignalintentions• Anticipatearider’smaneuvertoavoidobstructionsthatmaybeminimaltoa

carortruck,butdangeroustoamotorcycle.• Alwaysleaveplentyofroombetweenanautomobileandamotorcycle.• Neverfollowamotorcycletoocloselybecausemotorcycleshavetheability

tobrakewithinshorterdistancesthanothertypesofvehicles.

Whenpassedbyamotorcycle,amotoristshouldmaintainhis/herspeedandposition. Allow plenty of room for the motorcycle to complete the pass andresumeproperlaneposition.

Amotorist’s failure todetectandrecognizemotorcycles in traffic is themostcommoncauseofmotorcyclecollisions.

Formoreinformationonmotorcyclesafety,visitwww.njridesafe.org.

trucKs, trActOr-trAiLers AnD busesAmotoristshouldalwaysusecautionwhendrivingalongsidetrucks.Sharingtheroadwithlargervehiclescanbesafeifamotoristknowsthelimitationsofthesevehiclesregardingvisibility,requiredstoppingdistanceandmaneuverability.When


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passingalargetruckorbus,itisimportanttorememberthatthereareseveralno-zones(blindspots) inwhichthemotoristcannotseeothervehicles. Inaddition,duringbadweather,atruckcantakeasmuchas25percentlongertostop.

No Zone Principle

NO-ZONE10-20 FEET

NO-ZONE

NO-ZONE

NO-ZONE200 FEET

THE BLACK AREAS ARE “NO-ZONES.”IF YOU ARE IN ONE OF THESE AREAS,

THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK CAN’T SEE YOU.

BVMN_nozone_110907

the no-zone principleAvoid the area around trucks where vehicles disappear into blind spots. Donotmovesoclosetoatruckthatthetruckdriver’sabilitytostopormaneuvereffectivelyisrestricted.Thepotentialforacollisionisincreasedwhenamotoristisridingintheno-zone.Ifthemotoristofalargetruckorbuscannotseeanothermotorist’svehicleintherearvieworside-viewmirrors,thevehicleisinano-zone,orblindspot.

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Semi-Truck Turn

USE CAUTION WHEN PASSING TRUCKS.THEY MAKE WIDE TURNS.

BVMN_truckturn_110907

rear no-zone• Stayfarbehindatruckthatispreparingtobackuporisbackingup.Never

passclosebehindatruckthatispreparingtobackuporisintheprocessofbackingup.Becauseoftheirwidth,thetrailerscompletelyhideobjectsthat suddenly come between them and a loading area. The area behindthetruckisano-zone(blindspot),notonlyforthetruckdriverbutforothermotoristsaswell.

• Amotoristshould increase followingdistancebehinda truckorother largevehiclesoitsdrivercanspotamotorist’svehicleintherearviewmirrors.Nevertailgateorremainsandwichedbetweentrucks.Amotoristshouldmaintainasizablespacecushionbetweenhis/hervehicleandlargervehicles.

• Leave space when stopping at a light or sign behind a truck or bus,especiallywhenfacinguphill.The largervehiclemayrollbackwardslightlywhenstarting.

• Givemoreroadspacetoatruckdriverwhoismakingawideturn.Becausetrucksarelargerthanothervehicles,theirdriversmayhavetoslow,backuporswingwidetonegotiateaturn.Theycannotseesmallervehiclesdirectlybehindorbesidethem.Forexample,atruckdrivermayhavetoswingwidetothelefttomakearightturn.

front no-zone• Maintainaconsistent speedwhenpassing.Donotpull in frontofa truck

whenpassinguntilthewholefrontofthetruckcanbeseenintherearviewmirror.Alwayssignalbeforechanginglanes.Neverpassatruckontheright.

Side no-zone• Driveawayfromthelongblindspotsonthesidesoftrucks.Ifthemotorist

mustquicklychangelanesormakeanemergencymaneuver,avehicleinthisareawillbeintheway.Donotlingeralongsideatruckwhenpassing.

head-on no-zone• Amotoristshouldbearrightwhenalargevehicleistravelingtowardhis/her

vehiclefromtheoppositedirection.Thisreduceswindturbulencebetweenthemotoristandthelargervehicle,andpossiblypreventsasideswipe.

yieLDinG tO schOOL AnD cOmmerciAL busesStatelawrequiresallnon-emergencyvehiclestoyieldtheright-of-waytobusesre-entering trafficafterdroppingofforpickingupbuspassengers.However,oncethebusisbackinthenormalflowoftraffic,motoristsarenotrequiredtoyieldtheright-of-waytobuseschanging lanes.Busoperatorsarerequiredtodriveinasafeandresponsiblemanner.Theyieldlawwasenactedtoimprovesafetyonthestate’sroadways.Violationsofthislawcarryafineofnotlessthan$50ormorethan$200,upto15daysinjailorbothafineandajailterm(N.J.S.A.39:4-87.1).

mOPeDsMotorized bicycles, or mopeds, are low-speed, two-wheeled vehicles withpedals, intended for limited use on public roadways. Moped drivers may notexceed25mph,mustfollowalltrafficsignsandsignalsanddriveontherightsideoftheroadwiththeflowoftraffic.

Amotoristshouldalwaysbealertformopeds,whicharesmallerthanmotorcyclesandhardertosee.Mopeddrivershavethesamerightsandresponsibilitiesasthosedrivingothermotorvehicles.Acopyof theNewJerseyMopedManualmaybeviewedonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.

bicycLes, sKAtebOArDs AnD inLine sKAtesA motorist should always leave plenty of room when following or passing abicyclist, skateboarderor inlineskater.UnderNewJersey law,eachof theseindividualshasthesamerightsandresponsibilitiesasamovingmotorvehicle.

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While bicycles ridden after dark must have front and rear lights and a rearreflector,theseilluminationdevicesmaybehardforamotoristtosee.Amotoristshouldalwaysremainalerttothepresenceofsmallervehicles.

When turning right,motoristsshouldbeawareofbicyclists, skateboardersorinline skaters. Before turning, the motorist should wait until the intersectionclears. Under New Jersey law, motorists signaling a right turn must yield tobicyclists,skateboardersorinlineskatersmovingthroughanintersection.

Toturnleft,abicyclist,skateboarderorinlineskatermaychoosetousetrafficlanes to turnasa vehiclewould.Amotorist shouldbeaware that abicyclist,skateboarderorinlineskatermayrideontherightedgeoftheturnlane.

mOtOrizeD scOOters (N.J.S.A.39:4-14.12through39:4-14.15;N.J.S.A.39:1-1)Amotorizedscooterisaminiaturemotorvehicle.Althoughitisillegalforthesevehicles to be driven on any public road or sidewalk, except on designatedmunicipal or county property, motorists must be very alert if these types ofvehiclesarepresent.Motorizedscootersareextremelyhardtosee.

Motorized scooters must be registered in the municipality or county wherethe owner resides and must be insured. No one under the age of 12 (theage determined by a municipality or county) is permitted to operate amotorizedscooter.

examples of a motorized scooter include but are not limited to: • Pocketbikes

• Superpocketbikes

• Scooters

• Mini-scooters

• Sportscooters

• Mini-choppers

• Mini-motorcycles

• Motorizedskateboards

• OthervehicleswithmotorsnotmanufacturedincompliancewithFederal MotorVehicleSafetyStandardsandwhichhavenopermanentFederalSafety Certificationstickersaffixedtothevehiclebytheoriginalmanufacturer

the following are not motorized scooters: • Electricpersonalmobility-assistingdevices

• Motorizedbicyclesorlow-speedvehicles

• Motorizedwheelchairs• Mobility scooters or similar mobility-assisting devices used by persons with physicaldisabilitiesorpersonswhoseambulatorymobilityhasbeenimpairedby ageorillness

inDiviDuALs with A mObiLity-reLAteD DisAbiLity State law allows individuals with a mobility-assisted disability to operate certainmotorizedscootersonpublicstreets,withapostedspeedlimitinexcessof25mphbutnotmorethan35mph,iflocalgovernmentdeterminesthatthescooterdoesnotposeadangertosafetyandtheflowoftraffic.Themotorizedscootermayonlyhaveamaximumspeedcapabilityofnomorethan15mph(N.J.S.A.39:4-14.12through39:4-14.15).

LOw-sPeeD vehicLes(N.J.S.A.39:4-31.1through39:4-31.5)Alow-speedvehicle(LSV)isafour-wheeledvehiclewithanattainablespeedofmorethan20mph,butnomorethan25mphonapavedsurface.Itcannotbepoweredbygasordieselfuelandmustcomplywithfederalsafetystandards.Motoristsshouldbealertwhenthesetypesofvehiclesarepresent,astheymaybedifficulttosee.

trAinsRailroadcrossingscanpresentadangeroussituationformotorists.Itisimportanttoalwaysremainalerttothesecrossingsandneverdrivearoundloweredgates.Remembertheseimportanttips:

• When you see the yellow, circular RR sign, slow down, there’s a railroadcrossingahead.

• Neverraceatraintoacrossing.• Don’tgetyourvehicletrappedonthetracks.Onlyproceedthrougharailroad

gradecrossingifyouaresureyoucancompletelyclearthecrossingwithoutstopping.Remember,thetrainisthreefeetwiderthanthetracksonbothsides.

• Ifyourvehicleeverstallsonatrackwhileatrainiscoming,getoutimmediatelyandmovequicklyawayfromthetracksinthedirectionfromwhichthetrainiscoming.

• Understandthattrainscannotstopquickly.Afreighttrainmoving55milesperhourcantakeamileormoretostop.

• Donotbefooled–trainscanpresentanopticalillusion.Thetrainyouseeiscloserandfastermovingthanyouthink.

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• Whenyouneedtocrosstraintracks,gotoadesignatedcrossing,lookbothways,andcrossthetracksquickly,withoutstopping.

• Crosstracksonlyatdesignatedpedestrianorroadwaycrossings.

snOwmObiLes AnD ALL-terrAin vehicLes(ATVs)(N.J.S.A.39:3C-1through39:3C-31)MotoristsmustbeawareofthepresenceoflegallyregisteredsnowmobilesandATVsthatmayattempttocrosscertainroadways.Whileitisillegalforthesetypesofvehicles to rideonpublic roadwayswithothervehicles, theyarepermittedtocrosscertainroadwayswhensafetypermits.OperatorsofsnowmobilesandATVsmustmaintainaproofofinsuranceanddisplaythevehicle’sregistrationatalltimes.CopiesoftheNewJerseySnowmobileorATVbrochuresmaybeobtainedonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.

) AnimALs

Animals often dart onto roads or streets. Trying to avoid them often causescollisions.Byswerving, thevehiclemayhitsomethingelseorbehitbyanothervehicle from behind. The best defense against such accidents is to watchfor animals on both sides of the road ahead and be prepared for unexpectedmovement.

hOrsebAcK riDers Horse-drawnvehiclesandhorsebackridershavethesamerightsandrespon-sibilitiesasdomotorvehicleswhenusingpublicroadways(N.J.S.A.39:4-25.1).Motoristsshouldapproachorpassahorseorhorse-drawnvehiclewithcareatamaximumspeedof25mphandobservetherequest,eitherbyhandsignalorotherwise,ofapersonridingahorseordrivingahorse-drawnvehicleintheop-positedirectionforthemotoristtostophis/hermotorvehicleandremainsta-tionaryforaslongasittakesthehorsetopass(N.J.S.A.39:4-72).

Horse-drawnvehiclesandhorsebackridersmaynotusecertainlimited-accesshighwaysandmustridewithtraffic,keepingasfartotherightaspossible.Otherrulesapply.Speedingandilluminationrulesapply.Alightmustbedisplayedonthebackofthehorse-drawnvehicle:

• 30minutesaftersunsetuntil30minutesbeforesunrise

• Ifvisibilityis500feetorless

• Whenencounteringfog,mist,smokeorotherfactorsthatreducevisibility(N.J.S.A.39:4-25)

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Vehicle Information

142 Vehicle Title and Registration143 license Plates144 Vehicle Inspection144 Insurance

Inadditiontosafelynavigatingtheroadways,amotoristmustalsounderstandtherequirementsforvehiclesthathe/shedrives.

) VEHIClE TITlE anD REGISTRaTIOnNewJerseyresidentswhobuyaneworusedvehiclemusttitle, register,andinsure itbeforedriving itonpublicroads(N.J.S.A.39:3-4,39:10-11,39:6B-1,39:6B-2).NewJerseylawstatesavehicleclassifiedundertheLemonLawmusthavethatclassificationonthetitle(N.J.S.A.39:10-9.3).ForinformationabouttheLemonLaw,contacttheLemonLawUnitoftheDivisionofConsumerAffairsat(973) 504-6200.Ifamotoristmovesintothisstate,thelawrequireshis/hervehicle to be titled and registered within 60 days; sooner, if the out-of-stateregistrationexpiresbeforethen(N.J.S.A.39:3-17.1).Thetitledowner(personwhosenameappearsonthetitleastheowner)orapersonwithauthoritytoactonthevehicleowner’sbehalf1isrequiredtovisitanMVCagencytoprocessthetransaction.Aninitialregistrationforabrand-newvehiclewillbevalidforfouryears.Allotherregistrationsaretypicallyvalidforoneyear2(N.J.S.A.39:3-4).

1Visitwww.njmvc.govforspecificinformationonwhoisauthorizedtoactontheowner’sbehalf.2Visitwww.njmvc.govforexceptions.

hOw tO cOmPLete An initiAL reGistrAtiOn• Complete a New Jersey Vehicle Registration application (BA-49) at any

MVCagency.Providethenameofthevehicle’scurrentinsurancecompanynameandthepolicynumberontheapplication.

• Show proof of vehicle ownership. For a new vehicle, a manufacturer’scertificate of origin and a dealer’s certificate of sale are proof. For apreviouslyownedvehicle,atitlesignedbythepreviousownerisproof.Foraleasedvehicle,getapowerofattorneyfromtheleasingcompany.Forout-of-statevehicles thatare leasedorfinanced,secure theoriginal title fromthelienholderorleasingcompany.Visitwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339 (toll-free inNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate) formoreinformation.

• Showproofthattherequiredsalestaxhasbeenpaid,orpaythetaxattheagency.

Note:InNewJersey,amotoristmustbeatleast17yearsoldtoregisteravehicle(N.J.S.A.39:10-11.1).

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) lICEnSE PlaTES (N.J.S.A.39:3-33)

Motoristswillreceivetwomatchinglicenseplatesuponregisteringavehicle.Oneplateisprovidedwhenregisteringatrailer,mopedormotorcycle.Forpassengervehicles,oneplateshouldbeattachedtothefrontofthevehicleandtheothertotherearatleast12inchesbutlessthan48inchesabovetheground.Bothplatesmustbecleanandvisible.Therearplatemustbelightedsoitisvisiblefrom50feetatnight,evenwith reflectorizedplates (N.J.S.A.39:3-48b).Using licenseplatecoversorholdersthatobscureorconcealanyletteringonthelicenseplateisaviolation,withafineofupto$100.

License PLAte fActs• Report lost or stolen plates to

local police. Retain a copy of thecomplaint.

• Replace lost or damaged plates

within24hoursatanyMVCagency,

andturnintheoldplatesatanyMVCagencyormailthemtotheMVC,P.O.Box403,Trenton,NJ08666-0403.

• Transfer the plates to your new vehicle. Most plates are transferable. Visitwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339 (toll-free inNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate)fordetails.

• Ifamotoristsellshis/hervehicleanddoesnottransfertheplatestoanothervehicle, he/she should turn in the old plates at any MVC agency or mailthemtotheMVC,P.O.Box403,Trenton,NJ08666-0403.Areceiptwillbeprovided.Itshouldbekeptinasafeplace.

• Obtain information about personalized or specialty plates from any MVC

agencyatwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339(toll-freeinNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate).

• Amotoristmayplaceonlyvalidplatesonhis/hervehicle.Forgedorcounterfeitlicenseplatesonanymotorvehiclemayresultinafineofupto$500,upto60daysimprisonmentoralicensesuspensionofuptosixmonths,orboth(N.J.S.A.39:3-33,39:3-38).

• Ifamotoristterminatesvehicleinsurance,theplatesmustbereturnedtotheMVC(N.J.A.C.13:21-5.10b).

) VEHIClE InSPECTIOnAllgasoline-fueledvehicles,more than5model yearsold, registered inNewJersey must pass state emissions inspections every two years at a stateinspectionfacilityorastate-licensedprivateinspectionfacility(N.J.S.A.39:8-2c,N.J.A.C.13:20-7.2).

Newgasoline-fueledvehiclesmustpass theirfirstMVC inspectionfiveyearsafter they are initially registered (N.J.S.A. 39:8-2c and N.J.A.C. 13:20-28.6,13:20.High-riseandreconstructedvehiclesmustbetakentospeciallyequippedinspection stations in Winslow, Asbury Park andWestfield.Call(888)656-6867formoreinformation.

Tobeeligiblefor inspection,allmotoristsmustbringavaliddriverlicenseandvalidNewJerseyregistrationandinsurance documents for the vehicle to be inspectedat either a state inspection stationor a state-licensedprivate inspection facility (PIF). When moving to NewJersey from another state, a motorist must have his/her vehicle inspected within 14 days after registeringit (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.4). For motor vehicle inspection information, please call1-888-nJmotor (1-888-656-6867) orvisitwww.njinspections.com.

) InSuRanCEMotorvehicleliabilityinsuranceismandatoryintheStateofNewJersey.EveryvehicleregisteredinNewJerseymusthaveliabilityinsurance(N.J.S.A.39:6B-1,39:6B-2).

Thetypeandcostof insurancecoveragecanvary.ChecktheDepartmentofBankingandInsurance(DOBI)Websiteatwww.njdobi.orgtoreviewthemanyinsurancecoveragechoices,orcontactaninsurancecompany.

ANewJersey Insurance IdentificationCardwillbeprovided foreachvehicleinsuredunderapolicy.Thiscardmust remain in thevehiclewith thedriver. Itmust be shown prior to inspection, when involved in an accident and whenstoppedbylawenforcementforatrafficviolationorroadsidespotcheck.

Drivingwithanuninsuredvehiclecanresultinfines,communityservice,licenseandregistrationsuspensionandinsurancesurcharges.

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insurAnce frAuDThe Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) in the Division of CriminalJustice aggressively investigates and prosecutes individuals who engagein insurance fraud. If a person commits insurance fraud by providing falseinformation to an insurance company while making a claim or submitting aninsurance application, the OIFP can file criminal charges that can result inincarceration. It may also impose civil fines up to $15,000 for each violation(N.J.S.A. 17:33A-5). In addition, a personconvictedof insurance fraud couldlosehis/herdriverlicense.

BecausefraudincreasesthecostofinsuranceforallNewJerseyans,motoristscan help the OIFP by reporting fraud. Visit www.njinsurancefraud.org andclickonReportFraud,orcall (877) 55-frAUd (877-553-7283). All tipsarekeptstrictlyanonymousandconfidential.

Chapter 10


Motorcycle Manual

148 new Jersey’s Definition of a Motorcycle148 Getting a Motorcycle license or Endorsement152 How to Get a Motorcycle Permit152 How to Get a Motorcycle license152 How to Register a Motorcycle153 Practice Riding and Road Test154 Prepare to Ride157 Motorcycle Check158 Get familiar with the Motorcycle159 Control for Safety161 See, be Seen and be Heard

164 use the SIPDE System166 Check blind Spots167 keep the Proper Distance170 Handling Dangerous Surfaces173 Ride Cautiously at night174 know Hazards177 Carrying Passengers and Cargo178 learning Group Riding180 Ride Sober and awake181 Checking the Motorcycle183 accessories and Modifications

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) nEw JERSEy’S DEfInITIOn Of a MOTORCyClEAccording to New Jersey law, a motorcycle can be a motor bike, a bicycle with a motor attached or any motor-operated vehicle of the bicycle or tricycle type, except for a motorized bicycle.

The motor power can be part of the vehicle or attached. The vehicle must have a saddle or seat for the driver to sit astride or upon, or a platform on which to stand.

) GETTInG a MOTORCyClE lICEnSE OR EnDORSEMEnTEvery New Jersey resident who operatesamotorcycleor“trike”musthaveaNewJerseymotorcycledriver licenseoramotorcycleendorsementonanexistingNewJerseybasicorcommerciallicense.Twoexceptionsexist:

1. The operator of a three-wheeled motor vehicle, equipped with a singlecab that has a glazing around the occupant, seats similar to those of apassengervehicleortruck,seatbeltsorautomotivesteering,isnotrequiredtohaveamotorcycleendorsementaddedtotheirbasicautomobiledriverlicense,andisnotrequiredtowearahelmet.

2. Theoperatorofalow-speedmotorcycle(seepage153).

Applicants who already have a valid NJ digital basic or commercial driver license may qualify for test of knowledge and motorcycle road test waivers by taking an approved NJ Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) Basic Rider Course (BRC). For details please visit www.njridesafe.org.

Some applicants may not qualify for waivers, including those in the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program. Contact the MVC for details, (609) 292-6500.

Note: Anyone under the age of 18 is required to take the Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course before receiving a motorcycle endorsement.

how To add a moTorcycle endorsemenT To your driver license Chooseeitherenrollmentinabasicridercourseorbeginbypurchasingapermitatalocalmotorvehicleagency.


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enroll in BASiC rider CoUrSe no motorcycle permit required to take rider Course

Step 1TAkE BASiC RiDER CouRSE • Register with an approved motorcycle training provider • Take motorcycle training course

Step 2 GET CouRSE CoMPLETioN DoCuMENTS• 100%participationrequired • Must successfully complete course • Will receive a stamped waiverformandcompletioncard

Note: You must add a motorcycle endorsement to your license before you begin riding after completing the course

Step 3GET MoToRCYCLE ENDoRSEMENT • Must bring course completion documents to a driver testing center and prove

your identity by passing 6 Point iD Verification • Must apply for a motorcycle permit • Must be at least 17 years old; parent/guardian consent required under age 18 • Must pass vision test • Must pay required fee

ApplY WithoUt BASiC rider CoUrSemotorcycle permit required first. must be at least age 18 to take the mVC road test

Step 1GET A MoToRCYCLE ExAMiNATioN PERMiT • Apply for a motorcycle permit at a local motor vehicle agency • Must be at least 17 years old; parent/guardian consent required under age 18 • Must pass MVC’s knowledge and vision tests • Make road test appointment date • Must pay required fee

Step 2 PRACTiCE RiDE • Mustpracticerideforatleast20days • Must observe motorcycle permit riding restrictions

Step 3TAkE MoToRCYCLE RoAD TEST AT MVC TEST SiTE • Must bring your own motorcycle (registered and insured), helmet and eye

protection• Mustpassroadtest(Mustbeatleastage18)

Step 4 GET MoToRCYCLE ENDoRSEMENT • Mustpayrequiredfee

how To geT a moTorcycle license wiThouT a driver license Always begin by purchasing a permit at a local motor vehicle agency.

enroll in BASiC rider CoUrSe motorcycle permit required first. Anyone under the age of 18 is required to take the motorcycle Safety education Basic rider Course.

Step 1GETAMOTORCYCLEEXAMINATIONPERMIT • Apply for a motorcycle permit at a local motor vehicle agency • Must be at least 17 years old; parent/guardian consent required under age 18 • Must pass MVC’s knowledge and vision tests • Must pay required fee

Step 2PRACTICERIDE • Must practice ride for at least 6 months if under the age of 21 or 3 months if

over age 21 without any suspensions or postponements • Must observe motorcycle permit riding restrictions

Step 3TAKEBASICRIDERCOURSEWITHANAPPROVEDMOTORCYCLETRAININGPROVIDER • Register with a motorcycle training provider • Take motorcycle training course

(Steps 2 and 3 can be interchanged. You must have your practice riding time in before getting your motorcycle license.)

Step 4 GET CouRSE CoMPLETioN DoCuMENTS • 100% participation required • Must successfully complete course • Will receive a course completion card only (not a road test waiver)

Step 5 TAkE MoToRCYCLE RoAD TEST AT MVC TEST SiTE • Must bring your own motorcycle (registered and insured), helmet and eye

protection

Step 6 GET PRoBATioNARY MoToRCYCLE LiCENSE (CLASS E) • Must pass MVC’s road test • Must pay required fee

Step 7 PRoBATioNARY RiDiNG PRiViLEGES • Must ride for at least one year • Must follow probationary driver license restrictions


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Step 8 GET uNRESTRiCTED MoToRCYCLE LiCENSE • Must be at least 18 years old • Must have completed one year riding • Must pay required fee

ApplY WithoUt BASiC rider CoUrSe motorcycle permit required first. must be at least age 18 to take the mVC roadtest.

Step 1 GET A MoToRCYCLE ExAMiNATioN PERMiT • Apply for a motorcycle permit at a local motor vehicle agency • Must be at least 17 years old; parent/guardian consent required under age 18 • Must pass MVC’s knowledge and vision tests • Must pay required fee

Step 2 PRACTiCE RiDE • Must practice ride for at least 6 months if under the age of 21 or 3 months if

over age 21 without any suspensions or postponements • Must observe motorcycle permit riding restrictions

Step 3 TAkE MoToRCYCLE RoAD TEST AT MVC TEST SiTE • Must bring your own motorcycle (registered and insured), helmet and eye

protection

Step 4 GET PRoBATioNARY MoToRCYCLE LiCENSE (CLASS E) • Must pass road test (Must be at least age 18) • Must pay required fee

Step 5 PRoBATioNARY RiDiNG PRiViLEGES • Must ride for at least one year • Must follow probationary driver license restrictions

Step 6 GET uNRESTRiCTED MoToRCYCLE LiCENSE • Must be at least 18 years old • Must have completed one year riding • Must pay required fee

) HOw TO GET a MOTORCyClE PERMIT• Youmustbeatleast17yearsold;parent/guardianconsentrequiredunder

age18• CompleteamotorcyclepermitapplicationfromanMVCAgency• Passthe6PointIDVerification• Pay$5*permitfee• Passtheknowledgeandvisionteststovalidateyourpermit• StudybyreadingtheDriverManualandMotorcycleManual

mOtOrcycLe Permit riDinG restrictiOnsThe holder of a motorcycle examination permit is prohibited from:

• Operating a motorcycle from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hourbeforesunrise

• Carryingpassengers• Ridingonanystatetollroadorlimited-accesshighway

PrActicinG with yOur PermitYou must practice with a permit for at least 20 days before being eligible to take the road test. A motorcycle examination permit holder is no longer required to have an accompanying rider.

) HOw TO GET a MOTORCyClE lICEnSEif you need to take the road test at an mVC test site (see Appendices – mVC locations)

• You must make an appointment to take the test • You must have identification, a validated permit and a properly registered and

insured motorcycle

if you have passed the road test, bring the following to any mVC agency • 6 Pts of iD (see Chapter 1) • Validated permit • $24 for a four-year “motorcycle-only” digital license, Class E

oR • $18* to add the motorcycle endorsement on a valid basic or commercial NJ

driver license

) HOw TO REGISTER a MOTORCyClENew Jersey’s annual motorcycle registration fee is $65. To register a motorcycle, bring a valid insurance card and title to a motor vehicle agency. one license plate must be displayed on the rear of the motorcycle at all times.

Qualified motorcyclists can obtain a disabled license plate that allows them to


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Stop with front tire in box

StartStart

Sharp left turn

park in specially marked parking spaces. To obtain an application online go to www.njmvc.gov or request one by calling (609) 292-6500. Mail completed application to:

mVC Special plate Unit p.o. Box 015 trenton, nJ 08666-0015

Riders should keep in mind that it is their responsibility to make sure their motorcycles are free from mechanical defects and are operating properly. Although motorcycles are no longer required to submit for an inspection in New Jersey, law enforcement may still cite a cyclist for equipment of compliance or failure to make repairs.

LOw-sPeeD mOtOrcycLesBasic auto license holders can operate a low-speed motorcycle without any endorsement or separate motorcycle license. Low-speed motorcycles are less than 50cc or have a 1.5 brake horsepower motor or less with a maximum speed no more than 35 miles per hour on a flat surface. Low-speed motorcycles may not be driven on any state toll road, limited-access highway or any public road with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.

) PRaCTICE RIDInG anD ROaD TESTThe MVC recommends that all applicants practice all riding skills. However, emphasis is placed on the following skills:

1. turning & Stopping: Tests an applicant’s ability to control the motorcycle while turning and stopping. The examiner will evaluate an applicant’s ability to stay within the path of the turn without putting a foot down, and stopping safely in a painted stop box without putting a foot down or skidding the vehicle.

2. Cone Weave (U-turn): Tests an applicant’s ability to control the motorcycle at low speed while weaving through cones and making a u-Turn in a designated area. The examiner will evaluate an applicant’s ability to stay within the path of

Right U-turnRight U-turn

StartStart

Over 500ccOver 500cc

500cc and under500cc and under

Obstacle turn

StartStart

4. obstacle Swerve: Tests an applicant’s ability to swerve the motorcycle quickly to avoid an obstacle. An applicant will be evaluated on the ability to stay within the path of travel and turn quickly without touching a boundary line.

Note: An applicant who stalls the motorcycle during the skills test will fail.

) PREPaRE TO RIDEAs a rider, properly preparing for a trip is critical to safety. Before riding a motorcycle, check all gear and the motorcycle itself. if the motorcycle is borrowed, determine if any operational differences exist.

GeAr checKA good rider wears:

• An approved u.S. Department of Transportation helmet.• Approved eye and face protection.• Protective clothing.

travel without touching lines or cones and without putting a foot down. Cones are 12 feet apart with a two-foot offset.

3. Braking: Tests an applicant’s ability to safely brake quickly. An applicant will be evaluated on stopping distance in relation to speed of travel.


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TiresCondition, Tread Depth, Inflation

TiresCondition, Tread Depth, Inflation

Clean, adjust mirrorsClean, adjust mirrors

Check gas and oil levelsCheck gas and oil levels

Adjusted and lubricated drive chainAdjusted and lubricated drive chain

Try the horn and controls before you startTry the horn and controls before you start

HeadlightsHeadlights

The helmet is the single most important piece of equipment riders must wear. one of every five reported motorcycle crashes involves head or neck injuries. A helmet improves survival in crashes. Make sure the approved helmet is fastened securely. A properly fitting, approved helmet can increase rider comfort and reduce fatigue.

heLmet use

Helmets are required by law in New Jersey. Riders who do not wear them can be fined.

Consider these additional facts:• An approved helmet ensures adequate peripheral vision for riders. A study of more

than 900 motorcycle crashes, in which 40 percent of the riders wore helmets, found no cases where a helmet impaired a rider’s vision or masked danger.

• Most crashes happen on short trips – less than five miles long – shortly after starting.

• Even low-speed crashes can be fatal. in fact, most occur at speeds slower than 30 mph. At these speeds, helmets can cut the number and severity of head injuries by half.

Regardless of speed, riders without helmets are three times more likely to die from head injuries than riders wearing helmets at the time of a crash.

heLmet seLectiOn

Approved helmets come in three types: one-half, three-quarter and full face. Each must:• Meet u.S. Department of Transportation (uSDoT) Federal Motor Vehicle

Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for the DoT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. Then, look for a label inside the helmet with the manufacturer’s name, month and year of manufacture, construction materials, model, size and other important information.

THREE-QUARTERONE-HALFFULL FACE

• Be equipped with a chinstrap and have at least four square inches of red, amber or white reflectorized tape on each side.

• Lack obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps.

Note: Not all helmet damage is obvious. To ensure safety, do not buy a used helmet.

When riding, keep the helmet securely fastened at all times. A loosened helmet is likely to fall off during a crash.

eye AnD fAce PrOtectiOn

A full-face helmet offers riders the most protection. But it is not the only choice. A plastic face shield does protect a rider’s face from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and debris. Regardless, attention should be on the road - not on these potential problems. Choose equipment that is not distracting, so complete attention is on the road. Goggles can protect riders’ eyes from all these things, but do not protect the rest of a rider’s face – but a face shield does. Most windshields will not protect eyes from wind. Neither will eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses will not keep eyes from watering and might blow off while riding. The face shield and/or goggles must meet u.S. Department of Transportation and New Jersey standards, and should have the ANSi label. Because they are plastic, face shields and goggles will develop scratches and become brittle with age. For maximum protection and comfort, replace equipment regularly.

Effective eye or face protection must:• Be scratch-free.• Be made of shatterproof material.• Give a clear view to either side.• Fasten securely. • Allow air to pass through, so it will not fog.• Allow enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.• Tinted eye protection should not be worn at night or any other time when little

light is available.


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cLOthinG

Clothing helps protect riders in crashes and in other situations. Jackets and pants should cover arms and legs completely, while still providing comfort. Both should fit snugly enough that there is no flapping in the wind and loosely enough to let the rider move freely.

Bright, reflective helmets and clothing help others see a motorcyclist.

Leather offers the most protection, but sturdy, synthetic material also provides additional protection. Wear a jacket even in warm weather. Many motorcycle jackets are designed to protect without over-heating, even on warm days.

Boots and shoes should be high enough to cover ankles and sturdy enough to provide support. Soles should be made of a hard, durable material. Heels should be short enough not to catch on rough surfaces. Boot straps and shoelaces should be tucked in.

Full-finger leather or other motorcycle gloves are also important as they provide a good grip on controls, while helping to protect hands during a crash.

in cold or wet weather, clothes should keep riders warm and dry, as well as protect riders from injury. Safely controlling a motorcycle with numb arms is nearly impossible. Riding for long periods in cold weather can cause severe chill, fatigue and hypothermia. A winter jacket should be wind resistant and fit snugly at the neck, wrists and waist. Rain suits should be sized so they are easily removed and put on, as well as designed for riding. otherwise, these suits can tear apart or balloon up at high speeds. Some gloves are made to keep wind or rain from traveling up sleeves.

) MOTORCyClE CHECkif something is wrong with the motorcycle, it is important to find out before entering traffic. Check these things before every ride:

tires. keep tires in good condition. Check the tire pressure using a gauge. A tire may be underinflated without a noticeable change in appearance. Motorcycles do not handle properly if the air pressure is too low or too high. Check the owner’s manual for the right amount of air.

tire tread. Worn or uneven tread can make the motorcycle hard to handle, particularly on wet pavement.

rims/Spokes. Check for bent, loose or damaged rims and spokes.

damage. Check for cuts or objects stuck to the tread. Also, check the sidewalls for cracks. A blowout on a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous.

Controls. Make sure the controls work smoothly. The throttle should snap back when released.

Cables. Check for kinks or broken strands. if a cable breaks while riding, the motorcycle could become difficult to control and a crash could result.

lights. Make sure all lights work. keep them clean.

turn Signal. Check all four turn signal lights. Make sure they flash when on and are bright (easily seen).

headlight. Check the headlight. in daytime, pass a hand in front of the beam to make sure it works. At night, try the dimmer to make sure both high and low beams work.

tail and Brake light. Try each of the brake controls and make sure that each one flashes the brake light.

horn. Ensure the horn works.

Chain. Make sure the drive chain is properly adjusted and lubricated. Check the motorcycle owner’s manual for information regarding chain adjustment.

mirrors. Clean and adjust both mirrors before riding. it is difficult and dangerous to adjust a mirror while riding. Swing both mirrors far enough outward to show about half the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane to the side.

gas and oil. Check gas and oil levels before riding. Running out of gas is inconvenient. it can also be dangerous as it makes leaving the road difficult. Lack of oil can seize an engine, causing the rear wheel to lock and loss of control.

) GET faMIlIaR wITH THE MOTORCyClEBe completely familiar with the motorcycle before riding it. if the cycle is borrowed:

• Check everything.• Learn where all controls are, particularly turn signals, horn, headlight switch,

fuel control valve and motor cut-off switch. Be able to find and operate them without having to look.

• Check controls. Learn the gear pattern. Work the throttle, clutch and brakes a few times before riding.

• Ride very cautiously until learning how the motorcycle handles. For instance, take turns slowly and allow for extra stopping distance.


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Front brake leverClutch lever

Rear brake pedalGear-change pedal

Kick starter (if equipped)

Ignition key (varies)

Speedometer & Odometer Tachometer (if equipped)

Throttle

Electric start button

Engine cut-off switch

Horn button

Light switch (high/low)

Turn-signal switch

) COnTROl fOR SafETyTo learn how to control direction, speed and balance, all riders should practice. This manual suggests ways to keep control of the motorcycle and avoid crashes.

bODy POsitiOn

To control a motorcycle well, riders must be in the proper position.

posture. keep back straight and head and eyes up. Arms should be relaxed and slightly bent.

Hands. Hold the handlegrips firmly. This helps riders keep a solid grip if the motorcycle bounces. A rider’s right wrist should be down. This helps keep a rider from using too much throttle.

Knees. keep knees against the gas tank to keep balance as the motorcycle turns.

feet. keep feet firmly on the footpegs. Firm footing helps keep balance. Do not drag feet along the ground. Feet catching something on the ground can cause loss of control. keep feet near the controls to get to them quickly, if necessary. Also, keep toes pointed up to keep them from getting caught in between the road and the footpeg.

turninG

New riders often try to take curves or turns too fast and cannot hold it, causing panic and bringing the motorcycle into another lane of traffic or off the road. Braking too hard, which may cause a skid or loss of control, can also occur. Riders must learn to judge how fast a curve may safely be taken. Approach all turns with caution. When turning, use the following steps for better control:

Slow down. Reduce speed before a turn. keep speed down until completing the turn.

look. use head turns for directional control and to look through the turn.

lean. To turn, the motorcycle must lean. To lean the motorcycle, push on the handgrip in the direction of the turn. Maintain steady speed or accelerate gradually. Avoid decelerating in the turn. Higher speeds and/or tighter turns require more lean. in normal turns, the rider and motorcycle should lean together. in slow, tight turns, lean the motorcycle only and keep your body straight.

brAKinG/stOPPinG

Motorcycles have two brakes. Both are needed to stop effectively and safely. The front brake provides about three-quarters of the stopping power. Front wheel locks release the lever until the tire regains traction. if the rear wheel locks, do not release it. keep it locked until the motorcycle comes to a stop.

When braking, remember:

• Practice using the front brake correctly. Braking is an activity that requires continuous practice for maximum proficiency.

• When slowing down or stopping, always use both brakes. This ensures riders have enough skill to use the front brake properly when needed.

• Apply both brakes at the same time. Do not apply the rear brake first.

shiftinG

There is more to shifting than getting the motorcycle to accelerate smoothly. instability can occur if the gears are used incorrectly when downshifting, turning or starting from a standstill on a hill. Change gears to match the engine speed with the road speed.

DOwnshiftinG

it is important to shift down through gears for the appropriate slow down or stop. This ensures riders always have enough power to accelerate quickly if needed. Travel at the proper speed to shift into a lower gear. Motorcycles may lurch, and the rear wheel may lock up, if downshifting is performed at too fast a speed or the clutch is released abruptly. Remember:


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riding downhill. Motorcycles tend to pick up speed on a downgrade.

Shifting into first gear. on many motorcycles, the speed range for first gear is very low. under these conditions, use the brakes to slow down enough to shift safely.

GOinG uPhiLL

it is more difficult to get the motorcycle moving on an upgrade than it is on flat ground. There is always a danger of rolling backward and into another vehicle. Remember:

• use the front brake to hold the motorcycle while starting the engine and shifting into first gear.

• Change to the foot brake to hold the cycle while operating the throttle with the right hand.

• For more power, open the throttle a little bit.• Release the clutch gradually. The front wheel may come off the ground or the

engine may stop, or both, if it released too quickly. • Release the foot brake when the engine begins to slow down and the

motorcycle begins to move forward.

) SEE, bE SEEn anD bE HEaRDin crashes with motorcyclists, other motorists often say that they never saw the motorcycle. From ahead or from behind, a motorcycle’s outline is small. With this being the case, it is easier for others to misjudge distance and speed. However, there are ways to make riders and motorcycles more noticeable.

cLOthinG

Bright, reflective helmets and clothing help others see the motorcycle. upper body clothing should be brightly colored orange, yellow, red or green. Fluorescent colors are sufficient in bright daylight. At night, reflective or retro-reflective1 clothing is best.

heADLiGht

The best way to help others see you is to keep headlights on at all times. During the day, a motorcycle with lights off is twice as likely to go unnoticed. The headlight in many later-model motorcycles comes on automatically.

1 Reflective materials are passive and do not change their brightness. Retro-reflective materials change brightness with surrounding light sources. They greatly increase the visibility of objects at night or during inclement weather.

siGnALsSignals communicate intentions to other road users.

turn Signals1

use turn signals to:• Clearly indicate lane changes and other riding maneuvers.• Become easier to see. other motorists can easily see turn signals. it is a good

idea to use signals for every lane change and turn.

Note: Turn off turn signals after the turn or lane change is made. if not, other motorists might be confused about a rider’s intentions.

brAKe LiGht

Help others see the motorcycle by tapping the foot brake lightly before slowing down. This action will flash the brake light. it is very important to signal others by flashing the brake light when:• Slowing down more quickly than might be expected. (For example, before making a turn from a high-speed highway.)

• Slowing down where others may not expect it. (For example, before slowing down to turn in the middle of a block.)

• When being followed closely, flash the brake light before slowing down. (This cannot be done, however, in an emergency situation.)

hOrnuse the horn to get the attention of other motorists, but do not rely solely on it. use the horn when someone is in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked on the street, riding a bicycle or walking in the street and may pull into traffic. in an emergency, use the horn and be ready to slow down or turn away from danger.

The two biggest dangers are:• An oncoming vehicle turning left. • Vehicles on side streets pulling into traffic. Never count on “eye contact” as

a sign that a motorist is aware and will yield the right-of-way. All too often, a motorist looks right at a motorcycle and still does not see it.

rOAD POsitiOnMotorists have very little choice about positioning in travel lanes. However, each marked lane provides three possible travel paths to motorcyclists. To be seen most clearly, ride in the portion of the lane where it is most likely a motorist can see a motorcycle. When behind a vehicle, ride where the motorist can see the

1 NJSA 39:4-126: The required signal may be given “by means of the hand and arm… or by an approved mechanical or electrical device.... A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during less than the 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.”


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Visible area

BLIND AREA

BLIND AREA

motorcycle in the rearview mirror. See the rearview mirror of the vehicle? if so, it is more likely the driver can see the motorcycle.

bLinD sPOts

When alongside a vehicle, speed up and get by quickly or drop back.

center POsitiOn

it is not true that riding in the center of a lane is dangerous because of the grease strip residue left by other vehicles. Still, it is best to ride slightly to the left or the right of center. unless the road is wet with rain, traction on most grease strips is the same as the rest of the pavement. However, big grease buildups found at busy intersections or toll booths should be avoided.

intersectiOns

Enter the intersection with a space cushion on either side that allows evasive action if necessary. Approach an intersection with the best view of oncoming traffic. When approaching a blind intersection, move to the portion of the lane in other

motorists’ field of sight. Remember, the key is to see as much as possible.

) uSE THE SIPDE SySTEMNothing can guarantee that other motorists will see a motorcycle. A good rider is always looking to stay out of trouble.

Experienced riders use a system known as SiPDE, an acronym for a process used to make judgments and take action in traffic. it stands for:

Here is a closer look at each of these steps.

scAn

Search aggressively for potential hazards. Scanning provides information to make decisions in enough time to take action.

iDentify

Locate hazards and potential conflicts. Hazards can be divided into three groups based on how critical their effect may be.

Cars, trucks and other vehicles. They share the road with motorcycles. They move quickly. Reactions to them must be quick and accurate.

pedestrians and animals. They are characterized by unpredictability and quick movement.

Stationary objects. Potholes, guardrails, bridges, roadway signs, hedges or rows of trees will only create or complicate riding strategy.

The greatest potential for conflict between riders and other traffic is at intersections. An intersection can be in the middle of an urban area or at a driveway


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on a residential street. Most motorcycle/automobile crashes occur at intersections. oncoming vehicles turning left into the path of the motorcycle causes many crashes. Therefore, using SiPDE at intersections is critical.

Before entering an intersection, search for:

• oncoming traffic that may turn left. • Traffic from the left.• Traffic from the right.• Traffic approaching from behind.

Be alert at intersections with limited visibility. Be visually aware of busy surroundings that might camouflage a motorcycle.

PreDict

Anticipate the effect of hazards. The direction a potential hazard moves is important. Clearly, a vehicle moving away is not as critical as a vehicle moving into a rider’s path.

Determine the effect of the hazard and where a collision might occur. How critical is the hazard? How probable is a collision? This is the “What if…?” phase of SiPDE that depends on knowledge and experience. Now, estimate the consequences of the hazard. How might the hazard - or effort to avoid it - affect others?

DeciDe

Determine how to reduce the hazard by:

• Communicating presence and intentions.• Adjusting speed.• Adjusting position.

Communication is the most passive action because it depends on the response of someone else. use lights and honk the horn but do not rely on the actions of others. Speed adjustment can be acceleration, slowing or stopping. Position adjustment can be changing lane position or completely changing direction.

in both cases, the degree of adjustment depends on how critical the hazard is and how much time and space is available: The more time and space, the less amount of risk.

in high potential risk areas, such as intersections, reduce reaction time by increasing space and readying possible escape routes.

executeThis is when riding skills come into play, which must become second nature. The best decision will be meaningless without the skills to carry it out. Riders must ride within their own ability.

Area seen in mirrors

Rider’s blind spot

) CHECk blInD SPOTSusinG heAD checKs

Motorcycles have blind spots just like other vehicles do. When changing lanes, turn and look at the traffic behind. That is the only way to see a vehicle behind and in

the next lane. it is particularly important before a rapid lane change. Many riders make rapid lane changes out of necessity and habit. There is very little chance a motorist in the next lane can react quickly enough to avoid a rapid lane change. Check first, then change.

on a roadway with several lanes, check the far lanes, too. Another motorist could be headed for the same space.

usinG mirrOrs

Traffic situations change quickly. Check mirrors every few seconds to see what traffic is approaching from behind. That way, passing cars and other vehicles will not be a surprise. There are particular times when it is very important to use mirrors:

• When slowing down or stopping suddenly. if there is a vehicle close behind, it may be better to keep moving.

• When stopped at an intersection. Watch vehicles approaching from behind. Evasive action may be necessary if an approaching motorist is not paying attention.

• When changing lanes. Make sure no one is about to pass. • When turning. Watch vehicles behind, especially when making what could be

an unexpected turn, such as into alleys, driveways and side streets.

Many motorcycles have round, convex mirrors, which provide a bigger view of the road behind than flat mirrors. However, these mirrors make vehicles seem farther away then they really are. To get used to convex mirrors: While stopped, pick out a parked vehicle in the mirror and form a mental image of how far away it is. Then, turn around and look to see how close it really is. Practice helps riders judge distance well. Even then, allow extra distance before changing lanes. Regardless, always make a final head check before changing lanes.


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CORRECT FOR INSIDE CURVES CORRECT FOR OUTSIDE CURVES

POsitiOninG

Motorcycle riders can see things other motorists cannot see by riding in the portion of the lane where they are most likely to be seen.

riding through curves. Move to one side of the lane or the other to get a better view of the curve.

Watching at intersections. Riders can peek easily around buildings, parked vehicles or bushes to see if anything is coming. other motorists cannot.

Stopping at blind intersections. Blind intersections can make it hard to see danger coming from the side. At a stop sign, stop there first. Then, edge forward and stop again, just short of where the cross-traffic lane meets the lane you are in. From that position, lean forward and look around buildings, parked vehicles or bushes. keep the front wheel out of the cross lane of travel while doing this.

Seeing at the roadside. Angle the motorcycle across the road to see both directions without straining, which is particularly important before making a u-turn.

) kEEP THE PROPER DISTanCEThe best protection is distance between a motorcycle and other motorists. if another motorist makes a mistake, distance provides time to react and time to move away.

frOnt

under ordinary conditions, stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead.

This provides plenty of time to react if the motorist ahead stops suddenly. it also provides a better view of things in the road, such as potholes, slippery spots, tire treads, cans and other debris.

Stay well behind the vehicle ahead, even when stopped. This will make it easier to get out of the way if someone bears down from behind.

siDe

For oncoming or passing vehicles, move to the center of the lane.

A rider can move from one side of the lane to another to increase their distance from other vehicles. An experienced rider changes position from one side of the lane to another as traffic conditions change.

These road conditions require lane position changes:

passing vehicles. When another vehicle passes from behind, move toward the center of the lane. A slight mistake by either motorist could cause a sideswipe. Moving toward the center of the lane also helps avoid extended mirrors or things thrown from vehicle windows. Do the same for oncoming vehicles. Give way to large trucks. They can create gusts that affect control. There is more room for error in the middle of a lane.

riding and intersections. Most crashes between vehicles and motorcycles happen at intersections. Motorists often have a hard time seeing a motorcycle coming directly at them. A vehicle may make a left turn across the motorcycle’s path or a vehicle may enter from a side street into the motorcycle’s path. These are two leading causes of motorcycle crashes at intersections.

in the event a vehicle enters a rider’s path:

• Move as far away from the vehicle as possible. if the vehicle is on the right, move to the left. For a vehicle on the left or an oncoming vehicle with a left turn signal on, move to the right.

• Change lanes. otherwise, move to the far side of the current lane.


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• Approach slowly. if a motorist does pull out suddenly, chances of making a quick stop or a quick turn are better.

At intersections, move as far away from oncoming vehicles as safely as possible.

passing parked vehicles. When passing parked vehicles, the motorcycle rider has an advantage over other motorists. Stay in the left portion of the lane to avoid problems caused by doors opening, motorists getting out of their vehicles or people stepping into traffic from between vehicles. A bigger problem is vehicles pulling out. Motorists can fail to see a motorcycle during a quick look behind for traffic. Motorists making u-Turns are also a danger. The motorcyclist sees them pull out and slows down or changes lanes to let them enter. Then suddenly, the vehicle turns across the road and blocks the lane. This leaves the motorcyclist with

no place to go. Approach vehicles pulling out or making a u-Turn very cautiously.

Stay to the left of the lane to pass parked vehicles.

Sharing lanes. Vehicles and motorcycles each need a full lane to operate safely. Do not share lanes.

To prevent lane sharing:

• Do not ride between rows of stopped vehicles. • Do not try to squeeze past a stopped vehicle in the same lane. Anything could

happen—a hand could come out of a window, a door could open or a vehicle could turn suddenly.

• Discourage lane sharing by others. The best way to do this is to keep a center lane position in situations where other motorists might be tempted to squeeze by.

Moving to the far side of a lane in these situations invites lane sharing. Lane placement depends on different circumstances. Ride in the portion of the lane where it is easiest to be seen.

merging vehicles. Vehicles entering a highway from an entrance ramp may have trouble seeing a motorcycle. one reason is that motorcycle headlights are difficult to see at an angle. Change lanes or make space to let the motorist in. Do not assume that motorists always see motorcycles.

Vehicles alongside. Do not ride alongside vehicles whenever possible. A vehicle in the next lane could change lanes without warning. Vehicles in the next lane also block an escape route. Speed up or drop back until it is clear on both sides.

bAcK

Many riders complain about tailgaters, which are motorists that follow too closely. When another vehicle is following too closely:

• open up additional following distance. This provides the tailgater more time to react in an emergency.

• Slow down so the tailgater can pass when clear.

) HanDlInG DanGEROuS SuRfaCESA motorcycle is delicately balanced on two wheels. To stay upright, the two wheels must have good traction. Any surface that affects the motorcycle’s traction will affect its balance. Any slippery surface increases the chance of a rider falling. Dangerous surfaces include:

• Slippery surfaces.• uneven surfaces.• Grooves and gratings.• Sloping surfaces.

Some slippery surfaces are:

• Liquids.• Sand/Gravel.• Leaves.


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• Wet pavement, particularly just after rain and before surface oil washes to the side of the road.

• Gravel roads or places where sand and gravel have collected on paved roads.• Mud, snow and ice.• Wet lane markings and steel surfaces (manhole covers).• Metal construction plates.

There are a number of precautions to take to operate safely on slippery surfaces.

reduce speed. it takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces. Make up for this by traveling at a slower speed. it is particularly important to reduce speed on curves. Remember, speed limits posted on curves apply to good surface conditions.

Use both brakes. The front brake is still more effective than the back brake - even on extremely slippery surfaces. on ice, riders should not brake at all.

Avoid sudden moves. Any sudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid on slippery surfaces. Therefore, turn, brake, accelerate and change gears as little and as gradually as possible. on a very slippery surface, such as on a patch of ice, do not make changes until after passing it.

Avoid slippery areas. it is important to find the best pavement. Riders should be aware that:

• oil from vehicles tends to build up in the center of the lane, particularly near the intersections where vehicles slow down or stop. on wet pavement, therefore, it is better to operate in the grooves created by the wheels of moving vehicles. Some people suggest using the left wheel track all the time. However, it is not always a good idea. instead, ride in the portion of the lane where it is easiest to be seen.

• oil spots when stopping or parking can cause riders to fall.• Dirt and gravel tend to collect along the sides of the road. it is very important to

stay away from the edge of the road when making sharp turns at intersections or entering and leaving freeways at high speed.

• Certain sections of the road dry faster after rain or melt faster after snow. Try at all times to stay in the best part of the lane.

it is almost impossible to maintain balance on ice, hard packed snow or wet slippery surfaces. Avoid them if possible. if it is impossible to avoid, proceed across them in a straight line, but Do NoT adjust speed. keep a center lane position and avoid the slippery area by riding slightly to the left or right of the center. Pull in the clutch and coast across. in some slippery areas, such as toll booths, ride slightly to the left or right of the center to avoid problem areas.

This Not This

uneven surfAces

Watch for uneven surfaces, such as bumps, broken pavement, potholes or railroad tracks, while riding. if the condition is bad enough, it could affect control of the motorcycle. Follow these guidelines to handle uneven surfaces:

• Slow down to reduce impact.• Straighten out so that the motorcycle is upright.• Rise slightly on the footpegs to absorb the shock.

Crossing railroad tracks

Cross railroad tracks at an angle. When turning to cross the tracks head on, it may be more dangerous than crossing at a slight angle. Turn slightly to cross something running parallel, such as trolley tracks, ruts in the middle of the road or a pavement seam. To cross something running next to the motorcycle, move away far enough to be able to cross it at an angle. Then, just make a quick sharp turn. Do not try to edge across it. it could catch the tires and upset balance.

grooves and gratings

When riding over rain grooves or a metal bridge grating, the motorcycle will tend to wander back and forth. While this may be uneasy, it is not generally dangerous. Therefore, the best thing to do is ride relaxed and avoid abrupt maneuvers.

Sloping Surfaces

A road surface that slopes from one side to the other is not difficult to handle when riding straight ahead. However, in a curve, a slope can make the turn harder if it goes the wrong way.


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High crowned curve

Here is a picture of a rider turning left on a high crowned curve, a road that is higher in the middle than at the sides.

A turn to the left on a high crowned road is like a turn on a curve that is banked the wrong way. The crown makes the turn harder by:

• Cutting down on the clearance between the left footpeg and the surface.• Adding the force of the down slope to the outward force of the turn, increasing

the chance of a skid.• Making it necessary to turn uphill.

The only way to handle the wrong-way banking is to slow down. This will straighten the motorcycle and reduce the outward force.

) RIDE CauTIOuSly aT nIGHTAt night, the ability to see and be seen is limited. With one headlight, it is hard to see the condition of the road or something on the road. At night, other motorists also have a hard time distinguishing a motorcycle headlight and taillight from the stronger lights of other vehicles.

Here are some things that will help for riding at night:

Use the high beam. use the high beam whenever not following or meeting a vehicle. Be able to stop within the lit distance.

reduce speed. if there is something lying in the road ahead, it will be difficult to see unless within close proximity. When traveling too fast, it will be difficult to avoid. it is important to reduce speed at night, particularly on unfamiliar roads.

Use the vehicle ahead. if there is a vehicle ahead, take advantage of it. its lights can provide a better view of the road ahead than the motorcycle light. Vehicle taillights bouncing up and down may mean bumps or rough pavement ahead, for instance.

increase distance. Distance is difficult to judge well at night. Make up for this by allowing extra distance from vehicles ahead. Leave more room on either side when riding alongside vehicles. Ensure there is enough distance to pass another vehicle.

) knOw HaZaRDSNo matter how carefully a motorcyclist rides, there will always be “tight spots.” The chance of escaping safely depends on how quickly riders react. Here is how to handle a few scenarios:

quicK stOPs

Since the front brake supplies about three-quarters of braking power, use it to stop quickly. Squeeze the brake lever steadily and firmly. Do not grab at it. Apply it without locking the front wheel.

The rear brake should be applied at the same time. Try not to lock the rear wheel.

tire fAiLure

if the cycle starts handling differently, pull off and check the tires. Riders will more often feel a flat tire than hear it happen.

if the front tire goes flat, the steering will feel “heavy.” if the rear tire goes flat, the back of the motorcycle will tend to jerk from side to side. if a tire suddenly loses air, react quickly to keep balance by:

• Concentrating on steering a straight course.• Gradually closing the throttle and coasting.• Edging toward the side of the road and stopping.

stucK thrOttLe

Sometimes, when trying to close the throttle, it will not turn. if this happens when slowing down for traffic ahead or making a turn, react quickly to prevent a crash by:

• immediately flip the engine cutoff switch and pull the clutch. This disconnects the engine from the rear wheel and keeps riders from speeding up. After pulling the clutch, keep it in until stopped or the throttle is freed.

• When unable to close the throttle, use the motor cut-off switch or the key to turn off the engine. For motorcycles without a cut-off switch or if the key is on the side of the cycle - Stop, and then turn off the engine.

After stopping, check the throttle cable carefully to find the source of the trouble. Make certain the throttle is working freely before continuing.


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wObbLe

At various speeds, the front wheel can sometimes begin to wobble (shake from side to side). To ride out a wobble:

• Firmly grip the handlebars. Do not fight the wobble.• Gradually close the throttle. Let the motorcycle slow down. (Do not apply the

brakes; it could worsen the wobble.)

Pull off the road as soon as possible. if carrying a heavy load, distribute it more evenly. When at a gas station or using a tire gauge, check tire inflation. other things that can cause a wobble are:

• Bent or out-of-alignment wheel.• Poorly adjusted steering.• improperly mounted or designed windshield. • Loose wheel bearings or loose spokes.

Off the rOAD

Do these two important things when leaving the roadway to check the motorcycle or to rest:

Check the roadside. Make sure the surface of the roadside is firm enough to ride on. if it is soft grass, loose sand or unclear, slow nearly all the way before leaving the roadway. Since motorists behind might not expect this, make sure to check mirrors and signal clearly and early.

pull well off the road. Get as far off the road as possible. A motorcycle by the side of the road is difficult to spot. Another vehicle may also leave the roadway, so it is important to be seen.

rOAD hAzArDs

Even a quick stop may not be enough to avoid hitting something. A piece of debris or a pothole might appear suddenly when the vehicle ahead passes over it. or the vehicle ahead might stop suddenly. The only way to avoid a collision is a quick turn or swerve.

To make a quick turn, lean the motorcycle quickly in the necessary direction: The sharper the turn, the more severe the lean.

To get the motorcycle to lean quickly, press on the inside of the handgrip in the same necessary direction. To turn to the right, press on the inside of the right handgrip. This causes the front wheel to move slightly to the left and the motorcycle to continue straight ahead. The result is a lean to the right.

Self-demonstration: While riding in a straight line, press the inside of the right handlebar. Notice the motorcycle turns to the right. Practice making quick turns, so in an emergency, it is second nature.

using this technique makes the motorcycle lean in normal turns, too. Most riders do not notice it except on very sharp turns.

in an emergency, do not switch lanes and risk being hit by a vehicle. it is possible to squeeze by most obstacles without switching lanes. This is one scenario when the size of the motorcycle is favorable. Even if the obstacle is a vehicle, there is generally time to make sure there are no vehicles in the other lane.

riDinG Over ObJects

Sometimes there is no option but to ride over an object. Handling objects is a lot like riding over uneven surfaces. Here is what to do:

• Hold onto the handlegrips tightly.• keep a straight course. This keeps the motorcycle upright and reduces the

chance of falling on impact.• Rise slightly on the footpegs. This allows legs and arms to absorb the shock

and helps the rider from being bounced off when the rear wheel hits.

There are other ways of handling these obstacles. However, they require a lot of skill. The three steps above are a safe way to avoid obstacles found on highways. After riding over an object, always check tires for damage.

fLyinG ObJects

insects, cigarette butts thrown from vehicle windows or rocks kicked up by tires of the vehicle ahead; any of these objects might strike riders. Without face protection, riders can be struck in the eye, the face or the mouth. Face protection still might become smeared or cracked, making it difficult to see. Whatever happens, do not let it affect motorcycle control. Watch the road and keep hands on the handlebars. As soon as it is safe, pull off the road and repair any damage.

AnimALs

Naturally, do everything possible to avoid hitting a small animal. However, in traffic, do not swerve from the lane to avoid hitting an animal. There is a better chance of surviving impact with an animal than impact with a vehicle.

Motorcycles tend to attract dogs. Do not kick a chasing animal. it is too easy to lose control of the motorcycle. instead, shift down and approach the animal slowly. After reaching the animal, speed up suddenly, leaving it behind quickly and helping the dog lose interest.


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) CaRRyInG PaSSEnGERS anD CaRGOBefore carrying a passenger or large loads, know how both could affect motorcycle operation. Extra weight changes the way the motorcycle handles - the way it balances, the way it turns, the way it speeds up and the way it slows down. Passengers that weigh less than the operator impact operation much less than those who are heavier.

PAssenGers

Guidelines to follow in carrying a passenger or cargo:

• Check the motorcycle for adequate passenger-carrying equipment.• instruct passengers before starting.• Adjust tires and shocks to account for the passenger’s weight.

To carry a passenger, the motorcycle must have:

A proper seat. The seat must be large enough to hold the operator and passenger without crowding. operators should not have to move any closer to the front of the motorcycle than normal. A passenger should not hang over the end of the seat.

footpegs. The passenger must have a set of footpegs. Without firm footing, an operator and passenger can both fall off.

protective equipment. A passenger must have the same type of protective equipment as the operator.

instructinG PAssenGers

Never assume any passenger knows what to do. Provide complete instructions before starting.

A passenger should be told to:

• Get on the motorcycle after the engine has started.• Sit as far forward as possible without crowding the operator.• Hold the operator’s waist, hips or belt tightly. • keep both feet on the pegs at all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped.• Look over the rider’s shoulder in the direction of turns and curves.• Stay directly behind the operator, leaning when the operator leans (in the

same direction).• Avoid any unnecessary motion.

riDinG with A PAssenGer

When carrying a passenger, the motorcycle responds more slowly. it takes longer

to speed up, slow down and turn. Heavier passengers and lighter motorcycles take longer to maneuver at these times. To adjust for added passenger weight:

• operate at a somewhat slower speed, particularly on corners, curves or bumps.

• Begin to slow down earlier than usual when approaching a stop.• Allow a greater following distance and keep more distance from vehicles on

either side.• Look for larger gaps whenever crossing, entering or merging with traffic.

if possible, warn passengers when starting, stopping quickly, turning sharply or riding over a bump. otherwise, talk as little as possible when in motion.

LOAD AnD cArGO

A motorcycle is not primarily designed to carry cargo. However, small loads can be carried safely when properly positioned and fastened. Check the motorcycle owner’s manual for information about carrying cargo.

Keep the load low. Place the load next to the seat or place it in saddlebags. Do not pile loads against a sissy bar or other back-seat frame. This will change the center of gravity, disturbing the balance of the motorcycle.

Keep the load forward. Place the load over or forward of the rear axle. Anything mounted behind the rear wheel can affect how the motorcycle turns and brakes. it can also cause wobbling.

distribute the load evenly. When using saddlebags, make certain each are equally loaded. An uneven load can cause the motorcycle to pull to one side.

Secure the load. Fasten the load securely with elastic cords or ropes. A loose load can catch in the wheel or chain. if this happens, the rear wheel may lock up and cause the motorcycle to skid.

Check the load. Check the load every so often when stopped. Make sure it has not loosened or moved.

) lEaRnInG GROuP RIDInGThe highway is not a place to socialize. Motorcyclists riding in groups do not have any special rights. When riding with others, do not interfere with the flow of traffic.

sizeA large group interferes with traffic. it makes vehicles pass a long line of motorcyclists one at a time. Also, a large group tends to be separated easily by traffic or red lights. Those left behind often ride unsafely to catch up. Groups with more than four or five riders should divide into two or more smaller groups.


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2 Seconds

planning ahead. When leading, look ahead for changes. Give hand signals early, so the word spreads among the riders in plenty of time. Start lane changes early enough to allow all riders to complete the change.

putting beginners up front. Place inexperienced riders behind the leader, where they can be watched by more experienced riders.

following those behind. Let the last in line set the pace. use mirrors to keep an eye on the person behind. Slow down to let others catch up. if everyone does this, the group will stay with the rider on the tail end.

Knowing the route. Make sure everybody knows the route. obey any special rules on a particular route.

DistAnce

it is important to keep close ranks and a safe distance. A close group takes up less space on the highway, making the group easier to see. A close group is also less likely to be separated by traffic lights. However, it must be done properly.

do not pair up. Never operate directly alongside another motorcycle. There will be no place to escape or avoid another vehicle. Talk to another rider only when stopped.

Staggered formation. keep close ranks, yet maintain adequate distance through a “staggered” formation. The leader rides to the left side of the lane, while the second

rider stays a little behind and rides to the right side of the lane. A third rider would take the left position, a normal two-second distance behind the second rider. This formation allows the group to ride in close ranks without reducing following distance and without having riders drive along side one another. Staggered formation can be safely used on an open highway. However, a single file should be resumed on curves, during turns, while entering or leaving a highway, when returning to the narrow roadway or when topping the crest of a hill. When riders in a staggered formation want to pass, they should do it one at a time. When it is safe to do so, the lead rider should pull out and pass. When the leader returns to the lane, he or she should take the left lane position and open a gap for the next rider. As soon as the first rider is safely by, the second rider should move to the left position and watch for a safe chance to pass. After passing, this rider should return to the right lane position and open up a gap for the next rider.

) RIDE SObER anD awakERiding a motorcycle is more demanding than driving other motor vehicles. Riders must be in good physical and mental shape to ride safely. Three things that often keep riders from being in shape to ride safely are alcohol, drugs and fatigue.

ALcOhOL

Drinking and riding is extremely dangerous. Nearly half of all motorcycle highway deaths involve alcohol use. Riding a motorcycle requires a high degree of skill and judgment. it also requires a good sense of balance. Alcohol limits these skills.

it is dangerous to ride after drinking. Alcohol affects vision. Seeing clearly and judging distance becomes difficult. it is hard enough to ride a motorcycle safely with normal vision.

The drinking problem is just as extensive among motorcyclists as it is among automobile drivers. However, motorcyclists are far more likely to be killed or severely injured in a crash. About 2,500 motorcycles are involved in crashes each year on New Jersey roadways. These crashes result in 60 or more fatalities and nearly 2,000 injuries each in the Garden State.

No one is immune to the effects of alcohol. Alcohol makes everyone less able to


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think clearly and to perform physical tasks skillfully. Alcohol has extremely harmful effects on motorcycle operating skills. The effects of alcohol begin long before a rider is legally intoxicated.

riDe sAfe - riDe sOber

drugs

Almost any drug can affect the skills needed to ride a motorcycle safely. This includes prescription drugs, as well as illegal drugs. it even includes such everyday drugs as cold tablets or allergy pills. Such drugs can cause weakness, dizziness or drowsiness. understand the effects of drugs before riding.

Do not take illegal drugs.

Stop and wait if dizziness or weakness from prescription or over-the-counter drugs occurs. Do not ride until regaining a normal feeling. Slow down and keep more than the normal distance between other vehicles if it is necessary to continue.

fatigue

Riding a motorcycle is much more tiring than operating another vehicle. For road trips, tiredness sets in more quickly when riding a motorcycle. The effects of fatigue on vehicle control can also be much worse:

• Protection from the elements. Wind, cold and rain can make riders tire quickly. Dress warmly. A windshield is worth its cost, especially for riders that travel frequently.

• Limit distance traveled. Do not cover more than about 300 miles a day. • Take frequent rests. Stop and get off the cycle. it is also a good idea to drink

water during rest stops.

) CHECkInG THE MOTORCyClEPlenty of things on the highway can cause trouble for riders. A motorcycle should not be one of them. Three ways to be sure a motorcycle will not let its rider down are:

1. Have the right equipment.2. keep the bike in safe riding condition.3. Avoid add-on accessories or modifications that make it harder to handle.

mODeL

The right motorcycle is incredibly important. Beginners might want to consider a smaller motorcycle that is no more than 250cc until becoming more experienced or until after driving several hundred miles. Make sure the motorcycle fits. A rider’s feet should be able to reach the ground while sitting.

There are a few items of equipment that are necessary for safe operation. New Jersey requires that all these items are in good working order:

• Headlight and taillight.• Front and rear brakes.• Turn signals.• Horn.• At least one rearview mirror.

These are just minimum requirements. To survive in traffic, have a mirror on each side of the handlebars. it is also a good idea to have reflectors on the side of the motorcycle.

serviceMotorcycles may need more frequent attention than other vehicles. When something goes wrong with the motorcycle, it may cause a crash.

There is only one way to spot problems before trouble starts: inspect the motorcycle carefully and fix things right away. The first chapter of this manual described checks that should be made before every ride. Check these things at least once a week:

tires. Check the tread for wear. if the wear is uneven, have the wheels balanced and the alignment checked. Many blowouts are due to low air pressure. Also, check for cuts and scrapes that could cause a blowout.

Wheels. Check both wheels for missing or loose spokes. Check the rims for cracks or dents. Lift the wheel off the ground and spin it. Watch its motion and listen for noise. Also, move it from side to side to check for looseness.

Controls. Check the controls for smooth operation. Check the cables for kinks or broken strands. Lubricate the control mechanisms at each end of the cable.

Chains and sprockets. oil the chain. Check the sprockets for worn teeth.

Shock absorbers. Does the motorcycle “bounce” several times after crossing a bump? Hear a clunk? Check shock absorbers, which may need to be adjusted or replaced. Check the shocks for oil/leaks.

fasteners. Check for loose or missing nuts, bolts or cotter pins. keeping the motorcycle clean makes it easier to spot missing parts.

Brakes. Adjust the brakes so that they lock the wheel when fully applied. if the wheel will not lock, or if there is a scraping sound when stopping, have the linings checked.


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) aCCESSORIES anD MODIfICaTIOnSA safe motorcycle can be quickly turned into a menace by adding the wrong accessories or making changes in the motorcycle that can make it much harder to handle. Here are a few things to avoid:

• highway pegs mounted on the front of the motorcycle to allow the rider to lean back. These pegs delay the operator’s ability to reach the foot brake in an emergency.

• Sissy Bars, a high bar or frame mounted on the back of the seat, can change the motorcycle’s center of gravity and affect its balance when loaded, while preventing the operator and passenger from getting off the motorcycle in a hurry. Extended handlebars, which extend above the operator’s shoulders, are illegal in New Jersey.

aPPEnDIx


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Driver Safety

) TRaffIC SIGnS, SIGnalS anD ROaD MaRkInGSTrafficsigns,signalsandroadmarkingsaresetuptocontroltheflowoftraffic,making streets and highways safer for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.Asafedriveralwayswatchesforandobeysall trafficsignals,signsandroadmarkings.Duringheavytrafficorinanemergency,apoliceofficermaydirecttraffic.Apoliceofficercanoverruletrafficsignals.Lawenforcementordersordirectionsmustalwaysbeobeyed.

Court penalties will be imposed for stealing or damaging airport, traffic orrailroad-crossingsignsorequipment.

trAffic siGnALsWhentrafficsignalsarehungvertically,theredlightisalwaysontop.Theyellowisinthecenter.Thegreenlightisthirdinline.Ifthereisagreenarrow,itisalwaysonthebottom.Whenthelightsarehorizontal,redisalwaysontheleft.

reD LiGhtAmotoristmuststopbeforetheintersectionorcrosswalkandremainstoppeduntilthelightchangestogreen.

yeLLOw LiGhtA motorist should stop before entering the intersection orcrosswalk,unlesshis/hervehicleissoclosetotheintersectionthatitcannotbestoppedsafely.Ayellowarrowmeansthesignalischangingfromgreentoredandgivesthemotoristachancetostopsafely.

Green LiGhtAmotoristshouldproceedthroughthe intersection.Yield topedestriansandvehiclesstillintheintersectionandwhenturningleftorright.Beforemakingaleftturn,yieldtoapproachingvehicles.

Green ArrOwWhenshownaloneorincombinationwiththeredsignal,proceedonlyasshownbythearrow.Becautiousandyieldtopedestrians.

fLAshinG yeLLOw LiGhtSlowdownandproceedwithcare.


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fLAshinG reD LiGhtStop.Yieldtotrafficandpedestrians.Goonlywhensafe.

unLit siGnALStopifasignaldoesnothaveanyofitsbulbsworkingandnooneisdirectingtraffic.Itisconsideredafour-waystopsign.Lookleftandright.Yieldtotrafficcomingfromtherightorleft.Becarefulandgoonlywhensafe.

OrAnGe, steADy rAiseD-PALm symbOLPedestriansmustnotleavethesidewalkorentertheroadwaywhenfacingthelight.Thosealreadyintheroadwayshouldquicklygotoasafespot.Pedestriansalreadywithinthecrosswalkwillhavetimetocrosstheintersectionbeforethesignalchanges.Thosewhohavenotyetleftthesidewalkorcurbshouldnotentertheroadway.

white, steADy PeDestriAn siLhOuette/cOuntDOwn PeDestriAn siGn with steADy PeDestriAn siLhOuettePedestriansfacingthesignalmaycrosstheroadway in thedirectionof thesignal. New Jersey law requires turning motorists to yield to pedestrianscrossingonthissignalandtopedestriansinthecrosswalk.

Pedestrianpush-buttonsare locatedat certain traffic signals.A short timeafterthebuttonispushed,theflowoftrafficattheintersectionchangestoalongergreenforthesidestreet.

Trafficengineersusecolor,suchasanoptionalyellow-greenorastandardyellow, for the pedestrian crossing and bicycle warning signs which are ofutmost importance.ThesesignsalertNewJerseymotorists that theymustsharetheroadwithpedestriansandbicyclistsandyieldtothem.

) TRaffIC SIGnSSignsaredividedintothreebasiccategories:

•Warning:Warnmotoristsofhazardsaheadthataredifficulttosee.

•guidance:Guidemotoriststoadestinationbyclearlyidentifyingtheroute.

•regulatory:Regulatetrafficspeedandmovement.

The signs are manufactured in different shapes and colors to convey aparticularmessage.Examplesof thevarioussign types, shapesandcolorsarefoundinthediagramonthenextpage.

1Whenthemaximumsafespeedaroundacurveorturnislowerthanthepostedspeedlimit,anadvisoryspeedsignisusedwiththeproperwarningsign.

wArninG siGnsWarningsignsareforroadconditionsthatneedcautionandforspecifichazardsthatmaybeencounteredduringcertain roadoperations.Someof thewarningsignsalertmotoriststoroadconditions,schoolcrossingsorcurvedroadways.Thesignsareyellowanddiamond-shapedwithablacksymbolorwordmessage.

rOAD wOrK siGnsRoadworksignsalertmotoriststoavarietyoftemporaryroadwayconditions.Itisimportanttolookfor:

• Orange,diamond-shapedsignsthatwarnthemotoristoflaneclosings,laneshifts,flaggers,unevenpavementanddetours.Roadworkmaytemporarilycloselanesordivertthem,changingtrafficpatterns

• Reducedspeedlimitsignsthatarepostedalongsideorangeworkzonesigns.InNewJersey,alltrafficfinesaredoubledinworkzones.

Color ShApe # of SideS meSSAge

White Verticalrectangle 4Regulation(suchasspeedsigns)1

Blue Rectangle,square 4Motoristsservicesandinformation

Brown Rectangle 4Publicrecreationandscenicguidance

Green Rectangle 4 Directionguidance

Orange Diamond 4Constructionandmaintenancewarning

Red Octagon 8 STOPsignsonly

Red Triangle 3 YIELDsigns

Yellow Pennant 3 No-passingwarningsigns

Yellow Pentagon 5 Schoolsigns

Yellow Round Railroadwarningsigns

Yellow Diamond 4 Roadwayhazardsigns


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AMotoristshouldreacttoroadworksignsby:• Controllingthedistancebetweenhis/hervehicleandtheoneinfront,as

wellashis/herreactiontime.Alwaysreadthesigns,followdirectionsandpreparetoslowdownorstop

• Stayingalerttothemovingconstructionmachineryintheworkzone.Withpatience,amotoristwillcontributetotheoverallsafetyofmotoristsandworkersintheworkzone

• Watchingforworkersontheroad,whoriskinjury,possiblydeath.Flaggersmaystopandreleasetrafficthroughtheworkzone.Notethatflaggershavethesameauthorityasaregulatorysign,soamotoristmaybecitedifhe/shedisobeystheirdirections.

GuiDAnce siGnsGuidancesignsidentifydestinationsandroutesformotorists;someexamplesareshownonpages174-176.

motorist Service SignsMotoristservicesignshavewhitelettersorsymbolsonabluebackgroundandprovide information about motorist services. Some examples are shown onpages174and175.

reGuLAtOry siGnsRegulatorysignsaregenerallyrectangular,withthelongerverticaldimension,andhaveblackwordingandbordersonawhitebackground.Someimportantregulatorysignstoknoware:

• Stop:Octagonalsignwithwhitewordingandborderonredbackground

• Yield:Whiteinvertedtrianglewithredwordingandborderwithawhiteborderband

• do not enter:Whitesquarewitharedcirclethathasawhitebandhorizontallyacrossthecenterofthecircleandthewords “DONOTENTER”inwhitelettersontheupperandlowerpartsofthecircle

TwonationalsignsthatindicatewherecertaininterstatetruckscanorcannottravelarenowbeingusedinNewJersey:

• green:Markstheroutesandrampswheretrucksarepermitted;alsomarksthetravelroutetoservicesandterminals

• red:Markstheroutesandrampswheretrucksareprohibited;alsomarkstheendofdesignatedroutes

rOAD mArKinGsRoadmarkingshavethesameforceoflawassignsortrafficsignals.

• Yellow center lines:Separatetrafficflowgoinginoppositedirections

• White lines:Separatetrafficgoingthesamewaywhenthereismore thanonelane;showedgesofroads

• dashed lines:Onamotorist’ssideofthecenterlineoftheroadmean thatpassingispermittedwhensafe

• Solid line:Onamotorist’ssideofthecenterlinemeansdonotpass

• road arrows:Whenusedwithothersigns,showthecorrectdirectionamotoristmustmakeinthatparticularlane

• White dashed lines:Separatetrafficlanesonmulti-lanehighways

• double yellow and white solid lines:Prohibitpassing.Donotcross the

solidyellowlinetopass.Stayinthelane.Keeptotherightwhendrivingslowly

• Yellow solid and dashed lines:Controlpassing.Ifthesolidyellowlineisonthemotorist’ssideoftheroad,donotpass.Passonlyifthedashedlineisonthemotorist’ssideoftheroad.Apassmustbecompletedbeforetheyellowdashedlinesbecomesolid

• edge lines: Separate the shoulder from the travel lane and show the edgesofhighways;Yellow edge linesseparatetheshoulderfromthe travellaneandshowtheedgeofthehighway

• White crosswalks:Indicatepedestriancrossingareas.Pedestriansshouldusetheseareaswhencrossingtheroad.Atintersectionswherestoplinesaremissingstopbeforethecrosswalkwhenrequiredtostopbytrafficsignsorsignalsorforpedestrians

• White stop lines:Showwheretostopatstopsignsortrafficsignals

• White special markings:Showspecialconditions,suchasSTOPAHEAD, SCHOOL and R X R, as a motorist alert. At some railroadcrossings, theremaybeacrossbuck,flashing lightsand/orgate loweredacrosstheroadasatrainapproaches.Thepavementmarkings,signsandcrossbucksarepassivewarnings;theflashinglightsandloweredgatesareactivewarnings.Amotoristmustalwaysyieldtotrains

• White diamonds:Indicatehighoccupancyvehicle(HOV)lanesreservedforaparticularvehicletypeorvehiclescarryingmultipleriders,asidentifiedbyposted regulatorysigns.Suchsignswillalso indicatehours thatHOVlanesareinoperation.HOVlanesmayalsobemarkedwithwhitediamondspaintedonthepavementofthelane


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sPeciAL wArninG siGnsThese signs alert motorists to slow-moving vehicles. A fluorescent andreflectiveorangetriangularsignindicatesslow-movingvehicles,suchasfarmandconstructionequipmentoperatingonpublichighways.Theoperatorsmustobeyalltrafficrulesandplaceaslow-movingvehiclesignonthebackoftheirvehiclestowarnapproachingmotorists.

rumbLe striPsTransverse and longitudinal rumble strips are small indentations or narrow,raisedstripsonthehighwayorshoulderthatareputtheretoalertthemotoristthereisadecisionpointahead(suchasafour-wayintersectionaftermilesofuninterruptedtravel).Asthestripsvibratethesteeringwheelandmakeanoise,they will wake the motorist who may have dozed off or caution the motoristabout the danger ahead. Rumble strips will not damage a vehicle. They aremeant to get a motorist to drive slowly. They are almost always used with acautionarysign.

sPeeD humPs/sPeeD bumPsOthertypesofspeedcontroldevicesincludespeedhumpsandspeedbumps.Aspeedhumpisalowridgethatrunsacrossastreetandthatisdesignedtoslowdowncars.Aspeedhumpisalonger,flatterversionofaspeedbump,whichismoreraised.

rOunDAbOutsAroundaboutisaone-way,circularintersectioninwhichtrafficflowsaroundacenterisland.Roundaboutsaredesignedtomeettheneedsofallroadusers–drivers,pedestrians,pedestrianswithdisabilities,andbicyclists.Aroundabouteliminatessomeoftheconflictingtraffic,suchasleftturns,whichcausecrashesat traditional intersections. Because roundabout traffic enters or exits onlythroughrightturns,theoccurrenceofseverecrashesissubstantiallyreduced.

Sharp Turn Ahead

Winding Road Merge Hill Lane Reduction Ahead

Cross Road Railroad School Slippery When Wet

Hospital Handicapped Yield Ahead Signal Ahead

Workers Flagman Ahead Detour Road Closed

Stop Left Turn Only No Trucks Multiple Turning Lanes

Do Not Enter No U-Turns No Parking Any Time Do Not Pass

Divided Highway Cattle Crossing


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Sharp Turn Ahead

Winding Road Merge Hill Lane Reduction Ahead

Cross Road Railroad School Slippery When Wet

Hospital Handicapped Yield Ahead Signal Ahead

Workers Flagman Ahead Detour Road Closed

Stop Left Turn Only No Trucks Multiple Turning Lanes

Do Not Enter No U-Turns No Parking Any Time Do Not Pass

Divided Highway Cattle Crossing

Advisory Ramp Speed Side Road No Passing Zone Stop Sign Ahead

Two-Lane Traffic Road Narrows Road Closed Reserved Parking

U.S. Route Marker State Route Marker Rest Area Stop Here on Red

County Route Marker Exit Marker Mile Marker No Standing AnyTime

No Pedestrians No Turns Left Turn Only Interstate

Left or StraightOnly

Bus/Car Pool Lane One Way Keep Right

Wrong Way Yield No Right Turn

Advisory Ramp Speed Side Road No Passing Zone Stop Sign Ahead

Two-Lane Traffic Road Narrows Road Closed Reserved Parking

U.S. Route Marker State Route Marker Rest Area Stop Here on Red

County Route Marker Exit Marker Mile Marker No Standing AnyTime

No Pedestrians No Turns Left Turn Only Interstate

Left or StraightOnly

Bus/Car Pool Lane One Way Keep Right

Wrong Way Yield No Right Turn


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MVC locations


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) MVC faCIlITIESWith at least one location in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties, the MVCprovides numerous customer services. Driver testing and licensing, vehicletitling and registration, driver conferences, restoration of driving privilegesandsurchargefeepaymentsareofferedatvariedsitesthroughoutthestate.Please refer to the following pages and/or www.njmvc.gov for specificsiteinformation.

) InSPECTIOn faCIlITIESThereareseveraltypesofinspectionfacilitiesavailabletoNewJerseymotorists.

Central inspection facilities provide services in various locations. Thesefacilities inspect all types of standard vehicles. Some central inspectionfacilities require an appointment. See www.njinspections.com for moreinformation.

private inspection facilities are in more than 1,100 locations statewide,includingatgasstationsandbodyrepairshops.Thesefacilitieswillperformstandardvehicle inspections fora fee.Foracomplete listofMVC-approvedPrivateinspectionfacilities,visitwww.njinspections.com.

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) MVC COnTaCT InfORMaTIOnby PhOne:general customer information (888) 486-3339toll-freeinNewJersey(609)292-6500outofstate(609)292-5120TTY

Customer service representatives are available MondaythroughFriday,8:30a.m. to4:30p.m.Detailedrecordedinformation is available after-hours, seven days a week,includingholidays.

license suspensions and restorations (609)292-7500

Vehicle inspection information (888)NJMOTOR(888-656-6867)toll-freeinNewJersey(609)895-6886outofstate

www.njinspections.com

CustomerservicerepresentativesareavailableMondaythroughThursday,8:30a.m.to5p.m.,Friday8a.m.to4:30p.m.,andSaturday8a.m.tonoon.

by mAiL:to return passenger registration renewal applications: MotorVehicleCommissionP.O.Box009Trenton,NJ08666-0009

to return commercial registration renewal applications:MotorVehicleCommissionP.O.Box008Trenton,NJ08666-0008


207

mvc

inFO

rmAt

iOn

s &

hO

urs

to report changes or corrections to registrations and titles:

motor Vehicle Commission DatabaseCorrectionUnitP.O.Box141Trenton,NJ08666-0141

to pay a surcharge bill: NJ-SVSP.O.Box4850Trenton,NJ08650-4850

to return license plates: MotorVehicleCommissionP.O.Box403Trenton,NJ08666-0403

for questions relating to suspensions, violations and restorations:MotorVehicleCommissionP.O.Box134Trenton,NJ08666-0403

for all other mVC inquiries: MotorVehicleCommissionP.O.Box403Trenton,NJ08666-0403

OnLine: www.njmvc.gov

Talking on a hand-held phone or texting while driving is against the law.

No conversation is worth a ticket or your life.

No conversation is worth a ticket or your life.

www.njmvc.gov

R0712

Governor Chris Christielt. Governor Kim GuadagnoChair and Chief administrator raymond p. Martinez

new jersey - driver manual

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