ManualDriver
TheNew 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
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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 Next-of-Kin Registry (Saras Law)24 Hearing-Impaired Designation25 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)
Amotoristwho changes addressesmust report this change to theMVCwithinoneweekaftermoving.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 licenseCDL-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 theMVCsGraduatedDriverLicense(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 licensemust provide a full name,current address, Social Security number, 6 Points of ID Verification andother documentation that verifies that their legal presence in theUnitedStates 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)
Driversunderage21,whopossessanexaminationpermitorprobationarylicense, shall not operate amotor vehiclewithout displaying two visible,reflectiveGDLdecals,whichareprovidedbytheMotorVehicleCommission,onthelicenseplatesofthevehicle(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 inthelossofamotoristsdrivingprivilege,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 licenseorasanendorsement (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,suchaslakes,creeksorrivers,thatarenotaffectedbytidalconditions.Allpersonswhowishtooperatea power vessel must possess a Boating SafetyCertificateandpresentitwhenapplyingforaboatlicense. For more information about New Jerseyboatingrequirements,visittheStatePoliceMarineServices 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
1K-Knowledge, V-Vision, R-Road, C-Commercial2Oruntilabasiclicenseisobtainedat18yearsofage.3Motoristmustreturntoagencyinoneyeartohavelicenseupgraded.Feeis$18.00.4CDLapplicantsmustbeatleast18yearsold.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 thefollowingpagestoselectyourdocuments,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. citizensmay 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=Certifiedmarriageor civil union certificate, divorce decree orcourtorder linking thenewnamewithapreviousname.U.S.passport isnotproof of legal name change. A divorce decreemay 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 JerseyCity/HudsonCounty 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-94stampedRefugee,Parolee,AsyleeorNoticeofAc-tion(FormI-797approvedpetition)byINSorUSCIS
ValidI-94withattachedphotostampedProcessedforI-551byINSorUSCIS
3-point document: Currentphotoemploymentauthori-zationcard(FormI-688BorI-766).MustbepresentedwithvalidSocialSecuritycard.
2-point documents: Currentalienregistrationcard(oldFormI-551)withoutexpirationdateandwithINSorUSCISverification
Phototemporaryresidentcard(FormI-688)
Choose primary DoCumentsYoumustshowatleastoneofthese
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3-point documents:
Civilmarriage,domesticpartner-shiporcivilunioncertificateissuedbythemunicipalityinwhichthecer-emonyoccurred.Pleasenote:Pho-tocopiesorcertificatesissuedbyreligiousentitiesarenotacceptable
Orderordecreeofdivorce,dissolutionortermination(seeIm-portantInformationp.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
ATMcardwithpreprintednameandapplicantssignature.(Pleasenote:AnATMcardandbankstatementcannotbesubmittedtogether.)
Currenthealthinsurancecard,pre-scriptioncardoremployeeIDcardwithprintedpaystub
Stateprofessionallicense
NJpublicassistancecardwithphoto(alsoknownasaNJSocialServicesIDcard)
Highschooldiploma,GEDorcollegediploma
Propertytaxstatement,billorreceiptissuedbyaNewJerseymunicipality
ForNJhighschoolstudents:awaivercertificateforthewrittenportionofthedriverstest
VeteransAffairsuniversalaccessphotoIDcard
2 Choose secondary DoCumentsYoumustshowatleastoneofthese
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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$100orapossiblesuspensionofamotoristsdrivingprivilege.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10and39:3-13through39:13.8)
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OptiOn
MVCwillvalidateSpecialLearnerPermitsONLYaftertrainingcoursecompletion.
GET a SPECIaL LEaRNER PERMITMustbeatleast16yearsold
Musthavesignedparentorguardianconsent
Mustbeenrolledinapprovedbehind-the-wheeldrivertrainingcoursethroughtheN.J.DepartmentofEducationorcommercialdrivingschool
Anapprovedinstructormustpurchasethepermit
MustpassMVCsknowledgeandvisiontests
Mustpayrequiredfee
SteP 1
GRaDuaTED
DRIVER
LICENSE The early Bird road OptiOn
PRaCTICE wITH aN aDuLT SuPERVISING DRIVERMustobservespeciallearnerpermitdrivingrestrictions
Mustpracticeatleastsixmonths
GET a PRObaTIONaRy LICENSEMusthavecompletedsixmonthsofsuperviseddrivingwithoutanysuspensionsorpostponements
MustpassMVCsroadtest
Mustbeatleast17yearsold
SteP 3
wITH a PRObaTIONaRy DRIVER LICENSEMustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear
Mustobserveprobationarydriverlicenserestrictions
SteP 4
GET THE baSIC DRIVER LICENSEMustbeatleast18yearsold
Musthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddrivingwithprobationarydriverlicenserestrictions
Mustpayrequiredfee
SteP 5
Note:PermitmaynotbeusedforpracticedrivinguntilvalidatedatanMVCDriverTestingCenter.
A
SteP 2
GRaDuaTED
DRIVER
LICENSE The young adulT road OptiOn
GET aN ExaMINaTION PERMITMustpassMVCsknowledgeandvisiontest
Mustbeatleast17yearsold
Mustpayrequiredfee
Mustobtainparentorguardianconsentifyouareunder18yearsofage
SteP 1
PRaCTICE SuPERVISED DRIVINGMustpracticewithanadultsupervisingdriver
Mustpracticeatleastsixmonths
Mustobserveexamination-permitdrivingrestrictions
SteP 2
GET a PRObaTIONaRy LICENSEMusthavecompletedsixmonthsofsuperviseddrivingwithoutanysuspensionsorpostponements
MustpassMVCsroadtest
SteP 3
PRaCTICE uNSuPERVISED DRIVINGMustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear
Mustfollowprobationarydriverlicenserestrictions
SteP 4
GET THE baSIC DRIVER LICENSEMustbeatleast18yearsold
Musthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddriving
Mustpayrequiredfee
SteP 5
B
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GRaDuaTED
DRIVER
LICENSE The adulT road OptiOn CGET aN ExaMINaTION PERMIT
Mustbeatleast21yearsold
MustpassMVCsknowledgeandvisiontests
Mustpayrequiredfee
SteP 1
PRaCTICE SuPERVISED DRIVINGMustpracticewithanadultsupervisingdriver
Mustpracticeatleastthreemonths
Mustobserveexaminationpermitdrivingrestrictions
SteP 2
GET a PRObaTIONaRy LICENSEMusthavecompletedthreemonthsofsupervised drivingwithoutanysuspensionsorpostponements
MustpassMVCsroadtest
SteP 3
PRaCTICE uNSuPERVISED DRIVINGMustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear
Mustfollowapplicableprobationarydriverlicenserestrictions
SteP 4
GET THE baSIC DRIVER LICENSEMusthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddriving
Mustpayrequiredfee
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.
Mustdisplaydecalsonlicenseplates.
^^ probationary driver License restrictions Nodrivingbetween11:01p.m.and5:00a.m.1
Nousinghand-heldorhands-freecellphonesoranyotherelectronicdevices.
Passengersarelimitedtodependantsoftheprobationarylicenseholder
andoneadditionalperson,unlessaccompaniedbyaparent/guardian.
Probationarylicenseholderandallpassengersmustwearseatbelts.
Mustdisplaydecalsonlicenseplates.
1IftheExaminationPermitorProbationaryLicenseholderis21yearsofageorolder,hourandpassengerrestrictionsdonotapply.
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New Jersey
Garden Stateg d l
NNewNewNew JJersJersJerseyeyey
Garden Stateg d l
New Jersey
Garden Stateg d l
gdL decaLAllGDLdriversunderage21,whopossessapermit orprobationary license, arerequiredtodisplaytwovisible,redreflectivedecals,distributedthroughtheMVC,onanyvehiclethattheyoperate.Onedecalistobedisplayedonthetopleftcorneroftherearlicenseplateandtheotheronthetopleftcornerofthefrontlicenseplate.Thetwo,removabledecalsareprovidedtoadriveratthetimeapermitisissuedforafeeof$4.Additionaldecalsareavailablefor$4perpairatanyMVCagency.(39:3-13and39:3-13.4f)
gdL driver exemptionsExemptionstothehoursruleforpermitandprobationarydriversunder21years:Proofofaneedtodriveduringtheprohibitedhoursforemploymentand/orreligion.Foranexemption,themotoristmustcarryalegiblecertificationtoindicatethisneedfromhis/heremployerorreligiousofficialontheofficialletterheadofthebusiness,organizationorreligiousinstitution,withthesignatureofthecertifyingofficialandhis/hername,title,addressandphonenumber.(N.J.A.C.13:21-8.18)
Note: If the student driver commits a trafficoffense, responsibilitywill bewithboth the student and instructor or adult supervising driver. All motorists whopossess a probationary driver license, whose probationary licensing periodis not extended by the MVC beyond the standard 12 months, must visit anMVC agency to upgrade to a basic driver license after the end of those 12months. Motorists who fail to do so will remain subject to the probationarydriver license restrictions and could be cited by law enforcement for violatingtherestrictions.
speciaL Learner permits for new Jersey residents AnyNewJerseyresidentwho isat least16yearsoldand isnot insuspensionstatus can obtain a special learner permit at anyMVC agency. The applicantmusthavethesignedconsentofhis/herparentorguardian,mustbeenrolledinabehind-the-wheeldrivertrainingcourseapprovedbytheNewJerseyDepartmentofEducationor conductedbya commercial driving school, andmustpass theMVCsknowledgetestandvisionscreening.Anapprovedcourseissixfullhoursof behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual-controlled vehicle. These hours areexclusiveoftimespentattheMVCforpermitpurchasingortesting.Theinstructormustpurchasethepermit,whichisvalidfortwoyears.(N.J.S.A.39:3-13.1)
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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 whichMVC 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.
Out-of-statedriverswhoareunder18yearsofageandmovetoNewJerseyaresubjecttothisstatesGDLProgram.IftheywishtoapplyforaNewJerseylicense, they should follow the steps outlined for special and examination
Afteranapplicantfillsouttheformwithhis/herpersonalinformationandprovides6PointsofIDVerificationand,ifapplicable,proofthattheU.S.governmentauthorizeshis/herpresenceinthiscountry,theinstructorcanpurchaseapermitatanyMVCagency.
Uponcompletionoftheapproveddrivertrainingcourseandbeforepracticedriving,thepermitholdermusthavethepermitvalidatedatanyMVCDriverTestingCenter.
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permitholders.PermitsmaybepurchasedatanyMVCagencyuponpresentingtherequiredproofofageand6PointIDVerification.Applicantsarerequiredtopassavisionscreeningtest.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: Amotoristmust 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 idAn individual, 14 years of age or older, who does not possess a valid driverlicensemayapplyforanon-driveridentificationcard.Toobtainanidentificationcard,theindividualmustshowproofofageandprovide6PointsofIDVerificationandproofthathis/herpresenceinthiscountryisauthorizedunderfederallaw.Thecostis$24.Thenon-driverIDmustbesurrenderediftheindividualappliesforandreceivesaNewJerseydriverlicense.(N.J.S.A.39:3-29.2to39:3-29.8)
next-of-Kin registry (saras Law)TheNext-of-KinRegistryisaNewJerseystatewidewebbasedsystemthatallowsindividualsatleast14yearsofagetovoluntarilysubmitandmaintainemergencycontact information through theNewJerseyMotor VehicleCommission. Thisnon-public informationwillonlybeusedby lawenforcementofficersto locatedesignatedemergencycontactsinaneventthatapersonisinvolvedinamotorvehiclecrashthatrendershimorherunabletocommunicate.
Any individual who legally possesses New Jersey-issued drivers license,probationarylicense,learnerspermit,non-driveridentificationcardoranyotherMVC-issuedpermitorlicenseauthorizinganindividualtooperateamotorvehicleorvessel(i.e.,boat)mayutilizetheregistry.Additionally,individualsasyoungas14yearsoldmayutilizetheNext-of-KinRegistrytosubmitemergencycontactsiftheyapplyforanon-driveridentificationcard.
hearing-impaired designationA special driver license for deaf or hearing-impaired motorists (41 dB lossormore) is provided by theMVC. To obtain this license, which is designatedwiththeinternationalsymbolofthedeaforanumericalcode,amotoristmustcompleteanapplication,availableatanyMVCagency.Verificationbyaphysicianoraudiologistisrequired.(N.J.S.A.39:3-11a)
commerciaL driver License (cdL)Therearethreeclassesofacommerciallicense;A,B,andC.However,noonecanapplyfortheselicensesuntilhe/sheisinpossessionofavalidbasicClassDNewJerseydriverlicenseorhe/shepossessesavalidout-of-stateCDL.
New Jersey Driver MaNual www.njmvc.gov
Class A:Licenseisnecessaryfortheoperationoftractortrailersoranytruckortrailerwithagrosscombinationweightrating(GCWR)of26,001poundsormore,provided thegross vehicleweight rating (GVWR)of the vehiclebeing towed ismorethan10,000pounds.TheClassAlicensealsoallowsthemotoristtooperateallvehiclesintheclassB,CandDcategories,providedthemotoristhasqualifiedforalltheproperextraendorsements.Seethechartonpage25.
Class B:LicenseisnecessaryfortheoperationofanyvehiclewithaGVWRof26,001poundsormore:
Avehiclewithagrossvehicleweightratingof26,001poundsormoretowingatrailerwithagrossvehicleweightratingoflessthan10,000pounds
Abuswithagrossvehicleweightratingof26,001poundsormoredesigned totransport16ormorepassengers,includingthedriver
AClassBlicenseallowsthemotoristtooperateallvehiclesintheClassCandDcategories,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 licenseisLforairbrakes.Thismeansthemotoristmaynotoperateavehicleequippedwithairbrakes,ifdesignatedonthelicense.
commerciaL driver manuaLFormoreinformationoncommercialmotorvehiclelicensing,refertotheMVCsCommercialDriverManual.AllCDL testsarebasedon informationcontainedin themanual.Togetacopy,visitanyMVCagencyor regionalservicecenterorview/requestitonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.Manualsmayalsobeobtainedbycalling(888) 486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate.
commerciaL License endorsementsMostcommercialdriverswillneedtoobtainatleastonespecialendorsement.AnexampleofanendorsementonacommerciallicenseisHforhazardousmaterials,whichmeansthatthemotoristmaylegallytransporthazardousmaterials.
CoDe VehiCLe enDoRSeMent SPeCiAL RequiReMent
T DoubleandTripleTrailer Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclespullingtwoorthreetrailers
Requiresaknowledgetest.ClassAlicenserequiredtooperatethistypeofvehicle
P Passenger Neededbyoperatorsofbusesorsimilarvehiclesusedtotransportpassengers
Requiresaroadtest.Otherspecialrequirementsarenecessary(seeCDLManual)
S SchoolBus Neededbyallschoolbusdrivers Requiresaknowledgeandroadtest.MotoristswhoholdanSendorsementwillalsohavetotestforaPendorsement.Botharerequiredtooperateaschoolbus
N TankerVehicle Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclesusedtotransportliquidsorgasinbulk
Requiresaknowledgetest.
H HazardousMaterials Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclesusedtotransporthazardousmaterials
Requiresaknowledgetest.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: AninterpretercertifiedbytheNationalRegistryofInterpretersfortheDeafandlistedwiththeNewJerseyDivisionoftheDeaf
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 appLicantsApplicantsmaytransferavalidout-of-statelicensetoNewJersey.Out-of-stateapplicantsbetween17and18yearsofagewhopossessavalidout-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 driversmust carry amedical examinersfitness 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, theMVCwill validate his/her permit so that he/she can practice.GDL permit holders under 21 yearsof agemust have aminimumof sixmonths 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
Norentalcarsarepermittedunlessthetestapplicantsnameislistedasadriverontherentalagreement
Applicantmustbeaccompaniedbyalicenseddriver.(Theaccompanyingdrivermustholdavalidlicensetooperatethetypeofvehicleforwhichtheapplicanthasapermit,exceptforamoped.)
Note:Vehiclesregisteredoutofstatemustcomplywithmotoristshomestateslawswithregardtoinsuranceidentification.
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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.Iftheapplicantsvehiclehasastandardtransmission,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.
reasons for reJectionMostapplicantsbelievethattheirdrivingperformanceistheonlycriteriontheexaminerusestogradetheirroadtest.However,thevehiclemaybethecauseoffailure.Somelicenseapplicantsmaynothavetheopportunitytotakeaninitialroadtestbecauseanexaminerconsidersthevehicleunsuitableorunsafeforthetest.
HerearesomeofthemorecommonreasonstheMVCrejectsroadtestvehicles: Improper,expiredornoinspectionsticker
Lackofexamineraccesstofootbrakeorparkingbrake
Anydefectorconditionthataffectsthesafeoperationofthetestvehicle,suchasbutnotlimitedto:Poorbrakes(pedalmustnotfadeorgotothefloorboard)ParkingbrakedoesntworkUnsafetires(smooth,cut,badlyworn)VehicleinteriorisnotinreasonablycleanconditionVehiclefailedinspection,andmotoristdoesnotbringtheVehicleInspectionReportissuedbytheinspectionstationtoroadtestarea
Fastengineidle(cannotjudgespeedcontrol)Missingseatbelts(seatbeltsarerequiredonallvehiclesmanufacturedafterJuly1,1966)
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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 Jerseys 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 Jerseys seat beLt LawUnderstate law,thedriverandallpassengersofapassengervehicle(ie.car,van,pickuptruckandSUV)mustwearaseatbelt.Thefailureofadriver,front-seat passenger and children under age 18 to wear a seatbelt is a primaryoffense.Thedriverisresponsibleforallpassengersunderage18.Front-seatpassengers18yearsofageandoverareresponsibleforthemselves.Apoliceofficercanstopamotoristsolely foraviolationof theseatbelt law.Underasecondary law,allunbuckledbackseatoccupants18yearsofageandolder,maybeissuedasummonsifthevehicleisstoppedforanotherreason.MotoristswithGDLpermitsorprobationarylicensesmustuseseatbelts.Additionally,theymustrequireallpassengersseatedanywhereinthevehicletouseseatbelts.(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 motorists chances of surviving acrashby60percent.Amotoristschancesofsurvivingacollisionarethreetofour timesbetter if he/she iswearingbotha seat belt anda shoulder strap.Fastening a seat belt takesonly three seconds and reduces the chancesofdeathorseriousinjury.Seatbeltshelpinmanyways,forexample:
Theykeepmotoristsandpassengersfrombeingthrownfromthevehicleinacollision.Ifamotorist/passengerisheldinplace,anyinjurymaybelesssevere.
Theyslowabodydownwiththevehicle.Ifavehiclehitssomething,thevehiclestops,butthepersonkeepsgoingatthesamespeedthatthevehiclewasmoving.Hittingthedashboardorwindshieldat30mphislikefallingfromthetopofathree-storybuilding.
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Theykeepamotorist/passengerfromslidingontheseatduringsudden
stopsandturns.Beltsandstrapsalsokeepamotoristinpositionso
he/shecancontrolthevehicle.
Tips for seaT BelT useBuckleupwithbothlapandshoulderbeltsoneverytrip.(Airbagsaresupplementalprotectiondevices.)
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/herheightandweight.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 comewith 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 ina 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)ortherearseatistoosmalltoholdthechildsrear-facingseat,orthemotoristmustmonitorthechildsmedicalcondition;forindividualswhomustplacechildren,1to12yearsold,inthefrontseatbecausethevehiclehasnorearseat,orbecausetheindividualmusttransportmorechildrenthancanbeseatedintherearseat,orbecausethemotoristmustmonitorthechildsmedicalcondition.
Formore information about an air bagon-off switch or for an application torequest one, call NHTSAs toll-free Auto SafetyHotline at (800) 424-9393.Informationisalsoavailableonlineatwww.nhtsa.gov.
Childrenofanyagearesafestwhentheyarebeltedproperlyinthebackseatofavehicle,especiallywhenthevehicleisequippedwithapassenger-sideairbag.Othersafetypointsare:
Alwaysputaninfantinarear-facinginfantchildsafetyseatinthebackseatofavehiclewithairbags.
Alwaysbesurethatchildren12yearsoldandyoungerrideinthebackseatofthevehicle.
Alwaysmakesureeveryoneisbuckledup.
Amotoristcantellifhis/hervehiclehasanairbagbythewordsairbagorthelettersSRS(supplementalrestraintsystem)orSIR(supplementalinflatablerestraint) on the steeringwheel and dashboard panel.Manufacturers alsomaymarkthesunvisorsor thesidesoftheopendoorframewithwarninglabelsorenterawarninginthevehicleownersmanual.
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.
braKesAmotorist should be able to brake smoothly and quickly. If the vehicle pullstoonesidewhenitstopsoramotoristfeelsatautpedalorhearsanunusualsquealingorgrinding,thebrakesmustbechecked.Withconventionaldiscanddrumbrakes, 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 andmaintain a speedconsistentwiththeroadconditions.
braKe LightsIfavehiclesbrakelightsarenotworking,someonemaycrashintoitfromtheback.Amotoristshouldhavesomeonehelptocheckthebrakelights.Replacebrokenlightcovers.Theymaycauseaglarethataffectsthemotoristinback.
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headLightsBright and dim lightsmust work and be in line. Amotorist can check themagainstthegaragewalloronparkedvehicles.Lightsshouldbekeptclean. Ifothermotoristsflash their lightswhileamotorists lightsareon lowbeam, itcouldmeanthatthelightsareoutofline.
hornAhornshouldnotbeoverused,butamotoristshouldcheck itoftentomakesureitworks.Usethehorntosignalwhenpassingorwhencomingoutofablindalley,curveordriveway.
steeringOnstraight level roadsavehicleshouldholdastraightcourse.Thefrontendshouldnotvibrate(shimmy).Thesteeringshouldrespondtoamotoriststurnswithouttoomuchplayinthesteeringwheel.
taiL LightsAlwayskeeptailandsidelightsinworkingorder.Theysignalothermotoristsinthedarkandpreventaccidents.
tiresIfamotoristfeelsorhearsanyunusualthumpingwhiledriving,he/sheshouldcheck the tires.Bumps,cutsorbad treadcancauseblowouts.Tirepressureshouldbecheckedoften,especiallywhentiresarecold.Amotoristshouldchecktheownersmanualtodeterminepropertirepressureorshouldaskforadviceataservicestation.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.Awindshield should be clean at all times, inside and out.Windshieldwipersshouldalwayswork.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,regardlessofwhetheranysnowor iceisdislodged fromvehicle. If dislodgedsnowor icecauses injuryorpropertydamage,finesupto$1,500maybeassessed.
starting a parKed carBefore getting into a vehicle, look behind it and in front of it. There are blindspots once amotorist is behind thewheel. Childrenmay be there. There alsomay be bottles, cans, bicycles or other things that cannot be seen from themotoristsseat.
starting checKList Allwindowsshouldbecleanandnothingshouldblockamotoristsvision.
Theseatmustbeadjustedsoamotoristcanreachallpedalsandcontrolseasily.(Formostmotorists,theseatmaybeadjustedsohe/sheissittinganarmslengthfromsteeringwheel).
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 amotorist needs is visual. Tofightglare at night, coloredlensesshouldbeavoidedastheydistortcolor.Anti-reflectivecoatingsshould
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AREA OF FORWARD VISION
BLIND AREABLIND AREA
AREA OF REARVIEW
MIRROR VISION
LEFTSIDE
MIRROR
RIGHTSIDE
MIRROR
BLIND SPOTS WHILE DRIVING
beusedonlenses.Thiswillhelpeliminateinternalreflectionsineyeglassesandmayhelpnightdriving.Amotoristshouldhaveaneyecheckupeverytwoyears.Asamotoristages, visualclaritydeclinesandperipheral visionbecomes lessdistinct.Forexample, a60-year-oldperceives lightabouta thirdaswell asa20-year-old.
Insideandoutsidemirrorsshouldbeadjustedtoreduceblindspots.Theseareareaswhereamotoristcannotseebehindhis/hervehicle(onbothsides)throughthemirror.Amotoristcancheckthisbyturninghis/herhead.Theoutsidemirrorshouldbeadjustedsothatthemotoristcanseethetipofthedriver-sidefrontdoorhandleinthelowerrightofthemirror.Thiswillallowthemotoristtoseepartofthelanesoftraffictotheleftandrearofthevehicle.
Afterstartingtheengine,amotoristshouldmakesurehis/herpathisclearbyturning and looking back. Amotorist should not depend on rearviewmirrors.Amotoristmust also be sure to check for pedestrians and less conspicuousvehicles,suchasbicyclesandmopeds.Amotoristshouldgivethepropersignalanddrivewithcaution.
Steering
BDMN_steering_110907
10
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1
2
9 3
Whenontheroad,amotoristcancheckthevehiclesmirrorsbylettingavehiclepassontheleft.Asthepassingvehicledisappearsfromtheinsiderearviewmirror,amotoristshouldbeabletoseeitsfrontbumperintheoutsiderearviewmirror.
idLing your vehicLeNewJerseylawrequiresallmotoriststorestrictvehicleidlingtothreeminutesorless(N.J.A.C.7:27-15.8).
Idlingmorethanthreeminutesisunnecessaryandharmfultoyourvehicleandyourhealth.Vehicleandpropertyownersfacefinesof$250to$1,000foreachviolationofthislaw(N.J.S.A.39:3-70.2).
Therearesomespecificsituationsinwhichavehiclemayidleforanextendedtime,suchaswhenstuckintraffic,oratdrive-thruestablishments.Seewww.StopTheSoot.orgforacompletelistingofexemptions.
Sodontforget:IdlingStinks,anditsagainstthelawturnthekeyandbeidlefree!
steeringhand position
Amotoristsgriponthesteeringwheelisimportant.Thesteeringwheelcanbethoughtofasthefaceofaclock.Fornormaldriving,amotoristshouldgripthesteeringwheelbytheoutsiderimatthe9and3oclockpositions,keepinghis/herthumbalongthefaceofthewheel.Grippingthesteeringwheelasdescribeddiminishes the risk of hand, wrist or arm injury if the air bag is deployed. Amotoristshouldneverturnthewheelwhilegrippingitfromtheinsideoftherim,handfacinginward.Thesteeringwheelshouldbeheldfirmlybutnottootight,assteadyaspossibleasthevehiclesspeedincreases.Bothhandsshouldbekeptonthewheelatalltimes,exceptwhenshiftinggearsorgivinghandsignals.
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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 thewheel. If turning through a slight curve, both handswill typically retaintheir original grip on thewheel,making only slight finger orwrist adjustmentsas necessary tomaintain the path of travel.However,whenmoving throughaturn, thehandsmaymoveasmuchas165degrees.Themotorist initiates theturnbypushingthewheelupfromthe9or3oclockpositiontoward12oclock,andtheoppositehandcrossesoveranddowntothe9or3oclockposition,asappropriatetoprovideadditionalinputortostabilizesteering.Theoriginalhandthenreturnstotheoriginalstartpositionof9or3oclock.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 formostmotorists 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.Amotorist 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 towhat themotorist 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,amotoristsheadandbodyshouldbeturnedtotherightuntilhe/shecanseeclearlythroughthebackwindowofthevehiclewithouttheuseofmirrors.Themotoristsrighthandandarmshouldbeplacedoverthebackofthefrontpassengerseat;thelefthandshouldgraspthetopofthesteeringwheel.
Thisisthepositionamotoristshouldbeintoreverseinastraightline,withsightseeingcorrectionmadeasneeded.Avehicleshouldbedrivenslowlyinreversetypically,walkingspeed(2to4mph).Themotoristshouldnot turnforwarduntilthevehicleistotallystopped.
Ifamotoristmustturnthewheelwhilereversingotherthaninastraightline(e.g.parallelparking), twohandsmustbeonthewheeltosteer,whileamotoristsheadandbodyisturnedtolookouttherearwindow.Palmingthewheelwithonehandwhileturninginreverseisdangerousandcanresultinfailingtheroadtest.Amotoristshouldalwaysrememberthatthefrontofthevehiclewillswingintheoppositedirectionofaturn.Avehicleshouldbedrivenslowlyinreverse.
Amotoristmustbeabletodriveinreverseinordertopasstheroadportionofthedrivingtest.He/shewillbeaskedtobackthevehicleabout100feetinastraightline,slowlyandsmoothly.
turning Tomake safe turns, amotorist should decidewell in advancewhere 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,themotoristshouldstraightenthevehicleswheelsasitfacesinthedirectionhe/shewantstogo.Thisisacomplete3-Point(orK)Turn.AnewmotoristwillberequiredtomakethisturnduringMVCsroadtest.
parKingWhenparking,amotoristshouldalwayssetthehandbrakeandputthevehicleinparkor,withamanualtransmission, inreverseorlowgear.Thereareseveralimportantstepsforamotoristtofollowwhenparkinghis/hervehicleonastreetwithacurb:
When parking a vehicle facing downhill:Thehandbrakeshouldbesetandthevehicleswheelsshouldbeturnedtowardthecurb.Thevehicleshouldbeinparkor,withamanualtransmission,inreverse.
When parking a vehicle facing uphill: Thehandbrakeshouldbeset
andthevehicleswheelsshouldbeturnedawayfromthecurb.Thevehicleshouldbeinparkor,withamanualtransmission,inlow.
angLe parKingAngleparkingisoftenusedinparkinglotsofshoppingcentersandsometimesatcurbs.
Amotoristshouldfollowtheseruleswhenenteringanangleparkingspacetohis/herright:
Watchfortrafficbothaheadandbehind.
Signalandbegintoslowdown.
Makesuretherearofthevehiclewillcleartheparkedvehicles.
Steersharplyintotheparkingspace,andthenstraightenthewheelscenteringthevehicleintheparkingspace.
Shifttopark,orreverseifstandardtransmission,andapplytheparkingbrake.
Amotoristshouldfollowtheserulesbeforebackingoutofanangleparkingspace:Walkaroundtomakesurenothingisinthevehiclesway.
Slowlymovethevehicleinreverseandbesurethatthelaneisclearoftraffic.
Tapthehorntowarnnearbypedestrians.
Whenabletoseepastthetopsofvehiclesparkednexttothevehicle,stopandlookagain.
Lookbackandtoeachsideforothermotorists.
Rememberthatthefrontofthevehiclewillswingoppositetothedirectionoftheturn.
Backupslowlywhileturninguntilthevehiclesleftfrontwheelpassestherearbumperofthevehicleparkedontheleft.
Straightenthewheelsasthevehiclecomesbackintothelaneoftraffic.
paraLLeL parKingParallelparkingisthemostcommontypeofparkingoncitystreets.AmotoristmustbeabletoparallelparkavehicleinordertopasstheMVCsroadtest.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
6P R N D 3 2 1
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Pullupalongside(parallel)abouttwotofourfeetfromthevehicleinfront.
Turnandchecktoseethatthewayisclearbehindthevehiclebeforebackingup.
Turnhis/herbodytolookouttherearwindowofthevehicle.Beginbackingupslowlyforabouttwofeetandturnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotheright.
Whenthefrontofthevehiclehasclearedtherearbumperofthevehicleinfront,stopandchecktheangle.
Makesuretherightbackwheelhasnothitthecurb.
Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotheleftwhilebeginningtobackupslowly.
Makesurethevehiclecanclearitsbackbumper.
Whenthevehicleisinline,stop.Besurenottohitthevehicleinback.
Turnthevehicleswheelsstraight,anddrivetothecenteroftheparking space.Thevehiclestiresshouldbenomorethansixinchesfromthecurb.
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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. Amotorist 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, aswell 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.Staytotherightoftheroadwayscenterlines.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 lawsofNewJersey requiremotorists to keep to the right, exceptwhenpassing.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,failuretostopcarriesafineofupto$500,upto25daysinjail,communityservice,adrivingprivilegesuspensionofupto6monthsand2points.
Watchforpedestrianswhenturningrightonred.
Obeyspeedlimits.
Besurenottoblockorparkincrosswalks.
Keepthevehicleswindshieldcleanformaximumvisibility.
Bealertforpedestriansatalltimes.
Beawareofareaswherepedestriansaremostlikelytoappear(nearschools,towncenters,residentialneighborhoods,parks).
Neverpassanothervehiclethathasstoppedforapedestrian.
Stopforallpedestriansinacrosswalk,eveniftheybegancrossingwithapropersignalandtheyarestillinthecrosswalkwhenthesignalchanges.
Rememberthatpedestriansarethemostvulnerableroadwayusers.Motoristswillbeheldresponsibleformaintainingpedestriansafety.
intersectionsAnintersectioniswheretwoormoreroadscrossormergeatangles.Asmostcollisionsoccuratintersections,amotoristshouldbeawareofthethreetypesofintersectionsandknowhowtosafelynavigatethroughthem.Asinglesolidwhite line across a road at an intersectionmeans that amotoristmust 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 pointwithin five feet of the nearest crosswalk or stop linemarked 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/shemustreducespeedandbereadytostopifanytrafficiscomingfromtherightorleft.Amotoristcomingfromaprivateroadordrivewaymustyieldtoalltrafficonthemainroad(althoughamotoristcanneverbesurethatwilloccur).Asageneralrule,thevehicleontheleftshouldyieldtothevehicleontheright.Whenatrafficsignalisnotilluminatedbecauseofapowerfailureorothermalfunction,thetrafficsignalisobservedasa4-waystopsignal.(N.J.S.A.39:4-81)
bLindBuildings,parkedvehiclesorbushesmayobstructamotoristslineofsight.Onruralroadways,treesorcropsmayobstructamotoristslineofsight.Amotoristshould always slowdownor stop completely tomake sure there is no crosstrafficbeforeproceeding.
traffic circLeTherearenosetrulesfordrivinginto,aroundandoutofatrafficcircleinNewJersey.Commonsenseandcautionmustprevailatalltimes.Inmostcases,thecircleshistoricallyestablishedtrafficflowpatterndictateswhohastheright-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 turnpiKesIn most cases, exit ramps or deceleration lanes, which are extra lanes at a
highway 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 rampmust yield the right-of-way to themotoristleavingtheexpressway.
highways through citiesThevolumeof trafficmay increasedramatically.Speedsmayslowtoacrawl.Amotoristshoulddriveintheleftorcenterlanetoavoidmergeconflictsduringrushhour.Amotoristshouldsearchforexitsearlyandadjustpositionforexit.
disabLed vehicLesWhen seeing a disabled vehicle ahead, amotorist should reduce speed andincrease the space between his/her vehicle and the disabled vehicle. Thismayinvolvechanginglanes.Bealertforpedestrians,towtrucksand/orpolicevehicles.Ifamotoristsvehiclebecomesdisabled,he/shemust:
Pulloffasfaraspossibleontotheshoulderormedian Turnonemergencyflashers. Raisethehoodtosignalforassistance. Stayinthevehicleandlockthedoors. Ifavailable,useyourcellphonetocallforhelp. Askanyonewhostopstogotoaphoneandcallforassistance.Notgetintoastrangersvehicle.
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 aNo Turn onRed 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
DONT 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
DONTTURN 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).Theremaybeothervehiclescoming through or still in the intersection. Most accidents at traffic signalshappeninthefirstfewsecondsafterthelighthaschanged.Whenayellowlightfollowsagreenlight,amotoristmuststopbeforeenteringtheintersection,unless
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yellowappearsw