CHAPTER FIVE White Lane Markings

White lane markings separate multiple lanes of traffic going in the same

Safe Vehicle Operation direction. Most roads with more than two lanes have broken white lines to
separate the lanes. You may cross a broken white line when it is safe to change
lanes but you should not cross a solid white line.
Even the most experienced drivers can be distracted while driving. A defensive
driver looks out for the actions of other drivers and anticipates potential problems.

Lane Markings
Lane markings separate traffic and alert drivers when it is safe to pass
other vehicles.
Three lanes of traffic
with broken white lines
Yellow Lane Markings
Yellow lane markings separate multiple lanes of traffic going in opposite
directions. You may cross a broken yellow line to pass another vehicle but you
should not cross a solid yellow line except to turn. Changing Lanes and Passing
Other Vehicles
Only change one lane at a time. When changing lanes to prepare for a
turn, do so at least 200 feet before the turn. Do not weave in and out of lanes,
which greatly increases risk of an accident. On the highway, slower vehicles
should use the lane to the right. Leave the left-hand lane for faster moving or
passing vehicles.
Follow these rules when you are changing lanes:
Two lane road with Two lane road with
a solid yellow line a broken yellow line • Make sure that there is no traffic ahead of you in the lane that you would
like to enter; and
• Check your mirrors for any vehicles that are preparing to pass you; and
• Briefly turn your head towards the lane that you are entering to make sure
that there is no vehicle in your “blind spot” and that there is sufficient
room to move into the adjacent lane; and
Four lane road with
a solid yellow line • Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your intention to change
lanes; and
• Smoothly move into the new driving lane.

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Passing Other Vehicles Rules for Safe and Legal Turning
Follow these rules when you are passing other vehicles: The first rule for a safe and legal turn is to move into the proper lane well
• Make sure the passing lane is clear of traffic. You must return to the right before the turn. To turn left, be in the far left lane for your direction of travel.
side of the road no less than 100 feet before any oncoming vehicle; and To turn right, be in the far right lane for your direction of travel.

• Check behind and to the left of your vehicle to make sure that another
vehicle is not attempting to pass you; and
• Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your intention to change
lanes; and
• Move into the passing lane, accelerate, and continue to move forward until
you can see the vehicle that you are passing in your rearview mirror; and
• Before returning to the lane in which you were originally driving, use the
appropriate turn signal.

When Passing Other Vehicles is Prohibited Turning from a one-way road Turning from a one-way road
to a one-way road to a two-way road
It is dangerous and illegal to try to pass other vehicles in the following
situations:
• A solid yellow line is marked on the driver’s side of the center line of the
road.
• A yellow, pennant-shaped “No Passing Zone” sign is posted on the left-
hand side of the road, or a white rectangular “Do Not Pass” sign is posted
on the right-hand side of the road.
• When you are driving on or approaching a curve in the road.
• When you are approaching the crest of a hill or grade in the road.
• Within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct or Turning from a two-way road Turning from a two-way road
tunnel. to a one-way road to a two-way road

When You are Being Passed

Signaling Your Intention to Turn
If another vehicle is passing you on the left-hand side of the road, allow
the other vehicle to pass safely, and do not increase your speed. You must give a proper turn signal at least 200 feet before turning or changing
lanes. If the speed limit is 50 miles per hour or more, you must give a proper
turn signal at least 300 feet before turning or changing lanes.
The safest type of signal is using the lighted signals used in most vehicles.
If, however, one or more of these signals is malfunctioning, you may use hand
signals. You may not use hand signals on a driving skills test.
53 54
 Four-way Stops
The rules for a four-way stop are like those for a two-way stop: Stop and
look for oncoming traffic, and proceed when it is safe to do so. At a four-way
stop, the rule is that the first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to
proceed through the intersection. However, you may occasionally arrive at a
four-way stop sign at the same time as another driver. In such cases the driver
to the right has the right of way. However, if there is any doubt who has the
right of way or if there is the chance of a crash, it is better to yield the right of
way to the other driver.

Stop or slow Right turn Left turn Roundabouts

Turning Left from Specially-Designated Center Lanes A roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic enters or exits
Busy roads on which there are many places a vehicle may make a left turn only through right turns and proceeds in a counter-clockwise direction. When
often have a center lane designated solely for left-turning vehicles. Always be approaching a roundabout incoming traffic always yields to the circulating traffic.
aware that vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may be entering the center
lane to turn left in front of your vehicle. Never use this type of center lane for
passing other vehicles.
Designated center lanes for left turns can usually be identified by a sign with A Yield line markings
Never walk across the
circulating lane(s) in a B Center island
alternate directional arrows stating “CENTER LANE ONLY” or with pavement roundabout to the C Raised splitter island
center island.
arrows, although some center lanes do not have signs or pavement arrows. C D Crosswalk

YIELD YIELD

k apron
Truc

YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
Center turn lane with pavement arrows B D
U-Turns

YIELD
A U-turn is a maneuver in which a driver changes direction by making a A
180-degree turn. It is potentially dangerous and should only be undertaken
when absolutely necessary. Follow these rules when making a U-turn: YIELD YIELD

• Always yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

Approaching vehicles LEFT LANE RIGHT LANE
• Never make a U-turn on a curve in the road or when approaching the crest must yield to pedestrians
in the crosswalk and to
of a hill or grade. traffic in the roundabout.
Typical lane control sign

• Never make a U-turn on an interstate highway. Instead, proceed to the Two-lane roundabout (does not reflect all roundabout designs)
next exit and re-enter the highway in the opposite direction.

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Following Turning Vehicles School Zone Speed Limits
When following a driver who has signaled his or her intention to make a If you are driving near a school, you must slow down to the lower posted
turn, or who has slowed down and may be looking to make a turn, you should speed limit for the school zone. Common hours for school zone speed limits
slow down, and be prepared to stop. are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, local authorities
may establish lower speed limits for school zones when children are present.

Speed Limits Highway Work Zone Speed Limits

Indiana law requires drivers to operate vehicles at the posted speed limit.
Work site speed limits are always at least 10 miles per hour below the
maximum established speed limit for the area. The maximum speed limit in a
Rural Interstate Highway Speed Limits highway work zone will not exceed 45 miles per hour in any location.
Rural interstate highways are located outside urban areas with a population
of at least 50,000 people. School Bus Speed Limits
• Passenger vehicles may not exceed 70 miles per hour or the posted speed limit. When not driving on an interstate or state highway, the maximum speed
• Trucks that are 26,000 pounds and heavier may not exceed 65 miles per limit for a school bus is 40 miles per hour unless the posted speed limit is
hour or the posted speed limit. lower. The maximum speed limit for a school bus on an interstate or highway is
60 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.
• On a rural state divided highway, vehicles may not exceed 60 miles per
hour or the posted speed limit.
Reduce Speed in Dangerous Conditions
Excessive speed, even when conditions are ideal, is dangerous and increases
Urban Speed Limits
the likelihood of an accident. Driving at the posted speed limit or in excess of
Urban areas have a population of at least 50,000 people. it during the following roadway conditions is even more dangerous:
• On an urban interstate highway, vehicles may not exceed 55 miles per hour • Bad weather and poor visibility.
or the posted speed limit.
• Slick or icy roads.
• On a non-divided state highway, vehicles may not exceed 55 miles per • Driving with worn tires.
hour or the posted speed limit.
• Unsafe vehicle conditions.
• On county roads, vehicles may not exceed 55 miles per hour or the posted
speed limit. • Impaired physical condition.
• Hazardous conditions on road surface.
• In most urban residential areas, vehicles may not exceed 30 miles per hour
or the posted speed limit.
• In alleys, vehicles may not exceed 15 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.

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Braking and Following Distances If your vehicle has an anti-lock brake system (ABS), keep your foot on the
brake pedal, maintaining firm and continuous pressure while steering normally.
The following chart provides an indication of how fast a vehicle travels in Do not pump the brakes. A mechanical sound or noise and vibration or increased
one second at 35, 55, and 65 miles per hour. resistance in the brake pedal indicates that your ABS is working.

Speed 35 mph 55 mph 65 mph

Feet traveled in one second 51.3 80.7 95.3
Driving in Uncertain Weather Conditions
Winter Driving
Lanes of traffic crossed in one second 2.6 4 4.7
Driving in winter weather presents a number of dangers due to ice, snow
Seconds to travel a football field 5.8 3.7 3.1
and very cold temperatures. Always clear your windows before driving. Ice on
the roadway is a potentially dangerous condition that can cause a vehicle to
A good rule for drivers to follow is to stay at least two to three seconds behind lose traction.
the vehicle ahead. When following a vehicle, watch for the vehicle ahead to Snow, especially when mixed with significant wind, poses a number of
pass a fixed object and estimate how much time elapses before you pass the problems for drivers. Visibility may be substantially reduced.
same object.
Watch for drifting snow, particularly in rural areas where only a few inches
Many factors affect a vehicle’s ability to stop: of snow can cause roads to become impassable. Always watch for icy conditions
• Speed of vehicle. when there is snowfall on the ground, particularly at intersections, and use
your headlights to be seen by other drivers. Be aware that moisture on ramps,
• Weight of vehicle. bridges and overpasses may occasionally freeze before other sections of the
• Type and condition of brakes. driving roadway. Stay a safe distance behind snowplows.
• Type and condition of tires. Always allow your vehicle’s engine plenty of time to warm up before driving
in very cold conditions. Drive with a full tank of gas so that if stranded, the
• Physical condition of pavement.
heater can remain in use for as long as possible. Brush the snow off your headlights
• Slickness of pavement. and taillights frequently.
• Grade of road. Consider carrying a winter survival kit in your vehicle that includes sand
or strips of carpet for traction, booster cables, blankets, shovel, flashlight, extra
clothing, candles, matches, nonperishable snack food, and bottled water.
Skidding
Sudden turns, lane changes or hard braking can cause a vehicle to skid. The
procedure for correcting a skid is the same for both front-wheel-drive vehicles Rain
and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Wet roadway surfaces can be dangerously slick, especially immediately
If your vehicle begins to lose traction or the rear wheels begin sliding sideways, following a rainfall. When you are driving on wet roads, your vehicle is actually
ease off the gas pedal. Do not make a fast turn away from the direction of the traveling on a thin layer of oil, dirt, and water (hydroplaning).
skid and do not steer too far, which could cause a spin. Hydroplaning increases with speed and, at a point, your tires may be in
If your vehicle has conventional brakes, turn the steering wheel in a controlled contact only with the oil, dirt, and water. If this happens, there is no friction to
manner in the direction the rear of the car is sliding. When you regain traction, brake, speed up, or turn, and a gust of wind, a change of road level, or a slight
straighten the vehicle and proceed slowly. turn can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

59 60
 Do not drive on bald or badly worn tires. Slow down when there is heavy Driving at Night
rain, standing water or slush on the road. If you are driving through water
puddles, test your brakes by pumping them, which will also help to dry them. Driving at night presents a number of potential problems which can be made
If the water is deeper than your tire treads, slow down. Use your headlights to worse if you do not have experience driving at night or in dangerous conditions.
be seen by other drivers.
Visibility
Fog Pedestrians, road markings, and other vehicles are more difficult to identify
Fog can greatly reduce your visibility of other vehicles, pedestrians, and and recognize at night. Under nighttime driving conditions, you should reduce
traffic signals. Drive cautiously and at reduced speeds. Do not use high headlight normal speed, especially on unfamiliar roads.
beams. Low headlight beams better illuminate the road and objects ahead. If The glare of oncoming headlights may also reduce vision. To avoid the effects
fog closes in completely, and visibility is reduced to near zero, carefully pull off of glare, do not look directly into the lights of an approaching vehicle but focus
the road as far as possible, and stop. Headlights and flashing emergency signals on the right side of the road.
should be used while driving in fog.

Fatigue
High Winds Drivers are more likely to be tired while driving at night, and may have a
Strong winds have high impact on high-profile vehicles. If a tornado is higher risk for accidents. Avoid driving late at night, if possible, or driving at
nearby, exit your vehicle immediately, go to a low lying area, take precautions any time without enough sleep.
to avoid rushing water, and cover your head. Be prepared to stop driving if you are unable to stay alert or experience any
of the following signs of fatigue:
Flash Flooding • Trouble focusing your vision.
Flash flooding causes more deaths than any other weather event each year. • Having no memory of the last few minutes of your drive.
Be especially alert at night or when driving on unfamiliar roads. If you are • Beginning to drift out of your lane.
caught in a storm or come upon a hazardous situation, follow these rules:
• Failing to maintain a constant speed.
• Do not drive around traffic barricades or past road-closed signs.
• Head nodding and feeling as though you are about to fall asleep.
• Watch for bridges, culverts and roadbeds that may be washed away or
undermined by floodwaters. If you are feeling drowsy, let another person drive or find a safe area to pull
over and rest. A driver’s efforts to stay awake when excessively tired, such as
• Do not drive where water is over the road. The depth of water is not always rolling down the windows or turning up the radio, are usually ineffective and
obvious and the water may hide washouts. may give a false sense of alertness.
• If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Flood
waters can rise rapidly and sweep a car and its occupants away.
Headlights
Drivers must use headlights between sunset and sunrise as well as at any
other time in which visibility is less than 500 feet. Lower headlight beams
must be used when approaching within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or
when following within 200 feet of the rear of another vehicle.

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Driving on Interstate Highways Flagger Signals
Good judgment and timing are needed to merge smoothly with fast-moving At some work sites, one or more flaggers are
traffic on highways. When you enter an interstate on-ramp, stay to the right posted at each end of the work zone to control
and increase your speed in the acceleration lane to allow your car to merge traffic flow.
with traffic when your path is clear. Drivers already on the interstate should When approaching a flagger, reduce your
make allowances for those entering. However, drivers entering an interstate speed when a flagger extends a red flag in a
must yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the interstate. horizontal position into the line of traffic and
It is illegal to back up on an interstate highway to reach a missed exit. If you may proceed at a reduced speed only when
you miss an exit, you must drive to the next exit. It is illegal for any vehicle, directed to by the flagger.
Stop
other than an emergency vehicle or a highway maintenance vehicle, to make a If a flagger uses a signal paddle, you should
U-turn by crossing the median of an interstate highway. stop or proceed slowly according to the “STOP”
Except in the event of an emergency or a disabled vehicle, do not stop or or “SLOW” message displayed on the sign.
park a vehicle on the shoulder of an interstate highway.
Trucks are restricted to the right lane on sections of interstate with two Work Zone Safety Driving Tips
lanes in one direction and the right two lanes on sections of interstate with
Work zones pose dangers both for drivers and
three lanes or more in one direction.
for the workers. Be respectful of these dangers,
and exercise caution whenever traveling in a work

Work Zones
zone. The highest legal posted speed limit in a Stop
designated highway work site is 45 miles per
Flashing arrow boards are often used to indicate a detour or “crossover.” In hour and may be posted lower.
these cases, lane markings on the road, traffic cones, barrels or barricades will • Stay alert. Look for reduced speed limits,
outline the path a vehicle must follow. A flashing arrow board not indicating narrow driving lanes, and highway workers.
a direction either way is a signal to use caution but does not require a driver to
move to another lane. • Pay attention. Work zone signs will state
exactly what to expect ahead.
• Merge early. If merging at first sight of
signs, traffic will flow more smoothly.
• Slow down. If you are speeding when you Slow
approach a work zone you will encounter
slowed or stopped traffic within seconds.
Move or merge right Move or merge right • Don’t tailgate. Maintain a safe distance on
all sides of your vehicle.
• Minimize distractions.
• Plan ahead and expect delays.

Move or merge right or left Caution Proceed

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Railroad Crossings Where train-activated warning devices include warning bells,
flashings lights, or lights and gates, you must stop and not proceed
Special signs, signals, and pavement markings are used to warn and regulate until the active warning is cancelled or you are directed to proceed
drivers at railroad crossings, although you should not expect to see all of these by a law enforcement officer or railroad flagman.
signals used at every railroad crossing.
There are a number of warning signs used to alert drivers of a railroad
crossing. Railroad Crossing Safety Tips
• Obey the warning signs. Due to
the size of trains, the actual speed
of a train can be very deceiving.
Under no circumstances should you
attempt to race a train to a crossing.
It is illegal to drive around a crossing Railroad crossing gate
gate that is down.
Railroad Railroad Railroad Railroad
Crossing Crossing Crossing Crossing
• Avoid stopping or shifting gears while crossing railroad tracks. A driver
should never begin to cross railroad tracks unless the tracks can be cleared
without stopping. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, all occupants should
Cross Bucks
immediately leave the vehicle. Look for the emergency notification sign at
Cross bucks at a railroad crossing mark the location of the crossing with contact information to call the railroad about a blocked
the tracks. crossing and contact 911 for assistance.
When displayed alone, you should treat a cross buck as • Watch for additional trains. Where there is more than one track, a driver
a yield sign and the decision to stop or cross the tracks is waiting for the track to clear must make sure another train is not coming
yours. You should stop if there is a train approaching. on the other track once the first train has cleared. Be careful that a train is
When a cross buck is displayed with a stop sign you not proceeding in the opposite direction behind the first train.
must come to a complete stop and proceed over the tracks • Be aware of ‘local quiet zones’ where locomotive horns are not sounded by
only after making certain that a train is not approaching. approaching trains at some gated crossings.
Never assume that because there is only a stop sign posted
• Be aware that some trains operate on tracks in the middle of streets. In
that a train is not coming.
those cases, traffic signals flash red in all directions to indicate the presence
Some vehicles are required by law to always stop at of an approaching train. Drivers should treat this indication like any other
railroad crossings not closer than 15 feet or further than crossing warning.
50 feet from the nearest rail. This requirement does not
• Trains cannot stop quickly. If you are on a collision course with a train,
apply to abandoned railroad tracks. 2 TRACKS only you can prevent the collision.
Vehicles that must stop at a railroad crossing include:
• Do not pass another vehicle within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
• All vehicles carrying passengers for hire.
• All school buses.
• All vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids.

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Sharing the Road with Trucks Staying in the middle lane also increases the truck driver’s options if he or
she has to switch lanes in order to avoid a dangerous situation or an accident.
To reduce the chance of an accident with a truck, be familiar with the
braking ability, blind spots, and maneuverability of trucks.
Tips for Sharing the Road with Trucks
Braking • Don’t cut off a truck in traffic or on the highway to reach an exit or turn.
Cutting into the open space in front of a truck removes the truck driver’s
A truck will take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed, so cushion of safety. Trying to beat a truck to a single-lane construction zone
you should not make a sudden lane change or stop in front of a truck. The creates a particularly dangerous situation. Take a moment to slow down
average passenger car traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130-140 feet, and exit behind a truck. It will only take you a few extra seconds and will
about half the length of a football field. A fully loaded tractor-trailer with hot greatly reduce the risk of an accident.
brakes may take more than 400 feet to come to a complete stop, or more than
the length of a football field. • Don’t linger alongside a truck when passing. Always pass a truck completely
and always on the left side. If you linger when passing the truck, your position
makes it impossible for the trucker to take evasive action if an obstacle
Turning appears in the road ahead.
With any turning vehicle, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the • Don’t follow too closely or tailgate. When following behind a truck, if
front wheels, and the longer the vehicle is, the greater the difference will be. you cannot see the truck driver’s rearview mirrors, there is no way the truck
Truck drivers often swing out as the first step in making a tight turn. When driver can see you. Tailgating a truck is dangerous because you take away
following a truck, watch its turn signals before trying to pass, especially to the your own cushion of safety if the truck stops quickly. In addition, if the
right. If the truck appears to be moving to the left, wait a moment to check vehicle you are following hits something in the road, you will have no time
and see which way the driver is signaling and watch for a right turn. to react before it hits the front of your car.
• Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching truck.
Blind Spots Because of its large size, a truck often appears to be traveling at a slower
speed than it is. A substantial number of collisions involving a car and a
Many drivers falsely assume that a truck driver can see the road better truck take place at intersections, because the driver of the car did not realize
because he/she sits twice as high as the driver of a car. While truck drivers how close the truck was or how quickly it was approaching.
do have a better forward view and bigger mirrors, they still have serious blind
spots into which a car can completely disappear from view. Blind spot for the
truck driver will be up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the trailer,
alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet behind the truck.
Sharing the Road with Other Vehicles
Emergency Vehicles
Drivers lingering in the blind spots on the sides and in the rear, hamper a
truck driver’s ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation. Ambulances, police vehicles, fire vehicles, and rescue vehicles are permitted
to display a red flashing light and drivers must obey the following rules:
• Yield the right-of-way to that vehicle.
Maneuverability
• Always listen for sirens on these vehicles and yield the right-of-way. The
Trucks are designed to carry products long distances but are not designed
siren is usually heard before the emergency vehicle is in view.
to be as maneuverable as cars. Trucks weigh more, have longer stopping and
accelerating distances, and have a wider turning radius. On multi-lane highways, • Slow down, pull to the right of the road, and stop until the emergency
tractor-trailers stay in the center lane to help the flow of local traffic on and off vehicle passes.
the highway.

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 When you see a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights you School buses are equipped with both yellow and red flashing lights. When
must slow down and move into a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency the school bus driver activates the yellow lights, he/she is warning other drivers
vehicle, if it is possible to do so safely. If it is not possible to do so safely, you that the bus is slowing and is going to load or unload children. Once the bus
must slow down and proceed with caution. stops, the red lights and stop arm will be activated.
Privately-owned vehicles with flashing blue lights are used by volunteer You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights
firefighters responding to an alarm. You must yield the right-of-way to these activated and stop arm extended. If you are driving on a highway that is divided
vehicles. by a barrier or unimproved median, you are required to stop only if you are
Privately-owned vehicles with flashing green lights are used by certified traveling in the same direction as the school bus. You do not have to stop if
emergency medical technicians responding to emergencies. You must yield the you and a school bus are traveling in opposite directions on a road that has
right-of-way to these vehicles. more than two lanes and is separated by a median strip not for vehicle travel.
Disregarding a school bus stop arm can be considered reckless driving,
a Class B Misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a
School Buses maximum fine of $1,000.
Buses that transport students to or from school must meet the following School authorities may give permission, in writing, for a school bus to be used
requirements: in transporting students for certain non-school functions as prescribed by law.
• Be painted chrome-yellow and display A special purpose bus can be registered by public school corporations and
SCHOOL BUS
the words “School Bus” on the front and private schools for transportation of students to extracurricular events. If a
rear of the vehicle in black letters, at least van, station wagon, or bus is transporting six or more people to extracurricular
eight inches high. events, it must have a body change to Special Purpose and must be inspected
STOP
• Display two amber lights in front and by the Indiana State Police.
rear to warn drivers that the bus is
slowing down to stop to load or unload
Motorcycles
AAA-000

students, and two red lights in front and

rear to indicate that the bus is stopped to Motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as other drivers. Allow a
load or unload students. motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough
• Be equipped with amber turn signals. room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the
SCHOOL BUS motorcycle needs room to maneuver safely.
• Be equipped with a stop arm which
extends at least 18 inches from the The smaller profile of motorcycles can make it more difficult to judge the
side of the bus body and with a red speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle. Motorcycles can be hidden
STOP in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look. Always make a visual check
octagonal stop sign with white letters 222
to be extended while the bus is stopped for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots before entering or
on the roadway for the purpose of AAA-000 leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Always signal your intentions
loading or unloading students. before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to
anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
Do not be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Motorcycle
A school bus driver must load and unload students as close to the right signals usually are not self-canceling, and riders sometimes forget to turn them
hand curb or edge of the roadway as practical. off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.

69 70
 Road conditions, which are minor annoyances to drivers of larger vehicles, Other rules for drivers or operators of any vehicle include:
pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust
• Do not drive in or park in bicycle paths or lanes, or place the vehicle in
their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions,
such a manner as to impede bicycle traffic on such path or lane.
such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad
crossings, and grooved pavement. Allow at least three or four seconds when • Yield the right-of-way to an individual operating a bicycle on a designated
following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or bicycle path or lane.
stop in an emergency.
• Do not move into a bicycle path or lane in preparation for a turn.
• Cross a bicycle path or lane only when turning or when entering or leaving
Bicycles an alley, driveway or private road.
Drivers must routinely share the roadway with bicycles. On most roadways,
bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users.
Sharrows
• Drivers may pass a bicyclist only when there is a safe amount of room
beside the bicyclist (3 foot minimum) and when there is no danger from Sharrow markings are pavement markings of a bike
oncoming traffic. with two arrows above it and are intended to help bicyclists
position themselves away from parked cars and to alert other
• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist just as they would to
another vehicle. road users to expect bicyclists to occupy travel lanes.
Sharrow Markings
• Bicyclists are prohibited on limited-access highways, expressways and
certain other marked roadways. Slow Moving Vehicles
• A bicyclist is not required to ride in a designated bike lane. Bicyclists have Certain slow moving farm vehicles, construction equipment and vehicles drawn
the right to use either the bike lane or the travel lane. by animals may share roadways. You should use care when approaching and passing
these vehicles. Be alert for the special emblem that the driver must place on the rear
Avoid turning across the path of a bicyclist. of the slow moving vehicle.

• When a motorist is turning left and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection A rider of a horse or a horse-drawn vehicle has the same rights and respon-
from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass sibilities of a motor vehicle driver when riding on a public highway. Approach a
before making the turn. Also, if a motorist is sharing the left turn lane with rider with caution and be alert for any hand signals used
a bicyclist, stay behind the cyclist until he/she has safely completed the left turn. by a horseback rider or the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle.
• If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let
the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn. Stationary Utility Vehicles
After parking and before opening vehicle doors, a motorist should first When you see a stationary utility vehicle you must slow down and move into
check for bicyclists.
a lane that is not adjacent to the utility vehicle if it is possible to do so safely. If it
is not possible to do so safely, you must slow down and proceed with caution.
Bicycle Lanes
Bicycle paths and lanes shall be used exclusively for the operation of
bicycles unless:
• Signage specifies joint use with pedestrians.
• The driver is on official duty, such as delivering mail.
• The person is peddling a moped.
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Traffic Control Officers and Official Processions Illegal Parking Areas
Because of special events, traffic congestion or other reasons, a law Parking in the following areas is prohibited:
enforcement officer may direct traffic at an intersection. A police officer’s • Highways (unless indicated otherwise).
command may be different from a traffic signal or sign. In such a case, the
traffic officer’s command is the one that must be obeyed. • Intersections or pedestrian crosswalks.
Official processions, such as a funeral procession, have the right of way • On sidewalks or in front of any driveway.
regardless of a traffic signal that indicates otherwise. • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or in fire lanes.
• Underpasses or bridges.

Parking and Reversing • Adjacent to yellow curbs.

Follow these procedures to parallel park in an empty • Beside another parked vehicle.
space that has vehicles parked in front of it and behind it:
1. Signal your intention to park. Reversing
2 . Position your vehicle parallel with the vehicle parked
A. Reversing is more difficult than driving forward because your field of
in front of the empty space and maintain at least two vision is blocked by the vehicle itself, and it is more difficult to control your
feet from this vehicle. Align your rear bumper with the speed and direction.
rear bumper of the vehicle parked in front of the empty
To reverse, turn your body to the right to look through the back window.
space (figure A).
Never use only the rearview mirror for reversing. Go slowly, watching carefully
3. Reverse slowly until the front of the vehicle is even with in all directions. Never back into an intersection in order to turn around.
the front door of the parallel car. Turn the wheel sharply
to the right and reverse slowly until the vehicle is at a B.
45-degree angle, and reverse (figure B). Pedestrian Safety
4. When the front of your vehicle passes the rear of the Crosswalks or a pedestrian signal indicate that pedestrians are nearby.
parallel car, turn your steering wheel to the left sharply, Follow these rules and guidelines when pedestrians are in the vicinity:
then gradually, while backing into the space (figure C).
• Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
5. Straighten your vehicle’s wheels and pull forward in the
space (figure D). • Do not make a turn that causes a pedestrian to stop, slow down or make
C. some other special effort to avoid a collision.
• If children are in the vicinity, take special care, because children are not
When you park facing downhill, turn your vehicle’s fully aware of the dangers of traffic.
wheels toward the curb. When you park facing uphill, turn
your vehicle’s wheels away from the curb. If there is no curb, • Be respectful of others who have difficulty in crossing streets, such as
turn your vehicle’s wheels away from the street. elderly persons or persons with a visual disability.
Use your turn signal when entering traffic from a parking
space. Be sure to look in both directions and double-check D.
for cars and pedestrians when backing out of a parking place.

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Blind Pedestrians Child Safety Restraints
Traveling aids for a person who is blind are often a white cane or a trained Child passengers younger than eight years old are required by law to be
guide dog. Independent travel for people with visual disabilities involves some properly secured in a child restraint system such as a child car seat or booster
risk that can be greatly reduced when drivers are aware of the use and meaning seat, unless it is reasonably determined that the child cannot fit in a child
of a white cane or guide dog. Drivers always yield the right of way to persons restraint system. If the child cannot fit in a child restraint system, the child
who are blind. should be properly restrained by a safety belt.
When a pedestrian is crossing a street or highway guided by a dog or Passenger Air Bags
carrying a white cane, vehicles must come to a complete stop. The explosive power of air bags has killed children and elderly adults less
than five feet tall. If a car is equipped with an air bag on the passenger side, the
Seat Belts and Child Safety Restraints National Safety Council recommends putting children younger than 12 years
old in the back seat.
Seat belts and child safety restraints such as car seats save thousands of
lives each year and improve the chances of surviving an accident. Your Car Should Have This Equipment

Seat Belts
Indiana law requires a driver and all passengers to use seat belts at all times
when a vehicle is in operation. Operators of buses are also required to use a
safety belt.
A seat belt should be used even in a vehicle with one or more air bags. Air
bags are designed to work in tandem with seat belts to slow down the vehicle’s
occupants in the event of a collision. Failure to use a seat belt could result in
injury to the occupants from the air bag.

Telecommunication Devices
Seat Belt Exceptions
A person may not use a telecommunications device to type, transmit or
The following individuals do not need to wear seat belts. read a text message or an electronic mail message while operating a moving
• Drivers or passengers who should not wear a seat belt for medical reasons motor vehicle unless the device is used in conjunction with hands free or voice
must carry a medical statement from a doctor. operated technology, or unless the device is used to call 911 to report a bona
fide emergency.
• Certain commercial, postal and newspaper carriers who have to make
frequent stops to deliver goods and services.
• Drivers and passengers in cars manufactured before 1964 that did not have
seat belts originally installed.

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Truck Equipment Requirements Warning Devices for Stopped Vehicles
Vehicles transporting loads which extend further than four feet beyond the A driver of a truck, bus, or tractor trailer that is disabled on a traveled
rear of the motor vehicle, or that have tailboards or tailgates extending further roadway or its shoulder must display three bi-directional emergency reflective
than four feet beyond the vehicle, must have the following projections: triangles that conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 125, or at least six fuses or three liquid-burning flares.
• On each side of the projecting load, one red lamp or flag must be mounted,
visible from the side, and located to indicate maximum overhang. Place a lighted flare or fuse, lighted red electric lantern, or portable red
emergency reflector on the traffic side of the vehicle in the direction of the
• On the rear of the projecting load, two red lamps or flags, visible from the nearest approaching traffic.
rear, one at each side; and two red reflectors visible from the rear, one at
each side, must be mounted to indicate maximum width. Place one device approximately 100 feet from your vehicle toward approaching
traffic. Place one device approximately 100 feet from your vehicle in the opposite
direction. Place each device in the center of the traffic lane occupied by the
Vehicular Hazard Warning Flashing Lamps disabled vehicle and one at the traffic side of the vehicle.
Every bus, truck and tractor-trailer must be equipped with a signaling If your vehicle is disabled on a divided highway, the device must be 200
system. In addition to signaling turning movements, these vehicles must have a feet from your vehicle. If your vehicle is disabled within 500 feet of a curve, hill
switch or combination of switches that cause the two front turn signals and the crest, or other area where a driver’s view of your vehicle may be blocked, place
two rear signals to flash simultaneously as a vehicular traffic signal warning. The the device at least 500 feet from your vehicle.
signal must be capable of flashing simultaneously with the ignition on or off. During daylight hours, use bi-directional emergency reflective triangles or
red flags in place of flares, reflectors, or electric lanterns. Under these conditions,
Emergency Equipment no flare is required on the traffic side of the disabled vehicle.

Except for lightweight vehicles, every bus, truck, tractor-trailer, and every
driven vehicle in a tow operation must have the following equipment: Size Limitations for Commercial Vehicles Without a
• A fire extinguisher that is properly filled and located so that it is readily Special Permit
accessible for use. It must be securely mounted on the vehicle, and must be Maximum width: 8 feet, 6 inches
designed and maintained to permit visual determination of whether it is Maximum height of any vehicle: 13 feet, 6 inches
fully charged.
Maximum length of any single vehicle: 40 feet
• A power unit that is used to transport hazardous materials, equipped with
a fire extinguisher having an Underwriters’ Laboratories rating of 10-B: C Maximum length of 2-vehicle combination: 60 feet
or more. Maximum length of 3-vehicle combination: 65 feet
• A power unit that is not used to transport hazardous materials must be Maximum length of any recreational vehicle: 45 feet
equipped with either a fire extinguisher having an Underwriters’ Laboratories
Maximum length of a semi-trailer: 28 feet, 6 inches
rating of 5-B: C or more; or two fire extinguishers, each of which has an
Underwriters’ Laboratories rating of 4-B: C or more. Maximum length of any tractor trailer,
• At least one spare fuse or other overload protection device if the devices semi-trailer combination: 28 feet, 6 inches
used are not of a reset type, for each kind and size used. Maximum distance allowed between
coupled or towed vehicle: 15 feet

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Maximum Weight Limits
You may not move any vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross
weight over 80,000 pounds on any highway without a special permit. Vehicle
weight must be distributed within the following limits:

Maximum individual axle weight/tandem: 20,000 pounds.

Maximum wheel weight: 800 pounds per inch width
of tire rim.
Maximum axle weight: 34,000 pounds.

The Federal bridge formula may restrict gross weight on vehicles with
shorter wheelbases. Overweight trucks may be impounded by law enforcement.
Before moving loads on public highways that exceed the size and weight
limits described above, you must secure a special permit from the Indiana
Department of Revenue for state-maintained routes, and from local authorities
for routes that are not maintained by the state.
It is illegal to operate any vehicle that has a gross weight greater than that
posted by the local road authority on any road, bridge, or structure, having
jurisdiction in that area. This includes locally established “frost” laws.

Required Lighting Equipment

Every truck and bus must have two headlamps, one rear white license
plate lamp, two red tail-lamps, and at least one red stop-lamp. To show vehicle
width at night, every truck or bus that is 80 inches in width or wider must have
four clearance lamps: one amber lamp at each side of the front, and one red
lamp at each side of the rear.

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