Driver Manual

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

New Jersey Driver MaNual www.njmvc.gov

Driver Licen

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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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New JeRsey DRiVeR MaNual www.njmvc.gov

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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

9New JeRsey DRiVeR MaNual www.njmvc.gov

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


Mustpayrequiredfee

Mustobtainparentorguardianconsentifyouareunder18yearsofage

SteP 1

PRaCTICE SuPERVISED DRIVINGMustpracticewithanadultsupervisingdriver

Mustpracticeatleastsixmonths

Mustobserveexamination-permitdrivingrestrictions

SteP 2

GET a PRObaTIONaRy LICENSEMusthavecompletedsixmonthsofsuperviseddrivingwithoutanysuspensionsorpostponements


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


MustpassMVCsknowledgeandvisiontests

Mustpayrequiredfee

SteP 1

PRaCTICE SuPERVISED DRIVINGMustpracticewithanadultsupervisingdriver

Mustpracticeatleastthreemonths

Mustobserveexaminationpermitdrivingrestrictions

SteP 2

GET a PRObaTIONaRy LICENSEMusthavecompletedthreemonthsofsupervised drivingwithoutanysuspensionsorpostponements


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.


^^ probationary driver License restrictions Nodrivingbetween11:01p.m.and5:00a.m.1

Nousinghand-heldorhands-freecellphonesoranyotherelectronicdevices.

Passengersarelimitedtodependantsoftheprobationarylicenseholder

andoneadditionalperson,unlessaccompaniedbyaparent/guardian.

Probationarylicenseholderandallpassengersmustwearseatbelts.


1IftheExaminationPermitorProbationaryLicenseholderis21yearsofageorolder,hourandpassengerrestrictionsdonotapply.


New Jersey

Garden Stateg d l

NNewNewNew JJersJersJerseyeyey

Garden Stateg d l

New Jersey

Garden Stateg d l

gdL decaLAllGDLdriversunderage21,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.


17

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.


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

1112

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

BDMN_3pt_turn_110907

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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

BDMN_parallelparking_110907

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

BDMN_right_turn_110907

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.

safe DRiving RuLes & Reg

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Left Turn: Cutting Corners

USE TURN SIGNAL

YIELD TOONCOMINGTRAFFIC

DONT CUT CORNERS

BDMN_left_turn_110907

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

BDMN_leftturn_4lane_110907

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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