Additional safety tips
Questions and answers
-
According to the handbook, what does the law require drivers to do for each other?
Protect each other from their own mistakes
A defensive driver knows the law requires drivers to protect each other from their own mistakes.
Chapter 14 · Defensive Driving ↗PDF, 29 MB -
How does a defensive driver keep track of what is happening on the road?
Stays alert and keeps the eyes moving
Defensive drivers stay alert, keep their eyes moving, look for trouble spots and have a plan of action.
Chapter 14 · Defensive Driving ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Who in a passenger vehicle must wear a safety belt?
The driver and all passengers, regardless of age
Everyone in a seat equipped with a safety belt must use it, whatever their age.
Chapter 14 · Safety Belts ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Children under what age must ride in a child car seat unless they are taller than 4’9”?
8 years old
A child under 8 must be in a federally approved child car seat unless taller than 4’9”.
Chapter 14 · Safety Belts ↗PDF, 29 MB -
A child under 8 may use a regular safety belt instead of a car seat if taller than what height?
4’9”
The child car seat rule for children under 8 does not apply once the child is more than 4’9” tall.
Chapter 14 · Safety Belts ↗PDF, 29 MB -
How much greater are your chances of being killed if you are thrown from your car?
Five times greater
Being thrown from the car makes death five times more likely, which safety belts help prevent.
Chapter 14 · Safety Belts ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Do safety belt requirements apply in pickups and SUVs?
Yes, they include pickups, SUVs and trucks
Texas safety belt rules cover pickups, SUVs and trucks as well as cars.
Chapter 14 · Safety Belts ↗PDF, 29 MB -
A driver can be cited for not securing each child under what age in a safety seat or safety belt?
17
The driver is responsible for each child under 17 being in a safety seat or safety belt.
Chapter 14 · Penalties for Driving Without a Safety Belt ↗PDF, 29 MB -
From what age can a passenger receive their own citation for not wearing a safety belt?
15
Anyone at least 15 years old can be cited for not wearing a safety belt.
Chapter 14 · Penalties for Driving Without a Safety Belt ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Are there exemptions to the Texas safety belt laws?
No, but some defenses to prosecution exist
There are no exemptions, though postal workers, utility workers and a few others have defenses to prosecution.
Chapter 14 · Penalties for Driving Without a Safety Belt ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What is needed for a medical defense to a safety belt citation?
A physician’s note
Medical reasons are a defense to prosecution only with a physician’s note.
Chapter 14 · Penalties for Driving Without a Safety Belt ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What is the fine for driving without a safety belt?
$25 to $50
A driver without a safety belt faces a fine of $25 to $50.
Chapter 14 · Table 37: Penalties for Not Wearing a Required Safety Belt ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What is the fine when a child under 8 and shorter than 4’9” is not secured in a child safety seat?
$25 to $250
Failing to secure a young child in a child passenger safety seat brings a fine of $25 to $250.
Chapter 14 · Table 37: Penalties for Not Wearing a Required Safety Belt ↗PDF, 29 MB -
A passenger under 17 rides without a safety belt. What fine does the driver face?
$100 to $200
The driver is fined $100 to $200 when a passenger under 17 is unbelted.
Chapter 14 · Table 37: Penalties for Not Wearing a Required Safety Belt ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What fine does a driver face when a child under 18 rides in an open-bed pickup?
$25 to $200
A child under 18 riding in an open bed or flatbed brings a $25 to $200 fine for the driver.
Chapter 14 · Table 37: Penalties for Not Wearing a Required Safety Belt ↗PDF, 29 MB -
It is an offense to drive an open-bed truck when a child younger than what age rides in the bed?
18
Driving an open bed or flatbed truck with a child under 18 in the bed is an offense.
Chapter 14 · Vehicles with Open Beds ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Which of these is a defense for carrying a child in an open truck bed?
The truck is the only vehicle owned by the household
Defenses include parades, emergencies, beaches, permitted hayrides, certain farm work, and a household’s only vehicle.
Chapter 14 · Vehicles with Open Beds ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Is it legal to tow a boat while a 16-year-old rides in it on the road?
No, unless in a parade, an emergency or on a beach
Towing a boat or personal watercraft with a person under 18 riding in it is an offense, with few defenses.
Chapter 14 · Vehicles with Open Beds Towing a Boat or Watercraft ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What offense is it to drive a truck while another person rides in the trailer it pulls?
A Class B misdemeanor
Operating a truck while someone occupies the drawn trailer or semi-trailer is a Class B misdemeanor.
Chapter 14 · Open Bed Passenger Restrictions ↗PDF, 29 MB -
When is a person riding in a towed trailer a defense to prosecution for the driver?
When the person is in a part designed for human habitation
It is a defense if the occupant was in a part of the trailer designed for people to live in.
Chapter 14 · Open Bed Passenger Restrictions ↗PDF, 29 MB -
You are signaled to stop by law enforcement. Where should you move your vehicle?
Safely to the right of the road
Slow down and move safely to the right, as far from the main traffic lane as possible.
Chapter 14 · When Stopped by Law Enforcement ↗PDF, 29 MB -
You are stopped by law enforcement at night. What should you turn on?
The interior dome light
At night, turning on the dome light helps the officer see inside the vehicle.
Chapter 14 · When Stopped by Law Enforcement ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Where should you keep your hands while waiting for the officer at a traffic stop?
On top of the steering wheel, clearly in sight
Keep both hands in sight on top of the steering wheel and wait for instructions.
Chapter 14 · When Stopped by Law Enforcement ↗PDF, 29 MB -
After parking for a traffic stop, what should you do with the vehicle?
Set the emergency brake, turn off the engine and turn on hazard lights
Put the vehicle in park, set the emergency brake, turn the engine off and activate the hazard lights.
Chapter 14 · When Stopped by Law Enforcement ↗PDF, 29 MB -
You are carrying a weapon in your vehicle and are stopped by an officer. What should you do?
Tell the officer
Tell the officer if you are transporting any type of weapon.
Chapter 14 · When Stopped by Law Enforcement ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Your proof of insurance is in the glove box during a traffic stop. What should you do first?
Tell the officer where it is and follow directions
Before reaching anywhere, tell the officer where the items are and follow the officer’s directions.
Chapter 14 · When Stopped by Law Enforcement ↗PDF, 29 MB -
From which side of your vehicle may an officer approach during a stop?
Either side
An officer may come to either side of the vehicle.
Chapter 14 · When Stopped by Law Enforcement ↗PDF, 29 MB -
An unmarked car signals you to stop on a dark road and you doubt it is real police. What can you do?
Turn on hazards, drive slowly below the limit, and call 9-1-1
Turn on hazards, drive slowly and carefully, call 9-1-1 to verify, or go to a nearby well-lighted, populated place.
Chapter 14 · Obligations, Responsibilities, Courtesy and Safety ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Why should you stay inside your vehicle during a traffic stop unless asked to get out?
Getting out may be seen as aggressive and a threat
Exiting may be perceived as aggressive behavior and a threat to the officer’s safety.
Chapter 14 · Obligations, Responsibilities, Courtesy and Safety ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Where should drivers who carry handguns keep them in the vehicle?
Separate from license and insurance documents
Keep handguns in a different place from your license and insurance papers.
Chapter 14 · Obligations, Responsibilities, Courtesy and Safety ↗PDF, 29 MB -
During a traffic stop, what must a driver do even if choosing not to answer questions?
Display a driver license when the officer asks
You cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions, but you must show your license when requested.
Chapter 14 · Obligations, Responsibilities, Courtesy and Safety ↗PDF, 29 MB -
If you are lawfully arrested, what information are you required to give?
Your name, residence address and date of birth
A lawfully arrested person must give name, residence address and date of birth.
Chapter 14 · Obligations, Responsibilities, Courtesy and Safety ↗PDF, 29 MB -
When can an officer search your vehicle without your consent?
When the officer has probable cause that it holds evidence of a crime
You may refuse consent, but probable cause allows a search without it.
Chapter 14 · Obligations, Responsibilities, Courtesy and Safety ↗PDF, 29 MB -
You do not agree to a search an officer is making. What should you do?
Tell the officer you do not consent, but do not resist
It is unlawful to physically resist a search, but you may say that you do not consent.
Chapter 14 · Obligations, Responsibilities, Courtesy and Safety ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What does signing a traffic citation mean?
You promise to pay the fine or contact the court
Signing is not admitting guilt. It confirms your promise to pay or contact the court.
Chapter 14 · Complaints or Concerns ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Where should you argue a traffic charge you disagree with?
Before a judge or jury, not at the stop
Do not argue a charge during the stop. Contest it before a judge or ask for a jury trial.
Chapter 14 · Complaints or Concerns ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What is it called when you give a false name to an officer who has lawfully detained you?
A criminal offense
Giving a false or fictitious name to an officer who lawfully arrested or detained you is an offense.
Chapter 14 · False Identification Offense ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What raises the penalty for evading arrest or detention?
Using a vehicle or watercraft to flee
Evading is an offense, and penalties are higher when a vehicle or watercraft is used or someone is hurt.
Chapter 14 · Evading arrest or detention ↗PDF, 29 MB -
To avoid road rage, how should you use your horn if needed?
Tap it
Tap the horn instead of holding it down, and do not confront other drivers.
Chapter 14 · Tips to Avoid Road Rage ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What should you do with your turn signal after a lane change?
Turn it off
Signal before changing lanes, and turn the signal off after you finish.
Chapter 14 · Tips to Avoid Road Rage ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Another driver is trying to pass you. What should you not do?
Speed up to keep them from passing
Never speed up, slow down or brake on purpose to keep someone from passing or entering your lane.
Chapter 14 · Tips to Avoid Road Rage ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What is the top speed of a neighborhood electronic vehicle on a paved level surface?
35 mph
A neighborhood electronic vehicle has a top speed of 35 mph.
Chapter 14 · Neighborhood Electronic Vehicles and Motor Assisted Scooters ↗PDF, 29 MB -
A neighborhood electronic vehicle may be driven only on streets with a posted limit of what?
45 mph or less
Neighborhood electronic vehicles may use streets posted at 45 mph or less.
Chapter 14 · Neighborhood Electronic Vehicles and Motor Assisted Scooters ↗PDF, 29 MB -
A motor assisted scooter may be ridden only on streets with a posted limit of what?
35 mph or less
Motor assisted scooters may use streets posted at 35 mph or less.
Chapter 14 · Neighborhood Electronic Vehicles and Motor Assisted Scooters ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What is the largest motor a motor assisted scooter may have?
40 cc
A motor assisted scooter has a gas or electric motor of no more than 40 cc.
Chapter 14 · Neighborhood Electronic Vehicles and Motor Assisted Scooters ↗PDF, 29 MB -
An EPAMD such as a Segway may use a residential street only if its maximum speed limit is what?
30 mph
On streets with a 30 mph maximum, an EPAMD may ride only to cross, where there is no sidewalk, or when directed.
Chapter 14 · Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMD) ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Where on a public roadway must an EPAMD be ridden?
As close as practicable to the right-hand edge
An EPAMD on a roadway stays as close as practicable to the right-hand edge.
Chapter 14 · Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMD) ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Which comes first under the handbook’s keys to safe driving?
Safety comes before the right-of-way
Courtesy means putting safety ahead of insisting on the right-of-way.
Chapter 14 · Your Keys to Safe Driving ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What does the handbook say about relying on yearly vehicle inspections?
Do not depend on them, perform regular maintenance
Proper care of the vehicle means regular maintenance, not just the yearly inspection.
Chapter 14 · Your Keys to Safe Driving ↗PDF, 29 MB -
A truck hauls loose gravel on a public highway. How must the top of the load be covered?
With a canvas or tarp firmly secured at the front and back
Loose material must be covered with a canvas, tarpaulin or other covering secured front and back, unless fully enclosed or not spilling.
Chapter 14 · Transporting Cargo and Materials ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Which loose load is exempt from the Texas covering rules?
Agricultural products in their natural state
The rules on loose material do not apply to agricultural products in their natural state.
Chapter 14 · Transporting Cargo and Materials ↗PDF, 29 MB -
A passenger car tows a trailer on a Texas public highway. What must connect the trailer to the car?
Safety chains
Safety chains are required from the trailer to a passenger car or light truck towing it.
Chapter 14 · Safety Chains ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Who must approve the type and attachment of trailer safety chains?
DPS
The kinds of safety chains and how they attach must be approved by DPS.
Chapter 14 · Safety Chains ↗PDF, 29 MB -
When one vehicle tows another, how long may the connection between them be?
No longer than 15 feet
The drawbar, chain, rope or cable may not be longer than 15 feet.
Chapter 14 · Towing ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What must be attached to a towing chain or rope between two vehicles?
A white flag at least 12 inches square
A white flag not less than 12 inches square must be attached to the connection.
Chapter 14 · Towing ↗PDF, 29 MB -
How many vehicles may one vehicle tow by mounting their front wheels on the bed of another?
No more than three
A vehicle may not tow more than three vehicles mounted this way.
Chapter 14 · Towing ↗PDF, 29 MB -
To avoid carbon monoxide, what should you not do when following closely behind another car?
Leave the vents open
Open vents while following closely can pull in exhaust from the car ahead.
Chapter 14 · Carbon Monoxide ↗PDF, 29 MB -
What should you do for a carbon monoxide poisoning victim?
Move them to fresh air and call 911
Get the victim into fresh air and call 911.
Chapter 14 · Carbon Monoxide ↗PDF, 29 MB -
Which of these can expose you to carbon monoxide?
Driving with a defective muffler or exhaust system
A defective muffler or exhaust can let deadly carbon monoxide into the car.
Chapter 14 · Carbon Monoxide ↗PDF, 29 MB
Questions and answers by topic
- Your license to drive75
- Inspection, registration and insurance28
- Safety responsibility17
- Right-of-way55
- Traffic signals and pavement markings52
- Road signs118
- Signaling, passing and turning42
- Parking, stopping and standing40
- Speed and speed limits40
- Special driving situations90
- Alcohol and drugs61
- Crashes29
- Pedestrians and bicycles35