Overview
This lecture covers New Jersey driving regulations, vehicle safety practices, road rules, and legal requirements for motorists.
Approaching Intersections and Hills
- At uncontrolled intersections, slow down, check both ways, and be prepared to stop.
- When approaching a steep hill, reduce speed and prepare for potential visibility issues.
Passing and Sharing the Road
- Allow at least a 4-foot safety zone when passing bicyclists on a single lane road.
- Maintain a sizable space cushion when sharing the road with large vehicles.
Signs, Signals, and Road Markings
- Recognize "lane reduction ahead" and "bike may use full lane" road signs.
- Construction and maintenance warnings use orange diamond signs.
Vehicle Operation and Safety
- Minimum legal tire tread depth is 1/16th inch.
- Test braking distance by stopping within 25 ft at 20 mph in an empty parking lot.
- Airbags can inflate at speeds up to 200 mph during a frontal crash.
Vehicle Registration and Documentation
- New vehicles require a manufacturer's certificate of origin and dealer’s certificate of sale for registration.
- Initial registration for a new vehicle is valid for 4 years.
Speed Limits and Passing Rules
- Maximum speed for low-speed vehicles (LSV) is 25 mph.
- Passing is prohibited within 100 ft of a railroad crossing.
- Maximum speed limit for motorized scooters for those with mobility disabilities is 35 mph (where allowed).
Parking and Lane Positioning
- Do not park within 200 ft of a fire department vehicle in service.
- When parking uphill, turn wheels away from the curb.
- Stop approximately 30 ft before a crosswalk on a multi-lane road.
Legal BAC Limits and Safe Driving Practices
- Legal BAC limit for drivers 21+ is 0.08%; under 21 is 0.01%.
- When following a school bus with flashing red lights, stop at least 25 ft away.
Hand Position and Signals
- Maintain grip at the 9:00 and 3:00 steering wheel positions.
- Bicyclists may signal a right turn by extending their right arm straight out.
- Begin signaling at least 100 ft before turning and cancel after the turn.
Fines and Safety Laws
- Violating the safe passing law without injury carries a $100 fine and no points.
- Bodily injury during a safe passing violation results in a $500 fine and 2 penalty points.
Night Driving
- If approached by a vehicle with high beams, look toward the right edge of the road to avoid glare.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Uncontrolled Intersection — an intersection with no traffic signs or signals.
- Safe Passing Law — law requiring at least a 4-foot distance when passing bicyclists.
- LSV (Low-speed Vehicle) — a four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed between 20–25 mph.
- BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) — the percentage of alcohol in a person's blood.
- No-Zone — blind spots around large vehicles where visibility is limited.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the New Jersey Driver’s Manual for detailed rules and signs.
- Practice safe stopping and signaling techniques in a controlled environment.
- Memorize legal limits and required documentation for exams.