LAW 1

Signals, right-of-way, lines, and speed

Crossover from the Driver's Handbook

Scope

Applicable knowledge tests draw from the Motorcycle Handbook and California Driver's Handbook. This is a focused crossover skim.

Signals + right-of-way

REDSolid red: stop; right turn is allowed only after a full stop, when not prohibited, and after yielding. A red arrow means no turn until a green signal or arrow.
FLASHINGFlashing red: stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow: slow and proceed cautiously; no mandatory stop.
OUTAGETreat an inoperative traffic light as a four-way stop.
GREENA green light does not erase the duty to yield to anyone still in the intersection and to avoid blocking it. Do not enter unless you can get completely across.
LEFT TURNYield to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles close enough to be dangerous.
TUncontrolled intersection, simultaneous arrival: yield to the vehicle on your right. At an uncontrolled T-intersection, through traffic has the right-of-way.
PEDESTRIANSPedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections and crosswalks — marked or unmarked. Slow or stop and let them finish safely.
EMERGENCYFor an approaching emergency vehicle with siren and red lights, move to the right edge and stop until it passes. Never follow within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle running lights and siren, and never stop in an intersection, on a crosswalk or sidewalk, or blocking a driveway.

YELLOWBroken yellow next to your lane allows passing when safe. A solid yellow on your side means do not pass. Two sets of double yellow lines 2+ feet apart form a barrier — never drive on or over them.
WHITEBroken white separates same-direction lanes. Double solid white lines are a lane barrier; do not change lanes over them.
HOVMotorcycles may use HOV lanes unless posted otherwise, but must use designated openings.
BASIC SPEEDNever drive faster than is safe for current road, weather, visibility, and traffic conditions, even below the posted limit.
NUMBERUnless otherwise posted, 55 mph applies on two-lane undivided highways and while towing. 65 mph is the usual maximum on most highways.
TRAPDo not enter an intersection unless you can get completely across.
SPECIALU-turns are illegal where you cannot see 200 feet in each direction, at a railroad crossing, in front of a fire station, and in business districts except at intersections or designated openings. Passing is on the left as the default; pass on the right only where an open lane or unobstructed pavement legally allows it — never by leaving the roadway.