20 questions from the Montana driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How should bicyclists navigate a roundabout if they choose to ride on the circulatory roadway rather than walking their bike?
Answer: They should ride like a car and obey the same traffic rules. The handbook allows bicyclists to ride on the roadway if comfortable, provided they follow the same rules as motor vehicles.
Montana driver handbook, page 42: “If you are comfortable riding in traffic, ride on the circulatory roadway of the roundabout like a car, but obey the same traffic rules as motorized vehicles.”
2. How does the stopping distance at 60 mph compare to the stopping distance at 30 mph?
Answer: It takes over three times the distance. The handbook states that doubling speed from 30 to 60 mph results in a stopping distance that is more than triple the original distance.
Montana driver handbook, page 69: “For example, stopping at 60 mph does not take twice the distance as it takes at 30 mph, but over three times the distance.”
3. What is the minimum rear visibility requirement for mirrors on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956?
Answer: 200 feet. The handbook specifies that mirrors on vehicles made after January 1, 1956, must provide 200-foot visibility to the rear.
Montana driver handbook, page 25: “Mirror Vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956, must provide 200-foot visibility to rear of the vehicle.”
4. When changing lanes, entering a roadway, or merging lanes, what is the minimum time gap recommended?
Answer: Four seconds. The handbook specifies a four-second gap is necessary for these specific maneuvers to provide a sufficient space cushion.
Montana driver handbook, page 76: “You need a four-second gap whenever you change lanes, enter a roadway, or your lane merges with another travel lane.”
5. What is the minimum distance of unobstructed view required in both directions to safely make a U-turn on a roadway?
Answer: 500 feet. The handbook sets a specific visibility requirement of 500 feet in both directions to ensure safety when executing a U-turn.
Montana driver handbook, page 49: “You may turn around on a roadway where the driver has 500 feet in both directions (almost two average city blocks) of unobstructed view and no vehicles are approaching.”
6. What is the appropriate use of the horn when there is no immediate danger?
Answer: Give your horn a light tap. The handbook specifies that a light tap is sufficient when there is no immediate danger, distinguishing it from a sharp blast used for emergencies.
Montana driver handbook, page 66: “If there is no immediate danger, a light tap on the horn should be all you need.”
7. For vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956, what color light must the license plate lamp emit?
Answer: White. The handbook states that license plate lamps on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956, must emit white light.
Montana driver handbook, page 25: “License Plate Lamp Vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956, must emit white light to illuminate the license plate for 50 feet to the rear.”
8. What is the recommended action when your view of a cross street is blocked while stopped at an intersection?
Answer: Edge forward slowly until you can see crossing traffic. The handbook advises edging forward slowly to establish visibility, which also allows crossing drivers to see your vehicle and react.
Montana driver handbook, page 63: “If you were stopped and your view of a cross street is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see.”
9. What penalty is imposed for a first offense of violating the restrictions of a first-year restricted license?
Answer: Between 20 to 60 hours of community service. The handbook states that the penalty for a first violation is a requirement to complete between 20 and 60 hours of community service.
Montana driver handbook, page 18: “First Offense: Between 20 to 60 hours of community service.”
10. Under what condition can a driver's license and registration be suspended after an accident if they are found responsible?
Answer: If they fail to pay the fine within 60 days. The rule states suspension occurs if the responsible party fails to pay the fine within the specified 60-day window.
Montana driver handbook, page 57: “If you are involved in an accident, your license and registration can be suspended if a court finds you responsible for the damages and you fail to pay the fine within 60 days.”
11. According to the handbook, what shape is the STOP sign?
Answer: Octagonal (eight-sided). The handbook states that the STOP sign is the only traffic sign with eight sides.
Montana driver handbook, page 33: “The STOP sign is the only eight-sided traffic sign.”
12. What does a steady yellow signal indicate to a driver?
Answer: Proceed with caution as the signal is about to turn red. The handbook defines the steady yellow signal as a caution indicator that the light is about to change to red.
Montana driver handbook, page 40: “A steady yellow signal means “CAUTION.” Cautiously enter the intersection. The signal is about to turn red.”
13. How are large flashing or sequencing arrow panels used in work zones?
Answer: To guide drivers into certain traffic lanes and inform them that part of the road ahead is closed. These panels serve to direct traffic into open lanes and alert drivers to partial road closures.
Montana driver handbook, page 38: “Large flashing or sequencing arrow panels may be used in work zones both day and night to guide drivers into certain traffic lanes and to inform them that part of the road or street ahead is closed.”
14. According to the handbook, what is the recommended gap size when merging with other traffic?
Answer: About four seconds. The handbook states that a four-second gap is required for merging to ensure a safe two-second following distance for both vehicles.
Montana driver handbook, page 76: “You need a gap of about four seconds anytime you want to merge with other traffic.”
15. When facing a flashing yellow arrow, what is the correct procedure for making a left turn?
Answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning. The handbook specifies that while turns are allowed, the driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians first.
Montana driver handbook, page 40: “A flashing yellow arrow means left turns are allowed, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”
16. What does a steady yellow "X" indicate on a reversible lane signal?
Answer: The use of the lane is changing, and you should move out. A steady yellow X signals that the lane's direction is about to change, requiring drivers to exit the lane safely.
Montana driver handbook, page 45: “A steady yellow "X" means that the use of the lane is changing, and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.”
17. According to Montana law, how are fines handled for speed violations occurring in or near school zones?
Answer: Fines are doubled. The handbook states that fines are doubled in all school zones throughout Montana.
Montana driver handbook, page 39: “Fines are doubled in all school zones throughout Montana.”
18. What is the primary reason for checking the far lane before changing lanes?
Answer: To ensure someone in that lane is not planning to move into the same lane you want to enter. Checking the far lane helps anticipate if another driver intends to merge into your target lane simultaneously.
Montana driver handbook, page 64: “Check the far lane. Be sure to check the far lane, if there is one, as someone in that lane may be planning to move into the same lane you want to enter.”
19. When should a driver be especially watchful for red-light runners at an intersection?
Answer: Immediately after their own light has turned green. The handbook states that cross-street drivers are most likely to run red lights just after the driver's own light turns green.
Montana driver handbook, page 63: “This is especially important just after your light has turned green. This is when drivers on the cross street are most likely to run a red light.”
20. What action should a driver take if a traffic signal at an intersection is not working?
Answer: Stop as you would if there were stop signs in all directions. The handbook instructs drivers to treat a non-working signal exactly like a four-way stop.
Montana driver handbook, page 40: “Generally, if a signal is not working, stop as you would if there were stop signs in all directions.”