20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How far from the nearest crosswalk or stop line must a vehicle come to a complete stop when approaching a stop sign?
Answer: Within five feet. The rule specifies that the stop must occur within a distance of five feet from the crosswalk or stop line.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 69: “A motorist approaching a stop sign must bring the vehicle to a complete stop within five feet of the nearest crosswalk or stop line before proceeding.”
2. How long are test results valid for out-of-country applicants?
Answer: Two years. The handbook states that test results for out-of-country applicants remain valid for a period of two years.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 34: “Test results are valid for two years.”
3. If a driver fails to approach and pass vulnerable road users with due caution and causes bodily injury, what penalty is assessed?
Answer: A $500 fine and two motor vehicle penalty points. The handbook specifies that causing bodily injury in this scenario results in a $500 fine and two penalty points.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 132: “Drivers who do not approach and pass vulnerable road users with due caution, which results in bodily injury as defined in N.J.S.2C:11-1, shall be fined $500 and assessed two motor vehicle penalty points”
4. What is the imprisonment term for a second offense of driving while suspended due to driving while under the influence within school zones?
Answer: 120 days. The handbook indicates that for a second offense, the imprisonment term increases to 120 days.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 133: “For second, third and subsequent offenses, the suspension and fines remain the same, but the imprisonment term is increased to 120, 150 and 180 days, respectively.”
5. When entering an angle parking space to your right, what should you do after signaling and slowing down?
Answer: Make sure the rear of the vehicle will clear the parked vehicles. The instructions for angle parking list checking that the rear clears parked vehicles as a specific step after signaling and slowing.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 59: “Make sure the rear of the vehicle will clear the parked vehicles.”
6. At approximately what speed can wet road surfaces cause tires to hydroplane?
Answer: About 35 mph. The handbook specifies that hydroplaning begins at approximately 35 mph, making this the correct threshold for the phenomenon.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 99: “Wet road surfaces can cause tires to hydroplane, or ride up on a film of water, starting at about 35 mph, which could cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle.”
7. Under Maggie’s Law, how is driving while impaired by lack of sleep classified?
Answer: As recklessness under the vehicular homicide statute. The handbook defines the legal classification of fatigued driving specifically as recklessness under the vehicular homicide statute.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 94: “This law establishes driving while fatigued as recklessness under the vehicular homicide statute.”
8. What is the annual surcharge amount for three years for a first offense DUI?
Answer: $1,000. The handbook lists a $1,000 annual surcharge payable for three years as part of the mandatory penalties.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 125: “$1,000 annual surcharge for three years (N.J.S.A. 17:29A-35(b)(2)(b))”
9. What is the required minimum distance for parking from a stop sign?
Answer: Fifty feet. The regulations specify that a motorist should not park within 50 feet of a stop sign.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 87: “Within 50 feet of a stop sign.”
10. How far in advance must a motorist use a proper turn signal before making a turn?
Answer: At least 100 feet before making any turn. The handbook specifies a minimum distance of 100 feet for activating turn signals before executing a turn.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 74: “Always use a proper turn signal at least 100 feet before making any turn and cancel the signal after completing the turn.”
11. What is the primary reason for reducing speed when traveling on curves with slippery surfaces?
Answer: Because it takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces. The handbook explains that stopping distances increase on slippery surfaces, necessitating a reduction in speed.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 194: “Reduce speed. It takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces. Make up for this by traveling at a slower speed.”
12. When should a motorist remove both hands from the steering wheel?
Answer: When shifting gears or giving hand signals. The handbook specifies that hands should remain on the wheel except during gear shifts or when giving hand signals.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 53: “Both hands should always be kept on the wheel, except when shifting gears or giving hand signals.”
13. What specific type of harness is required for federally approved child passenger restraint systems mentioned in the law?
Answer: Five-point harness. The handbook states that the restraint systems must be equipped with a five-point harness.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 44: “A federally approved forward facing child passenger restraint system that is equipped with a five-point harness in a rear seat of the motor vehicle.”
14. Which of the following states is listed as a non-member of the Nonresident Violator Compact?
Answer: California. California is listed in the handbook as a non-member of the Nonresident Violator Compact, whereas Georgia and Massachusetts are listed as non-members of the Driver License Compact.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 142: “Currently, 44 states and the District of Columbia are members of the compact. Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Wisconsin are non-members.”
15. What is the maximum period of license suspension for a person who permits another individual to operate their vehicle while that person's license is suspended for driving while intoxicated?
Answer: Six months. The handbook states that the suspension period for this specific violation is capped at six months.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 134: “is subject to license and registration suspension of up to six months”
16. When approaching a toll booth area, what specific visual cue indicates that a booth is open?
Answer: A green light or signal. The handbook states that green lights or signals are used to highlight open toll booths.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 73: “Green lights or signals highlight open booths.”
17. How does the Driver License Compact affect a New Jersey motorist who receives a traffic citation in another member state?
Answer: The violation becomes part of the motorist’s New Jersey driving record. The handbook states that under the Driver License Compact, out-of-state violations are exchanged and become part of the motorist's New Jersey driving record.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 142: “The Driver License Compact exchanges violation information with other states and the District of Columbia. Out-of-state violations become part of a motorist’s New Jersey driving record.”
18. Why should a rider check the far lanes in addition to the immediate adjacent lane when changing lanes?
Answer: Because another motorist could be headed for the same space. The handbook instructs riders to check beyond the immediate lane because drivers in distant lanes may also be moving into the rider's intended path.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 188: “On a roadway with several lanes, check the far lanes, too. Another motorist could be headed for the same space.”
19. What is the recommended seating position for children of any age to ensure maximum safety, especially in vehicles with passenger-side air bags?
Answer: In the back seat of the vehicle. The handbook states that the back seat is the safest location for children of any age.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 46: “Children of any age are safest when they are belted properly in the back seat of a vehicle, especially when the vehicle is equipped with a passenger-side air bag.”
20. What is the maximum distance a vehicle's tires should be from the curb when properly parallel parked?
Answer: No more than six inches. The handbook defines the correct parallel parking position as having tires no more than six inches away from the curb.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 60: “The vehicle’s tires should be no more than six inches from the curb.”