20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Who is authorized to use the Next-of-Kin Registry to submit emergency contact information?
Answer: Individuals at least 14 years of age. The handbook specifies that individuals aged 14 and older are eligible to utilize the Next-of-Kin Registry.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 25: “The Next-of-Kin Registry is a New Jersey statewide web-based system that allows individuals at least 14 years of age to voluntarily submit and maintain emergency contact information through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.”
2. How much can the hands move when using hand-over-hand steering through a turn?
Answer: Up to 165 degrees. The handbook provides a specific measurement of 165 degrees for hand movement during a turn using the hand-over-hand method.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 53: “However, when moving through a turn, the hands may move as much as 165 degrees.”
3. What is the legal requirement regarding backup lights when a vehicle is moving forward?
Answer: They must be turned off. The handbook states it is against New Jersey law to have backup lights on while moving forward, implying they must be off.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 47: “Note: It is against New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:3-52) to have any backup lights on while a vehicle is moving forward.”
4. Under what condition is it permissible to have backup lights on while driving?
Answer: When driving in reverse. The handbook specifies that backup lights should be on when driving in reverse.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 47: “When driving in reverse, backup lights should be on.”
5. What is the standard shape and color of warning signs used to alert motorists to road conditions and hazards?
Answer: Yellow and diamond-shaped. The handbook defines general warning signs as being yellow and diamond-shaped, distinguishing them from orange road work signs.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 216: “The signs are yellow and diamond-shaped with a black symbol or word message.”
6. What is the legal drinking age required to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol in New Jersey?
Answer: 21. The handbook clearly establishes age 21 as the minimum age for purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol in the state.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 124: “In New Jersey, a person must be age 21 or older to purchase, possess or consume alcohol.”
7. Where must children under age eight be seated in a motor vehicle that has rear seats available?
Answer: In the rear seat. The handbook states that all children under age eight must be seated in a rear seat.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 45: “All children under age eight must be seated in a rear seat.”
8. Why should a motorist avoid turning the ignition to the lock position while the vehicle is still in motion?
Answer: The steering will lock as the vehicle turns, causing loss of control. The handbook explains that locking the steering wheel while moving leads to a loss of vehicle control.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 106: “The steering will lock as the vehicle turns, and the motorist will lose control of the vehicle.”
9. When are headlights required to be used according to the New Jersey Driver Handbook?
Answer: Between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. The handbook states the specific time window for mandatory headlight usage based on sunset and sunrise times.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 85: “Headlights must be used between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.”
10. What is the minimum fine for a second offense of unsafe driving?
Answer: $100. The handbook lists the fine range for a second unsafe driving offense as not less than $100, making $100 the minimum.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 130: “not less than $100 or more than $250 for a second offense”
11. When approaching a school bus that has stopped directly in front of a school to pick up or let off children, what is the maximum speed at which a motorist may pass the bus?
Answer: Pass at a speed of no more than 10 mph. The handbook specifies a reduced speed limit of 10 mph for passing a stopped school bus specifically when it is located directly in front of a school.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 79: “If a school bus has stopped directly in front of a school to pick up or let off children or persons with developmental disabilities, a motorist may pass from either direction at a speed of no more than 10 mph.”
12. According to the handbook, what percentage of alcohol is eliminated from the body through breath, urine, and sweat?
Answer: 10%. The handbook states that while 90% is oxidized by the liver, the remaining 10% is eliminated through breath, urine, and sweat.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 116: “The other 10 % is eliminated in breath, urine, and sweat.”
13. Which specific action regarding pedestrians is listed as a moving violation in the provided chart?
Answer: Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The handbook lists 'Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk' directly under the Moving Violation Point Chart.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 140: “Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk”
14. What is the consequence for a motorist who refuses to take a breath test in New Jersey?
Answer: They are subject to a violation surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years. The handbook specifies that refusal results in a $1,000 annual surcharge for three years, distinct from other fines or community service requirements listed for different offenses.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 129: “Motorists who refuse to take a breath test in New Jersey are subject to a violation surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years.”
15. What is the stated reason for keeping a vehicle in the center of the lane while driving?
Answer: To prevent disrupting the safe flow of traffic and causing other drivers to swerve. The handbook explains that staying centered prevents disruption of traffic flow and reduces the likelihood of crashes caused by swerving.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 92: “Additionally, the vehicle should be kept in the center of the lane at all times, as veering to either side can disrupt the safe flow of traffic, cause drivers to swerve, and ultimately result in crashes.”
16. According to the Safe Passing Law, what is the minimum safety zone distance a driver must allow when passing a bicyclist on a single-lane road?
Answer: At least a 4-foot safety zone. The handbook states that on single-lane roads, a minimum of four feet of space is required when passing vulnerable road users.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 152: “On a single-lane road, drivers must allow at least a 4-foot safety zone when they pass”
17. What is the stated rule of thumb for following distance based on speed?
Answer: Keep one car length back for every 10 miles per hour. The handbook defines the basic rule of thumb as maintaining one car length of distance for every 10 mph of speed.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 96: “Although there is no perfect rule for following distance, the rule of thumb most often used is to keep one car length back (about 20 feet) for each 10 miles per hour of speed.”
18. What is the maximum speed limit for motorized bicycles, or mopeds, as stated in the handbook?
Answer: 25 mph. The handbook specifies that moped drivers are restricted to a maximum speed of 25 mph.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 152: “Moped drivers may not exceed 25 mph”
19. Why is it important to stay away from the edge of the road when making sharp turns at intersections?
Answer: Because dirt and gravel tend to collect along the sides of the road. The handbook notes that debris like dirt and gravel accumulates at the road edges, reducing traction during turns.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 194: “Dirt and gravel tend to collect along the sides of the road. It is very important to stay away from the edge of the road when making sharp turns at intersections or entering and leaving freeways at high speed.”
20. When approaching or passing a person riding or driving a horse-drawn vehicle, what speed limit must a motorist observe?
Answer: 25 mph or less. The handbook states that motorists must reduce their speed to 25 mph or less when approaching horse-drawn vehicles.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 157: “When approaching or passing a person riding or driving a horse-drawn vehicle, motorists are required to reduce their speed to 25 mph or less and proceed with caution.”