20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the maximum duration a vehicle may idle under New Jersey law?
Answer: Three minutes or less. The handbook states that the legal limit for vehicle idling is three minutes or less.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 52: “New Jersey law requires all motorists to restrict vehicle idling to three minutes or less.”
2. Why does the handbook recommend checking mirrors every few seconds?
Answer: To see what traffic is approaching from behind so passing cars are not a surprise. Frequent mirror checks allow the rider to anticipate approaching traffic and avoid being surprised by passing vehicles.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 188: “Check mirrors every few seconds to see what traffic is approaching from behind. That way, passing cars and other vehicles will not be a surprise.”
3. What is the penalty for a second offense of driving while a driver license and/or registration is suspended?
Answer: Fine of $750, jail sentence for not more than five days and up to six months additional suspension. The handbook outlines that a second offense carries a $750 fine, up to five days in jail, and additional suspension time.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 132: “Second offense: Fine of $750, jail sentence for not more than five days and up to six months additional license and/or registration suspension.”
4. What is the maximum number of people allowed in one seat belt?
Answer: One person. The handbook instructs drivers never to put more than one person in a single belt.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 43: “Never put more than one person in one belt.”
5. What is the purpose of white diamonds painted on the pavement?
Answer: To indicate high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. The handbook states that white diamonds are used to identify High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 219: “White diamonds Indicate high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes reserved for a particular vehicle type or vehicles carrying multiple riders, as identified by posted regulatory signs.”
6. What should a motorist do if the vehicle's turn signals are not working?
Answer: Use hand signals until the turn signals are repaired. The handbook instructs drivers to use hand signals as a temporary measure while waiting for turn signal repairs.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 48: “If the turn signals do not work, they must be fixed as soon as possible. A motorist should use hand signals until the turn signals are repaired.”
7. What is the correct way to position the shoulder portion of a seat belt?
Answer: Over the collar bone, away from the neck, and crossing over the breastbone. The handbook provides specific instructions on proper belt positioning, stating the shoulder strap should go over the collar bone and breastbone.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 43: “The shoulder portion should come over the collar bone, away from the neck, and cross over the breastbone.”
8. What is the fine for a first offense of carrying open or unsealed alcoholic beverage containers in the passenger area of a motor vehicle?
Answer: $200. The handbook lists $200 specifically for the first offense, while subsequent offenses have different penalties.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 131: “Motorists who carry open or unsealed alcoholic beverage containers or unsealed cannabis items in passenger areas of motor vehicles are subject to a fine of $200 for a first offense”
9. Who is required to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in their native country before traveling to the United States?
Answer: Visitors with a foreign driver license. The handbook clarifies that non-citizens (visitors) must obtain the IDP in their home country prior to entering the US.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 24: “Non-citizens must obtain the IDP in their native country before traveling to the United States.”
10. What is the maximum number of points that can be subtracted from a motorist's point total each year if they go without a violation or suspension?
Answer: Three points. The handbook specifies that up to three points are deducted annually for safe driving, provided the driver has no violations or suspensions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 139: “Up to three points will be subtracted from a motorist’s point total every year that the motorist goes without a violation or suspension, and the motorist’s driving privileges remain in good standing, but the point total will never be reduced below zero.”
11. Which foot should be used to operate the brake pedal?
Answer: Right foot. The handbook mandates using the right foot for both braking and accelerating.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 55: “A motorist should always use their right foot for both the brake and the gas pedal.”
12. What is the consequence for a parent or guardian convicted of DUI who has a minor under 18 years old as a passenger at the time of the violation?
Answer: Their driving privilege is suspended for up to six months and they must perform community service for up to five days. The handbook specifies that having a minor passenger during a DUI conviction leads to a suspension of up to six months and mandatory community service of up to five days.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 135: “In addition, that person’s driving privilege is subject to suspension for up to six months and they shall be ordered to perform community service for a period of up to five days.”
13. Where must a GDL driver under age 21 display the required red reflective decals on their vehicle?
Answer: On the top left corner of both the front and rear license plates. The handbook specifies the exact location for the two decals as the top left corner of both the front and rear license plates.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 21: “One decal is to be displayed on the top left corner of the rear license plate and the other on the top left corner of the front license plate.”
14. According to the handbook, where should a motorist grip the steering wheel for normal driving?
Answer: By the outside rim at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. The handbook specifies the 9 and 3 o'clock positions on the outside rim as the correct grip for normal driving.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 53: “For normal driving, a motorist should grip the steering wheel by the outside rim at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, keeping their thumbs along the face of the wheel.”
15. Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor that stopping distance depends on?
Answer: Radio volume. The handbook lists reaction time, vehicle weight, and roadway conditions as factors affecting stopping distance, but does not mention radio volume.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 54: “Stopping distance depends on: • Motorist reaction time • Weather and visibility conditions • Vehicle weight • Brake conditions • Condition and type of tires • Roadway conditions • Speed”
16. Under what condition may a motorist proceed through an intersection when the light changes to yellow?
Answer: When the vehicle is too close to stop safely. The rule requires stopping at a yellow light unless the vehicle is already too close to the intersection to stop safely.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 76: “When a yellow light follows a green light, a motorist must stop before entering the intersection, unless yellow appears when the vehicle is too close to stop safely.”
17. What action is required when driving on private property to avoid a traffic signal or sign?
Answer: It is considered a motor vehicle violation. The handbook classifies using private property to bypass traffic controls as a violation.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 69: “Note: Driving on private property to avoid a traffic signal or sign is a motor vehicle violation.”
18. Where do crosswalks exist unless regulated by signage that prohibits pedestrian crossings?
Answer: At all corners of intersections. The handbook states that crosswalks are present at all intersection corners by default, regardless of whether they are marked or unmarked.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 68: “Crosswalks exist at all corners of intersections unless regulated by signage that prohibits pedestrian crossings.”
19. What is the minimum distance required between the center of the steering wheel and the center of the breastbone for an individual to qualify for a driver-side air bag cutoff switch?
Answer: At least 10 inches. The handbook specifies that a cutoff switch is allowed for driver-side air bags if the driver cannot maintain at least 10 inches between the steering wheel center and their breastbone.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 46: “Driver-side air bags only: For individuals who cannot properly operate the vehicle and keep at least 10 inches between the center of the steering wheel and the center of the breastbone.”
20. What is the consequence for disobeying the directions of a flagger in a work zone?
Answer: The motorist may be cited. Flagger directions carry the same authority as regulatory signs, meaning drivers can be cited for failing to follow their instructions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 217: “Note: Flaggers have the same authority as a regulatory sign, so a motorist may be cited if they disobey their directions.”