California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayHard
You are driving on a two-lane highway when you encounter a maintenance vehicle with flashing yellow lights ahead, performing work on the shoulder. What is the safest and most appropriate action to take?
- AHonk your horn to alert the workers of your approach and proceed with caution.
- BSlow down and be prepared to move to the left lane if it is safe to do so.
- CMaintain your speed and lane position, as the vehicle is on the shoulder.
- DSpeed up to pass the vehicle quickly and move back into your lane.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Slow down and be prepared to move to the left lane if it is safe to do so.
When encountering maintenance vehicles, especially with flashing lights, you should always slow down and be prepared to move over a lane if it's safe. This provides a safety buffer for both you and the workers, adhering to 'Move Over' laws.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Honking is generally unnecessary and can startle workers; the flashing lights are already an alert.
- C. Maintaining speed and position does not provide adequate safety for workers or account for potential sudden movements.
- D. Speeding up around any vehicle with flashing lights, especially maintenance, is unsafe and against 'Move Over' principles.
Move Over Law (Maintenance Vehicles)
Drivers must slow down and, if safe, move to an adjacent lane when approaching stationary maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.
- Slow down
- Move over if safe
- Protects workers and drivers
Memory trick: Lights flashing? Slow down, move dashing!