Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. On a two-lane road in Washington, when may you legally travel on the left side of the road?

   Correct answer: Only when safely and legally passing another vehicle

   You normally drive on the right. The only time you may briefly move left of center on a two-lane road is to pass another vehicle safely and legally.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Driving Guidance (4.10)

2. 2. When you make a turn at an intersection in Washington, which lane should you turn into?

   Correct answer: The lane nearest the direction you came from

   State law requires turning into the lane closest to the one you came from. Stay in that lane through the turn, then change lanes later if you need to.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Turning (4.14)

3. 3. On a multilane Washington road, where should you normally drive when you are not passing?

   Correct answer: In the right lane, using the left only to pass

   The rule is keep right except to pass. Slower traffic stays in the right lane, and the left lanes are used to move around slower vehicles.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Driving Guidance (4.10)

4. 4. Under Washington's distracted driving law, what may a driver not do with a phone or tablet?

   Correct answer: Hold it in your hand while driving

   No driver may grip an electronic device in hand while driving, no matter their age or experience. Hands-free operation is permitted, but holding the device is against the law.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Distracted Driving Laws (3.4)

5. 5. How far may you legally travel while positioned in a center two-way left turn lane?

   Correct answer: No more than 300 feet

   The shared center left-turn lane is for entering or leaving the road by turning left. You should not drive in it for more than 300 feet, and it is never for passing.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Road Markings, Turn lanes (4.16)

6. 6. When must you use your turn signal before turning left or right across traffic in Washington?

   Correct answer: At least 100 feet before the turn

   Turn on your signal a minimum of 100 feet ahead of the turn so others can react. Build the habit of signaling for every change in direction, even when the road looks empty.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Turning (4.14)

7. 7. If you miss your exit or turn on a Washington freeway, what does the law require?

   Correct answer: Keep going forward and use the next legal exit

   Backing up on a shoulder or freeway is illegal and dangerous. Keep moving forward and use the next legal exit or turnaround instead of reversing.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Driving Guidance (4.10)

8. 8. Which statement about driving on the shoulder of a Washington road is correct?

   Correct answer: You should not drive on it unless directed by signs or officials

   Unless officials or signs direct you, you should not drive on the shoulder, and it may not be used to pass. Keep to the travel lanes.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Driving Guidance (4.10)

9. 9. When a driver signs for a traffic ticket in Washington, what does that signature mean?

   Correct answer: Only that you received the ticket, not that you are guilty

   Signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt; it only acknowledges receipt. Refusing to sign, however, could lead to arrest.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Getting a Ticket (5.10)

10. 10. In Washington, where are U-turns generally handled by law?

    Correct answer: Generally allowed unless a sign forbids them

    U-turns are usually permitted unless a sign prohibits them. However, you must never make one on a curve or near the top of a hill where visibility is limited.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — U-turns (4.14)

11. 11. How does Washington law treat picking up or being a hitchhiker on the freeway?

    Correct answer: It is illegal and unsafe

    Hitchhiking and stopping to pick up hitchhikers on freeways is both illegal and dangerous in Washington, so drivers should never do it.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Driving Guidance (4.10)

12. 12. It is against the law in Washington to drive while wearing which of the following?

    Correct answer: Earbuds or headphones in both ears

    Driving while wearing earbuds, headphones, or headsets that play sound or cancel noise is illegal. A hands-free device is allowed in only one ear.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Hearing (3.0)