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. In Wisconsin, when you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights and it is safe to do so, what does the move-over law require?

   Correct answer: Change into a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle

   You must move into a lane that is not next to the emergency vehicle and pass with caution once you have cleared it.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.8.1 — Move-Over Laws

2. 2. A second conviction within three years for texting or using a hand-held phone while driving a CMV brings what disqualification?

   Correct answer: A 60-day disqualification

   The driver is disqualified for 60 days after a second such offense within a three-year period.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.9.5 — Texting

3. 3. After the initial check, how often must a driver re-inspect secured cargo while on the road?

   Correct answer: Every 150 miles or 3 hours

   The load must be rechecked every 150 miles or every three hours, whichever comes first, along with each break.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 3.1 — Inspecting Cargo

4. 4. Which commercial vehicles are always required to stop at railroad crossings marked with an advance warning sign?

   Correct answer: Passenger-carrying and hazmat vehicles

   Vehicles carrying passengers and those hauling hazardous materials must stop at every such crossing.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 — Warning Signs and Devices

5. 5. What is described as the leading cause of injury and death within roadway work zones?

   Correct answer: Speeding traffic

   Traffic moving too fast through work zones is the number-one source of work-zone injuries and deaths.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.6.7 — Roadway Work Zones

6. 6. Federal rules covering commercial drivers place what limit on text messaging behind the wheel?

   Correct answer: It is banned while driving a commercial motor vehicle

   Reading or typing messages on a device while driving a commercial vehicle is prohibited by federal regulation.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.9.5 — Texting

7. 7. When no stop line is painted and a stop is required at a crossing, where must a vehicle stop relative to the nearest rail?

   Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet from the rail

   A required stop must be made at least 15 feet back, and never more than 50 feet, from the closest rail of the track.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 — Warning Signs and Devices

8. 8. About how long does a typical tractor-trailer need to clear a single set of tracks?

   Correct answer: Around 14 seconds

   A standard tractor-trailer takes roughly 14 seconds to move completely across one track.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.15.5 — Crossing the Tracks

9. 9. If you are convicted of a traffic violation in another jurisdiction, whom must you notify within 30 days, besides your employer?

   Correct answer: Your motor vehicle licensing agency

   You must report the conviction to your own motor vehicle licensing agency within 30 days, whatever vehicle you drove.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 1.4 — Other CDL Rules

10. 10. Drivers hauling cargo must first re-inspect how the load is secured within what distance after starting a trip?

    Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles

    The securement must be checked again within the first 50 miles of the trip so any settling can be corrected.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 3.1 — Inspecting Cargo

11. 11. What does federal rule require of a commercial driver regarding the safety belt?

    Correct answer: It must be worn whenever the vehicle is driven

    A commercial driver must stay properly buckled the entire time the vehicle is being driven.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 1.4 — Other CDL Rules

12. 12. While your vehicle is crossing a set of railroad tracks, what should you avoid doing?

    Correct answer: Shifting gears while on the rails

    You should not change gears while on the tracks, because a missed shift could leave you stalled on the rails.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.15.5 — Crossing the Tracks