Rules of the Road

1
Rules of the Road
2
Introduction

• This training will assist Spanish- speaking Motor
  Carriers in understanding some of the important
  traffic regulations and traffic control devices
  used in the United States.
• Spanish-speaking drivers are required to comply
  with U.S. traffic regulations when using our
  streets and highways.
  

3
General Requirements

• Reference
• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
  published by the Federal Highway Administration
  (FHWA)
  
• Click here for MUTCD Web site.

4
Traffic Signs in the U.S.

• Traffic signs are important for your Safety!
• In order to provide your drivers a proper
  training experience, please see our U.S. Traffic
  Sign Guide Training Module.

5
Traffic Control Devices

• Traffic control devices are important because
  they regulate, warn, and guide road users along
  the highways.
  
• Some traffic control devices are
• Stops Signs
• Pavement Markings
• Speed Signs
• Route Markers
• Traffic Signals

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Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

• The MUTCD establishes a nationwide standard in
  the U.S. for traffic control devices so that
  drivers can learn one set of rules that don't
  change every time they cross a U.S. State line.

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Traffic Control Devices

• Three types of traffic control devices
• Pavement Markings
• Traffic Signals
• Signs

8
Pavement Markings

• In the U.S., center lines or edge lines pavement
  markings are used to guide and warn drivers.
  
• Pavement markings may be either yellow or white.
  Each has a different meaning- Yellow center
  line markings separate lanes of traffic
  moving in opposite directions.

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Pavement Markings

• White lines separate lanes of traffic going in
  the same direction.
  

10
Pavement Markings

• Pedestrian Crosswalks
• In the U.S. are shown with white lines across the
  road.
  

11
Pavement Markings

• Center Lines
• A yellow dashed or broken line is used as the
• center line on a twolane, twoway road where
• passing with care is permitted in both
  directions.
  

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Pavement Markings

• Center Lines
• When continuous, double, solid, yellow lines are
  the center lines you cannot cross them to pass in
  either direction. On a twolane road, passing
  with care is permitted if the dashed yellow line
  is in your lane.

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Pavement Markings

• Edge Lines
• Single, solid, white lines are used as rightedge
  lines along the roadway and for guiding traffic
  traveling in the same direction.
  
• Single, solid, yellow lines are used as leftedge
  lines on divided highways.
  
• If you see the reverse, you are traveling in the
  wrong direction.
  

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Pavement Markings

• TwoWay Left Turn Lane
• On certain multilane highways, a special center
  lane is reserved exclusively for two-way left
  turn movements in both directions. The twoway
  left turn lane must not be used for passing or
  overtaking another vehicle. The marking for this
  type of lane is shown by the diagram below.

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Pavement Markings

• Pavement Markers
• White and yellow pavement markers" are
  reflective devices used in the pavement to
  improve the visibility of marking lines at night
  when the road is wet.
• Red markers indicate wrongway movements for
  motorists.
  

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Traffic Signals

• In the U.S., traffic signals are placed at
  intersections to keep traffic moving and avoid
  accidents.
  
• Drivers, pedestrians, and bicycle riders must
  obey these signals except when an officer is
  directing traffic.

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Traffic Signals

• Stop on the stop line if your car is nearest the
  signal.
  
• Some signals change only when a car is at the
  stop line.
  
• If traffic signals are out of order, stop as you
  would for a four-way stop sign.

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Traffic Signs

• Traffic signs convey information to travelers
  through their shape, color, message, and
  placement.
  
• Each standard sign shall be use only for the
  specific purpose as described in the MUTCD.
  

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Important!

• Remember that the Spanish-speaking driver must be
  able to communicate with the authorities in every
  jurisdiction that you drive through.
  
• A poor understanding of English is not considered
  to be a good defense if you are charged with a
  violation or offense.
  

20
Rules of the Road

• It is important to remember that everyone must
  obey the orders of a police officer, firefighter
  or uniformed adult school crossing guard who is
  directing traffic.
• Please see the What To Do When Stopped By Police
  training module.

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Rules of the Road

• Thank you for your attention!