Driver Guide

47
Exiting the roundabout:
  • Maintain a slow speed to avoid losing control or striking traffic islands.
  • Use your right turn signal to let others know you are exiting.
  • Do not accelerate until you are beyond the pedestrian crossing at the  
   exit. 
Emergency Vehicles
Always yield to emergency vehicles. DO NOT enter a roundabout if an 
emergency vehicle is approaching. NEVER stop while inside a roundabout. 
If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are in the roundabout, exit 
immediately and pull to the right. 
Truck Apron
Large trucks need more space when driving in a roundabout. A truck apron, 
also known as off-tracking, is the paved area on the inside of the round-
about for the rear wheels of large trucks to use when turning. Truck aprons 
are not to be used by cars, SUVs or pickup trucks. 
J-Turn Intersections
The J-turn is an alternative to traditional roadway intersections on a four-
lane highway. Instead of motorists crossing fast-moving lanes of traffic to 
get to the opposing lanes, drivers at a J-turn intersection turn right in the 
same direction of traffic, merge into the far left lane, and then make a left 
turn in the direction they intend to travel.
Local Ordinances
Local governments may make traffic ordinances in addition to laws made 
by the state.  You must obey any traffic sign or regulation whether set by a 
municipality, county, or the state.  Cities and towns may have regulations to 
do the following:
•    Set speed limits
•    Set one-way streets
•    Set stop signs at intersections
•    Prohibit commercial vehicles from using certain streets
•    Control parking by installing meters or by some other reasonable method
•    Control turns
•     Require the use of turn signals, brake lights, and horns on all motor 
vehicles
•    Prohibit the use of sound-producing warning devices

---

48
CHAPTER 5 — PARKING
Drivers are responsible for making sure their vehicles do not become 
hazards after they have been parked.  Whenever you park your vehicle, 
be sure it is in a place that is far enough from any travel lane to avoid 
interfering with traffic and visible to vehicles approaching from either 
direction.
•   Always park in a designated area if possible.
•    On one-way streets, you may normally park on either the right or left side 
of the street.
•    Always set your parking brake when you park.  Leave the vehicle in 
gear if it has a manual transmission, or in park if it has an automatic 
transmission.
•    Check traffic before you open the door.  Get out of the vehicle on the 
curb side if you can.  If you have to use the street side, check traffic 
before you get out.  Always have passengers, especially children, exit 
the vehicle on the curb side.  Check for bicyclists, who often travel on the 
right-hand side of the travel lanes, near parked cars. Shut the door as 
soon as you can after getting out.
•    Never leave the keys in a parked vehicle.  Lock the doors whenever you 
leave your vehicle if it will be out of your sight at any time.
•    If you must park on a roadway, park your vehicle as far away from traffic 
as possible.  If there is a curb, park as close to it as you can.
•    When you park on a hill, turn your wheels sharply towards the side of the 
road.  This way, if your vehicle starts to roll downhill, it will roll away from 
traffic (refer to Parking On Hills).
NO-PARKING ZONES
There are many areas where you cannot park.  Check for signs that may 
prohibit or limit parking.  Some parking restrictions are indicated by colored 
curb markings.  Do not park:
•   In an intersection.
•   On a crosswalk or sidewalk.
•   Across a driveway entrance.
•   On the left side of a two-way street.
•   Alongside a curb that is painted yellow.
•   On a bridge.
•   Blocking a fire hydrant.
•    Blocking the normal traffic flow or creating a hazard to other drivers.
•   With your vehicle facing against traffic.
WHEN CAN YOU PARK IN HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES?
Handicapped parking spaces may only be used when the vehicle displays 
a handicapped person placard or license plates, and a physically 
handicapped person is the occupant of the motor vehicle at the time of 
parking, or a physically handicapped person is being dropped off or picked 
up.

---

49
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESS
This symbol marks spaces for vehicles operated 
by or used to transport people with handicaps. 
Violators, when convicted, shall be punished by 
a fine of no less than fifty dollars ($50) and no 
more than three hundred dollars ($300).
The law also provides that:
•   It is illegal to park in handicapped parking access aisles. 
•    It is illegal to use a handicapped person’s placard or license plates to 
park in designated handicapped parking spaces if the handicapped 
person is not being transported at the time.
PARKING ON HILLS
Before leaving your parked vehicle:
•   Turn your wheels in the proper direction (see graphic below);
•   Turn off the motor, leaving the vehicle in proper gear;
•   Set the emergency/parking brake;
•   Remove the keys from the ignition;
•   Check your rearview mirror for traffic before stepping out; and
•   Lock it and pocket the keys.
Before you drive away from any parking space, be sure to check for traffic 
and signal.
PARKING ON HILLS

---