Chapter 2 - Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road

PAGE

CHAPTER 2

TRAFFIC SIGNS

& RULES OF

THE ROAD

2.1 TRAFFIC SIGNS

Trafc signs advise of trafc laws, hazards, location, directions,

and where services are located. The shape and color of trafc

signs give clues to the type of information they provide.

STANDARD COLORS

RED

Stop, yield, or do what is

shown on the sign.

GREEN

Direction. Indicates where

a place is, or how far a

place is from where you

are.

BLUE

Services for travelers.

Directs you to places such

as rest areas, tourist sites,

hospitals, lodging, fuel

stations, restaurants, and

tourist attractions.

YELLOW

General warning.

FLUORESCENT

YELLOW

GREEN

Pedestrian, bicycle, and

school warning signs.

WHITE

Regulatory. Provides

information regarding

enforceable laws and

ordinances.

ORANGE

Road work, temporary

trafc control, and

maintenance warnings. Be

sure to watch for changing

speed limits and workers

on the road.

BROWN

Recreation and cultural

points of interest. Provides

direction to historical sites,

parks, or recreational areas.

FLUORESCENT PINK

Warning and guide signs

for incident management

such as crash clean up,

debris removal, etc.

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CHAPTER 2

STANDARD SHAPES

OCTAGON

Shape is reserved for a stop sign

only. Come to a full stop at an

intersection controlled by this sign.

EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE

Yield the right of way.

PENNANT

This sign will be on the left side

of the road. It warns you of a no

passing zone.

DIAMOND

Warning. Alerts you to special road

hazards. Words or pictures on the

sign will show you why you need

to slow down or use extra caution.

RECTANGLE

Is used for regulatory, guide, and

warning signs.

PENTAGON

School crossing. Signs mark school

areas and school crossings.

CROSSBUCK

Railroad crossing signs are placed at

each crossing. A number sign under

the crossbucks shows how many

sets of train tracks you must cross.

CIRCLE

Railroad crossing ahead.

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CHAPTER 2

2.2 REGULATORY SIGNS

These signs provide information about rules for trafc direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special

situations. Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol. These indicate you cannot do

something; for example, no left turn, no right turn, or no U-turn.

SPEED LIMIT SIGNS

Speed limit signs indicate the maximum

or minimum safe speed that is allowed.

Maximum speed limits are for ideal

driving conditions. Sometimes you must

reduce your speed when conditions

require it, such as when the roadway

is slippery (during rain or snow) or it is

difcult to see clearly down the road

(during fog). Some high-speed roads

have minimum speed limits. If this

minimum speed is too fast for you, then

you should use another route.

LANE CONTROL SIGNS

These signs mark where you can go

and where you can turn, and often use

an arrow symbol. The signs are along

the road or hanging over the road.

Sometimes white arrows may also be

painted on the road.

NO PASSING SIGNS

These signs mark where it is not safe

to pass another vehicle. The no passing

zone sign is located at the beginning of

the no passing zone. Passing areas are

based on how far you can see ahead.

Where passing is allowed, you may do

so only if it is safe. No passing zone

pavement markings are described on

page 44.

STOP SIGN

A stop sign means you must come

to a full stop and wait until crossing

vehicles and pedestrians have

cleared before proceeding. Stop at

the stop line if one is present. If

necessary, you may then pull forward

to the stop sign or the edge of

the intersection and then proceed when

it is safe to do so.

YIELD SIGN

A yield sign means you must slow down

and yield the right of way to trafc in

the intersection you are crossing or

roadway you are entering.

DIVIDED HIGHWAY

The road ahead is divided. This sign

directs traffic around an island or

barrier.

ONE

WAY

Trafc moves only in the direction of

the arrow.

DO NOT ENTER SIGN

You will see this sign at roadway

openings you are not to enter. You will

see them at exit ramps, in crossovers

on divided roadways, and at numerous

locations on one-way roads.

WRONG WAY

You made a wrong turn and have

entered a lane of oncoming trafc.

Remove your vehicle from the traveled

portion of the road and get stopped and

turned around as quickly and safely as

possible.

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CHAPTER 2

2.3 WARNING SIGNS

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and most are diamond-shaped. These signs warn you to

slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary; a special situation or hazard is ahead. Some common warning signs

are shown below.

INTERSECTION/

CROSSROAD

There is another road

ahead that crosses the

road you are on. Watch

carefully for cross trafc

in your path.

SIGNAL AHEAD

These signs are used

on roads with higher

speeds. Be ready for an

intersection and a stop

light.

MERGING TRAFFIC

If you are on the main

road and see this sign, be

prepared for other vehicles

blending into your lane.

TWO

WAY TRAFFIC

Keep to the right because

you are leaving a one-way

road and entering a two-

way road.

DIVIDED HIGHWAY

BEGINS

You are getting close to

the place where two-way

trafc will be divided by a

center strip.

DIVIDED HIGHWAY

ENDS

Two-way trafc will no

longer be divided by a

center strip. Watch out for

oncoming vehicles.

HORSE

DR AWN

VEHICLE

Be alert for slow-moving,

horse-drawn vehicles on

the roadways. Reduce your

speed and pass slowly.

LANE ENDS

Two lanes of trafc will

soon become one lane of

trafc. Trafc must yield

when merging.

FARM MACHINERY

Be alert for slow-moving,

farm equipment on the

roadways. Reduce your

speed and pass slowly.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

Watch out for people who

might walk or run in front

of your vehicle.

DEER CROSSING

There may be deer trying

to cross the roadway in the

area. Slow down and watch

carefully.

HILL

This sign is a warning to

all vehicles that the road

ahead goes down a hill. You

should check your brakes

before going down the hill.

INTERSECTION AHEAD

The road you are on does

not go straight ahead.

Prepare to turn right or left.

SCHOOL BUS

STOP AHEAD

You are nearing an area

where a stopped school

bus will pick up or drop

off passengers. Watch for

children. Be prepared to stop.

GRADUAL CURVE

Road ahead curves

gradually. Be prepared

for the change in

direction.

SLIPPERY WHEN WET

Road ahead becomes

slippery in wet weather.

Slow down under these

conditions.

CHEVRON SIGN

Used in addition to the

curve signs when there

is a need to draw added

attention to a change in

the road’s direction.

RAMP SPEED

The recommended

speed on an exit ramp.

ADVANCE SCHOOL

CROSSING

You are nearing a school

area with a crossing.

Watch for children and

the marked school

crossing. The color of

this sign may be yellow.

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CHAPTER 2

Solid red

Come to a complete stop.

Flashing red

Treat it the same as a stop sign.

Solid yellow

Do not enter the intersection if you can stop

safely. If you cannot stop safely, proceed

through the intersection with caution.

Flashing yellow

Proceed with caution. Yield to vehicles and

pedestrians and proceed when it is safe.

Solid green

Go, but only when the intersection is clear.

Yield to vehicles and pedestrians in the

intersection. When the light changes, trafc

may be caught in the intersection, and you

must give them time to clear.

Steady red arrow

Drivers turning left or right must stop.

Steady yellow arrow

The left or right turn signal is about to turn

red. Do not enter the intersection if you can

stop safely. Complete your left or right turn

if you are already within the intersection.

Flashing yellow arrow

Yield to oncoming trafc and pedestrians;

then turn left proceeding with caution.

Oncoming trafc has a green light.

Steady green arrow

Drivers can proceed with the left or right

turn. Oncoming trafc must stop. Do not

go straight. Drive only in the direction of

the arrow. Yield the right of way to other

vehicles and pedestrians already in the

intersection.

2.4 S LOW

MOVING VEHICLE SIGN

A reective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it is traveling 35 mph or

less. You may see this sign on road maintenance equipment, farm vehicles, or horse-

drawn wagons.

2.5 GUIDE SIGNS

Guide signs show directions and distance to various locations, or areas such as cities,

airports, state lines; or to places of interest such as national parks, historical areas,

or museums. Mile markers show the number of miles from where the Interstate route

entered the state you are traveling in. They can be used to calculate how far you are

from your exit or destination and give your exact location in an emergency.

2.6 SERVICE SIGNS

Service signs show the location of various services; such as rest areas, fuel stations,

campgrounds, or hospitals.

2.7 RO U T E SIG N S

The shape of a route sign indicates the type of roadway it is - interstate, U.S. highway,

Iowa route, county road, etc. During a trip, follow the signs to stay on your route.

2.8 TRAFFIC SIGNALS

In addition to trafc signals, trafc control can be provided by law enforcement, highway personnel, or school

crossing guards. You must follow directions from these persons.

Standard trafc signal

Arrow signal head

Interstate U.S.

Highway

Iowa

Route

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CHAPTER 2

2.9 RAILROAD CROSSINGS

Use extra caution at railroad crossings and never stop

your vehicle on the railroad tracks. Trains cannot stop

quickly.

Advance warning signs and pavement markings

indicate railroad tracks cross the road ahead. As you’re

approaching tracks, eliminate distractions, put your

windows down, and turn off your music. See gure 2.1

for common railroad crossing signs and signals.

Highway-railroad crossings have the name of

the railroad and a number to call posted in case

of emergency. If you become aware of a signal

malfunction or other dangerous situation (such as a

stalled vehicle, other obstruction, or track damage),

call the number posted to notify the appropriate

railroad (see bottom right image of ENS sign).

ACTIVELY PROTECTED

RAILROAD CROSSINGS

Actively protected railroad crossings are equipped

with lights and/or gates. If the lights are ashing

or gates are down, it means a train is approaching.

Always obey these warning signals. Do not cross

when lights are ashing or try to go around the gate.

PASSIVELY PROTECTED

RAILROAD CROSSINGS

Passively protected railroad crossings

do not have lights or gates. They will

only be marked with a crossbuck and

a stop or yield sign. At this type of

crossing, slow down and look for an

oncoming train. Do not rely on any

lights or gates, and always expect

a train.

REQUIRED TO STOP

All school buses, charter buses, drivers carrying

passengers for hire (such as Uber or Lyft), and all

vehicles required to be placarded for hazardous

materials, must stop within 15 to 50 feet of railroad

tracks before crossing. If a police ofcer or highway

trafc signal directs highway trafc to proceed, you do

not have to stop. You also do not have to stop if the

crossing is marked with an “EXEMPT” sign.

MAKE SAFE CHOICES

Source: Operation Lifesaver

Cross Legally & Safely

•

The only safe and legal place for anyone to cross

railroad tracks is at designated crossings.

• Obey warning signs and signals.

•

Not all train tracks have gates. Watch for

advance warning signs and pavement markings

indicating railroad tracks cross the road ahead.

•

Rail cars have reective stripes to enhance their

visibility at night and in other low visibility

environments, such as rain, snow, or fog. Be on

the lookout for these when conditions might

make it difcult to spot a train.

• Look for a train before proceeding.

Wait, Look Both Ways

• Always expect a train.

•

Trains may be closer and traveling faster than

they appear and can run on any track at any time.

•

Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains. Ensure

you can clearly see down the tracks in both

directions before proceeding.

• Avoid crossing while lights are ashing or gates

are down. Never try to beat a train

Avoid Getting Stuck

•

Before crossing, be sure you can completely clear

the tracks. Keep in mind that trains are wider

than the tracks.

•

When stopped, leave at least 15 feet between

the front and rear of your vehicle and the nearest

rail.

• Avoid shifting gears while crossing.

Get Out, Get Away, Find the Blue & White Sign

•

If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing,

get everyone out and far away immediately, even

if you do not see a train.

•

Call the number on the

blue and white Emergency

Notication System (ENS)

sign. Share the crossing ID

number with the dispatcher.

• If there is no sign, call 911.

ENS sign

Passive Crossing Markings

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CHAPTER 2

AVOID GETTING STUCK

Before crossing, be sure there is space

on the other side to completely clear

the tracks. Trains overhang tracks.

When driving leave at least 15 feet

between the front and rear of your

vehicle and the nearest rail. Avoid

shifting gears while crossing.

15’

MAKE SAFE CHOICES

GET OUT! GET AWAY!

FIND THE BLUE AND WHITE SIGN

If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls

at a crossing, get everyone out and

far away immediately, even if you

do not see a train. Call the number

on the Blue and White Emergency

Notication System (ENS) sign and

share the crossing ID number with the

dispatcher. No sign? Dial 911.

WAIT, LOOK BOTH WAYS

Always expect a train. Trains may be

closer and traveling faster than they

appear and can run on any track at

any time. Multiple tracks may mean

multiple trains. Ensure you can

clearly see down the tracks in both

directions before proceeding.

AVOID crossing while lights are

ashing or gates are down.

Never try to beat a train.

CROSS LEGALLY AND SAFELY

The only safe and legal place for

anyone to cross railroad tracks

is at designated crossings.

Always obey warning signs and

signals. Alw

ays look for a train

before proceeding.

LOWERING GATES AND

FLASHING RED LIGHTS

A train is approaching (even if you

don’t see it yet). Do not proceed until

lights turn off and gates go up. It is

illegal and dangerous to go around

lowered gates.

MULTIPLE TRACKS

Multiple tracks are present. Multiple tracks

may mean multiple trains. Wait until you can

see clearly down the tracks in both directions

before proceeding.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS

RxR and a wide white line on the

roadway mean you are approaching

a railroad crossing. Stay behind the

white stop line while waiting for a

train to pass. No stop line? Stop at

least 15 feet from the nearest rail.

LOW GROUND CLEARANCE CROSSING

Raised crossing ahead. If you drive anything

low to the ground — like a lowboy, bus, truck,

sports car or trailer — you are at risk of getting

hung up on the tracks. Do not proceed until

you know your vehicle will clear the tracks.

FLASHING RED LIGHTS

STOP when ashing. DO

NOT proceed until lights

stop ashing. If lights begin

ashing after you start across

the tracks, keep going.

CROSSBUCK

YIELD if a train is

approaching. Trains always

have the right-of-way.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

SYSTEM (ENS)

This is the rst phone number

to call if a vehicle is stuck or

stalls on the tracks. NOTE: Each

sign has a different phone number

and location ID number.

Also use the ENS to report people,

vehicles or debris on the tracks,

damaged signs or signals and

obstructed views.

ADVANCE WARNING

Slow down, look, listen and be

prepared to stop. Typically, this

is the rst sign you see when

approaching a railroad crossing.

KNOW THE SIGNS AND SIGNALS

Figure 2.1: Operation Lifesaver - Know the Signs and Signals

Source: Operation Lifesaver: https://oli.org/sites/default/les/2021-01/OLI_Brochure_All_Drivers_WEB_version.pdf

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CHAPTER 2

2.10 WORK ZONES

Trafc control devices such as arrow

boards, temporary traffic signals,

aggers, and channelizing devices are

added in work zones to make drivers aware of

different conditions. Most signs in work areas are

diamond-shaped, although a few signs are rectangular.

Orange is the basic color of these signs and warning

devices.

Trafc control devices and signs are used to mark

construction, maintenance, survey, and utility work

zones. These help direct drivers and pedestrians safely

through the work area while keeping it safe for workers

on the roadway. Stay alert and drive cautiously as nes

may double in work area zones.

Work zones can be dangerous, and road workers are

relying on you to keep them safe:

ADJUST YOUR SPEED TO THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.

OBEY ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY SIGNS,

TRAFFIC SIGNALS, AND FLAGGERS.

INCREASE FOLLOWING DISTANCE.

GIVE YOUR FULL ATTENTION TO DRIVING.

ARROW BOARDS

Large ashing arrow panels are

typically used when a lane or

shoulder is closed.

FLAGGERS

People with stop/slow paddles help

control trafc in work zones. Follow their

instructions. They should be wearing

uorescent yellow green or orange vests,

shirts or jackets. They will normally use

stop/slow signs. Red ags may be used

occasionally.

CHANNELIZING DEVICES

Barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, and tubular

markers are the most common devices used to alert

drivers of unusual and potentially

dangerous conditions, and

to guide drivers safely

through the work zone.

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CHAPTER 2

2.11 PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND OTHER

LANE CONTROLS

Pavement markings help direct and regulate trafc, just like highway

signs. You will nd them alone or used with signs and trafc signals.

White lines separate trafc moving in the same direction. Yellow lines

separate trafc moving in opposite directions.

On two-way roads you will see a solid yellow line with a dashed line

beside it in some places. Passing is not allowed on the side with the

solid yellow line. Vehicles on the side with the dashed line may pass

when safe to do so.

2.12 YIELD LINES

Yield lines consist of a row of solid white triangles pointing toward

approaching vehicles. These lines extend across a travel lane to indicate

the point where vehicles should yield in compliance with a “Yield” sign

or a “Yield Here To Pedestrians” sign.

2.13 CROSSWALKS, STOP LINES, AND

DIRECTIONAL ARROW MARKINGS

When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop

before your vehicle reaches the stop line, or a crosswalk if there is

one. Crosswalks dene the area where pedestrians are to cross the

roadway. You must yield to pedestrians in or about to enter a crosswalk.

Not all crosswalks are marked. Be alert for pedestrians when crossing

intersections that do not have dened crosswalks.

Special arrow markings may be present and when used show the

movements that are allowed or required when driving in that lane.

2.14 REVERSIBLE LANES

Some travel lanes are designed to carry trafc in one direction at certain

times and in the opposite direction at other times. These lanes are

usually marked by double-dashed yellow lines. Before you start driving

in them, check to see which lanes you can use at that time. There may

be signs posted by the side of the road or overhead. Sometimes special

lights are used. A green arrow means you can use the lane beneath it;

a red “X” means you may not. A ashing yellow “X” means the lane is

only for turning. A steady yellow “X” means that the use of the lane is

changing and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.

Stop lines

Directional

arrow

markings

Different

types of

crosswalks

Figure 2.2: Lane control markings

Figure 2.3: Yield lines

Two-direction roadway

One-direction roadway

Figure 2.4: Crosswalk, stop lines,

and directional arrow markings

Figure 2.5: Reversible lanes

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CHAPTER 2

Figure 2.6: Shared left-turn lane

Figure 2.7: Reserved lane sign

In this example, the lane is

reserved for high-occupancy

vehicles (HOV) carrying two or

more people.

2.15 SHARED LEFT

TURN LANE

Shared left-turn lanes are reserved for vehicles making left turns from

either direction. On the pavement, left-turn arrows for trafc in one

direction alternate with left-hand arrows for trafc coming from the

other direction. These lanes are marked on each side by a solid yellow

and dashed yellow line. Vehicles may enter and stop in the lane before

making a left turn, but the lane cannot be used for passing.

2.16 RESERVED LANES

On various roadways one or more lanes may be reserved for special

vehicles. Reserved lanes are marked by signs stating that the lane is

reserved for special use, and often have a white diamond posted at the

side of the road and/or painted on the road surface. Do not travel in one

of these lanes unless operating that type of vehicle.

2.17 GENERAL LANE USE

•

On a road with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, the left lane is generally used for passing.

On a road with three or more lanes stay in the right or center lane except to pass. If there is a lot of entering

trafc, it’s best to use the center lane.

• Unless instructed to do so by a trafc control device or an ofcial, never drive on the shoulder of the road.

• Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or not. Other drivers will not expect you to be there and may

pull off the road without looking.

• Where there are no signs or lane markings to control turning, you should turn from the lane that is closest to

the direction you want to go, and turn into the lane closest to the one you came from. (See gure 2.8)

•

When making turns, go from one lane to the other as directly as possible without crossing lane lines or

interfering with trafc. Once you have completed your turn, you can change to another lane if you need to.

Figure 2.8: When making turns, stay in your lane and turn into the lane closest to the one you came from.

DON’T BE A

IN THE

PAIN

LANE

Staying in your lane

will prevent collisions

with trafﬁc turning left.

Staying in your lane

allows others to safely

turn right on red.

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CHAPTER 2

2.18 BICYCLE LANES AND

PAVEMENT MARKINGS

BICYCLE LANES

Bicycle lanes are portions of the roadway that are

intended for use by bicyclists and are marked by solid

white lines, along with bicycle pavement markings and

signs.

•

Some bike lanes may be further separated from

trafc through the use of double white lines,

curbs, posts, or planters.

•

Bicycle lanes may be lled with green paint

and motorists should pay close attention

and look for bicyclists before crossing green

pavement. Motorists should not stop on green

pavement. (See gure 2.9)

•

Motorists may only drive in bicycle lanes when

making turning movements and must look

carefully beside and behind their vehicle for

bicyclists and cross with care.

SHARED LANE MARKINGS

Shared lane pavement markings, also called “sharrows”

alert motorists of the presence of bicyclists, encourage

safe passing of bicyclists by motorists, and reduce

incidences of wrong-way bicycling and the potential

for door crashes. Unlike bike lanes, sharrows do not

designate a particular portion of the roadway for the

exclusive use of bicycles. (See gure 2.10)

BICYCLE BOXES

Bicycle boxes are pavement markings that are installed

to allow bicyclists a safe way to turn at a signalized

intersection. Bicycle boxes are solid green and have an

image of a bicyclist. They are located adjacent to the

crosswalk and they cover the entire width of the travel

lane. (See gure 2.11)

BICYCLE

DETECTOR SYMBOL

A symbol may be placed on the

pavement indicating the optimum

position for a bicyclist to activate/

trigger the trafc signal.

Figure 2.11: Bicycle boxes

Figure 2.10: Shared lane markings

Figure 2.9: Green bicycle lane

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CHAPTER 2

2.19 BICYCLE AND

PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS

RECTANGULAR RAPID

FLASHING BEACONS

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons are manually

activated by pedestrians by a push button and are

often located at intersections without trafc signals

or at mid-block crosswalks. When activated, amber

lights ash in a rapid pattern. Motorists must stop

for pedestrians within the crosswalk and be alert for

pedestrians about to enter the crosswalk when the

beacon is ashing.

PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACONS

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons allow pedestrians to safely

cross a roadway. These beacons operate only when

activated by a pedestrian. When all lights are dark,

motorists can proceed with caution. Once activated,

the bottom yellow light ashes, and motorists must

slow down. Then the bottom yellow light becomes

solid, and motorists must prepare to stop. Then the

top two red lights become solid, and motorists must

stop for pedestrians. After a short time, the top two red

lights will begin ashing. Motorists must stop if they

haven’t already done so, and may then proceed with

caution if the crosswalk is clear.

Figure 2.12: Rectangular rapid ashing beacon

Figure 2.13: Pedestrian hybrid beacon

2.20 SIGH T

IMPAIRED PEDESTRIANS

If your vehicle is approaching a person being led by a harnessed service animal, walking with a cane that is white

or white with a red tip, the person is likely visually impaired. Use extra caution to prevent injury to that person.

2.21 INTERSECTIONS

WHEN TO YIELD THE RIGHT

WAY

Where vehicles or pedestrians are likely to meet one another and there are no signs or signals to regulate trafc,

there are rules that say who must yield the right-of-way. These rules tell drivers who goes rst and who must wait

in different trafc situations. The law says who must yield the right-of-way; it does not give anyone the right-of-

way. Regardless of who has the right-of-way, you should do everything you can to prevent striking a pedestrian or

another vehicle.

Be especially alert for bicyclists. While bicyclists and motorists must share the rights and responsibilities of using

the road, motorists should realize bicycle riders are very vulnerable in crashes. Therefore, motor vehicle drivers

should use good defensive driving skills to avoid collisions with bicyclists. Be ready to yield the right-of-way, even

at times the bicyclists should yield to you. They have no defense against a vehicle, so it is your responsibility as

a driver to watch out for them.

FAILURE TO YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY IS THE #1 CAUSE OF TRAFFIC-RELATED FATALITIES IN IOWA.

PAGE

CHAPTER 2

CONTROLLED

(

MARKED WITH SIGNS

)

INTERSECTIONS

The following right-of-way rules apply at intersections:

Figure 2.14b: All-way stop -

Two vehicles arrive at the

intersection at the same time.

The driver on the left (red

car) must yield to the driver

on the right (green car).

Figure 2.14c: Yielding to

cross-trafc - The red cars

must yield to the green cars.

Figure 2.14d: Uncontrolled

intersection - Two vehicles

arrive at the intersection at

roughly the same time. The

driver on the left (red car)

must yield to the driver on

the right (green car).

Figure 2.14a: Two-way stop

(cross trafc does not stop) -

Because the red car is turning

left into trafc, the red car

must yield to the green car

going straight.

2.22 EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, re engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren or air

horn, and/or red or blue ashing lights by taking the following actions:

•

Pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, when you see or hear an emergency

vehicle approaching from any direction.

•

If you are in an intersection (including roundabouts), drive through the intersection before you pull over.

However, if you are on a street or high way separated by a median, and the emergency vehicle is on the other

side, you do not have to stop.

• Stay at least 500 feet behind any emergency vehicle using lights and sirens.

•

You must yield when you want to make a right

turn after stopping at a red light. Right turns on

red are permitted unless there is a sign prohibiting

them.

•

Drivers crossing a sidewalk, entering or exiting

a driveway, alley, or parking lot must yield to

pedestrians. It is illegal to drive on a sidewalk

except to cross it.

•

Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming cars

that are going straight ahead. (See gure 2.14a)

•

At an all-way stop, the driver reaching the

intersection rst gets to go rst (after coming to

a complete stop). For vehicles arriving at the same

time, the vehicle to the right gets to go rst. (See

gure 2.14b)

•

Drivers entering a road from a driveway, alley,

or roadside must yield to vehicles already on the

main road.

•

You must yield or stop for pedestrians in marked

or unmarked crosswalks.

UNCONTROLLED

(

UNMARKED

)

INTERSECTIONS

At an intersection where there is no stop sign or trafc signal, it’s the responsibility of all drivers to slow down and

approach carefully. All of the rules listed above that apply at a controlled intersection also apply at an uncontrolled

intersection. Extra caution should be used at uncontrolled intersections.

The red car must yield to approaching vehicles in these examples.

PAGE

CHAPTER 2

Three-lane highway

Two-lane highway with center turn lane

Two-lane highway

3 lanes or fewer: all vehicles must stop

Four-lane highway

Four-lane highway with center turn lane

4 lanes or more:

vehicles approaching from the rear must stop

Figure 2.15: Stopped school bus scenarios

2.23 SCHOOL BUSES

SCHOOL BUS SCENARIO 1

You are driving on a two- or three-lane road

Approaching the bus from the rear

When you see ashing red or amber warning lights, you are

not permitted to pass the school bus and should be prepared

to stop. Stop behind the school bus when the school bus

stops and the stop arm is extended. Stop no closer than

15 feet from the rear of the bus, and remain stopped until

the stop arm is retracted and the school bus starts moving

again. Proceed with caution.

Meeting the bus from the front

When you see amber warning lights ashing, you must slow

your vehicle to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to

stop. Stop in front of the school bus when the school bus

stops and its stop arm is extended. Remain stopped until

the stop arm is retracted. Proceed with caution.

Violating this law may result in your license being suspended

for up to 180 days.

SCHOOL BUS SCENARIO 2

You are driving on a road with four or more lanes

Approaching the bus from the rear

When approaching from the rear, the rules are the same as

for a two- or three- lane road. When you see ashing red

or amber warning lights, you are not permitted to pass the

school bus and should be prepared to stop. Stop behind the

school bus when the school bus stops and its stop arm is

extended. Stop no closer than 15 feet from the rear of the

bus, and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and

the school bus starts moving again. Proceed with caution.

Meeting the bus from the front

When meeting the bus in one of the opposite two lanes (or

more), you do not need to stop, even if the bus has stopped

with lights ashing and stop arm out. This is the only time

you may pass a school bus that is stopped and has its stop

arm extended.

Violating this law may result in your license being suspended

for up to 180 days.

PAGE

CHAPTER 2

2.24 PA R K I N G

Drivers are responsible for making sure their vehicles do not become a hazard after they have been parked. When

parking, follow these guidelines.

• Park in a designated area, if possible.

•

If you must park on a roadway, park your

vehicle as far away from trafc as possible. If

there is a curb, park within 18 inches of the

curb or closer.

•

Park far enough from any travel lane to avoid

interfering with trafc.

•

Check trafc before you open the door. Get

out of the vehicle on the curb side if necessary.

2.25 PARKING NOT ALLOWED

There are many areas where you can’t park. Check for signs that prohibit or limit parking. Some parking restrictions

are indicated by colored curb markings. Do not park:

• On a crosswalk.

• In front of a public or private driveway.

•

On any bridge outside city limits or in highway

tunnels.

•

Alongside another stopped or parked car

(double parking).

•

Closer than ve feet from a re hydrant; or in

a designated hydrant red zone.

• Closer than 10 feet from a stop sign.

•

Closer than 20 feet from a re station entrance.

• Closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing.

•

In “NO PARKING ZONES” which are usually

marked with signs, yellow painted curbs, or

pavement markings/lines.

• In an intersection.

• On a sidewalk.

• On interstates and highways

PARKING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Only park in a space reserved for persons with disabilities if you have a

Persons with Disabilities Parking Permit. For information on eligibility, visit

iowadot.gov/mvd/vehicleregistration/Persons-with-disabilities.

PAGE

CHAPTER 2

Figure 2.16: Steer It-Clear It law

2.26 APPROACHING STOPPED VEHICLES

IOWA’S MOVE OVER OR SLOW DOWN LAW

Iowa’s Move Over or Slow Down Law requires motorists to change lanes when approaching any of the following

stopped vehicles displaying ashing lights.

•

Any stopped emergency, tow, recovery, maintenance, construction, solid waste, or recycling collection vehicle

that has its ashing lights activated.

• Any stopped motor vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, that is continually displaying hazard lights.

If a lane change is not possible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, you must slow down and be prepared to stop. While

no speed is specied, it must be reasonable and proper for the existing conditions.

Violating this law may result in your license being suspended for up to one year.

2.27 STEER IT

CLEAR IT

If you are involved in a crash with no injuries, Iowa law requires that you move your vehicle out of the driving lanes

of trafc if the vehicle is operable and can be safely moved. For every minute a lane of trafc on the interstate is

blocked, the risk of a secondary crash increases by roughly 2.8 percent. (See gure 2.16)

MOVE CRASHED VEHICLES OUT OF THE DRIVING

LANES TO HELP PREVENT OTHER CRASHES AND

KEEP TRAFFIC FLOWING.

Every minute a lane is blocked the likelihood

of a secondary crash increases by 2.8%.

At around 30 minutes, the chance of a

secondary crash is very high.

Every minute a

lane is blocked

equals 4 minutes

of delay for trafc.

There are

approximately

55,000 crashes

in Iowa each year.