www.iowadot.

gov

IOWA DRIVER’S MANUAL

Study the way that
works for you.

Iowa Driver’s
License Practice Test
Practice test randomly generates
questions from the actual driver’s
license knowledge test and can
be found online at:
iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/driverslicense/iadrivertest-start

Iowa Driver’s
License Manual PDF
Electronic version of the
Iowa Driver’s License Manual
iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/driverslicense/dlmanual
 Kim Reynolds
Governor of Iowa

Important message to drivers

Iowa lies at the crossroads of America. With Interstates 35 and 80 intersecting
through the heart of Iowa, state and county roads crisscrossing our countryside, and a vast
network of city streets, it will take diligence from each and every driver to ensure the safety
of all drivers and passengers on Iowa’s roadways.
This driver’s manual contains important information for all of Iowa’s drivers. We
will need all Iowa drivers to maintain concentration on the road and avoid all in-vehicle
distractions to protect each other from roadway accidents.
Obeying the law is the first step to maintaining safety. Respecting the speed limit
and obeying traffic signals and other signs is critically important. A new commitment to safe
driving and instructions on how to navigate in hazardous conditions will guarantee that your
driving experience in Iowa will be enjoyable and pleasant.

This manual will provide you the information needed for a general understanding
of the principles of safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle. However, it is NOT
intended to serve as a precise statement of Iowa statutes concerning the operation of
a motor vehicle and should not be considered as such.
For further information, check the Code of Iowa, Chapters 321 through 321J, and
the Iowa Department of Transportation rules contained in the Iowa Administrative
Code.

New Residents
If you just moved into Iowa, you will be considered an Iowa resident for the purposes of
driver’s licensing and vehicle registration if any one of the following apply:
1. You have registered to vote in this state;
2. You have enrolled your children in public school;
3. You have accepted a permanent job in the state; or
4. You have resided continuously in Iowa for 30 days.

If you have a valid out-of-state license, follow these steps to receive your Iowa license.
1. Go to a driver’s license station.
2. Provide necessary documentation (see pages 5 and 6).
3. Take required tests and turn in your out-of-state license to DOT. If your out-of-state
license is valid, you may not have to take a knowledge or road test.
4. Meet Iowa title, registration and use tax requirements on your vehicle. Consult your
local county treasurer’s office.
Be sure to read this manual carefully. Not only will it provide the information to pass the
driver examination, but it will also broaden your knowledge of safe driving practices.
Iowa DOT Driver’s License Service Centers
Regular DOT Service Center hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. For specific
hours or dates of operation when it is a holiday, visit the Iowadot.gov.

Ames — 3708 Lincoln Way

515-296-2393

Ankeny — 6310 SE Convenience Blvd.

515-244-1052

Burlington — Westland Mall, 550 S. Gear Ave.

319-754-8767

Cedar Rapids — 3726 Queens Court SW Suite 201

319-377-6461

Clinton — 316 S. Second St.

563-243-7144

Council Bluffs — Mall of the Bluffs, 1751 Madison Ave., Suite 330
712-323-1219

Davenport — Village Shopping Center, 902 W. Kimberly Road Suite 6D

563-386-1050

Des Moines — 2339 Euclid Avenue (renewal only)

515-244-1052

Dubuque — 2460 Gateway Drive

563-583-9844

Fort Dodge — 2313 First Avenue S.

515-573-5141

Iowa City — Eastdale Plaza, 1700 S. First Ave.

319-338-5294

Marshalltown — Marshalltown Plaza Mall, 2500 S. Center St.

641-752-5668

Mason City — Southport Shopping Center, 1622 S. Federal Ave.

641-423-8391

Muscatine — 1903 Park Ave.

563-263-5414

Ottumwa — 2849 North Court Road

641-682-4855

Sioux City — 3005 Hamilton Blvd.

712-255-5539

Waterloo — 103 Crossroads Center

319-235-0902

1
 County Driver’s License Stations
Contact the county treasurer’s office or visit the county’s Web site for information on licensing
services in these counties. Also, visit Web site: iowadot.gov/mvd/iowa-dot-locations.

Adair Clarke Hamilton Lucas Ringgold

Adams Clay Hancock Lyon Sac
Allamakee Clayton Hardin Madison Shelby
Appanoose Crawford Harrison Mahaska Sioux
Audubon Dallas Henry Marion Tama
Benton Davis Howard Mills Taylor
Boone Decatur Humboldt Mitchell Union
Bremer Delaware Ida Monona Van Buren
Buchanan Dickinson Iowa Monroe Warren
Buena Vista Emmet Jackson Montgomery Washington
Butler Fayette Jasper O’Brien Wayne
Calhoun Floyd Jefferson Osceola Winnebago
Carroll Franklin Jones Page Winneshiek
Cass Fremont Keokuk Palo Alto Worth
Cedar Greene Kossuth Plymouth Wright
Cherokee Grundy Lee Pocahontas
Chickasaw Guthrie Louisa Poweshiek

2
Contents
Section 1 - The Driver’s License Section 3 - Safe Driving Tips
Who Needs A License?.................................................................4 Basic Driving...............................................................................23
Vision.............................................................................................4 Proper Turning Techniques..........................................................24
Knowledge Test.............................................................................5 Signal When You Slow Down......................................................25
Driving Test....................................................................................5 Hand Signals...............................................................................25
Proof of Age and Identity..............................................................5 Appropriate Speed......................................................................25
Social Security Number.................................................................6 Closed Cars on a Hot Day...........................................................26
Certification of Iowa Residency and Residential Address.............6 Bad Weather Driving....................................................................26
Types of Driver’s Licenses.............................................................6 Space to Cross or Enter..............................................................28
Graduated Driver’s License....................................................6 Passing........................................................................................28
Class C - Operator (Noncommercial).....................................7 Defensive Driving.........................................................................29
Class D - Chauffeur (Noncommercial)....................................7 Avoiding/Minimizing Accidents...................................................30
Class M - Motorcycle.............................................................8 Changing Lanes..........................................................................31
Motorcycle Instruction Permit - Restriction 1........................8 Backing.......................................................................................31
Operator Instruction Permit - Class C Restriction 2..............8 Night Driving................................................................................32
Chauffeur’s Instruction Permit - Restriction 4........................8 Rural Road Driving......................................................................32
Moped License - Restriction 5...............................................8 Communicating - Headlights, Horn and
Minor’s Restricted License - Restriction 6.............................9   Emergency Signals..................................................................33
Minor’s School License - Restriction 7..................................9 Blind Spots..................................................................................34
Commercial Learner’s Permit.................................................9 Sharing the Road.........................................................................35
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)...............................................9 Interstate Driving.........................................................................37
Restricted Commercial Driver’s License .............................10 Rural Four-Lane Road with Intersecting Road............................38
License Renewal.........................................................................10 Driving Safely in Traffic................................................................38
Additional License Information.............................................10 Economizing................................................................................39
Name Changes....................................................................10 Roundabouts...............................................................................40
Driver Education...................................................................10 Handling Emergencies................................................................42
Duplicates, Replacements and Validations..........................10 Before You Drive - Vehicle Maintenance and Equipment............43
License Number...................................................................10
License and Permit Possession...........................................10 Section 4 - Protecting Your Driving Privileges
Military Service.....................................................................10 Unlawful Use of Your License......................................................45
Organ Donor/Medical Alert..................................................11 Cancellation.................................................................................45
Medical Advance Directive...................................................11 Suspension..................................................................................45
Voter Registration.................................................................11 Mandatory Revocations..............................................................45
Driver’s Privacy Protection Act.............................................11 Barred (Habitual Offender)...........................................................46
Special Restrictions.............................................................11 Moving Violations........................................................................46
Selective Service Registration.............................................11 Reinstatement.............................................................................46
Summary Chart of License Expiration Dates..............................11 OWI - Operating While Drugged or Intoxicated..........................46
Summary Chart of License Types...............................................12 Open Container Law...................................................................47
Civil Penalty (Victim Reparation).................................................47
Section 2 - Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road Accidents - Financial Responsibility and
Traffic Signs.................................................................................13   Reporting Requirements..........................................................47
Warning Signs.............................................................................14 How to Avoid Suspension Following an Accident......................47
Regulation Signs.........................................................................15 Methods of Proving Financial Responsibility..............................48
Slow Moving Vehicle Sign...........................................................15 Out-of-State Convictions............................................................48
Guide Signs.................................................................................15 Temporary Restricted Licenses...................................................49
Service Signs...............................................................................15
Route Signs.................................................................................16 Section 5 - Be in Shape to Drive
Traffic Signals..............................................................................16 Alcohol and Drugs.......................................................................49
Railroad Crossings......................................................................16 Persons with Disabilities Parking Identification Permits.............50
Road Work Zones........................................................................17 Seat belts and Child Restraints...................................................51
Pavement Markings and Other Lane Controls............................17 Self-help Review Questions........................................................52
When to Yield the Right-of-Way..................................................19
School Buses..............................................................................20
Parking........................................................................................20
Approaching Stationary Vehicles................................................21
Cell Phones and Texting While Driving........................................21

3
1. The Driver’s License • Judging distances and speeds - Even if you can see
clearly, you still may not be able to judge distances
or speeds very well. In fact, you are not alone, many
Who Needs a License? people have problems judging distances and speeds.
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or motorcycle or It takes a lot of practice to be able to judge both. It
moped on public streets and roads in Iowa is required to is especially important to know how far you are from
have a license. You are considered an Iowa resident for other vehicles, and to be able to judge safe gaps
purposes of driver licensing if you have: when merging, and when passing on two-lane roads.
• registered to vote in this state; • Night vision - Many people who can see clearly in
• enrolled your children in public school; the daytime have trouble seeing at night. All people have
• accepted a permanent job in the state; or more trouble seeing at night than in the daytime, but some
• lived in Iowa continuously for 30 days. drivers have problems with glare while driving at night,
especially the glare of oncoming head­lights. If you have
You do not need an Iowa driver’s license if you: problems seeing at night, do not drive more than is neces-
• are driving a military motor vehicle while on duty with sary; and when you do, be very careful.
the U.S. Armed Forces; Because it is so important to safe driving that you see
• are driving farm equipment between the home farm well, you should have your eyes checked every year or
and any nearby (not more than two miles) farmland or two by an eye spe­cialist. You may never know you have
farm operation; or poor vision unless your eyes are tested.
• are a student or visitor and have a current license from If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses for
your home state or country. driving, remember to:
If you have any questions, contact the Motor Vehicle • Always wear them when you drive, even if you are
Information Center by calling 515-244-8725 (toll-free). only going a short distance. If your driver’s license
says you must wear corrective lenses and you don’t,
You may obtain a driver’s license if you: you could get a ticket if you are stopped by a law
• are at least 16 years of age; (see Iowa’s graduated enforcement officer.
licensing system, page 6) • Try to keep an extra pair of glasses in your vehicle.
• are able to submit proof of name and age; Then if your regular glasses get broken or lost, you
• have successfully completed an approved driver can drive safely. This also can be helpful if you do not
educa­tion course if you are under age 18; wear glasses all the time and you forget to take them
• have parent’s/guardian’s consent if under age 18; with you when driving.
• pass required driver’s license tests; • Don’t wear dark glasses or tinted contact lenses at
• turn in any other driver’s license or identification card night, even if it is to help with glare. The problem is
you have; that they shut out too much light, light you need to
• have not had your license suspended, revoked, see clearly.
denied, canceled, disqualified or barred;
• have not been found incapable of safely operating a
Vision Screening
motor vehicle due to a mental or physical disability;
You may decide to go directly to your doctor and have
and
your doctor check your vision if you are applying for a
• have no unpaid fines for moving traffic violations.
noncommercial license. The information can be on a form
furnished by the department or it can be a letter from your
Vision doctor if the doctor has measured your vision within 30
Vision is so important that Iowa requires that you pass days of when you apply for a license.
a vision screening before you get a driver’s license or
permit, or when you renew your license. This screening is Hearing
to make sure you have at least 20/40 vision in at least one Hearing can be helpful to safe driving. Do not drive
eye, with or without corrective lenses. with headphones or earphones that cover or go in both
ears. They make it too hard to hear emergency horns or
Other important aspects of vision are: sirens. The sound of horns, sirens or screeching tires can
• Side vision - You need to see “out the corner of your warn you of danger. Hearing problems, like bad eyesight,
eye.” This lets you spot vehicles and other potential can come on so slowly that you do not notice it. Drivers
trouble on either side of you while you look ahead. who know they are deaf or have hearing problems can
Because you cannot focus on things to the side, you adjust and be safe drivers. They learn to rely more on their
also must use your side mirrors and glance to the side vision and stay alert. Studies have shown that the driv-
if necessary. ing records of hearing impaired drivers are just as good
as those drivers with good hearing. A hearing impair­ment
may be indicated on your driver’s license; ask the exam-
iner at the driver’s license station for details.

4 1. The Driver’s License

 During the test, the examiner will sit in the front seat
Vision Standards with you. The examiner will give you directions and score
your driving ability. After the test, the examiner will explain
Acuity the results. If you did not pass the test, the examiner will
20/40 No restrictions unless you wear explain when and how you may take the test again.
glasses or contacts.

Less than 20/40

but at least 20/70
No driving when headlights are
required.
Proof of Age and Identity
To establish identity and date of birth, a person must
submit at least one of the following documents. The
Less than 20/70 Not eligible for licensing.*
department may require additional documentation if the
department believes that the documentation submitted is
Field of Vision
questionable or if the department has reason to believe
140° or better No restrictions.
that the person is not who the person claims to be:
1. A valid, unexpired U.S. passport or U. S. passport
Less than 140° but at Left and right outside rearview
card.
least 110° in both eyes mirrors will be required.
2. Certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state
of the United States. (“State” includes the District
Less than 140° but at Left and right outside rearview
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,
least 100° in one eye mirrors will be required.
American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of North-
ern Mariana Islands.) It must be a certified copy and
Less than 100° Not eligible for licensing.*
have the stamp or raised seal of the issuing author-
ity. A hospital-issued certificate is not acceptable.
*Not eligible for licensing means suspension of your driving
A certified birth certificate issued by Puerto Rico
privileges as specified in Section 321.210(1c) of the Iowa Code,
must be certified as being issued on or after July 1,
or denial of driving privileges as required by Iowa Code Section
2010.
321.177(7).
3. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the
U.S. Department of State (Form FS-240, DS-1350 or
FS-545.
Knowledge Test 4. Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550, N-570 or
The operator knowledge test shows how well you N-578).
understand road signs, traffic laws, and safe-driving prac- 5. Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560, N-561 or
tices. Everything you must know to pass the knowledge N-645).
test is in this guide. Testing is administered by automated 6. Unexpired Permanent Resident Card (form I-551).
testing equipment using a touch screen. (Audio assist is 7. Unexpired Employment Authorization Document
available.) (Form I-766).
8. Record of Arrival and Departure (I-94) with attached
photo and stamped “Temporary Proof of Lawful
Driving Test Permanent Resident.”
The driving test shows how well you can control your 9. Record of Arrival and Departure (I-94) stamped
vehicle. Unless you can already legally drive in Iowa, you “Refugee,” Parolee” or “Asylee.”
will need to have a licensed driver bring you and your test 10. Unexpired foreign passport accompanied by the
vehicle to the test site. That driver should wait for you in approved I-94 documenting most recent admittance
case you do not pass the test. He or she will not be able into the United States.
to be in the vehicle when you are taking the driving test. 11. Valid foreign passport stamped “Processed for
Before you start on the driving test, the examiner will I-551.”
inspect your vehicle’s safety equipment. Safety equip- 12. Permit to Reenter the United States (I-327).
ment includes, but is not limited to, seat belts, lights, turn 13. Refugee Travel Document (I-571).
signals, horn, brake lights, tires and windshield wipers. If
the safety equipment does not work, you will not be able Visit iowadot.gov/mvd/realid/success.aspx to build
to take the test unless the equipment is not needed; for a personal checklist of the documents you will need to
example, if it is a sunny day and your vehicle’s windshield satisfy Iowa’s identification requirements.
wipers do not work, you can use your vehicle for the test.
Your vehicle should also have a current registration sticker
on the license plate. Iowa registration laws require both a
front and back plate on most vehicles. You should have
the registration receipt in the vehicle since the examiner
may ask to see it. Evidence of liability insurance is also
required.

1. The Driver’s License 5

Social Security Number • Application for military tax credit for Iowa residential
You must present the Social Security Administration’s property.
account number card; or if a Social Security account • Valid real estate tax statement or receipt for Iowa resi-
number card is not available, you may present any of the dential property.
following documents bearing the Social Security account • Pay stub from your employer.
number: • Your current school enrollment papers for an Iowa
1. A W-2 form. public or private school.
2. Social Security Administration 1099 form displaying • Current school enrollment papers for a dependent
full Social Security number child in an Iowa public or private school.
3. Non-Social Security Administration 1099 form dis- • A federal, State of Iowa or local government docu-
playing full Social Security number ment (such as a receipt, license, permit, assessment,
4. A pay stub with your name and Social Security professional or trade license, or other document).
account number on it. • Second federal, State of Iowa or local government
A person who establishes identity by presenting an document (different than the first).
unexpired foreign passport with a U.S. visa affixed and • An envelope, box, postcard or magazine that includes
accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting a postmark or stamped date.
the most recent admittance into the United States must • Iowa driver’s license or ID card that has not been
document the person’s Social Security account number, expired for more than one year.
or demonstrate nonwork authorized status. If you are under 18 and not married, your parent,
If you need to correct or update information at the guardian or custodian will document your Iowa residency
Social Security Administration, do so several days before and residential address by signing a Parent’s Written
you apply for a driver’s license or ID card. For information Consent form. The form is available at any driver’s license
on how to do this, visit www.ssa.gov. Your SSN will not issuance site or download it at https://forms.iowadot.gov/
be listed on your driver’s license or ID. The Iowa DOT will FormsMgt/External/430018.pdf.
assign you a unique driver’s license or ID number. • Parent’s Written Consent form.
(If you are under 18 and married, also bring a certified
copy of your marriage certificate. Your marriage certifi-
cate lets you apply for the driver’s license or ID without a
Certification of Iowa Residency Parent’s Written Consent form.)
and Residential Address
To establish Iowa residency and residential address,
you must present two documents that show your current
Types of Driver’s Licenses
name and Iowa residential address. The address must be Graduated Driver’s License
a physical address where you reside and not a post office Iowa has a graduated driver’s license (GDL) system for
box. Printouts of services paid or transacted electroni- drivers under the age of 18. GDL includes three steps that
cally are acceptable. Acceptable items are: allow for increased driving privilege as the driver accu-
• Iowa voter registration card. mulates more skill and demonstrates responsible driving
• Valid Iowa vehicle registration certificate. practices. The three steps are: the instruction permit;
• Valid insurance card or certificate of coverage (life, intermediate license; and the full license. Driver educa-
health, auto, homeowner’s or renter’s). tion is part of the GDL system, as well as a remedial driver
• Second valid insurance card or certificate of coverage improvement program if traffic violations occur or if the
(different than first). driver contributes to or is the cause of a crash or accident.
• Utility hookup or bill (water, gas, electric, or garbage Instruction Permit
removal). • Available at age 14
• Second utility hookup or bill (different than the first). • Must be held for a minimum of 12 months
• Telephone hookup, service agreement or bill (landline • Requires written approval of parent/guardian
or mobile). • Requires vision screening and knowledge test
• Statement from a financial institution (bank, credit • All driving must be supervised. May drive only with
union or other financial institution). parent/guardian, family member over 21, driver edu-
• Second statement from a financial institution (different cation teacher, or driver over 25 with written permis-
from the first). sion of parent/guardian
• Personal check or deposit slip issued by a financial • Number of passengers limited to the number of seat
institution (you may mark this “VOID.” belts in the vehicle
• Credit, debit or charge card statement. • Must complete approved driver education course
• Iowa residential mortgage, lease or rental agreement • Must log 20 hours of supervised driving; minimum of
(lease and rental agreements must include the land- two hours must be between sunset and sunrise
lord’s name and contact information). • Must drive accident- and violation-free for six con-
• Application for homestead tax credit for Iowa residen- secutive months immediately prior to applying for an
tial property. intermediate license

6 1. The Driver’s License

Driver Education • Full driving privileges with no restrictions
• Available at age 14 • For drivers under age 18 or age 21, the license shall
• Must have instruction permit have the words “under eighteen” or “under 21”
• Thirty hours of classroom to include four hours sub-
stance abuse education, minimum of 20 minutes on Class C - Operator (Noncommercial)
railroad crossing safety, information on organ dona- This is the license most Iowans have. With this license,
tion, and information on bicycle and motor cycle you may drive cars, pickups and trucks whose gross ve-
awareness hicle weight is 16,000 pounds or less. To get an operator’s
• Six hours laboratory; minimum three hours must be license, you will have to take the vision screening. You will
behind the wheel also have to take the knowledge test if you have an invalid
• No parental waiver of any behind-the-wheel drive time or expired (over one year) out-of-state license, or if you
have not had a driver’s license before. If you have a valid
Intermediate License out-of-state license that allows you to drive by yourself,
• Available at age 16 the driving test may be waived.
• Must meet all conditions of instruction permit The DOT may also issue this license or a Class M
• Written approval of parent/guardian (Motorcycle) license to you if you are 16 or 17 years old,
• Must be held for a minimum of 12 months and, if before you became an Iowa resident, you had a
• May drive without supervision from 5 a.m. to 12:30 valid driver’s license for at least one year as a resident of
a.m.; driving is permitted between 12:30 a.m. and 5 another state. To be eligible you must:
a.m. only with a parent/guardian, family member over • live with a parent or guardian;
21, or designated adult over 25; with a waiver, may • have no moving viola­tions on your driving record;
drive to and from work or school-related extracurricu- • pass the vision screening; and
lar activities • pass the required written and driving tests.
• Must log 10 hours of supervised driving; minimum of If you meet all of these requirements, you do not have
two hours must be between sunset and sunrise to take a driver education course to get your license. The
• For the first six months, passengers are limited to only license may be restricted as an intermediate license under
one unrelated minor passenger unless this restriction Iowa’s Graduated Driver Licensing law.
is waived by the parent/guardian at the time the inter- Your license will be issued with a randomly assigned
mediate license is issued. Unrelated minor passenger expiration date. Expiration dates will be limited according
means a passenger who is under 18 years of age and to age as shown in the chart below..
who is not a sibling or stepsibling of the driver, or a Certain medical conditions and disabilities may restrict
child who resides in the same household as the driver. license issuance to only a two-year period, regardless of
• Passengers limited to the number of seat belts in the your age.
vehicle Licenses cost $4 per year. The license expires on your
• Must drive accident- and violation-free for 12 con- birthday, but remains valid for another 60 days. For more
secutive months immediately prior to applying for a information, see the summary chart of license expiration
full license dates on page 12.
• Intermediate license will have the words “intermediate
license”
Class D - Chauffeur (Noncommercial)
Remedial Driver Improvement This license covers operation of light straight trucks
• Applies to all drivers under age 18 and small passenger-for-hire vehicles. This also includes
• Driver will be referred if involved in one moving viola- persons exempted from commercial licensing, such as
tion or involvement in an accident to which the driver a farmer who is driving a farm truck-tractor semitrailer
contributed combination, a paid or volunteer firefighter who is driving
• DOT may impose additional driving restrictions or vehicles in excess of 16,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
impose a suspension rating, and a taxi driver.
• Instruction permit holders must be accident- and The Class D license has one of three endorsements
violation-free for six consecutive months immediately allowing a driver to operate:
preceding upgrade to Intermediate license. • Endorsement 1:  tractor-trailer combinations if a
• Intermediate license holders must be accident- and CDL farm exemption applies.
violation-free for 12 consecutive months immediately • Endorsement 2:  single-unit vehicles with a gross
prior to applying for a full license. vehicle weight rating of 16,001 pounds or more up
• Must begin six-month or 12-month accident- and through a 26,000-pound gross vehicle weight rat-
violation-free driving period again to qualify for next ing.
licensing level • Endorsement 3:  passenger vehicles which carry
less than 16 passen­gers, such as taxis.
To get a chauffeur’s license you must be at least 18
Full License
years old. You must pass the vision screening and must
• Available at age 17
have passed the general knowledge test. You will also be
• Must meet all conditions of intermediate license
required to turn in any out-of-state licenses you have.
• Written approval of parent/guardian

1. The Driver’s License 7

 Under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of Operator Instruction Permit - Class C
1986, it is a violation of federal law for the driver of a com- Restriction 2
mercial motor vehicle to have more than one license. A This gives you the chance to learn how to drive with the
Class D license is not valid for operating commercial motor help of an experienced driver. To get an instruction per-
vehicles. If you need a commer­cial license, you will need to mit you must be at least 14 years old and pass the vision
study the commercial driver’s manual available at your local screening and knowledge test. You must present a paren-
driver’s license station. tal consent form available at any Iowa driver’s license sta-
You will be required to take the driving test in the largest tion, prove your age and identity (page 5), and your social
class of vehicle you want to drive. This also allows you to security number (page 6).
operate smaller class vehicles. If you are 14 through 17 years old and have a valid
If you currently have an out-of-state license valid for the permit, you can drive with the following people:
• a driver education instructor;
same driving privilege you require in Iowa, the knowledge
• a prospective driver education instructor;
and driving tests may be waived.
• a licensed parent or guardian;
Your chauffeur’s license will be issued will be issued with • a member of your immediate family who is licensed
a randomly assigned expiration date. Expiration dates will and at least 21 years old; or
be limited according to age as shown in the chart below. • another licensed adult who is at least 25 years old and
Certain medical conditions and disabilities may restrict has your parent’s/guardian’s written permission to ac-
license issuance to only a two-year period, regardless of company you while you drive.
your age. If you are at least 18 years old and have a valid permit,
Licenses cost $8 per year. The license expires on your you can drive with:
birthday, but remains valid for another 60 days. For more • a driver education instructor
information, see the summary chart of license expiration • a prospective driver education instructor
dates on page 11. • a licensed member of your immediate family who is at
least 21 years old
Class M - Motorcycle • another licensed adult who is at least 25 years old
Motorcycle riders must have a license valid for mo- An instruction permit is issued for four years, expiring
torcycle before being able to ride by them­selves. If riding on your birthday, with a 60-day grace period after your
with a qualified operator, a motorcycle instruction permit birthday. The cost is $6.
is necessary. (See motorcycle instruction permit.) To get
motorcycle added to your current license, you must pass Chauffeur’s Instruction Permit - Restriction 4
a written test and a motorcycle skills test. This allows you to learn to drive a vehicle for which you
If you wish to have a Class M license without another need a Class D license, but not commercial motor vehicles
license class, you will be required to pass written tests for that require a CDL. When driving, you must have someone
both a Class C noncommercial license and motorcycles. who has a Class D or commercial license valid for that type
The driving test will be a motorcycle skill test and an on- of vehicle in the seat next to you. This restriction is added
the-road test with the motorcycle. If an on-the-road test is to your existing license.
required with the motorcy­cle, the examiner will ride in or To get your chauffeur’s permit, you must be at least
18 years old and pass the vision screening and general
on another vehicle and give you directions by prearranged
knowledge test.
signals.
If you are under age 18, in addition to driver education, Moped License - Restriction 5
you must have passed an approved motorcycle rider edu- If you are 18 or older and already have valid Iowa
cation course. (The skills test may be waived.) A motor- license, you are already valid to operate a moped and do
cycle instruc­tion permit may be necessary for the course not need to apply for a moped license. At age 18 or older
if street riding is part of the motorcycle rider education you only need to apply for a moped license if you want
course. to operate a moped and don’t have a valid Iowa license.
Adding the motorcycle class to an existing class costs If you are under 18, you must apply for a moped license
$2 for each year the license is valid. even if you already have a valid Iowa license or instruction
There is a separate manual for motorcycles; motor- permit.
cycle study manuals are available at any driver’s license You have to be at least 14 years old to obtain a moped
sta­tion. license. If you are at least 14 but under 16, you must pass
an approved moped education course and present your
Motorcycle Instruction Permit - Restriction 1 certificate of completion from the course when you apply
For operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle permit, for the moped license.
the person instructing you must have a license valid for If you are at least 16, you do not have to complete a
motorcycles. The accompanying person must stay within moped education course to obtain a moped license, but
sight and hearing distance and be on or in a different mo- for your safety we encourage you to do so.
tor vehicle. Only one learner may be supervised by any All applicants for a moped license that don’t already
one licensed driver. have an Iowa license must pass a vision screen and the
To add the motorcycle instruction permit to an existing knowledge test, and present proof of age, identity, and
class, the cost is $2 for each year the license is valid. social security number.
A motorcycle instruction permit will be issued for one All applicants that are under 18 must also present a
four-year term with no renewal permitted. parental consent form.

8 1. The Driver’s License

Minor’s Restricted License - Restriction 6 school license will be valid as an instruction permit when
A “minor restricted license” (valid only for travel to not driving to and from school.
and from work, or to transport dependents to and from You must hold an instruction permit for six months and
temporary care facilities if necessary to hold a job) may be conviction and accident-free during that period before
be issued to a person age 16-18 who has completed an the school license is issued.
Iowa-approved driver education course and to whom any When operating without supervision on the minor
of the following apply: school license, you must limit the number of unrelated
• is not in attendance at school; minor passengers in the vehicle to one. Unrelated minor
• has not completed the requirements for graduation in passenger means a passenger who is under 18 years of
an accredited school; or age and who is not a sibling, stepsibling, or a child who
• has not obtained a high school equivalency diploma. resides in your household.
The minor’s restricted license is not valid for driving
during work or as an instruction permit. Commercial Learner’s Permit
To get a minor’s restricted license, your school district A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) allows you to gain
superintendent or principal and your employer must behind-the-wheel training in a commercial vehicle. You
complete a form available from any driver’s license station. must be accompanied by a person who has a CDL valid
If you quit or lose your job for any reason, your employer for the same type of commercial vehicle. The permit
is required to notify the DOT and your license will be identifies the class and type of commercial vehicle you
canceled. may operate when accompanied. To get this permit you
You must also pass the vision screening and driving must pass the vision screening and all required knowledge
test. You may not have to take the knowledge test if you tests. Study materials are found in the commercial driver’s
have a permit that is valid or has not been expired for more manual, which can be obtained at any driver’s license loca-
than 60 days. tion. If you do not have a license when you apply for the
CLP, you will be required to obtain at least the noncom-
Minor School License - Restriction 7 mercial Class C license (operator’s license).
This license allows you to drive at any time with adult The CLP is valid for one year from the date of issuance,
supervision. It also allows you to drive without adult super- with no renewal period. To obtain a full CDL you will be
vision between the hours of 5 a.m. and required to pass the appropriate skills tests. The cost of
10 p.m. for the following: the CLP is $12.
• Drive from your home to your school(s) of enroll- It is important to know that a CLP may not be used to
ment or school sponsored activities using the most operate a vehicle transporting hazardous materials in any
direct and accessible route. Activities must be at the amount requiring placarding.
school(s) you are enrolled in. All first-time CDL applicants must obtain a CLP, and
• Drive to a school that is not your school of enrollment any existing CDL holder that would like to upgrade,
to participate in extracurricular activities. Activities add an endorsement, or remove a restriction on their
must be in a contiguous (bordering) school district existing CDL must obtain a CLP if the upgrade or
for public school students, or within a 50 mile driving change requires a skills test. If a CLP is required, you
distance for private school students, and must be held cannot take the skills test for the full CDL until you
at a site, facility, or school designated for the activ- have had a CLP for at least 14 days.
ity under a sharing agreement between schools or
conducted at a site or facility that the school you are Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
enrolled in has designated to accommodate extracur- Class A For a combination vehicle with a gross com-
ricular activities. bination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds where the
• Drive to and from your home to the closest school bus gross vehicle weight rating of the towed unit is 10,001 or
stop. more pounds.
• Stop for fuel while on route or at the closest filling sta- Class B For a single-unit vehicle with a gross vehicle
tion off route. weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds. A unit can be
To get a school license you must have successfully towed with this class of license if the gross vehicle weight
completed an Iowa-approved driver education course rating of the towed unit is less than 10,0­01 pounds.
(un¬less you show a hardship exists) and live 1 mile or Class C For a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle
more from school. One of your parents must sign a con- weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less, is designed to
sent form, and for public school students, your school carry 16 or more persons--including the driver, or is carry-
superintendent or chairperson of the school board must ing hazardous material that requires placarding.
furnish a statement of need on a form provided by the Commercial licenses cost $8 per year. The removal of
DOT. For private school students, one of your parents must an air brake restriction or addition of endorsements will be
sign a consent form and one of the authorities in charge of added to this base fee.
your accredited nonpublic school must furnish a statement Commercial driver’s license study manuals are avail-
of need on a form provided by the DOT. This form is avail- able at the local driver’s license stations. Explanations of
able from any Iowa driver’s license issuance site. special en­dorsements or restrictions are included in this
You must pass a vision screening, but the driving test manual.
may be waived. You will also need to take the knowledge Beginning July 8, 2015, a CLP is required before you
test unless your instruction permit is still valid. obtain your first CDL, or before you upgrade, add an
The license will be issued for a maximum of two years endorsement or remove a restriction on your existing CDL.
and expires on your birthday. You do not need an instruc- See “Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)” above.”
tion permit when you have a school license because the
1. The Driver’s License 9
Restricted Commercial Driver’s License • You are at least 18 years old, but younger than 70
The restricted CDL allows suppliers or applicators of years old.
agricultur­al chemicals, fertilizer, seed or animal feed to • Your license has not been expired for more than a
drive Class B or Class C commercial vehicles. Class B or year.
C vehicles are generally single vehicles that normally do • It is less than 180 days to the renewal date on your
not pull a trailer or semitrail­er. The only hazardous materi- current license.
als a holder of a restricted CDL can carry are liquid fertil- • You are a U.S. citizen.
izer such as anhydrous ammonia (3,000 gallons or less) • You do not have any medical or vision conditions that
and solid fertilizer such as ammonium nitrate (provided it would impact your ability to drive.
is not mixed with any organic substance). • You do not need to change your name printed on your
The restricted CDL is only valid if the distance between license.
the business and the farm being served is 150 miles or • If your current driver’s license was not renewed online.
less. To obtain the restricted CDL, a person must have a To renew your license online visit: www.iowadot.gov
good driving record for two years before applying for the
license. A good driving record is defined as: Additional License Information
• holding no more than one license; Change of Address
• no loss of license (suspension, revocation, etc.) for If your address changes, you must report the address
any reason; change to the DOT within 30 days. Any driver’s license sta-
• no convictions for driving under the influence of alco- tion can make an address change on your license for $10.
Your license will always show your residence address, but
hol or drugs (no test refusals), leaving the scene of an
your mailing address will also be requested.
accident, any felony involving a motor vehicle, driving
while privileges are withdrawn, speeding 15 mph or
more over the posted speed limit, reckless driving, im-
Name Changes
Individuals wishing to change their name must pay
proper or erratic lane changes, following too closely, a $10 fee and provide acceptable proof for any name
driving a CMV without a CDL or proper endorsements, changes. Acceptable items are:
driving a CMV without a CDL in 1. Court-ordered name change containing full name,
possession; and date of birth and court seal.
• no convictions for accident-connected traffic law 2. Divorce decree.
violations, and no record of accidents in which the ap- 3. Marriage certificate.
plicant was determined to be at fault.
A licensee may have up to three individual periods of Driver Education
validity, provided all individual periods do not exceed 180 To get your license before you are 18 years old, you
days in any calendar year. An individual period of validity must pass an Iowa approved driver education course. Take
may be 60, 90, or 180 consecutive days and the licensee your certificate of completion to the driver license issuance
may add 30 days to an individual period of validity by ap- site.
plying for an extension. A restricted CDL must be validat- If you have successfully completed an out-of-state
ed for each individual period of validity. This means the driver educa­tion course, you should take your certificate or
driver must have their good driving record confirmed and transcript to the driver education instructor at your school.
a new card issued at each application for an individual pe- The instructor will verify that the course meets Iowa’s stan-
riod of validity. The cost of a restricted CDL is $8 per year. dards and may issue an Iowa Completion Certificate.
Each time the driver comes in to update the validation See page 7 for information on licensing for persons under
period there will be a $10 charge and a complete search age 18 who have had a license in another state.
of the applicant’s driving record.
Duplicates, Replacements, and Validations
License Renewal If your license or permit is lost or destroyed, you may
There are three ways to renew your driver’s license or get a duplicate from any driver’s license issuance site. You
ID card: online, in-person, or at a kiosk. must prove your age and identity (see page 5) and pay a
Your license expires on the expiration date printed on $10 fee.
the license; however, the license is valid for driving for an
additional 60 days after the expiration date. After 60 days License Number
from the expiration date, you may be ticketed for driving The DOT will assign a number to be used as your driv-
with an expired license. (The 60-day grace period does er’s license number. However, you must give your Social
not apply to licenses that are issued to temporary foreign Security number on your driver’s license application.
nationals.) A vision screening is required for a license
renewal. License and Permit Possession
If your license has been expired for more than one year You should have your license or permit with you at
and 60 days, you will have to pass the vision screening, all times while driving. If you are arrested for not having
and the knowledge and driving tests. your noncommercial driver’s license with you, you will not
You can apply for your license renewal from 30 days to be penalized if you can produce your license or permit
one year before the expiration on your license. in court and show that it was valid at the time. You are
required to have your commer­cial driver’s license in your
Online Renewal immediate possession when operating a commer­cial mo-
You may also renew your driver’s license online if you tor vehicle.
meet these qualifications:
• If you have a valid Iowa driver’s license. Military Service
If your Iowa license expires while you are on active
duty with the Armed Forces, it can be extended until six
10 1. The Driver’s License months after you leave active duty. A five-year extension
may apply to your spouse and children if they are living Voter Registration
with you outside of Iowa. You may obtain military service If you are not registered to vote, you may apply to regis-
extensions by writing the Driver & Identification Services, ter electronically when you apply for your license. Voter reg-
P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306-9204. You can also istration application cards are also available. The forms can
request the department restore your license to its records be filled out and mailed by the applicant, or DOT employees
by showing you are in the military and were at the time the will mail the cards to the proper office after they have been
license expired. completed. You may also update your voter registration.

Organ Donor/Medical Alert Driver’s Privacy Protection Act

Anyone 18 years of age or older may become an organ Certain personal information about you will not be released
donor. A person under 18 years of age may become a except to authorized recipients under the provisions of the
donor with parental consent. federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act and state statutes.
When you apply or reapply for any type of license, the Personal information includes your photograph, Social
clerk will ask you if you would like to become an organ do- Security number, driver’s license number, name, address,
nor. This information will print on the front of your license telephone number, and medical or disability information.
to the right of your address. You can obtain a uniform do-
nor card at the driver’s license station. For further informa- Special Restrictions
tion, consult your physician. For safety reasons it is sometimes necessary to limit
A medical alert designation may be placed on the front driving privileges. You may be limited to certain types of
of your license to indicate a medical condition that may vehicles, special mechani­cal controls, or certain other
need special attention. operating restrictions. Your license is good only under
those conditions and can be suspended if you violate the
Medical Advance Directive restrictions.
There is a growing concern about how medical care
decisions will be made when people are unable to make Selective Service Registration
decisions for themselves. An increasing number of people If you are a male age 18 through 25, your application for a
are stating their health care choices in writing while they driver’s license or nonoperator identification card will serve
are still able to make these decisions. These legal docu- as consent to be registered with the United States Selec-
ments are called advance directives, more commonly tive Service System. If you refuse to give consent, your
known as a living will and durable power of attor­ney for license or ID can still be issued. However, DOT will provide
health care. These are documents stating your health care consent or refusal information to Selective Service.
choices or naming someone to make the choices for you
if you become unable to do so. When you apply or reapply
for any type of license, the clerk will ask you if you would Summary Chart of License
like to have medical advance directives indicated on the
face of your license. Ask your physician for more informa-
Expiration Dates
The expiration date listed on your license is the length
tion on advance direc­tives.
of time your license is valid and is based on your age at the
Veteran designation time you receive it. See the chart below.
Honorably discharged veterans may request the “Vet- • Iowa nonoperator’s ID cards will be issued with an
eran” designation be placed on their driver’s license or expiration date of eight years.
nonoperator identification card. The veteran must pres-
• Temporary foreign nationals will be issued driver’s
ent a copy of their DD 214 or Department Form 432035
licenses with shorter renewal periods set by Iowa law.
directly to any department driver’s license station or
county treasurer driver’s license issuance site in order Age Expiration date
to obtain the veteran designation. If submitting Form
432035, the veteran must first have their eligibility certified Younger than 17 years and
Two years
by the county Veterans Affairs Office. For members of the 11 months
national guard and reserve forces, the DD form 214 must Older than 17 years and 11
indicate that the individual was honorably discharged after Eight years
months through 66 years
serving a minimum aggregate (total) of 90 days of active
duty for purposes other than training. If the individual was 67 years Seven years
a member of the national guard or reserve forces and has 68 years Six years
a discharge document other than a DD form 214, the indi-
vidual must receive certification of veteran status from the 69 years Five years
county Veterans Affairs Office prior to applying to the de- 70 years Four years
partment for a license or nonoperator’s identification card
with a veteran designation. Note: Veterans may request the 71 years Three years
“veteran” designation anytime they seek a new card, not 72 years and older Two years
just at the time of renewal. The cost for a duplicate driver’s
license or ID card is $10.
1. The Driver’s License 11
Summary Chart of License Types

License class Minimum age Tests required Cost

A Commercial 18 See CDL Manual $8 per year*

B Commercial 18 See CDL Manual $8 per year*

C Commercial 18 See CDL Manual $8 per year*

C Noncommercial - operator 16 Knowledge, vision, driving $4 per year

D Noncommercial - chauffeur 18 See CDL Manual $8 per year

Knowledge, vision, driving

Motorcycle license - added to
L 16 See Iowa Motorcycle $2 per year
existing license
Operator Manual

Restriction 1 (motorcycle instruction permit)

14 Knowledge, vision $2 per year
Must be added to an existing license
Restriction 1 (motorcycle permit only
C 14 Knowledge, vision $14
- new issuance)
C Restriction 2 (instruction permit) 14 Knowledge, vision $6
Commercial Learner’s Permit
18 Knowledge, vision $12
(must be added to an existing license)
Restriction 4 (chauffeur’s instruction
C 18 Knowledge, vision $12
permit)
Restriction 5 (motorized bicycle
C 14 Knowledge, vision $8
license - moped)
Restriction 6 (minor’s restricted
C 16 Knowledge, vision, driving $8
license)
C Restriction 7 (minor’s school license) 14 Knowledge, vision, driving $8
Upgrade from operator license to chauffer or
18 Knowledge, vision, driving $4 per year
commercial license
The following endorsements are used exclusively in conjunction with a commercial driver’s license.
Double/Triple trailers $5
Passenger $10
Tank vehicles $5
Hazardous materials* $5*
School bus $10
Remove air brake restriction $10
*The hazardous material endorsement fee must be paid each time a CDL with this endorsement is renewed.
The hazardous material knowledge examination is also required at each renewal.

12 1. The Driver’s License

2. Traffic Signs and Standard Shapes
Octagon - Stop

Rules of the Road Come to a full stop at an intersec-

tion controlled by this sign. Stop at
the marked stop line or before en-
There are traffic rules that say where, when and how fast tering the crosswalk or before your
you can drive. These rules help to keep traffic moving safely. vehicle enters the intersection. Let
Rules of the road include traffic controls, lane controls, right- other vehi­cles or pedes­trians pass
of-way laws, and parking rules. if they are in your path.
Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, hazards, where
you are, how to get where you are going, and where services Equilateral triangle
are located. The shape and color of these signs give clues Yield the right of way. Slow down
to the type of information they provide. and let vehi­cles crossing your path
Traffic controls include traffic signals, traffic signs and go by. If necessary, stop before
pavement markings. Traffic control also can be provided going ahead. If pedestri­ans are in
by law enforcement, highway personnel or school crossing or about to enter the crosswalk,
guards. You must obey directions from these persons. stop until they have crossed the
roadway, then proceed.
Traffic Signs Pennant
Standard Colors This sign will be on the left-hand
side of the road or high­way. It warns
Red you of a no pass­ing zone.
Stop, yield or do what is shown on the sign.

Diamond
Green Warning. These signs alert you to
Direction. These signs indicate where a place is, special road hazards. Words or
or how far a place is from where you are. pictures on the sign will show you
why you need to slow down or use
Blue
extra cau­tion.
Services for travelers. These signs direct you
to places such as rest areas, tourist sites,
hospitals, hotels, gas sta­tions, eating places,
Rectangle
camp­grounds or picnic areas.
Regulatory or guide. Vertical
signs indicate what you should or
Yellow
General warning. should not do. Horizon­tal signs
give directions or information
Fluorescent Yellow-Green about services drivers may want.
Pedestrian, bicycle and school warning signs.
The new color for these signs is much easier to Pentagon
see in low light and foggy/rainy weather. School crossing. Signs mark school
areas and school crossings. The
White color of this sign may also be yel-
These signs include information regarding low.
en­forceable laws and ordinances.

Orange Crossbuck
Road work, temporary traffic control, and Railroad crossing signs are placed
maintenance warnings. Be sure to watch for at each crossing. A number sign
workers on the road. under the crossbucks shows how
many sets of train tracks you must
Brown cross.
Recreation and cultural points of interest. These
signs point out historical sites, parks or recre-
ational areas. Circle
Railroad crossing ahead. These
signs give you early warning of
railroad crossings.

2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road 13

Warning Signs
These 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 Merge Left Gradual Right Curve

There is another road Two lanes of traffic Road ahead curves
ahead that crosses the will soon be­come one gradually to the right.
road you are on. Watch lane of traffic. Right- Be prepared for the
carefully for cross lane traffic must yield change in direction.
traffic in your path. when merging.

Signal Ahead Farm Machinery Slippery When Wet

These signs are used Farm equipment may be Road ahead becomes
on roads with higher crossing the road. Be slippery in wet weather.
speeds. Be ready for ready to slow down for Slow down under these
an intersection and a slow-moving equipment. conditions.
stop light.

Merging Traffic Pedestrian Crossing Chevron Sign

If you are on the main Watch out for people Used in addition to the
road and see this sign, who might walk or run curve signs when there is
be prepared for other in front of your vehicle. a need to draw added
vehicles blending into attention to a change in
your lane. the road’s direction.

Two-Way Traffic Deer Crossing Ramp Speed

Keep to the right There may be deer trying The recommended speed
because you are leaving to cross the roadway in on an exit ramp.
a one-way road and the area. Slow down and
entering a two-way road. watch carefully.

Divided Highway Begins Hill Advance School Crossing

You are getting close to This sign is a warning to You are nearing a school
the place where two-way all vehicles that the road area with a crossing.
traffic will be divided ahead goes down a hill. Watch for children and the
by a center strip. You should check your marked school crossing.
brakes before going The color of this sign may
down the hill. be yellow.

Divided Highway Ends T-Intersection Ahead

Two-way traffic will no The road you are on does
longer be divided by a not go straight ahead.
center strip. Watch out Prepare to turn right or
for oncoming vehicles. left.

Horse-drawn Vehicle School Bus Stop Ahead School Crossing

Be alert for slow-moving, Watch for children. Watch for children.
horse-drawn vehicles Be prepared to stop. You Reduce speed. Obey
on the roadway. Reduce are nearing an area where crossing guard signals
your speed and pass slowly. a stopped school bus will Look out for children
pick up or discharge playing. The color of this
passengers. sign may also be yellow.

14 2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road

Regulation Signs Divided Highway
These signs give you information about rules for traffic The road ahead is divided. This sign
direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking and other special directs traffic to the right of an island or
situations. barrier.
Some regulation signs have a red circle with a red slash
over a symbol. These
indicate you cannot
do something; for ex-
ample, no left turn, no Wrong Way
right turn, or no U-turn. You made a wrong turn and have
entered a lane of oncoming traffic. Get
Speed Limit Signs out the safest and quickest way pos-
These signs indicate the maximum or sible.
minimum safe speed that is allowed. The
maximum limits are for ideal conditions and One Way
you must reduce your speed when condi- Traffic moves only in the direction
tions require it, such as when the roadway of the arrow.
is slippery (during rain) or it is difficult to see
clearly down the road (during fog). Some Do Not Enter Sign
high speed roads have minimum speed limits. If this mini­ A square sign with a white horizontal
mum speed is too fast for you, then you should use another line inside a red circle means you cannot
route. enter. You will see this sign at roadway
openings you are not to enter and when
Lane Con- traffic is one way against you. You will
trol Signs see them at exit ramps, in crossovers
These signs on divided roadways, and at numerous
mark where loca­tions on one-way roads.
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. Some-
Slow-Moving
times arrows may be painted on the road. Vehicle Sign
A reflective orange triangle on the rear
Passing Signs of a vehi­cle means it is traveling 35 mph or
These signs mark where it may less. You may see this sign on road work
be safe to pass another vehicle equip­ment, farm vehi­cles, or horse-drawn
and where you cannot. Passing ar- wag­ons or car­riages. It shows up as a solid
eas are based on how far you can orange triangle by day and a hollow red
see ahead. They consider unseen triangle at night.
hazards such as intersections, driveways and other places a
vehicle may enter the roadway. The signs indicate where you
may pass, or the beginning and ending of a passing zone,
Guide Signs
These signs are square
or where you may not pass. Where passing is allowed, you
or rectangular shaped, and 30
may do so only if it is safe.
are green or brown with
white lettering. They show
Stop Sign directions and distance to
A stop sign is red, with white letters, and various locations, or areas
has eight sides. It means you must come to a such as cities, air­ports, state lines; or to spe-
full stop. You must wait until crossing vehi­cles cial areas such as
and pedestrians have cleared. You must stop national parks, historical areas or museums.
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. Service Signs
These signs are square or rectangular
Yield Sign shaped, and are blue with white let­ters or
A yield sign is shaped like a downward symbols. They show the location of various
point­ing trian­gle. It is red and white with red services; such as rest areas, gas stations,
letters. It means you must slow down and campgrounds or hospitals.
yield the right of way to traf­fic in the intersec­tion
you are crossing or road­way you are entering.

2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road 15

Route Signs Left-Turn Signal Head
The shape of
route signs indicate The new left-turn signal head
the type of road­ has four signals.
way, interstate, U.S.,
state, or county. Steady Red Arrow
When plan­ning a trip, use a highway map to determine Drivers turning left must stop
your route. During the trip, follow the route signs. This will and wait.
help you stay on your route.
Steady Yellow Arrow
The left-turn signal is about
to turn red. Do not enter the
Traffic Signals intersection if you can stop
Red safely. Complete your left turn
Come to a complete stop at if you are already within the
the stop line or before entering intersection.
the intersec­tion.
Flashing Yellow Arrow
Yellow Yield to oncoming traffic and
Do not enter the intersec­tion pedestrians; then turn left
if you can stop safely. If you proceeding with caution. Oncoming traffic has a green
cannot stop safely, proceed light.
through the inter­s ection
with caution. A yellow light Steady Green Arrow
warns pedes­trians there is Drivers can proceed with the left turn. Oncoming traffic
not enough time to cross the must stop. Do not go straight.
street. Any­one crossing the
street on a yellow light shall
yield the right-of-way to all Railroad Crossings
vehi­cles. • Motorists must use extra caution at railroad cross-
ings. Trains cannot stop quickly.
Green • Never try to beat a train across the tracks. Even if it
Go, but only when the inter- is a tie, you will be the loser.
section is clear. You must • It is not wise to shift gears when crossing railroad
yield to vehicles and pedestri­ tracks; you might stall.
ans in the intersection. When • Never stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks.
the light changes, traffic may be caught in the intersec­tion.
You must give them the right of way while they clear the Advance warning signs and pavement markings
intersec­tion. indicate railroad tracks cross the road ahead. Be prepared to
stop before you get to the tracks if a train is approach­ing the
Yellow Arrow crossing. Pave­ment markings are a large “X” with the letters
Do not enter the intersection if you can stop safely. If you “RR” on the road. These marks are not used at all cross­ings.
cannot stop safely, proceed only in the direction of the
arrow.

Green Arrow
Drive only in the direction of the arrow. Yield the right of way
to other vehicles and pedestri­ans already in the intersec­tion.
Railroad/highway/side road intersection
Flashing Red
Treat it the same as a stop sign. Crossbuck signs have been put at many public railroad
crossings. This sign means look both ways, listen for and
yield to trains. A number sign under the crossbuck indicates
there is more than one set of tracks following the sign.
Flashing Yellow
Proceed with caution. Yield to vehicles and
pedestrians, and proceed when it is safe.

16 2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road

 Flashing light signals may be used with • Adjust your speed to the traffic conditions.
crossbucks. Stop when the lights are flash- • Obey all instructions provided by signs, traffic sig-
ing. Do not cross until you can do it safely. nals and flaggers.
If there is more than one track, be careful • Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.
to watch for trains from either the same or • Always “Expect the unexpected in ‘The Work Zone.’”
opposite direc­tion.
Flashing Arrow Panels
Gates are used with flashing lights at Large flashing arrow panels may
some crossings. Stop when the lights start be used in work areas to direct driv-
to flash before the gate goes down. Remain ers into certain traffic lanes. These
stopped until the gates go up and the lights panels also alert you that part of the
stop flashing. Never drive around the gates. roadway is closed to traffic.
It is dangerous and against the law.
Railroad gates and warning lights are Flaggers
to alert you that a train is in the area. You People with stop/slow
may collide with a train if you go onto the paddles help control traffic
tracks. in work zones. Fol­low their Traffic or
instructions. They should be Stop
It is against the law to pass any vehicle
within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. wearing lime green or orange
vests, shirts or jackets. They
will normally use stop/slow
Required Stops signs. Red flags may be used Traffic or
All school buses and vehicles carrying occasionally. Proceed
passengers for hire, and all vehicles required
to be placarded for hazardous materials,
must stop within 15 to 50 feet of railroad
Channelizing Devices
Barricades, vertical panels,
tracks before crossing. If a police officer or drums, cones and tubular
highway traffic signal directs markers are the most com-
highway traffic to monly used devices to alert
proceed, you do drivers of unusual or poten-
not have to stop. tially dangerous condi­tions
You also do not in highway and street work
have to stop if the areas, and to guide drivers
crossing is marked with an “EXEMPT” sign. safely through the work zone.
Flashing lights are used to Tube Drum Barricade

Road Work Zones alert motorists of a hazard.

These traffic control devices and
signs are used to mark construc­tion,
maintenance, survey and utility work
Pavement Markings
zones. These help direct drivers and and Other Lane Controls
pedestrians safely through the work Pavement markings
area while keeping it safe for work- help direct and regulate
ers on the highway. Stay alert and traffic, just like highway
drive cautiously as fines may double signs. You will find them
in work area zones. alone or used with signs
The most commonly used traffic control devices are and traffic signals. White
signs, barri­cades, vertical panels, drums, cones, tubular lines separate traffic
markers, flashing arrow panels and flaggers. Most signs in moving in the same
work areas are diamond-shaped, although a few signs are direction. Yellow lines
rectangular. Orange is the basic color of these signs and separate traffic moving
warning devices. These signs and traffic con­trol devices are in opposite directions.
reflectorized to attract your atten­tion at night. On two-way roads you will see a solid yellow line with a
Slanting stripes on a panel or barri­cade tell you on which broken line beside it in some places. Passing is not allowed
side to pass. Stripes sloping down to the right mean pass on the side with the solid yellow line. Vehicles on the side
on the right. Stripes slop­ing down to the left mean pass on with the broken line may pass when the way is clear.
the left. At intersections, special arrow markings or heavy white
You may encounter road work zones throughout the lines give you directions or mark off pedestrian crosswalks.
year which can be a danger to motorists and road workers
alike due to careless or inattentive drivers. In work zones,
remember these tips:

2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road 17

Crosswalks, Stop Lines and left-hand arrows for traffic coming from the other direction.
Direc­tional Arrow Mark­ings These lanes are marked on each side by a solid yellow and
When required to stop dashed yellow lines.
because of a sign or signal,
you must stop before your General Lane Use
vehicle reaches the stop • Do not back a vehicle in a travel lane. It is unsafe to
line, or a crosswalk if there do so. Drivers do not expect a vehicle to be backing
is one. Cross­walks define towards them and may not realize it until it is too late.
the area where pedes­trians If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up on the
are to cross the road­way. travel lane or shoulder. Continue to travel to the next
You must yield to pedes­ exit or crossroad.
tri­ans in or about to en- • Do not stop in travel lanes for any reason (confusion,
ter a cross­w alk. Not all breakdown, letting out a passenger). Keep moving
crosswalks are marked. Be until you can safely pull off the road.
alert for pedestrians when • On a road with three or more lanes traveling in the
cross­ing intersec­tions that same direc­tion, stay in the right lane except to pass.
do not have de­fined cross- If there is a lot of entering traffic, then use the center
walks. Spe­cial arrow mark- travel lane.
ings may be pres­ent. • Unless instructed to do so by a traffic control device
or a flagger, never drive on the shoulder of the road.
Reversible Lanes • On multi-lane roads, the left-most lane is intended
Some travel lanes are designed to to be used to pass slower vehicles. If you pass on
carry traffic in one direction at certain the right, the other driver may have difficulty seeing
times and in the opposite direction you and might suddenly change lanes in front of you.
at other times. These lanes are usu- Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or
ally marked by double-dashed yellow not. Other drivers will never expect you to be there
lines. Before you start driving in them, and may pull off the road without looking.
check to see which lanes you can use • Where there are no signs or lane markings to control
at that time. There may be signs post­ turning, you should turn from the lane that is closest
ed by the side of the road or overhead. to the direction you want to go, and turn into the lane
Sometimes special lights are used. A closest to the one you came from.
green arrow means you can use the • When making turns, go from one lane to the other
lane beneath it; a red “X” means you as directly as possible without crossing lane lines or
may not. A flashing yellow “X” means interfering with traffic. Once you have completed your
the lane is only for turning. A steady turn, you can change to another lane if you need to.
yellow “X” means that the use of the
lane is changing and you should move Reserved Lanes
out of it as soon as it is safe to do so. On various roadways one or more lanes may be reserved
for special vehicles. Reserved lanes are marked by signs
Shared Center Lane 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.

(Left) This sign means the lane is for bus

and car pool use only.

(Right) This sign means the lane is re-

served for bicyclists.
High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes are
reserved for car pools and vehicles with more
than one person in them. Signs say how many
people must be in the vehicle as well as the
days and hours to which it applies. For ex-
ample, “HOV 4” means there must be at least
These center lanes are reserved for making left turns four people in the vehicle.
(or U-turns when they are permitted) but can be used by
vehicles traveling in both directions. On the pavement,
left-turn arrows for traffic in one direction alternate with

18 2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road

When to Yield the Right-of-Way any direction.
Where vehicles or pedestrians are likely to meet one Follow any
another and there are no signs or signals to regulate traffic, instructions
there are rules that say who must yield the right-of-way. given over the
These rules tell drivers who goes first and who must wait in emergency

POLICE
different traffic situations. vehicle’s loud-
The law says who must yield the right-of-way; it does speaker. If you
not give anyone the right-of-way. You must do everything are in an inter-
you can to prevent striking a pedestrian or another vehicle, section, drive
regardless of the circumstances. t h ro u g h t h e
Be alert for bicyclists. While bicyclists and motorists intersection
must share the rights and responsibilities of using public before you pull
streets and roads, motorists should realize bicycle riders are over. However,
very vulnerable in crashes. Therefore, motor vehicle drivers if you are on a
should use good defensive driving skills to avoid collisions street or high­
with bicyclists. way separated by a median strip and the emergency vehicle
is on the other side, you do not have to stop. You must stay
at least 500 feet behind any emergency vehicle using lights
Intersections and sirens on its way to an emergency.
The following right-of-way rules apply at intersections:
• You must yield when you want to make a right turn
after stopping at a red light, but before the light turns Persons who
green. However, turns on red must be permitted at are Blind
that intersection. If you approach a
• Drivers crossing a sidewalk entering or exiting a drive- person walking with a
way, alley, or parking lot must yield to pedestri­ans. It white cane or a white
is illegal to drive on a sidewalk except to cross it. cane tipped with red,
• Pedestrians using a guide dog or carrying a white cane you must stop and
have absolute right-of-way. Do not use your horn as it take whatever ac-
could confuse or frighten the pedestrian who is blind. tion is necessary to
• Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming cars that prevent injury to that
are going straight ahead. person. The same
• You should watch out for bicyclists. Be ready to yield applies to a person
the right-of-way, even at times the bicyclists should being led by a guide
yield to you. They have no defense against a car or dog which is wearing a harness and walking by or in front
truck, so it is your responsibility as a driver to watch of the person.
out for them.
• At an intersection where there is no stop sign or traffic Yielding Situations
signal, drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the (red car shown here must yield to approaching vehicle)
right.
• At a four-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection
first gets to go first (after coming to a complete stop).
• Drivers entering a road from a driveway, alley or road-
side must yield to vehicles already on the main road.
• You must yield or stop for pedestrians in marked
crosswalks, and at unmarked crosswalks at intersec-
tions.
• You should yield to other vehicles when approaching
the triangular shaped “yield” signs.
Car in intersection Car on right
Overtaking Vehicles
Drivers overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direc-
tion must yield to that vehicle and allow the vehicle full use
of the lane.

Emergency Vehicles
You must yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, fire en-
gine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle using a siren or
air horn, and a red or blue flashing light. 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 Oncoming traffic At yield sign

2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road 19

School Buses • If you are headed uphill, turn your front wheels away
When you meet an oncoming school bus displaying flash- from the curb. Then let the car roll back slightly until
ing amber lights, you must slow down to no more than 20 the right front tire hits the curb. If you are parking
mph and be prepared to stop. If the red lights are flashing uphill and there is no curb, turn your front wheels
or if the stop arm is out, you must come to a complete stop toward the side of the road. That way, the vehicle
at least 15 feet from the bus. You must remain stopped as will roll away from traffic if it moves.
long as the red lights flash or the stop arm is out.
The only exception to this is where you are approaching
the bus from the opposite direction on a road with at least
two lanes in each direction.
When overtaking a school bus, you may not pass when
red or amber warning lights are flashing.
After a school bus has stopped to let students off, watch
for children on the side of the road.

Down hill Up hill with curb Up hill without curb

(with or without curb)

Parking Is Not Allowed

There are many areas where you cannot park. Check for
signs that may prohibit or limit parking. Some parking restric-
tions are indicated by colored curb markings. Do not park:
• on a crosswalk;
• in front of a public or private driveway;
If the red lights are flashing or if the stop arm is out, you must • on any bridge outside city limits or in highway tun­
come to a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus and nels;
remain stopped as long as the red lights flash or the stop arm • alongside another stopped or parked car (double
is out. park­ing);
• closer than five feet from a fire hydrant;
• closer than 10 feet from a stop sign;
Parking

• closer than 20 feet from a fire station entrance;
• closer than 50 feet from a hotel or theater entrance;
Drivers are responsible for making sure their vehicles do
not become a hazard after they have been parked. Whenever • closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing;
you park your car, follow these guidelines. • closer than eight feet parallel to a railroad crossing;
• Park far enough from any travel lane to avoid inter- • in “NO PARKING ZONES” which are usually marked
fering with traffic. with signs or yellow painted curbs;
• Make sure your car is visible to drivers approach­ing • in an intersection; or
from either direction. • on a sidewalk.
• Park in a designated area, if possible.
• 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. Shut the door as soon as you can after getting
out.
• Never leave the ignition keys in a parked car. 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 headed downhill, turn your front
wheels toward the curb or roadside so the vehicle
will roll away from traffic if it moves.

20 2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road

Parallel Parking To leave a parallel parking space, signal your move.
• Signal and stop with Watch for traffic and turn your steering wheel towards the
the rear bump­er of open lane, easing your way into traffic.
your vehi­c le even If you park on a road outside city limits, you must make
with the rear bum- sure you are completely off the pave­ment. In all cases, police
per of the vehicle in are authorized to remove illegally parked vehicles.
front of the place you
want to park. The
two vehicles should Approaching Stationary Vehicles
be about one to two When approaching a stationary vehicle such as a police
feet apart. car, tow truck, utility or maintenance, garbage/recycling col-
lection, construction vehicle, or any vehicle that is parked
along side the road and displaying flashing lights or standard
• Turning your steering hazard lights, you are required to make a lane change. You
wheel to the right, must make the lane change only if it is safe to do so accord-
back slowly aiming ing to road and traffic conditions.
the back of your car If a lane change is not possible, prohibited by law, or
towards the front of unsafe, you must slow down to a reasonable and proper
the car behind you. speed for the existing conditions and be prepared to stop.

Cell Phones and Texting While

Driving
It is highly dangerous to divide your attention from the
task of driving by using cells phones, text messaging devices
and electronic entertainment devices.
• As the front of your It is unlawful for any driver in Iowa to read, write or send
car clears the back a text message while driving. Before using a hand-held
of the car in front of electronic communication device to write, send, or read a
you, turn your wheels text message, the vehicle must be brought to a complete
sharply to the left stop off the traveled portion of the roadway. Exceptions to
and continue back- reading a text message are limited to:
ing slowly until the • A member of a public safety agency performing
back of your car al- official duties
most touches the car • A health care professional in the course of an
be­hind you. emergency situation
• A person receiving safety-related information
including emergency, traffic, or weather alerts.
• S t r a i g h t e n y o u r It is unlawful for persons under the age of eighteen
wheels and pull for- operating a motor vehicle with a Minor Restricted License,
ward to center the car Instruction Permit, Intermediate License, or Minor School Li-
in the parking space. cense to use an electronic communication device (including
Your car should be cell phones) or an electronic entertainment device unless the
no more than 18 motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion
inches from the curb. of the roadway.
Put the trans­mission It is unlawful for a person to text or use a handheld mo-
in park if your car has bile device while driving a commercial motor vehicle, if the
an automat­ic trans- person is required to have a commercial learner’s permit or
mission and set the commercial driver’s license to operate the vehicle.
brake. Turn off the
engine. (It is against
the law to leave keys
in a run­ning, unat­tended vehicle.)

To park by the left-hand curb on a one-way street, fol-

low the same directions but reverse right and left in the
instructions.
If your car has a manual transmission, leave it in low gear
when parked and headed uphill. Leave it in reverse when
parked and headed downhill. This will help prevent an ac-
cident if your emergen­cy or parking brake fails.

2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road 21

 Notes

22
3. Safe Driving Tips Stopping Distance
No driver manual can completely teach you how to op- Reaction Distance + Braking Distance = Stopping Distance
erate a vehicle or be a safe driver. Driving requires skill you
can only gain through instruction and practice.

e
pp ist e
Dis ce
nc
Sto ng D tanc
ing an
ta
ak is
Br ion D
Basic Driving 160 Notes:

t
i
ac
mph Reaction time = 1.5 sec

Re
Starting 20 44 25 69
At 60 mph, vehicle travels 88 ft/sec
Check the vehicle owner’s manual for the best starting
procedures for the vehicle. The procedures vary depending 30 66 57 123
on whether the vehicle has fuel injection, and the type of
transmission. Make sure the parking brake is on before you 40 88 101 189
start the vehicle.
If the vehicle has a manual transmission it must not be 50 110 158 268
in gear, and, in some vehicles, you must depress the clutch.
For a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, you must 60 132 227 359
put the shift selector in “park.” Otherwise, the vehicle will not
start. You must press on the brake in some newer vehicles 70 154 310 464
in order to select a gear and/or start the vehicle. All distances shown in feet
Distance illuminated by low beam headlights
Accelerating At night, your headlights cannot follow the
Accelerate gradually and smoothly. Trying to start too fast curves, hills, and dips in the road, so you must
can cause the drive wheels to spin, particularly on slippery reduce your speed. Bad weather, unexpected
surfac­es, and cause the vehicle to slide. With a manual-shift actions by other drivers, and fatigue can
vehicle, practice using the clutch and accelerator so the also affect your driving and what you can see.
engine does not run too fast or stall when shifting between Information courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
gears.
Required Stops
Braking and Stopping You must always stop:
Using your brakes to stop your vehicle is one of the most • at railroad crossings if your vehicle is carrying hazard-
common driving techniques you must learn. The time it takes ous materials;
your wheels to stop depends on your vehicle’s weight, size, • when entering a public road from a private drive;
height and load, and the size, condition and pressure of • at all stop signs;
its tires. This distance is added to your reaction time. Your • before crossing a sidewalk;
reaction time is the time it takes you to see the need to stop • at the request of any law officer;
and get your foot on the brake pedal. • at a flashing red light, then go ahead if it is clear;
Even if your car and your reflexes are in top condition, • at all red traffic lights, including where right turns on
the road surfaces still affect how fast you stop. Different red are allowed;
road surfaces have different contact with your tires. Some • when a blind person with a white cane or red-tipped
surfaces are loose and allow your vehicle to skid easily. cane is walking in front of you or close enough to you
Even on dry pavement your car will skid if the brakes are that the person could be in danger; and
applied too hard. • when a blind person with a guide dog in a harness
Try to avoid panic stops by watching for things well ahead walks in front of you or close enough to you that the
of you. By slowing down or changing lanes, you may not person or guide dog is in danger.
have to stop at all. If you do have to stop, it can be a more See page 16 regarding stops at railroad crossings and
gradual and safer stop. page 19 for stops when approaching school buses display-
As the condition of the road surfaces changes, you should ing flashing lights and/or stop arms.
change your following distance to make sure you have time
to stop. The following table shows how far you will go before Steering
your car comes to a stop when driving at various speeds. Use a proper grip. Your hands should be placed on op-
Remember, these are distances figured under ideal condi- posite sides of the steering wheel (see illustration on the
tions. Bad weather, road conditions, condition of your tires following page) in a comfortable position.
or slower reflexes can increase these distances. Look well down the road, not just at the road immediately
in front of your vehicle. Look for traffic situations where you
will need to steer before you get to them. This way, you have
time to steer smoothly and safely.
When turning corners, turn the steering wheel using the
“hand-over-hand” or the “push-pull” technique.

3. Safe Driving Tips 23

 Do not turn the wheel
with just the palm of one
hand; you could lose con-
trol. When you complete
a turn, straighten out the
steering wheel by hand.
Letting it slip through your
fingers could be danger-
ous.
Drivers of vehicles
equipped with airbags
should be aware that arms positioned over the center of the Right Turn Left Turn
steering wheel could be forced backward into the face if the After checking to the rear and Check traffic in your mirrors
signaling, move to within four and use your turn signals.
airbag deploys during a collision.
feet of the right curb. Begin Move into the lane closest
turning to the right as soon to the center line. When you
Proper Turning Techniques as your front wheels are even are turning left onto a two-
Plan your turns ahead of time. Decide where you want to with the bend of the curb way street, start your turn
be when you finish the turn. Give yourself a chance to slow around the corner. Turning just before the front of the
the steering wheel hand-over- car reaches the cen­ter of the
down and watch out for both pedestrian and other vehicle
hand, move the car around the intersection. Do not cut the
traffic. Do not make sharp turns at the last minute; they are
corner and into the lane next cor­ner. Steering hand-over-
dangerous. hand, turn the corner and
to the curb. Straighten out the
Make sure you signal properly and turn from the proper wheels as you get around the finish in the first lane right of
lane into the proper lane. Do not cut corners. Do not swing corner. the center line.
wide on your turns. These actions increase your chances
of being in an accident. Generally, other drivers expect you
to keep doing what you are doing. You must warn them
when you are going to change direction or slow down. This
will give them time to react, if needed, or at least not to be
surprised by what you do.

Turn Signals
Turn signals give other drivers time to react to your
moves. You should use your turn signals before you change
lanes, turn right or left, merge into traffic, or park. One-way to two-way street Two-way to one-way street
• Get into the habit of signaling every time you change
direction. Signal even when you do not see anyone
else around. It is easy to miss someone who needs
to know what you are doing.
• Signal as early as you can. Try and signal at least
three seconds before you make your move. You
must signal at least 100 feet before a turn if the
speed limit is 45 mph or less. If the speed limit is
faster than 45 mph, you must signal at least 300 feet
before you turn.
• Be careful that you do not signal too early. If there One-way to one-way street One-way to one-way street
are streets, driveways or entrances between you and with more than one
where you want to turn, wait until you have passed turning lane
them to signal.
• If another vehicle is about to enter the street between
you and where you plan to turn, wait until you have Turns on Red
passed it to signal your turn. If you signal earlier, the You may make a right turn at a red light unless there
other driver may think you plan to turn where that is a “NO TURN ON RED” sign. Before you turn, you must
driver is and he/she might pull into your path. come to a complete stop and yield to all other vehicle and
• After you have made a turn or lane change, make pedestrian traffic.
sure your turn signal is off. After short turns, the You may also make a left turn at a red light if you are
sig­nals may not turn off by themselves. Turn it off turning from the left lane of a one-way street onto another
if it has not canceled by itself. If you do not, other one-way street.
drivers might think you plan to turn again. At some stop lights, turns are allowed only on green
arrows.

24 3. Safe Driving Tips

 Turnabouts Signal When You Slow Down
There are times when Your brake lights let people know that you are slowing
you will find your­s elf down. Always slow down as early as it is safe to do so. If
headed in the wrong di- you are going to stop or slow down at a place where another
rection. The safest way driver does not expect it, tap your brake pedal three or four
to change direction is to times quickly to let those behind you know you are about
go around the block. The to slow down.
best way is to turn right
and then circle around the
block. This avoids most Hand Signals
left turns across traffic. Hand signals are extra precautions.
If at all possible, avoid
backing into traffic from
alleys or drive­ways.
If you are on the in-
terstate system, go to the next exit and turn around. It is
illegal to cross the median strip or to use the cross­over areas
reserved for emergency vehicles.
Stop
U-Turns
These turns require
wide streets or cars that
can turn in a very small
area. U-turns are not legal
in all places, so watch
out for signs that forbid
them. If you must make Left Turn
a U-turn, move as far to
the right as you can. Wait
for a big gap in the traffic
in both directions. Then
turn left quickly, ending
up in the oppo­site lane,
and adjust your speed to
match the traffic flow.
Right Turn

Three-Point Turns
This is the most difficult and dangerous way to turn Appropriate Speed
around. Use it only when the road or street is too narrow to The speed you can drive your vehicle depends on the
make a U-turn and you cannot go around the block. posted speed limit, the road conditions and the weather. The
Move to the far right edge and signal a left turn. Wait until faster your vehicle is going, the more distance it will take to
traffic is clear in both directions. When your spot is open, turn, slow or stop. For example, stopping at 60 mph does not
turn left, stopping just before your front wheels go off the take twice the distance it takes at 30 mph as one might think,
pave­ment. Turn your steering wheel sharply to the right and but over three times the distance. The posted speed limit is
back up if traffic is clear. Then start moving forward while the FASTEST speed you can legally drive under ideal driv-
pulling into the proper lane. ing conditions. The following general limits have been set:
• 20 mph in any business district;
• 25 mph in a residential district or school district;
• 45 mph in any suburban district, or for any vehicle
pulling another vehicle unless it was designed for
that purpose;
• 50 mph on unsurfaced secondary roads from sunset
until sunrise, and for all trucks on secondary roads
at any time of day;
• 55 mph on all primary roads, urban inter­state high-
ways and secondary roads, including unpaved roads
from sunrise to sunset; and
Three-point turn • 70 mph on rural interstate highways.
A lower limit may be set for any conditions listed
above.

3. Safe Driving Tips 25

 Driving too fast is a major cause of traffic accidents. Driv- You do not have as much traction on gravel and dirt roads
ing too slow is also an important cause of traffic accidents. as you do on concrete and asphalt roads.
Try to drive with the general traffic flow on any road. When driving on gravel or dirt, you must slow down. It
On the interstate system there is a minimum speed of 40 will take you much longer to stop, and it is much easier to
mph. Vehicles that cannot go at least that fast under normal skid when turning.
conditions are not allowed on the interstate.
Curves
A vehicle can travel much faster in a straight line than it
can in a curve. It is easy to go too fast in a curve. If you go
too fast, then the tires will not be able to grip the road and
the vehicle will skid. Always slow down before you enter the
curve so you do not have to brake in the curve. Braking in
a curve can cause the vehicle to skid.

Slippery Roads
Slow down at the first sign of rain, snow or sleet. These
all make the roadway slippery.

Rain
Rain cuts the distance you can see. Having good wiper
blades is important to safe driving and good car mainte-
nance. Check them regularly.
Water and oil do not mix. During the first few minutes of
a rain storm, the oil on the surface of the roadway forms a
slick film on the rainwater. At this time your car is riding on
a thin film of oil and water, and is ready to “ski.” You should
Closed Cars on a Hot Day be most careful when turning and stopping during the first
Leaving children in an enclosed car on a hot day can half hour of rain.
be deadly. In as little as 10 minutes the temperature inside Higher speeds make driving in rain even more dangerous.
a car can reach well above 120 degrees depending on the As you go faster, your tires start to ride up on the surface of
temperature outside, the humidity, and how far windows are water on the road. This is called hydroplaning. The chances
rolled down. Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures of hydroplani­ng get more and more dangerous between 35
above 90 degrees. When a child is enclosed in a hot car, and 55 mph. The results are reduced traction, not much
body fluids and salts are lost through sweating, causing braking ability, and little steering ability -- perfect conditions
heat exhaustion. If not treated immediately, heat exhaus- for your car to skid.
tion can lead to heat stroke. In heat stroke, a child can no Usually these skids are short. To recover, keep your
longer sweat. The body temperature rises to deadly levels, wheels turned in the direction you are skidding. Preventing
leading to severe damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, or hydroplani­ng is better than trying to control it. Check your
even death. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 tires on a regular basis for proper inflation and tread wear.
immediately. Steps should be taken to cool the patient down
as soon as possible. Fog
NEVER leave children, elderly persons, dependent Fog is one of the most dangerous weather conditions in
persons or pets in an enclosed car alone. which to drive. You are basically driving in a cloud of water
vapor. If you do not have to drive - don’t!
Darkness makes the problem of fog even worse. The
Bad Weather Driving water droplets in the fog reflect your headlights right back at
There are various road conditions where to be safe you you. Keep your headlights on low beam to reduce glare as
must slow down. You must slow down before a curve, when much as possible. Drive slowly and be ready to stop if you
the roadway is slippery, and when there is standing water see any red or white lights in front of you. It is impossible
on the road. to tell if someone is stopped ahead, or if someone is in the
The only contact your vehicle has with the road is its tires. wrong lane. Approach any lights with a great deal of caution.
How good a grip the tires have with the road depends on the
type and condition of the tires, and the type and condition
of the road surface.
Many drivers do not pay enough attention to the condition
of their tires or to the condition of the roadway. It is impor-
tant that the tires be in good condition and have enough
air in them. See the vehicle owner’s manual for correct tire
pressure.

26 3. Safe Driving Tips

Ice and Snow Hidden ice patches on bridges and other open areas
make it easy to slide off the road -- especially on curves. Turn
slowly to avoid spinning or slid­ing. Creep along if you have
to. If you do skid, take your foot off the gas but do not brake.
Steer in the direction the back end of the car is moving.
When the weather warms up a bit, be very careful on
bridges. The road on both sides of the bridge may be ice-
free. However, cold air blowing under the bridge quickly
freezes water, making icy patches a real problem.
If you become stranded in a blizzard and no help seems
available, keep the following points in mind:
• It is easy to get lost in the snow. Leave the car ONLY
IF YOU ARE POSITIVE YOU CAN REACH SAFETY.
Many people have died of exposure because they
became disoriented in the swirling snow and lost
their way even though they had only a short distance
to go.
• Stay in the car. Wrap yourself in blankets, floor mats,
newspapers or anything that is available. If other
Iowa winters always bring ice and snow. You must be
people are in the car, sit or huddle together to take
prepared to deal with these weather forces.
advantage of body heat. Cover up with whatever is
For traction in snow and ice, snow tires or chains are
available.
advisable. Extra weight in your trunk may give you added
• Fast idle the engine to run the heater, but do not
traction if you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Studded
keep the engine running all the time. Try to run the
snow tires can be used on motor vehicles from November
engine and heater only 10 minutes or so every hour.
1 to April 1.
• Move slowly and avoid overexertion.
NOTE: Studded snow tires can increase stopping dis-
• Keep fresh air circulating in the car. Carbon mon-
tances on dry roads.
oxide can build up from running the engine if the
Radial tires and non-radial tires do not mix. The risk of a
vehicle is sealed by blowing and drifting snow or
skid is greater if you have radials on the front and non-radial
freezing rain. Open only the downwind window for
snow tires on the back. If your front tires are radials, your
ventilation.
snow tires should also be radials.
• If you have a brightly-colored object, tie it to your
Starting and stopping on ice or snow can be very tricky.
antenna or some other high point on the car to make
When trying to stop, do not slam on the brakes or the wheels
you more visible. Turn on the car’s dome light; it will
will lock and you may be thrown into a dangerous skid. Use
make you easier to see.
brakes and accelerator gently. If you do begin to skid, take
• Keep active. From time to time, flap your arms up
your foot off the accelerator, and turn your steering wheel
and down and stomp your feet. It will help stimulate
in the direction of the skid.
circulation to your arms and legs. It will also help
However, if you have antilock brakes, the motto is “stomp
relieve tense muscles and help you stay awake.
and steer.” This means that you should apply brakes firmly
• Do not let all the people in the car go to sleep at the
and steer straight ahead. The antilock brake system will
same time.
adjust the braking to avoid skidding. If you have time, tap
Carry a small winter car safety kit in case you get stuck.
your brakes lightly several times to alert other drivers, then
It should include the following emergency items:
brake firmly.
• a snow shovel or hoe;
It is recommended you do not use cruise control if icy
• an ice scraper and a brush;
conditions exist.
• sand, gravel, cat litter or something to help give your
When starting out on the road, use the gas pedal carefully
wheels traction if you are stuck;
or you may put yourself into a skid, or spin your wheels and
• blankets or sleeping bags, in case you are stranded;
get yourself stuck in the snow. If you do get stuck, keep the
• candles and matches (They can be used as a light
wheels pointed straight and rock the car back and forth. You
source and to melt snow for drinking water if you
will have the greatest traction just before the wheels spin.
are strand­ed. Be sure you have adequate ventilation
As winter temperatures go up and down, water freezes
when burning any candles. If your car is buried in the
and melts. This makes hidden ice problems worse. Wet
snow and the windows are blocked, the candle may
ice at the freezing point (32 F) is twice as slippery as hard,
use the available oxygen you need for breathing.);
frozen ice.
• a selection of empty coffee cans for melting snow
and for a portable toilet;
• tissue paper;
• extra hats, gloves, scarves and socks; and
• jumper cables and a tow chain.

3. Safe Driving Tips 27

Space to Cross or Enter Any time your view is blocked by a curve or a hill,
When you cross traffic, you need a large enough gap to you should assume that there is an oncoming ve-
get all the way across the road. When you enter traffic, you hicle just out of sight. Therefore you should treat a
need enough space to first turn and then to get up to speed. curve or a hill as you do an oncoming vehicle. This
• If you want to cross several lanes of traffic going the means you should not start to pass if you are within
same way you are, take them one at a time. Like go- one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.
ing up or down stairs one step at a time, it is safest • Intersections. It is dangerous to pass where a ve-
and easiest to merge from one lane to another one hicle is likely to enter or cross the road. Such places
lane at a time. It is very difficult to determine if all include intersections, railroad crossings and shop­
the lanes are free and safe to cross. If you were to ping center entrances. While you are passing, your
wait until all the lanes were clear, you could tie up view of people, vehicles or a train can be blocked
traffic, or even cause an accident. by the vehicle you are passing. Also, drivers turning
• When you cross traffic, you need room to get all the right into the approaching lane will not expect to find
way across. Stopping halfway across is only safe you approaching in their lane. They may not even
when there is a median divider large enough to hold look your way before turning.
your car. Do not stop in a divider where part of your • Lane Restrictions. Before you pass, look ahead
vehicle is sticking out into traffic. for road conditions and traffic that may cause other
• If you are turning left, make sure your path will be vehi­cles to move into your lane. You might lose your
clear of both pedestrians and vehi­cles. You do not space for passing because of:
want to be caught waiting for a path to clear while - people or bicyclists near the road;
being stuck across a lane that has an oncoming - a narrow bridge or other situation that
vehicle bearing down on you. causes reduced lane width; or
• Never assume another driver will share space with - a patch of ice, pot hole, or something on the
you or give you space. Beware of the “false” signal. road.
Do not turn just because an approaching vehicle has • Space to Return. Do not pass unless you have
a turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn beyond enough space to return to the driving lane. Do not
you, or has forgotten to turn the signal off from a count upon other drivers to make room for you.
prior turn. This is particularly true of motorcycles;
their signals often do not cancel by them­selves. Wait Passing Procedure (Multi-lane Highways)
until the other driver actually starts to turn and then 1. If the road has two or more lanes in the same direction,
proceed if it is safe to do so. you should not have to face oncoming traffic.
2. Check for traffic behind you, espe­cially in your blind
spots. Signal your left turn. Move into the left lane.
Passing 3. Accelerate and move around the vehicle in front of
Whenever signs or road markings permit you to pass, you. Move back to the right only when you can see the
you will have to judge whether you have enough room to passed vehic­le’s head­lights in your rearview mirror. This
pass safely. Do not count on having enough time to pass en­sures you have enough room to safely pull back in
several cars at once. Be safe! As a general rule, only pass front of the vehicle you passed.
one vehicle at a time. Good judgment and a clear road ahead
are needed to safely pass another vehicle.
• Oncoming Vehicles. At a speed of 55 mph, you
Passing Procedure (Two-
need about 10 seconds to pass. That means you Lane High­ways)
need a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic and 1. Check traffic ahead and be­hind,
enough sight distance to pass. You must judge includ­ing your blind spot. Move
whether you have enough space to pass safely. slightly left to see if there is
   At 55 mph you will travel over 800 feet in 10 any oncoming traffic. REMEM­
seconds. So will an oncoming vehicle. That means BER, YOU NEED AS MUCH AS
you need over 1,600 feet, or about one-third of a 1,600 OR MORE FEET TO GET
mile, to pass safely. AROUND A VEHI­CLE AND BACK
   It is hard to judge the speed of oncoming INTO THE RIGHT LANE.
vehicles at this distance. They do not seem to be   BE READY TO PULL BACK
coming as fast as they really are. A vehicle that is INTO YOUR OWN LANE WITH­
far enough away generally appears to be standing OUT PASS­ING IF THERE IS
still. In fact, if you can really see it coming closer, ON­COM­ING TRAF­FIC.
it may be too close for you to pass. If you are not 2. If the way ahead is clear, signal.
sure, wait to pass until you are sure there is enough Move left of center and acceler-
space. ate around the vehicle you are
• Hills and Curves. You have to be able to see at least passing. (In acceler­ating around
one-third of a mile, or about 10 seconds, ahead. the vehicle you are passing, you
should not exceed the posted
speed limit.)

28 3. Safe Driving Tips

 If you have to speed to pass, you probably do not need • there is a stopped school bus in your lane or the
to pass. If you go over the speed limit while passing, oncoming lane, or a school bus when its red or
you can be given a ticket. amber warning signal lights are flashing or has its
3. When you can see the headlights of the vehicle you stop arm out; or
just passed in your rearview mirror, signal a right turn, • oncoming traffic is so close it would be dangerous
check your mirror again and pull back into the right to try to make it around the vehicle you are passing.
lane.

Lane Markings Tell a Passing Tale

Bridge/tunnel Railroad
Lane Lines: No Solid and Broken Double Yellow
passing either way Yellow: Do not pass Center Line:
over center yellow when solid line No passing
lines. is in your lane. in either
lane.

Do not pass when:
• you are coming to the top of a hill;
• you are going around a curve when your view along
the highway is obstructed;
• you are within 100 feet of a narrow bridge, viaduct,
or tunnel that has a sign posted to let you know it
is there;
• you are within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad Intersection Onto shoulder of road
crossing;
• you must go off the pavement or onto the shoulder
of the road while passing;

Stopped school bus or a Vehicle approaching

school bus when red or
amber warning signal lights
are flashing or has its stop
arm out

Defensive Driving
Scanning
To be a good driver, you must know what is happening
around your vehicle. You must look ahead, to the sides, and
behind the vehicle. Scanning helps you to see problems
Do not pass on a hill (left), or ahead, vehicles and people that may be in the road by the
on a curve (above). time you reach them, signs warning of problems ahead, and
signs giving you directions.
Searching and scanning critical areas should be done

3. Safe Driving Tips 29

in a regular sequence. A visual search pattern, such as in Look to the Sides
the guidelines described below, helps you adjust to any Since other vehicles or pedestrians may cross or enter
unusual events. your path anytime, you should look to the sides to make sure
Whenever there is a lot of activity along the side of the no one is coming. This is especially true at intersections and
road, there is a good chance that someone will cross or railroad crossings.
enter the road. Therefore, it is very important to look to the
sides when you are near shopping centers and parking lots, Intersections
road work areas, busy sidewalks, and playgrounds and Intersections are any place where traffic merges or cross-
schoolyards. es. They include: cross streets, side streets, driveways, and
shopping center or parking lot entrances. Before you enter
Looking Ahead an intersection, look left, right and left again for approaching
In order to avoid last-minute braking or the need to turn, vehicles and/or crossing pedestrians. If stopped, look left,
you should look down the road at least 10 seconds ahead right and left again just before you start moving. Look across
of your vehicle. By looking well ahead and being ready to the intersection before you start to move to make sure the
stop or change lanes if needed, you can drive more safely, path is clear through the intersection.
save on fuel, help keep traffic moving at a steady pace, and
allow yourself time to better see things around your vehicle Railroad Crossings
and along the side of the road. Looking well down the road As you approach any railroad crossing, look both ways
will also help you to steer straighter with less weaving. on the tracks to make sure a train is not coming. Do not as-
In the city, 10 seconds is about one block. When you sume a train is not coming even if you have never seen one
drive in city traffic, you should try to look at least one block at that crossing before. That is one of the leading causes of
ahead. On the highway, 10 seconds is about four city blocks fatalities at railroad crossings.
or a quarter to one-third of a mile. At crossings with more than one track, wait until the
passing train is well down the track before starting to cross.
Another train that might have been hidden by the one that
just passed could be coming.

Look Behind
Besides watching traffic ahead of you, you must check
traffic behind you. You need to check your mirrors more often
when traffic is heavy. This is the only way you will know if
someone is following too closely or coming up too fast and
will give you time to do something about it. It is very important
to look in your mirrors for vehicles when you change lanes,
slow down, back up, or are driving down a long or steep hill.
Scan to the left and right. Watch for changing conditions and
be prepared for the unexpected.
How do you know how many seconds you are looking Avoiding/Minimizing Accidents
ahead? Here is how to figure if you are looking 10 seconds When it looks like a collision may happen, many drivers
ahead. panic and fail to act. In some cases they do act, but do
• Find a non-moving object like a sign or telephone something that does not help to reduce the chance of the
pole near the road about as far ahead as you are collision. There almost always is something you can do to
looking. avoid the accident, or reduce the results of the accident. In
• Start counting one-one-thousand, two-one-thou- avoiding a collision, drivers have three options: (1) stop, (2)
sand, three-one-thousand, etc., until you reach the turn, and (3) speed up.
object.
• The number of seconds you have counted is the Speeding Up
number of seconds ahead that you were looking. Sometimes it is best or necessary to speed up to avoid
You can be a safer driver by looking well ahead. You can a colli­sion. This may happen when another vehicle is about
avoid the need to stop or turn quickly. to hit you from the side or from behind and there is room to
By looking well ahead, you can save on fuel. Every time the front of you to get out of danger. Be sure to slow down
you have to stop quickly, it takes time and fuel to get your once the danger has passed.
car back up to speed. Traffic would flow more smoothly if
everyone looked well ahead. Making driving changes before Protect Yourself in Collisions
the last moment gives drivers behind you more time to react. You may not always be able to avoid a collision. The most
As your speed increases, it is most important to look important thing you can do is to use your lap and shoulder
farther ahead. belts. Other than your seat belts, there are a couple of other
things that could help prevent more serious injuries.

30 3. Safe Driving Tips

Hit From the Rear
If your vehicle is hit from the rear, your body will be thrown Before you move your vehicle to the left or right,
back towards the rear of your vehicle. Press yourself against turn your head and check these areas. When you
the back of your seat and put your head against the head turn your head to check the blind spots, make sure
re­straint. Be ready to apply your brakes so that you will not you keep the steering wheel straight; people have
be pushed into another vehicle. a natural tendency to turn their arms in the same
direction as their head turns. Looking to the left may
make you veer the car that direction if you are not
Hit From the Side careful. You may sideswipe someone else if you do
If your vehicle is hit from the side, your body will be thrown
not check your blind spots when changing lanes.
towards the side that is hit. Front air bags will not help in
• Check quickly. Do not take your eyes off the road
this situation. Your lap and shoulder belts are needed to help
ahead for more than an instant. Traffic ahead of you
keep you behind the wheel. Get ready to steer or brake to
could stop suddenly while you are checking traffic
prevent your vehicle from hitting something else.
to the sides, rear or over your shoulder. Also, use
your mirrors to check traffic while you are preparing
Hit From the Front to change lanes, merge, or pull onto the roadway.
If your vehicle is about to be hit from the front, it is This way you can keep an eye on cars ahead of you
impor­tant to try and have a “glancing blow” rather than be- at the same time. Look several times if you need to.
ing struck head on. This means that if a collision is going You must keep track of what traffic is doing in front
to happen, try and turn the vehicle. At worse, you hit with a of you and in the lane you are entering.
glancing blow, and you might miss it. If your vehicle has an • Check the far lane. Be sure to check the far lane, if
air bag, it will inflate. It also will deflate following the accident, there is one, as someone in that lane may be plan-
so be ready to keep your vehicle from hitting something ning to move into the same lane you want to enter.
else. You must use your lap and shoulder belts to keep you • Check for other road users. Remember there are
behind the wheel, and to protect you if your vehicle has a other road users such as motorcycles, bicycles, and
second collision. pedestrians that are harder to see than cars and
trucks. Be especially alert when you are entering
the roadway from the curb or driveway.
Changing Lanes • Inform other drivers of your plans by proper signal-
Whenever you want to change lanes, you must check that ing. When you do make your lane change, do it
there are no vehicles in the lane you want to enter. You must carefully but without slowing down unless you are
yield to vehicles in that lane. This means you must check moving into a slower lane of traffic. While you are
for traffic to the side and behind your vehicle before you changing lanes, constantly check traffic so you will
change lanes. Changing lanes includes: changing from one see anyone coming up on you unexpectedly.
lane to another, merging onto a roadway from an entrance
ramp, and entering the roadway from the curb or shoulder.
When changing lanes, you should do the things listed here. Backing
• Look in your rearview and side mirrors. Make sure It is hard for you to see behind your vehicle. Try to do as
there are no vehicles in the lane you want to enter. little backing as pos-
Make sure that nobody is about to pass you. sible. Where backing
• Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to is necessary, here are
move. Be sure no one is near the rear corners of your some hints that will
vehicle. These areas are called “blind spots” because help you back your
you cannot see them through your mirrors. vehicle safely.
• Check behind
your vehicle
b e f o re y o u
get in. Chil-
dren or small
objects can-
not be seen from the driver’s seat.
• Place your right arm on the back of the seat and
turn around so that you can look directly through
the rear window. Do not depend on your rearview
or side mirrors since you cannot see directly behind
your vehicle.
• Turn the steering wheel the direction you want the
rear of the vehicle to go.
• Back slowly, your vehicle is much harder to steer
while you are backing.
• Whenever possible, use a person outside the vehicle
to help you back.

3. Safe Driving Tips 31

Night Driving Rural Road Driving
It is much harder to see at night. Here are some things Some road conditions and driving hazards are unique
you can do that will help you see better. to rural roads when compared to a paved interstate or city
Night driving creates its own special problems. Headlight street. Rural roads consist of paved, gravel and dirt roads.
glare masks the position and number of oncoming vehicles. It is important to realize the characteristics of different types
of rural roads.

You can only see what your headlights light up. That is
why it is important to keep your headlights clean and in good
condition. You should drive a little slower at night because Gravel
it is easy to “over drive” your headlights. That means the Stopping or turning on loose gravel is more difficult
distance you can see is shorter than the distance in which compared to pavement because tire traction is reduced.
you can stop. You may not be able to stop by the time you Skidding can occur as traction is lost. A “washboard” effect
recognize a hazardous situa­tion. can occur on gravel roads. This is a series of potholes that
• Iowa law requires you to use your headlights from can affect steering and vehicle control. When driving on
sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is 500 feet gravel, you must slow down. It will take you much longer to
or less. stop and it is much easier to skid when turning.
• You must switch to low-beam headlights within
1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
• You must also use your low-beam headlights when
you are within 400 feet of the car you are following.
• If you meet an inconsiderate driver who does not
dim his or her vehicle’s bright lights, slow down
slightly and watch the white stripe at the right edge
of the pavement. The bright light may make you feel
somewhat blinded, but the feeling disappears in a
few seconds. As you get older, it takes longer and
longer to recover from such lights.
• Windshields, headlight covers and mirrors that are
dirty all reduce your overall night driving safety. Keep
them clean and you will be safer.

Dust
During dry periods of the year, gravel roads can become
extremely dusty. Vision can be reduced. It is recommended
that drivers use low beam headlights to make the vehicle
more visible to others.

32 3. Safe Driving Tips

Narrow bridges and roads Blind spots
Gravel or dirt roads can be narrow and have little to no Intersections, hills and curves become even more
shoulder. Ditches can be very steep and dangerous. Drivers dangerous when there are objects such as trees, cornfields
should look for narrow bridge signs and be prepared to stop or buildings blocking the driver’s view of oncoming traffic.
for oncoming traffic.
Large and/or
slow moving vehicles
It is common to encounter slow moving and large
vehicles such as farm equipment, animal drawn vehicles and
road maintenance equipment on rural roads. It is important
to identify these vehicles early and slow down when meeting
them or coming up behind them. Slow moving equipment
may make wide turns, either left or right at unmarked
entrances. Some farm equipment is wider than the road
itself. Make sure the driver of the slow moving vehicle can
see your vehicle before passing. Always use extreme caution
when passing.

Wildlife
While animals can be present on any roadway, drivers
often encounter more animals on rural roads as these roads
extend through wildlife habitats and close to farms with
Steep hills and curves livestock. Be aware and look for animals while driving on
Hills and curves on rural roads are often steeper and rural roads, especially at sunrise and sunset.
sharper than on highways. Before reaching the crest of a Deer are by far the highest cause of animal related
hill or before entering a curve, slow down, move to the right automobile crashes. October and November are the peak
side of the road and watch for oncoming vehicles. months for deer accidents. If an animal is spotted, slow
down and be prepared to stop. If there isn’t time to stop or
Railroad crossings avoid the animal, don’t swerve sharply. The driver’s chance
Many railroad crossings on rural roads are marked only of getting seriously hurt are decreased if he/she hits the
with a round yellow railroad crossing ahead warning sign and animal and avoids swerving into oncoming traffic or rolling
a white X-shaped railroad crossing crossbuck. Unlike most the vehicle over in the ditch. Deer travel in groups, so always
railroad crossings on major roads, there are typically no red look for more animals if one is seen.
flashing lights, warning bells, crossing gates or pavement
markings at rural road railroad crossings. Always slow down,
look both ways and be prepared to stop for a train before Communicating -
crossing the tracks.
Headlights, Horn and
Emergency Signals
Some drivers do not always pay attention to what is go-
ing on around them. Accidents often happen because one
driver does not see another driver, or when one driver does
something the other driver does not expect. It is important
that drivers let other road users know they are there, and
what they plan to do.

Use Your Headlights

Besides helping you to see at night, headlights help
other people see you. Remember to turn on your headlights
whenever you have trouble seeing others. If you have trouble
seeing them, they are having trouble seeing you.
• On rainy, snowy or foggy days, it is sometimes hard for
other drivers to see your vehicle. In these condi­tions,
headlights make your vehicle easier to see. Remem­ber,
Uncontrolled intersections if you turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights.
Some intersections on rural roads are not controlled • Turn on your headlights when it begins to get dark. If
by yield or stop signs. These intersections can be very you turn them on a little early, you will help other drivers
dangerous if drivers don’t approach them with caution. When see you.
approaching an uncontrolled rural intersection slow down • Whenever lights are necessary, use your headlights,
and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic. not your parking lights. Parking lights are for parked
cars only.

3. Safe Driving Tips 33

 • When driving at dusk or dawn, turn on your headlights. Emergency Flare
Drivers coming toward you may have trouble seeing
your vehicle. Your headlights will help them see you.

Use Your Horn

People cannot see you unless they are looking your way.
Your horn can get their attention. Use it whenever it will help
prevent an accident. If there is no immediate danger, a light
tap on the horn should be all you need. Use your horn when:
• a person on foot or on a bike appears to be moving
into your lane of travel;
• you are passing a driver who starts to turn into your • If you are stalled on the roadway:
lane; - Have your passengers get out of the vehicle
• there is a driver who is not paying attention or who quickly and stand safely off the roadway. A
may have trouble seeing you; or rear-end collision could prove to be deadly.
• you are coming to a place where you cannot see - If you do not have emergency flares or other
what is ahead, such as exiting a narrow alley. warn­ing devices, stand off the road, where you
If there is danger, do not be afraid to sound a SHARP are safe from traffic, and wave traffic around
BLAST on your horn. Do this when: your vehicle. Use a white cloth if you have one.
• another car is in danger of hitting you; or • Never stand in the roadway. Do not even try to
• you have lost control of your vehicle and are moving change a tire if it means you have to be in a traffic
towards someone. lane.
• Lift the hood and tie a white cloth to the antenna,
When Not to Use Your Horn side mirror or door handle to signal an emergency.
There are several occasions when you should not use
your horn. They include:
• to encourage someone to drive faster or get out of
Blind Spots
Drive your vehicle where
the way; others can see you. Do not
• to scold another driver for an error; drive in another vehicle’s blind
• to greet a friend; or spot.
Blind Spot
• around pedestrians who are blind. Clear View
• Try to avoid driving on
either side and slightly
Emergency Signals to the rear of another
If your vehicle breaks down on a highway, make sure vehicle. Either speed
that other drivers can see it. All too often accidents occur up or drop back so the
because a driver did not see a stalled vehicle until it was other driver can see
too late to stop. your vehicle more eas-
If available, use your two-way radio or telephone to no- ily.
tify author­ities that you or someone else has broken down. • When passing another
Many roadways have signs that tell you the CB channel or vehicle, get through the
telephone number to call in an emergency. Here are some other driver­’s blind spot
guidelines if you are having vehicle trouble and have to stop. as quickly as you can.
• If at all possible, get your vehicle off the road away The longer you stay
from traffic. there, the longer you
• Turn on your emergency flashers to show you are are in danger of them
having trouble. turn­ing into you.
• If you cannot get your vehicle off the roadway, try to • Never stay along side
stop where other drivers have a clear view of your a large vehicle such as
vehicle. Do not stop just over a hill or just around a a truck or bus. These vehi­cles have large blind spots
curve. and it is hard for their drivers to see you.
• Try to warn other road users that your vehicle is • There may also be blind spots in front and to the side
there. Place emergency flares behind the vehicle. of you caused by parked vehicles, shrubbery, trees,
This allows other drivers to change lanes if neces- pedestrians and other fixed objects. Be careful of
sary. them when pulling into cross traffic.

34 3. Safe Driving Tips

 • The sun can see you, the possi­
also create bility of a collision
blind spots is greatly in­creased.
with reflec- When you stay in the
tions off No-Zone, you make
any of your it impos­sible for the
window sur- driver to see you.
faces. The • When traveling up
front wind­ or down steep hills,
shield is the large vehicles must
most com- drive slowly, ap-
mon place proximately 35 mph,
for such re- and therefore use
flections and the right lane. Avoid
blind spots. driving in the right
Sun­g lasses lane when traveling
or use of up or down hills, as
the visors well as in the vicinity
in most cars of truck weigh sta-
help shield tions, where slow-moving trucks will be attempting
your eyes to re-enter faster-moving traffic. By avoiding the right
from those lane in these areas, you will reduce the possibil­i­ty of
reflec­t ions rear-ending or being rear-ended by a large vehicle.
that make it • On long, downhill slopes, there are some­times spe-
hard to see. cial “escape” or “runaway” ramps for trucks. The
For tall driv- ramps are used only by large vehicles that are out
ers, the rear- of control or cannot stop be­cause of brake failure.
view mirror Never stop or park near these ramps.
may cause • Unlike the hydraulic brakes on automo­biles, trucks
a blind spot. and buses have air brakes. Air brakes do not oper-
ate instantly like hydraulic brakes. Air brakes’ air
lines are empty until the brake pedal is depressed,
Sharing the Road at which time the air lines fill with air. Only then will
You always must share the road with others. The more the brake on a large vehicle begin to operate. It is
distance you keep between yourself and everyone else, the therefore imperative that drivers do not make sud-
more time you have to react to them. This space is like a den stops in front of large vehicles.
safety cush­ion. The more you have, the safer it can be. The • Pay close attention to truck turn signals. Trucks
following are examples where you may need to increase make wide right turns and sometimes must leave
your space: an open space to the right just before the turn. To
avoid an accident, do not pass a truck on the right
Large Trucks if there is a possibility it might make a right turn.
• A loaded truck with good tires and properly ad-
justed brakes, traveling at 55 mph on a clear, dry Motorcycles*
roadway, requires a mini­mum of 290 feet to come • Make sure you see the motorcycle and know its
to a complete stop. It is essential therefore to not speed before you start to turn or enter an intersec-
enter a roadway in front of a large vehicle. It is also tion.
important to avoid changing lanes in front of a large • Intersections are the most likely places for car/
vehicle if you are turn­ing off the roadway. motorcycle collisions to occur.
• A truck or bus has blind spots on each side where • Respect the vehicle space of a motorcycle and its
an automo­bile can­not be seen. These blind spots are position in traffic.
referred to as the “No-Zone.” No-Zone is a high­way • Turn signals do not automatically shut off on a motor-
safety term that de­scribes blind-spot areas on the cycle and riders occasionally forget to cancel them
side, front and rear of large trucks where passenger after a turn is completed. Make sure you know what
vehi­cles “disap­pear” from view and where accidents the rider is going to do BEFORE you move into the
are most likely to occur. motorcycle’s path.
• Do not drive in the No-Zone, except when abso­
lutely neces­sary. It is advis­able to avoid driving
alongside a large vehi­cle for pro­longed periods
under any cir­cum­stances. If truck drivers cannot

3. Safe Driving Tips 35

 • When driving behind a motorcycle, allow at least Failure to see bi-
a two-second following distance. This provides cycle riders can cause
the cyclist enough room to maneuver or stop in an vehicle/bicycle crash-
emergency. When the road is wet or slippery, stay es. Use extra caution
further behind. With only two wheels in contact with during peak morning
the pave­ment, motorcycles may be very unstable and afternoon traffic
when trying to stop quickly. - the sun’s glare may
• When passing a motorcycle, allow a full lane for the hide a bicyclist in your
motor­cycle; never crowd into the same lane as the path. An experienced
cycle. bicyclist on a multi-
• Watch for the unexpected and give motorcyclists speed bike can main-
their share of the road. tain a speed of 15 to 25 miles per hour on level pavement.
When making a right turn near a bicycle rider, move to
*Source: AAA Iowa. For more information on motorcycle operation, a sepa- the far right before turning. If there is a bicycle lane, merge
rate manual called “Iowa Motorcycle Operator Manual,” is available from into it to prevent being overtaken by a cyclist. Do not race
any driver’s license station. It gives a more complete explanation of operat- around a cyclist and make a right turn across his or her
ing techniques for motorcycles and traffic laws that relate to motorcycles. path. You may be setting up a collision if the cyclist cannot
stop in time. Be sure to check the blind spot over your right
Bicycles shoulder before beginning to turn.
Bicycle riders are common on Iowa’s roads. You will meet Some bicyclists may choose to ride on the street even
them in cities and on country roads. Bicycles are a recog- though there is a bicycle path available nearby. If so, give the
nized form of transportation. Under Iowa law, bicyclists and rider the needed space. Some studies have shown there are
motorists must comply with the same rules of the road more bicycle collisions on bike paths than on the roadways.
and be given the same rights. Sharing the road means Be careful when opening your vehicle door. Road widths
sharing these rights and responsibilities. can force bicyclists to ride close to parked vehicles where
Just as motor vehicle operators have different levels of they may be injured by an opening door.
skill, you will find bicycle riders with varying levels of skills. Give bicyclists the extra courtesy they need to negotiate
When you approach bicycle riders,assess the bicyclists’ railroad tracks and narrow bridges.
capabilities. A skillful cyclist rides predictably and holds a When in doubt, yield to bicyclists!
steady line.
Pedestrians
Common signs of bicyclist inexperience may include: Even though you are walking, not driving, you are still
• riding near the gutter; subject to traffic laws. You have the same responsibility to
• swerving unpredictably; obey traffic laws as do motorists.
• ignoring traffic signs and signals; and Motorists should yield to you in marked crosswalks, but
• riding without a light at night. do not bet your life on it! Watch out for yourself. If you cross
If you see these signs, be ready for any sudden move- the street anywhere but at a crosswalk, you must yield to
ments by the bicyclist. motorized traffic.
Give bicycle riders the room they deserve and need for Jaywalking and dashing across intersections could be the
safety. When passing a bicycle rider, pass as if the cyclist end of you. Of every five people killed in a traffic accident,
were a vehicle and move into the other lane. On narrow, one is a pedestrian.
two-way roads, wait for a break in traffic before pass­ing. Do If you must walk where there is no sidewalk, walk on the
not pass if oncoming traffic is near. After passing, cautiously left side of the street facing the oncoming traffic. At night
return to your lane - a bicyclist could be in your blind spot. wear light colored clothes
Do not honk your horn or flash your headlights at bicyclists. so you can be seen
They may be startled and lose control. Bicycles often travel easily.
nearer the right edge of a traffic lane. However, they may
swerve to avoid road hazards such as potholes, glass debris, Driver Responsibilities
drainage grates, or a strong crosswind. As a driver you must
yield to pedestrians at all
times. Even if they are jay-
walking or crossing where
they should not be, you
must stop for them!
School and residential areas are very danger­ous. Watch
out for children running out from between cars. It is a good
idea to drive slow­er than the speed limit in these areas so
you can stop quickly.

36 3. Safe Driving Tips

Mopeds (Motorized Bicycles) Interstate Driving
Mopeds are a cross between a motorcycle and a bicycle. Multi-lane highways or freeways with limited access are a
They are small, lightweight, and cannot go very fast. way of life. They help you get across the state or across the
Iowa law says a moped (motorized bicycle) is a “motor country. In the larger cities, they even help you get across
vehicle that has a saddle or seat for the use of the rider and is town. Freeways have fewer accidents per mile than other
designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact roads, but the accidents they do have are generally more
with the ground and not capable of operating at a speed in serious. These accidents are usually caused by drivers fail-
excess of thirty miles per hour on level ground unassisted ing to yield, or drivers who did not keep a safe distance at
by human power.” the higher speeds.
Some mopeds are bigger and faster than this. They are
illegal in Iowa. Make sure you know your moped’s size and
Entering Traffic
top speed before you buy
When you merge with traffic, be sure to signal well in
it. It may be illegal in Iowa.
advance and try to enter at the same speed that traffic is
Your moped must
moving. Do not try to merge into a gap that is too small. A
be registered each year.
small gap can quickly become even smaller. Enter a gap
This is done through your
that gives you a big enough space cushion to be safe. High-
county treasurer. To drive
speed road­ways generally have ramps to give you time to
one you need a valid li-
build up your speed. Use the ramp to reach the speed of
cense.
other vehicles before you pull onto the road. Do not drive to
An instruction permit
the end of the ramp and stop. This will not leave you enough
does not license you to
room to get up to the speed of traffic. Watch for vehicles
drive a moped. If you are
coming up behind you; they may not realize you are going
between 14 and 16 years
slower. Also, drivers behind you will not expect you to stop.
old, you can get a moped license. You can get this by taking
If you are watching the traffic on the main road, you may
a moped education course and passing a written test, if you
be hit from the rear. If you have to wait for space to enter a
do not have a valid permit already, and vision screening. If
roadway, slow down on the ramp so you have some room to
you are 16 years old or older and do not have an operator’s
speed up before you have to merge. Be prepared for vehicles
license, you can get a moped license by taking the written
in front of you on the ramp to slow down.
test and vision screening.
When riding your moped you must obey all Iowa traffic
laws. Be very careful when you ride because your top speed
is fairly slow. You could become a traffic hazard when riding
in faster moving traffic.
It is against the law for you to carry a passenger. You must
also ride your moped with the headlight on day and night.
You must sit astride the moped on the permanently at-
tached seat. You should not ride more than two abreast on
the highway. Mopeds cannot be operated between two lanes
of traffic. Do not carry packages or bundles that keep you
from having both hands on the handlebars.
You must display a flag that is 30 square inches and is
five feet from the ground when riding on the streets. This is
a law to help you be more visible to other users of the road.

Driver Responsibilities
Because motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles have nar-
rower tires, they can get caught in cracks easier. Railroad
tracks, steel bridge expansion joints, sewer grates, metal
grating on bridges and other metal surfaces are dangerous
for cyclists. Give riders plenty of room to move around when
approaching these road struc­tures.

3. Safe Driving Tips 37

Which Lane is Best Driving Safely in Traffic
It is best to drive on the right and pass on the left. On
three-lane freeways, use the right lane for slower speeds, the
Keep Pace With Traffic
If you are going faster than other traffic, you will have
center lane for normal speeds and the left lane for passing.
to continue passing others. Each time you pass someone,
If you stay in the right lane, watch out for vehicles entering
there is a chance for a collision. The vehicle you are pass-
the highway from the acceleration lanes. Adjust your speed
ing may change lanes suddenly, or on a two-lane road, an
when necessary to help them blend into traffic.
oncoming car may appear suddenly. Slow down, and keep
pace with other traffic. Speeding does not save more than
Leaving Traffic a few minutes an hour.
Keep up with the speed of traffic as long as you are on Going much slower than other vehicles can be just as
the main road. If the road you are traveling has exit ramps, bad as speeding. It tends to make vehicles bunch up behind
do not slow down too much until you move onto the exit you and causes the other traffic to pass you. Pull over and
ramp. When you turn from a high speed, two-lane roadway, let them pass when safe to do so.
try not to slow down too early if you have traffic following you.
Tap your brakes and reduce your speed quickly but safely.
Thinking ahead is the key to leaving a freeway or interstate.
Slow-Moving Traffic
Some vehicles cannot travel very fast, or have trouble
If you miss your turnoff, do not stop and back up; keep go-
keeping up with the speed of traffic. If you spot these vehicles
ing until you get to the next exit.
early, you have time to change lanes or slow down safely.
Slowing suddenly can cause an accident. Always be ready
Rural Four-Lane Road with to change your speed to the speed of traffic.
• Watch for large trucks and small, underpowered cars
Intersecting Road on steep grades or when they are entering traffic.
Left turn or straight through crossing: They can lose speed on long or steep hills, and it
Treat this as two separate roadways. Stop at the stop sign, takes longer for these vehicles to get up to speed
look left and into the median, then proceed to the median. when they enter traffic.
Stop again and look right. Also look straight across the • Farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles and roadway
main­tenance vehicles usually go 35 mph or less.
road for approaching or stopped traffic. Cross or turn
These vehicles may have a slow-moving vehicle
left when safe. sign (an orange triangle) on the back.

Drivers must be aware that traffic is moving very fast in Trouble Spots
this environment. Caution and concentration are very Wherever people or traffic gather, your room to maneu-
important. ver is limited. You need to lower your speed to have time
to react in a crowded space. Here are some of the places/
times where you may need to slow down:
• shopping centers, parking lots and downtown areas.
These are busy areas with vehicles and people stop-
ping, starting and moving in different directions.
• during rush hours. Rush hours often have heavy
traffic and drivers that always seem to be in a hurry.
STOP

• narrow bridges and tunnels. Vehicles approaching

each other are closer together.
• toll plazas. Vehicles are changing lanes and pre-
paring to stop and then speeding up again leaving
the plaza. The number of lanes could change both
before and after the plaza.
• schools, playgrounds and residential streets. These
areas often have children present. Always be alert
for them crossing the street, or running or riding
bicycles into the street without looking.

38 3. Safe Driving Tips

Follow These Steps for Following Another Vehicle
a “Two-Second Rule” Many accidents are caused by following the vehicle
ahead too closely. You must be able to stop before hitting
Spacing anything in front of you. Higher speeds require greater stop-
1. The car ahead of you is about to
ping distances. Keep this in mind when following another
pass a highway sign, utility pole,
vehicle. The safest and easiest way to judge a safe following
or some other spot you can keep
distance is to use the “Two-Second Rule.”
your eye on.
This will keep the vehicles in front of you far enough ahead
that you will be able to stop within the assured clear distance
ahead. The “Two-Second Rule” gives you about 1-1/2 car
lengths between you and the car ahead of you for every 10

TWO SECONDS
mph of speed you are traveling. If weather or road conditions
are not ideal, use three seconds or more to be safe.

Tailgating
Tailgaters can be real headaches. If your rearview mirror
shows another vehicle is too close to you, you should real-
ize you are dealing with an unsafe driver. Be sure you still
maintain the proper distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
If you are being tailgated, move slightly to the right and
2. As the back of that car passes give the tailgater a better view of what is ahead and signal
the spot you have selected, start early for turns, stops or lane changes. Try slowing down and
counting off sec­onds. (A good encouraging the driver behind you to pass. If all else fails, pull
way is to count one, one-thou­ out of the traffic flow. IF YOU STOP, BE SURE TO KEEP ALL
sand; two, two-thousand; three, YOUR WINDOWS CLOSED AND THE DOORS LOCKED.
three-thousand; etc.)
Economizing
How you drive has a definite effect on the amount of fuel
your car burns. If you reduce gasoline consumption, you
save money and conserve energy. You can increase your
TWO SECONDS

gas savings by as much as 44 percent simply by driving at

a steady pace. Fast accelera­tions pour more fuel into the
engine, but the fuel is not com­pletely burned so gas mileage
goes down. Just increasing your speed from 50 to 70 mph
increases fuel consumption by 30 percent!
To make additional cuts on your fuel consumption:
• Don’t let your car idle unnecessarily. Idling more
than one minute uses more gas than it takes to
restart the engine.
3. Stop counting as soon as the • Don’t warm up your car for long periods. Your
front of your car reaches the engine will warm up faster by accelerating gently
selected spot. If it takes less as soon as the oil pressure is up.
than two seconds, increase the • Don’t rev up your motor before shutting off your
dis­tance between your car and en­gine. That only dumps gasoline into the cylinder
the one in front of you. If it takes walls and washes away the protective oil film.
two seconds or more, you have a • Don’t use your air conditioner as much. You lose
safe following distance. You also about 9 percent fuel efficiency with it running and
can use the “Two-Second Rule” up to 20 percent during stop-and-go driving.
at night to make sure you are not • Don’t carry unnecessary weight in your car. An
“over-driving your headlights.” extra 100 pounds can decrease your fuel economy
TWO SECONDS

by more than 1 to 2 percent.

Outside a business or resi-
dential district, trucks or towing
vehicles must keep at least 300
feet apart.
Stay at least 500 feet behind
any emergency vehicle respond-
ing to alarm.

3. Safe Driving Tips 39

Roundabouts Single-lane Roundabout (see diagram below)
Roundabouts are intersections that Motorists
direct traffic in a counterclockwise direc- 1 Approach: Slow down to the posted advisory speed.
tion around a center island. They have Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. They have the
no stop signs or traffic signals. Yield right-of-way.
signs, directional signs and pavement 2 Enter: As you approach the yield line markings (shark’s
markings guide traffic through the inter- teeth), yield to vehicles in the roundabout. Wait for a
section. Traffic generally continues to gap in traffic, then merge into traffic in the roundabout
move, but at a slower speed that reduces in a counterclockwise direction.
15 traffic backup encountered at traditional
intersections controlled by stop signs or
3 Proceed: Continue through the roundabout until you
reach your street. Avoid stopping in the roundabout.
MPH traffic signal lights. 4 Exit: Signal, then exit the roundabout to your right.
Roundabouts are generally safer Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
than other intersections because they
tend to reduce head-on, right angle and
left-turning traffic crashes. They encour-   Pedestrians (see diagram below)
age slower speeds and eliminate left turns across traffic. 1 Approach: At the pedestrian crosswalk, look left.
Roundabouts can improve pedestrian safety by offering a 2 Cross: Cross to the raised splitter island. Look right.
short crossing of one-way traffic moving at slow speeds. Finish crossing to the opposite sidewalk.

Cyclists
Never walk across the Truck apron: G e n e r a l l y, c y c l i s t s
circulating lane(s) in a accommodates the rear should walk their bicy-
roundabout to the wheels of long vehicles cles across the pedestrian
center island. 1 2 crosswalk using the same
rules as pedestrians.
Experienced cyclists
may navigate roundabouts
like motorists. Do not hug
YIELD YIELD

the curb. Bicyclists using

the roundabout should fol-
low the same rules as mo-
torists. Ride in the middle
k apron
Truc 3 of the lane to prevent vehi-
YIELD

4 cles from passing. Yield to

pedestrians in crosswalks.

C
YIELD

YIELD

B D
YIELD

YIELD YIELD

2 A
A Yield line markings
Approaching vehicles B Center island
must yield to pedestrians
in the crosswalk and to C Raised splitter island
traffic in the roundabout. 1 D Crosswalk

This diagram
This diagram of is
a single-lane
an example roundabout
only andis does
an example only
not represent all roundabout designs.
and does not represent all roundabout designs.

40 3. Safe Driving Tips

 Never walk across the Truck apron:
circulating lane(s) in a accommodates the rear
roundabout to the wheels of long vehicles
center island.

YIELD YIELD

k apron
Truc

YIELD
YIELD

YIELD
YIELD

YIELD YIELD

Approaching vehicles LEFT LANE RIGHT LANE

must yield to pedestrians
in the crosswalk and to
traffic in the roundabout.
Typical lane control sign
This diagram
This diagram of is
a multi-lane
an example roundabout is an
only and example
does only
not represent all roundabout designs.
and does not represent all roundabout designs.

Multi-lane Roundabout (see diagram above) Don’t

Do • Do not change lanes in the roundabout.
• As you approach the roundabout, and in advance of • Do not pass or drive beside trucks or buses. They may
the yield line, select the appropriate lane according to straddle lanes or may not see you.
the lane control signs and pavement markings. • Do not drive in the outside lane farther than allowed.
• When entering the roundabout, yield to all traffic al- This decreases the efficiency of the roundabout and
ready in the roundabout. creates a hazard to vehicles legally exiting from the
• After passing the street before your exit, signal for a inside lane.
right turn, then exit.
• Be aware of traffic in the other lane.

3. Safe Driving Tips 41

Handling Emergencies Lights
All drivers sooner or later will find themselves in an emer- If your headlights suddenly go out:
gency situation. As careful as you are, there are situations • try the headlight switch a few times;
that could cause a problem. If you are prepared, you may • put on the emergency flashers, turn signals or fog
be able to prevent any serious outcomes. lights if the headlights do not come back on when
you try the headlight switch; and
• pull off the road as soon as possible.
Brake Failure
If your brakes stop working, try the following things.
  • Pump the brake pedal several times. This will often Flat Tire
build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop. If a tire suddenly goes flat:
  •  If that does not work, use the parking brake. Pull on the • hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the vehicle
parking brake handle slowly so you will not lock the going straight;
rear wheels and cause a skid. Be ready to release the • slow down gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal
brake if the vehicle starts to skid. and use the brakes lightly;
  •  If that does not work, start shifting to lower gears and • do not stop on the road if at all possible. Pull off the
look for a safe place to slow to a stop. Make sure your road in a safe place; and
car is off the roadway. Do not drive without brakes. • if a front tire blows, the emergency may be more
   Many newer vehicles have ABS (antilock braking system). serious. A front tire blowout will jerk the car violently
Be sure to read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to use towards the side of the car with the flat. Be careful
the ABS. The ABS will allow you to stop without skidding. not to overcorrect when steering after a front tire
In general, if you need to stop quickly: blowout. Try to straighten the car out; then, gradually
With ABS - If you have an antilock braking system and you move to the right shoulder of the roadway as soon
need to stop quickly: as possible.
• Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep
pressing. Engine Stalls
• You might feel the brake pedal pushing back when If the engine stalls while driving:
the ABS is working. Do not let up on the brake pedal. • keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. The steer-
The ABS will only work with the brake pedal pushed ing wheel will be difficult to turn, but you can turn it;
down. and
Without ABS - If you must stop quickly and you do not have • pull off the roadway. The brakes will still work, but
an antilock braking system: you will have to push very hard on the brake pedal.
• You can cause the vehicle to go into a skid if you brake
too hard. Stuck Gas Pedal
• Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking If the motor does not slow down, or speeds up when you
them. take your foot off the accelerator:
• If the brakes lock up, you will feel the vehi­cle start to • keep your eyes on the road;
skid. Quic­kly let up on the brake pedal. • quickly shift to neutral;
• As soon as the vehicle stops skidding, push down on • pull off the road when safe to do so; and
the brake pedal again. Keep doing this until the vehicle • turn off the engine.
has stopped.
In most cases, you can turn the vehicle quicker than you
can stop it. You should consider turning in order to avoid
Steering Lock Systems
Many vehicles are equipped with steering lock systems
an accident.
intended to prevent theft. However, some of these locking
Make sure you have a good grip with both hands on the
systems may pose a significant safety hazard if the key is
steering wheel. Once you have turned away or changed
removed from the ignition while the vehicle is being operated.
lanes, you must be ready to keep the vehicle under control.
Never remove the key or allow passengers to touch the key
Some drivers steer away from one collision only to end up
while driving. If the key is removed, the steering wheel will
in another. Always steer in the direction you want to go.
lock. This may cause loss of control of the vehicle and could
With ABS -
result in serious vehicle damage or personal injury.
• One aspect of having ABS is that you can turn your
Before driving an unfamiliar vehicle, always check what
vehicle while braking without skidding. This is very
type of locking system the vehicle is equipped with. If not,
helpful if you must turn and stop or slow down.
you may have difficulty removing the key from the ignition
Without ABS -
when the vehicle is parked.
• If you do not have ABS, you must use a different
proce­dure to turn quickly. You also step on the brake
pedal, but then you let up and turn the steering wheel.
Braking will slow the vehicle some, and it puts more
weight on the front tires and this allows for a quicker
turn. Do not lock up the front wheels while braking or
turn so sharply that the vehicle can only skid ahead.

42 3. Safe Driving Tips

Before You Drive - Vehicle Lights
Make sure the turn signals, brake lights, taillights and
Maintenance and Equipment headlights are operating properly. These should be checked
Before you drive, make sure your trip is needed. If you from outside the vehicle. Brake lights tell other road users that
drive, your safety, and that of the public, depends a lot on you are stopping and turn signals tell them you are turning.
what you do before driving. This includes adjusting your All cars and trucks need two headlights on the front of the
seat and mirrors, using seat belts, checking your vehicle, vehicle: one on the right and one on the left. You also need
maintaining a clear view, and making sure there are no loose at least one red light on the back of the vehicle. It should be
objects in your vehicle that could be a hazard. visible for at least 500 feet. A white light to illuminate the rear
license plate is also required.
If a vehicle is equipped with turn signals, they must work.
Trip Planning Turn signals are required for all cars, trucks and trailers wider
The cost of driving is not going down, but there are ways
than 40 inches.
you can help reduce your driving costs. First, determine Backup lights and side running lights are not required,
your overall transportation needs. For each trip determine but are a good safety precaution.
if it is neces­sary. If so, there may be times you do not need Daytime running lamps (DRL) are beginning to appear on
to drive your­self. You might ride with someone else, or you new model vehicles. DRL conver­sion kits are now available
could take public transpor­tation if it is available. in after-market auto supply stores. Research has shown a
The best way to prolong the life of your car and save on reduction in accidents and fatalities when DRLs or headlights
fuel is to use it as little as possible. Trip planning can make are used during daytime travel. It is also legal to use low beam
your life easier, and help cut down on your driving. headlights during daytime hours. This could help approach­ing
• Take public transportation when it is available. vehicles see you better.
• Avoid driving during heavy traffic. It causes extra An out-of-line headlight can shine where it does not help
wear and tear on you and the vehicle. you and may blind other drivers. If you are having trouble
• Use car pools or share rides whenever possible. seeing at night, or other drivers are flashing their head­lights
• Plan and combine your trips. Make a list of the things at you constantly, have a mechanic check the head­lights.
you need and the places you need to go. Go to as
many places as possible on any one trip. Take the Windshield, Wipers and Clean Glass Surfaces
shortest distance between places. Try to reduce the It is important that you are able to see clearly through all
number of places you need to go. This will cut down windows, including the windshield, and by using mirrors.
on the number of trips you need to take. Here are some things you can do to help you.
• Call ahead to make sure what you need is available, • Damaged glass can break more easily in a minor col-
or what you are picking up is ready. lision or when something hits the wind­shield. It can
By doing these things, you can help cut down on the also obscure vision. Have the windshield replaced
amount of traffic on the road, cut your travel costs, and save if it has been damaged.
yourself time and effort. • Any window or windshield must be made of safety
glass and permit clear vision. Wind­shield wipers are
required for all windshields.
Check Your Vehicle • Iowa law requires tinted windshields and windows
How safely you can drive starts with the condition of the to the immediate right or left of the driv­er to allow
vehicle you are driving. It is the duty of drivers to make certain 70 percent of the light through.
the vehicles they drive are safe to operate. A vehicle that is • Windshield wipers keep the rain and snow off the
in bad shape is unsafe and costs more to run than one that windshield. Make sure they are in good operating
is well maintained. It can break down or cause a collision. condition. If the blades have not been keeping the
Also, if a vehicle is in bad shape, you might not be able to windows clear, replace them.
get out of an emergen­cy situation. A vehicle in good shape • Keep the windshield clean. Bright sun or headlights
can give you an extra safety margin when you need it, and on a dirty windshield make it hard to see. Carry liquid
you never know when you will need it. You should follow cleaner and a paper or cloth towel so you can clean
the recom­mended maintenance schedule listed in the ve- your windshield whenever it is necessary.
hicle owner’s manual. Following these preventive measures • Keep your window washer bottle full. Use antifreeze
greatly reduces the chance your vehicle will have a problem. wash in areas where the temperature could fall below
A few simple checks will prevent trouble on the road. freezing.
• Keep the inside of your windows clean, especially if
Braking System anyone has been smoking in the vehicle. Smoking
Cars and trucks need two separate brake systems, a foot causes a film to build up on the inside glass.
brake and a parking brake. Motorcy­cles and mopeds need at • Clear snow, ice or frost from all windows. Clean the
least one. It is very dangerous if they are not working proper­ front, side and back windows before you drive.
ly. If they do not seem to be working properly, are making a • Do not hang things from your mirror while driving
your vehicle or clutter up the windshield with decals.
lot of noise, have an unusual odor, or the brake pedal goes
They could block your view.
to the floor, have a mechanic check them.
• Keep the headlights, backup, brake and taillights
clean. Dirt on the lenses can cut the light’s effec­
tiveness by 50 percent.

3. Safe Driving Tips 43

Tires
Worn or bald tires can increase your stopping distance Loose Objects
and make turning more difficult when the road is wet. Unbal­ Make sure there are no packages or other objects on the
anced tires and low pressure cause faster tire wear, reduce rear shelf or back seat that could hit someone on the head
fuel economy, and make the vehicle harder to steer and in the event of a sudden stop or accident. Make sure there
stop. If the vehicle bounces, the steering wheel shakes, are no objects on the floor that could roll under the brake
or the vehicle pulls to one side, have a mechanic check it. pedal so you could not stop the vehicle.
Worn tires can cause “hydroplaning” (see page 42) and
increase the chance of having a flat tire during a trip. Check
tire air pressure with an air pressure gauge when the tires
Horn
The horn may not seem like it would be important for
are cold. Check the vehicle owner’s manual for the proper
safety, but as a warning device, it could save your life. It
pressure.
should only be used as a warning to others. The horn must
Check tread with a penny. Stick the penny into the tread
be loud enough to be heard at least 200 feet away, but should
“head” first. If the tread does not come at least to the top
not make too loud or harsh a sound.
of Lincoln’s head, the tire is unsafe. You need to replace it.

Steering System Mirrors

You must be able to see at least 200 feet behind you in
If the steering is not working properly, it is difficult to
your rearview mirror. If your view is blocked by a load, you
control the direction you want to go. If the vehicle is hard to
must have an outside mirror. Vans or van-type vehicles must
turn or does not turn when the steering wheel is first turned,
have both left and right outside mirrors.
have the steering checked by a mechanic.

Suspension System Adjust Seat and Mirrors

You should always check the driver’s seat and mirrors
Your suspension helps you control your vehicle and pro-
before you start to drive to make sure they are set right for
vides a comfortable ride over varying road surfaces. If the
you. Make any adjustments to the seat and mirrors before
vehicle bounces a lot, or keeps bouncing after a bump or
you drive.
after you stop, you may need new shocks or other suspen-
• Adjust your seat so you are high enough to clearly
sion parts. Have a mechanic check it out.
see the road. If necessary, use a seat cushion. Do
not move the seat so far forward that you cannot
Exhaust System easily steer. In an air bag-equipped vehicle, there
The exhaust system helps remove toxic gases from the should be a 12-inch clearance between you and the
engine, helps reduce noise from the engine, and helps cool steering wheel hub.
the hot gases coming from the engine. Fumes from a leaky • Adjust your rearview mirror and side mirrors. You
exhaust can cause death in a very short time. Never run the should be able to see out the back window with
motor in your garage, or sit in the car with the motor running the rearview mirror, and to the sides with the side
without opening a window. mirrors. A good adjust­ment for the side mirrors is
Cut-outs, bypasses or similar devices are not allowed. to set them so that when you lean forward slightly,
Catalytic converters must be maintained in good working you can see the side of your vehicle.
order. Fortunately, most exhaust problems are leaks which • If you have a day/night mirror, make sure it is set
are easily heard. Have them fixed. correctly.
• Head restraints are designed to prevent whiplash if
Engine you are hit from behind. They should be adjusted
A poorly tuned engine may lose power that is needed so the head restraint touches the back of the head.
for normal driving and emergencies; may not start; gets
poor fuel economy; pollutes the air; and could stall on you
when you are on the road causing a traffic problem. Follow
the procedures recommended in the owner’s manual for
maintenance.

44 3. Safe Driving Tips

4. Protecting Your

• violation of license restriction;
• being a juvenile who a court has ruled delinquent

Driving Privileges
for violating drug or alcohol laws;
• failure to pay a fine, penalty, surcharge or court costs
resulting from a traffic ticket;
Driving on Iowa’s streets and roads is a privilege many • conviction for excessive speeding, unlawful passing
drivers take for granted. That privilege can be taken away if of a school bus, traffic violation(s) contributing to
you abuse it. Protect your driving record by operating your a fatality, or an arresting officer or court stating an
motor vehicle according to Iowa laws and rules of the road. unusually serious violation occurred;
The Driver & Identification Services in Ankeny keeps track • failure to attend an approved school if you are under
of your license and your driving record. Your driving record age 18; or
shows all traffic violations and traffic accidents. The Driver & • falsifying information on an application.
Identification Services tries to make sure only safe, respon- In any of these cases, you may request a hearing to talk
sible persons are driving on Iowa’s roads. If you have too about your suspension. Failure to pay child support or to
many accidents or traffic violations, your driving privileges satisfy debts owed to the state may result in suspension
may be limited or taken away. without the opportuni­ty for a hearing.
There are six ways your driving privileges may be with-
drawn: cancellation, suspension, revocation, barred, denial Minor’s Restricted License and
and disqual­ification (commercial license only - see Iowa’s
CDL Manual).
Minor’s School License
The Iowa DOT can suspend your minor’s restricted
license or minor’s school license for conviction of just one
Unlawful Use of Your License traffic viola­tion.
Misusing your license is a misdemeanor punishable by It is important to note that a suspension or revocation of
fines, jail sentences and license suspensions. For your sake, a minor’s restricted license or a minor’s school license also
don’t. Here are some unlawful uses of your driver’s license/ suspends or revokes your instruction permit and/or other
permit that could get you into trouble: driving privileges you hold.
• showing or having a canceled or fraudulent license
or permit;
• lending your license or permit to anyone else;
Mandatory Revocations
Your license will be taken away for any of the following:
• using anyone else’s license or permit;
• manslaughter resulting from driving a motor vehicle;
• keeping any license or permit if it is suspended,
• using a motor vehicle when committing a felony;
revoked or canceled, if the DOT has requested it
• failure to stop and give aid at the scene of a personal
be turned in;
injury or fatal accident in which you were involved;
• using a false or fictitious name;
• lying about the registration or operation of a motor
• permitting any unlawful use of your license or permit;
vehicle;
or
• eluding or trying to elude a marked law enforcement
• altering your license or permit in any way.
vehicle driven by a uniformed peace officer after be-
ing signaled with lights or a siren to stop, and while
Cancellation doing that, going over the speed limit by 25 mph or
• Any existing license will be canceled if it should not more;
have been issued in the first place. • driving a motor vehicle under the influence of an
• A moped permit will be canceled if you are convicted alcoholic beverage or other drug or a combination
of a moving traffic violation. of such substances (see pages 46 and 47 for penal-
ties);
Suspension • refusing to take a chemical test when requested by
Your license can be suspended for several reasons. These a peace officer;
reasons include: • having an alcohol concentration of .08 or more (.02
• habitual recklessness or negligence - having a or more if under age 21) in a chemical test;
combina­tion of three or more moving violations and • a second conviction for reckless driving;
accidents, or contributing to three or more accidents • drag racing;
in a 12-month period; • conviction of an Iowa resident in a court in Iowa,
• habitual violator - three or more convictions for or in another state or federal court, of certain drug-
moving traffic violations within any 12-month pe- related offenses; or
riod, or contributing to three or more accidents in a • conviction, or juvenile court action, for drug/drug-
12-month period; related violations.
• failure to pass an examination, or a mental or physi-
cal condition making you unable to drive safely;

4. Protecting Your Driving Privileges 45

Barred (Habitual Offender) Reinstatement
You may be ruled a habitual offender if you are convicted To get your driving
of three or more certain violations in a six-year period. Your privilege back after a
operating privileges may be barred in accordance with the suspension or revoca­
following point system: tion you must go through
Conviction Points a reinstatement pro-
• Perjury or making a false statement under cess which may include
oath to the Department of Public Safety..................2 passing required tests
• Driving while under suspension, and paying appropri-
revocation, or denial.................................................2 ate fees. If your driving
• Driving while under an alcohol or privilege is taken away,
drug-related revocation............................................3 you may have to show
• Driving while barred..................................................4 future proof of financial
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol responsibility. (See page 48.)
or a drug or having an alcohol If your license is suspended or revoked due to a
concentration of .08 or more....................................4 conviction(s) or for reasons relating to financial responsibility,
• An offense punishable as a felony under you will have to pay a $200 civil penalty prior to reinstate-
motor vehicle laws or any felony in ment. However, for persons age 19 or under, the civil penalty
which a motor vehicle was used..............................5 will be $50.
• Failure to stop and leave information
or render aid at an accident site...............................5
• Eluding or attempting to elude law enforcement......5 OWI - Operating While
• Serious injury caused by the operation
of a motor vehicle.....................................................5
Intoxicated or Drugged
Iowa has tough laws against driving under the influence
• Manslaughter resulting from the operation of alcohol or other drugs. The OWI law makes it illegal to
of a motor vehicle.....................................................6 drive under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, another
drug, or any combination of such drugs.
Points Length of Bar Iowa also has an Implied Consent Law. Under this
6-7 2 Years law, any peace officer can ask you to submit to a breath
8-9 3 Years test, urine test or blood test if the officer feels you may
10-12 4 Years be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This
13-15 5 Years applies to both resident and non-resident drivers.
16 + 6 Years If you take the test and fail, or refuse to take the test,
your license can be taken away on the spot.
Another way you may be considered a habitual offender If the tests show an alcohol concentration of .08 or more,
is if you are convicted of six or more moving violations within you will be considered legally intoxicated.
two years. If the six moving violations include speeding, the
speeds must be at least 15 mph over the legal speed limit. Test Failure
This may result in you being barred from operating a vehicle • Immediate notice of revocation
for one year. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT DRIVING AFTER BE- • Ten-day temporary driving permit
ING BARRED AS A HABITUAL OFFENDER, YOU CAN BE • Six months to one year revocation, depending on
IMPRISONED FOR AS LONG AS TWO YEARS. prior record
• Course for drinking drivers
Moving Violations • Substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment
A moving traffic violation involves any traffic law violation
Test Refusal
except those involving:
• Immediate notice of revocation
• equipment (except brakes)
• Ten-day temporary driving permit
• city parking regulations
• One to two year revocation depending on prior
• expired licenses or permits
record
• failure to appear • Course for drinking drivers
• weights and measures • Substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment
• disturbing the peace with a motor vehicle
• failure to display flag on moped Court Conviction For OWI
• seat belt violations • 48-hour jail sentence, first offense
• child restraint violations • Seven-day jail sentence, second offense
• Course for drinking drivers
• Substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment
• Other penalty

46 4. Protecting Your Driving Privileges

Under Age 21 • If anyone is hurt in the accident, you must help
• Alcohol concentration level of greater than .02 and get medical attention if the injured person asks for
less than .08 assis­tance. If anyone is seriously hurt and cannot
• Immediate notice of revocation ask for help, be sure to summon an ambulance or
• Ten-day temporary driving permit medical assis­tance immediately.
• Sixty-day revocation • When someone is hurt or killed in an accident you
• Course for drinking drivers must immediately report that accident to the nearest
• Substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment law enforcement agency. If the accident happened
It is a serious misdemeanor to drive while your license in a city of 15,000 or more people, contact the chief
is revoked. This could result in fines up to $1,000. Law en- of police in that city.
forcement officers may impound a vehicle if it is being driven • Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident in
by a person whose driver’s license is revoked for an OWI. which you were involved is a serious misdemeanor.
The law also requires you to show proof of financial Punishment could be one year in jail and/or a fine up
responsibil­i­ty before you can get your license back. This is to $1,500. If someone was killed in the accident, it is
usually done through special insurance. The insurance form an aggravated misdemeanor and can be punished
SR-22 must be filed by your insurance company with the by two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
Driver & Identification Services. A person under the age of • If someone is hurt or killed, or if there is more than
21 whose license was revoked because he/she tested .02 $1,500 in property damage, you must also file an
or more but less than .08 is not required to file an SR-22. accident report with the Iowa DOT’s Driver & Iden-
Substance abuse evaluation and treatment, as well as tification Services. You can get these report forms
a course for drinking drivers, is also required for offenders. from most peace officers. You must file the report
This course must be taken at their own expense. within 72 hours of the accident or your license may
be suspended. However, if a peace officer investi-
gates the accident and files an Investigating Officer’s
Open Container Law Report, you do not have to file a report.
It is illegal in Iowa to drive with an open container of • If the accident investigation shows you contributed
beer or any other alcoholic beverage if the open beverage to the accident, you must prove your financial
container is in the passenger com­partment of any car or
responsi­bility or your license will be suspended.
truck, including the glove compartment. This applies to both
drivers and passengers.
How to Avoid Suspension
Civil Penalty (Victim Reparation) Following an Accident
If your license is revoked for refusing to submit to a If you do not have liability insurance when you are in-
chemical test for OWI, having an alcohol concentration of volved in an accident, you must do one of the following:
.08 or greater (.02 if under 21), or a conviction of operating • post cash, cashier’s check, certified check, bank
while intoxicated or drugged, you will have to pay a $200 draft, surety bond or postal money order, payable
civil penalty in addition to other reinstatement fees. to the Iowa Driver & Identification Services. This
must be deposited with the Driver & Identification
Accidents - Services, P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306-
9204. The money will be held by the state treasurer
Financial Responsibility for one year. If you have not been sued in that time,
the money will be returned to you.
and Reporting Requirements • get written releases from all persons whose property
The Financial and Safety Responsibility Act law protects was damaged and/or the injured parties. Forms are
you by suspending the driving and registration privileges of available from the Driver & Identification Services.
anyone who has not been able to show financial responsi- • get a court decision resulting from civil action that
bility following an accident. It also makes sure that anyone relieves you of all liability.
who has had his/her driving privileges suspended or revoked • file an agreement to pay for damages or injuries on
because of certain convictions, an unsatisfied judgment, or the installment plan. Forms are available from the
a violation of implied consent laws will be able to financially Driver & Identification Services.
compensate others for future damages or injuries that the • prove to the Driver & Identification Services that you
driver may cause. have paid for all damages or injuries, or that the other
parties have paid you for your damages or injuries.
At the Scene
• If you are in an accident, you are required to stop
as close to the accident scene as possible without
block­ing traffic. You must supply the driver of the
other vehicle your name, address and the registra-
tion number of your motor vehicle. You must also
show the other driver your driver’s license if asked
to do so.

4. Protecting Your Driving Privileges 47

Failure to Meet Requirements If you fail to maintain future proof during the two years,
If you do not use one of the above methods to meet the your driving and registration privileges will be suspended
require­ments, your license can be suspended for one year again. When your future proof requirements end, you will
from the date of the accident. These requirements apply receive a notice explaining the reinstatement process. Li-
to both the driver and the owner of the vehicle. If your censes and registrations then will be issued without future
motor vehicle was involved in an accident and you were not proof require­ments.
the driver, you still must show financial responsibility. Fail-
ure to do this may result in the suspension of your vehicle Exemptions
registration privileges. Any vehicles owned by state, federal or local govern-
The only exceptions to the requirements are if your car ments or political subdivisions are exempt from the financial
was legally stopped or parked, or if your vehicle was being responsibil­ity requirements. Motor carriers, truck operators
used without your consent, or if damage or injury occurred and liquid transport carriers regulated by the Iowa DOT’s
only to you. Office of Motor Carrier Services and interstate commerce
You will also have to show future proof after a revocation carriers are also exempt.
or suspension of your license for convictions or for operating
while intoxicated. Future proof is required from the first day
of your revocation or suspension and lasts two years. By
Mandatory Insurance Coverage -
immediately posting future proof you can avoid the suspen- Proof Needed
sion of your regis­trations. If you must show future proof, you Beginning January 1, 1998, drivers of vehicles registered
may drive and register only those vehicles which are covered in Iowa must carry with them an insurance card verifying li-
by your SR-22 insurance or other future proof filing. Violat- ability coverage is currently in force. Failure to do so could
ing these restric­tions can result in fines of $1,500 and/or a result in fines and possible impoundment of the vehicle.
one-year prison term.
Non-Resident Responsibility
Immediate and future proof rules apply to non-residents.
Methods of Proving A non-resident cannot drive or register a vehicle in Iowa until
Financial Responsibility all of the requirements are met.
• Have your Iowa-licensed insurance company sub-
mit Insur­a­nce Certificate Form SR-22 to the Driver
& Identification Services. It must cover you on all
Out-of-State Convictions
Traffic violations in other states apply to your Iowa re-
vehicles you oper­ate or register. It must provide for cord. If you are convicted in another state and the offense is
at least the following limits: $20,000 for one death grounds for suspension or revocation in Iowa, your license
or injury; $40,000 for two deaths or injuries; and may be suspended or revoked.
$15,000 for property damage.
• File a surety bond, cash or securities equal to
$55,0­00. Temporary Restricted Licenses
• Proof can also be given by your employer’s insur- If your driving privilege has been suspended or revoked,
ance company if you operate a vehicle owned by you may apply for a temporary restricted license.
your employ­er, or by the insurance company for the For OWI revocations, you may operate a motor vehicle
owner of the vehicle you drive if you are part of the in any manner lawfully allowed for a person issued a class
owner’s imme­diate family. C driver’s license. For non-OWI revocations or suspension,
• If your employer owns a fleet of motor vehicles, you will be limited to driving to permissible locations, such
your employer’s insurance company can file Form as work or school.
SR-23. This covers you while operating any of the Persons under the age of 18 are not eligible for a tem-
vehicles in the fleet. porary restricted license .
• Proof can be given for you to operate a vehicle You may not be eligible for a temporary restricted license
owned by a person who has a certificate of self- if you have been convicted of certain serious traffic offenses.
insurance from the Driver & Identification Services. An ignition interlock device must be installed if you have
The person must supply that office with a letter giv- an OWI offense.
ing you permission to drive cars or trucks covered The temporary restricted license may be canceled for
by that certificate. any moving traffic viola­tions.
• If you work for someone with truck operator authority A temporary restricted license may not be issued for
granted by the Office of Motor Carrier Services of operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
the Iowa Department of Transportation, the permit If your license is revoked under the operating while intoxi-
holder must send the Driver & Identification Services cated law because you were under age 21 and your alcohol
a letter giving you permission to drive the vehicles concentration was .02 or more but less than .08, you cannot
covered by the permit. apply for a temporary restricted license.
If your license is revoked for an OWI offense and you
were convicted of causing a death, you cannot obtain a
temporary restricted license until minimum periods of ineli-
gibility have passed.

48 4. Protecting Your Driving Privileges

5. Be in Shape to Drive The penalties for drinking and driving are severe. See
page 46.

Driving safely is not always easy. In fact, it is one of the

Other Drugs and Driving
most complex things that people do. It also is one of the few
Drugs can be legal or illegal. They may be taken in any
things we do regularly that can injure and kill us. It is worth
amount under any circumstances. Many people are multiple
the effort to be a careful driver.
drug users. That means they use more than one drug.
To be a safe driver takes a lot of skill and judgment. This
Drugs are very complicated and so is your body. The
task is even more difficult when you are just learning to drive.
same drug may have a different effect on you, depending on
Driving can easily take all the ability you have. Your ability to
what you have been doing or how you are feeling. When you
be a safe driver depends on being able to see clearly, not
combine drugs, it is very difficult to be sure what will happen.
being overly tired, not driving while on drugs, being generally
This includes mixing alcohol and prescription medications
healthy, and being emotionally fit to drive. In other words,
given to you by your doctor.
being in “shape” to drive safely.
One way to group different kinds of drugs is the way you
can get them: over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal.
Alcohol and Drugs Reduce the chance of serious side effects from prescription
The use of alcohol while driving is one of the leading and over-the-counter drugs by closely following package
causes of accidents, especially fatal accidents. Twenty eight instructions. Many over-the-counter and prescription medi-
percent of all fatal Iowa accidents are related to alcohol use. cations warn you not to drive or operate heavy equipment
More than 70 percent of these alcohol-related deaths are while taking the drug.
people between the ages of 16 and 34! Illegal drugs are usually bought “on the street,” and their
No one can drink alcohol and drive safely, even if you content and side effects are unknown. Their strength and
have many years of driving experience. New drivers are more purity may vary a great deal. They are very dangerous. For
affected by alcohol than experienced drivers because new your own safety and the safety of others on the road, do not
drivers are still learning to drive. use street drugs.
Because drinking alcohol and then driving is so danger- All drugs produce two side effects. They produce the
ous, the penalties are very tough. People who drive after effects desired, such as fighting illness or disease. They
drinking risk getting heavy fines, higher insurance rates, loss also can produce side effects that can range from simply
of their driver’s licenses, and even jail sentences. unpleasant to fatal.
Most drugs act on the central nervous system. Stimu-
lants speed the body up, depressants slow it down, and
Why is Drinking and Driving So Dangerous?
hallucinogens affect the way the drug user views the world.
Alcohol reduces all of the important skills you need to
Here is a quick look at some of the more common drugs
drive safely. After you drink alcohol, it goes from your stom-
and their effects:
ach into your blood and to all parts of your body. It reaches
Amphetamines speed up your body. Tired people,
your brain in 20 to 40 minutes. In your brain, alcohol affects
including driv­ers, incorrectly use these drugs to keep go-
those areas of your brain that control judgment and skill. This
ing when they are worn down. That is why they are known
is one reason why drinking alcohol is so dangerous; it affects
as “pep pills” or “uppers.” They give users a false sense
your judgment. Good judgment is important to driving. You
of alertness and self-confidence which may make a driver
may think you are driving better or are more capable when
take chances he/she would not take when not under the
the exact opposite is true.
influence of drugs.
Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces
Some common amphetamines include cocaine, speed,
your ability to see clearly, and makes you less alert. As the
etc.
amount of alcohol in your body increases, your judgment
Barbiturates are used to slow the body down. They
worsens and your skill decreases. You will have trouble judg-
are one of the most abused groups of prescription drugs
ing distances, speeds and the movement of other vehicles.
around. They reduce alertness and energy. They are often
It reduces your coordination and relaxes your eye mus-
prescribed by medical doctors to counteract nervousness or
cles, causing your vision to lose its sharpness. Your night
other emotional symptoms. They affect alertness, reaction
vision is cut in half and your side vision is reduced by
time, sight and coordination.
one-third. Your speech and reflexes become worse with
Depression often follows when the effects wear off. Tran-
each drink.
quilizers are probably the most used barbiturates.
Alcohol takes effect quickly but it is slow to let go. Only
Hallucinogens affect the way the user sees the world.
time will get it out of your system. Cold showers, black
Marijuana, LSD and PCP are some of the most common
coffee and exercise will do nothing to sober you up. Once
hallucinogenic drugs, but they are by no means the only
in the body, alcohol must be chemically broken down and
ones. These drugs affect the way users view their surround-
oxidized by the liver. This is a slow process.
ings. The drugs affect mood, reaction time and the ability
There are ways of dealing with social drinking situations.
to judge time.
Arrange to go with two or more persons, where one of you
will not drink alcohol. You can rotate among the group be-
ing a “designat­ed driver.” If available, you might use public
transportation, or use a cab.

4. Protecting Your Driving Privileges 49

 Drug use in the U.S. is common. One of every four 3) An application for a parking permit may be returned to
Americans uses some type of drug each day. Most of any of the following:
these are over-the-counter drugs. Most are used according • A driver’s license station.
to the direction and at the proper dosage so they cause • A county treasurer’s office.
no problems. Using drugs for the proper purpose at the • By mail to the Iowa DOT’s Office of
recommend­ed dosage and avoiding illegal drugs is the best Vehicle and Motor Carrier Services:
way to avoid excessive drug use. Be sure to check with your Iowa Department of Transportation,
doctor or pharmacist when using a new drug. Your doctor Office of Vehicle Services, P.O. Box 9278,
or pharmacist can tell you if it will affect your driving ability Des Moines, IA, 50306-9278.
or how the drug may be affected by drugs you are already
taking. If you plan to use alcohol, check to see how the drug 4) The following documents are required to obtain a
reacts with alcohol. parking permit:
• A completed “Persons With Disabilities Parking
Permit” application.
Persons With • A statement from your physician, physician’s as-
Disabilities Parking Permits sistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or
chiropractor that:
1) If you are a person with a disability that impairs your
mobility, you may qualify for a parking permit. The dis- • Attests that you have a disability as listed in
ability must fall within one of the following categories: Iowa Code 321L.1(8) (Also listed above in #1);
• You cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping • Is on their stationary; and
to rest. • Designates whether the qualifying disability is
• You cannot walk without the use of, or assistance permanent or temporary.
from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, pros- *An applicant for a persons with disability parking per-
thetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device. mit who is certified by the United States Department of
• You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent Veterans Affairs as having a disability may be exempted
that your forced expiratory volume for one second, from providing a statement of disability from a health care
when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, provider, if the applicant submits both of the following with
or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/ an otherwise completed persons with disabilities parking
hg on room air at rest. permit application:
• You use portable oxygen. a. Proof of a United States Department of Veterans
• You have a cardiac condition to the extent that your Affairs disability rating.
functional limitations are classified in severity as b. A self-certification, under oath and penalty of per-
class III or class IV according to standards set by jury, attesting that the rated disability impairs the
the American heart association. applicant’s mobility to the extent defined in Iowa
• You are severely limited in your ability to walk due Code section 321L.1(8). The self-certification must
to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition. be attested to on the persons with disabilities ap-
plication.
2) An application for a parking permit may be obtained from
the following locations: 5) Organizations that have a program for transporting el-
• The Iowa DOT’s Web site: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/ derly persons or persons with disabilities may obtain a
vehicleregistration/persons-with-disabilities parking placard upon the submission of an application
• By mail from the Iowa DOT’s Office of Vehicle and designated for organizations. An application submit-
Motor Carrier Services: ted by an organization shall include the name, mailing
Iowa Department of Transportation, address, telephone number, signature of its authorized
Office of Vehicle Services, P.O. Box 9278, representative, and if required to obtain one, the federal
Des Moines, IA, 50306-9278. employer identification number or federal tax identifica-
• A driver’s license station. tion number.
• A county treasurer’s office. 6) There is no charge for a removable windshield parking
• The Office of Persons with Disabilities: placard or registration plate sticker.
Iowa Department of Human Rights,
Lucas State Office Building, 321 E. 12th Street,
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

50 5. Be in Shape to Drive
Seat Belts and Child Restraints Some people still have incorrect information about using
seat belts. For example:
Seat Belts “Seat belts can trap you inside a car.”
All passenger cars and pickup trucks manufactured
It takes less than a second to undo a seat belt. This
since 1966 are required to have seat belts. They offer the
informa­tion tells of a car that caught fire or sank in deep
best chance of survival and reduced injuries if you are in an
water. Accidents like this seldom happen. Even if they do,
accident. If you ride in the front seat, your chances of being
a seat belt may keep you from being “knocked out.” Your
seriously injured or killed in an accident are reduced at least
chance to escape will be better if you are conscious.
50 percent if you are wearing a seat belt.
“Seat belts are good on long trips, but I do not need
Iowa law requires ALL drivers and other persons riding
them if I am driving around town.”
in the front seats of automobiles, trucks, motor homes or
Over half of all traffic deaths happen within 25 miles of
buses to wear seat belts or harnesses unless:
home. Many of them occur on roads with speed limits of
• The person is a child under 6 years old and is prop-
less than 45 mph.
erly restrained in an approved child seat or belt. For
“Some people are thrown clear in an accident and
optimum safety, it is recommended that children
walk away with hardly a scratch.”
under age 12 not ride in the front seat whenever
Your chances of not being killed in an accident are much
possible. Children required to use a front- or rear-
better if you stay inside the car. Seat belts can keep you from
facing safety seat should never be placed in the front
being thrown out of your vehicle into the path of another one.
passenger seat of a vehicle equipped with an active
“If I get hit from the side, I am better off being thrown
passenger-side air bag. See the section concerning
across the car; away from the crash point.”
the child restraint law.
When a car is struck from the side, it will move side­ways.
• The vehicle is not required to have seat belts or
Everything in the car that is not fastened down, including
harnesses.
the passengers, will slide toward the point of crash, not
• The driver or passenger must get in and out of the
away from it.
vehicle often to do his or her job, and the vehicle is
“At slow speed, I can brace myself.”
not driven faster than 25 mph.
Even at 25 mph, the force of a head-on crash is the same as
• The driver is a rural mail carrier delivering the mail
pedaling a bicycle full speed into a brick wall or diving off a three-
between the first and last stops on the route.
story building onto the sidewalk. No one can “brace” for that.
• The passenger is riding on a bus.
• The driver or passenger is unable to wear a seat
belt or safety harness for medical reasons. A person Child Restraint Law - Infancy to Age 18
seek­ing an exemption from wearing seat belts or 1. Applies to all seating positions in the vehicle.
harnesses must have the need for that exemption 2. A child under one year of age and weighing less than 20
pounds must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint
certified by a physician on a form available from the
system.
Iowa DOT. The certification is valid for the maximum
3. A child under six years of age who does not meet the de-
of 12 months, but can be renewed at the end of each scription in #1 must be secured by a child restraint system.
12-month period if necessary. 4. A child at least six years of age but under eighteen years
• The front seat passengers in a vehicle owned, of age shall be secured by a child restraint system or a
leased, rented or primarily used by a physical­ly safety belt or safety harness.
disabled person who uses a collapsible wheelchair.
• The passenger is being transported by an authorized All child restraint systems must be used in accordance with
emergency vehicle in an emergency situation. the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wear your lap belt snugly across your hips. If you are
pregnant, you can safely wear the belt across the pelvis, as Safety seats must meet federal motor vehicle safety
low under your abdomen as possible. standards and must be used properly.
In addition to protecting you from injury, as a driver, seat There is a fine for violation of this law. The fine for the
belts help you keep control of the vehicle. If you are struck first violation can be waived by the court if you prove you
from the side or make a quick turn, the force could push have obtained a safety seat.
you sideways. You cannot steer the vehicle if you are not
behind the wheel.
Supplemental Restraint Systems (Air Bags)
Seat belts should be worn even if the vehicle is equipped
Air bags help save drivers and front seat passengers
with air bags. While air bags are good protection against
from death or serious injury in motor vehicle accidents.
hitting the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield, they do
Please remem­ber that wearing your seat belt is part of the
not protect you if you are hit from the side or rear, or if the
supplemental restraint system. Your air bag is a supple-
car rolls over. Also, an air bag will not keep you behind the
mental system; alone it may not prevent serious injuries.
wheel in these situations.
Air bags may not inflate in side or rear-end crashes.

5. Be in Shape to Drive 51
 Self-help Review
1. A pennant-shaped sign is used to indicate what?
On what side of the road will a pennant-
shaped sign be placed?
Information found in “Traffic Signs and Rules
of the Road” in Section 2.

2. You come to an intersection that has no stop signs

or traffic signals. At the same time, another vehicle
has arrived at the intersection and this vehicle is on
your right. Who has the right-of-way?
Information found in “When to Yield the Right-of-Way” in
Section 2.

3. What must you do if you come up behind a school

bus and the school bus has its amber lights near the
top of the bus flashing?
Information found in “School Buses” in Section 2.

4. How close can you park to a fire hydrant?

Information found in “Parking is Not Allowed” in Section 2.

5. Do you know what a “crossbuck sign” is

and where you might come across one?
Information found in “Railroad Crossings” in
Section 2.

6. Do you know how pavement markings help you

determine which way traffic flows on a particular
street?
Information found in “Pavement Markings and Other Lane
Controls” in Section 2.

7. If you are driving in bad weather conditions such

as rain, ice, snow or fog, what is the first safe thing
you should think about doing? Do you know what
“hydroplaning” means?
Information found in “Bad Weather Driving” in Section 3.

8. What is the speed limit in a business district?

Information found in “Appropriate Speed” in Section 3.

9. Do you know what “blind spots” are and where they

are?
Information found in “Changing Lanes,” “Blind Spots,” and
“Sharing the Road” all found in Section 3.

0. Do you know what “Implied Consent” means?

1
Information found in “OWI-Operating While Intoxicated or
Drugged” in Section 4.

52 5. Be in Shape to Drive
 Commercial Vehicle
Information Phone
515-237-3305
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Iowa State Patrol

Emergency:
911

Non-Emergency:
800-525-5555
Toll Free

Local Emergency Numbers

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For further information call:

The Motor Vehicle Information Center
In Des Moines 515-244-8725
Toll Free 515-244-8725

To learn more about transportation in Iowa,

visit our Web site at iowadot.gov.

Produced by

Revised June 2019

Form 430009

Federal and state laws prohibit employment and/or public accommodation discrimination on the basis
of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual ori-
entation or veteran’s status. If you believe you have been discriminated against, please contact the Iowa
Civil Rights Commission at 800-457-4416 or Iowa Department of Transportation’s affirmative action
officer. If you need accommodations because of a disability to access the Iowa Department of Transpor-
tation’s services, contact the agency’s affirmative action officer at 800-262-0003.
 Do more online and skip a trip.
Many of the services you receive at driver’s license
issuance sites are now available to you online, anytime.
Specialty and personalized plates.
Check availability of a personalized number/ Mailing address change
letter combination and order your plates. Review or change your mailing address
Online renewal on file with the Iowa DOT.
Renew your driver’s license or ID online. Driving record
Electronic renewal notification Obtain a free, noncertified copy or
Sign up to receive an email reminder when purchase a certified copy of your
it’s time to renew your driver’s license/ID. driving record.

To access online services,

visit www.iowadot.gov. Four-lane highway

Know when to stop or pass a school bus? Two-lane highway

Not knowing could cost you your driver’s

license and a whole lot more.
Traveling on a Traveling on a road with two
For more two- or three-lane road or moreTwo-lane
lanes inwitheach
highway center turn direction
lane

information
about school
bus safety,
including penalties for Four-lane highway

violation, visit: Four-lane highway with center turn lane

iowadot.gov/schoolbus.
Two-lane highway

Three-lane highway

Two-lane highway with center turn lane