August 2021

CO NTE NTSCONTENTS
PRELIMINARY INFORMATIONBEFORE YOU DRIVE

1

10Address change

1Plan ahead and save fuel10

Obtain services online

1

Check the vehicle

10

Obtain information

1

Clean glass surfaces

12

Adjust seat and mirrors

12

Use safety belts and child restraints

13

Consider saving a life
by becoming an organ donor

2

Absolute sobriety

2

Wisconsin Graduated Driver Licensing
Supervised Driving Log, HS-303
2
This manual

2

DRIVER LICENSE

2

Requirements

RULES OF THE ROAD

15

Traffic control devices

15

TRAFFIC SIGNALS

16

3

TRAFFIC SIGNS

18

Carrying the driver license and license
replacement
4

Warning signs

18

Regulatory signs

20

Out of state transfers

4

Railroad crossing warning signs

23

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

5

Construction signs

25

Guide signs

25

Restrictions of the instruction permit

6

PAVEMENT MARKINGS

26

Edge and lane lines

27

White lane markings

27

Crosswalks and stop lines

27

8

Yellow lane markings

27

Point system

8

Shared center lane

28

Habitual offender9

Occupational license

9

Reinstating a revoked orsuspended license

9

Driver license renewal

9

Motor vehicle liability insurance
requirement

9

PROBATIONARY LICENSE

6

Restrictions of the probationary license 7
The skills test

7

KEEPING THE DRIVER LICENSECOVE ROTHER LANE CONTROLS
Reversible lanes

29

Reserved lanes

29

Flex Lane

30

METERED RAMPS
How to use a ramp meteri29

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3131

RULES FOR DRIVINGROUNDABOUTS32

SCHOOL BUSES

44

PARKING

45

General information for
all roundabouts

32

How to park on a hill45

Truck apron

32

No parking zones

46

Steps for driving a roundabout

32

How to parallel park

46

Emergency vehicles in
the roundabout

32

Driving a one-lane roundabout

33

DIVERGING DIAMOND
INTERCHANGE (DDI)

47

Driving a roundabout with
two or more lanes
GENERAL RULES ABOUT
TRAFFIC LANES

34

35

General driving

35

Passing

36

TURNING

Advantages of a Diverging
Diamond Interchange (DDI)47

Navigating a Diverging
Diamond Interchange (DDI)47

SAFE DRIVING TIPS

48

Starting

48

Accelerating

48

36

Steering

48

Multiple turn lanes

36

Stopping

49

Right turns

36

Left turns

38

U-turn40

Y-turn40

RIGHT-OF-WAY

41

Intersections

41

Passing

41

Pedestrians

41

Left turns/U-turns

42

Emergency vehicles

43

Move over or slow down law

43

Animals

43

Funeral processions

43

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SPEED LIMITS

49

SEEING WELL

50

Scanning

50

Watch out for deer54

Use your lights

54

COMMUNICATING

55

Let others know you are there55

Let others know what you are doing

58

ADJUSTING SPEED
Adjusting to road conditions
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

ii

CO NTE NTS

59
59
60

ADJUSTING TO TRAFFIC

61

Keep pace with traffic

61Entering traffic

61

Leaving traffic

61

Slow moving traffic61

HOW WELL CAN YOU SEE

6275

HEALTH76

Some potentially dangerous healthconditions

76

Emotions

76

EMERGENCIES

Tips you can follow to be a safer driver 62
CUSHION OF SPACEOTHERS DRUGS AND DRIVING

64

77

Vehicle emergencies

77

Avoiding collisions

78

Protect yourself in collisions

80

Space ahead

64

Space behind

65Space to the side

66

Space to merge

67

Space to cross or enter

67

Space to pass

67

Space for dangerous situations

69

Farm safety/rural driving

70

What to do in case of a crash,stalled vehicle or other emergency

82

INATTENTIVE DRIVING

70

What to do if you hit a deer

82

Distractions while driving

70

What to do when stopped bylaw enforcement: general
guidelines for motorists

82

BE IN SHAPE TO DRIVE

72

Hearing

73

Fatigue73

74

Why is drinking and driving
so dangerous?

74

If you drink, when can you drive?

74

Wisconsin’s alcohol laws

75

COVE RIf you are in a crash80

If someone is injured

81

Report the crash

81

STUDY QUESTIONS

74

Alcohol content

80

WHAT TO DO

72

VisionDRINKING AND DRIVINGCRASHES

iii

82

83

Questions83

Answers

84

WISDOT CONTACT INFORMATION

85

Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

85

Wisconsin State Patrol

85

CO NTE NTSPRELIMINARY
INFORMATION• Find out when you’ll receive your title• Check if there is a lien on a vehicle• And more!

Address change
The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
mails important correspondence toyour last known address. If you move,please change your address at the DMV
within ten days of having moved.

Obtain information
wisconsindmv.gov• Acceptable documentation• How to obtain a driver license• How to obtain an
identification (ID) card
• REAL ID• Fees• Crashes and crash reports• Medical concerns• Driving schools• Teen drivers• Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)• Parents and sponsors• Driver handbooks• Practice knowledge test
mobile application• Motorcycle/moped license• Occupational license• Revoked or suspended driver license• Traffic safety courses• New residents• Forms and publications• Commercial drivers• Points system• Buy or sell a vehicle• Transfer a vehicle• Vehicle title/plates• Vehicle emissions testing• Special plates• Vehicle title• Title-registration service providers• Lemon law• And more!

Change your address online at
wisconsindmv.gov/online, by
telephone (608) 266-2353 or mail to
Division of Motor Vehicles, P. O. Box
7917, Madison, WI 53707-7917.

Obtain services online
wisconsindmv.gov/online• Find your closest DMV
and check wait times• Schedule, cancel or verify aroad test appointment• Change your address• Get a duplicate driver license• See if your driver license is valid• Check eligibility for an
occupational license• Find out how long youneed SR22 insurance• Check eligibility and reinstate
your driving privilege• Get a duplicate or renew your ID card
• Title and register a vehicle• Renew your license plates• Apply for replacement license plate(s)• Order a replacement title• Check personalized plate
message availability• Print a copy of your current
vehicle registration

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1

CO NTE NTSThis manual

Have a question or need more information?
Email your question to driverrecords.
dmv@dot.wi.gov or call (608) 264-7447.

This manual is intended to inform theuser of the rules of the road (Wisconsin
state laws and administrative rules) andprovide important safety tips. Informationin this and other handbooks and manuals
published by the Division of Motor Vehicles
is not all-inclusive and is subject to change
at any time due to new or revised laws.

Consider saving a life bybecoming an organ donor
www.DonorRegistry.wisconsin.gov
You will be asked if you wish to registeras an organ, tissue and eye donor when
you apply for or renew your Identification(ID) card, instruction permit or driver
license. Upon death, donors help save andimprove lives through transplantation,therapy, research or education. If you are
18 or older, checking the box indicates yourlegal consent for donation. Check the box
to include your name in the donor registry
every time you update your driver record.
Please share your decision with your family.

This manual gives you information
on driving rules and practices to help
you become a safe driver of a car
or light truck (Class D license).
If you want a Commercial Driver License(CDL) to drive a commercial motor
vehicle (heavy truck, bus, Class A, B,
or C), you should study the Wisconsin
Commercial Driver’s Manual.
If you want a license to operate a
motorcycle (Class M license), you should
study the Motorcyclists’ Handbook.

Absolute sobriety
Wisconsin has an Absolute Sobriety or “Nota Drop” law. This means that drivers under
21 may not have a drop of alcohol in theirsystem when operating a motor vehicle.

DRIVER LICENSE
Wisconsin DMV issues REAL IDcompliant driver licenses (marked witha ) in accordance with the Federal
Real ID Act of 2005.

Wisconsin Graduated Driver
Licensing Supervised
Driving Log, HS-303

Beginning May 7, 2025 the Departmentof Homeland Security will requirethat you have REAL ID-compliant
identification to board federally-regulatedcommercial aircraft or enter federal
facilities requiring identification. Don’t
get left behind without a REAL ID.

Parents must certify that their teen has aminimum of 50 hours of supervised driving,with at least 10 hours at night. Keep track ofdriving time and experience with a printablesupervised driving log or download a freemobile app from the Parent’s Supervised
Driving Program. The more time you
spend practicing with your teen, thebetter driver they will be on their own.

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Learn more about REAL ID on the
Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
web site at wisconsindmv.gov.

2

CO NTE NTSRequirements

4. Present proof of your identity, such as a:• Social Security card withyour signature;• Valid Wisconsin or out-of-state
ID card with your photograph;• U.S. Military ID card withyour photograph.
5. Present two (2) proofs of your
Wisconsin residency, such as:• Utility bill for water, gas, electricity,internet or telephone service withyour name and Wisconsin address;• Financial statement for checking,savings, brokerage, credit cardor loan account with your nameand Wisconsin address.
6. Provide your Social Security number(SSN). Your SSN must correspond with
the number issued to you by the Social
Security Administration.
If you are not eligible for a Social
Security number, you must signa Social Security number noneligibility certification statement.

Anyone who operates a motor vehicle
or motor-driven cycle on public
roadways in Wisconsin is required
to have a valid driver license.
You may obtain a Wisconsin Class D driver
license (cars and light trucks) if you:
1. Are at least 16 years of age.
2. Present proof of U.S. citizenship, legal
immigration status or legal temporary
visitor status in the U.S., such as a:• Certified copy of your U.S.
birth certificate;• Valid U.S. passport;• Valid foreign passport withappropriate immigration documents.
All documents presented as proof must be
original. Photocopies are not acceptable.
3. Present proof of your name anddate of birth, such as a:• Certified copy of your U.S.
birth certificate;• Valid U.S. passport;• Valid foreign passport withfederal I-551 or I-94, arrivaland departure record.

For a complete list of acceptable documents,
visit the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
web site at wisconsindmv.gov/DL-docs.

Note: Hospital birth certificates,
notification of birth registration or
baptismal certificates are not acceptable.
If you were born in Wisconsin, you
can get a certified copy of your birthcertificate at any county Registerof Deeds or from Wisconsin Vital
Records Services. You will be charged
a fee. If you were born in another U.S.
state or territory, contact the stateor territory where you were born.

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7. Pass required driver license tests.
Note: New Wisconsin residents with alicense from another state (which is valid
or expired less than 8 years) may beable to get a Wisconsin license without
taking the knowledge or skills tests. Visit
wisconsindmv.gov for more information.
8. Turn in any driver license
and/or identification card
issued in another state.
9. Are not suspended or revokedin another state.

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CO NTE NTS

Wisconsin allows certain exemptions fromits licensing requirements. For example:• A person in the armed services may
operate a motor vehicle owned by,or leased to, the federal government
without a Wisconsin driver license.
• A person from a state or territoryof the United States, or Canada,
who has not established residence
in Wisconsin, is at least 16 yearsof age and has in their immediate
possession a valid driver license
issued to that person from theirhome jurisdiction, may operatea non-commercial vehicle.
• A commercial driver who is nota resident of Wisconsin, has intheir immediate possession a valid
commercial driver license issued
to that person from another stateor territory of the United States, aprovince of Canada, or Mexico, may
operate a commercial motor vehicle
in Wisconsin as long as the operation
complies with all restrictions andendorsements on the license.
• A nonresident of the United States
who holds an international driving
permit or a valid driver license issued
by a signatory country to either the1943 Regulation of Inter-American
Automotive Traffic or the 1949 Geneva
Convention on Road Traffic, may
operate a non-commercial vehicle.
This exemption applies for one year
after the person arrives in the U.S.

10. Meet the physical and medical
requirements for the type of driver
license for which you are applying.
11. Pay required fees.
12. If under 18, you must also:• Have successfully completed an
approved driver education course;• Have an adult sponsor (your parent
or legal guardian) certify theirsponsorship on your application.

Carrying the driver licenseand license replacement
You must carry your license withyou while operating a motor vehicle.
If your license is lost or stolen, youmust obtain a duplicate license. Visit
wisconsindmv.gov for more information.

Out of state transfers
If you are under 18 and hold an instruction
permit from another state or country,
in order to get a probationary license
you will be required to meet the same
conditions as a Wisconsin resident.
If you surrender a license from another stateor country, some of the requirements for aprobationary license may be waived. Visit
wisconsindmv.gov for more information.
New Wisconsin residents with an out-ofstate license are required to apply for a
Wisconsin driver license within 60 daysof becoming a resident of Wisconsin.

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4

CO NTE NTSINSTRUCTION PERMIT• Valid U.S. passport;• Valid foreign passport withappropriate immigration documents.

If you have not previously held a driver
license, you must first get an instruction
permit at a DMV Service Center.

4. Present proof of your name anddate of birth, such as a:• Certified copy of your U.S.
birth certificate;• Valid U.S. passport;• Valid foreign passport withfederal I-551 or I-94, arrivaland departure record.
Note: Hospital birth certificates,
notification of birth registration
or baptismal certificates are notacceptable. If you were born in
Wisconsin, you can get a certified
copy of your birth certificate at any
county Register of Deeds or from
Wisconsin Vital Records Services.
You will be charged a fee. If you
were born in another U.S. stateor territory, contact the state or
territory where you were born.

1. To get an instruction permit, you must:• Be at least 15 years old;
• Pass the knowledge and highway
signs tests and vision screening.
Note: Take a practice knowledge
test on your mobile device at
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/
teen-driver/teen-hw-aply/
practicetestapp.aspx.
2. If you are under 18, you are required to:• Have completed or be enrolled in an
approved behind-the-wheel drivered course which begins within
60 days of the date your driver ed
instructor certifies your application.
Note: If you have not completed
the classroom portion of driver
education, you must be within 60
days of starting behind-the-wheel.

5. Present proof of your identity, such as a:• Social Security card withyour signature;• Valid Wisconsin or out-of-state
ID card with your photograph;• U.S. Military ID card withyour photograph.

• Have your adult sponsor sign
the application. The sponsor’s
signature must be witnessedby either a notary public or an
authorized DMV employee.
Note: Your instruction permit isvalid for 18 months. If you need torenew your permit or get a duplicate,
you will be asked to provide proof
that you are currently enrolled in or
have completed driver education.

6. Provide your Social Security number(SSN). Your SSN must correspondwith the number issued to you by theSocial Security Administration.
If you are not eligible for a Social
Security number, you must signa Social Security number noneligibility certification statement.

3. Present proof of U.S. citizenship, legal
immigration status or legal temporary
visitor status in the U.S., such as a:• Certified copy of yourU.S. birth certificate;

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5

CO NTE NTSPROBATIONARY LICENSE

You may be required to show two(2) proofs of Wisconsin residency.
For more information, including acomplete list of acceptable documents,
visit wisconsindmv.gov/DL-docs.

A probationary license is the first license
issued to new drivers regardless of age. It isvalid for two years from your next birthday.
Points are doubled for the second andsubsequent convictions for traffic violations.

All documents presented as proof must be
original. Photocopies are not acceptable.

To qualify for a probationary license,
all applicants must be at least 16 years oldand meet the driver license requirements
previously listed under Driver License. If
under 18, you must also meet the following
requirements:
1. Present proof of completing anapproved driver education class;

Restrictions of the
instruction permit
You may drive only when you areaccompanied by a person with two years
driving experience who holds a valid
regular (not probationary or occupational)
license and who sits in the front passenger
seat and is one of the following:• A qualified instructor 19 or older. (Upto three others may ride along if the
car is equipped with dual controls), or• A parent, guardian or spouse
19 or older (your immediatefamily members may ridealong in the back seat), or• A person 21 or older. (If you are
under 18, this person must be
designated in writing by your parent
or guardian prior to accompanying
you while driving a vehicle.)

2. Have had an instruction permit
for a minimum of six months;
3. Have accumulated 50 hours of behindthe-wheel driving experience (10 of
the 50 hours must be at night);
Note: Up to 5 hours of behind-the-wheel
driving experience with a qualified
instructor may be double counted. For
example, 3 hours will count as 6 hours.
4. Have had no moving traffic
violations resulting in a conviction
for the 6 months prior to the dateof application for this license;
5. Have your parent or adult sponsor
certify (on the driver license application)
the completion of 50 hours ofdriving experience (10 at night);
6. Pass a driving skills test;
7. Pay the required fees.

Note: If you are at least 16 years of age,in addition to the licensed accompanying
driver, one other licensed person 25
years of age or more with at least 2 years
driving experience may occupy a seat in
the vehicle other than the front seat.

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6

CO NTE NTSRestrictions of theprobationary license

Restrictions will be extended 6 months if:• You are convicted of a moving
traffic violation (including
failure to fasten seat belt), or• You violate any of the restrictions, or• Your license is revoked orsuspended for any reason.
Note: The 9-month term of
the passenger and time-of-day
restriction stops while your operating
privilege is suspended or revoked.
It resumes again when youroperating privilege is reinstated.

If you are under 18, for the first 9 months ofholding your probationary license you will
have restrictions on who can ride with you.
From 5 a.m. to midnight, you can drivealone and travel anywhere. In addition,
any number of your immediate family
members (including legal guardian) andthe following people can ride with you:
• One person who holds a valid
regular (non-probationary)license with at least 2 years oflicensed driving experience andwho is one of the following:◊ A qualified instructor or
spouse 19 or older, or◊ A person 21 or older.
• One other person.

The skills test
You must schedule an appointment for adriving skills (road) test. Schedule yourappointment online at wisconsindmv.
gov/online or call (608) 266-2353.
Prior to the skills test, the examiner
will conduct a safety inspection of
the vehicle to be used for the test. The
following items will be inspected andmust be in safe operating condition:• Brake lights• Brakes• Current license plate• Defroster (if needed fortest conditions)• Directional lights• Doors• Exhaust system• Headlights• Horn• License plate light• Mirrors• Safety belts• Speedometer• Tail lights• Tires

From midnight to 5 a.m.
• If driving between home,school, and/or work you candrive alone. The same people
listed above can be with you.
• If driving anywhere else, youmust have one of the following
people seated beside you:
◊ A parent or guardian.
◊ One person who holds a valid
regular (non-probationary)license with 2 years of licensed
driving experience and who
is one of the following:» A qualified instructor or
spouse 19 or older, or» A person 21 or older.
◊ In addition, you can have any
number of your immediatefamily members and one
other person ride with you.

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7

CO NTE NTS• Windows• Windshield wipers (if needed
for test conditions)• Failing to notify law enforcementof a reportable crash inwhich you are involved.
• Giving false information when
you apply for a driver license.
• Failing to settle a financial judgment
made against you for damages
resulting from a motor vehicle crash.
• Attempting to change theinformation on your driver license.
• Failing to appear for a re-examination
when requested to do so by the DMV.
• Using a motor vehicle to commit
a felony or causing the death ofsomeone in a motor vehicle crash.
• Having too many demerit points
on your driving record.
• Letting someone else use
your driver license.
• Using someone else’s driver license.

During the skills test, the examiner
will tell you where to drive. You will:• Follow other traffic• Change lanes• Pass• Back up• Parallel park
• Make a Y-turn• Pull over to the side of
the road and stop
• Turn left or right on divided highways,
two-lane or one way roads• Move from a parked position
onto the roadway
The examiner will score your attention todriving, how well you obey traffic rules,
handle the vehicle (including shifting if
the vehicle has manual transmission),share space and communicate
with other users of the road.

Point system
Your driver record has zero points until
you are convicted of violating certain
traffic laws. Upon conviction, you are
given demerit points which become partof your driving record. Probationary
license holders and those who do not have
any type of license (no matter what age)
including those who hold only an ID card,
will have their points doubled on theirsecond and subsequent convictions.

KEEPING THE DRIVER
LICENSE
In order to keep your driver license, youmust drive safely at all times. You canlose your driving privilege for:• A conviction for driving under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Refusing to be tested for alcohol
or other drugs if you are asked
to do so by a police officer.
• Leaving the scene of a crashin which you are involved,
without identifying yourself.

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within any 12-month period, your driving
privilege will be suspended or revoked.

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CO NTE NTS

Habitual offender

A suspended license can be reinstatedat the end of the suspension period
after a reinstatement fee is paid.

If you are convicted of 4 or more majortraffic violations or 12 or more minor
violations within 5 years, the DMV will
declare you a habitual offender. (Forinformation about points and major vs.
minor violations, visit wisconsindmv.gov.)
Your driving privilege will be revoked fora period of 5 years. Habitual offenders
may be eligible for an occupational
license after a two-year waiting period.

Driver license renewal
Your probationary license will be valid
for 2 years from your next birthday. You
may renew your probationary license
up to 90 days before it expires. Upon
renewal you will be issued a regularlicense valid for up to 8 years.

Motor vehicle liability
insurance requirement

Occupational license
If your license is suspended or revoked, visit
wisconsindmv.gov or call (608) 261-0368
to check your eligibility for an occupational
license. If eligible, you will need to provide
proof of financial responsibility.
Provide proof by filing an SR22 insurance
certificate or showing that you have otherfinancial means to cover any damage
resulting from any future traffic crash. An
occupational license allows you to drive up
to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week.

No person may operate a motor vehicle in
Wisconsin unless the owner or operatorof the vehicle has liability insurance in
effect for the vehicle being operated.
One must present proof of insurance(such as a valid insurance card) whenrequested by a law enforcement officer.
The liability insurance must be issued byan insurer authorized to conduct motor
vehicle liability business in Wisconsin if thevehicle is registered in Wisconsin. A driverof a vehicle registered in another state may
provide proof from an insurance company
in the state where the vehicle is registered.

Reinstating a revokedor suspended license
A revoked license can be reinstated after:• The period of revocation is over, and• You file proof of financial
responsibility with the Divisionof Motor Vehicles, andNote: Proof must be filed for
3 years from the date youare eligible to reinstate.
• You present proof of identity (askills test may be required if you
have been suspended or revokedfor 8 years or more), and• You pay a reinstatement fee.

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Insurance coverage and limitations
are the responsibility of the driverand owner of the vehicle if the proofof insurance does not list the driver orthe specific vehicle being operated.
Law enforcement may request proof of
insurance at any traffic stop or crash.
Failure to have insurance could result in
up to a $500 fine. Failure to have proof of
insurance when requested could result ina $10 fine. Any person who fraudulently
represents that they carry the required

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CO NTE NTS

liability insurance or provides fraudulent
documents as proof could face fines of
up to $5,000. You may not be stoppedby law enforcement solely for purposesof determining proof of insurance.

• Take public transportation,use car pools, ride share, bikeor walk whenever possible.
• Avoid driving during heavy
traffic periods. Stop-and-go
driving causes extra wear andtear on the vehicle (and you).
• Start slowly; slow down gradually
and avoid unnecessary braking.
• Plan, and then combine your trips.
Make a list of the things you needand the places you need to go. Go
to as many places as possible on
any one trip. Try to reduce thenumber of places you need to go.
This will cut down on the numberof trips you need to make.
• Call ahead to make sure they
have what you need or what
you are picking up is ready.

Proof of insurance includes, but is not
limited to, a valid insurance card showing
coverage levels and dates, a valid SR-22
insurance certificate, a letter from aninsurance company on company letterhead
explaining the benefits, a valid selfinsurance certificate issued by the DOT,
proof of bond or securities filed with the
DOT, proof the vehicle is owned or leasedby the US Government, Wisconsin or any
other state, or any county or municipality
in Wisconsin or any other state.
You are not required to show proof of
insurance when you apply for, or renew, yourlicense plates nor when you apply for, or
renew, your driver license. You do not haveto send insurance information to the DMV
unless you are asked for the information.
Section 344.61–344.67 Wis. Stats.

By doing these things you can help
cut down on the amount of traffic on
the road, cut your travel costs andsave yourself time and effort.

BEFORE YOU DRIVE

Check the vehicle

Your safety, and that of the public,
depends on what you do before driving,
including adjusting the seat and mirrors,
using safety belts, checking yourvehicle, maintaining a clear view andsecuring items in and on the vehicle.

Plan ahead and save fuelWhen planning a trip, running errands,
etc., you may wish to consider alternatives
to driving. To help you save fuel andwear and tear on your vehicle:

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It is the duty of the driver to make certain
the vehicle they drive is safe to operate.
How safely you can drive starts with thecondition of the vehicle you are driving. A
vehicle that is not in good condition is more
likely to break down or cause a collisionand costs more to run than one that is wellmaintained. If a vehicle is in an unsafe
condition, you might not be able to get outof an emergency situation when you need
to. A vehicle in good condition can give you
an extra margin of safety when you need it.
Your vehicle may be required to havean emission inspection at an authorized

10

CO NTE NTSinspection station. The DMV will notify
you if and when an inspection is needed.
You should follow your vehicle owner’s
manual for routine maintenance. Somemaintenance you can do yourself and somemust be done by a qualified mechanic.
A few simple checks can help
prevent trouble on the road.
Braking system: It is very dangerous
to drive if your brakes are not working
properly. If they do not seem to be working
properly, are making a lot of noise, smell likethey are burning, or the brake pedal goesto the floor, have a mechanic check them.
Lights: Make sure turn signals, brakelights, tail lights and head lights areoperating properly. These should bechecked from the outside of the vehicle.
Brake lights alert other road users thatyou are stopping and turn signals letthem know you will be turning.
An out-of-alignment headlight may blindother drivers and can shine where it does
not help you. If you are having trouble
seeing at night or if other drivers areconstantly flashing their headlights at you,have a mechanic check the headlights.
Windshield and wipers: Damaged glasscan break more easily in a minor collisionor when something hits the windshield.
Have a damaged windshield replaced.
Windshield wipers remove rain andsnow from the windshield. Some vehicles
also have wipers for rear windows andheadlights. Make sure all wipers are ingood working condition. If the blades are
not clearing water very well, replace them.
Tires: Worn or bald tires can increase
your stopping distance and make

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turning more difficult when the road iswet. Unbalanced tires and low pressurecause faster tire wear, poor gas mileageand make the vehicle harder to steer
and stop. If your vehicle bounces, thesteering wheel shakes or the vehicle pulls
to one side, have a mechanic check it.
Worn tires can cause hydroplaning (riding
on top of water on the road) and increase
the chance of having a flat tire. Check tire
air pressure with an air pressure gauge
when the tires are cold. Check your vehicle
owner’s manual for the proper pressure.
Check the tire tread with a penny.
Stick the penny “head” first into thetread. If the tread does not come atleast to Lincoln’s head (2/32"), the tire
is unsafe and you should replace it.
Steering system: If the steering is notworking properly, it is difficult to control
the direction of the vehicle. If your vehicle
is hard to turn, “wanders,” or does not turnwhen the steering wheel is first turned,
have the steering checked by a mechanic.
Suspension system: The suspension
helps you control the vehicle and provides
a comfortable ride over varying roadsurfaces. If your vehicle bounces after abump or a stop, or is hard to control, you
may need new shocks or other suspension
parts. Have a mechanic check it out.
Exhaust system: The exhaust system
helps reduce the noise from the engine,
helps cool the hot gases coming from theengine, and moves these gases to the rearof the vehicle. Carbon monoxide gases froma leaky exhaust system can cause death
inside a vehicle in a very short time. Neverrun the engine in a closed garage. If you

11

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sit in a vehicle with the engine running
for any length of time, open a window.
Some exhaust leaks are easily heard
but many are not. That is why it
is important to have the exhaustsystem checked periodically.
Engine: An engine that runs poorly
can lose power that is needed for normal
driving and emergencies. It may not start,
may get poor fuel economy, pollute the air
and could quit when you are on the road,causing a problem for you and other traffic.
Follow the procedures recommended inyour owner’s manual for maintenance.
Loose objects: Make sure there are noloose objects in your vehicle. They could hit
someone in the event of a sudden stop or
crash. Make sure there are no objects on thefloor that could roll under the brake pedal
and prevent you from stopping your vehicle.
Horn: As a warning device, the horn
could save your life. If your horndoesn’t work, get it fixed. Only use
your horn as a warning to others.

Clean glass surfaces
It is important that you are able tosee clearly in mirrors and through thewindows and windshield. Here aresome things you can do to help:• Keep your windshield clean.
Bright sun or headlights on a dirty
windshield make it hard to see.
• Keep your windshield washer
container full. Use windshield washer
antifreeze when the temperature
could fall below freezing.
• Keep the inside of your windows
clean, especially if anyone has
been smoking in your vehicle.

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Smoking causes a film to build
up on the inside of the glass.
• Clear snow, ice or frost fromall windows (front, sides andback) before driving.
• Do not hang things from yourmirror or clutter up your windshieldwith decals. Besides being illegal,
they could block your view.
• Keep your headlights, backup,
brake and taillights clean. Dirt
on the lenses can reduce the lightand your visibility by up to 50%.

Adjust seat and mirrors
You should always check the positionof the seat and mirrors before you
start to drive. Make any adjustments
before you move the vehicle.
• Adjust the seat so you are in a
comfortable driving positionand can clearly see the road. If
necessary, use a seat cushion.
• Adjust the rear view mirror and side
mirrors. You should be able to see
out the back window with the rear
view mirror and to the sides withthe side mirrors. A good adjustment
for the side mirrors is to set themso that when you lean slightly
backward, you can see the rearcorners of your vehicle. Even though
you have your side mirrors set thisway, you still have “blind spots”.
• If you have a day/night mirror,
make sure it is set for the timeof day you are driving.
• Head restraints are designed toprevent whiplash if you are hitfrom behind. They should be

12

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adjusted so the head restraint
contacts the back of your head.

sideways. You cannot steer the vehicle
if you are not behind the wheel.
Safety belts should be worn even if yourvehicle is equipped with air bags. While
air bags are good protection against
hitting the steering wheel, dashboard
or windshield, they do not protect you if
you are hit from the rear or side (unless
your vehicle also has side-impact airbags), or if the vehicle rolls over. An air
bag will not keep you behind the wheel inthese situations, but a safety belt will.

Use safety belts andchild restraints
Wisconsin law requires you and yourpassengers to wear safety belts. If you are
under GDL and are convicted of failure tofasten seat belt, your GDL restrictions will
be extended for an additional 6 months.
Before you begin driving, always
fasten your safety belts and makesure all your passengers are using
safety belts or child restraints.
It is important for you and your passengers
to use safety belts. Studies have shown that
if you are in a crash while using safety belts,
your chances of being hurt or killed are
greatly reduced. Protect yourself by bucklingup every time you get into a vehicle,
whether you are the driver or a passenger.

Generally, children must be properly
restrained in a child safety seat until theyreach age 4 and in a booster seat until
age 8. The law includes the following
four-step progression for effective
child safety protection in vehicles.

If your vehicle has an automatic shoulder
belt, or two-part safety belt system, besure to wear both the lap belt and theshoulder belt. If you wear only one belt andyou are in a collision, you could slide outof it and be hurt or killed. Wearing both
belts greatly reduces your risk of injury.
The lap belt should fit snugly across yourhip bones just under your stomach. The
shoulder belt should be worn across thechest. It should be snug enough that you can
fit your fist between the belt and your chest.
Never put the shoulder belt under your arm
or leave it so loose it hangs over your arm.
In addition to protecting you from injury,
safety belts help you keep control ofthe vehicle when you are the driver. If
you are struck from the side or makea quick turn, the force could push you

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Rear-facing child safety seat in theback seat* is required when the child:• Is less than 1 year-old or• Weighs less than 20 pounds.

13

CO NTE NTSForward-facing child safety seat in
the back seat* is required when the child:• Is at least 1 year-old but
less than 4 years-old• Weights at least 20 pounds
but less than 40 pounds.

the passenger side air bag; however,studies show children are still safer inthe rear seat. A number of organizations
will lend you a child safety device if you
are unable to afford one. For further
information, call (800) 261-9467.

*Child safety seat must be in the back seat
if the vehicle is equipped with a back seat.

A child at least 4 years old who cannot
be properly restrained in a safety
belt because of a physical or medical
condition may be exempt from thebooster seat and safety belt laws.

Booster seat is required when the child:• Is at least 4 years-old but
less than 8 years-old• Weighs at least 40 pounds
but less than 80 pounds• Is not 57 inches (4 feet,
9 inches) or taller.

Safety belt is required when the child:• Is 8 years-old or older or• Weighs 80 or more pounds or• Is 57 inches or taller.
If because of age, weight or height achild falls into more than one of the four
categories, the child must be transported
according to the requirements of themore protective category listed above.
Never secure a child in the front passenger
seat, especially if your vehicle has an air
bag. If you are in a crash and the bag
deploys, your child could be injured. Somevehicles have a switch which de-activates

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There is no personal needs exemption
allowing a child to be removed from asafety restraint to attend to the child’s
personal needs, such as feeding or
diapering, while the vehicle is moving.

Some people may havemisinformation about using safety
belts. Here are some facts:
Your safety belt helps keep you securely
in place in the event of a crash and better
able to escape the vehicle if necessary.
It takes less than a second to undo a safety
belt. Crashes in which a vehicle catches
fire or sinks in deep water seldom happen.
Even if that were to occur, however, yoursafety belt helps protect you from crashinginto things inside your vehicle and being
knocked unconscious during the crash.

14

CO NTE NTSYour chances to escape the vehicle aremuch better when you are conscious.
Your safety belt helps protect you onlong trips, short trips, all trips.
Many traffic deaths happen within
25 miles of home. About 20% occur
on roads posted at less than 45 mph.
Your safety belt helps protect you nomatter the distance of your trip.
Your safety belt helps protect you frombeing thrown out of the vehicle in a crash.
Your chances of not being killed or injured
in a crash are much better if you stay inside
the vehicle. Safety belts help keep you
from being thrown out of your vehicle, into
the path of another vehicle, onto the roadsurface, into trees, posts, etc., where serious
injury is caused by this second impact.
If your vehicle gets hit from the side, yoursafety belt helps keep you from being
thrown across the car into the crash point.
When a vehicle is struck from the side,
it will move sideways. Everything in
the vehicle that is not fastened down,
including the passengers, will tend tobe thrown toward the point of crash.
Your safety belt helps keep you frombeing thrown into the crash point.

At a slow speed of 25 mph, the force ofa head-on crash is the same as pedalinga bicycle full speed into a brick wall or
diving off a three-story building onto thesidewalk. No one can ‘brace’ oneself forthat. But your safety belt will help brace andprotect you—but only when you wear it!

RULES OF THE ROAD
Traffic laws establish where, when andhow fast you may drive. These laws
form the “rules of the road” and help
to keep traffic moving safely. Rules of
the road include traffic control devices,
right-of-way and parking rules.

Traffic control devices
Traffic control devices include traffic
signals, signs and pavement markings.
Traffic control can also be provided bylaw enforcement, highway personnel
or school crossing guards. You mustobey directions from these persons,even if their directions are different
than what traffic lights and signs say.

Your safety belt helps protect you
when you cannot protect yourself,even when traveling at slow speeds.

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15

CO NTE NTSTRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic signals are lights that tell you whenor where to stop or go. They are usuallyat intersections and are red, yellow andgreen, from top to bottom. Some locations
may have single yellow or red lights.

A flashing RED traffic lightmeans the same as a stop sign. You
must come to a full stop and thenmay go when it is safe to do so.

A steady RED traffic light means cometo a full stop. You must wait until the
traffic light turns green and there is nocrossing traffic before you may go.

A RED arrow means the same thing
as a red traffic light in Wisconsin.

If it is safe to do so, you may turn righton red if no sign prohibits it. When the
roadway has two right-turn lanes, you
may also turn right on red from the left
most right-turn lane into the available
lane that is 2nd to the right most lane
for traffic moving to the right.
You may turn left on red if you are turningfrom a one-way on to a one-way street.
When turning on red, stop first, yieldto all traffic including pedestrians,
bicyclists and cars and then proceedsafely, staying in your lane.

COVE RA steady YELLOW traffic light means
the traffic light is about to change tored. You must stop if it is safe to do so.
If you are in the intersection when theyellow light comes on, do not stop but
continue through the intersection.

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A flashing YELLOW traffic lightmeans slow down, check for crosstraffic, and proceed with caution.

If you are turning in the direction of
the arrow, a YELLOW arrow means
you should stop if it is safe to do so.

A flashing YELLOW arrow means
turns are permitted but you mustfirst yield to oncoming traffic andpedestrians, then proceed with caution.

A steady GREEN traffic light means
you can go through the intersection but
you must yield to emergency vehicles
and others as required by law. If you are
stopped and then the light turns green,
you must allow crossing traffic to clear theintersection before you go ahead. If you
are turning left, a steady green traffic lightmeans you may turn, but only when safe
to do so. Oncoming traffic has the rightof-way. Be alert for signs that prohibit left
turns. When turning right or left, watch forpedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle.

A GREEN arrow means you can turnin the direction of the arrow. There
should be no oncoming or crossing
traffic while the arrow is green.
Remember to watch for pedestrians.
If a traffic signal loses power
and malfunctions, proceed as if
the signal were a stop sign.

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17

CO NTE NTSTRAFFIC SIGNS
Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, hazards, where you are, how to get to where you want
to go and where services are located. Each type of sign is identified by its shape and color.

Warning signs
These signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and mostare diamond shaped. They warn you about a special situation or thata hazard is ahead. Some common warning signs are below.

Left to right: Intersection/Cross Road, Divided Highway, Slippery When Wet.

Left to right: Signal Ahead, Deer Crossing, Sharp Turn to the Left

Left to right: Right Lane Ends, Hill, Merge

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18

CO NTE NTSLeft to right: 2-way Traffic, Stop Ahead, Curve to the Right

ROUNDABOUT
AHEAD
Left to right: Roundabout Ahead, Pedestrian Crossing

School Crossing Signs: new signs may be flourescent green

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Regulatory signs
These signs are square, rectangular, or have a special shape andare usually white or red with black, red, white or green letters or
symbols. They tell you the requirements for stopping, yielding, traffic direction,lane use, turning, speed limits, parking and other special situations.

Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol. Thesesigns prohibit certain actions, i.e., no right turn, no left turn, no U-turn, etc.

DO NOTENTER
DO NOT ENTER is a square sign with a white horizontal line inside a redball that means you cannot enter. You will see this sign at openings to roadways
that you should not enter such as exit ramps where you would be going in thewrong direction, in crossovers on divided roadways and on one-way streets.

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20

CO NTE NTSSPEED LIMIT SIGNS tell you the maximum speed allowed, the minimum speed
required, or of a change in speed limit. The maximum limit should be driven onlyin ideal driving conditions. You must reduce your speed when conditions requireit. For example, you should reduce your speed for curves and when the roadway isslippery (during rain, snow, icy conditions), or when it is foggy and difficult to see
clearly down the road. Some high speed roads have minimum speed limits and you
are required to travel at least this fast so you are not a hazard to other drivers. If
the minimum posted speed limit is too fast for you, you should use another road.

ONLY

ONLY

ONLY

LANE USE CONTROL SIGNS tell you where you can turn or what direction
you can turn from a certain lane. They often use an arrow symbol. These signs
may be located on the side of the road or hanging over the lane of travel.
The ‘dot’ to the left of the arrow represents the island in the center ofa roundabout. It shows that the driver is required to drive counterclockwise around the island in the center to make a left turn.
Sometimes arrows are also painted on the road.

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21

CO NTE NTSNOPASSING
ZONE
Pavement markings, along with theoptional NO PASSING ZONE SIGN
show where you can not pass. A yellow
pennant no passing zone sign facing youon the left side of the road indicates the
beginning of a no passing zone. Passing
areas are based on how far ahead you
can see. Where it is permitted to pass,
you may do so only if it is safe.

STOP
A STOP SIGN has eight sides and is red
with white letters. You must come toa full stop. You must wait until crossing
vehicles and pedestrians have cleared yourpath. You can go only when it is safe to do
so. If you cannot see traffic from your firststop, slowly move ahead and stop again
before entering the intersection. Check forcross traffic and pedestrians before you go.

COVE RA YIELD SIGN is a downward
pointing triangle. It is red and whitewith red letters. It means you mustslow down and yield the right-of-way totraffic in the intersection you are crossingor the roadway you are entering.

A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE SIGN
is reflective orange triangle on
the rear of a vehicle means it may be
traveling less than 25 mph. You may
see this sign on construction equipment
and, in rural areas, on farm vehicles orhorse-drawn wagons or carriages.
Note: The Amish are not required to use
this symbol for religious reasons nor
are bicyclists. However, both should still
have reflective material on the rear of thevehicle. Slow down when approachinga slow-moving vehicle and, if possible,
move over to the left to pass it.

22

CO NTE NTSRAILROAD CROSSING WARNINGSIGNS warn you that a train may benear. Never try to beat a train acrossthe tracks. Never start to cross railroad
tracks if you will have to stop on the
tracks because there isn’t room for yourvehicle on the far side. It is wise not toshift gears when crossing railroad tracks,
just in case your vehicle might stall.
Remember that trains are large, heavy andmay be moving faster than they seem.

Crossings may have an “exempt” or “tracks
out-of-service” sign. “Tracks out-of-service”
means the crossing is no longer used bytrains. “Exempt” means certain vehicles
are not required to stop before crossing
tracks marked “exempt” or “tracks out-ofservice.” However, be cautious and lookboth ways before crossing these tracks.

RA

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AD
RO

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IN

IL

R

A WHITE, X-SHAPED SIGN or“CROSSBUCK” with “Railroad Crossing”
on it is located at the railroad crossing. Thissign has the same meaning as a “Yield”
sign. You must yield to crossing trains.

G

Railroad crossing
warning signs

2
TRACKS

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A ROUND YELLOW WARNING
sign with an “X” symbol and black“RR” letters is placed along the road
before you get to a railroad crossing.

3
TRACKSYIELDCOVE RAt some crossings, along with thecrossbuck sign, you will see side-by-side
lights that will flash alternately when atrain is approaching. When the lights areflashing, you must stop and wait until thetrain has passed and the track is clear.

23

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CR

IN
AD
RO

O

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RA

R

R

At some crossings there is also a crossing gate that will lower when a train is coming.
Do not drive around the gate or under a raising or lowering gate. Some crossings also
have a bell or a horn that will sound. Do not cross until the bell or horn has stopped.

CR

IN
AD
RO

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IL

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2
TRACKS

R

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Crossings with more than one train track will often post a sign showing the numberof tracks. These signs warn you there is more than one track and there may be morethan one train crossing. Not all crossings with more than one train track will havethese signs, so it is important to check for more than one track before crossing.

REPORT PROBLEM
OR EMERGENCY
1-800 -555-5555
X-ING 836 597 H
XYZ RAILROAD

A blue REPORT PROBLEM OR EMERGENCY SIGN is at every
highway-railroad crossing. You will see the sign either on the black andwhite cross buck or on the metal box near the crossing. The sign provides
a telephone number to call and report unsafe conditions such as:• A car or truck is stuck on the railroad tracks• Warning signal or crossing gate does not work at a railroad crossing
Use the sign to report any unsafe condition at a railroad crossing.

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24

CO NTE NTSConstruction signs

Left to right: Road Workers Ahead, Road Work Ahead, Flagger Ahead
These construction, maintenance or emergency operations signs are generally diamondor rectangular shaped, orange with black letters or symbols and warn you
about people working on or near the roadway. These warnings include reduced speed,
detours, slow moving construction equipment and lane closures. In work areas, traffic
may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag. You must obey these persons.
Traffic fines double in work areas.

Guide signs
Guide signs help you navigate and inform you of services
available. Some common types of Guide signs are:

EXIT

WEST

MADISON

DEVILS LAKE
STATE PARK
2 MILESNORTH AVE
WEST ST

EAST ST

Destination signs
DESTINATION SIGNS are square or rectangular and are green or brown withwhite lettering. They show directions and distance to various places such as cities,
airports, and state lines, or to special areas such as parks, historical areas or museums.

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25

CO NTE NTSLeft to right: Service signs:
Disabled Access, Hospital
SERVICE SIGNS are square orrectangular and are blue withwhite letters or symbols. They show
the location of various services likerest areas, gas stations, campgrounds
or hospitals. Some disabled signs arewhite with green letters and thebackgrounds on symbols are blue.

US

30

US

51

The shape and color of ROUTENUMBER SIGNS indicate the typeof roadway: Interstate, U.S., state, cityor county road. When planning a trip,
use a road map to determine your route.
During the trip, follow the route signs
to help you get to your destination.

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Blue REFERENCE MARKERS(sometimes called Enhancement Reference
Signs) are designed to improve emergency
responses to highway incidents. They help
with faster emergency response, fastertraffic incident clearance, fewer crash
related delays and fewer secondary crashes.
Reference markers are installed on theright side or in the median. They may beplaced every one to two-tenths of a mile.
Each reference marker includes the
direction of travel, route number,and mile number. The sign inthe example above means:
W: You are westbound
12: You are on Highway 12
254/2: You are at mile marker 254.2

PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Lines and symbols on the roadway divide it
into lanes, tell you when you may pass othervehicles or change lanes, and which lanes
to use for turns. They define pedestrian
walkways and show where you must stop forsigns or traffic signals. Line colors tell you
if you are on a one-way or two-way roadway.

26

CO NTE NTSEdge and lane lines
Lines along the side of the road show you
where the edge of the road is located. A
solid white line indicates the right edgeof the traffic lane on a road. A solidor dashed yellow line indicates the leftedge of traffic lanes going in yourdirection. If you ever find yourself withyellow to your right and white to yourleft, you are going the wrong way.

White lane markings
Multiple lanes of travel in the same
direction are separated by whitelane markings. You will find whitelane markings on freeways andone-way streets, for example.

or in the middle of the block. You
must yield to pedestrians in acrosswalk (marked or unmarked).
Proceed cautiously when approachinga crosswalk on multi-lane roads,
especially when one lane of traffic
has slowed or stopped.
When required to stop because of a signor signal, you must stop before the front of
your vehicle reaches the stop line. If there
is no marked stop line, stop before entering
the marked crosswalk on the near side of theintersection. If there is no marked stop line
nor a marked or unmarked crosswalk, stopat a point nearest the intersecting roadway
where you have a clear view of approachingtraffic, but before entering the intersection.

Yellow lane markings
Lines separating traffic moving in
opposite directions are yellow.

Dashed white lines between lanes oftraffic mean you may cross the lines topass or change lanes if it is safe to do so.
A solid white line between lanes of trafficmeans you should stay in your lane
unless a special situation requires you tochange lanes. You should not cross theline except to avoid a hazard or unless
you are turning within the next block.

Crosswalks and stop lines
Crosswalks define the area where
pedestrians may cross the roadway.
Crosswalks can be at intersections

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Two solid yellow lines between lanesof traffic means neither side can pass.
Exceptions: 1.) You may cross a solid
yellow line to turn into a driveway if it issafe to do so. 2.) You may pass a vehicle,
except an implement of husbandry or anagricultural commercial vehicle, travelingat less than half the speed limit at theplace of passing if it is safe to do so.

27

CO NTE NTSDashed yellow lines mean you may pass, but watch for oncoming traffic.

Some passing zones have signs that tell you where you cannot pass. Where there is both asolid and a dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid
yellow line is on your side. If the dashed line is on your side, you may pass if it is safe to do so.

Shared center lane
Shared center lanes are reserved formaking left turns (or U-turns when they
are permitted) by vehicles traveling ineither direction. On the pavement, leftturn arrows for traffic in one direction
alternate with left-turn arrows for traffic
coming from the other direction. Theselanes are marked on each side by solid
yellow and dashed yellow lines. Be sure youenter the lane only if it is safe to do so.

COVE R28

CO NTE NTSOTHER LANE CONTROLS
Reversible lanes

Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic in one direction at certain times, andin the opposite direction at other times. These lanes are called “reversible lanes”
and are usually marked by double-dashed yellow lines. Before you start driving inthem, check to see which lanes you can use at that time. There may be signs posted
by the side of the road or overhead. Special lights are often used. A green arrowmeans you can use the lane beneath it; a red “X” means you cannot. A flashingyellow “X” means the lane is only for turning. A steady yellow “X” means the use of
the lane is changing and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.

Reserved lanes
On various roadways, one or more lanes may be reserved for special vehicles. Reserved
lanes are marked by signs stating the lane is reserved for special use. They often havea white diamond posted at the side of the road and/or painted on the road surface.
It is illegal to travel in one of these lanes unless operating that type of vehicle, orunless you must turn across the reserved lane in the next half of a block.

BUSES
ONLY
“Transit” or “buses” means thelane is for bus use only.

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BIKES
ONLY“Bikes” means the lane isreserved for bicycles.

29

CO NTE NTSFlex Lane

Some highways allow the use of the shoulder as a travel lane when permitted by signs.
This shoulder use is called a Flex Lane and is separated from the adjacent lane by one
solid yellow line. Shoulder use may be limited to specific times of day based on traffic
volumes and special events. Wisconsin joins more than a dozen other states with parttime shoulder use operation on the Madison Beltline (US 12/18) in Dane County.

Flex Lane is
OPEN

Regulatory
signage

SHOULDER USEPERMITTED ON
GREEN ARROWONLY
MERGE ON YELLOW

Flex Lane is
CLOSING;merge to general
purpose lanes

END of Flex Lane;merge to general
purpose lanes

Flex Lane is
CLOSED

Before you start driving in a Flex Lane, check to see if you can use it at that time. Signs
are posted by the side of the road or overhead, including dynamic message signs. A green
arrow means you can use the lane beneath it; a red “X” means you cannot. A yellow “X”
means the use of the shoulder is changing and you should move out of it as soon as it issafe to do so. Traffic using the shoulder must merge into the adjacent lane when the Flex
Lane ends, which will be indicated by signs. If there is an incident along the Flex Laneroute that requires deactivation of the system, a series of signs prior to the incident will
display yellow and red X’s indicating Flex Lane users merge into the adjacent lane.
No trucks are permitted in the Flex Lane when it is open.

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CO NTE NTSMETERED RAMPS

B

A
C

Some freeway entrance ramps have traffic
signals that function as ramp meters.
Ramp meters more evenly space thenumber of vehicles merging with traffic
already on the freeway. This helps toreduce congestion and the stop and go
traffic flow at freeway entrance points.

BUSES AND
4 RIDERCAR POOLS ONLY
6 AM–9 AM

MON–FRIHigh Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes arereserved for car pools and vehicles withmore 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 example, “HOV 4” means there
must be at least four people in the vehicle.

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FREEWAY

HOW TO
USE A RAMP
METER

D

How to use a ramp meter
A. Ramp meter warning sign
As you enter a metered ramp, you will seea “Ramp Metered When Flashing” sign.
If the sign’s yellow light is not flashing,
you can merge into traffic without
stopping or slowing down.
If the sign’s yellow light is flashing, itmeans the ramp meter is operating.
You should follow these steps when
the ramp meter is operating.
B. Regular traffic lanes
Choose a traffic lane.
C. HOV lane
Certain vehicles can use the High
Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) bypass lane on
the ramp. HOV lanes are for any vehicle
with two or more people, or motorcycles,
buses and emergency vehicles. HOVs muststill obey the traffic signal in their dedicatedlane. Generally, HOV lanes have little
or no waiting. If you are traveling alone,
you can be ticketed for using that lane.

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D. Stop line and signals
At the ramp signal, you should pullcompletely up to the white stop line so
your tires will trigger the sensors in the
pavement to change the light from red
to green. Each lane on the ramp has its
own traffic signal. The traffic signals willalternate between green and red. They
will allow one vehicle to pass throughfor each green light. You should not try
to squeeze through with someone else
during one change to green. If you disobey
a ramp signal, you can be ticketed.
Other features
To keep traffic on the ramp from backing
up onto local streets, sensors in the
pavement will detect if a long line ofvehicles is forming on the ramp. The
sensor will trigger a computer to speed up
the green light. This will shorten the wait
time at the ramp meter. Cameras installedon the ramps help to monitor traffic
flow or, if needed, to assist emergency
personnel in responding to a crash.

RULES FOR DRIVINGROUNDABOUTS
wisconsinroundabouts.gov

General information
for all roundabouts
Roundabouts are becoming more common
in the U.S. because they provide safer
and more efficient traffic flow thanstandard intersections. By keeping traffic
moving one-way in a counterclockwise
direction, there are fewer conflictpoints and traffic flows smoothly.

overall crashes about 35%, when comparedto other types of intersection control.
When driving a roundabout, the samegeneral rules apply as for maneuvering
through any other type of intersection.

Truck apron
Large vehicles need more space whendriving in a roundabout. A truck apron is a
paved area on the inside of the roundabout
for the rear wheels of large trucks to use
when turning, sometimes referred to as
off-tracking. Truck aprons are not to be
used by cars, SUVs or pickup trucks.

Steps for drivinga roundabout
1. Slow down. Obey traffic signs.
2. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Yield to traffic on your left
already in the roundabout.
4. Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
5. Keep your speed low within
the roundabout.
6. As you approach your exit, turnon your right turn signal.
7. Yield to pedestrians andbicycles as you exit.

Emergency vehicles
in the roundabout• Always yield to emergency vehicles.
• If you have not entered theroundabout, pull over and allow
emergency vehicles to pass.
• If you have already entered
the roundabout, safely exit
the roundabout at the next
right, then pull over and allow
emergency vehicles to pass.
• Avoid stopping in the roundabout.

Crash statistics show that roundabouts
reduce fatal crashes about 90%, reduce
injury crashes about 75%, and reduce

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CO NTE NTSDriving a one-lane roundabout

This example above shows the traffic movement patterns through a one-lane roundabout.

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33

CO NTE NTSDriving a roundabout with two or more lanes

Choose the proper lane before entering. As you get closer to the roundabout
entrance, it is very important to observe the signs and arrows to determine whichlane to use before entering a roundabout. Black and white signs on the side of theroad and white arrows on the road will show the correct lane to use. In general, if
you want to make a left turn, you should be in the left lane or other lanes that are
signed and marked as left turn lanes. If you want to make a right turn, you should
be in the right lane or other lanes that are signed and marked as right turn lanes. If
you want to go straight, observe the signs and arrows to see what lane is correct.
Left turns/U-turns: use left lane
• When approaching theroundabout, use the left lane, orother lanes that are signed andmarked as a left turn lane.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Yield to all traffic on your left
before entering the roundabout.

COVE R• Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
• Stay in your lane.
• Use your right turn signal
to exit the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians in the
crosswalk at the exit.

34

CO NTE NTSGoing straight: use right lane orleft lane• When approaching theroundabout, choose the correctlane for your desired exit.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Yield to all traffic on your left
before entering the roundabout.
• Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
• Stay in your lane.
• Use your right turn signal
to exit the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians in the
crosswalk at the exit.
Right turns: use right lane
• When approaching theroundabout, use the right lane,or other lanes that are signed andmarked as a right turn lane.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Yield to all traffic on your left
before entering the roundabout.
• Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
• Stay in your lane.
• Use your right turn signal
to exit the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians in the
crosswalk at the exit.
Large vehicles• Large vehicles need more
space in a roundabout.
• All drivers should be cautious andavoid driving next to or passing
large trucks while approaching andmaneuvering through a roundabout.

COVE R• A truck apron is a paved area
inside a roundabout.
• It is for the rear wheels of large
trucks to use when turning.
• Trucks may cross into otherlanes or onto the truck apron.
• Truck aprons are not to be usedby cars, SUVs or pickup trucks.

GENERAL RULES ABOUT
TRAFFIC LANES
When there are no signs or markings
to control the use of lanes, there arerules that indicate which lane is to
be used. These rules cover generaldriving, passing and turning.

General driving
It is illegal and unsafe to back a vehicle
in any travel lane unless you are parallel
parking or completing a Y-turn. Drivers do
not expect a vehicle to be backing toward
them and may not realize it until it is toolate. If you miss your turn or exit on afreeway, do not back up. Go on to the next
exit where you can exit and re-enter the
freeway to go back to the exit you missed.
Do not stop in travel lanes for any
reason (confusion, breakdowns, lettingout a passenger). Keep moving until
you can safely pull off the road.
On a road with two or more lanes travelingin the same direction, stay in the right lane
except to pass. On a road with three ormore lanes traveling in the same direction,
stay as far to the right as practical.
As a general rule, never drive on an
unpaved shoulder of the road.

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CO NTE NTS

Passing

Multiple turn lanes

You should never pass on the shoulder.
However, a paved shoulder may be used
to pass a stopped vehicle or one that is
slowing to make a left turn. On multilane roads, the left-most lane is intended
to be used for passing slower vehicles. If
you pass on the right, the other driver
may have difficulty seeing you and mightsuddenly change lanes in front of you.

TURNING
The safest way to make turns is to go from
one travel lane to the other as directlyas possible without crossing lane lines
or interfering with other traffic. Onceyou have completed your turn, you canchange to another lane if you need to.
Do not drive in a reserved lane. Reserved
lanes or those marked for parking, or
restricted to buses, bicycles, or marked
for turns only, are not travel lanes except
for buses or bicycles. You should only
drive in them when you are within halfa block of where you plan to turn. When
you need to move into a restricted laneto turn right and a bicyclist is beside orahead of you in that lane, slow down,
signal your lane change and move into therestricted lane behind the bicyclist. Safely
make your turn when the lane is clear.
If you start turning at an intersection,
do not change your mind about turning.
Last second changes can cause a crash.
Complete your turn and go on to the next
intersection where you can turn and work
your way back to where you want to go.

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If there are signs or lane markings thatallow for two or more turning lanes,
stay in your lane during the turn.

Right turns

After checking traffic to the rear andsignaling, move into the travel lane
farthest to the right. Before starting toturn, look right and left. Remember toyield the right-of-way, if necessary. Moveyour vehicle around the corner and into
the travel lane farthest to the right.

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CO NTE NTS

Watch for large trucks and buses
making right turns. In order to makethe turn, they may need to swing left
before turning right. Do not attempt
to pass these vehicles on the right.

Do not swing wide as shownin the examples above.
Avoid swinging wide to the left before
starting to make the turn. The driver behind
you may think you are changing lanes orgoing to turn left and may try to pass you on
the right. If you swing wide as you complete
the turn, drivers in the far lane will not
expect to see you encroaching on their lane.

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CO NTE NTSLeft turns

Figure 1: One way onto one way

Figure 3: One way onto two way

Figure 2: One way with multiple
turns onto one way

Figure 4: Two way onto one way

On a left turn or U-turn, turn into the travel lane farthest to the left goingin your direction; (See Figures 1–4 for examples of the lanes to use when
making a left turn.) This way, you will cross the fewest lanes of traffic.
After checking traffic to the rear and signaling, move into the turn lane (if there is one) or
the travel lane farthest to the left. If there is a bicyclist ahead of you in the turn lane, slow
down and follow the bicyclist through the turn. Before starting to turn, look left, right,
across the intersection, then left again. Remember to yield the right-of-way, if necessary.

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CO NTE NTS

Figure 5
Pull out toward the midpoint of the intersection. (See center dot in
Figure 5.) Wait, with wheels straight, until it is clear to turn. If the traffic
light turns red, complete the turn when it is safe. Keep just left of the
midpoint (center dot in Figure 5) of the intersection as you turn.
Don’t turn the wheels while you are waiting to make a left turn or U-turn. If your wheels
are turned and you are hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.

Figure 6: Two approaching left turns
Be sure to leave room for oncoming vehicles to turn left in front of you. (See Figure 6.)
Be aware of traffic approaching on your left. When you make a left turn,avoid cutting the corner so sharply that you run into traffic approachingon your left. When you make a U-turn, watch for cars turning righton-red that may not watch for you and yield as they should.
If you follow a bicyclist through a left turn, you may pass the bicyclist after you complete
the turn and it is safe to pass. Remember to give bicyclists at least three feet of space.

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U-turnY-turnThis is used in the driving exam as atest of skill and judgement. It is notrecommended for use in general driving,but may be used in residential areas
on streets too narrow for a U-turn.

2

4

1
A U-turn is a turn within the road, madein one smooth U-shaped motion, so as toend up traveling in the opposite direction.
You may not make a U-turn:• At any intersection where a police
officer is controlling traffic unless theofficer instructs you to make a U-turn.
• In mid-block on any street in abusiness district or in mid-blockon a through (main) highway
in a residential district, except
where the street or highway is
divided and the turn is made ata legal opening or crossover.
• At any place where signs
prohibit such turns.
• Upon a curve or upon the approachto or near the crest of a grade on
any undivided highway where thevehicle cannot be seen by the driverof any other vehicle with 500 feetapproaching from any direction.
• At any place where a U-turn
cannot be made safely or without
interfering with other traffic.

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How to make a Y-turn
1. Check for traffic in your mirrors
and blind spot. Signal right. Pull
as far right as possible and stop.
2. Check traffic in mirrors and blind
spot. When the way is clear, signal
left. Make a left-angle turn to the
opposite curb or side of the road.
3. Check traffic to left and right. Turn
front wheels as far right as possible.
Looking behind the vehicle, backfar enough so the vehicle clears the
curb when you pull forward.
4. Check traffic to left and right andproceed when the way is clear.

40

CO NTE NTSRIGHT-OF-WAY
Vehicles or pedestrians are likely tomeet one another where there are nosigns or lights to control traffic. These
rules tell who goes first and who must
wait in different traffic situations. The
one who must wait is yielding rightof-way to the one who goes first.
The law says who must yield the rightof-way. It does not give anyone the rightof-way. You should do everything you
can to keep from hitting a pedestrianor another vehicle. This includes
bicycles and animal-drawn vehicles.

Intersections
At an intersection where there are nosigns or traffic lights, you must yieldto vehicles coming from the right.

You must yield to traffic already in aroundabout, traffic circle or rotary.
You must yield to cross traffic if
your roadway dead-ends.

Passing
When passing a vehicle traveling in thesame direction, you must yield to it even
if it is slowing or coming to a stop.

Pedestrians
You must yield where necessary
to avoid striking pedestrians
who are crossing the road.
You must yield to pedestrians
when you are entering or exiting adriveway, alley or parking lot.
You must stop before crossing a sidewalk if
you are entering or crossing a highway froma driveway, alley or parking lot. It is illegal
to drive on a sidewalk except to cross it.

At a four-way stop, the driver reaching theintersection first goes first (after coming to
a complete stop.) If more than one vehicle
arrives at the same time, the vehicle on theright goes first. You must yield to vehicles
already on the main road if you are entering
a road from a driveway, alley or roadside.

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41

CO NTE NTSPedestrians using a dog guide or carrying a white cane have absolute rightof-way (even if not at an intersection.) Do not use your horn as it could startle
the blind pedestrian. If you see anyone in the roadway with a dog guide or awhite cane, stop at least ten feet away until the person is off the roadway.

Left turns/U-turns

Drivers making a left turn or U-turn must yield to vehicles
approaching from the opposite direction, including bicycles.

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Emergency vehicles
You must yield the right-of-way to police
vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances or otheremergency vehicles using a siren, air hornor a red or blue flashing light. Pull overto the right edge of the road or as nearto the right as possible and stop when
you see or hear an emergency vehicle
approaching from any direction. Follow
any instructions given over the emergency
vehicle’s loud- speaker. If you are in anintersection, including a roundabout,drive through the intersection before you
pull over. If the emergency vehicle
using lights or siren is on the otherside of a divided highway, you do
not need to pull over and stop.
You must not pass an emergency vehicle
that is about to back into, or is backing into,
the driveway entrance of a fire station. It
is illegal to pass or follow within 500 feetof a moving emergency vehicle with its
red or blue lights on and siren operating.
This includes while driving on freeways
or other limited access highways.

Move over or slow down law

or maintenance vehicles, public utility,
telecommunication carrier or cooperative
association vehicles stopped on or neara highway and using flashing warning
lights, you must move into a lane notnearest the stopped vehicle and travel inthat lane until you have safely passed thestopped vehicle(s). If it is unsafe to moveinto another lane, slow down until you
have safely passed the stopped vehicle(s).

Animals
People riding animals or driving animaldrawn vehicles on a roadway have the samerights and duties as motor vehicle operators.
To avoid scaring the animals, do not soundyour horn near them. Slow down and keepa safe distance away while passing them.
You should yield the right-of-way tolivestock on or along the highway. However,the person in charge of the livestock must
try to open the way for traffic. If the person
in charge of the animals gives a signalof distress, you must stop or do what isnecessary to avoid injury or a crash.

Funeral processions
Only the first vehicle in a funeralprocession must obey traffic signs andsignals. Vehicles in the procession musthave headlights on. Do not cut into orinterfere with a funeral procession.

When approaching law enforcement orother emergency vehicles, tow trucks,
road machinery, highway construction

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43

CO NTE NTSSCHOOL BUSES

STOP
minimum 20 feet

STOP
minimum 20 feetTwo-lane highway
STOP
minimum 20 feet

STOP
minimum 20 feet

Multi-lane highway
You must stop a minimum of 20 feet from a stopped
school bus with its red lights flashing.
You must stop whether the school bus is on your side of the road, the opposite
side of the road or at an intersection that you are approaching.
After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along
the side of the road. Do not go until they have completely left the roadway.

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for at least 500 feet in either direction.
Your parking lights and taillights
must be on if it is dark outside.
• Get out of the vehicle on the curb
side if you can. If you have to use
the street side, check traffic before
you open the door. Shut the door assoon as you can after getting out.
• Never leave the ignition key ina parked vehicle. It is a good
habit to lock the doors whenever
you leave your vehicle.
• If you must park on a roadway,park your vehicle as far away fromtraffic as possible. If there is a curb,
park as close to it as you can.

STOP
minimum 20 feet

Divided highway
Divided highways (roadways): Unlesssigns say other-wise, you are not required tostop for a school bus if you are driving in the
opposite direction on a divided highway.

PARKINGYou are responsible for making sure yourvehicle is not a hazard when it is parked.
Whenever you park, be sure it is in a place
far enough from any travel lane to avoid
interfering with traffic and that is visible tovehicles approaching from either direction.
• Park in a designated parking
area if possible.
• Always set your parking brakewhen you park. Leave the vehicle
in the lowest gear if it has a manualtransmission, or in “park” if it
has an automatic transmission.
• A possible exception to this is duringcold weather when it is possible theparking brake could freeze in the“on” position. At such times, you may
choose to leave the parking brakeoff. Your vehicle should still be left
in the lowest gear or in “park”.
• If parked on a rural highway, youmust leave at least 15 feet of roadwidth for other traffic to pass yourvehicle. Your vehicle must be visible

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How to park on a hill

Left to right: Down hill with or withoutcurb, Up hill with curb, Up hill without curb
1. Check for traffic in your mirrors andblind spot. Signal right. Pull over as
far right as possible and stop. Slow
as you are moving out of traffic.
2. Turn your wheels sharply to the left if
there is a curb and you face uphill.
3. Turn your wheels sharply to theright if there is no curb or if you
face downhill. See the illustrations.
This way, if your vehicle starts toroll, it will roll away from traffic.
4. Set your emergency brake and place
your vehicle in park. If your vehicle
has manual transmission, shift into

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CO NTE NTS

reverse if parking downhill or into
the lowest gear if parking uphill.
5. To resume travel, put your turn signal
on, check mirrors and blind spot. Whensafe, pull out into your traffic lane.

No parking zones• On the road side of a parked
vehicle (double parking)• On railroad tracks• Wherever a sign says you cannot park.

How to parallel park
1

There are many areas where you
cannot park. Check for signs which may
prohibit or limit parking. Some parking
restrictions are indicated by painted
curb markings (usually yellow).
Do not park in the following locations:• In an intersection• In a construction area if yourvehicle will block traffic• Within 15 feet of a crosswalk
or intersection• Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant• Within 25 feet of a railroad crossing• More than one foot from the curb
• Within 15 feet of a fire station
driveway on the same side of
the street or directly acrossfrom the entrance• Within 4 feet of a driveway, alley, or
private road, or blocking the areaof the curb removed or lowered
for access to the sidewalk• In front of a school (grades K–
eight) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
on school days, or as posted• On a bridge or overpass, orin a tunnel or underpass• On the wrong side of thestreet (opposing traffic)• In a space marked for the disabled,
unless you have a special parking
permit or plates for the disabled

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2

3

4

Observe other traffic, pedestrians andfixed objects throughout these steps.
1. Check traffic in rear-view mirrors
as you slow. Put your turn signal on.
Stop even with the vehicle ahead
and about 2 feet away from it.
2. Turn wheels right and slowly backtoward the vehicle behind. As thefront door passes the back bumperof the vehicle ahead, straighten thewheels and continue to back straight.
3. When clear of the vehicle ahead,turn wheels sharply left and backslowly to the vehicle behind. Be
looking to the sidewalk area andtowards the vehicle behind you.
4. Turn wheels right and pull toward thecenter of the parking space. Straighten
wheels unless you are on a hill. Whenthe maneuver is finished, your vehicle
should be within 12 inches of the
curb or edge of the road, and at least
2 feet away from parked vehicles.
To resume travel, put your turn signal
on, check mirrors and blind spot. Whensafe, pull out into your traffic lane.

46

CO NTE NTSDIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE (DDI)A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is designed to intuitively guidemotorists through the interchange. This type of interchange has been shown toincrease capacity and safety, decrease congestion and minimize the cost of new
infrastructure. You will encounter the first DDI in Wisconsin at the I-39/90 and
WIS 11 (Avalon Road) interchange, south of Janesville. Find more information
at: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/safety-eng/inter-design/ddi.aspx

Advantages of a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
Safety: Reduces the number of ways vehicles can collide by almost half
(14 compared to 26 for a conventional diamond interchange).
Greater capacity and efficiency: Accommodates more traffic than conventional
designs. Drivers make free-flow right and left turns onto the major freeway.
Easy navigation: Guides drivers with overhead signs,
pavement marking and traffic signals.
Meets the needs of all road users: Accommodates
large trucks, vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
When driving a DDI, the same general rules apply as formaneuvering through any other type of intersection.

Navigating a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)• Drivers follow the signs, signals and pavement markings to cross through theintersection at the first set of traffic lights. Traffic appears as if on a one-way street.

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CO NTE NTS• All left turns onto the freeway are free flow, meaningvehicles do not stop to access the ramp.
• Vehicles going straight simply proceed through a second set of traffic lights.
• Pedestrians travel on designated walkways and cross only at the crosswalks.
• Bicyclists may choose to use the bike lane or pedestrian walkways and crosswalks.

SAFE DRIVING TIPS
No driver manual alone can teach you how to operate a vehicle or be a safe
driver. Driving requires skills you can gain only through instruction andpractice. The following offers some basic driving information.

Starting
Check your vehicle owner’s manual for how to best start your vehicle. Make
sure the parking brake is on before you start the vehicle. If your vehicle has amanual transmission, it must be in neutral. In some vehicles, the clutch must be
depressed. For a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, you must put the shift
selector in “park.” On some vehicles, the brake pedal must also be depressed.

Accelerating
Accelerate gradually and smoothly. Trying to start too fast can cause thedrive wheels to spin and will cause your vehicle to slide. With a manualshift vehicle, practice coordinating use of the clutch and accelerator toprevent killing or over-revving the engine when shifting gears.

Steering

Left to right: Correct hand position, Incorrect hand position, Incorrect hand position
Both hands should be on the steering wheel, except when making necessary
adjustments to the driving controls. To help avoid injury if your vehicle’s air bag
goes off, it is best to hold the steering wheel with your right hand at 3:00 andyour left hand at 9:00. Never drive with your hands at the top of the steering
wheel or with your hands, thumbs, fingers or arms resting on the center ofthe steering wheel. It is recommended not to wrap your thumbs around thesteering wheel spokes. When you complete a turn, straighten out the steering
wheel by hand. Letting it slip through your fingers could be dangerous.

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CO NTE NTSLook well down the road (10 to 15 seconds
ahead) and on both sides of the road, not at
the road just in front of your vehicle. Look
for traffic situations where you will need tosteer before you get to them. This way, youhave time to steer smoothly and safely.

35 mph: In outlying parts of cities
or villages, or semi-urban districts
outside cities or villages.

Stopping

65 mph: On rural interstate highways
and some posted freeways andexpressways. Look for speed limit signs.

Be alert so you know well ahead of time
when you will need to stop. Stopping
suddenly is dangerous and usually meansa driver was not paying attention. When
you brake quickly, you could skid and lose
control of your vehicle. You also makeit harder for drivers behind you to stop
without hitting you, especially if the roadis slippery and/or there is a large vehicle
behind you that cannot stop quickly.

55 mph: On any highway or freeway in
Wisconsin, except on multi-lane freeways
and expressways posted for 65 or 70 mph.

70 mph: On some posted freeways andexpressways. Look for speed limit signs.
Speed limits are posted on many roads.
Posted speed limits do not tell you atwhat speed you should drive. They only
say you cannot go faster than the speed
shown. By law, you must go slower if
conditions make the posted speed unsafe.

Try to avoid panic stops by seeing events
well in advance. By slowing down orchanging lanes, you may not have tostop at all and if you do, you can makea more gradual and safer stop.

It is illegal to exceed the posted speed
limit. Racing on the highway anddriving recklessly are not allowed.
You may not exceed the speed
limit to pass another vehicle.

Do not coast (transmission in neutralor clutch depressed) while driving.
Stay in “gear” so you have the braking
power of the engine available.

Speeding does not save you much time. If
you travel 20 miles at 66 mph in a 55 mph
zone, you only save 3.6 minutes. You canbe stopped and ticketed, in which case you
would lose more than 3.6 minutes, andyou will be assessed points and a fine.

SPEED LIMITS
Maximum speeds in Wisconsin,
unless otherwise posted:
15 mph: Within a school zone or
school crossing when children and/or a crossing guard are present, in analley, or passing a safety zone where abus has stopped to load or unload.

Wisconsin law says you must not drive
so slowly that you interfere with thenormal and reasonable movementof traffic. You can be ticketed for
impeding traffic. Some highways haveminimum posted speed limits.

25 mph: On residential
and business streets.

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49

CO NTE NTSSEEING WELL

Scanning

Most of what you do in driving depends
on what you see. To be a good driver,
you need to see well. The single biggest
contributor to crashes is failing to see what
is happening. You must look down the road,to the sides and behind your vehicle, andbe alert for unexpected events. At night
and at other times when it’s hard to see andbe seen, you must use your headlights.

To be a good driver, you must knowwhat is happening around your vehicle.
You must look ahead, to the sides andbehind the vehicle. Scanning helps you
see problems ahead, vehicles and people
that may be in the road by the time youreach them, signs warning of problems
ahead and signs giving you directions.

You must be alert to what is going on aroundyou. Many crashes occur because drivers do
not pay enough attention to their driving.
Do not take your eyes off the road for morethan a few seconds at any one time. If you
need to look at a map, pull safely off theroad before you try to look at it. Do not try
to read the map while you are driving.

Top: Look one quarter mile ahead,

Remember that cars and trucks are not the
only “users” of the road. In many crashes
with motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians,
drivers say they looked but did not see them.
Never underestimate the size or speedof an approaching truck or bus. Becauseof their large size, they often appear to
be traveling at a slower speed than they
actually are. Give them extra room.
Do not slow down just to look at a crash,someone getting a ticket or other roadsideactivity. This could cause you to be in acrash. If you take your eyes off the roadto look at something, you could run into avehicle ahead that has slowed or stopped.
When you pass these roadside activities,
keep your eyes on the road and get pastthem as soon and as safely as you can.

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Bottom: Look one block ahead
Look ahead
In order to avoid last-minute braking or theneed to turn, you should look well down theroad. By looking well ahead and being readyto stop or change lanes if needed, you candrive more safely, save on fuel, help keep
traffic moving at a steady pace and allow
yourself time to see better around yourvehicle and alongside the road. Looking welldown the road will also help you to steer
straighter with less weaving. Safer drivers
tend to look 10 to 15 seconds ahead of theirvehicle. How far is this? It is the distanceyour vehicle will travel in 10 to 15 seconds.

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CO NTE NTS

In the city, 10 to 15 seconds is about one
block. When you drive in city traffic, you
should try to look at least one block ahead.
On the highway, 10 to 15 seconds is about
4 city blocks, or a quarter of a mile.
How do you know how many seconds
you are looking ahead? Here is how tofigure how far ahead you are looking.
1. Find a non-moving object like asign or tree near the road about as
far ahead as you are looking.
2. Start counting: one-thousand-one,
one-thousand-two, one-thousandthree, etc., until you reach the object.
3. The number of seconds you havecounted is the number of seconds
you were looking ahead.
You can be a safer driver by looking wellahead. You can reduce the need to stop or
turn quickly. The less you have to stop or
turn quickly, the less likely you are to run
into someone or have someone run into you.
By looking well ahead, you can save on
fuel. Every time you have to stop quickly,
it takes time and fuel to get your vehicle
back up to speed. Drivers who look ahead
can slow down gradually, or change
lanes to avoid unnecessary braking
that leads to lower miles-per-gallon.
Traffic flows more smoothly when everyone
looks well ahead. Making driving changes
before the last moment gives drivers behind
you more time to react. The earlier you
act, the less often someone behind you has
to quickly react to your vehicle. By seeing
needed driving changes early, you candrive more safely and that helps drivers
behind you drive more safely, too. It also
keeps traffic moving at a steady pace.

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Look to the sides
Because other vehicles or pedestrians
may cross or enter your path anytime,
you should look to the sides to make sureno one is coming. This is especially true
at intersections and railroad crossings.
Intersections
Intersections are any place where traffic
merges or crosses. They include crossstreets, side streets, driveways andshopping center or parking lot entrances,and railroad crossings. Before you enter
an intersection, look to both the left
and right for approaching vehicles and/or crossing pedestrians. If stopped, look
to both the left and right just before you
start moving. Look across the intersection
before you start to move to make surethe path is clear all the way through theintersection, and that you will not block it
if you have to stop. Then look left again.
Do not rely on traffic signals or signs totell you that no one will be crossing infront of you. Some drivers do not obey, or
may not notice, traffic signals or signs. At
an intersection, look left and right, evenif other traffic has a red light or a stop
sign. This is especially important justafter the light has turned green. This iswhen people on the cross street are most
likely to hurry through the intersection
before the light changes to red. Individuals
who have been drinking and reckless oraggressive drivers may also run red lights.

51

CO NTE NTSSTOPMake sure you can clearly see crossing
traffic before entering a controlledintersection (one with a stop sign orlight). If you are stopped and your viewof a cross street is blocked, slowly moveahead and stop again before entering
the intersection. Check for cross traffic
and pedestrians before proceeding.
If you are coming to an uncontrolledintersection, slow down so you can safely
see up and down the cross street before
crossing it. If your view is blocked at an
uncontrolled intersection, be prepared tobrake, if needed, as you slowly edge forward
until you can see up and down the crossstreet. By slowly moving forward, crossing
drivers can see the front of your vehicle
and it gives them a chance to slow down
and warn you that they are approaching.
Whenever there is a lot of activity along
the side of the road, there is a good chancethat someone will cross or enter the road.
Therefore, it is very important to look to thesides when you are near shopping centersand parking lots, construction areas, busy
sidewalks, playgrounds and school yards.

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Railroad crossings
As you approach any railroad crossing
slow down and look up and down the
tracks to make sure a train is not coming.
Do not assume a train is not coming
even if you have never seen one at thatcrossing before. Assuming a train is not
coming is one of the leading causes offatalities at railroad crossings. Make
sure there is room for your vehicle on
the far side before you cross the tracks.
At crossings with more than one track, wait
until the passing train is well down the
track before starting to cross. Another train
may be hidden by the one that just passed.
Be especially watchful if you are following
a bicyclist or motorcyclist across railroad
tracks. They may swerve in order tocross the tracks at a 90° angle so theirtires don’t get caught in the tracks.
Look behind
Besides watching traffic ahead of you, youmust check traffic behind you. Check yourmirrors every 6 to 8 seconds. You will needto check more often than that when trafficis heavy. This is the only way you willknow if someone is following too closely
or coming up too fast, and it will give youtime to do something about it. It is very
important to look for vehicles behind you
when you change lanes, slow down, backup, or are driving down a long or steep hill.
When going down a long or steep hill,
check your mirrors frequently. Vehicles
often build up speed going down a steep
grade. Be alert for large trucks and buses
behind you that may be going too fast.

52

CO NTE NTSWhen changing lanes
Whenever you want to change lanes, youmust check to make sure there are novehicles in the lane you want to enter.
You must check for traffic to the side andbehind your vehicle before you change
lanes. Changing lanes includes changing
from one lane to another, merging onto
a roadway from an entrance ramp, andentering the roadway from the curb or
shoulder. When changing lanes, you should:• Look in your rear viewand side mirrors.
• Make sure there are no vehicles
in the lane you want to enter.
• Make sure nobody isabout to pass you.

Blind spots
Look over your shoulder in the direction
you plan to move. Be sure no one is near
the rear corners of your vehicle. These
areas are called blind spots because
you cannot see them in your mirrors.
To see vehicles in your blind spot, youneed to turn your head and look.

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Check quickly
Do not take your eyes off the road ahead
for more than an instant. Traffic aheadof you could stop suddenly while you arelooking to the sides, rear or over yourshoulder. Also, use your mirrors to checktraffic while you are preparing to merge
or pull onto the roadway. This way you
can keep an eye on vehicles ahead of
you at the same time. Just before youchange lanes, check over your shoulder for
traffic in your blind spot. You must keep
track of what traffic is doing in front of
you and in the lane you are entering.
Check the far lane, if there is one, as
someone in that lane may be planning tomove into the same lane you want to enter.

Check for other road users. Remember, there
are other road users such as motorcycles,
bicycles and pedestrians that are harder to
see than cars and trucks. Children may run
or ride out into the road without looking.
Be especially alert when you are entering
the roadway from the curb or driveway.
Signal before you change direction.

53

CO NTE NTSWhen you slow down
You must check behind your vehicle
whenever you slow down. This is very
important when you slow down quickly
or at points where a driver following you
would not expect you to slow down, suchas private driveways or parking spaces.
When you back up
It is hard for you to see behind your vehicle.
Try to do as little backing as possible.
Where backing is necessary, here are somehints to help you back your vehicle safely.
• Check behind your vehicle
before you get in it. Children or
small objects often cannot beseen from the driver’s seat.
• Do not depend on your rearview
or side mirrors to see things
around you. You should turn andlook directly through the rearwindow. Place one hand overthe passenger seat if needed.
• Back slowly: no faster than a slow
walk. Your vehicle is much harder
to steer while you are backing.
• Whenever possible, use a person
outside the vehicle to help you back.
• When you are done backing up,
scan around you, left and right,
before moving into traffic.

Watch out for deer
The number and severity of collisions
between motor vehicles and deer continues
to increase. In fact, deer are the third mostcommonly struck object in Wisconsin, withother vehicles and fixed objects topping
the list. However, there are some things

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you can do to reduce your risk of hitting
a deer. Be especially alert for deer in
October and November, the months withthe highest number of car/deer crashes.

• Deer are most active in the dusk
to dawn hours, so you should be
especially alert while driving during
those times. Scan the sides of the roadto watch for the reflection of yourvehicle headlights in the eyes of deer.
• If you see such a reflection on theside of the road, slow down. Blow thehorn and be ready to stop. Always
watch for more than one deer.
• While deer crossings typically occur
in rural settings, deer sometimes
wander into towns or even cities.
Deer may cross anywhere, anytime.

Use your lights
It is much harder to see at night.
Here are some things you can dothat will help you see better:• Use your high beams whenever there
are no oncoming vehicles. High beams
let you see twice as far as low beams.
It is important to use high beams on
unfamiliar roads, in construction
areas, or where there may be
people along the side of the road.

54

CO NTE NTSCOMMUNICATING
500 feet

500 feet• Dim your high beams whenever
you come within 500 feet (abouta one block distance) of an
oncoming vehicle, including
horse-drawn carriages.
• Use your low beams when you arecloser than 500 feet behind anothervehicle or when in heavy traffic.
• Use the low beams in fog or when
it is snowing or raining hard. Light
from high beams will reflect back,causing glare and making it moredifficult to see ahead. Some vehicles
have fog lights that you should
also use under these conditions.
• Do not drive at any time with only
your parking lights on. Parking
lights are for parking only.
• If a driver approaching you fails to
dim their headlights, you may flash
your high beams to let them know.
If they still don’t dim the lights, looktoward the right side of the road. This
will keep you from being blinded by
the other vehicle’s headlights andwill allow you to see enough of theedge of the road to stay on course
until the other vehicle has passed.
Wisconsin law: You must have yourheadlights on when driving from half
an hour after sunset to half an hour
before sunrise, and at any other time
you cannot see a vehicle or person on
the roadway at a distance of 500 feet.

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Crashes often happen because one driver
does not see another driver, or when
one driver does something anotherdriver does not expect. It is importantfor you to let other road users know you
are there and what you plan to do.

Let others know
you are there
Some drivers do not always pay
attention to what is going on aroundthem. It is important for other road
users to know you are there.
Use headlights
Besides helping you see at night, headlights
help other people see you at any time.
Remember to turn on your headlights
whenever you have trouble seeing
others. If you have trouble seeing them,
they will have trouble seeing you.

On rainy, snowy or foggy days, it issometimes hard for other drivers to
see your vehicle. In these conditions,
headlights make your vehicle easier tosee. A good rule to follow is if you turn on
your wipers, turn on your headlights.
Turn on your headlights when it begins to
get dark. Even if you turn them on a little
early, it will help other drivers see you.

55

CO NTE NTSWhenever it’s necessary to drive with yourlights on, use your headlights. Parking
lights are for parked vehicles only.

• When you are passing a driver who
starts to turn into your lane.
• When a driver is not paying attention
or may have trouble seeing you.
• When coming to a place where
you cannot see what is ahead:a steep hill, a sharp curve or
exiting a narrow alley.

When driving away from a rising or setting
sun, turn on your headlights. Drivers
coming toward you may have trouble
seeing your vehicle because of the glare.
Your headlights will help them see you.
Daytime running lights
Some newer vehicles have headlights thatare on anytime the vehicle is running. They
are called daytime running lights. Theselights make it easier for others to see thevehicle, even in daylight. It helps to reducethe chance of a crash. However, daytime
running lights are not meant to replace theuse of headlights for night driving or when it
is foggy, raining or snowing. If your vehicle
does not have daytime running lights, you
can get the same effect by manually turning
your headlights on. Just remember to turnthem off when you turn the engine off.
Use your horn
People cannot see you unless they arelooking your way. Your horn can get theirattention. Use it whenever it will help
prevent a crash. If there is no immediate
danger, a light tap on the horn should be
all you need. Give your horn a light tap:
• When a person on foot or on abicycle appears to be moving
into your lane of travel. However,pedestrians and bicyclists
crossing at an intersection
have the right-of-way. Do not
use your horn in these instances,
but do yield the right-of-way.

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If there is danger, do not be afraid to sounda SHARP BLAST on your horn. Do this:• When another vehicle is indanger of hitting you.
• When you have lost control ofyour vehicle and are moving
towards someone.
When NOT to use your horn
You should not use your horn inthe following circumstances:• Encouraging someone to drive
faster or get out of the way.
• Informing other drivers of an error.
• Greeting a friend.
• Around blind pedestrians.
• Around animal-drawn vehicles oranimals being herded on the roadway.
Use emergency signals
If your vehicle breaks down on ahighway, make sure other drivers cansee it. All too often, crashes occur
because a driver did not see a stalled
vehicle until it was too late to stop.

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CO NTE NTSStay out of the blind spot
Drive your vehicle where others can see you.
Do not drive in another vehicle’s blind spot.
Try to avoid driving in the area on eitherside of and slightly to the rear of anothervehicle where you will be in their blind spot.
Either speed up or drop back so the otherdriver can see your vehicle more easily.
200-300 feet

Try to warn other road users that yourvehicle is there. Place emergency flaresor triangles behind it. This allows otherdrivers to change lanes if necessary.
If available, use your cellphone to notify
authorities that your vehicle or anotherhas broken down. Many roadways havesigns that tell you the telephone number
to call in an emergency. If you are having
vehicle trouble and have to stop:• Get your vehicle off the road andaway from traffic, if at all possible.
• Turn on your (4-way)emergency flashers to show
you are having trouble.
• Try to stop where other drivers
have a clear view of your vehicle
if you cannot get completely off
the road. (Do not stop just overa hill or just around a curve.)• Stand off of the road where
you are safe from traffic. Use
emergency flares or other warning
devices if you have them.
• Never stand in the roadway. Do
not try to change a tire if it means
you will be in a traffic lane.
• Raise the hood or tie a white clothto the antenna, side mirror or door
handle to signal an emergency.

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When passing another vehicle, getthrough the other driver’s blind spotas quickly as you can. The longer you
stay there, the longer you are in danger
because they may not see you.
No-Zone

No-Zone

No-Zone

No-ZoneNever stay alongside or right behind a large
vehicle such as a truck or bus. Many drivers
think truck drivers can see the road better
because they sit twice as high as the driverof a car. While truckers can see ahead
better, and trucks have bigger mirrors, they
have very serious blind spots. A car candisappear from their view while it is up to
20 feet in front of the cab, on either sideof the truck (especially alongside the cab),and up to 200 feet behind! These areas are
all part of what is called the “No Zone”.
Drivers who travel in the “No Zone”
restrict a trucker’s ability to take action
to avoid a dangerous situation—and thepossibility of a crash is increased. A goodrule of thumb for drivers sharing the57

CO NTE NTS

Signal when you slow downYour brake lights let people know that you
are slowing down. Always slow down as
early as it is safe to do so. If you are going tostop or slow down at a place where anotherdriver may not expect it, quickly tap yourbrake pedal 3 or 4 times to let those behind
you know you are about to slow down.

road with a truck or bus is, if you can’t
see the truck or bus driver in theirside mirror, they can’t see you.

Let others know what
you are doing
Generally other drivers expect you tokeep doing what you are doing. You must
warn them when you are going to change
direction or slow down. This will givethem time to react, if needed, or at least
to not be surprised by what you do.

Signal when you slow down:• To turn off a roadway which does nothave separate turn or exit lanes.
• To park or turn just before anintersection. Traffic following
you may expect you to continue
into the intersection.
• To avoid something in the road, orfor stopped or slowing traffic thata driver behind you cannot see.

Signal when you change direction
Signaling gives other drivers time to react
to your moves. You should use your turnsignals before you change lanes, turnright or left, merge into traffic or park.
Get into the habit of signaling every
time you change direction. This includes
signaling before beginning to pass anothervehicle, and before completing the pass.
Signal even when you do not see anyone
else around. It is easy to miss someone
who needs to know what you are doing.

Hand signals
Sometimes, in addition to using yourturn signals, hand and arm signals may
be used. An example would be whenbright sunlight can make it hard for otherdrivers to see your flashing turn signals,
or when driving an antique vehicle (onemanufactured before July 1, 1958) that
may not be equipped with turn signals.

Signal 100 feet before your intended
turn. Be careful that you do not signal
too early, though. If there are streets,
driveways or entrances between you
and where you want to turn, wait until
you have passed them to signal.
If another vehicle is about to enter the street
between you and where you plan to turn,wait until you have passed it to signal yourturn. If you signal earlier, the other driver
may think you plan to turn where they
are and they could pull into your path.
After you have made a turn or lanechange, make sure your turn signal
is off. If you don’t, others might
think you plan to turn again.

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LEFT

RIGHT

STOP

When using hand and arm signals,
these are the standard positions:
Left turn: Hand pointing straight out.
Right turn: Hand pointing up.
Stop or slow down: Hand pointing down.

58

CO NTE NTSADJUSTING SPEED

your vehicle will skid. Always slow down
before you enter a curve so you do nothave to brake while in the curve. Braking
in a curve can cause your vehicle to skid.

The faster your vehicle is going, the moredistance it will take to turn, slow orstop. For example, stopping at 60 mph
does not take twice the distance it takes
at 30 mph, as one might think. It takes
over three times the distance! Driving
safely means obeying speed limits, but
adjusting your speed for road and traffic
conditions, and how well you can see.

Slippery roads

Adjusting to road conditions

Slow down at the first sign of rain, snow
or sleet. They make the roadway slippery.
When the road is slippery, your vehicle’s
tires do not grip as well as they do on a dryroad. How slow should you go? On a wet
road, you should reduce your speed about
10 mph. On packed snow, you should cut
your speed in half. On ice, you must slow toa crawl. It is very dangerous to drive on ice.

There are various road conditions where,
to be safe, you need to slow down. For
example, slow down before a sharp curve,
when the roadway is slippery or when
there is standing water on the road.
The only contact your vehicle has withthe road is through the tires. How good
the tires grip the road depends on thetype and condition of the tires, and thetype and condition of the road surface.

If at all possible, do not drive
when the roads are icy

Many drivers do not pay enough attention
to the condition of their tires or to thecondition of the roadway. It is importantthat your tires be in good condition andhave enough air in them. See your vehicle
owner’s manual for correct tire pressure.
Your tires do not have as much traction on
gravel or dirt roads as they do on concreteor asphalt roads. When driving on gravel
or dirt, you need to slow down. It will takeyou much longer to stop on gravel or dirt
and it is much easier to skid when turning.
CurvesA vehicle can travel much faster in a straightline than it can in a curve. It is easy to go
too fast in a curve. If you go too fast, thetires will not be able to grip the road and

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Some road surfaces are slippery at
certain times or places. Here are someclues to help you spot slippery roads:• Shady spots can be icy on cold,
wet days. These areas freeze
first and dry out last.
• Overpasses and other types ofbridges can have icy spots, even whenother pavement is not icy. This isbecause bridges do not have earth
underneath them to help insulatethem against the cold so they freeze
sooner than other roadways.
• When the temperature is aroundthe freezing point, ice can become
wet. This makes it more slippery
than at colder temperatures.

59

CO NTE NTS• If it starts to rain on a hot day,the pavement can be very slippery
for a while. Heat causes the oilin the asphalt to come to thesurface. The road is more slippery
until the oil is washed off.
Water on the roadway
When it is raining or the road is wet, mosttires have good traction up to about 35
mph. However as you go faster, your tires
will start to ride up on the water, like waterskis. This is called “hydroplaning.” In a
heavy rain, your tires can lose all traction
with the road at about 50 mph. Wide tires
or tires that are bald or badly worn will lose
traction at much lower speeds. The best
way to keep from hydroplaning is to slow
down in the rain or when the road is wet.
If it feels like your tires have lost traction
with the surface of the road, you should:• Ease your foot off the gas pedal.
• Keep the wheels straight. Only
try to turn if it’s an emergency.
If you must turn, do it slowly,
or your vehicle may skid.
• Do not try to stop or turn until yourtires are gripping the road again.

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY
TIPS
Each year about 30 snowstorms drop about
50 inches of snow in Wisconsin. Winterdriving calls for special precautions.
First is worst. In the first storm of
the season, most drivers have forgotten
their safe winter driving skills. They’ll
drive too fast and try to stop too quickly.
Go slowly. Increase following distances.
Drive defensively. Relearn your skills.

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Go slowly. Drive well below the posted
speed limit. Posted limits are intended
for summer months on dry pavement.
Avoid sudden, sharp turns. Use lightbraking by gently pumping the brakes.
Plan ahead. Plan on trips taking
extra time. Leave earlier. Consider
an alternate route. STAY HOME
if conditions are too bad.
Use your head, use your feet. Neveruse cruise control on slippery roads.
Lighten up. Turn on your headlights.
To prevent glare, avoid using yourhigh beams during a night storm.
Wear your seat belt.

Give snow plows room. Snowplows are
wide. They often need to operate very close
to the center line. Sometimes they throw up
clouds of snow, which affects your vision.
Slow down and give them as much room as
possible. On roads with a posted speed limitof 35 mph or more, the law requires drivers
to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow
when its red or amber lights are on.

60

CO NTE NTSADJUSTING TO TRAFFIC
On a roadway with multiple lanes going inthe same direction, crashes involving two
or more vehicles often happen when drivers
go faster or slower than other vehicles.

Keep pace with traffic
If you are driving faster than other traffic,
you will need to keep passing others. Eachtime you pass someone, there is a greater
chance for a collision. The vehicle you are
passing may change lanes or, on a two-lane
road, an oncoming vehicle may suddenly
appear. Slow down and keep pace with othertraffic. Speeding does not save more thana few minutes for each hour of driving.
Going much slower than other vehicles canbe just as bad as speeding. It is dangerous
and you can be ticketed for impeding traffic.
It tends to make vehicles bunch up behind
you and causes other traffic to pass you.
If vehicles are lined up behind you, pullover when safe to do so and let them pass.
You should either drive faster or consider
using a road with slower posted speeds.

Entering traffic
MEDIANTRAFFIC FLOW
MOVE LEFT IF PRACTICALACCELERATION LANE

EN

TR

AN

ME

RGE

CE

to give you time to build up your speed.
Use the lane to reach the speed of othervehicles before you merge into traffic. Do
not drive to the end of the lane and stop or
you will not have enough room to get up to
the speed of traffic. Also, drivers behind
you will not expect you to stop. If they arewatching the traffic on the main road, you
may be hit from the rear. If you have to wait
for space to enter a roadway, slow down on
the ramp so you have some room to speed
up before you have to merge. You must yield
to traffic already moving on the roadway.

Leaving traffic
MEDIANTRAFFIC FLOWDECELERATION LANE

EX

IT

Exit ramp
Keep up with the speed of traffic aslong as you are on the main road. If theroad on which you are traveling has exit
ramps, do not slow down until you moveonto the exit ramp. When you turn froma high speed, two-lane roadway, try not
to slow down too early if you have traffic
following you. Tap your brakes quickly
but safely and reduce your speed.

Slow moving traffic
Entrance ramp
When you merge with traffic, try to enterat the same speed that traffic is moving.
High-speed roadways generally have an
acceleration lane with the entrance ramp

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Some vehicles cannot travel very fast or
have trouble keeping up with the speed oftraffic. If you spot these vehicles early, youhave time to change lanes or safely slow
down. Slowing suddenly can cause a crash.

61

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Watch for large trucks and small cars on
steep grades or when they are entering
traffic. They can lose speed on long or steep
uphill climbs and it takes longer for themto get up to speed when they enter traffic.

crossing the street, or running or riding
into the street without looking.
Railroad crossings require you tomake sure there are no trains coming
and that you have room to cross.
Some crossings are bumpy so you
should slow down to cross safely.

Farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles
and roadway maintenance vehicles
usually go 25 mph or less. Generally,
these vehicles should have a slow-moving
vehicle sign on the back. Slow down whenapproaching a slow moving vehicle and, if
possible, move over to the left to pass it.

HOW WELL CAN YOU SEE
If something is in your path and you needto stop, you need to see it in time to be able
to stop. It takes much longer and farther tostop than many people think. If you havegood tires and brakes, and the road is dry:
• At 50 mph, it can take about 400 feetto react to something you see andto bring your vehicle to a stop. Thatis about the length of a city block.
• At 30 mph, it can take about
200 feet to stop. That is almost
half a city block in length.

Bicyclists should have reflectors or
lights on their bikes. However, somebikes may not have this equipment.
Be especially watchful for bikes.
Trouble spots
Wherever people gather or traffic is heavy,
your room to move is limited. You needto lower your speed to have time to react
in a crowded space. Here are some of theplaces where you may need to slow down:
Shopping centers, parking lots anddowntown areas are busy areas withvehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists stopping,starting and moving in different directions.
Rush hours often have heavy trafficand drivers may be in a hurry.
Narrow bridges and tunnels
force vehicles approaching eachother closer together.
Toll plazas may cause vehicles tochange lanes and prepare to stop, andthen speed up again when leaving theplaza. The number of lanes could changeboth before and after the plaza.
Schools, playgrounds andresidential streets often have children
present. Always watch for children

COVE RIf you cannot see 400 feet ahead, it means
you may not be driving safely at 50 mph.
If you cannot see 200 feet ahead, you
may not be driving safely at 30 mph. By
the time you see an object in your path, it
may be too late to stop without hitting it.

Tips you can follow to
be a safer driver
Some things limit how well you see.
Darkness: It is harder to see at night.
You must be closer to an object to see it
at night than during the day. You must
be able to stop within the distance you
can see ahead with your headlights. Your
headlights will let you see about 400 feetahead. You should drive at a speed thatallows you to stop within this distance.

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CO NTE NTSRain, fog or snow: In very heavy rain,
a snowstorm or thick fog, you may not
be able to see much more than 200 feetahead. When you cannot see any farther
than that, you cannot safely drive fasterthan 30 mph. In a very heavy downpour,you may not be able to see well enough todrive. If this happens, pull off the road in asafe place and wait until the rain lets up.

01

Parked vehicles: Vehicles parked along
the side of the road may block your view.
People may be ready to get out of a vehicle orwalk out from between parked vehicles. Giveparked vehicles as much room as you can.

Animal-drawn vehicles: Animal-drawn
vehicles move slowly. Slow down whenapproaching an animal-drawn vehicle and,if possible, move over to the left to pass it.

03

04

4 second sight distanceHills and curves: You may not knowwhat is on the other side of a hill or justaround a curve, even if you have driven
the road many times. If a vehicle is stalledon the road just over a hill or around a
curve, you must be able to stop. Whenever
you come to a hill or curve where you
cannot see over or around it, adjust yourspeed so you can stop if necessary.

Animals: Many deer are hit by cars,
especially in October and November.
Be especially cautious when you see“Deer Crossing” signs, especially during
the dusk to dawn hours when deer are
most active. If you see a deer, reduce
speed and sound the horn. Look forother deer following the one you see.

02

Sight-distance rule: Drive at a speed
where you can always safely stop. To tell
if you are driving too fast for conditions,use the “Four Second Sight DistanceRule.” Pick out a stationary object as far
ahead as you can clearly see (e.g. a signor a tree). Start counting “one-thousandone, one-thousand-two, one-thousandthree, one-thousand-four.” If you reachthe object before you finish saying “onethousand-four,” you need to slow downbecause you are going too fast for yoursight distance. You must not drive so fastthat you cannot stop in your sight distance.
If you do, you are not driving safely andcould injure or kill yourself or others.
You should also use the “Four Second Sight
Distance Rule” at night to make sure you
are not “over-driving” your headlights.
Speed limits: You must comply with speed
limits. They are based on the design of theroad, and the type of vehicles that use them.
They take into account things you cannot
see, such as side roads and driveways
where vehicles may suddenly pull out, andthe amount of traffic that uses the road.
Remember, speed limits are posted for
ideal conditions. If the road is wet oricy, if you cannot see well, or if traffic

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is heavy, you must slow down. Even if
you are driving under the posted speed
limit, you can get a ticket for traveling
too fast under these conditions.

CUSHION OF SPACE

4
SECONDSCount the seconds it takes you to reachthe same mark. (“One-thousand-one,
one-thousand-two, one-thousandthree, one-thousand-four.”)

You must always share the road withothers. The more distance you keep
between yourself and everyone else, themore time you have to react. This spaceis like a safety cushion. The more you
have, the safer you will be. This section
describes how to make sure you haveenough space around you when you drive.

You are following too closely if you pass
the mark before you finish counting.
If so, drop back and then count again
at another mark to check the newfollowing distance. Repeat until you arefollowing no closer than the minimum
recommended following distance.
A minimum four second following
distance is recommended under ideal
driving conditions. However, in thefollowing situations, you may needmore distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle in front to be safe:

Space ahead
Rear-end crashes are very common.
They are caused by drivers following
too closely (tailgating) to be able tostop before hitting the vehicle aheadwhen it suddenly slows or stops.
Professionals believe a safe following
distance should be no less than four seconds
under ideal conditions. Here is an easy way
to find out if you are following too closely.
Following-distance rule
Watch for when the rear of the vehicle ahead
passes a sign, tree or any other stationary
point. Consider it to be your “mark.”

COVE ROn slippery roads. Because you needmore distance to stop your vehicle onslippery roads, you must leave more
space in front of you. If the vehicle
ahead suddenly stops, you will need
the extra distance to stop safely.
When the driver behind you wants
to pass. Slow down to allow room infront of your vehicle. Slowing also willallow the pass to be completed sooner.

64

CO NTE NTSWhen following motorcycles orbicyclists. If the cycle should fall, you needextra distance to avoid hitting the rider. The
chances of a fall are greatest on wet or icy
roads, gravel roads or metal surfaces suchas bridges, gratings or railroad tracks.
When following drivers who cannot
see you. The drivers of trucks, buses,
vans or vehicles pulling campers or trailers
may not be able to see you when you are
directly behind them. This “blind spot” tothe rear of large trucks can extend for 200
feet! They could stop suddenly without
knowing you are there. Large vehicles also
block your view of the road ahead. Fallingback allows you more room to see ahead.
When you have a heavy load or are
pulling a trailer. The extra weightincreases your stopping distance.
When it is hard for you to see
because of darkness or bad
weather. You need to increase yourfollowing distance so you can see ahead,or have time to stop if it’s necessary.

Space behind
It is not always easy to maintain a safe
distance behind your vehicle. However,you can help a driver behind you
maintain a safe distance by keeping a
steady speed and signaling in advancewhen you have to slow down or turn.
Try to find a safe place out of traffic if you
need to stop to pick up or let off passengers.
If you want to parallel park and there istraffic coming behind you, put on your turnsignal, pull next to the space, and allow
vehicles behind you to pass before you park.
If you are driving more slowly than othertraffic on a multi-lane road, drive in theright most travel lane. When you haveto drive so slowly that you slow downother vehicles, pull to the side of the roadwhen safe to do so and let them pass.
There are “turnout” areas on some twolane roads you can use. Other two laneroads sometimes have “passing lanes.”

When being followed closely. You
should allow extra room so you will be able
to stop without being hit from behind.
When following emergency vehicles.
Police vehicles, ambulances and fire
trucks need more room to operate.
When approaching railroad
crossings. Leave extra room for vehicles
required to come to a stop at railroad
crossings, including transit buses, schoolbuses or vehicles carrying hazardous
materials (gasoline tankers, etc.)
When stopped on a hill or incline.
Leave extra space because the vehicle ahead
may roll back when it starts moving.

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Every now and then you may find yourself
being followed too closely or being“tailgated” by another driver. If you arebeing followed too closely and there is aright lane, move over to the right. If there
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CO NTE NTS

clear and passing is legal, then slowly reduce
speed. This will encourage the tailgater todrive around you. Never slow down quickly
to discourage a tailgater. All that does isincrease your risk of being hit from behind.
The increased risk of being hit frombehind is especially true if you are being
followed by a large truck or bus, neitherof which can stop as quickly as a car.
Give large vehicles extra room to move.

Space to the side
You need space on both sides of your vehicle
to have room to turn or change lanes.
Avoid driving next to other vehicles
on multi-lane roads. Someone may
crowd your lane or try to change lanes
and run into you. Move ahead ordrop back from the other vehicle.
Keep as much space as you can between
yourself and oncoming vehicles. On a
two lane road, this means not crowding
the center line. In general, it is safest
to drive in the center of your lane.
Make room for vehicles entering a roadway
with two or more lanes. If there is no one
next to you, move over to the next lane.
Keep extra space between your vehicle andparked cars. Someone could step out froma parked vehicle or from between vehicles,
or a parked vehicle could suddenly pull out.

Give extra space to pedestrians andbicyclists, especially children. They canmove into your path quickly and without
warning. Do not share a lane with apedestrian or bicyclist. Wait until it issafe to pass in the adjoining lane. Bicycles
are vehicles, and are entitled to a fulltraffic lane. Give a bicycle at least
three feet of room when you pass.
Give snowplows as much room as possible.
They often need to operate very close to
the centerline, and sometimes throw up
clouds of snow affecting your vision.
“Split the difference” between two
hazards. For example, steer a middle
course between oncoming traffic andparked vehicles. However, if one is moredangerous than the other, leave a little
more space on the dangerous side. For

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example, if the oncoming vehicle is asemi-truck, leave a little more roomon the side the truck will pass.

not stop in a divider where part of yourvehicle will be in the way of other traffic.

When possible, take potential hazards one
at a time. For example, if you are meetingor passing a bicycle or a motorcycle and an
oncoming vehicle is approaching, slow down
and let the vehicle pass first so you can give
extra room to the bicycle or motorcycle.

Space to merge
Anytime you want to merge with othertraffic, you need a gap large enough to safely
move into the flow of traffic. You need aminimum four-second gap whenever you
change lanes, enter a roadway or whenyour lane merges with another travel lane.
Do not try to merge into a gap that is too
small. A small gap can quickly become
even smaller. Enter a gap that gives you
a big enough space cushion to be safe.
If you want to cross several lanes, takethem one at a time. Like going up or down
stairs one step at a time, it is safest andeasiest to merge one lane at a time. It isvery difficult to determine that all thelanes are free and safe to cross. If you
wait until all the lanes are clear, you cantie up traffic and even cause a crash.

Space to cross or enter
When you cross traffic, you need a large
enough gap to get all the way acrossthe road. When you enter traffic, youneed enough space to first turn or
enter and then to get up to speed.
When you cross traffic, you need room to
get all the way across. Stopping halfway
across is only safe when there is a median
divider large enough for your vehicle. Do

COVE RIf you are turning left, make surethere are no vehicles or pedestrians
blocking your path. You do not want
to be caught waiting for a path to clear
while you are stopped across a lane
with vehicles coming toward you.
Never assume another driver will share
space with you or give you space. For
example, do not turn just because anapproaching vehicle has a turn signal on.
The driver may plan to turn after they passyour vehicle or they may have forgotten toturn off the signal after a prior turn. Thisis particularly true of motorcycles, as theirsignals often do not cancel by themselves.
Wait until the other driver actually starts
to turn and then go if it is safe to do so.
When you cross railroad tracks,
make sure you can cross without
having to stop on the tracks.

Space to pass
Whenever signs or road markings permit
you to pass, you will need to judge whether
you have enough room to safely pass.
Do not count on having enough time topass several vehicles at once. Be safe. Asa general rule pass only one vehicle
at a time and pass on the left side.
Do not linger in the passing lane. Getaround the vehicle as quickly as possible
and move safely back into your lane. You
may not exceed the speed limit to pass.
Oncoming vehicles
At a speed of 55 mph, you need about 10
seconds to pass. That means you need a
10-second gap in oncoming traffic and sight67

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distance to pass. You must judge whether
you will have enough space to safely pass.

are passing. Also, drivers turning right into
the approaching lane will not expect to find
you approaching in their lane. They may
not even look your way before turning.

At 55 mph you will travel over 800 feet in
10 seconds; so will an oncoming vehicle.
That means you need over 1,600 feetor about one-third of a mile to safely
pass. It is hard to judge the speed ofoncoming vehicles at this distance.

Passing large trucks
A typical car is 15 feet long. A multipletrailer truck can be 75 feet long or
longer. It can take much longer to passa truck than it would to pass a car;therefore, you must have more clear
road ahead before you can safely pass.

It can be especially hard to judge thespeed of large trucks, which, becauseof their size, often appear to be moving
slower than they really are. A vehicle
that is far away generally appears to be
standing still. In fact, if you can actually
see that it is coming closer (getting larger),it may be too close for you to pass.

Lane restrictions
Before you pass, look ahead for roadconditions and traffic that may cause othervehicles to move into your lane. You mightlose your space for passing because of:• People or animals near the road,• A narrow bridge or other situationthat causes reduced lane width,• A patch of ice, pot hole orsomething on the road.

At night, it is especially hard to judge
distance and speed of oncoming
traffic. If you are not sure, wait topass until you are absolutely
sure there is enough space.
Hills and curves
You need to be able to see at least onethird of a mile or about 10 seconds ahead.
Anytime your view is blocked by a curveor a hill, you should assume there isan oncoming vehicle just out of sight.
Therefore, you should treat a curve or a hill
as you would an oncoming vehicle. Thismeans you should not start to pass if you arewithin one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.
Intersections
It is dangerous to pass where a vehicle islikely to enter or cross the road. Such places
include intersections, railroad crossingsand shopping center entrances. While you
are passing, your view of people, vehicles
or trains can be blocked by the vehicle you

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Space to return
Do not pass unless there is enoughspace in front of the vehicle you wantto pass. Do not count on anotherdriver to make room for you.
Before you return to the driving lane, besure to leave enough room between you
and the vehicle you have passed. When
you can see both headlights of the vehicle
you just passed in your rear-view mirror,
it is safe to return to the driving lane.
Railroad grade crossing
Do not pass if there is a railroad
grade crossing ahead.

68

CO NTE NTSSpace for dangerous
situations

•
•
•
•

You should give extra room tocertain drivers and other road
users. Some are listed here.
Those who cannot see you
Anyone who cannot see you may enter yourpath without knowing you are there. Those
who could have trouble seeing you include:• Drivers at intersections or driveways
where their view is blocked bybuildings, trees or other vehicles• Drivers backing into theroadway or backing into or
pulling out of parking spaces• Drivers whose windows are steamed
up or are covered with snow or ice• Pedestrians with umbrellasin front of their faces or with
their hats pulled down
• Pedestrians with white canes
and/or dog guides.
People who are distracted

45 55 65

Even when others can see you, allow
extra room or be extra cautious if you
think they may be distracted. People
who may be distracted include:

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Delivery persons
Construction workers
ChildrenDrivers who are not paying
attention to their driving.

People who may be confused
NORTH

WEST

SOUTH

45 55 65

People who are confused may
cause an unsafe situation. People
who may be confused include:• Persons driving cars with outof-state plates (especially atcomplicated intersections)• Drivers who slow down forwhat seems like no reason• Drivers looking for street
signs or house numbers• Pedestrians who have been drinking.
Large vehicles and wide loads
Large trucks and buses cannot accelerate,stop, or change direction as quickly assmaller vehicles. Give large vehicles extra
room to move on the road, including
in roundabouts where they are making
turns or going through the roundabout.

69

CO NTE NTSSometimes extra-wide loads
are transported on highways. Givevehicles transporting wide loads
as much room as possible.

or wagon. You can help to avoid scaring
the horse by slowing down and keeping asafe distance away while passing them.

Drivers in trouble
If another driver makes a mistake (drivers
who pass you when they do not have enoughroom, for example), do not make it worse.
Slow down and let them safely return tothe driving lane. If another driver needs
to suddenly change lanes, slow down andlet them merge. These gestures will keep
traffic moving smoothly and safely.

Farm safety/rural driving
You should be aware of special hazards
in rural areas. These may include slow
moving tractors, horse driven wagons
or carriages, people on horseback, farmmachinery exiting fields or on the roadway,wide machinery, debris on the road, andlivestock on or crossing the highway. Farmmachinery operators may have difficulty
seeing or hearing other traffic, and themachinery may not have brake lights or turnsignals. Use caution and exercise patience
when farm machinery is on the road.

INATTENTIVE DRIVING
Distractions while driving
Being distracted from, or not giving yourfull attention to your driving, can cause
you to strike a pedestrian, crash, leave theroadway, not notice a hazard or danger,or miss important traffic signs or signals.
Anything that takes your attention awayfrom driving can lead you to make apoor choice while driving. This includes
distractions by passengers. Studies showthat when a teen driver has another teen in
the vehicle, the chances of being in a crashdouble. That’s why graduated driver license
restrictions limit the number of passengers
in a vehicle. It reduces distractions for the
teen driver. Your concentration should
be completely on your driving and what
is around and ahead of your vehicle.

Texting while driving isagainst the law in Wisconsin.
Section 346.89(3) Wis. Stats.

No one may let a child under the age of 16
years of age operate a farm tractor or self
propelled farm machinery on the highways
unless the child has successfully completed
a tractor and machinery operation safety
training course and is certified to operatesuch a vehicle. Check with your local
Technical College for these courses.
You should yield the right-of-way tolivestock on or along the highway. Be
courteous to and aware of people riding
horseback or driving a horse drawn carriage

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driving. If you have a mobile device, don't
use it while driving. Even with hands-freeequipment, using a mobile device takes
your attention away from driving andcan cause you to be less likely to noticea dangerous situation. If you need to use
your mobile device, pull over to the sideof the road in a safe place to use it.

All distractions can endanger safety.
Wisconsin law states that no driver
may engage in any activity other thandriving that interferes or reasonably
appears to interfere with safe driving.
Section 346.89(1) Wis. Stats. Texting
is especially alarming because it takes
your eyes off the road, your hands off
the wheel and your mind off of driving.
Texting while driving is against the law in
Wisconsin. Section 346.89(3) Wis. Stats.

If you have a probationary
license or instruction permit,
using a cell phone whiledriving is against the law
in Wisconsin, except
to report an emergency.

Concentrate completely on driving:
Avoid using a cell phone, eating, drinking,putting on makeup, shaving, brushing yourteeth, reading, writing, using a computer,smoking, changing CDs, looking for things
on the floor, trying to find change fortolls, etc. Plan ahead and take care of as
many of these things as you can before you
start driving. Otherwise, wait until you
get to where you are going, or pull over ina safe location to do them. For example,
if you need to read a map or directions,pull over to the side of the road in a safe
place. Stop until you are ready to give
your complete attention to driving.

Section 346.89(4) Wis. Stats.

If you have a Probationary license or
Instruction Permit, using a cell phone
while driving is against the law in
Wisconsin except to report an emergency.
Section 346.89(4) Wis. Stats.

No driver may use a
handheld mobile device whendriving through a roadwork zone, except toreport an emergency.

Keep your stereo or radio at a volume low
enough so you can hear things outside
your vehicle. If the volume is too loud,you may not be able to hear a siren, hornhonking, screeching tires or other things
that would lead you to react to an emergency
or hazard in order to prevent a crash. Do
not drive with headsets or earphones thatcover or go in both ears. They make it too
hard to hear emergency horns or sirens.

No driver may use a handheld mobile
device when driving through a road workzone, except to report an emergency.
Section 346.89(4m) Wis. Stats.

Talking on a cell phone can increase
your chances of being in a crashby as much as four times because
it distracts your attention fromChildren or pets can also be distracting. Pets
should always be in a carrier, or you shouldhave a passenger hold the animal while you
are driving. If children do not behave in

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Section 346.89(4m) Wis. Stats.

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the vehicle, pull over to the side of the roadin a safe place to deal with the situation.

side, you must also use your side mirrors
and glance to the side if necessary.

BE IN SHAPE TO DRIVE
Driving safely is not always easy. It is, infact, one of the most complex things thatpeople do. It is also one of the few things
we do regularly that can injure or kill us. It
is worth the effort to be a careful driver.
Being a safe driver takes a lot of skill andjudgment. This task is even more difficult
when you are just learning to drive. Driving
can easily take every ability you have. Ifanything happens so you are not up to yourability, you may not be a safe driver. Yourability to be a safe driver depends on being
able to see clearly, not being overly tired, notdriving while using drugs, being generally
healthy and emotionally fit to drive. In otherwords, being in “shape” to drive safely.

VisionGood vision is a must for safe driving.
You drive based on what you see. If
you cannot see clearly, you will havetrouble identifying traffic and roadconditions, spotting potential trouble
or reacting in a timely manner.
Vision is so important that Wisconsin
law requires you to have at least 20/40
vision in at least one eye, with or without
corrective lenses. You will be required
to pass a vision screening before you geta driver license and at each renewal.
Side vision: You need to see “out thecorner of your eye.” This lets you spot
vehicles and other potential trouble oneither side of you while you look ahead.
Because you cannot focus on things to the

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Judging distances and speeds: Even if
you can see clearly, you still may not be able
to judge distances or speeds very well. Many
people have problems judging distances andspeeds. It takes a lot of practice to be able
to judge both. It is especially important inknowing how far you are from other vehicles
and judging safe gaps when merging
and when passing on two lane roads.
Night vision: Many people who can see
clearly in the daytime have trouble seeing
at night. It is more difficult for everyone
to see at night than in the daytime. Somedrivers have problems with glare whiledriving at night, especially the glare ofoncoming headlights. If you have problems
seeing at night, don’t drive more than isnecessary and be very careful when you do.
Because seeing well is so important tosafe driving, you should have your eyes
checked every year or two by an eye
specialist. You may never know you havepoor vision unless your eyes are tested.
If you need to wear glasses or contactlenses for driving, remember to:• Always wear them when you drive,
even if it is only for short trips. If
your driver license says you mustwear corrective lenses, you could
get a ticket if you are stopped
and you are not wearing them.
• Try to keep an extra pair of glasses
in your vehicle. If your regularglasses are broken or lost, you
can use the spare pair to drive
safely. This can also be helpful
if you do not wear glasses all
the time and misplace them.

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• Avoid using dark glasses or tinted
contact lenses at night, even if you
think they help with glare. The
problem is they reduce the lightthat you need to see clearly.

• Eat lightly. Do not eat a large
meal before you leave. You can get
sleepy after eating a big meal.
• Take breaks. Stop every hour or so
or when you need to. Walk around,get some fresh air and have somecoffee, soda or juice. The few
minutes spent on a rest break cansave your life. Allow for plenty oftime to safely complete your trip.
• Try not to drive late at night when
you would normally be asleep.
Because your “inner body clock”
will be telling your body it is time
to be sleeping, you may havetrouble staying awake and alert.
• Never drive if you are sleepy. It isbetter to stop and sleep for a few
hours than to take the chance thatyou can stay awake. If possible,
switch driving with someone so
you can sleep while they drive.

Hearing
Hearing can be helpful to safe driving. The
sound of horns, a siren or screeching tires
can warn you of danger. A hearing problem,
like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly thatyou may not notice it. Drivers who know
they are hearing impaired can adjust and besafe drivers. These drivers learn to rely moreon their vision and tend to stay more alert.
Studies have shown the driving records ofhearing impaired drivers are just as goodas those of drivers with good hearing.

Fatigue
You cannot drive as safely when you are
tired as when you are rested. You do notsee as well, nor are you as alert. It takes
you more time to make decisions and you
may not always make good decisions. You
can be more irritable and can be moreeasily upset. When you are tired, you could
fall asleep behind the wheel and crash,
injuring or killing yourself or others.

Studies show that a person who has been
awake for 18 hours is as impaired for
driving as a person with an alcohol content(AC) of .05. A full 24 hours of being awake
causes impairment nearly equal to thatof an AC of .10: above the legal limit.

There are things you can do to help keep
you from getting tired on a long trip:• Try to get a good night’s
sleep before you leave.
• Do not leave on a trip if you arealready tired. Plan your trip so you
can leave when you are rested.
• Do not take any medicine thatcan make you drowsy.

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CO NTE NTSDRINKING AND DRIVING
Alcohol content
Alcohol is involved in 40–50% of trafficcrashes in which someone is killed. If you
drink alcohol, even a little, your chancesof being in a crash are much greaterthan if you did not drink any alcohol.
Alcohol content

Increased risk*

.02

x2

.04

x8

.06

x8

.08

x 16

.10

x 32

*Compared to 0.00 alcohol content

Every .02 increase in alcohol concentration(AC) nearly doubles the risk of being in a
fatal crash. AC is the percentage of alcoholin your body and is usually determinedby a breath, blood or urine test.
No one can drink alcohol and drive safely,
even if they have been driving for many
years. Because they are still learning
to drive, new drivers are more affectedby alcohol than experienced drivers.
Because drinking alcohol and then driving
is so dangerous, the penalties are veryhigh. People who drive after drinking riskarrest, heavy fines, higher insurance rates,
loss of their driving privilege and jail.

Why is drinking anddriving so dangerous?
Alcohol reduces all of the important skills
you need to drive safely. Alcohol goes

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from your stomach into your blood andto all parts of your body. It reaches yourbrain in 20 to 40 minutes. Alcohol affects
those areas of your brain that control
judgment and skill. Drinking alcohol isvery dangerous because it affects yourjudgment. Good judgment is important todriving but in this case, judgment helps
you to know when to stop drinking. In away, it is as if alcohol puts good judgment
on hold. You do not know when you have
had too much to drink until it is too late.
Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction
time, reduces your ability to see clearlyand makes you less alert. As the amountof alcohol in your body increases, yourjudgment worsens and your skills
decrease. You will have trouble judging
distances, speeds and the movementof other vehicles. You will also havetrouble controlling your vehicle.

If you drink, when
can you drive?
The best advice is do not drive if you
drink alcohol. Even one drink of alcohol
can affect your driving. With two or
more drinks in your bloodstream, you
are impaired and could be arrested.
An alcohol “drink” is one and a half
ounces (one shot glass) of 80-proof
liquor, straight or with a mixer, 12
ounces (a regular size can, bottle, mug
or glass) of beer or a 5 ounce glass ofwine. Specialty drinks can have more
alcohol in them and may be the same ashaving several 5-ounce normal drinks.
For the average adult, it may take up
to two hours for your body to get rid ofeach drink. There is no way to quickly

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sober up. Coffee, fresh air, exercise orcold showers will not help. Time is the
only thing that will sober you up.

could be seized. OWI convictions remain
on your driving record for 55 years.
Implied Consent: If a police or traffic
officer asks you to take a PAC test, you mustcomply. If you refuse, the officer must arrest
you for violation of the Implied Consent
Law. You will lose your driving privileges forat least one year and face other sanctions.

There are ways of dealing with social
drinking situations. Arrange to go with
two or more people. Agree ahead of time
which one of you will not drink alcohol.
You can rotate among the group being the“designated driver”. Otherwise, use public
transportation or a cab, if available.
There are ways to slow down the effects
of drinking alcohol. The best way is toincrease the amount of time between
drinks. Another way is to eat before andwhile you are drinking. Food slows down
how fast alcohol gets into your body. Starchy
foods like potato chips, pretzels, bread andcrackers are best. Remember, food only
slows when the alcohol gets into your body,
it will not keep you from getting drunk.

Wisconsin’s alcohol laws
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI):You can be arrested for operating while
intoxicated if you have a Prohibited Alcohol
Concentration (PAC), or a detectable amountof a restricted controlled substance, in yourblood. If you are found guilty of an OWI
violation and it is your first conviction, youwill be fined. Your driving privilege will be
revoked for at least six months and you'll
face other sanctions. The penalties become
more severe for a second conviction. You
face a minimum one-year revocation. You
will spend time in jail. All vehicles thathave your name on the title or registration
may be subject to immobilization or
Ignition Interlock Device (IID.) If it is yourthird or greater conviction, your vehicle

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Absolute Sobriety or “Not aDrop”: Drivers under age 21 canbe arrested for driving with any
amount of alcohol in their body.

OTHERS DRUGS AND
DRIVING
Besides alcohol, there are many otherthings that can affect your ability to drive
safely. Many prescription drugs and evenmedications you buy without a prescription
for headaches, colds, hay fever or otherallergies or those to calm nerves can makeyou drowsy and affect your driving. Pep
pills, “uppers,” and diet pills can makeyou feel more alert for a short time. Later,
however, they can cause you to be nervous,
dizzy, unable to concentrate and they canaffect your vision. Prescription drugs canaffect your reflexes, judgement, vision
and alertness in ways similar to alcohol.
If you will be driving before you takea medication, check the label for
warnings about its side effects. If you
are not sure whether it is safe to take themedication and drive, ask your doctor
or pharmacist about any side effects.
Never drink alcohol while you are taking
medications. Medications may multiply theeffects of alcohol or have additional effectsof their own. These effects not only reduce75

CO NTE NTSyour ability to be a safe driver, but could
cause serious health problems, even death.

cough or a sore leg can affect your driving.
If you are not feeling well and need togo somewhere, let someone else drive.

It is illegal to drive under the influence ofany drugs (including prescription drugs)
that may negatively affect your driving.
Under Wisconsin’s Drugged Driving
law, use of ANY measurable amount of acontrolled substance is considered to be
operating impaired and will be treated thesame as an Operating While Intoxicated(OWI) offense. Examples of restricted
controlled substances are marijuana,
heroin, LSD, PCP, cocaine, hallucinogens,narcotics and methamphetamine.

Some potentially dangerous
health conditions
Epilepsy: As long as it is under medical
control, epilepsy generally is not dangerous.
In Wisconsin, you may drive if you are
under the care of a doctor and have
not had a seizure for three months.

Illegal drugs affect your ability to be a safe
driver and are not good for your health.
For example, studies have shown thatpeople who use marijuana make more
mistakes, have more trouble adjusting
to glare and get arrested for traffic
violations more often than other drivers.
If you are stopped and an officer believes
you are under the influence of a controlled
substance, they may ask you to take a
blood test which will be used to identify adetectable amount of a controlled substance.
Refusal to take this blood test will betreated the same as refusal to take a test
for alcohol. Your license will be revoked.
Should you have a valid prescription
for a controlled substance, you canclaim a defense by providing proof
you had a valid prescription for that
drug at the time of the incident.

HEALTH
Many health problems can affect yourdriving: a bad cold, infection or virus.
Even little problems like a stiff neck, a

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Diabetes: Diabetics who take insulin
should not drive when there is any chanceof an insulin reaction, blackout, convulsion
or shock. Such a situation could result
from skipping a meal or snack, or fromtaking the wrong amount of insulin. It
is also a good idea to have someone else
drive for you during times when yourdoctor is adjusting your insulin dosage. If
you have diabetes, you should also haveyour eyes checked regularly for possiblenight blindness or other vision problems.
Heart condition: People with heartdiseases that can cause fainting or a heart
attack should not get behind the wheel.
If you are being treated by a doctor fora heart condition, ask if the condition
could affect your ability to drive safely.

Emotions
Emotions can have a great effect on yourability to drive safely. You may not be able
to drive well if you are overly worried,
excited, afraid, angry or depressed.
If you are angry or excited, give yourself
time to cool off. If necessary take a shortwalk, but stay off the road until you
have calmed down. If you are worried,“down”, or upset about something, try to76

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keep your mind on your driving. Somepeople find listening to the radio helps.
If you are impatient, allow extra time foryour driving trip. Leave a few minutes early.
If you have plenty of time, you will not tendto speed or do other things that can resultin a traffic ticket or cause a crash. Don’t be
impatient about waiting for a train to crossin front of you. Driving around lowered
gates or trying to beat the train can be fatal.

EMERGENCIESAll drivers, sooner or later, will findthemselves in an emergency situation. As
careful as you are, there are situations
that could cause a problem for you.
If you are prepared, you may be able
to prevent any serious outcomes.

Vehicle emergencies
There is always a chance of a vehicle
problem while driving. You should
follow the recommended maintenanceschedule listed in your vehicle owner’s
manual. Following these preventive
measures greatly reduces the chance yourvehicle will have a problem. Possible
vehicle failures and what you cando if they happen are listed below.
Brake Failure
If your brakes stop working:• Pump the brake pedal several times.
This will often build up enoughbrake pressure to allow you to stop.
• If that does not work, use theparking brake. Apply the parking
brake slowly so you will not lock thewheels and cause a skid. Be readyto release the brake if your vehicle

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does start to skid (by holding in thebrake release button or holding thefoot brake release, you can avoid
having the parking brake lock up).
• If that does not work, start shifting
to lower gears and look for a safe
place to slow to a stop. Make sure
your vehicle is off the roadway. Do
not drive a vehicle without brakes.
Tire blowout
If a tire suddenly goes flat:• Tightly hold the steering wheel andkeep the vehicle going straight.
• Gradually slow down. Take
your foot off the gas pedal but
don’t apply the brakes until thevehicle has almost stopped.
• Do not stop on the road if
at all possible. Pull off theroad in a safe place.
Power failure
If the engine dies while you are driving:• Keep a strong grip on thesteering wheel. Leave key in the“on” position. Be aware that thesteering wheel may be difficult
to turn, but you can turn it.
• Pull off the roadway. The brakes
will still work, but you may have topush very hard on the brake pedal.
Headlight failure
If your headlights suddenly go out:
• Try the headlight switch a few times.
• If that does not work, put on theemergency flashers, turn signals
or fog lights if you have them.
• Pull off the road as soon as possible.

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Gas pedal sticks
If the engine keeps going faster and faster:• Keep your eyes on the road.
• Quickly shift to neutral.
• Pull off the road when safe to do so.
• Turn off the engine.
Leaving your vehicle on theroadsideContact the nearest law enforcement agency
if your vehicle breaks down and you mustleave it for any period of time. Be sure to
get it off the roadway and onto the shoulder
so it is out of the way of other traffic.

Avoiding collisions
When it looks like a collision may happen,
many drivers panic and fail to act. In
some cases they do act, but they dosomething that does not help to reducethe chance of the collision. There isalmost always something you can do to
avoid a crash or to reduce the impact ofa crash. In avoiding a collision, you havethree options: stop, turn or speed up.
Stopping quickly
Many newer vehicles have Anti-lockBraking System (ABS). Be sure to readyour vehicle owner’s manual on how to
use ABS. ABS will help you stop withless or no skidding by keeping the wheels
from locking up. In general, follow theseguidelines if you need to stop quickly.
With ABS• Press on the brake pedal as hard
as you can and keep pressing on
it. You will feel the brake pedal
pushing back when the ABS is
working. You will also hear the noise
ABS makes when it is working.

COVE R• Do not let up on the brake pedal. ABS
will only work when the brake pedal
is pushed down hard and held there.
Without ABS• Apply the brakes as hard as you
can without locking them (youcan cause the vehicle to go intoa skid if you brake too hard).
• You will feel the vehicle startto skid if the brakes lock up.
If that happens, quickly ease
off the brake pedal a little.
• As soon as the vehicle stops
skidding, push down on the brake
pedal again. Keep doing thisuntil the vehicle has stopped.
Turning quickly
In most cases, you can turn thevehicle quicker than you can stopit. You should consider turningin order to avoid a collision.
Make sure you have a good grip with both
hands on the steering wheel. Once you haveturned away or changed lanes, you must
be ready to keep the vehicle under control.
Some drivers steer away from one collision
only to end up in another. Always steer inthe direction you want the vehicle to go.
With ABS
A valuable feature of ABS is that you canturn your vehicle while braking with lessor no skidding. Do not “jerk” the steering
wheel (steer violently) while braking if you
have ABS. Doing so may send you farther
to the side than intended, because thevehicle will continue to respond to steering
input while ABS is working. Practiceusing ABS in an empty parking lot so
you know how the vehicle will respond.

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CO NTE NTSWithout ABS
If you do not have ABS, you must use
a different procedure to turn quickly.
You should step on the brake pedal,
then let up and turn the steering wheel.
Braking will slow the vehicle, put moreweight on the front tires, and allow fora quicker turn. Do not lock up the front
wheels while braking or turn so sharply
that the vehicle can only plow ahead.
Remember, generally it is better to run
off the road than to crash head-on intoanother vehicle. Do not swerve into
the opposing lane; turn to the right,
going off the roadway if necessary.
Speeding up
Sometimes it is best or necessary to
speed up to avoid a collision. Thismay happen when another vehicle isabout to hit you from the side or frombehind and there is room in front of
you to get out of danger. Be sure to slow
down once the danger has passed.
Dealing with skids
Any road that is safe under normal
conditions can be dangerous when it is
wet or has snow or ice on it. High speeds
under normal conditions also increase thepossibility of a skid if you must suddenly
turn or stop. Skids are caused when thetires can no longer grip the road. Because
you cannot control a vehicle when it isskidding, it is best to keep your vehicle
from skidding in the first place.

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Left: Turn back to straighten,
Right: Turn into the skid
If your vehicle begins to skid:• Stay off the brake: Until thevehicle slows, your brakes will
not work. Using them could
cause you to skid more.
• Turn the steering wheel in the
direction you want the vehicle
to go. As soon as the vehicle begins
to straighten out, turn the steering
wheel back the other way. If you
do not do so, your vehicle may
swing around in the other direction
and you could start a new skid.
• Continue to turn the steering
wheel: left and right, until thevehicle is again moving down
the road under your control.

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Protect yourself in collisions

CRASHESTry everything you can to keep fromgetting hit. However, you may not always
be able to avoid a collision. If it looks likenothing will work, try to lessen any injuries
that could result from a crash. The mostimportant thing you can do is to use yourlap and shoulder belts. Besides your safety
belts, there are a couple of other things that
could help prevent more serious injuries.
Hit from the rear
If your vehicle is hit from the rear, yourbody will be thrown backwards. Press
yourself against the back of your seat andput your head against the head restraint.
Be ready to apply your brakes so you will
not be pushed into another vehicle.
Hit from the side
If your vehicle is hit from the side, yourbody will be thrown toward the sidethat is hit. Air bags will not help in thissituation (unless your vehicle is equippedwith side-impact air bags which will help).
Your lap and shoulder belts are needed
to help keep you behind the wheel. Get
ready to steer or brake to prevent yourvehicle from hitting something else.
Hit from the front
If your vehicle is about to be hit fromthe front, it is important to try to have a“glancing blow” rather than being struck
head on. This means that if a collision isgoing to happen, you should try to turnthe vehicle. This will help to avoid a headon collision. If your vehicle has an air
bag, it will inflate. It will deflate following
the crash, so be ready to prevent yourvehicle from hitting something else.

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Do not stop at a crash unless you are
involved or unless emergency help has not
yet arrived. Keep your attention on yourdriving and keep moving, watching forpeople who might be in or near the road.
Never drive to the scene of a crash, fire orother disaster just to look. You may block
the way for police, firefighters, ambulances,
tow trucks and other rescue vehicles.
No matter how good a driver you are, there
may be a time when you are involved in acrash. If you are involved in a crash you
must stop. If you are involved in a crashwith a parked vehicle, you must locate
the owner or leave a note. If any person
is injured or killed, the police must be
notified. It is a crime for you to leave acrash site where your vehicle was involved
if there is an injury or death and before
police have talked to you and gotten all theinformation they need about the crash.
You may want to carry a basic
vehicle emergency kit. These kits
have emergency flares or reflectors,
first aid supplies and basic tools.

If you are in a crash• Stop your vehicle at or near the crashsite. If your vehicle can be moved,

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•

•

•

•

get it off the road so it does not block
traffic or cause another crash.
Do not stand or walk intraffic lanes. You could be
struck by another vehicle.
Turn off the ignition of wreckedvehicles. Do not smoke aroundwrecked vehicles. Fuel could havespilled and fire is a real danger.
If there are power lines
down with wires in the road,do not go near them.
Make sure other traffic will not be
involved in the crash. Use triangles,
flares or other warning devices
to alert traffic to the crash.

If someone is injured
Get help: Make sure the police andemergency medical or rescue squadhave been called (call 911). If there isa fire or downed power lines, tell thepolice about it when they are called.
Aid the injured: Do not move theinjured unless they are in a burning
vehicle or in immediate danger of being
hit by another vehicle. Moving a person
can make their injuries worse. However,
Wisconsin law protects you from civil
suits if you give aid to the injured.
First help anyone who is not alreadywalking and talking. Check for breathing
first, then check for bleeding.
If there is bleeding, apply pressure
directly on the wound using your handor a cloth. Even severe bleeding canalmost always be stopped or slowedby putting pressure on the wound.

To help prevent an injured person fromgoing into shock, cover them with ablanket or coat to keep them warm.

Report the crash
Get the names and addresses of all
people involved in the crash, including
injured persons, and any witnesses.
Exchange information with otherdrivers involved in the crash. (Name,address, driver license number, vehicle
information [license plate, make, modeland year of vehicle] and insurancecompany and policy number, if available.)
Record any damage to vehicles
involved in the crash.
If requested, provide information to thepolice or other emergency officials.
Try to find the owner if a crash involves aparked vehicle. If you cannot find them,leave a note in a place where it can be easily
seen with information on how the owner canreach you, the date and time of the crash.
You must report a crash to a law
enforcement agency if there is an injury, adeath or property damage of $1,000 or more
to any one person’s property, or property
damage of $200 or more to government
property (example: signs, guard rails, etc.,[government vehicles, if $1,000 or moredamage]). The law enforcement agency
will file a crash report with State Patrol.
If the law enforcement agency does notinvestigate the crash or file a report, youneed to file the report online at www.
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/crsh-rpt/
default.aspx within ten days of the crash.

Do not give an injured person
anything to drink, not even water.

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CO NTE NTSWHAT TO DO
What to do in case ofa crash, stalled vehicle
or other emergency
1. Locate the nearest reference
marker (see Reference Markers).
2. Make sure you are in a position
to safely make a call.
3. Dial 911.
4. Be ready to answer questions:• What is your location? (Givethe information from thereference marker.)• What is your wireless phone number?
• Describe the problem.
• Depending on your answers tothese questions, you may be
asked for more information.

enforcement agency of thelocation where the deer was hit,
especially if the deer is not dead.

What to do when stoppedby law enforcement: general
guidelines for motorists
Getting pulled over by a law enforcement
officer can be a difficult experience.
Following some simple guidelines
will enhance safety for motorists
and law enforcement, and in manycases, will get you back on your way
as soon as possible. Things for drivers
and passengers to keep in mind:• State law (§346.19) requires you topull over immediately when you
observe emergency lights approachingfrom either direction. Move outof the lane of traffic and stop as
near as possible on the right-handshoulder of the roadway. Do notcontinue traveling to a location you
believe is more suitable to stop; apolice officer may be responding
to another incident (crash, robbery,
medical emergency, etc.) anddrivers who remain in the traffic
lane can inhibit law enforcementfrom assisting those in need.
• When stopped by a police officer,
try to stay calm. Remember, thetop priority for law enforcement
is the safety and well-being of thetravelling public. Law enforcement
officers are trained to consider the
totality of a situation before making
any enforcement-related decisions.
• Place your vehicle in park. Turn off
the ignition and put the keys on
the dashboard in front of you.

What to do if you hit a deer
• First, make sure your vehicle is stillsafe to drive. If not, get assistance.
• If your vehicle can be moved,
get it off the road so it does notblock traffic or cause a crash.
• Record the time, place andother circumstances of theincident for insurance andcrash reporting purposes.
• If you hit a deer, you are entitledto keep it. If you do not want thedeer, the next motorist on thescene is entitled to the deer. In
either case, before the deer can betaken, law enforcement will need
to issue a tag for the deer. Contact
the Sheriff’s Office or local Police
Department to obtain a tag.
• If you decide to leave the deer,
you should notify a local law

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CO NTE NTS• Do not exit the vehicle (unlessasked to do so). At night or duringlow-light conditions, turn on yourvehicle’s interior dome light. Also,
the officer will likely shine a bright
light into your vehicle. This is tokeep you and the officer safe.
• Place your hands in plain sight,
preferably on top of the steering
wheel. Keep movements to aminimum. Refrain from reaching
into your clothing, purse, glove box,
console, etc. to locate your license,
registration or insurance cards. Wait
for the officer to request such items.
• When the officer arrives at yourwindow (this could be the driver orpassenger side), comply with anyorders. Provide clear and concise
answers to the officer’s questions.
• Be polite and patient. The officer
may need time to verify youridentification, etc. If you are given acitation, don’t argue. You will havean opportunity before a judge or
court to express any concerns.
• Always merge carefully whenentering a highway.

2. How far ahead should you look when
you are on the open highway?
3. How can you see if there is a
car in your blind spot?
4. At what times does Wisconsin law
say you must turn on headlights?
5. When else would you turnon your headlights?
6. What is a good rule of thumb forturning on your headlights?
7. You plan to pull into a driveway
just beyond an intersection.
When should you signal?
8. Name two places where you arelikely to find slippery spots.
9. You are on a freeway entrance and haveto wait for a gap in traffic before you canenter the roadway. What should you do?
10. What does a yellow sign mean?
11. What does an orange sign mean?
12. Under most conditions, what is theminimum safe following distance?
13. Name some conditions in which youneed extra following distance.
14. What should you do if you are in anintersection and you hear a siren?
15. How do safety belts help you
keep control of your car?

STUDY QUESTIONS
These questions will help you study
what you have learned from reading thishandbook. First, try to answer the questions
without looking at the answers. The
answers are listed next to the questions.

Questions
1. At an intersection, drivers turning
left must yield to what?

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16. What should you do if you are involvedin a crash with another car?
17. How many drinks does it taketo affect your driving?
18. What drugs can affect yourability to drive safely?
19. What is “implied consent”?

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Answers

Being followed closely.
Following emergency vehicles.
Approaching railroad crossings.
Stopping on a hill or incline.

1. Pedestrians and vehicles
approaching from the opposite
direction, including bicycles.
2. Ten to 15 seconds.

14. Drive through the intersection, then pullover to the right side of the road and stop.

3. Look over your shoulder.

15. They protect you from injury
and, as a driver, keep you behind
the wheel if you are hit from theside or make a quick turn.

4. Wisconsin law says between halfan-hour after sunset and half-anhour before sunrise and when you
cannot see a vehicle or person on the
roadway at a distance of 500 feet.

16. Stop at or near the crash site. If yourvehicle can be moved, get it off the road.
Do not stand or walk in traffic lanes.
Turn off the ignition of wrecked vehicles.
Stay away from downed power lines.
Use triangles, flares or otherwarning devices to alert traffic.
If someone is injured, get help.
Help anyone who is not alreadywalking and talking.
Get names and addresses of persons
involved and of witnesses.
Exchange information withother drivers involved.
Contact the police and give theminformation on the crash.
If it is a reportable crash, file a reportwith the State Patrol within ten days
if the police did not file a report.

5. On rainy, snowy or foggy days, when it
begins to get dark, and when driving
away from a rising or setting sun.
6. A good rule to follow is to turnon your headlights when you
need to turn on your wipers.
7. After you cross the intersection.
8. In shady spots and on
overpasses and bridges.
9. Slow down on the entrance ramp to wait
for a gap, then speed up so you enter at
the same speed that traffic is moving.
10. Yellow signs warn of a special
situation or a hazard ahead.
11. Orange signs warn ofconstruction work ahead.
12. A minimum of four seconds is therecommended following distanceunder ideal conditions.
13. Driving on slippery roads.
The driver wants to pass.
Following a motorcycle.
Following drivers who cannot seeyou (trucks, buses, vans or vehicles
pulling campers or trailers).
Have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer.
It is hard to see.

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17. Even one drink of alcohol
can affect your driving.
18. Almost any drug, prescription
or over-the-counter, can affectyour ability to drive.
19. You will honor any request
by police to take an alcohol
concentration or other drug test.

84

CO NTE NTSWISDOT CONTACTINFORMATION
Division of Motor
Vehicles (DMV)• Obtain driver licensing andvehicle registration information
online at wisconsindmv.gov• Obtain DMV services online at
wisconsindmv.gov/online including:◊ Schedule, cancel or verify yourappointment for a skills (road) test
◊ Change your address◊ Request your driveror vehicle record◊ Apply for a duplicate driver
license or ID card
◊ Check the status ofyour driver license◊ Look up your vehicle title transfer◊ Renew your license plate◊ And more!
• Email your driver license/ID
card questions to information.
dmv@dot.wi.gov• Email your vehicle titling/
license plate questions tovehiclequestions@dot.wi.gov• Telephone DMV at (608) 264-7447• Find your local DMV Customer
Service Center, hours of operation anddirections at wisconsindmv.gov/online

Publication notes
The Wisconsin Department ofTransportation intends the products andservices it offers are accessible to all. Pleasecontact a DMV Customer Service Center
if you need accommodations or do notunderstand any part of this publication.
You may reproduce the Wisconsin
Motorists’ Handbook in whole or in partfor yourself or for others. You may charge
others the actual or reasonable costs to
reproduce the Motorists’ Handbook. You
may not delete, add, alter or otherwisechange the Motorists’ Handbook without
the express written consent of the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Wisconsin State Patrol
Southwest region: (608) 374-0513
Southeast region: (262) 785-4700
Northeast region: (920) 929-3700
North central region: (715) 845-1143
Northwest region: (715) 839-3800
Wisconsin State Patrol officelocations and contacts:
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/
who-we-are/dsp/loc-contact.aspx

wisconsindmv.gov
BDS126, Ch. 346 Wis. Stats.
April 2023

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