Mississippi: Cheat Sheet
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Road signs
- The warning sign with a straight arrow joined by a line from the lower right means an access lane or ramp merges into the roadway from the right.
- You would use one of these lanes to access Interstate 55 North toward Jackson.
- The YIELD sign means you must let other vehicles on the roadway have the right-of-way.
- The NO PASSING ZONE sign means crossing into another lane to pass a vehicle is prohibited.
- An arrow with a gentle bend warns of a curve to the left ahead.
- A school crossing sign warns that children must cross the street on their way to and from school.
- You must continue onto the exit when you are in a lane marked with an EXIT ONLY sign.
Sign shapes and colors
- A vertical rectangle is usually used for regulatory signs, such as speed limits.
- The manual says work zone signs are generally orange with black letters or symbols.
- Signs have eight standard shapes and eight standard colors, and each has a specific meaning.
- The pentagon shape is used for school crossing signs and for warning of school zones ahead.
- A horizontal rectangle is usually used for guide signs.
Traffic signals
- A lane under a red signal is closed; when lane signals are in use, you may travel only in a lane marked by a green light.
- Oncoming traffic has a green light when your turn arrow is flashing, so you do not have a protected turn.
- Usually, if a traffic signal is red, you may turn right after you stop completely and make sure the way is clear.
- With only a green light you may travel straight and may turn left only if the way is clear; this is an unprotected turn and you must yield to oncoming traffic.
- A flashing red light means you must stop completely and proceed with caution, yielding the right-of-way at intersections.
- A flashing yellow light means you must slow down and exercise caution.
Right-of-way, turning and passing
- You should not pass on hills, curves, or within one hundred feet of bridges, viaducts, overpasses, railroad crossings, crosswalks or intersections.
- The restrictions keep drivers from traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street.
- The manual says the driver leaving a parking space does not have the right of way and must yield to oncoming traffic.
- You should stay in your lane throughout the turn and finish the turn in the proper lane.
- Before turning right on red you must first stop completely; only yielding before turning is not enough and is illegal.
- The manual says that if another driver yields to you, you proceed immediately; if not, slow or stop and let them proceed.
- The manual says that on a four-lane highway you should drive in the right lane except when passing or preparing to turn left.
Alcohol and drugs
- The manual says a half-second slower reaction at fifty-five miles per hour adds forty-four feet before stopping.
- The manual says penalties are more severe for a DUI conviction while the license is suspended for a previous DUI.
- The manual says a driver under 21 is under the influence if the BAC registers .02% or more.
- The manual says to check medication labels and be aware if they cause drowsiness, as part of avoiding fatigue.
- The law prevents a license from being issued to a person who is habitually intoxicated or addicted to the use of narcotics.
- The table lists a third DUI offense within five years as a felony.
Speed and following distance
- At 50 mph the manual says to leave at least five car lengths, which is one car length for every ten mph.
- The manual sets 45 mph as the maximum speed for a school bus transporting children on regular routes.
- The manual's chart shows a total stopping distance of 415 feet at 70 mph under ideal conditions.
- Speed limits are for ideal road and weather conditions, so you adjust your speed according to circumstances.
- The manual says that even with the high beam, speed should be lower than by day.
- The manual sets 65 mph as the maximum speed for a school bus on the interstate.
- The manual says posted speed limits are intended for ideal conditions, so you must slow down when conditions are not ideal.
Licensing basics
- The policy that lets them drive with an out-of-state license applies in the same way to auto license plates.
- At seventeen or older, previous permits or licenses held do not matter for this requirement.
- An operator is any person who is driving a motor vehicle on the highway.
- The Computerized Exam is based on the information in the manual, so you should study it carefully.
Signals and vehicle controls
- The manual says the window tint decal must be affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield.
- The manual says your windshield must be free of any signs or unofficial stickers.
- The manual says to signal continuously for at least one hundred feet before you slow down, turn, stop, or change lanes.
- The manual says never to turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside of the steering wheel.
Pavement markings
- Passing from both the left and right lanes is allowed when the lanes traveling the same direction are divided by a broken white line.
- A broken yellow line separates lanes of traffic that move in opposite directions.
- A two-headed arrow that points both straight and to the left means you may continue straight or turn to the left.
- The manual says you may cross the lines for passing only if the broken yellow line is closest to your travel lane, the oncoming lane is clear, and it is safe to pass.
Interstate driving
- You do not slow down until you have safely moved into the deceleration lane.
- If you are unsure how to enter, you pull off the road and stop to check for the correct route, and do not proceed until you are sure how to use the ramp.
Parking rules
- The manual says to leave your parking lights or emergency flashers on if it is night.
- Step 2 begins by making sure you will not interfere with oncoming traffic.
- In an uphill position with a curb, you turn your wheels sharply to the left.
- Parking in a handicapped space is only allowed for vehicles that display a handicap license tag or a temporary hangtag.
Railroad crossings
- You must always stop when the lights begin to flash, before the gates lower across your side of the tracks.
- You must remain stopped until all tracks are clear, any gates are raised, and lights no longer flash.
- The manual says not to shift gears as you drive across tracks.
Pedestrians
- The manual says to watch for pedestrians exiting parked cars or walking between parked cars.
- The manual warns that children may act without thinking, especially when playing with or chasing a ball.
- You should never stop your car on any part of a crosswalk.
Sharing the road
- A school bus is any vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency, or privately owned and operated for compensation, for transporting children to and from school.
- Sudden turns and stops by other drivers are on the manual’s list of things to pay careful attention to while you drive.
- A cyclist should never hitch the bicycle to another vehicle.
- With oncoming traffic, you slow down behind the bicyclist and pass when the oncoming traffic has cleared.
Seat belts and child safety
- Children aged four to under seven who are less than 4 feet 9 inches in height or under sixty-five pounds must use a booster seat.
- Fastening your seat belt is one of the steps listed for preparing to drive.
Distracted and impaired driving
- Following the same vehicles for a long time may leave you too relaxed and lose your concentration.
- Pets should be properly secured in a pet carrier or portable kennel so they do not distract you.
- The manual says a hands-free device is recommended if you must make a phone call while driving.
Emergencies
- The manual says that if you have plenty of stopping distance after a blowout, you can allow the vehicle to stop by itself.
- A stranded driver stays inside the vehicle with the doors locked and waits for reliable help, and never stands beside the vehicle or hitchhikes.
- The manual says that if you are injured too badly to report immediately, any one of your passengers may do so.
Emergency vehicles, work zones and traffic stops
- The manual says to turn off the engine and any audio devices when stopped by an officer.
- The manual says an officer who is not in uniform will typically show credentials, and if not, you may ask to see them.
- The manual says to reduce your speed in work zones and be prepared to stop suddenly.
Insurance and vehicle papers
- The manual allows proof of insurance in electronic format by displaying the electronic image on a cellular phone or another electronic device.
Suspension and revocation
- The manual lists involvement as a driver in an accident causing death, personal injury or serious property damage as a reason for suspension.
- Your driving record in other states is checked before a Mississippi license is issued.