Could you Pass A Test Of Maine’s Passing and Safety Laws? [ANSWERS]

Q: 1 When you are passing an emergency vehicle that is stopped and processing a emergency you should pull into another lane if possible. TRUE

Law: The operator of a vehicle passing a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using an emergency light, with due regard to the safety and traffic conditions, shall: A. Pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible; or B. If passing in a nonadjacent lane is impossible or unsafe, pass the emergency vehicle at a careful and prudent speed reasonable for passing the authorized emergency vehicle safely.

Q: 2 When you are passing a wrecker vehicle you doe not need to pull into another lane. FALSE

Law: An authorized emergency vehicle as stated in this statute is defined as; a law enforcement vehicle, a fire department vehicle, and ambulances. In September 2007, the law was modified to include wreckers who are at a scene as authorized emergency vehicles.

Q: 3 The fine for not giving proper space to an emergence vehicle when you are passing is…

A minimum of $311.
Law: The fine imposed is a minimum of $311 for a violation.  This law was enacted to help keep not only our public safety workers safe but also other motorists who are often caught up in the same collisions.

Q: 4 When you hear a police siren of Fire truck while you are traveling you..

Roll slowly in your lane until they are past

Pull all the way to the right and stop

Stop where you are and wait for them to go by. 

Law: Right-of-way. An authorized emergency vehicle operated in response to, but not returning from, a call or fire alarm or operated in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law has the right-of-way when emitting a visual signal using an emergency light and an audible signal using a bell or siren. On the approach of any such vehicle, the operator of every other vehicle shall immediately draw that vehicle as near as practicable to the right-hand curb, parallel to the curb and clear of any intersection and bring it to a standstill until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed. A violation of this subsection is a Class E crime that, notwithstanding Title 17-A, section 1301, is punishable by a minimum fine of $250 for the first offense 

Q: 5 You are passing a pedestrian on a rural road way you should pass them no closer than..

3 Feet

5 Feet

2 Feet 

Law: Pedestrian on way. Where sidewalks are not provided, a pedestrian shall walk facing approaching

traffic on the left side of the public way or the way's shoulder when practicable. An operator of a motor

vehicle who is passing a pedestrian on a public way or the way’s shoulder shall exercise due care by leaving

a distance between the motor vehicle and the pedestrian of not less than 3 feet while the motor vehicle is

passing the pedestrian. A motor vehicle operator may pass a pedestrian in a no-passing zone only when it issafe to do so.

Q: 6 A fire truck is on its way to an emergency. How far back does the law say you need to stay when following?

100 feet

300 feet

500 feet

Law: Following fire apparatus; other emergency vehicles. An operator may not follow within 500 feet of fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm or within 150 feet of any other authorized emergency vehicle as defined in section 2054, subsection 1, paragraph B that is using an emergency light as defined insection 2054, subsection 1 paragraph D.

Q:7 You should turn your headlights on when you can see less than_____ .

200 feet

1000 feet

¼ mile 

Law: Display of headlights. A vehicle located on a way must be equipped with headlights as described in section 1904. The headlights must be illuminated:

1. During the period from sunset to sunrise; [2015, c. 51, §1 (AMD).]
2. At any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, including, but not limited to, rain, freezing rain, fog or snow, persons or vehicles on the way are not discernible for a distance of 1,000 feet ahead; and [1997, c. 249, §1 (NEW).]C. At any time when windshield wipers are in constant use.

Q: 8 What is the penalty for your first offense of passing a school bus whose lights are flashing? 

$100.00

$250.00

$515.00 

Law: Penalty for passing a school bus with flashers on. A violation of this section is a Class E crime which, notwithstanding Title 17-A, section 1301, is punishable by a $250 minimum fine for the first offense and a mandatory 30-day suspension of adriver's license for a 2nd offense occurring within 3 years of the first offense. 

Q: 9 If you are going the speed limit and someone tries to pass you it is legal to speed up. FALSE 

2. 2. Giving way. Except when passing on the right is permitted, the operator of passed vehicle:
3. Shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle upon audible signal; and may not increase speed until completely overtaken by the passing vehicle.

Q: 10 When I see double solid lines on a rural road I can still pass the car in front of me if no one is coming. FALSE 

Law: It is unlawful to pass when the single center line highway marking method is used and an unbroken painted line is marked on the way, except in an emergency; or [2005, c. 141, §2 (NEW).]

It is also unlawful to pass when the double center line highway marking method is used and an unbroken painted line is marked on the way in the operator's lane, except in an emergency.

Bonus Q: In Maine is it legal for you to ride in a person’s car trunk?

Yes/ No 

Law: A person may not ride in or occupy the trunk of a vehicle while the vehicle is in motion on a public way.