Traffic Rules, Sharing the Road, Impairment, and Protective Gear
This domain tests legal lane use, sharing space with larger vehicles, impairment rules, and protective equipment. Expect questions on lane splitting, truck blind spots, railroad crossings, Indiana's alcohol limits, and helmet and eye-protection requirements.
Traffic rules and lane use
- A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane. Indiana does not permit lane splitting or filtering; do not share a lane with a car. At most two motorcycles may ride abreast in one lane.
- Signal early, check mirrors and blind spots, and give at least a two-second following distance; more when wet or dark.
Sharing the road
- Stay out of truck blind spots; trucks need extra room for right turns. Do not pass a truck on the right when it is turning.
- Cross railroad tracks at about 90 degrees; avoid painted lines, metal plates, and gravel in curves.
Impairment and gear
- Alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and some medicines reduce balance and judgment. Indiana's OWI limit is 0.08 BAC; riders under 21 face a 0.02 limit.
- Indiana requires helmets for operators and passengers under 18. Eye protection is required unless the bike has a windshield. Wear gloves, boots, long pants, and high-visibility gear.
Worked example
A rider follows a tractor-trailer that slows and signals right. The rider does not dart into the right-side gap; that is the truck's turning path. She hangs back, checks her mirror, and passes only when the truck is committed and the left lane is clear. Reasoning: trucks swing wide and have large blind spots; the right side is the worst place to be.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming loud pipes guarantee being seen; lane splitting to beat traffic; tailgating to claim a lane; wearing a helmet but no eye protection; riding after even one drink.