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NM Permit Test practice questions

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Question 1Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

In New Mexico, what is the maximum speed limit in a school zone when children are present, unless a different limit is posted?

  1. 20 mph
  2. 25 mph
  3. 30 mph
  4. 15 mph Correct answer.

Explanation

New Mexico sets the school zone speed limit at 15 mph when children are present, unless a lower limit is posted. Drivers must also obey crossing guards and watch for children entering the roadway.

Question 2Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A red, octagonal sign at a New Mexico intersection means the driver must:

  1. stop completely before entering Correct answer.
  2. slow down and proceed if clear
  3. yield only to traffic from the left
  4. stop only for pedestrians

Explanation

An octagonal red sign is the stop sign. New Mexico law requires a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection before proceeding when it is safe.

Question 3Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A solid yellow line on your side of a two-lane road in New Mexico indicates that:

  1. passing is prohibited on your side Correct answer.
  2. passing is permitted whenever the road ahead is clear
  3. you may cross it to pass slow-moving farm equipment
  4. the lane is reserved for left turns only

Explanation

A solid yellow line on your side marks a no-passing zone. You may not cross it to overtake another vehicle, though you may cross it when making a left turn into a driveway or side road where permitted.

Question 4Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A school bus traveling in the opposite direction on an undivided two-lane road stops with its red lights flashing. What does New Mexico law require of you?

  1. Stop until the red lights stop flashing Correct answer.
  2. Stop only if you are traveling behind the bus
  3. Slow to 15 mph and pass the bus with caution
  4. Continue at the same speed because the bus is in the opposite lane

Explanation

On an undivided two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. The stop remains in effect until the red lights are turned off because children may still be crossing.

Question 5Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

In New Mexico, when may you turn right at a steady red traffic signal?

  1. Only when a green arrow is displayed
  2. After a complete stop, when clear and permitted Correct answer.
  3. Without stopping if no traffic is approaching
  4. Only after waiting 30 seconds at the signal

Explanation

New Mexico permits a right turn on a steady red signal after a complete stop, provided no sign prohibits the turn and you yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. A green arrow, when present, gives a protected turn.

Question 6Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

Two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time from different directions. In New Mexico, which vehicle has the right-of-way?

  1. The vehicle on the left
  2. The vehicle on the right Correct answer.
  3. The vehicle that sounds its horn first
  4. The vehicle traveling faster

Explanation

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Question 7Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

When required to stop at a railroad crossing in New Mexico, where should you stop?

  1. 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail Correct answer.
  2. Directly on the tracks so you can see both directions
  3. At least 50 feet but no more than 100 feet before the crossing
  4. Within 5 feet of the nearest rail

Explanation

New Mexico requires a stop between 15 and 50 feet before the nearest rail at a railroad crossing. Stopping closer is dangerous because the vehicle may be struck by a train overhanging the track.

Question 8Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow at a New Mexico intersection means that you may:

  1. stop and wait for the signal to turn red
  2. yield, then turn when clear Correct answer.
  3. turn left without yielding to oncoming traffic
  4. wait for a solid green arrow before turning

Explanation

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow is a permissive signal: you may turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It does not provide the protected right-of-way of a green arrow.

Question 9Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

Under New Mexico law, a driver stopped at a red light may turn left on red only when:

  1. from a two-way street onto a one-way street without stopping
  2. from one one-way street onto another one-way street Correct answer.
  3. when another driver waves you through
  4. when the intersection has a flashing red signal

Explanation

A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yield, unless a sign prohibits it. Turning left on red from a two-way street is not permitted.

Question 10Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

On a New Mexico highway with two or more lanes in your direction, you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights. What does the Move Over law require?

  1. Move into the lane closest to the emergency vehicle to give other drivers room
  2. Change lanes away if safe; otherwise slow down Correct answer.
  3. Stop in your lane until an officer directs you to proceed
  4. Maintain speed and lane because the emergency vehicle is off the roadway

Explanation

New Mexico's Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes away from a stopped emergency vehicle when it is safe to do so. If a lane change is not possible, the driver must slow down and proceed with caution.

Question 11Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A broken white line separating two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction in New Mexico means that:

  1. you may cross the line to change lanes when it is safe. Correct answer.
  2. you must remain in your lane until the line turns solid yellow.
  3. traffic in the left lane must turn left at the next intersection.
  4. passing is prohibited in both lanes until the line ends.

Explanation

A broken white line separates lanes that carry traffic in the same direction, and it may be crossed for a lane change when traffic permits. It does not by itself create a passing prohibition or require a turn. Solid yellow lines are used between opposite directions of travel.

Question 12Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A yellow diamond-shaped sign on a New Mexico roadway is used primarily to:

  1. identify services such as fuel or lodging.
  2. mark the boundary of a school zone.
  3. issue regulatory orders such as speed limits.
  4. warn drivers of a road condition or hazard ahead. Correct answer.

Explanation

Yellow diamond-shaped signs are warning signs; they alert drivers to conditions such as curves, intersections, or other hazards ahead. Regulatory signs are generally white rectangles, service signs are blue, and school zones use special school signing.

Question 13Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A circular sign with a yellow background crossed by a black 'X' and the letters 'RR' warns that:

  1. a railroad repair crew is working.
  2. a railroad crossing is ahead. Correct answer.
  3. the road becomes one-way.
  4. a roundabout is ahead.

Explanation

The round yellow sign with a black X and RR is the standard advance warning sign for a railroad crossing. Drivers should slow down, look and listen, and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching. It does not mean a roundabout, repair work, or a one-way road.

Question 14Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You are approaching a steady circular green light and want to turn left. In New Mexico, you should:

  1. stop and wait for a green arrow before making the turn.
  2. yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn when it is safe. Correct answer.
  3. turn only after the light changes to yellow.
  4. proceed immediately because the green light gives left turns the right of way.

Explanation

A steady circular green light permits the left turn, but it does not protect it. The driver must yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians in the crosswalk before completing the turn. A green arrow, by contrast, would give a protected left turn.

Question 15Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A flashing red traffic signal at a New Mexico intersection requires you to:

  1. stop and remain stopped until a green light appears.
  2. slow down and proceed without stopping if the way is clear.
  3. treat the signal as a yield sign only for right turns.
  4. stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when safe. Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing red signal is treated like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield the right of way, and proceed only when the intersection is clear. You do not have to wait for a green light if the way is safe. Flashing yellow, not flashing red, means slow down and proceed with caution.

Question 16Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A yellow pennant-shaped sign placed on the left side of a New Mexico highway marks the:

  1. location of a school bus stop.
  2. end of a divided highway.
  3. beginning of a no-passing zone. Correct answer.
  4. beginning of a passing zone.

Explanation

The pennant shape is reserved for no-passing zone signs, and it is placed on the left side of the road to mark where passing becomes prohibited. Drivers should not cross the center line to pass while the no-passing zone applies. Passing zones end with different markings or signs.

Question 17Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

On a New Mexico roadway with a shared center left-turn lane marked by solid and broken yellow lines, the lane may be used to:

  1. make a left turn from either direction. Correct answer.
  2. make a U-turn at any point along the roadway.
  3. travel for short distances while waiting for traffic to clear.
  4. pass slower vehicles traveling in the same direction.

Explanation

A shared center left-turn lane is provided so traffic from either direction can make left turns without blocking through lanes. It is not a passing lane or a through-travel lane, and it should not be used for general driving. Enter it only when preparing to turn.

Question 18Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

At a New Mexico intersection controlled by a stop sign, there is no painted stop line and no marked crosswalk. You must stop:

  1. after entering the intersection so you can see cross traffic.
  2. at least 50 feet before the intersection.
  3. at the nearest point of the intersecting roadway before entering it. Correct answer.
  4. wherever your front bumper first crosses the curb line.

Explanation

When a stop sign is present, you first look for a stop line, then a crosswalk. If neither is marked, you stop at the nearest point of the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. Stopping after entering or at an arbitrary distance is not compliant.

Question 19Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

An overhead lane-use signal shows a yellow 'X' above your lane. In New Mexico, this means that you should:

  1. stop immediately and wait for a green arrow.
  2. use the lane only for left turns.
  3. continue at the same speed because the lane remains open.
  4. prepare to leave the lane because it is about to close. Correct answer.

Explanation

In lane-use signal systems, a green arrow means the lane is open, a yellow X warns that the lane is about to close and drivers should prepare to move out, and a red X means the lane is closed. A yellow X does not mean stop in place or that the lane is reserved for turns. Drivers should merge safely when they see it.

Question 20Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You approach a T-intersection in New Mexico with no stop sign, yield sign, or signal. Your road ends at the through road. You should:

  1. assume the through road traffic must yield to you.
  2. proceed first because you are already in the intersection.
  3. yield to vehicles on the through road before turning. Correct answer.
  4. stop only if another vehicle is within 100 feet.

Explanation

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the continuing through road. You should slow down, check for approaching traffic, and enter only when there is a safe gap. The absence of signs does not give the ending road the right of way.

Question 21Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

In New Mexico, you are behind a school bus traveling in your direction on a two-lane road. The bus stops and its red lights begin flashing. What must you do?

  1. Stop and stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing. Correct answer.
  2. Change lanes and continue without stopping if the road is clear.
  3. Stop only if the bus has extended its stop arm.
  4. Slow down and pass the bus if no children are visible.

Explanation

When a school bus stops with its red lights flashing on a road in your direction, traffic behind it must stop. Stay stopped until the red lights are turned off; do not pass just because you see no children.

Question 22Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

At a New Mexico intersection, a steady red arrow is displayed for the lane you are in. What does this signal mean?

  1. You may proceed straight through but not make the turn.
  2. You must stop and then proceed when the way is clear.
  3. You must not move in the arrow's direction until green. Correct answer.
  4. You may turn after yielding to crossing traffic.

Explanation

A steady red arrow applies only to traffic moving in the direction the arrow points, and it prohibits that movement. You must wait until a green arrow or other green signal permits the movement.

Question 23Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

At a New Mexico intersection with no traffic signal, a pedestrian is crossing in a marked crosswalk. What must you do?

  1. Stop and yield the right of way to the pedestrian. Correct answer.
  2. Stop only if the pedestrian is in your lane.
  3. Speed up to pass before the pedestrian reaches your lane.
  4. Continue because vehicles have the right of way at unmarked intersections.

Explanation

Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk, even at an intersection without a signal. Approach prepared to stop and wait until the pedestrian has safely cleared.

Question 24Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

While approaching a New Mexico intersection, you see a flashing yellow circular traffic signal. How should you respond?

  1. Stop and wait for a green light before entering the intersection.
  2. Stop completely, then proceed when the intersection is clear.
  3. Treat the signal as a green light and maintain your speed without checking traffic.
  4. Slow down and proceed cautiously, yielding as needed. Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing yellow signal does not require a stop; it warns that you may proceed only with caution. Slow down, scan for crossing traffic and pedestrians, and yield as needed.

Question 25Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You are entering a New Mexico roundabout and see no stop sign, only a yield sign at the entry. What is the proper action?

  1. Enter at full speed because circulating traffic must yield to you.
  2. Stop fully before entering and wait for a gap in circulating traffic.
  3. Yield to circulating vehicles and enter when a gap is safe. Correct answer.
  4. Turn left into the roundabout because traffic circulates counterclockwise.

Explanation

At a roundabout, entering traffic yields to vehicles already circulating; a full stop is required only if traffic or a sign requires it. Enter to the right and travel counterclockwise.

Question 26Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

On a New Mexico highway, you enter a posted work zone where workers are present. Which action is required?

  1. Maintain the normal highway speed because the work zone limit applies only at night.
  2. Slow down and obey the posted work-zone speed limit. Correct answer.
  3. Move into the shoulder to give workers more room while passing.
  4. Stop until a flagger waves you through, even if no flagger is present.

Explanation

Work zones often lower the speed limit when workers are present, and fines for speeding in a work zone can be doubled. Adjust speed before reaching the workers and follow flaggers or posted signs.

Question 27Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

Under New Mexico rules, when you plan to turn, you should signal your intention at least how far before the turn?

  1. 100 feet Correct answer.
  2. 200 feet
  3. 25 feet
  4. 50 feet

Explanation

New Mexico requires a turn signal to be given at least 100 feet before a turn so other drivers can react. Signal early and keep it on until the turn is complete.

Question 28Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

On a New Mexico roadway, a solid white line along the right side of your lane typically indicates:

  1. The right edge of the travel lane next to the shoulder. Correct answer.
  2. The left boundary of a two-way road, marking oncoming traffic.
  3. A lane reserved for passing slower traffic in the same direction.
  4. A no-parking zone along the curb for emergency vehicles.

Explanation

A solid white edge line marks the right edge of the travel lane and the beginning of the shoulder. You should not cross it unless necessary for a turn, stop, or emergency.

Question 29Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You approach a New Mexico intersection where the traffic signal is completely dark because of a power failure. No officer is directing traffic. How should you proceed?

  1. Stop only if another vehicle is already in the intersection.
  2. Wait at the intersection until the signal is repaired.
  3. Proceed through without stopping because the signal is not operating.
  4. Treat it as an all-way stop and follow right-of-way rules. Correct answer.

Explanation

A dark signal provides no direction, so drivers should treat it like an all-way stop. Come to a full stop, yield to vehicles already in the intersection, and follow the usual right-of-way rules.

Question 30Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You are approaching a New Mexico intersection on a green light when a police officer in the intersection signals you to stop. What should you do?

  1. Stop only if the officer is directing traffic in your lane.
  2. Continue through because the green light gives you the right of way.
  3. Slow down and drive around the officer if the intersection is clear.
  4. Stop and follow the officer's directions. Correct answer.

Explanation

Directions from a police officer or authorized traffic control person override signals, signs, and pavement markings. Obey the officer immediately and proceed only when directed.

Question 31Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A downward-pointing triangular sign with a red border and white center is posted before a New Mexico intersection. What does this sign require you to do?

  1. Continue at the same speed because your road has priority.
  2. Slow down and yield to traffic on the intersecting road. Correct answer.
  3. Stop only if another vehicle is already inside the intersection.
  4. Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.

Explanation

The inverted triangle is the yield sign. You must slow down, give the right-of-way to traffic on the road you are entering, and stop if necessary to avoid a collision. A full stop is required only when traffic or safety conditions demand it.

Question 32Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A five-sided yellow sign with a school symbol is posted along a New Mexico road. What does this sign indicate?

  1. A playground area where only school buses are allowed to park during the day.
  2. A school zone where you watch for children and obey posted school speed limits. Correct answer.
  3. A hospital zone where drivers are required to sound the horn to warn patients.
  4. A pedestrian shopping mall where all vehicle traffic is prohibited at all times.

Explanation

A five-sided sign is used for school areas. Slow down, watch for children, and follow any posted reduced school speed limit. The symbol identifies a school crossing or school zone rather than a parking or hospital rule.

Question 33Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You are parking along a curb painted red in New Mexico. What does the red curb mean?

  1. You may stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.
  2. You may park there if your vehicle has a disabled parking placard.
  3. Parking is allowed for up to 15 minutes while you load passengers.
  4. You may not stop, stand, or park there. Correct answer.

Explanation

A red curb marks an area where stopping, standing, and parking are prohibited. White curbs are generally for passenger loading, yellow curbs for loading or unloading, and blue curbs for disabled parking. Do not use a red curb even briefly unless a sign or officer directs otherwise.

Question 34Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow is displayed for your lane at a New Mexico intersection. What does the signal allow you to do?

  1. Proceed straight only; left turns are prohibited while the arrow flashes.
  2. Turn left only after coming to a complete stop and waiting for a green arrow.
  3. Turn left without yielding because the arrow is a protected turn.
  4. Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing yellow arrow is a permissive left-turn signal. You may turn left when it is safe, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. The signal does not give you a protected right-of-way.

Question 35Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A New Mexico road has two solid yellow lines in the center, with no broken line on either side. What do these lines mean for passing?

  1. The lane on the right is reserved for vehicles turning left.
  2. Passing is permitted when the road ahead is clear in both directions.
  3. Vehicles traveling in either direction may not cross the lines to pass. Correct answer.
  4. Traffic on the right side may pass, but traffic on the left side may not.

Explanation

Double solid yellow center lines prohibit passing in both directions. You may not cross them to overtake another vehicle. They may be crossed only where a turn into a driveway or side road is legal and safe.

Question 36Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You arrive at a New Mexico four-way stop at the same time as another vehicle on your right. Both of you intend to go straight. Who has the right-of-way?

  1. You do, because you are going straight.
  2. The other driver does, because that driver is on your right. Correct answer.
  3. Whoever sounds the horn first has the right-of-way.
  4. Neither driver; both must back up and approach the stop again.

Explanation

At a four-way stop, when two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. Going straight does not create an advantage over a vehicle on your right. Both drivers should proceed only when it is safe.

Question 37Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

In New Mexico, you want to turn right at a steady red circular signal, and no sign prohibits the turn. What should you do?

  1. Turn right only after the vehicle behind you has also come to a full stop.
  2. Turn right without stopping whenever the way ahead is clear of vehicles and pedestrians.
  3. Wait for a green arrow before turning right, even when no sign prohibits the turn.
  4. Stop completely, then turn right after yielding to traffic and pedestrians. Correct answer.

Explanation

New Mexico allows a right turn on a steady red signal unless a sign prohibits it. You must first make a complete stop and then yield to pedestrians and to traffic using the intersecting road. The turn is not permitted simply because the way looks clear.

Question 38Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You see an orange diamond-shaped sign on a New Mexico highway. What does this sign generally indicate?

  1. A school zone with a reduced speed limit.
  2. A hospital emergency entrance where horn use is required.
  3. A regulatory rule that applies only during nighttime hours.
  4. A warning of construction or maintenance activity ahead. Correct answer.

Explanation

Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of construction, maintenance, or work-zone conditions. Slow down and be prepared for workers, equipment, or changed lanes. School warnings are normally yellow, and regulatory signs are usually white rectangles.

Question 39Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A New Mexico intersection has a yield line painted as a row of solid white triangles across your lane. What does this marking require?

  1. Treat the triangles as a crosswalk and wait only for pedestrians.
  2. Continue through because white triangles give your lane the right-of-way.
  3. Slow down, yield to traffic, and stop if necessary. Correct answer.
  4. Stop completely before the first triangle, even if no traffic is approaching.

Explanation

A yield line is a row of solid white triangles that supplements a yield sign or marks where to yield. You must slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic already in or approaching the intersection, stopping if needed. It is not a mandatory stop line when no traffic conflicts.

Question 40Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

In New Mexico, when may you turn left on a steady red circular signal?

  1. Never, because a left turn on red is always illegal in New Mexico.
  2. Whenever you are in the left lane and no traffic is within 500 feet.
  3. Only when a police officer is directing traffic at the intersection.
  4. From a one-way street to another one-way street, after stopping. Correct answer.

Explanation

New Mexico permits a left turn on red only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it. You must first stop completely and yield to pedestrians and other traffic. From a two-way street onto another road, you must wait for a green signal.

Question 41Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

On a New Mexico highway, an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is stopped on the shoulder ahead. What does the Move Over Law require you to do?

  1. Change lanes if safe, or slow down if you cannot. Correct answer.
  2. Move onto the right shoulder and continue at the same speed.
  3. Maintain your speed and lane because the vehicle is on the shoulder.
  4. Stop completely in your lane until the emergency vehicle leaves.

Explanation

New Mexico's Move Over Law requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle with warning lights to vacate the lane next to it when safe. If a lane change is not possible, the driver must slow down and proceed with caution.

Question 42Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A round yellow sign with a black X and the letters RR is posted along a New Mexico road. What does it warn you about?

  1. A construction zone is ahead.
  2. A four-way intersection is ahead.
  3. A railroad crossing is ahead. Correct answer.
  4. A school crossing is ahead.

Explanation

A round yellow warning sign carrying an X and the letters RR warns that a railroad crossing is ahead. Drivers should slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop if a train is approaching.

Question 43Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

For drivers 21 and older in New Mexico, what blood alcohol concentration is the per se limit for DWI?

  1. 0.08 Correct answer.
  2. 0.05
  3. 0.10
  4. 0.02

Explanation

For drivers 21 and older, New Mexico's per se DWI limit is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08. A driver at or above that level can be charged with DWI even without other evidence of impairment.

Question 44Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

At night in New Mexico, you must switch from high beams to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within what distance?

  1. 300 feet
  2. 500 feet Correct answer.
  3. 100 feet
  4. 200 feet

Explanation

New Mexico requires drivers to dim high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet. High beams must also be dimmed when following another vehicle within 200 feet.

Question 45Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A New Mexico road has a broken yellow line in the center. What does this marking mean?

  1. Opposing traffic may cross it to pass when safe. Correct answer.
  2. The lane nearest the line is reserved for left turns only.
  3. Passing is prohibited for both directions.
  4. You may park along the line if no signs prohibit it.

Explanation

A broken yellow center line separates traffic moving in opposite directions and permits passing when it is safe. Drivers must still ensure the passing maneuver can be completed before the line becomes solid.

Question 46Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

At a New Mexico intersection, the pedestrian signal shows a flashing orange hand and a countdown. A pedestrian has already stepped into the crosswalk as you prepare to turn right. What should you do?

  1. Proceed because a flashing hand means pedestrians may not start crossing.
  2. Yield and wait until the pedestrian clears your path. Correct answer.
  3. Honk to warn the pedestrian to hurry.
  4. Complete the turn quickly ahead of the pedestrian.

Explanation

A flashing orange hand means pedestrians should not start crossing, but those already in the crosswalk have the right of way. A driver turning right must yield and wait until the pedestrian has cleared the vehicle's path.

Question 47Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

A fire engine approaches from behind with lights and siren on a two-way New Mexico street. What must you do?

  1. Stop immediately where you are, even in the intersection.
  2. Pull to the right curb and stop. Correct answer.
  3. Speed up to reach the next intersection and turn.
  4. Move to the left lane and continue at the same speed.

Explanation

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, New Mexico drivers must pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop. Drivers should remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless directed otherwise.

Question 48Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You park on a downhill slope along a curb in New Mexico. Which action is correct?

  1. Turn the wheels away from the curb.
  2. Turn the wheels toward the curb and set the parking brake. Correct answer.
  3. Leave the wheels straight ahead.
  4. Set the parking brake only, with wheels straight.

Explanation

When parking downhill along a curb, turn the front wheels toward the curb and set the parking brake. This way, if the vehicle rolls, the curb will help stop it.

Question 49Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

You approach a New Mexico intersection where the signal facing you is flashing red. Traffic is light and no police officer is present. What is required?

  1. Stop only if another vehicle is already in the intersection.
  2. Come to a complete stop, yield, then proceed when safe. Correct answer.
  3. Slow down and proceed without stopping if no traffic is present.
  4. Treat it as a green light when making a right turn.

Explanation

A flashing red signal is treated like a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe.

Question 50Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

On a New Mexico roadway, an overhead lane-control signal shows a red X above the lane you are in. What does it mean?

  1. The lane is open only for vehicles making left turns.
  2. The lane is reserved for high-occupancy vehicles only.
  3. Lane is closed; move to another lane. Correct answer.
  4. The lane is reserved for emergency vehicles only.

Explanation

An overhead red X means the lane is closed to all traffic. Drivers in that lane must move to a lane marked with a green arrow or otherwise indicated as open.