Driving Tips

Headlights
State law requires drivers to use their headlights in the following situations:
  • When they cannot see because of insufficient light on gray days or in heavy traffic when their vehicle may seem to blend in with the surroundings
  • When there are unfavorable atmospheric conditions, including rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, smoke or smog. In bad weather, use only the low beams - high beams actually reduce visibility under these conditions
  • When they cannot see pedestrians or vehicles on the highway for a distance of 1,000 feet ahead of the vehicle they are operating
  • Between sunset and sunrise
  • When driving through work zones
  • Any time that the driver is utilizing the windshield wipers either intermittently or continually
Posted Speed Limits
Posted speed limits indicate what the maximum safe driving speed is, under the best conditions. On rural interstate highways and other freeways as posted, the maximum speed limit is 65 miles per hour. The maximum speed limit on other highways is 55 miles per hour, unless signs are posted with a different speed limit.

In urban areas, the maximum speed limit is 35 miles per hour, unless otherwise posted. In residential areas, the maximum speed limit is 25 miles per hour, unless otherwise posted. In school zones, the speed limit is 15 miles per hour when the lights on the school zone signs are flashing or during the time period indicated on the signs.

When the road is wet or slippery, when you cannot see well or when anything else makes the conditions less than perfect, drive below the posted speed limit. Even if you are driving within the posted speed limit, you can still be ticketed for driving too fast for conditions.

Safe Operation of a Bicycle
The Helmet Law
This law requires riders under 12 years of age to wear an approved bicycle helmet anytime they are riding a bicycle.

Protective Visibility Equipment
This law requires that every pedal cycle being operated between sunset and sunrise be equipped with a headlight capable of lighting the operators path and that the beam of light be visible from a distance of 500 feet. The pedal cycle must also be equipped with a red reflector facing to the rear which will be visible from a distance of 500 feet and amber reflectors facing each side. This minimum lighting may be supplemented with additional flashing lights that may be either mounted to the pedal cycle or actually worn by the operator.