Rules of the Road is the manual's biggest section, and for good reason—it covers the everyday decisions that keep you and everyone around you safe. You'll learn how fast to go, how to read signs and signals, who has the right-of-way, and how to use lanes, turns, passing, and parking correctly. Don't try to memorize every detail at once; focus on understanding the patterns behind the rules.
A big part of this section is intersections and communication. A steady red means stop, and you may turn right on red only after a complete stop when it's safe, unless a sign forbids it. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first, and when in doubt you yield to the driver on your right. Above all, the right-of-way is something you give, not take—always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
The rest of the section is about moving through traffic smoothly. Signal well before you turn or change lanes, turn from the lane closest to where you're going, and pass only on the left where markings allow. You'll also cover rotaries and roundabouts, parking rules and curbside limits, and how to share the road safely with trucks, buses, motorcycles, and bicyclists. Give large vehicles room and watch for riders in their blind spots.
Can I turn right on a red light in Massachusetts?⌄
Yes—after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
Who goes first at a four-way stop?⌄
The first vehicle to come to a complete stop has the right-of-way. If two arrive at the same time, yield to the driver on your right. When you're unsure, it's always safe to let the other driver go.
How far ahead should I signal before turning?⌄
Signal at least 100 feet before a turn on ordinary roads, and farther on a highway. Always check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, then make your move—signaling early lets others around you react.