Page 28 - Georgia Drivers Manual 2020
P. 28
5SECTION : TRAFFIC LAWS
• Turn your wheels sharply to the right and times of the day or for a short period of time. • Get out immediately
back slowly toward the car behind the space It is important to pay close attention to road • Move away
you wish to use; signs while driving to ensure that when you • Locate Emergency Notification Systems
approach a speed zone, whether temporary
• As your front door passes the back bumper or permanent, you will have sufficient time to (ENS) sign containing emergency contact
of the car ahead of the space you wish to use, adjust your speed accordingly. information.
quickly straighten your wheels and continue • Call for help! Tell them a vehicle is on the
to back diagonally into the space in a straight Driving Too Slowly tracks.
line; Drivers are prohibited from driving a mo-
• When your front bumper is completely clear tor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede
of the car ahead of you, turn your wheels the normal and reasonable movement of traf-
sharply to the left and back slowly toward fic except when a reduced speed is necessary
the car behind you; for safe operation. On roads with two or more
lanes, drivers cannot continue to operate a mo-
• Stop before making contact with the car be- tor vehicle in the passing lane if that driver is
hind you. Place the car in drive, turn your being overtaken by a motor vehicle traveling at
wheels sharply to the right and pull toward a higher rate of speed from behind. Penalties
the center of the parking space; include fines up to $1000 and/or 3 points on
the driving record.
• Always give the appropriate turn signal prior
to beginning your parking maneuver and When there are two or more lanes for traffic
when you exit from a parallel parking space. moving in the same direction, slower vehicles
should use the right lane except when pass-
Backing Up ing or making a left turn. Driving too slowly is
dangerous because it impedes the regular flow
• Before backing, check all sides of your vehicle of traffic. Minimum speed limits are posted on
to make sure it is safe to do so. You should certain highways. If you are unable to drive at
turn your head and look over your right the minimum speed, you should seek an al-
shoulder while backing; do not depend on ternate route.
your mirrors;
Railroad Crossings
• For buses and large vehicles, the driver
should use all mirrors and utilize a relia ble You must always stop within 50 feet, but not
person to observe and direct while backing less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail of a rail-
the vehicle. road crossing when any of the following apply:
• The signal is flashing;
Traveling Speed • The crossing gates are lowered;
• A flagman is giving a signal;
Super Speeder • A train is approaching so closely as to create
Any driver convicted of speeding 75 mph or
an immediate hazard;
more on a two-lane road or 85 miles per hour or • A train gives a warning signal and is an im-
more on any road in Georgia, will be assessed
a $200 state fee. The state fee will be in addition mediate hazard due to its speed or nearness
to any local fines imposed in the jurisdiction to the crossing;
where the speeding offense occurs. Failure to • A stop sign is posted.
pay the state fee on time will result in a license Under no circumstances should a motorist
suspension and additional $50 reinstatement fee. drive through, around or under any crossing
gate while the gate is lowered. After stopping,
Speed Limits remain stopped until all tracks are clear, all
Maximum traveling speeds are determined railroad crossing warning signals stop flash-
ing, the crossing gates are raised, and it is safe
based on the following general rules in Georgia to proceed.
unless otherwise posted:
• 30 miles per hour in any urban or residential 7 Steps for Safety at Highway-
Rail Grade Crossings:
district; 1. Approach with care.
• 35 miles per hour on an unpaved county road; 2. Prepare to stop.
• 70 miles per hour on a rural interstate; 3. Look both ways and listen carefully.
• 65 miles per hour on an urban interstate or 4. If it won't fit, don't commit. Do not enter
on a multi-lane divided highway; a crossing unless you can drive completely
• 55 miles per hour in all other areas. through without stopping!
5. Look again.
These are only general rules. Local jurisdic- 6. Cross tracks with care.
tions, the Georgia Department of Transporta- 7. Keep going once you start.
tion, or the Georgia Department of Public Safety If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, do the
may deem it necessary to adjust speed limits following:
based on local conditions, whether temporary
or permanent.
Always watch for speed limit signs
while driving. Some areas, such as school
zones or construction zones, may be posted
for lower maximum speed limits at certain
26 2019-2020 DRIVERS MANUAL
