Page 22 - FINAL GA Drivers Manual Updated July 2021

SECTION 5 : 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
approach a speed zone, whether temporary • Locate Emergency Notification Systems
• As your front door passes the back bumper (ENS) sign containing emergency contact
of the car ahead of the space you wish to use, or permanent, you will have sufficient time to information.
quickly straighten your wheels and continue adjust your speed accordingly.
to back diagonally into the space in a straight Driving Too Slowly • Call for help! Tell them a vehicle is on the
line; tracks.
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 e xcept when a r educed s peed i s n ecessary
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-
hind you. Place the car in drive, turn your tor vehicle in the passing lane if that driver is
wheels sharply to the right and pull toward being overtaken by a motor vehicle traveling at
the center of the parking space; a higher rate of speed from behind. Penalties
include fines u p t o $1000 a nd/or 3 p oints o n
• Always give the appropriate turn signal prior the driving record.
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;
• driver Railroad Crossings
should use all mirrors and utilize a reli able
person to observe and direct while backing You must always stop within 50 feet, but not
the vehicle. less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail of a rail-
road crossing when any of the following apply:
Traveling Speed • The signal is flashing;
• The crossing gates are lowered;
Super Speeder • A flagman is giving a signal;
Any driver convicted of speeding 75 mph or • A train is approaching so closely as to create
more on a two-lane road or 85 miles per hour or an immediate hazard;
more on any road in Georgia, will be assessed
a $200 state fee. The state fee will be in addition • A train gives a warning signal and is an im-
to any local fines imposed in the jurisdiction mediate hazard due to its speed or nearness
where the speeding offense occurs. Failure to to the crossing;
pay the state fee on time will result in a license • A stop sign is posted.
suspension and additional $50 reinstatement fee.
Under no circumstances should a motorist
Speed Limits drive through, around or under any crossing
Maximum traveling speeds are determined gate while the gate is lowered. After stopping,
based on the following general rules in Georgia remain stopped until all tracks are clear, all
unless otherwise posted: railroad crossing warning signals stop flash-
ing, the crossing gates are raised, and it is safe
• 30 miles per hour in any urban or residential
district; to proceed.
• 35 miles per hour on an unpaved county road; 7 Steps for Safety at Highway-
Rail Grade Crossings:
• 70 miles per hour on a rural interstate;
1. Approach with care.
• 65 miles per hour on an urban interstate or
on a multi-lane divided highway; 2. Prepare to stop.
• 55 miles per hour in all other areas. 3. Look both ways and listen carefully.
These are only general rules. Local jurisdic- 4. If it won't fit, don't commit. Do not enter
tions, the Georgia Department of Transporta- a crossing unless you can drive completely
tion, or the Georgia Department of Public Safety through without stopping!
may deem it necessary to adjust speed limits 5. Look again.
based on local conditions, whether temporary
or permanent. 6. Cross tracks with care.
Always watch for speed limit signs
while driving. Some areas, such as school 7. Keep going once you start.
zones or construction zones, may be posted If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, do the
for lower maximum speed limits at certain following:

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