1. Can you be ticketed for running a stop sign in a private lot, like a grocery store? What about the stop-sign that is exiting the property? Do you have to come to a complete stop at the end of your driveway before entering the roadway?it depends mostly on the state. I was hit in a parking lot and the police officer told me that he could not issue a citation (even though it was clear that the other driver was at fault) due to it being in a parking lot. As for the sign exiting the property, if the sign is on private property then the driver can't be ticketed for not comping to a complete stop but the driver does have to yield right of way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic - the same for your driveway.
2. Is it legal to pull out from a parking lot or road into a turn lane. Example: I want to turn left, but traffic is heavy and I can't get into the lane, so I pull into the turn lane then merge. I personally think it isn't legal, but everybody does it on my street (except me, I think it's dangerous and stupid)Again, this varies from state to state. I have done this very maneuver in front of local police and not received a warning or citation.
3. If you are rear-ended and hit the car in front of you, will you get a citation for hitting the car? (my belief is yes) you can be cited for following too close, but that is usually a judgment by the officer
4. How long do you wait before you decide the light is broken (or you didn't trigger it) and run it? most traffic lights are on a 30-45 second timer (depending on placement and traffic) I don't know if there is a set time limit as for how long you must wait, but if I am at a light for over a couple min, it hasn't turned and there is no oncoming traffic I will run it.
5. Why do some lights turn red as you approach them? (I thought maybe they were mis-calibrated, but I have encountered enough, I am starting to think they are on purpose)many cities/towns use traffic lights to control speed. They want them to turn red to keep the flow going at a set rate. Some are calibrated to change at a certain speed from one to the next the others are set to control the flow. I had exchanged several letters with the traffic control operations department and learned a lot about this. There are times when they do want free-flow of traffic and others they want traffic to stop. So yes, there are lights that are set to make you stop.
6. Is it illegal to change lanes in a turn? If you are in a double turn lane, and you cross over. (I think yes, but I'm not sure)again, varies from state to state, but the general guideline is to stay in the lane that you entered for the turn
7. Is there a speed limit to on/off ramps? If I am going 70 on the interstate and hit an off ramp doing that, can I be ticketed for going 70 in a 45 or something like that? there are some off ramps that do have speed limits and are posted. I have seen off ramps with a posted 15 MPH speed limit (due to the extreme turn) and yes you can be given a ticket for speeding on an off ramp.
8. If there is no school, but the lights are flashing do you have to go 20?yes - don't mess around with school zones.
9. Do you have to have your seat belt on before you start the car, or before you put it in gear?I think that it is before you put the car into motion
10. If someone is driving your car that isn't on the insurance policy, can they get a ticket, or will I get a ticket or does it not matter? (probably varies state to state)this varies again, but in most cases they will get a ticket and you could get a ticket or at least a hit on your insurance
Don't chalk my answers up as the 100% right as they will vary from place to place.
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