Vehicle Code Definitions Flashcards
7 cards from real DMV practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Vehicle Code Definitions flashcards as text
Under the Vehicle Code, what is a 'traffic control device'?
Answer: All signs, signals, markings, and devices placed or erected by authority of a public agency for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic
Traffic control devices include all official signs, signals, and markings placed by public authority to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
What is 'gross vehicle weight rating' (GVWR) and why does it matter?
Answer: The maximum operating weight specified by the manufacturer; it determines vehicle class and licensing requirements
GVWR is the manufacturer's specified maximum operating weight and determines what class of vehicle license is required.
How does the Vehicle Code define 'authorized emergency vehicle'?
Answer: Vehicles of fire departments, police departments, ambulances, and other vehicles designated by the DMV or state authority
Authorized emergency vehicles include fire, police, and ambulance vehicles plus others officially designated by state authority.
What is a 'freeway' under Vehicle Code definitions?
Answer: A highway to which the owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access except at such points and in such manner as may be determined by the public authority
A freeway is defined by controlled access — abutting property owners have no right to direct access except at designated points.
What does 'park' or 'parking' mean under the Vehicle Code?
Answer: The standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading
Parking is the standing of a vehicle not temporarily engaged in loading/unloading — it's distinct from stopping or standing.
What is a 'school bus' as specifically defined in the Vehicle Code?
Answer: A motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of any school pupil to or from a school or school activity
A school bus is defined by its purpose of transporting school pupils to or from school or school activities, not by ownership or color.
Under the Vehicle Code, what is 'prima facie speed limit'?
Answer: A speed limit that is presumed reasonable and prudent under normal conditions but may be rebutted by evidence
A prima facie speed limit is presumed safe under normal conditions, but a driver can argue it was safe to exceed it or unsafe to reach it given conditions.