RTT Rules of the Road 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When can a motorcyclist legally ride between lanes of stopped or slow traffic (lane splitting)?
- In all 50 states
- Only in California, which is the only state that explicitly permits it (Correct answer)
- In any state where posted speed is under 35 mph
- Whenever traffic is at a standstill
Correct answer: Only in California, which is the only state that explicitly permits it
As of recent years, California is the only US state with explicit statutory permission for lane splitting.
Question 2: A motorcyclist approaching a bridge with a 'LOAD LIMIT' sign should:
- Ignore it since motorcycles are light vehicles
- Check if the motorcycle and rider combined weight exceeds the posted limit (Correct answer)
- Always slow to 25 mph regardless of weight
- Stop and wait for flaggers to signal it is safe
Correct answer: Check if the motorcycle and rider combined weight exceeds the posted limit
Load limit signs apply to all vehicles — riders must confirm their total weight (motorcycle plus rider and cargo) is within the posted limit.
Question 3: What must a motorcyclist do when approaching a railroad crossing with flashing lights and lowered gates?
- Stop before the tracks and wait until signals stop and gates lift (Correct answer)
- Slow to 15 mph and proceed if no train is visible
- Stop, look both ways, then proceed carefully
- Yield only if a train is audible
Correct answer: Stop before the tracks and wait until signals stop and gates lift
When railroad crossing signals are active and gates are down, you must stop before the tracks and wait for the all-clear.
Question 4: When a motorcyclist wants to change lanes on a highway, the correct sequence is:
- Signal, check mirrors, check blind spot, change lanes (Correct answer)
- Check mirrors, change lanes, then signal
- Signal, change lanes, then check blind spot
- Check blind spot, change lanes, then signal
Correct answer: Signal, check mirrors, check blind spot, change lanes
The proper sequence is: signal your intent, check mirrors for traffic, physically check your blind spot, then make the lane change.
Question 5: What does a pennant-shaped yellow sign mean?
- Road narrows ahead
- No passing zone begins here (Correct answer)
- Yield to oncoming traffic
- Divided highway ends
Correct answer: No passing zone begins here
A pennant-shaped (triangular) yellow sign posted on the left side of the road marks the beginning of a no-passing zone.
Question 6: When riding on a road with a posted speed limit of 55 mph and wet conditions, a motorcyclist should:
- Maintain 55 mph since the limit is the law
- Reduce speed to a safe level appropriate for conditions (Correct answer)
- Increase following distance but keep the same speed
- Pull over and wait for conditions to improve
Correct answer: Reduce speed to a safe level appropriate for conditions
Posted speed limits apply to ideal conditions — riders must reduce speed in rain or wet roads to maintain safe control.
Question 7: A motorcyclist riding with a passenger must be aware that the extra weight will:
- Improve stability and shorten stopping distance
- Increase stopping distance and affect handling (Correct answer)
- Have no effect on modern motorcycles
- Only affect handling on curves, not straight roads
Correct answer: Increase stopping distance and affect handling
A passenger adds weight that increases stopping distance and changes the motorcycle's handling dynamics, requiring adjusted riding technique.
RTT Rules of the Road 5
When can a motorcyclist legally ride between lanes of stopped or slow traffic (lane splitting)?