Quiz: Test your road rules knowledge

Too often, drivers ignore the rules of the road, either through deliberate negligence, a lack of enforcement, or the fact that most are never retested on their skills.

The following 13 questions, compiled by columnist Peter DeMarco and with the help of police and traffic officials, will test your mettle and may raise a few alarms.

Stay safe out there.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444811.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444811/”>What does a single solid yellow line tell you on a two-lane road?</a></noscript>

Answer: A

Unlike a double yellow line, you can pass, make a turn, and even make a U-turn. However, a single solid yellow line is also meant to discourage passing, according to MassDOT spokesman Michael Verseckes.

Also, since it is so rare, you are likely on an older road.

“The use of the single solid yellow line is becoming less and less frequent as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has been updated to employ the use of either a double solid yellow line, or if a street is narrow enough, no line at all,’’ says Verseckes.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4441521.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4441521/”>What’s the youngest age someone can legally drive?</a></noscript>

Answer: C

South Dakota has the lowest driving age: driver’s license at 14.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444863.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444863/”>True or False: Speeding fines in work zones are doubled only when construction workers are on duty.</a></noscript>

Answer: False

Fines are doubled even when the zone is inactive.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444736.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444736/”>Is it illegal to cut into a funeral procession?</a></noscript>

Answer: A

Yes, no question about it.

The fine is $50 or a month in prison, although police say jail time is rare.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444765.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444765/”>What does a flashing green light mean?</a></noscript>

Answer: C

Means the same as a solid green, but is meant to slow vehicles down to pedestrian traffic.

Some of these lights can be seen on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444724.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444724/”>If you have a handicapped plate or placard, you may:</a></noscript>

Answer: D

Both A and B.

You can park for free for an unlimited time, even if there is a stated time limit.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4441510.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4441510/”>Which statement about lemon laws is true?</a></noscript>

Answer: B

Massachusetts state laws offer the best protection. Be glad. Massachusetts has some of the strongest protection against lemons in the country.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444886.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444886/”>What’s the rule about parking outside terminal doors at Logan Airport?</a></noscript>

Answer: A

Technically it’s not allowed at all, but police allow some leeway.

Just don’t try to impersonate a limousine driver in the livery lot.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444704.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444704/”>If you’ve signed up to be an organ donor, what are the odds you’ll actually become a donor?</a></noscript>

Answer: A

About 1 in 9,000.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444875.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444875/”>You’re not supposed to exceed your vehicle’s “payload capacity’’ in terms of weight. Payload capacity is:</a></noscript>

Answer: C

The weight of occupants, cargo, fluids and about 10 percent of the trailer weight.

Exceeding the capacity can severely damage your vehicle.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444924.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444924/”>When must children ride in booster seats?</a></noscript>

Answer: A

Children must ride in a booster seat when they are 5-7 years of age or until they reach 4-foot-9 in height. An older law required that only children under 5 or less than 40 pounds ride in one.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444739.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444739/”>Why are highway weigh stations closed most of the time?</a></noscript>

Answer: B

Truck drivers try to take routes to avoid them, so police use different tactics to catch violators.

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4444717.js”></script>
<noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/4444717/”>When taking home a bottle of unfinished wine from a restaurant, you:</a></noscript>

Answer: B

Must put it in the trunk.