When you are driving, do you notice that some road signs are black letters on a white background, but others are black letters on a yellow background? What is the differenc? Well the black and white signs are law. You must comply. The black and yellow signs are advisory and you can ignore them without getting a ticket. For example, a speed limit that is black and yellow might be posted on an off-ramp, a curve or a construction zone. They are suggesting that it is a safe speed for that situation. But if you enter a construction zone where the "Speed Limit 45" sign is black and white, you will risk a ticket if you go faster.

Sometimes you will see an obstruction beside the road such as a bridge or a guard rail. It is painted with diagonal stripes. If the stripes are like this: //// it means keep to the left, and if it is like this: \\\\ it means keep to the right. Naturally if you see \\\\ ////, you should go in the middle. Sometimes at night this will give you an extra split second that helps you avoid an accident.

Suppose you come to an intersection where there is a stop sign and a red/green traffic light. Which do you obey? The electric signal overrides the sign. If a red light if flashing, it means the same as a stop sign. You stop and then go when clear. Both mean a full stop. If a yellow light is flashing it means be careful. If the intersection is clear you may drive right through, much as you would if there was a "yield" sign. The diffence is that "yield" implies that the other traffic has the right of way, but the flashing yellow often means that the right of way is yours. Naturally, if the intersection is not clear, you should wait.

Suppose you are driving on a two-lane road and come upon a car stopped in your lane. His left turn signal is on and he is waiting for traffic to clear before making his turn. There is a wide, paved shoulder to his right. Can you pass on the right? Not legally. You see people doing this all them time, but if an accident occurs while they are passing on the sholder, they will probably get a ticket. Some police officers will ignore this violation if there is no accident, but others won't. Accidents often occur when an on-coming car turns left, and you can't see it because of the stopped car in your lane.

How do you get out of a parallel parking space when your view is blocked by a tall vehicle such as a truck, van or SUV? I turn on my 4-way blinkers and back out v-e-r-y slowly. I haven't been hit yet.
Howard