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[Skip to content](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/common-traffic-laws/#main) Menu [](https://www.progressive.com/) - Insurance & more - Claims - Resources & tools - About us - [1-855-347-3749, 1-855-347-3749](tel:1-855-347-3749) - [Log in](https://www.progressive.com/rp/login?cntgrp=A) [Life Lanes home](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/) - [AutoTried and true tips for cars](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/auto/) - [HomeFrom moving to design, all under one roof](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/home/) - [RecreationalTake off on your boat, motorcycle or RV](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/recreational/) - [Life MomentsHelping you to adjust to life's changes](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/life-moments/) - [Saved Articles](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/saved-articles/) Get a Quote  not bookmarked # Common traffic laws [Auto](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/auto/) 3 min read While each state can pass laws to govern the roads in its jurisdiction, most traffic laws are similar across the United States. Traffic signs follow the same principle. Individual states have the freedom to customize traffic signs to a certain degree, but the [Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices](https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/) (MUTCD) establishes baseline standards that all traffic signs must meet, regardless of jurisdiction. ## Who writes traffic laws? Traffic laws are usually written by state legislatures since each state can make its driving laws. Most state highway codes are based on the [Uniform Vehicle Code](https://trid.trb.org/view.aspx?id=367972), though no state has adopted it in its entirety. Still, having a common basis ensures that traffic laws are similar from one state to another, which is important since each state recognizes other states’ licenses as valid. Each state makes its code of traffic laws available to the public. For state-specific information, consult your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or find a summary of [state traffic laws](https://www.findlaw.com/traffic/traffic-tickets/state-traffic-laws.html) online. ## Common driving rules ### Drivers must use the right side of the road The only exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands where traffic proceeds on the left-hand side. ### Drunk driving is prohibited in all states A blood alcohol level of .08 is the legal threshold for drunk driving in nearly every state. ### Every state has seat belt laws These laws also define whether seat belt violations are a primary offense (where you can be stopped for violating the law) or a secondary offense (where you can be issued a ticket if you are stopped for something else). Learn more about [seat belt laws by state](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/state-seat-belt-laws/). ### Nearly every state requires auto insurance Even among the few states that don’t require [car insurance](https://www.progressive.com/auto/), drivers generally still need to prove that they meet certain financial responsibility requirements if they cause damage to others. Learn about the [car insurance requirements in your state](https://www.progressive.com/answers/state-car-insurance-information/). ### Right of way is given, not taken Even when you have the right of way legally, you need to proceed with caution, especially when entering or exiting a roadway. ### Yield right of way to emergency vehicles If possible, pull over and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass. Learn about [emergency vehicle passing rules](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/yielding-to-emergency-vehicles/). ### Drivers proceed in the order they arrive at traffic stops If two drivers arrive simultaneously, the one furthest to the right has the right of way. This also applies at 4-way stops. ### Stop for school buses dropping off children You must not only stop for school buses if you are following behind one but also when they’re on the other side of the road (unless there’s a physical barrier like a median dividing the road). ### All states allow right turns at a red light Unless an intersection has signage indicating otherwise, you can turn right on red. Drivers must first stop at the light and check for cross traffic before turning from the rightmost lane of their current street into the rightmost lane of the destination street. ## Common traffic laws These laws are more subject to state variation or involve less common driving scenarios but are still good to know. ### Traffic proceeds counterclockwise in roundabouts Though the United States has historically used four-way stops to regulate intersections that don’t have traffic lights, roundabouts are becoming more common. ### Keep right on multi-lane highways State laws aren’t well standardized about handling driving in the left lane, but most states have some rules about using the left lane to pass. ### Maximum speed limits vary by state All states establish different limits for different kinds of roads and [speed limit laws](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/how-are-speed-limits-set/). ### Mobile phone use varies by state According to [Governors Highway Safety Association](https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving/), most states have distracted driving laws that impose restrictions on cell phone use. ### The minimum age for a learner’s permit varies by state Some states issue [learner’s permits](https://www.progressive.com/answers/teen-drivers-learners-permit-insurance/) to people as young as 14, but most states allow teens to get a learner’s permit between 15 and 16.5 years old. ## Traffic sign rules It’s important to know the meaning of traffic signs. [According to the MUTCD](https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/services/publications/fhwaop02084/us_road_symbol_signs.pdf), the color of the sign tells you a lot about what it’s conveying: - **Red** is only used on stop, yield, and prohibition signs - **White background** is for regulatory signs such as speed limit signs - **Yellow** is for warning messages like an upcoming railroad crossing - **Green** indicates allowed traffic movement or directional guidance like highway exit signs - **Orange** is for construction like detours or workers ahead signs - **Fluorescent yellow and green** are for pedestrian and school crossings - **Blue** alerts drivers to upcoming services like rest areas - **Brown** indicates cultural, recreation, or tourist attractions The sign’s shape gives you information too. Squares or vertical rectangles indicate traffic regulations like a speed limit sign, diamonds are for warnings, horizontal rectangles offer guidance, and pentagons are for school zones. Having a clear understanding of the rules of the road can help make you a safe driver. Learn more about the rules of road and take our rules of the road driving quiz.  Progressive Founded in 1937, Progressive is the third largest personal car insurer in the U.S. with over 26 million drivers enrolled. Our mission is to help you navigate life. Life Lanes helps you do just that, from owning a car and home to other life moments and adventures. [View Website](https://www.progressive.com/) Related Articles [Auto 3 min read not bookmarked How to drive in the snow](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/how-to-drive-in-snow/) [Auto 3 min read not bookmarked Rules of the road for bicycles](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/bicycle-traffic-laws/) [Auto 2 min read not bookmarked Can you drive with a nail in your tire?](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/driving-with-nail-in-tire/) ### Related categories [Driving safety Learn the driving safety tips everyone should know before they get behind the wheel. ](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/auto/driving-safety/) [Travel Get tips to guide your next road trip, international adventure, or flight with your pet. ](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/life-moments/travel/) ### Get a quote with Progressive and see how you can save [Get a quote](https://www.progressive.com/auto/?campaign=LifeLanes) [Find an agent near you.](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/answers/agent) Any advice quoted on this page is provided by an industry professional and represents the advice of that professional rather than that of Progressive. 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While each state can pass laws to govern the roads in its jurisdiction, most traffic laws are similar across the United States. Traffic signs follow the same principle. Individual states have the freedom to customize traffic signs to a certain degree, but the [Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices](https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/) (MUTCD) establishes baseline standards that all traffic signs must meet, regardless of jurisdiction. ## Who writes traffic laws? Traffic laws are usually written by state legislatures since each state can make its driving laws. Most state highway codes are based on the [Uniform Vehicle Code](https://trid.trb.org/view.aspx?id=367972), though no state has adopted it in its entirety. Still, having a common basis ensures that traffic laws are similar from one state to another, which is important since each state recognizes other states’ licenses as valid. Each state makes its code of traffic laws available to the public. For state-specific information, consult your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or find a summary of [state traffic laws](https://www.findlaw.com/traffic/traffic-tickets/state-traffic-laws.html) online. ## Common driving rules ### Drivers must use the right side of the road The only exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands where traffic proceeds on the left-hand side. ### Drunk driving is prohibited in all states A blood alcohol level of .08 is the legal threshold for drunk driving in nearly every state. ### Every state has seat belt laws These laws also define whether seat belt violations are a primary offense (where you can be stopped for violating the law) or a secondary offense (where you can be issued a ticket if you are stopped for something else). Learn more about [seat belt laws by state](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/state-seat-belt-laws/). ### Nearly every state requires auto insurance Even among the few states that don’t require [car insurance](https://www.progressive.com/auto/), drivers generally still need to prove that they meet certain financial responsibility requirements if they cause damage to others. Learn about the [car insurance requirements in your state](https://www.progressive.com/answers/state-car-insurance-information/). ### Right of way is given, not taken Even when you have the right of way legally, you need to proceed with caution, especially when entering or exiting a roadway. ### Yield right of way to emergency vehicles If possible, pull over and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass. Learn about [emergency vehicle passing rules](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/yielding-to-emergency-vehicles/). ### Drivers proceed in the order they arrive at traffic stops If two drivers arrive simultaneously, the one furthest to the right has the right of way. This also applies at 4-way stops. ### Stop for school buses dropping off children You must not only stop for school buses if you are following behind one but also when they’re on the other side of the road (unless there’s a physical barrier like a median dividing the road). ### All states allow right turns at a red light Unless an intersection has signage indicating otherwise, you can turn right on red. Drivers must first stop at the light and check for cross traffic before turning from the rightmost lane of their current street into the rightmost lane of the destination street. ## Common traffic laws These laws are more subject to state variation or involve less common driving scenarios but are still good to know. ### Traffic proceeds counterclockwise in roundabouts Though the United States has historically used four-way stops to regulate intersections that don’t have traffic lights, roundabouts are becoming more common. ### Keep right on multi-lane highways State laws aren’t well standardized about handling driving in the left lane, but most states have some rules about using the left lane to pass. ### Maximum speed limits vary by state All states establish different limits for different kinds of roads and [speed limit laws](https://lifelanes.progressive.com/how-are-speed-limits-set/). ### Mobile phone use varies by state According to [Governors Highway Safety Association](https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving/), most states have distracted driving laws that impose restrictions on cell phone use. ### The minimum age for a learner’s permit varies by state Some states issue [learner’s permits](https://www.progressive.com/answers/teen-drivers-learners-permit-insurance/) to people as young as 14, but most states allow teens to get a learner’s permit between 15 and 16.5 years old. It’s important to know the meaning of traffic signs. [According to the MUTCD](https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/services/publications/fhwaop02084/us_road_symbol_signs.pdf), the color of the sign tells you a lot about what it’s conveying: - **Red** is only used on stop, yield, and prohibition signs - **White background** is for regulatory signs such as speed limit signs - **Yellow** is for warning messages like an upcoming railroad crossing - **Green** indicates allowed traffic movement or directional guidance like highway exit signs - **Orange** is for construction like detours or workers ahead signs - **Fluorescent yellow and green** are for pedestrian and school crossings - **Blue** alerts drivers to upcoming services like rest areas - **Brown** indicates cultural, recreation, or tourist attractions The sign’s shape gives you information too. Squares or vertical rectangles indicate traffic regulations like a speed limit sign, diamonds are for warnings, horizontal rectangles offer guidance, and pentagons are for school zones. Having a clear understanding of the rules of the road can help make you a safe driver. Learn more about the rules of road and take our rules of the road driving quiz.