A 4-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Highways move traffic at high speed. Massachusetts expressways such as Interstates 90 and 495 and Route 128 are controlled access: no signals or intersections, with ramps at interchanges to enter and exit.
Know the rule
On roads with two or more lanes in your direction, drive in the right lane unless you are passing, making a left turn, or the right lane is blocked.
Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection; it is illegal and dangerous. Don't drive in lanes posted as restricted (for buses, car pools or bicycles) except when preparing for a turn.
As a general rule, don't use a highway breakdown lane for travel or passing; some highways allow it during specific, clearly posted hours. At a curve where you can't see ahead, keep right and slow down.
Stay to the right and use the left lane only for passing. On an expressway with three or more lanes in your direction, use the far right lane for slower driving, the middle lane for faster driving, and the far left lane for passing.
Look, signal, move: check your mirror and blind spots and signal before changing lanes. Don't weave in and out of traffic, and don't stay in another driver's blind spot; drive through it as quickly as you safely can.
Avoid highway hypnosis: if you've driven a long time and feel tired, get off at the next exit, rest stop or service area. On long trips, stop and stretch every two hours or every 100 miles.
If your vehicle breaks down, move it to the breakdown lane or shoulder, as far from the travel lane as you can, and stay in your vehicle. Don't stand near the travel lane or in the breakdown lane.
You miss your exit on Route 128. Don't stop or back up on the highway: continue to the next exit and look for signs showing how to rejoin the road in the other direction.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When entering a highway from an on-ramp, who has the right-of-way?
The entering vehicle always
Whichever vehicle is faster
Trucks over passenger cars
Vehicles already on the highway
Answer: Vehicles already on the highway
You must yield the right-of-way to drivers already on the highway when entering.
