About Road Law Guide
Road Law Guide is a plain-English reference for U.S. traffic laws. We translate statutes, manuals, and court-tested rules into practical, safe-driving guidance. Every page aims to answer a real question— quickly, clearly, and with citations to authoritative sources so you can verify the rule yourself.
Mission & Scope: Clear, Verifiable Traffic Law Guidance
Our mission is to reduce confusion about road rules and markings. While laws vary by state, the core safety principles are consistent: visibility, predictability, and lawful right-of-way. We focus on centerlines, lane use, turning rules, signs, markings, and common driver scenarios where people most often make mistakes.
What We Cover
We prioritize topics that frequently cause citations or test errors: double yellow lines, no-passing zones, left turns across centerlines, U-turn limits, stop/yield rules, school bus stops, and work-zone controls. State pages explain local differences and link to primary sources.
What We Don't Cover
We do not provide individualized legal advice, handle disputes, or evaluate case-specific evidence. For personal legal problems, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Who We Serve
Learners preparing for exams, drivers seeking practical answers, instructors, fleet managers, and journalists looking for statute references and diagrams.
Editorial Standards & Fact-Checking Workflow
Our editorial process favors primary sources: statutes, state DMV manuals, the MUTCD, and official guidance. Articles go through structured drafting, review, and maintenance steps to stay accurate.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
We cite law text and official manuals whenever possible, then use secondary sources (e.g., state agency FAQs) for context. When states disagree, we say so and summarize each rule clearly.
How We Maintain Accuracy
We track updates by state, spot-check high-traffic topics, and accept corrections from readers and officials. Changes are logged with a Last updated note.
Conflicts of Interest
We do not accept paid placement for legal interpretations. Sponsored content—if any—will be clearly labeled and never alter law summaries.
Editing Checklist (Excerpt)
- Plain-English first, statute quotes as needed.
- Define terms ("painted median," "no-passing zone").
- Include diagrams or alt text where visuals are referenced.
Style Notes
- Use state abbreviations on first reference (e.g., CA, TX) then full names where helpful.
- Avoid ambiguous words like "always/never" unless statute says so.
Abbreviations
MUTCD, DMV, DOT, CVC (California Vehicle Code), VTL (NY Vehicle & Traffic Law).
Sources & Citations: How We Reference Authority
We include inline references or end-section links to laws and official manuals. Citations focus on the exact section you can show an instructor—or an officer—to verify the rule.
Citation Format
Statute code + section; manual chapter + figure; agency guidance URL.
Diagram Credit & Fair Use
Our diagrams are original unless noted. When referring to MUTCD figures, we summarize rather than reproduce verbatim graphics.
How to Report a Source Issue
Use the contact options with a link to the page and the conflicting source. We investigate and respond with a resolution.
Corrections, Updates & Transparency
If we get something wrong, we fix it. Substantive updates are marked at the top of the page. We may add clarifying examples or diagrams if reader feedback suggests confusion.
How We Roll Out Updates
High-impact topics get priority; state pages follow a rotation.
Version Notes
We include short version notes when rules moved, changed wording, or the source website changed URL structure.
Reader Feedback Loop
We monitor common search queries and reader emails to decide which scenarios need clearer diagrams or more examples.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Readable Language
Sentences are kept short; jargon is explained where needed.
Keyboard & Screen-Reader Support
We aim to meet WCAG guidelines. If any page is hard to use with assistive tech, please report it and we'll prioritize a fix.
Color & Contrast
Diagrams are tested for color-blind-friendly contrast.
Contact & Feedback
For corrections, suggestions, or partnership ideas, please visit our contact page. We value your input and respond promptly.
Get in Touch