EFTA01123641.pdf

Virgin Islands Drivers Manual DRIVERS LICENSING INFORMATION 5 WHO NEEDS A VIRGIN ISLANDS DRIVER'S LICENSE? 5 Exception: 5 YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IF YOU. 5 An "out-of-state student" 5 New Resident. 5 If your Driver's license has been cancelled, suspended, or revoked... 5 Items Needed to Obtain a Driver License• 5 Parent/Guardian Approval for Applicants under 18: 5 DRIVER LICENSE TESTS: 6 Vision Screening• 6 Written Test(s): 6 Road Test: 6 ADDITIONAL MVB SERVICES• 6 Duplicate License: 6 DRIVER'S LICENSE: 7 CHAPTER I - RULES OF THE ROAD 7 I-1 DRIVE ON THE LEFT: 7 1-2 MEETING; PASSING; TURNING; SIGNAL S• 7 1-3 PASSING OTHER VEHICLFS• 7 1-4 PASSING BUSES: 8 1-5 WHEN YOU ARE PASSED• 8 CHAPTER II - INTERSECTIONS 8 2-1 RIGHT-OF-WAY• 8 2-2 PEDESTRIAN INDICATION AND SERVICE SIGNS: 8 2-3 TURNING TIPS• 9 2-4 TURNING REGULATIONS: 9 CHAPTER III - PEDESTRIANS 9 3-1 OTHER HIGHWAY USERS• 9 3-2 PEDESTRIANS MUST: 10 3-3 PEDESTRIANS IIAVE THE RIGIIT-OF-WAY WHEN: 10 CHAPTER IV - MOTORCYCLIST/SCOOTERS AND MOPED OPERATORS 10 4-1 MOTORCYCLISTS• 10 4-2 Motorcycles, scooters, and moped must obey all the standard automobile traffic laws and the following special rules of the road• 11 4-3 MOPED OPERATORS• I1 CHAPTER V — BICYCLISTS: 11 5-1 BICYCLISTS 11 5-2 Bicyclists also must: 12 5-3 The following equipment is required on all bicycles: 12 CHAPTER VI - SLOW MOVING VEHICLES• 12 6-1 FARM VEHICLES: 13 CHAPTER WI-HORSEBACK RIDERS 13 7-1 HORSEBACK RIDERS• 13 CHAPTER VIII - TRAFFIC CONTROL 13 8-1 TRAFFIC SIGNALS• 13 EFTA01123641  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual 8-2 Signal Lights• 13 8-3 Red Lights: 14 8-4 Yellow Light• 14 8-5 Green Light• 14 8-6 Flashing Red Light: 14 8-7 Red Arrow: 14 8-8 Yellow Arrow• 14 8-9 Green Arrow: 14 8-10 Traffic Signs: 14 8-11 Regulation Signs• 14 8.12 Warning Signs• 15 8-13 Destination Signs• 16 CHAPTER IX - TRAFFIC SIGNS 16 9-1 GENERAL: 16 9-2 STOP SIGN: 16 9-3 YIELD SIGN: 16 9-4 REGULATORY SIGNS: 17 9-5 WARNING SIGNS: 17 9-6 NO PASSING ZONE: 17 9-7 SCHOOL ZONE: 18 9-8 DESTINATION SIGNS• 18 9-9 ROUTE, SIGNS: 18 9-10 OTHER SIGNS: 18 CHAPTER X -PAVEMENT MARKING 19 10-1 PAVEMENT MARKINGS: 19 10-2 LANE MARKINGS: 19 10-3 A SINGLE BROKEN LINE: 19 10-4 A SINGLE SOLID WHITE LINE: 20 10-5 DOUBLE YELLOW AND WHITE LINES: 20 10-6 EDGE MARKING: 20 10-7 ARROWS. 20 CHAPTER XI - PARKING, BACKING AND TURNING 20 II -1 IIOW TO PARK• 20 11-2 PARKING-ON-A-GRADE: 21 11-3 PARKING: 21 11-4 BACKING• 22 II -5 TURNING: 22 11-6 U-TURNS• 22 CHAPTER XII - PARKING ON A HILL 22 12-1 PARKING ON A MU • 22 12-2 PULLING OUT: 22 12-3 PARKING REGULATIONS: 22 CHAPTER XIII - COLORED CURBS 23 13-1 COLORED CURBS: 23 CHAPTER XIV- EMERGENCY PARKING 23 14-1 EMERGENCY PARKING: 23 2 EFTA01123642  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual 14-2 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: 23 14-3 SKID RECOVERY: 24 14-4 BRAKE FAILURE• 24 14-5 TIRE BLOWOUT: 24 14-6 FIRE: 24 14-7 OVERHEATING: 24 14-8 POWER STEERING FAILURE• 24 14-9 IlEADLIGIIT FAILURE: 24 14-10 ACCELERATOR STICKS: 24 14-10 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: 24 14-12 COLLISIONS• 25 14-13 ACCIDENT REPORTS: 25 14-14 ASSISTING AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT• 25 CHAPTER XV - WEATHER CONDITIONS 25 5-1 WEATHER CONDITIONS: 25 15-2 SUN GLARE• 25 15-3 RAIN: 26 CHAPTER XVI - SAFE-DRIVING TIPS 26 16-1 DEFENSIVE DRIVING: 26 16-2 BE PREPARED AND LOOK AHEAD• 27 16-3 SPEED: 27 16-4 FOLLOWING DISTANCES: 27 STAY BACK ONE CAR LENGTH FOR EACH TEN MILES OF SPEED 27 16-5 VEHICLE CONDITION• 27 16-6 STEERING• 27 16-7 BRAKES: 28 16-8 DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS: 28 16-9 BRAKE LIGHTS: 28 16-10 TAILLIGHTS• 28 16-11 HORN• 28 16-12 HEADLIGHTS. 28 16-13 WINDSHIELD: 28 16-14 DRIVER'S PHYSICAL CONDITION: 29 CHAPTER XVII - SEAT BELTS AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS: 29 17-1 SEAT BELTS AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS• 29 17-2 SAFETY-BELTS-THE LIFE SAVERS IN A CAR: 29 17-3 SAFETY BELTS• 30 17-4 Child Passenger Safety Act: 30 Chapter XVIII — Alcohol And Other Drugs 30 18-1 Alcohol and Other Drugs• 30 18-2 BEEPING YOUR LICENSE: 31 18-3 MANDATORY SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION 31 18-4 SEAT BELT LAW and DUT 31 Chapter XIX — Change of Ownership, Address or Name 32 19-1 Motor Vehicle Title And Registration• 32 CHAPTER XX-REGISTRATION AND TITLE: 33 3 EFTA01123643  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual 20-1 CERTIFICATE OF TITLE: 33 20-2 REGISTRATION• 33 20-3 TO REGISTER A VEHICLE• 33 CHAPTER XXI-RULES AND REGULATIONS 33 21-1 UNAUTHORIZED TAKING OR USING OF VEHICLE. 33 21-2 LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT• 33 21-3 REGISTRATION: 33 21-4 LICENSE PLATES: 34 21-5 DEALER'S LICENSE PLATE: 34 21-6 LEARNER'S PERMITS• 34 21-7 AGE REQUIREMENTS: 34 21-8 LIGHTS• 34 21-9 HORNS AND MUFFLERS 34 21-10 OBEYING THE COMMANDS OF AN OFFICER: 35 21-11 RECKLESS DRIVING: 35 21-12 NEGLIGENT DRIVING AND SPEEDING• 35 FIRST AID 35 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 35 DRIVER'S LICENSE TEST (SAMPLE) QUESTIONS: 36 4 EFTA01123644  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual DRIVERS LICENSING INFORMATION This manual Is designed to help you obtain an operators license. All manuals are available at the Motor Vehicle Bureau. The Motor Vehicle Bureau, also known as MVB, is the agency that issues drivers licenses in the Virgin Islands. WHO NEEDS A VIRGIN ISLANDS DRIVER'S LICENSE? In general, anyone operating a motor vehicle on the Virgin Islands streets or highways must have a valid driver's license, Exception: 1. (There are a few specific cases involving movement of Military vehicles where a license is not needed). If you are a resident of the Virgin Islands, you must possess a valid Virgin Islands operator license In order to drive a motor vehicle on the Virgin Islands streets and/or highways. YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IF YOU: • Live in the Virgin Islands for three months or more in a calendar year. An "out-of-state student" enrolled in the University of the Virgin Islands is NOT considered a resident. New Resident: You will be required to surrender your out-of-gate driver's license when you apply for a Virgin Islands license. If you do not have your license in your possession or if it expired you will have to obtain written clearance from your previous state indicating that your license in that state has not been cancelled suspended or revoked. If your Driver's license has been cancelled, suspended, or revoked... Then you will need to complete a written and a road test. The term of your first Virgin Islands Drivers License is five (5) years. A person in possession of a valid license from a foreign country must obtain a thirty (30) day permit from the Motor Vehicle Bureau, providing that the person meet the requirement. Items Needed to Obtain a Driver License: 1. Two - (2) passport size photo 2. You will be required to prove both your identity and date of birth when you apply for a Virgin Islands Drivers License. You will have to provide two (2) original or certified copies (no photocopies) of documents indicating your legal name - and one of these must also state your date of birth. Birth Certificate - US. only Passport - U. S or British Naturalization Certificate Alien Registration Card Social Security Card Previous Driver License Military Identification Card Parent/Guardian Approval for Applicants under 18: If you are under 18 years of age, your application for an instruction permit or driver license must be signed by at least one responsible adult. If your natural parents are still married; only one signature is required. If they are divorced, both may have to sign, depending upon the custody arrangement. In some cases, foster parents or legal guardians may sign. The signature(s) must be witnessed by an employee of the Motor Vehicle Bureau. If you are uncertain about the signature requirements for your applications, please contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau for advice. 5 EFTA01123645  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual The person who signed the drivers license application for a minor, as well as the persons who is responsible for the minor, may cancel the minors license by submitting a "Affidavit to cancel the license of minor", at the Motor Vehicle Bureau. DRIVER LICENSE TESTS: The Motor Vehicle Bureau Drivers License Program is responsible for screening and testing drivers' license applicants. This helps to ensure that these prospective Virgin Islands drivers have the necessary knowledge and ability to safely handle the vehicle(s) they will be driving. Several of these tests or screening activities may be applicable to you. Vision Screening: As part of your driver license test, you will be given a simple vision exam. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lens for distant vision, be sure to wear them. You must have uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better in at least one eye in order to obtain an unrestricted license. If you cannot meet this requirement without glasses or contact lens, you will be given a license with an l'A" restriction. An "A" restriction means you must always wear your glasses or contact lens when driving. A test of visual field will also be given to check how far you can see to the side while keeping your eyes straight ahead. An applicant for a license, duplicate license or reinstatement of driving privileges, may be required to complete a vision screening. Written Test(s): When applying for your first Virgin Islands operator license or instructions permit, you will be required to pass a written test based on the information contained in this manual. It you are applying for a Motorcycle license, you will ALSO be tested on the information contained in this manual. Written tests are available in English and Spanish. If you cannot read any of these languages well enough to take a written test, arrangements can be made for an oral examination. If you are renewing a Virgin Islands license, you will have to take the written test, if: 1. Driver License has been revoked. 2. Driver License has been expired for more than one year. Road Test: The road test consists of parallel parking followed by driving in traffic with a certified driving instructor. Your score will be based on the driving skills you demonstrate to the Instructor. The skills are explained In this manual. If you have an expired out-of-state drivers license in your possession you will be required to take both the written and road test. You must provide the vehicle to be used for the test. The vehicle must be in good operating condition, and It must have current registration, plates and stickers. Your vehicle must be equipped with seat belts and these belts must be properly fastened and adjusted. During the road test, you maybe require to show that you can understand the meaning of the following universal traffic signs. • Stop • Slow Down • Left or Right Lane • Drive Straight Ahead • Turn Left At Next Street; Corner, Stop Sign, Traffic Light • Turn Right At Next Street, Corner, Stop Sign, Traffic Light ADDITIONAL MVB SERVICES: Duplicate License: If your Virgin Islands license is lost, stolen, or becomes unreadable, or if your address or name 6 EFTA01123646  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual changes, you must obtain a duplicate at the Motor Vehicle Bureau. You must provide two (2) acceptable items of identification. If your name has changed, you will need to present identification in both your new and previous names. DRIVER'S LICENSE: The driver's license must be in possession of a driver at all times while the vehicle is being operated. CHAPTER I - RULES OF THE ROAD 1-1 DRIVE ON THE LEFT: In the United States, Canada, and most of the countries of the world right hand traffic Is the rule. This means they drive on the right side of the road. In the United States Virgin Islands, the law requires that we stay as far to the left edge of the road as Is practical. There are three exceptions: 1. When you are preparing to make a right turn. 2. When on a highway of more than two lanes, where the left lane is designated for slow moving traffic. 3. When entering the right lane temporarily to pass a slower-moving vehicle, a pedestrian, an animal or an obstruction. 1-2 MEETING; PASSING; TURNING; SIGNALS: Vehicles meeting one another shall keep as far to the left as practicable. When a vehicle overtakes another, it shall pass it on the right side. It shall be unlawful to overtake and pass another motor vehicle on a curve, at the intersection of another road or when approaching the top of a hill. No motor vehicle shall overtake and pass another one unless the road ahead is clear of other vehicles, pedestrians or any other traffic, for a reasonable distance of approximately 200 feet. • By law, you may not enter the opposing lane for any purpose under the following conditions: 1. Approaching the crest of a hill. 2. Approaching a curve when you can not see around it. 3. When your vision is obstructed 4. Ken yOu are traveling slowly in comparison with other traffic. 1-3 PASSING OTHER VEHICLES: • Signal all changes of direction, including all lane changes, using either the standard hand signals or flashing your directional lights. • You should always pass vehicles going in your direction on the right. Before entering the right lane, check the following traffic in your rear view and side mirrors. Be sure you have time and space enough to overtake the vehicle ahead and return to the left lane before an approaching vehicle comes within 200 feet of you. • After passing the vehicle, wait until you can see its front bumper in your rear view mirror before returning to the left lane. While traveling at high speeds on highways, wait even longer to avoid cutting off the passed motorist. Generally, wait until you can see a vehicle length or two of pavements in front of the vehicle just passed. • You may pass a motor vehicle on the left only in these situations: 1. When the vehicle ahead is making a right turn. 2. When you are driving on a one-way street or highway, with two or more lanes, and there are no signs that forbid it. 3. When you are on a road with two or more lanes of traffic on each direction, and no signs forbid it. • Under no circumstances shall you pass another vehicle when it has stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross. 7 EFTA01123647  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual 1-4 PASSING BUSES: • It is prohibited by the Virgin Island's law to pass Handicap, School, and senior buses when they are loading and discharging passengers. • A school bus is a vehicle painted in a bright yellow color (called "National School Bus Chrome"); with large, black letter "School Bus" signs on the back and front of the vehicle. It also must have at least one large red flashing light on the front, and one on the rear. • When the bus stops to load or unload passengers, the driver turns on the red flashing lights by opening the door. You may not proceed in either direction while these red lights are flashing. You may drive by carefully, if waved on by the driver or a police officer. • Always use the greatest caution in approaching a stopped or slowing school bus. The bus is a warning that children are in the area and may dart out suddenly. This school bus law applies on all roads within the united States Virgin Islands. 1-5 WHEN YOU ARE PASSED: • When a vehicle begins to pass you, stay to your left as far as possible, without going off the pavement, and slow your vehicle slightly. Allow the other vehicle to get back in front of you before resuming your normal speed. CHAPTER - INTERSECTIONS 2-1 RIGHT-OF-WAY: The basic rule of conduct at an intersection is the rule of right-of-way. The law defines right- of-way as: The right of one vehicle or Pedestrian to proceed lawfully in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian approaching. Generally, at an intersection that lacks traffic control device, the vehicle on your left has the privilege of going first, but there are several exceptions to this rule: • A vehicle already in the intersection has right-of-way over a vehicle preparing to enter. A vehicle going straight ahead has the right-of-way over a vehicle turning right Fire engines, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles on emergency duty have the right-of-way over all other traffic. Such vehicles will display flashing blue or red lights and sound a horn or siren. When you hear or see such a vehicle on emergency duty, drive immediately to the left edge of the road and stop in a position parallel to the curb. You must not proceed until the emergency vehicle has passed Keep intersection clear. • Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right-of-way over all vehicles. 2-2 PEDESTRIAN INDICATION AND SERVICE SIGNS: These signs indicate motorist services and locations. (Samples below) Indication Signs: ■t Steady White - Walk i■ Step off curb and walk. Cars are prohibited from crossing. Flashing White - Walk Step off curb and walk with caution. Cars may cross crosswalk but must defer to pedestrians. 8 EFTA01123648  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual Flashing Orange - Don't Walk Don't leave sidewalk but if you have started under a walk signal continue crossing to far side of road. Steady Orange - Don't Walk 1. Do not leave curb. 2. A vehicle entering a main road from a private road or driveway must yield the right-of-way t0 all traffic on the main road. 3. A vehicle Is prohibited from entering an intersection, despite the traffic control signal, if there Is not enough room to proceed through. 2-3 TURNING TIPS: 1. Look around; be sure you can make the turn safely. 2. Reduce speed. 3. Signal your intention to turn at least 100 feet (four vehicle lengths) before you reach the turn. 4. Use either your directional lights or hand signals. 5. On any right turn, if approaching traffic prevents you making your turn immediately, move into the center of the intersection in your lane and wait there for traffic to clear. This allows traffic behind you to proceed on your left. Keep you wheels straight until you can turn so that if you are struck from the rear, you will not be pushed into the on-coming traffic. 1. A driver approaching an intersection must yield the right-of-way to traffic already lawfully using the intersection. 2. If drivers approaching from opposite directions reach an intersection at about the same time, a driver turning right must yield to approaching traffic going straight or turning left. 3. At intersections not controlled by signs or signals, or where two or more drivers stop at STOP signs at the same time and they are at left angles to one another, the driver on the right must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the left. 4. A vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, private road or any other place that is not a roadway must stop and yield the right-of-way to traffic on the roadway, and to pedestrians. S. Drivers must yield to pedestrians legally using marked or unmarked crosswalks. 6. You may not enter an intersection if traffic is backed up on the other side and you cannot get all the way through the intersection. Wait until traffic ahead clears, so you don't block the intersection. 2-4 TURNING REGULATIONS: Left Turn: Drive up to the turn as far to the left as possible. Make the turn as close as possible to the left curb or edge of the road. Left turn from a One-Way Road into a Two-Way Road: Approach the turn in the left lane. Make the turn to the left of the center of the intersection and leave the intersection to the left of the center of the road you are entering. CHAPTER III - PEDESTRIANS 3-1 OTHER HIGHWAY USERS: 1. Drivers must often share the highway with pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, farm vehicles, and horseback riders. These other highway users also must obey traffic rules and regulations. As a driver, you must know the special rules that apply to them so that you can avoid right-of-way conflicts that may result In traffic accidents. 2. Pedestrians are the highway users most at risk in traffic. As a driver, you must use extra caution t0 9 EFTA01123649  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual avoid pedestrian accidents. Regardless of the rules of the road or right-of-way, the law specifically requires you to exercise great care to avoid striking pedestrians. 3. Children must always receive special attention and consideration. When approaching children, be extra alert. They may forget or ignore the traffic rules and behave in an unpredictable manner. 4. Children are often the least predictable pedestrians, as well as the hardest to see. Take extra care to look out for children, especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, and parks. 5. When backing up, remember to look through your rear window for pedestrians. Do not rely only on mirrors. Before backing out of a driveway when children are near, get out of the vehicle and check behind it. 6. Pedestrians are supposed to walk on the side of the road facing traffic, so they should be on your left. Be especially watchful for pedestrians when you make a left turn. 7. Remember also that pedestrians legally crossing at intersections always have the right-of-way. 8. There is a special right-of-way law for blind pedestrians crossing the road with a guide dog or a white or metallic cane. You must always give them the right-of-way, even if the traffic signals or other right-of-way rules are not in their favor. 9. Remember to keep your eyes moving as you drive. Glance to either side every few seconds. 10.This defensive driving rule will help you spot pedestrians near or approaching the roadway. The law gives pedestrians some responsibilities too. They must: 1. Obey traffic and pedestrian signals and traffic officer 2. Use sidewalks when available, or walk facing traffic, as far to the left as possible. 3. Never stand in the road to hitchhike or conduct business with passing motorists. 3-2 PEDESTRIANS MUST: 1. Follow directions given by all traffic and pedestrian control signals, and police officers. 2. Use sidewalks, when available, and do not walk in the street. 3. Walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the shoulder. Do not hitchhike by standing on any portion of the roadway to solicit a ride. 4. Do not stand in the road to sell merchandise or engage in any other business activity with passing motorists. 5. At night, if possible, you should wear light-colored clothes and carry a light to make your presence known to motorists. 3-3 PEDESTRIANS HAVE THE RIGHT-OF-WAY WHEN: Title 23 Subsection 374 of the Virgin Islands Code Subchapter XII Pedestrian Act 1. They are crossing the roadway at an intersection when the green light or pedestrian WALK signal is in their favor. 2. They are crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk where there is no traffic signal. 3. They are on a sidewalk that crossed an alley entrance or driveway. 4. They are blind and are crossing the street with white or metallic canes or are accompanied by guide dogs. Drivers should be particularly alert for unexpected movement of nearby pedestrians. They should use extreme caution when driving in areas of special hazard such as school zones, bus stops, play grounds, and parks. Motorists may use their horns as warning devices, but with discretion. CHAPTER IV - MOTORCYCLIST/SCOOTERS AND MOPED OPERATORS 4-1 MOTORCYCLISTS: Motorcycles, scooters, and moped operators must obey all the standard automobile traffic laws and the following special rules of the road: 10 EFTA01123650  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual Motorcyclists travel as fast as automobiles, and their drivers must obey the same traffic laws, but cyclists also share problems faced by pedestrians and bicyclists; lower visibility, and less stability and protection. • To Improve their visibility, motorcyclists are required to keep their headlights and taillights on at all times. For protection, cyclists are required to wear approved helmets and goggles or a face shield. • It Is often hard to judge how far away a motorcycle, scooter, or moped is, or how fast it is going. Many car and motorcycle accidents occur when the car driver turns right in front of the motorcyclist and scooter and moped after misjudging the cyclist's speed or distance. • It is recommended that all motorcyclists wear shoes or boots, while operating motorcycles. • On many motorcycles, the directional signal does not go off automatically after a turn. Before turning in front of a motorcyclist signaling a turn, be sure the cyclist is actually going to turn. • A motorcyclist, scooter and moped have the right to the full use of a lane, and cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast in a single lane. An experienced cyclist may often change position within a lane to get a clearer view of traffic, avoid hazards and be more visible to drivers. You may not pass or drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane with you. • Also take care when passing motorcyclist, scooter and moped like bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and moped can be affected by the air pressure of passing vehicles. • Motorcyclists, scooters and mopeds must take special precautions when they come upon special highway surfaces, and you should be aware of what a cyclist may do in certain situations. • The cyclist may quickly change speed or lane position to avoid loose gravel, debris, seams or grooves in the pavement, manhole covers or small animals. 4-2 Motorcycles, scooters, and moped must obey all the standard automobile traffic laws and the following special rules of the road: 1. They must not ride more than two abreast. 2. They must not ride between rows of vehicles in lanes of traffic, or between vehicles in the traffic lane and vehicles parked at the curb or side of the road. 3. They must pass other vehicles to the right, except on one-way streets and multiple lane highways, and they must move fully into the adjoining lane to do so. 4. They must ride within a traffic lane, not on the edges of the lane. S. They must signal all turns and stops. 6. They must turn on the head and tail lamps whenever the motorcycle Is in operation. 4-3 MOPED OPERATORS: Limited use motorcycles, often called mopeds or scooters are low speed two-wheeled vehicles intended for limited use on public highways. CHAPTER V - BICYCLISTS: 5-1 BICYCLISTS Bicyclists have the right to share the road, traveling in the same direction as vehicles. Like pedestrians, bicyclists are often difficult to spot In traffic and have little protection. Approach bicyclists with extreme caution. Give them room and slowdown when you pass them. Air pressure from a quickly passing vehicle can throw a bicyclist off balance. Be aware that a bicyclist may react to road hazards just like a motorcyclist would. The rules of the road and right-of-way apply to and protect bicyclists. You must yield the right-of- way to a bicyclist just as you would to another vehicle. Bicyclists must obey the rules of the road just as vehicle drivers do. 11 EFTA01123651  N'irgin Islands Drivers Manual 5-2 Bicyclists also must: • Signal turns, lane changes and stops using the hand signals. A bicyclist may signal a right turn by extending the right arm straight out to the right, instead of using the standard signal for car drivers. Hand Signals (Use left hand) Laft Tye Itir Tani 5141 • Never carry an infant under a year old as a passenger. It's against the law. The law also requires that child passenger's one through four years old wear approved bicycle safety helmets and ride In securely attached bicycle safety seats. • The bicyclist must ride near the left curb or edge of the road, or on a usable left shoulder of the road, to avoid undue interference with other traffic. The rule of staying to the left does not apply when a bicyclist is preparing for a right turn or must move right to avoid hazards. • Come to a full stop before entering a roadway from a drive-way, alley or over a curb. • Never ride more than two abreast in a single lane or carry a passenger unless the bicycle has a passenger seat. • Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times, and do not carry anything that will interferes with proper control of the bicycle. • Never ride on sidewalks A bicycle driven on public highways must be equipped with adequate brakes and a horn or bell that can be heard at least 100 feet away. A bicycle used at night must have a headlight visible from at least 500 feet behind. One of these lights must also be visible from at least 200 feet away on each side. A bicycle sold by a dealer must have wide-angle, spoke-mounted reflectors or reflective tires, a wide-angle rear reflector, and pedal reflectors. Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicle operators. They must ride on the extreme left edge of the road or on the shoulder. Signal all turns and stops, using the standard hand signals. Obey all traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings. Local ordinance prohibits the riding of bicycles on the sidewalk. Stay off the sidewalks. Never hang on to other moving vehicles by any method. Never carry a passenger unless an attached seat is available. Always keep at least one hand on the handle bar. Never carry articles that interfere with proper control. 5-3 The following equipment is required on all bicycles: 1. Brakes strong enough to skid the braked wheels on dry, level lean pavement. 2. A bell or other audible signal (but not a siren or whistle) that can be heard at least 100 feet away. 3. For after dark riding, a headlight that is visible at least 500 feet ahead and a red tail-light visible 300 feet to the rear. At least one of these lights must be visible for at least 200 feet in any direction. CHAPTER VI - SLOW MOVING VEHICLES: 12 EFTA01123652  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual 6-1FARM VEHICLES: Most farm vehicles, construction equipment and vehicles drawn by animals must display on the rear the slow moving vehicle emblem, a fluorescent or reflective orange triangle. Use caution when approaching a slow moving vehicle and be sure it is safe before you pass. CHAPTER VII-HORSEBACK RIDERS 7-1HORSEBACK RIDERS: Horseback riders are subject to, and protected by, the rules of the road. In addition, they must ride single file near the left curb or road edge, or on a usable left shoulder, lane or path. The law requires you to exercise due care when approaching a horse being ridden or led along a road. You must drive a reasonable speed a reasonable distance away from the horse. It is illegal to sound your horn when approaching or passing a horse. Title 20 Virgin Islands Code - Section 496 Motor Vehicles Meeting Animals "Every person operating a motor vehicle shall on a signal by a person riding, leading, or driving horses or other draught animals, bring the motor vehicle to a stop, and if traveling in the opposite direction, remain stationary as long as may be reasonable to allow such animals to pass. If traveling in the same direction the driver of the motor vehicle shall use reasonable caution. If such animals appear to be badly frightened, the person operating the motor vehicle, when signaled or requested to do so, shall cause the motor of the vehicle to cease running for so long a time as shall be reasonable to prevent accident, and to insure the safety of those concerned." CHAPTER VIII - TRAFFIC CONTROL 8-1 TRAFFIC SIGNALS: Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, special hazards, where you are, how to get where you're going and where services are available. The flow of traffic on our streets and highways are controlled by various signal lights, traffic signs, and pavement markings. You must fully understand their meaning in order to drive safely. There are also various requirements concerning vehicle equipment that you should know. This section provides information about these important basics: The shape and color of traffic signs give clues to the type of information they provide: TRAFFIC SIGNAL AHEAD 8-2 Signal Lights: Signal lights (red, yellow, and green) are placed at many intersections to regulate the direction and flow of traffic. These traffic lights apply to bicyclists, scooters and moped riders as well as motorists. You must obey the signals unless a police officer is directing traffic. 13 EFTA01123653  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual 8-3 Red Lights: This signal means stop. You must come to a complete stop before y0u reach the intersection, stop line or crosswalk. Remain stopped for as long as the light stays red. Where not prohibited by signs, a left turn may be made after coming to a complete stop, when motor traffic and pedestrian traffic are clear. 8-4 Yellow Light: This signal means Caution. A steady yellow light Is a warning that the light is about to turn red. If you have not entered the Intersection, you should come to a safe stop. If you are already in the intersection, you should continue moving and clear It safely. SPEEDING UP TO "BEAT THE LIGHT" IS ILLEGAL AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. 8-5 Green Light: This signal means Go. You may go through an intersection In the direction indicated by the SIGNAL IF THE ROAD WAY IS CLEAR. Check left and right for oncoming traffic. 8-6 Flashing Red Light: A flashing red light has the same meaning as a Stop sign. You must come to a full stop; then, proceed when the roadway is clear. 8-7 Red Arrow: A lighted red arrow warns that you may not turn in the direction of the arrow. You must stop and wait for the green arrow to appear. 8-8 Yellow Arrow: A yellow arrow warns that the light is about to change to red. If you have not entered the intersection, you should come to a complete stop. If you are already in the intersection, you should continue your turn and clear the intersection safely. 8-9 Green Arrow: A green arrow appearing alone or with another signal light means that you may proceed in the direction of the arrow if you are in the proper lane and the roadway is clear. 8-10 Traffic Signs: Traffic signs regulate traffic and also provide important information. 8-11 Regulation Signs: Are usually white rectangles with black lettering or symbols, but some are different shapes, and some may use red letters or symbols. 14 EFTA01123654  Virgin Isl nds Drivers Minus! NOON NO U I NONsin T IM N!1 S NO NO IM ',EWELL& V el 111 =WAY WRONG WAY $12 Warning Signs, Are usually yellow and dbmoncl-shaped with black letted g or symbols. 15 EFTA01123655  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual NO WI NO U NO RIVII TURN TURN ION H 8-13 Destination Signs: Are green with white letters and symbols. CHAPTER IX - TRAFFIC SIGNS 9-1 GENERAL: Colors and shapes help motorists to recognize the various types of objects (The following are examples). Colors: Red - indicates Stop or prohibits (general warning): Shapes: Triangle - traffic regulation or information; Pennant - no passing or school crossing; Full color samples of the more common road signs are printed on next page. Regulations for these signs are given in the following sections. 9-2 STOP SIGN: Signs with the white letters "STOP" on it mean that you must come to a full stop at an intersection and then proceed with caution after yielding the right-of-way to any vehicle that has entered the intersection from another road or that is so close as to be an immediate hazard. If there is a stop line marked on the highway, you must come to a stop at the stop line. If there is none, then stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is neither a stop line nor a crosswalk, stop at the point nearest the intersecting road where you can see approaching traffic in both directions. 9-3 YIELD SIGN: A down pointed triangle with the red letters "YIELD" on a white background or (on older signs) black letters on a yellow background means that you must slow down as you approach the intersection and be prepared to stop. 16 EFTA01123656  Virgin Islands Drivers Manual If necessary, you must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians. It means the same thing as a "STOP" sign, except that you may proceed without a full stop if it is safe to do so. 9-4 REGUTATORY SIGNS: May be rectangular signs with black letters on a white background or square black and white symbol signs with a red circle and a red diagonal slash mark. The driver must obey he regulations on these signs. DO SPEED LIMIT NOT PASS 30 :a: These signs warn the public about various regulations .e. NO LEFT NO Ul NO RIGHT ION TURN TURN NO NO TRUCKS BICYCLES Some parking signs, which are within this category, have red or green letters on the white background. NO TURN