Driver's License Test Prep
California Practice Adverse Conditions

An officer is conducting a law enforcement traffic break ahead of you. What does the manual say to do about your speed?

  1. A.
    Stop completely on the right shoulder.
  2. B.
    Speed up to pass the patrol vehicle.
  3. C.
    Slow to the same speed as the officer. Correct
The Why

The answer is "Slow to the same speed as the officer."

During a traffic break, slow to match the officer's pace and stay behind the patrol vehicle. A carries over the pull-onto-the-shoulder response drilled in for a passing emergency vehicle, a different scenario where that rule does apply.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. Stop completely on the right shoulder.

Stopping on the shoulder is not what the manual asks for during a traffic break. This answer confuses a traffic break with a passing emergency vehicle, where the pull-over rule does apply.

B. Speed up to pass the patrol vehicle.

Passing the patrol vehicle during a traffic break is expressly forbidden by the manual. This answer reads the officer's slow pace as an invitation to move past, missing the point of the break.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Adverse Conditions in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks," p.64..

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