Signaling, passing and U turns

Key points

1. Signal at least 100 feet, about 4 seconds, before you turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “Signal at least 100 feet (approximately 4 seconds) before you turn so other drivers will have time to react.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 26

2. Signaling does not give you the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Signaling does not give you the right-of-way.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

3. After passing, when you can see the entire front or both headlights of the passed vehicle in your mirror, look over your shoulder to be sure the lane is clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “When you can see the entire front or both headlights of the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror, look over your shoulder to be sure the lane is clear”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

4. Never speed up when another vehicle is passing you.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Never speed up when another vehicle is passing you.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

5. Passing on the right is permitted only when it is safe, for example when the other driver is turning left.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Passing on the right is permitted only when it is safe and: • The driver of the other vehicle is turning left”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 27

6. You must not pass where there is a double solid line or a solid dividing line on your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “You must not pass when: • There is a double solid line or a solid dividing line on the lane in which you are driving.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 28

7. Do not pass within 100 feet of a street crossing or railroad crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “Approaching within 100 feet of a street crossing. • Approaching within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 28

8. Do not pass within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “Within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or underpass where your view is blocked.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 28

9. U turns are allowed if safe, they do not interfere with traffic, and no sign prohibits them.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “U-turns are permitted as long as the movement can be made safely, does not interfere with other traffic and is not prohibited by signs.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 37

10. Do not pass another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian, even with a clear lane or green light.

    Source: Handbook p. 36

    “You may not pass another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian, even if you have a clear lane or a green traffic signal.”
    Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 36

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Arizona practice test

1. 1. When may a driver pass on the right because the vehicle ahead is turning?

   1. When the other driver is turning right and the shoulder is clear
   2. Whenever the other driver slows without signaling
   3. When the other driver is turning left and it is safe
   4. Only after crossing the center line
   Show answer

   When the other driver is turning left and it is safe. Arizona allows passing on the right when the other driver is turning left, but the maneuver must still be safe. Passing a vehicle turning right is not the listed condition, and a clear shoulder does not authorize leaving the paved or main roadway. Slowing without a signal gives no automatic permission to pass. Crossing the center line changes the maneuver and may create a head-on conflict. Look for the left-turn signal, confirm there is a lawful lane or marked roadway space, and proceed only with adequate room.

2. 2. Where does the Arizona manual prohibit passing near a bridge, tunnel or underpass?

   1. Within 500 feet
   2. Within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked
   3. Within one mile
   4. Only inside the tunnel itself
   Show answer

   Within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked. You may not pass within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked. The same list bars passing on a double solid line or solid dividing line, approaching a curve or the top of a hill where you cannot see ahead to be sure of safe passing, and within 100 feet of a street crossing or a railroad crossing. The distance is 100 feet, not 500 feet or one mile, and it applies before the structure, not only inside a tunnel. Wait until your view ahead is clear.

3. 3. A slower car ahead of you is turning left. To pass it on the right, may you drive onto the unpaved shoulder?

   1. Yes, if you signal first
   2. Yes, if the shoulder is wide and smooth
   3. Yes, if traffic behind you is heavy
   4. No, never pass on the right by driving off the paved roadway
   Show answer

   No, never pass on the right by driving off the paved roadway. Arizona allows passing on the right only in limited cases, such as when the driver ahead is turning left and it is safe. Even then, the handbook says you must never pass on the right by driving off the paved or main portion of the roadway. A wide, smooth shoulder or a turn signal does not change that rule, and neither does a line of traffic behind you. If there is no room on the pavement to the right, wait behind the turning vehicle until it clears your path.

Source: the Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 2: Safe Driving Practices. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.