Key points
Yield to all pedestrians even if the traffic light is green.
Source: Handbook p. 10-1
“Yield to all pedestrians even if the traffic light is green.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-1There are nearly 900,000 bicycles in Maine, and most riding is on the roads.
Source: Handbook p. 10-1
“There are nearly 900,000 bicycles in Maine and most bicycling is done on the roadways of Maine.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-1Leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist as you pass.
Source: Handbook p. 10-2
“Leave at least three feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist as you overtake them.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-2Everyone under 16 riding a bicycle must wear a helmet.
Source: Handbook p. 10-4
“All persons under 16 years of age riding on bicycles are required to wear helmets”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-4When following a motorcycle, stay at least 4 seconds back.
Source: Handbook p. 10-5
“When following a motorcycle, stay at least 4 seconds back.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-5Motorcycles are involved in nearly 10% of all motor vehicle deaths, although they are only 4% of vehicles on the road.
Source: Handbook p. 10-5
“they are involved in nearly 10% of all motor vehicle deaths, although they make up only 4% of the vehicles on the road.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-5Over 250,000 crashes a year occur between cars and large vehicles.
Source: Handbook p. 10-5
“Over 250,000 crashes occur between cars and large vehicles each year.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-5A loaded truck at 55 mph needs at least 335 feet to stop.
Source: Handbook p. 10-7
“A loaded truck at 55 mph takes at least 335 feet to stop.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-7Large vehicles have blind spots up to 200 feet behind them.
Source: Handbook p. 10-7
“Large vehicles have huge blind spots-up to 200 feet behind them.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-7If you cannot see the truck driver's face in the side mirror, the driver cannot see you.
Source: Handbook p. 10-7
“If you cannot see a driver's face in the side view mirror, they cannot see you.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 10-7
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 900,000 | bicycles in Maine | Handbook p. 10-1 |
| 3 feet | minimum passing space for a bicyclist | Handbook p. 10-2 |
| 16 | bicycle riders under this age must wear helmets | Handbook p. 10-4 |
| 4 seconds | following distance behind a motorcycle | Handbook p. 10-5 |
| 10% and 4% | motorcycles' share of deaths and of vehicles | Handbook p. 10-5 |
| 250,000 | crashes a year between cars and large vehicles | Handbook p. 10-5 |
| 335 feet at 55 mph | stopping distance of a loaded truck | Handbook p. 10-7 |
| 200 feet | length of a large vehicle's rear blind spot | Handbook p. 10-7 |
3 questions from the Maine practice test
1. Which bicycle riders in Maine are required to wear helmets on public ways?
- All riders under 12
- All riders under 18
- All riders under 16
- Riders of every age
Show answer
All riders under 16. Maine requires every person under 16 riding a bicycle on a public way to wear a helmet and to sit on a passenger seat when carried as a passenger. Under 12 leaves out riders aged 12 to 15. Under 18 and every age go beyond the legal requirement, although the handbook advises every rider to wear an approved bicycle helmet correctly. A helmet should be replaced after any impact or once it is five years old.
2. How many crashes occur between cars and large vehicles each year, according to the Maine handbook?
- About 1,000
- About 25,000
- Over 250,000
- About 5 million
Show answer
Over 250,000. Over 250,000 crashes occur between cars and large vehicles each year, and a loaded truck at 55 mph takes at least 335 feet to stop. Trucks have large blind spots, need room to turn, and cannot brake like a car, so stay out of the no zones, pass promptly, and never cut in front of a truck and slow down.
3. While turning at a green light, when must a driver yield to pedestrians?
- Only when the driver has a red light
- When pedestrians are crossing with the light
- Only when a crossing guard is present
- Never, because the vehicle has the green light
Show answer
When pedestrians are crossing with the light. A green light does not erase a pedestrian's crossing priority. When a vehicle turns a corner, it must yield to pedestrians who are crossing with the light. The red-light choice confuses the driver's signal with the pedestrian's permitted movement, and a crossing guard is not required for the duty to apply. Before turning, check the crosswalk and the area beside the corner, then let pedestrians clear the vehicle's path. The practical cue is that both road users may have a green indication at the same time.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with safe driving questions from the free Maine practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Maine Driver's License Manual, Section 10: Sharing the Road. 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.