Free New Hampshire DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

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Most-missed New Hampshire DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real New Hampshire knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free New Hampshire DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 8 topics.

Speed limits

The default statutory speed for a rural residence district, absent posted signage, is 35 mph in New Hampshire.
The stretch of I-93 from around mile marker 45 to the Vermont border is posted at 70 mph, the highest posted limit in the state.
Posted school zone limits are set about 10 mph below the normal posted limit and are in effect for a defined window around school opening and closing times.
The default interstate/divided highway speed limit is 65 mph, though a stretch of I-93 is posted at 70 mph.
The default speed limit in business or urban residence districts is 30 mph, while rural residence districts and certain Class V highways are capped at 35 mph.

Right of way

At an uncontrolled intersection, NH law requires the driver approaching or entering from the left to yield to the vehicle approaching from the right.
A driver turning left must yield to any oncoming vehicle that is within the intersection or close enough to constitute an immediate hazard.
On a narrow or single-lane bridge, the first vehicle to reach it generally has the right of way, and the other driver should wait.
Pedestrians have the right of way at both marked and unmarked crosswalks and certain other locations specified by law.
Drivers must yield to bicycles at points where a designated bike lane or path crosses the road, similar to yielding to other traffic.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

The manual notes that even a BAC as low as .02% can begin to impair driving ability and vision, well below the .08% per se DUI threshold for adults.
It is generally illegal for a driver under 21 to transport liquor or alcoholic beverages except when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or legal-age spouse.
It is illegal for anyone under 21 to have physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or other impairing chemical substances, regardless of BAC.
The standard BAC limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08.
New Hampshire's under-21 BAC limit is 0.02, applying uniformly to motor vehicles, OHRVs, and boats.
A first-offense DWI carries a minimum 9-month revocation, extendable up to 2 years, though it may be reduced to 6 months with treatment completion.
A second DWI offense within 10 years carries a minimum 3-year revocation, with no reduced suspension until a service plan is completed.
A third DWI offense results in indefinite revocation with a minimum 5-year wait before petitioning for reinstatement.
A fourth or subsequent DWI offense carries indefinite revocation with a minimum 7-year wait before petitioning for reinstatement.
Aggravated DWI carries a minimum 18-month revocation, extendable up to 2 years, versus 9 months for a standard first offense.

Signals and markings

A law enforcement officer's directions override traffic signals, so drivers must obey the officer even if it means stopping on a green light.
A solid yellow line on your side of a centerline pair generally means passing is prohibited in that direction, while a broken line permits passing when safe.
A flashing red signal is treated the same as a stop sign, requiring a full stop before proceeding when it is safe to do so.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to proceed through the intersection with caution rather than requiring a full stop.
At uncontrolled intersections, drivers must yield to vehicles that are already in the intersection.
A solid yellow line facing your direction of travel indicates passing is not allowed from your side of the roadway.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully through the intersection, unlike a dark signal which is treated as a stop.
A flashing yellow signal is a caution indicator meaning drivers may proceed but should do so carefully.
A flashing red signal is legally equivalent to a stop sign: the driver must come to a full stop before proceeding when clear.
Hand signals remain a legally valid backup to electric signals; a straight, extended left arm signals a left turn.
A broken yellow line on your side permits passing when safe, while a solid yellow line on your side prohibits passing, a standard center-line marking convention drivers must recognize.
A steady yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red; drivers should stop safely if possible or proceed with caution if too close to stop.
A solid yellow line on your side of the center marking indicates passing is prohibited from that direction due to limited sight distance or other hazards.
A flashing red signal is treated the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then proceed only when it is safe.
A steady red light requires a full stop; cross traffic has the right of way until the light changes.
A steady red signal requires a full stop; any right turn on red is only allowed after stopping and when safe and not prohibited by signage.
The handbook notes posted limits are for ideal conditions, so hazards like hills and curves require a driver to slow below the sign's number.
When a signal is dark or malfunctioning, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop, coming to a full stop and yielding to the vehicle on the right if both arrive at the same time.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, rather than requiring a full stop.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to change to red, so drivers should slow and prepare to stop if it is safe to do so.
A flashing yellow signal means drivers may proceed but should slow down and use extra caution.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a flashing red which requires a full stop.
On a plain green light, a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the turn.
A solid yellow line on a driver's side of the centerline indicates that passing is prohibited from that side of the road.
A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
Headlights are legally required not just at night but any time weather conditions significantly reduce visibility.
A driver turning left must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic, including bicyclists, before completing the turn.
Broken white lines between same-direction lanes indicate that changing lanes is allowed when it can be done safely.
A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when it is safe.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

The manual stresses that no one should ever assume they automatically have the right of way, since other drivers may not yield as expected.
Safe driving practice calls for maintaining enough distance behind the vehicle ahead to react and stop safely if it brakes suddenly.
Work zones require reduced speed and heightened alertness because of workers, equipment, and changing lane patterns.
Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; drivers should reduce speed further and increase following distance in poor weather like heavy rain or fog.
Children under 7 must use a child restraint system meeting 49 CFR 571.213 standards unless they are 57 inches or taller.
Passengers under 2 years old must specifically be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system.
A 3 to 4 second following distance gives drivers enough time to react and brake safely under normal conditions.
On undivided roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign until it resumes moving.
The manual requires yielding to pedestrians, cyclists, and others still clearing the intersection even if you'd otherwise have priority.
General safe-driving principles hold that adverse weather reduces traction and visibility, requiring lower speeds than posted limits allow in good conditions.
The manual advises reducing speed for wet roads, reducing it further for packed snow, and slowing to a crawl on ice, since traction decreases as conditions worsen.
Drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, protecting children crossing.
Rural highways through unfenced farm and ranch land require extra alertness for livestock and wildlife crossing the road.
A safe following distance gives a driver time to react and stop without a collision if traffic ahead slows or stops.
Since farm tractors typically travel around 25 mph, the speed differential requires extra caution and clearance when passing.
The manual requires headlights to be on whenever visibility is under 1,000 feet.
The manual teaches drivers not to swerve for animals, since swerving often causes worse crashes than a controlled collision or straight-line braking.
Sudden braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while steering straight is safer.
Because SMV-marked vehicles like tractors move slowly and may turn into fields or driveways, safe practice is to keep distance and watch for signals before passing.
Because safety corridors have higher serious-crash rates, drivers are encouraged to use headlights on to improve visibility and safety.
The manual sets a specific cutoff allowing mopeds/scooters only on roads posted at 50 mph or lower.
A minimum three-second following distance under normal conditions gives a driver time to react and brake safely, with more time needed in poor weather.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

Road signs

Yield signs use a distinctive downward-pointing triangle shape so drivers can recognize them even without reading the text.
Stop signs use the standardized octagon shape with a red background and white lettering, recognizable nationwide.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are warning signs, alerting drivers to hazards or changes in road conditions ahead.
STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
The handbook's statutory speeds apply only when no other limit is posted, meaning posted signage takes precedence.
The circular yellow sign shape is specifically reserved in the national sign system for advance railroad crossing warnings.
Yellow diamond signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards or changing road conditions ahead.
A yield sign requires slowing and yielding to conflicting traffic, stopping only if needed to avoid a hazard.
The downward-pointing red-and-white triangle is the standard YIELD sign, requiring drivers to slow and yield to conflicting traffic.
The eight-sided red STOP sign requires a complete stop at the marked line or intersection before proceeding when safe.
The triangular yield sign shape signals drivers to give the right-of-way as needed to other traffic or pedestrians.
The manual specifically calls out School Crossing signs with children present as requiring reduced speed.
Regulatory signs like stop and yield signs establish legally mandated driver actions, distinct from purely informational or warning signage.
The railroad advance warning sign is round with an X and R R symbol, one of the only circular warning signs used on US roads.
The eight-sided shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs so drivers can recognize it even if the sign face is obscured.
A downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign, instructing drivers to slow and give right of way to conflicting traffic.
The triangular shape is uniquely reserved for Yield signs, telling drivers to slow and give way rather than come to a full stop.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

NH is unique in having no mandatory seat belt law for adults 18 and over; the requirement applies only to occupants under 18, though buckling up is strongly recommended for everyone.
New Hampshire only mandates helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers under age 18; adult riders may legally choose to ride without one.
The NH knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions administered on a touch-screen, with 40 minutes allotted.
The NH knowledge test automatically terminates once more than 8 questions have been answered incorrectly, resulting in a failure.
NH requires a mandatory minimum waiting period, about 10 days, before a candidate can schedule a retest after a failure.
The child passenger restraint fine for a first offense is $50.
RSA 265:107-a exempts pre-1968 vehicles, motorcycles, antique vehicles, farm tractors, school buses, and parade vehicles.
The hands-free law bans hand-held device use while driving or while temporarily stopped in traffic for a signal.
Fines are $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for a subsequent offense within 24 months.
Drivers under 18 are banned from all cell phone use while driving, except calling 911 or a public safety agency in an emergency.
The youth operator's license is issued to those 16 to under 21 and automatically expires on the holder's 21st birthday.
Holders under 18 are barred from driving between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
First violations carry up to a $100 fine plus a 30-day license suspension.

Emergencies

For a minor, non-injury crash, safe practice is to move vehicles out of the flow of traffic if possible and exchange information, consistent with general emergency response guidance.
Rapid brake lights or hazard signals ahead indicate a potential emergency or obstruction, so drivers should slow down and prepare to react safely.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right and stopping, while making sure not to block the intersection.
The move-over law requires drivers to reduce speed, give a wide berth to safety personnel, and vacate a blocked lane as soon as possible.
Move-over law violations carry a $75-plus-penalty-assessment fine for a first offense and $250 plus penalty assessment for a subsequent offense within 12 months.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by moving to the right edge of the roadway, staying clear of intersections, until it passes.
General emergency guidance for brake failure is to pump the brakes and use engine braking by downshifting to slow down safely.
Standard practice for emergency vehicle right-of-way is to safely move to the right side of the road and stop to let it pass.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right and stopping until the vehicle has passed.
Standard guidance for hydroplaning is to ease off the gas and avoid sudden braking or steering, letting the tires regain contact with the road.
The manual specifies the stop requirement does not apply when a physical median or other barrier separates the two roadways, unlike a simple painted line.
The manual instructs drivers to pull to the right edge and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
Authorized emergency vehicles may exceed posted limits during emergency duty with signals operating, as long as they do not endanger others.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over and stopping, clearing the intersection first if already inside it.
A move-over violation causing death carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a 1-year license suspension, compared to 90 days for bodily injury and 6 months for serious bodily injury.
Drivers are required to stop at the scene of a crash involving injury or significant damage, provide information, and call for assistance if needed.
The manual notes that if you're already in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, you should proceed through it first before pulling over to stop.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right side of the road, clear of intersections, and stopping until the vehicle passes.
Safe driving practice, sometimes called a move-over rule, is to give stopped vehicles extra space by changing lanes or slowing down.
Standard right-of-way and safe-driving practice requires yielding to emergency vehicles by pulling right and stopping until they pass.
The handbook states drivers must always yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
Standard practice is to safely move to the right and stop, clearing the path for the emergency vehicle to pass.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free New Hampshire DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see New Hampshire DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

New Hampshire DMV cheat sheet