Motorcycles, large trucks and slow vehicles

Key points

1. Most motorcycles are only about 2 feet wide and can hide in your blind spot.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “because most motorcycles are only about two feet wide, a motorcycle may not be easily identifiable in traffic, they can be easily hidden in a vehicle's blind spot.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

2. Never share a lane with a motorcycle; it is entitled to the full lane width.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Never attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle. Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as all other vehicles.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

3. Allow at least 4 seconds of following distance behind a motorcycle.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Be sure to allow at least four seconds following distance when behind a motorcycle.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

4. Most motorcycle turn signals do not cancel automatically, so make sure the rider is really turning.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Be aware that most motorcycles do not have automatic cancel for turn signals.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

5. An orange and red triangle on the rear means the vehicle travels less than 25 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “displayed on the rear of vehicles drawn by animals, farm equipment or construction equipment means the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 38

6. If you cannot see the truck driver's face in the side mirror, the truck driver cannot see you.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “if the truck driver's face cannot be seen in the side view mirror, then the truck driver cannot see the other vehicle.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

7. A loaded truck at 55 mph needs at least 335 feet to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “traveling at 55 mph requires a minimum of 335 feet before coming to a complete stop,”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

8. Blind spots directly behind large vehicles can extend up to 200 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “large vehicles have huge blind spots directly behind them that extend up to 200 feet.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the New Hampshire practice test

1. 1. Why does the New Hampshire manual warn that a motorcycle can hide in a vehicle's blind spot?

   1. Motorcycles are usually painted dark colors
   2. Motorcycles travel faster than cars
   3. Most motorcycles are only about two feet wide
   4. Riders are required to stay near the curb
   Show answer

   Most motorcycles are only about two feet wide. Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, but because most motorcycles are only about two feet wide they may not be easily identifiable in traffic and can be hidden in a vehicle's blind spot. It is also hard to judge how fast they are traveling. Never share a lane with a motorcycle, allow at least four seconds of following distance behind one, check carefully for motorcycles before turning left, and remember that most motorcycle turn signals do not cancel automatically.

2. 2. A motorcycle ahead in New Hampshire has its turn signal flashing. Why does the manual say to be sure the rider is actually turning before turning in front of it?

   1. Motorcycle signals are decorative
   2. Most motorcycles do not have automatic cancel for turn signals
   3. Motorcycles cannot turn at intersections
   4. Riders often signal to say thank you
   Show answer

   Most motorcycles do not have automatic cancel for turn signals. Be aware that most motorcycles do not have automatic cancel for turn signals, so a blinking signal may be left over from an earlier turn. Before taking a turn in front of a motorcycle with its signal on, be sure the rider is actually turning. The manual gives the same caution for cars, whose drivers may plan to turn later or forget to cancel. Also check oncoming traffic carefully for motorcycles and judge their speed before any left turn across traffic.

3. 3. How can a New Hampshire driver tell whether a truck driver can see their vehicle?

   1. If the truck's brake lights are on
   2. If the truck sounds its horn
   3. If the truck is in the right lane
   4. If the truck driver's face cannot be seen in the truck's side view mirror, the truck driver cannot see you
   Show answer

   If the truck driver's face cannot be seen in the truck's side view mirror, the truck driver cannot see you. Large trucks and buses have big No-Zones on both sides, much larger than a car's blind spot, with a large blind area on the right starting behind the cab and running the length of the truck. The test is simple: if the truck driver's face cannot be seen in the side view mirror, the truck driver cannot see the other vehicle. Avoid driving alongside a large vehicle any longer than necessary, because a swerve or lane change by the truck then has nowhere to go but into you.

Source: the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Section 11: 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.