Oklahoma · Handbook chapter 9 · 3 min read

Oklahoma headlight rules, standard transmissions, driving posture and hand position, carbon monoxide, distracted driving and the texting ban, animals on the road, flooded roads and what to do after a crash.

Why this chapter matters

This chapter covers everyday habits that the test likes to check: when to dim your headlights, texting, animals, floodwater and the steps after a crash.

Headlights

• Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever a sign says so.
• Dim high beams within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 600 feet of a vehicle you are following.
• Use high beams in open country with no other cars near. Use low beams in fog, rain, snow and where there are streetlights.

Standard transmissions

Hold the clutch down when starting, shifting and below about 10 mph when stopping. Do not ride the clutch or coast in neutral; coasting downhill in neutral is illegal. Use a lower gear on steep downgrades.

Posture and grip

Adjust the seat, mirrors and belt before you drive. Keep at least a third of the wheel between your hands: left hand between 9 and 10:30, right hand between 2 and 4 on a clock face. Do not drive with your elbow out the window.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide has no color, smell or taste. Warning signs are drowsiness, dizziness, lights that seem brighter, blue lips and a tight forehead. Pull off, turn off the engine and get fresh air. Have the exhaust checked regularly, never run the engine in a closed garage, and close the fresh-air vent in heavy traffic.

Distracted driving

Distraction is visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel) or cognitive (mind off driving).

• Since 2015, texting while driving is illegal in Oklahoma.
• Learner permit and intermediate license holders can be suspended or canceled for using a hand-held electronic device while driving, except in a life-threatening emergency.
• If a call distracts you, pull off the road, or let a passenger handle the phone.

Animals

• Do not swerve to miss an animal; swerving can cause a worse crash.
• Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. Deer crashes peak from October to December.
• Watch for eyes reflecting your headlights and slow down near animals at the roadside.

Floods

Most vehicles float in 2 feet of water, and 6 inches can make you lose control. Never drive around barricades at low-water crossings or into flowing water; the road beneath may be washed away. Turn around, don't drown.

After a crash

If a crash causes death, injury or property damage:

1. Stop and call 911 or local police.
2. Turn on your hazard lights.
3. Get help for anyone hurt. Leave an injured person where they are unless staying there would put their life at risk.
4. If the crash is minor and your car blocks traffic, move it.
5. Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, license, registration and insurance details.
6. Take photos.
7. Do not argue or accept blame; answer officers truthfully.

If you hit a parked car or property and cannot find the owner, leave your name, address and insurance information where the owner will find it. Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Leaving the scene of a crash with injury or death means mandatory revocation.