An official doc issued by the state authorities permits people to function a motorized vehicle inside West Virginia. This credential serves as proof of driving competency and authorized authorization to make use of public roadways. Possessing this doc is a requirement for residents who intend to drive throughout the state’s borders.
This type of identification is crucial for varied causes, performing as a major technique of identification for authorized and administrative functions. Moreover, it contributes to highway security by making certain drivers meet minimal requirements of information and talent. Traditionally, the necessities for acquiring this credential have developed, reflecting altering societal wants and technological developments in automobile operation.
The following sections will element the method for acquiring this doc, together with eligibility necessities, vital documentation, testing procedures, and potential restrictions or endorsements.
1. Eligibility Necessities
The necessities a person should meet to acquire a West Virginia driving allow are legally mandated conditions designed to make sure a baseline stage of competence and duty amongst drivers. Strict adherence to those necessities is crucial for sustaining highway security and authorized compliance.
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Age and Identification Verification
Candidates should meet the minimal age requirement, usually 16 for a learner’s allow and 17 or 18 for an unrestricted allow. They have to present verifiable identification paperwork, comparable to a delivery certificates or passport, to substantiate their id and date of delivery. This serves to forestall fraudulent functions and guarantee correct record-keeping.
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Residency Standing
Candidates are required to show that they’re authorized residents of West Virginia. Acceptable documentation might embrace utility payments, lease agreements, or official mail. This ensures that people working automobiles throughout the state are topic to West Virginia’s driving legal guidelines and rules.
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Social Safety Quantity Verification
Federal regulation requires states to gather and confirm the social safety variety of driving allow candidates. This data is used for identification functions and to forestall people from acquiring permits underneath a number of identities. It’s a essential step in sustaining the integrity of the driving allow system.
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Medical and Imaginative and prescient Requirements
Candidates could also be required to fulfill sure medical requirements, together with imaginative and prescient necessities. Imaginative and prescient exams are administered to make sure drivers possess satisfactory visible acuity for protected automobile operation. People with medical situations that might impair their capacity to drive safely could also be topic to additional analysis or restrictions.
Compliance with these numerous eligibility necessities is prime to the issuance of a West Virginia driving allow. Every requirement serves a definite objective in selling highway security, stopping fraud, and making certain that solely certified people are licensed to function motor automobiles on West Virginia roadways. Failure to fulfill any one in all these conditions will usually lead to denial of the allow software.
2. Software Course of
The acquisition of driving privileges in West Virginia mandates adherence to an outlined software course of. This course of ensures that each one potential drivers meet the state’s necessities for protected and accountable automobile operation, straight influencing eligibility for a state-issued doc that authorizes driving exercise.
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Preliminary Software Submission
The method commences with the submission of a proper software at a delegated West Virginia Division of Motor Autos (DMV) workplace. This software requires correct private data, together with identify, tackle, date of delivery, and social safety quantity. Falsification of knowledge on the appliance can result in denial or subsequent revocation of driving privileges.
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Doc Verification
Candidates should current unique or licensed copies of paperwork that confirm id, residency, and social safety quantity. Acceptable paperwork might embrace a delivery certificates, passport, utility invoice, or social safety card. These paperwork are meticulously examined to forestall fraudulent functions and guarantee compliance with federal and state rules.
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Imaginative and prescient and Data Testing
Following doc verification, candidates endure a imaginative and prescient check to determine satisfactory visible acuity for protected driving. A written information check assesses the applicant’s understanding of West Virginia site visitors legal guidelines, highway indicators, and protected driving practices. Failure to move both check necessitates retesting earlier than continuing within the software course of. This serves to make sure the driving force is able to understanding and following state driving legal guidelines, in addition to having the imaginative and prescient wanted to drive.
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Expertise Examination
Profitable completion of the information check permits the applicant to schedule a driving expertise examination. This examination evaluates the applicant’s capacity to securely function a motorized vehicle in varied site visitors situations. The examination consists of maneuvers comparable to parallel parking, lane modifications, and responding to site visitors indicators. Unsatisfactory efficiency on the talents check leads to the necessity for added observe and a subsequent retest, making certain solely certified drivers get hold of their allow.
Efficiently navigating every stage of the appliance course of is essential for acquiring a driving doc in West Virginia. The stringent necessities and a number of layers of verification underscore the state’s dedication to making sure highway security and accountable driving habits amongst its licensed drivers.
3. Required Documentation
The procurement of a West Virginia driving allow is inextricably linked to the availability of particular documentation. This documentation serves as foundational proof of id, residency, and authorized authorization to function a motorized vehicle throughout the state. With out correct adherence to the documentation conditions, an software for driving privileges can be denied. The submission of verifiable documentation is just not merely a procedural step, however a essential safeguard towards fraud and a mechanism to make sure compliance with state and federal rules.
The correlation between required documentation and acquiring driving authorization is straight causal. As an illustration, presentation of a delivery certificates or passport establishes an applicant’s authorized id and age, whereas a utility invoice or lease settlement substantiates residency inside West Virginia. Moreover, verification of a social safety quantity ensures that the applicant is appropriately recognized inside state and federal databases. These examples illustrate how every doc performs a novel and indispensable function in validating the applicant’s eligibility for driving authorization. If any one of many listed paperwork is lacking or inadequate, it may result in delays or the rejection of the appliance.
In conclusion, the meticulous means of documenting and verifying applicant data underscores the state’s dedication to sustaining highway security and the integrity of its driving authorization system. The stringent necessities related to required documentation are usually not merely bureaucratic hurdles however important measures to guard towards id theft, guarantee compliance with site visitors legal guidelines, and uphold the protection of all drivers on West Virginia roadways. It’s vital for any applicant for a West Virginia driver’s license to know the significance of securing and offering all required documentation on the time of software.
4. Imaginative and prescient Check
A imaginative and prescient check is a compulsory element of the appliance course of for a West Virginia driving allow. The first objective of this analysis is to determine whether or not an applicant possesses the minimal visible acuity vital for protected operation of a motorized vehicle. Failure to fulfill the established imaginative and prescient requirements straight impedes the acquisition of the allow. For instance, a person with considerably impaired imaginative and prescient, even with corrective lenses, could also be deemed ineligible to function a automobile, reflecting the direct correlation between visible functionality and driving security.
The imaginative and prescient check usually assesses visible acuity, peripheral imaginative and prescient, and the flexibility to tell apart colours. Every of those components performs an important function in a driver’s capacity to understand and react to potential hazards on the highway. Deficiencies in any of those areas can considerably improve the chance of accidents. An individual with poor peripheral imaginative and prescient, as an example, would possibly battle to detect automobiles getting into from the facet, growing the chance of a collision. The West Virginia DMV has clear tips for imaginative and prescient requirements and should require additional analysis by a watch care skilled if an applicant’s preliminary check outcomes fall exterior acceptable parameters. Moreover, drivers who require corrective lenses are usually restricted to driving solely when sporting these lenses, a restriction famous on their allow.
In abstract, the imaginative and prescient check is a essential safeguard embedded throughout the WV driver’s license software course of. It ensures that solely people with satisfactory visible capability are licensed to function automobiles on public roadways. Whereas challenges might come up for people with pre-existing imaginative and prescient impairments, the method prioritizes public security by establishing minimal requirements and offering avenues for corrective motion, comparable to requiring using glasses or contact lenses whereas driving.
5. Written Examination
The written examination constitutes a essential element of the West Virginia driving allow acquisition course of. It serves as an goal evaluation of an applicant’s understanding of state site visitors legal guidelines, protected driving practices, and highway signage. Profitable completion of this examination is a prerequisite for continuing to the sensible driving expertise check.
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Data of Site visitors Legal guidelines
The written examination evaluates an applicant’s comprehension of West Virginia’s particular site visitors rules, together with velocity limits, right-of-way guidelines, and legal guidelines pertaining to driving underneath the affect. Appropriate solutions show an understanding of the authorized framework governing automobile operation, straight impacting security on public roadways. A driver who fails to know right-of-way legal guidelines, for instance, might trigger an intersection collision.
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Understanding of Street Indicators and Indicators
Candidates are examined on their capacity to establish and interpret varied highway indicators, indicators, and pavement markings. Correct recognition of those visible cues is crucial for navigating roadways safely and effectively. The shortcoming to accurately establish a warning signal indicating a pointy curve forward may result in a lack of management and a possible accident.
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Protected Driving Practices
The examination additionally assesses an applicant’s information of defensive driving strategies, hazard notion, and applicable responses to varied driving eventualities. An understanding of protected following distances, correct merging procedures, and strategies for dealing with antagonistic climate situations is essential for stopping accidents. An applicant ought to perceive the significance of sustaining a protected distance to permit sufficient time to react.
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Penalties of Site visitors Violations
Questions might tackle the penalties related to site visitors violations, together with fines, factors assessed towards the driving report, and potential license suspension. An understanding of those penalties reinforces the significance of adhering to site visitors legal guidelines and promotes accountable driving habits. Being conscious of potential penalties can encourage accountable driving habits.
The aspects collectively be certain that solely people possessing the requisite information of site visitors legal guidelines, highway indicators, protected driving practices, and the implications of violations are granted the privilege of working a motorized vehicle inside West Virginia. The written examination is an important ingredient in fostering a safer driving surroundings for all roadway customers.
6. Driving Expertise Check
The driving expertise check is a compulsory sensible analysis inside West Virginia’s driving allow acquisition course of. Profitable completion of this check is a definitive requirement for acquiring a WV driver’s license, certifying the applicant’s competence in safely working a motorized vehicle on public roadways. The examination assesses the applicant’s capacity to execute basic driving maneuvers and cling to site visitors legal guidelines in real-world eventualities.
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Automobile Management and Maneuvering
The check assesses the applicant’s proficiency in primary automobile management, together with steering, acceleration, braking, and equipment shifting (if relevant). Exact execution of those maneuvers demonstrates the applicant’s capacity to keep up management of the automobile underneath various situations. An applicant should show clean and managed acceleration and braking to show their capacity to function the automobile safely.
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Commentary and Consciousness
Evaluators observe the applicant’s consciousness of the encircling surroundings, together with checking mirrors, blind spots, and responding to potential hazards. Constant and thorough commentary is essential for stopping accidents and making certain protected navigation of site visitors. Failure to verify blind spots earlier than altering lanes is a standard reason behind accidents and some extent of great deduction throughout the expertise check.
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Adherence to Site visitors Legal guidelines
Candidates should show strict adherence to all site visitors legal guidelines, together with velocity limits, right-of-way guidelines, and signaling necessities. Compliance with these legal guidelines is crucial for sustaining order and security on public roadways. Disregarding a cease signal or exceeding the posted velocity restrict will lead to quick failure of the driving expertise check.
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Parallel Parking Proficiency
Parallel parking is a normal ingredient of the driving expertise check, evaluating the applicant’s capacity to maneuver the automobile into a delegated parking house safely and effectively. This maneuver requires exact automobile management and spatial consciousness. Efficiently executing a parallel parking maneuver throughout the allotted time and with out hanging different automobiles or the curb demonstrates proficiency in automobile dealing with.
Proficiency in these evaluated areas straight impacts an applicant’s eligibility for a WV driver’s license. The driving expertise check serves as a gatekeeping mechanism, making certain that solely people able to safely working a motorized vehicle are granted the privilege of driving on West Virginia’s roadways. Failure in any of those classes would require additional coaching and a subsequent retest, reinforcing the significance of demonstrating competence earlier than receiving driving authorization.
7. License Restrictions
License restrictions are particular situations or limitations imposed on a West Virginia driving allow, impacting the scope of driving privileges granted. These restrictions are straight linked to the driving force’s capabilities, medical situations, or studying part, tailoring the allow to make sure protected and accountable operation of a automobile.
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Corrective Lenses Requirement
This restriction mandates that the driving force function a automobile solely whereas sporting glasses or contact lenses. It’s imposed when an applicant’s imaginative and prescient doesn’t meet the minimal requirements with out corrective aids. Failure to conform leads to a site visitors violation, highlighting the requirement’s significance in sustaining protected driving imaginative and prescient.
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Daylight Driving Solely
Limiting driving to sunlight hours is frequent for people with sure imaginative and prescient impairments or medical situations that have an effect on nighttime visibility. This limits the driving force to durations of optimum visibility, mitigating the dangers related to decreased mild situations. This restriction is a compromise, enabling some driving privileges whereas addressing security considerations.
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Learner’s Allow Limitations
Learner’s permits are topic to particular restrictions, together with the requirement to drive with a licensed supervising driver who meets age and expertise standards. These limitations are designed to supply novice drivers with supervised observe, progressively constructing expertise and expertise earlier than full licensure. These restrictions prioritize security throughout the studying part.
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Medical Restrictions
People with sure medical situations, comparable to seizure issues or diabetes, might have restrictions positioned on their WV driving allow. These restrictions can vary from requiring common medical evaluations to prohibiting driving past a selected radius of the driving force’s residence. These limitations are primarily based on particular person well being circumstances.
These different restrictions underscore the individualized strategy to driving permits in West Virginia. Every restriction goals to mitigate particular dangers related to a driver’s capabilities or circumstances, reflecting the state’s dedication to sustaining roadway security. The presence and nature of restrictions straight affect the scope of driving privileges conferred by a West Virginia driving doc.
8. Renewal Procedures
Sustaining a legitimate West Virginia driving allow necessitates adherence to established renewal procedures. The renewal course of ensures that drivers proceed to fulfill minimal requirements for protected automobile operation and that the state’s information stay correct and up-to-date.
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Renewal Eligibility and Timing
West Virginia driving permits usually expire after a set interval, typically 5 or eight years. Drivers are typically eligible to resume their allow inside a specified timeframe previous to the expiration date. Renewal eligibility might depend upon elements comparable to driving report and compliance with any present license restrictions. Failure to resume earlier than the expiration date leads to the allow changing into invalid, prohibiting authorized driving exercise.
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Notification and Software Strategies
The West Virginia Division of Motor Autos (DMV) might ship renewal notices to drivers through mail or electronic mail, offering data on the renewal course of and any required documentation. Renewal functions can typically be submitted on-line, in individual at a DMV workplace, or by mail. The supply of a number of software strategies supplies flexibility and comfort for drivers in search of to keep up their driving privileges.
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Required Documentation and Testing
Renewal usually requires presentation of identification paperwork, comparable to a delivery certificates or passport, and verification of residency. In some circumstances, drivers could also be required to endure a imaginative and prescient check or a written information check, significantly if their driving report signifies potential points or if they’re renewing after a interval of suspension or revocation. Offering full and correct documentation is crucial for a clean renewal course of.
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Charges and Allow Issuance
Renewal is topic to a charge, which varies relying on the kind of allow and any endorsements or restrictions. Upon profitable completion of the renewal course of, a brand new driving allow is issued with an up to date expiration date. The renewed allow serves as continued proof of authorization to function a motorized vehicle inside West Virginia. Cost of required charges is important to finish the renewal course of.
The constant software of those renewal procedures is prime to the integrity of West Virginia’s driving allow system. It contributes to highway security by making certain that drivers stay accountable and that their credentials replicate their present eligibility and {qualifications}. The state additionally supplies avenues for reinstatement of privileges if a allow has been suspended or revoked. Because the states necessities change, these procedures are additionally topic to alter.
9. Suspension Penalties
The imposition of suspension penalties straight impacts the privilege of working a motorized vehicle inside West Virginia. These penalties, enacted for varied infractions, show the implications of violating site visitors legal guidelines and emphasize the duty entrusted to licensed drivers.
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Driving Below the Affect (DUI)
Conviction for driving inebriated or medication leads to necessary license suspension. The length of suspension varies primarily based on elements comparable to blood alcohol content material (BAC) and prior offenses. A DUI conviction demonstrates impaired judgment and poses a big danger to public security, justifying the extreme penalty of license suspension to forestall additional incidents. For instance, a first-time DUI offense might lead to a suspension of a number of months, whereas repeat offenses can result in multi-year suspensions or everlasting revocation.
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Accumulation of Factors
West Virginia makes use of some extent system for site visitors violations. Accumulating a specified variety of factors inside an outlined timeframe triggers a license suspension. The purpose system serves as a mechanism to establish and penalize drivers who repeatedly violate site visitors legal guidelines, indicating a sample of unsafe driving habits. Dashing, reckless driving, and failure to yield are examples of violations that accrue factors. Accumulating 12 factors inside two years usually leads to a suspension.
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Failure to Preserve Insurance coverage
Working a automobile with out legitimate insurance coverage protection is a suspendable offense in West Virginia. This requirement ensures monetary duty within the occasion of an accident, defending each the driving force and potential victims. Suspension for failure to keep up insurance coverage underscores the significance of complying with monetary duty legal guidelines and defending the general public from uninsured drivers. The size of suspension varies, and reinstatement requires proof of legitimate insurance coverage and fee of reinstatement charges.
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Reckless Driving
A conviction for reckless driving, outlined as working a automobile with willful disregard for the protection of individuals or property, carries a compulsory license suspension. This offense demonstrates a blatant disregard for site visitors legal guidelines and poses an instantaneous menace to public security. Reckless driving examples embrace extreme dashing, weaving via site visitors, and disregarding site visitors indicators. Suspension for reckless driving serves as a deterrent to such harmful habits and protects different roadway customers.
These suspension penalties are integral to sustaining security on West Virginia roadways. Enforcement of those penalties serves to carry drivers accountable for his or her actions and reinforces the significance of accountable driving habits. Every suspension represents a restriction on the privilege granted by a West Virginia driver’s license and serves as a consequence for endangering public security.
Often Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the acquisition, upkeep, and potential lack of driving privileges throughout the state of West Virginia. Data introduced herein is meant to make clear processes and necessities, to not present authorized recommendation.
Query 1: What constitutes acceptable proof of residency for acquiring a West Virginia driving credential?
Acceptable documentation consists of, however is just not restricted to, utility payments (gasoline, electrical, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, and official mail from a authorities company. The doc should show the applicant’s identify and present West Virginia tackle.
Query 2: How does the purpose system function in West Virginia, and what variety of factors leads to license suspension?
West Virginia’s level system assigns factors to varied site visitors violations. Accumulating 12 or extra factors inside a two-year interval leads to a license suspension. The length of the suspension varies relying on the driving force’s historical past and the severity of the violations.
Query 3: Are there restrictions positioned on learner’s permits issued in West Virginia, and what are they?
Learner’s allow holders are topic to particular restrictions, together with driving solely with a licensed driver who’s no less than 21 years of age and has been licensed for no less than one yr. Moreover, learner’s allow holders could also be prohibited from working automobiles throughout sure hours or on particular roadways.
Query 4: What are the penalties for driving with a suspended license in West Virginia?
Driving with a suspended license is a critical offense, leading to fines, prolonged suspension durations, and potential jail time. The severity of the penalties will increase with subsequent offenses.
Query 5: How does West Virginia’s graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program affect new drivers?
The GDL program imposes restrictions on new drivers, progressing from a learner’s allow to an intermediate license and eventually to an unrestricted license. Every stage has particular necessities, comparable to supervised driving hours, passenger limitations, and nighttime driving restrictions, designed to progressively introduce new drivers to the duties of driving.
Query 6: What steps are required to reinstate a suspended West Virginia driving credential?
Reinstatement usually includes satisfying the phrases of the suspension, paying reinstatement charges, offering proof of insurance coverage, and probably retaking the written and/or driving expertise exams. Particular necessities fluctuate relying on the explanation for the suspension.
Adherence to West Virginia’s driving rules and immediate achievement of obligations are essential for sustaining legitimate driving privileges. Failure to take action can result in important penalties, together with suspension or revocation of those privileges.
The next part supplies hyperlinks to official sources for additional data.
Navigating West Virginia Driving Laws
This part gives sensible recommendation for acquiring and sustaining a legitimate West Virginia driving allow, emphasizing adherence to state rules and accountable driving practices.
Tip 1: Collect Required Documentation Early. Procure vital paperwork, comparable to delivery certificates, social safety playing cards, and proof of residency, effectively prematurely of initiating the appliance. This proactive strategy minimizes delays and ensures a smoother software course of on the West Virginia Division of Motor Autos (DMV).
Tip 2: Totally Research the West Virginia Driver’s Handbook. The handbook comprises important data concerning site visitors legal guidelines, highway indicators, and protected driving practices. Comprehension of this materials is essential for efficiently passing the written information check and changing into a protected and knowledgeable driver.
Tip 3: Apply Driving in Numerous Circumstances. Achieve expertise driving in varied site visitors situations, together with highways, city areas, and rural roads. Familiarity with totally different driving environments enhances preparedness and reduces the chance of accidents upon acquiring full driving privileges. Additionally, observe in several climate situations to construct confidence in troublesome conditions.
Tip 4: Perceive and Adjust to Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Restrictions. New drivers ought to fastidiously evaluation and cling to the restrictions related to learner’s permits and intermediate licenses. Compliance with GDL necessities is crucial for progressing via the licensing phases and avoiding penalties.
Tip 5: Preserve Ample Insurance coverage Protection. Working a automobile with out legitimate insurance coverage protection is a violation of West Virginia regulation and can lead to suspension of driving privileges. Make sure that insurance coverage protection meets state minimal necessities and stays present always.
Tip 6: Drive Defensively and Keep away from Distractions. Apply defensive driving strategies, comparable to sustaining a protected following distance and scanning the highway for potential hazards. Reduce distractions, comparable to cell telephones and loud music, to keep up focus and forestall accidents.
Following the following tips promotes accountable driving habits and will increase the chance of acquiring and retaining driving privileges throughout the state. Diligent preparation and adherence to rules are key to protected and authorized automobile operation.
The concluding part supplies hyperlinks to official West Virginia DMV sources, enabling additional exploration of related rules and procedures.
Conclusion
This exploration has detailed the multifaceted features of the West Virginia driving doc, from eligibility necessities and the appliance course of to potential restrictions and suspension penalties. The knowledge introduced underscores the state’s dedication to making sure highway security via stringent rules and thorough analysis of driving competency.
The accountable operation of a motorized vehicle is a privilege contingent upon adherence to West Virginia’s established legal guidelines and procedures. Continued compliance is paramount, safeguarding each the driving force and the general public whereas sustaining the integrity of the state’s transportation system. The onus is on every licensed particular person to know and uphold these requirements.
