Reference: Mottola, F. R. (1997).

Empower Yourself with Zone Control Driving

Reference Points
for
Precise Vehicle Placement

The Optical Illusion
Drivers cannot see the actual position of the vehicle on
the roadway.
Blind Area creates an optical illusion that makes the
vehicle seem larger than it really is.
Reference Points Help Drivers Overcome This Problem
Reference Points Defined
A Reference Point is a place on
the vehicle that relates to some
part of the roadway

Used for precision vehicle
placement


Reference: Mottola, F. R. (1997). Empower Yourself with Zone Control Driving
Where are the left side tires
in relationship to the white
line?
To the left of the line
On the line
Just to the right of the line

Left Side Limit
3-6 inches away from a line or curb
Used when positioning vehicle on the left edge of the lane, lane
position 2, preparing for a left turn and parking
Standard Reference Point:
One foot in from the left edge of the hood.

The curb, pavement line, or edge of the road appears to line
up about one foot inside the left edge of the hood.
Where are the right side tires
in relationship to the curb?
A. In the grass
B. A foot to the left of the curb
C. Just to the left of the curb
Right Side Limit
3-6 inches away from a line or curb
Used when positioning vehicle on the right edge of the lane,
Lane position 3, and parking
Standard Reference Point: Center of the hood.

The curb, pavement line, or edge of the road appears to line
up with the center of the hood.
3 Feet From the Right Edge
This is the side position to use when approaching a right turn
Standard Reference Point:
Middle of the right half of the hood.

The curb, pavement line, or edge of the road appears to line up
with the middle of the right half of the hood.
Where is the front bumper in
relationship to the white
line?
A. Well beyond the line,
penetrating the traffic lane
B. Just over the line
C. Just before the line
Front Limit
WHEN YOU ARE AT INTERSECTIONS
WHEN YOU ARE IN A STOPPING POSITION
WHEN YOU ARE PERPENDICULAR PARKING
Know where the front of your vehicle is:
Front Limit
The curb line it appears to line up with the
outside rear view mirror or corner post.
How it is used?
Precision legal stop
Safety Stop to get a
clear line-of-sight
Point to begin turning the wheel for
sharp, short apex, right turns.
Where is the rear bumper in
relationship to the yellow
line?
A. Well beyond the line
B. Just over the line
C. Just before the line
Rear Limit
The curb, pavement
line, or edge of the road
appears to line up one foot
behind the door post or the
middle of the rear side
window
Standard Reference Point:
1 foot behind the door post or the middle of the rear side
window.
Used when backing to
stop before a line,
curb, sidewalk or wall.
Review Standard Reference Points
Center of the Hood
Right Side Limit

1 Foot Inside the Left Front Corner of Hood
Left Side Limit

Middle of the Right-half of Hood
3 Feet From the Right Edge

Corner Post or Side Mirror
Front Limit

1 Foot Behind the Door Post or The Middle of the Rear Side
Window
Rear Limit

Rear Corner Post or Blind spot, directly above the center of the
rear tire
Pivot Point for Backing Turns