Do you legally have to drive 10 and 2?
Asked by: Oral Stokes | Last update: March 9, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (66 votes)
No, "10 and 2" isn't a law, but an outdated driving recommendation; safety experts, including NHTSA, now advise the 9 and 3 o'clock position (or even 8 and 4) for better airbag safety, preventing broken wrists and arms when airbags deploy in crashes, using a "push-pull" method instead of hand-over-hand steering.
Is it illegal to not drive 10 and 2?
Drivers can place their hands at 10 and 2, 9 and 3 or 8 and 4, Penning says, as long as they are using both hands and their hands are placed symmetrically. There is one position that is not recommended: 12, or a hand on the top middle of the wheel. Is a front license plate required in California?
Do you have to drive at 10 and 2?
Years ago, drivers were taught to hold the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends drivers put their hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. This is to potentially keep hands out of the way if your airbag deploys.
Do you have to do 10 and 2?
Driving Myth #1: Hands at 10 and 2 is the safest way to hold the steering wheel. Fact: 10 and 2 can actually lead to serious injuries in a crash. The idea behind the 10 and 2 hand position comes from a time before power steering was common. Back then, drivers needed more leverage to turn the wheel.
Do you put your hands at 10 and 2 or 9 and 3?
You should put your hands at 9 and 3, not 10 and 2, because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends this position to keep hands out of the airbag's deployment path, reducing risk of injury, and it also provides better control and less arm fatigue. While 10 and 2 was taught previously, the advent of airbags makes the lower, more balanced 9 and 3 grip safer and more effective for modern driving.
How To Steer in Your DRIVING TEST Correctly (10 and 2 O'Clock Position)
Is 10 and 2 still recommended?
Two and 10 o'clock is not recommended because it can be dangerous in vehicles with smaller steering wheels and equipped with air bags. Hand-over-Hand Steering: Use this method of steering when the turning at low speeds with limited visi- bility at an intersection or when parking the vehicle or recovering from a skid.
Why did they change 10 and 2 to 9 and 3?
Guidelines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, however, now suggest that your hands be at “9 and 3” to reduce the risk of injury to your hands and arms if airbags deploy. As this image shows, drivers also should place their thumbs on the top rather than wrapping them around the wheel.
Did they change the 10 and 2 rule?
The reason 10 and 2 is not advised anymore is because you'll smash your face up if the airbag goes off while your hands are up there. Some people suggest 8 and 4 as the safest option, but personally I've found 9 and 3 is the most comfortable especially with the pistol grips usually placed there for your thumbs.
Do you legally have to have both hands on the steering wheel?
You must operate the steering wheel using two hands at all times, unless you are operating the gear lever, or auxiliary controls, with the other hand.
Why is it no longer 10 and 2?
Thanks to airbags and changes in steering technology, that's no longer the recommended position. Now, traffic safety officials say drivers should hold the wheel at a "9 and 3" position instead.
Is it illegal to have only one hand on the wheel?
Using a stop at the traffic lights to eat your burger or touch up your makeup might get you in more trouble than a smudge of lipstick or BBQ sauce. According to NSW Road Rule 2014:218, you must always have at least one hand on the wheel. Taking both off, even momentarily, can count as not having proper control.
What's the earliest you can get your full license?
The earliest you can get a full license varies by location, but generally, it's around 16 to 18 years old, often after holding a learner's permit for a set time (like 6-12 months) and completing supervised driving and driver's education, with some states like South Dakota or Michigan potentially offering pathways to full licensing slightly earlier, around 17, with advanced steps like advanced driving courses or completing specific GDL phases.
Can you get pulled over for not having both hands on the wheel?
While driving with one hand on the steering wheel isn't explicitly illegal, you can still be fined if a police officer believes you are not in proper control of your vehicle due to doing so. According to rule 160 of the Highway Code, you should “drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible”.
What is the 123 rule in driving?
The "123 rule driving," more commonly known as the 3-Second Rule, is a method for maintaining a safe following distance by counting three seconds (e.g., "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three") after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object, ensuring you have enough time to react and stop safely, especially crucial in bad weather where it should be increased to 5-6 seconds or more.
What states is the no touch law in?
These hands-free states include:
- Alabama.
- Arizona.
- California.
- Connecticut.
- Delaware.
- District of Columbia.
- Georgia.
- Hawaii.
Can you legally drive with one leg?
Yes! With proper modifications to your vehicle, amputation won't stop you from continuing to drive to your heart's content. However, some states or municipalities might require you to obtain an enhancement on your driver's license before you can legally hit the road after losing a limb.
Do I fail if I can't parallel park?
Yes, you can absolutely fail your driving test if you can't parallel park, as it's a required maneuver in most places, often leading to an automatic fail or significant point deductions for errors like hitting the curb, taking too long, or poor observation. While some examiners might allow for minor errors or multiple attempts, failing to complete the maneuver or making critical mistakes (like hitting cones/curb) generally means failing the whole test, as it shows a lack of essential slow-speed control skills.
Is 10 and 2 still a thing?
No, the "10 and 2" steering wheel hand position is outdated; safety experts and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now recommend the "9 and 3" position, or even "8 and 4," to reduce hand and arm injuries from airbag deployment, as the older method puts hands directly in the airbag's path.
What is the no. 1 reason for failing a driving test?
The top 10 reasons are:
- not making effective observations at junctions.
- not using mirrors correctly when changing direction.
- not moving off safely.
- incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions.
- not having proper control of the steering.
- not responding appropriately to traffic lights.
What's the best excuse to get out of a speeding ticket?
The "best" excuse for a speeding ticket is often a technical or factual challenge to the officer's evidence (like faulty equipment or a hidden sign) or claiming an emergency, rather than a common excuse like being late, though "didn't know I was speeding" and "keeping up with traffic" are frequently cited by drivers, with varying success. Your best bet is often a combination of respectful demeanor, presenting evidence, and potentially hiring a lawyer, as some "excuses" like "I was avoiding an accident" can be legitimate defenses in court.
Is it still 10 and 2 while driving?
However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now recommends that drivers place their hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. The reason for this change is safety. In a collision, the airbag deploys from the center of the steering wheel.
Why did they change it from 10 and 2 to 9 and 3?
With your hands at the 10 and 2 position, your arms are more likely to be thrown into your face or chest when the airbag deploys. This can lead to serious injuries. On the other hand, with your hands at 9 and 3, your arms are less likely to be in the way of the airbag.
What is the new driving hand position?
Hand-to-Hand Steering (Push/Pull)
Start with your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock. Do not cross your hands over the middle of the steering wheel. Keep your hands in these positions, even when making turns.
Is it best to grip the steering wheel at 10 and 2 o'clock?
For years, learner drivers were taught to grip the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. It was considered the safest way to drive, offering maximum control. However, modern driving experts now recommend switching to 9 and 3.