Texas permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 62 Texas numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 46 number questions in our Texas bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

46 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

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  • Alcohol & drugs

    An adult driver refuses to give a breath or blood specimen after a Texas DWI arrest. How long is the license suspended for a first refusal?

    180 days

    Under implied consent, refusing a breath or blood test brings a 180-day suspension, up to 730 days for later refusals.

    Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 64

  • Fines, points & penalties

    What is the minimum Texas liability coverage for injury or death of one person?

    $30,000

    Texas minimum liability insurance is $30,000 for injury or death of one person, $60,000 for two or more, and $25,000 for property damage.

    Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 24

  • Speed limits

    You pass a stopped fire truck with lights on in a zone posted at 20 mph and cannot change lanes. What is the fastest you may go?

    5 mph

    Texas move-over law has a special rule for low-speed roads. When the posted limit is under 25 mph and you cannot vacate the lane, you may go no faster than 5 mph past a stopped emergency vehicle with lights on.

    Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division website

Every Texas number, by topic

Official test facts and Texas laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driverstcss.legis.texas.gov
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or (B) having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehicletcss.legis.texas.gov
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the person has driven a commercial motor vehicle while the person's alcohol concentration was 0.04 or more.
24 hours · one yearDrunk driving (DUI)CDL holders are placed out of service for 24 hours and disqualified from commercial driving for at least one yeartcss.legis.texas.gov
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a refusal to submit a specimen will result in the person's being immediately placed out of service for 24 hours and being disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for at least one year
180 daysDrunk driving (DUI)Refusing a breath or blood test suspends your license for 180 daystcss.legis.texas.gov
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If a person refuses the request of a peace officer to submit to the taking of a specimen, the department shall: (1) suspend the person's license to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway for 180 days
180 daysAn adult driver refuses to give a breath or blood specimen after a Texas DWI arrest. How long is the license suspended for a first refusal?Answer: 180 daysTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 64
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A person who refuses to give a blood or breath specimen for analysis will have their driver license suspended for 180 days or up to 730 days for subsequent offenses.
90 daysAn adult's breath test shows a BAC of 0.09. How long may the license be suspended for a first offense under Texas administrative rules?Answer: 90 daysTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 64
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If a person submits to a blood or breath specimen and the results show a BAC of 0.08 or greater, their driver license may be suspended for 90 days
60 daysA 19-year-old's breath test shows a detectable amount of alcohol below 0.08. What is the license suspension for a first offense?Answer: 60 daysTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 63
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Table 28: Minor Provided Specimen Confirming Detectable Amount of Alcohol (failure) Offense Penalty 1st offense Driver license suspended (or privilege denied if not licensed) for 60 days.
$500A passenger has an open can of beer in your car, parked on a public road. Under Texas law this is:Answer: Illegal, with a fine of up to $500Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 62
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regardless of whether the vehicle is being operated, stopped, or parked. Conviction of this offense is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

Fines, points & penalties

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$25-$99 · $100-$200Phone useTexting: fine $25-$99 for a first offense, $100-$200 for a repeat offensetcss.legis.texas.gov
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An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $25 and not more than $99 unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted at least one time of an offense under this section, in which event the offense is punishable by a fine of at least $100 and not more than $200.
$4,000 · one yearPhone useA Class A misdemeanor (up to $4,000 and one year in jail) if it causes death or serious bodily injurytcss.legis.texas.gov
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an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000 and confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant caused the death or serious bodily injury of another person.
$25-$250Seat beltsFine $25-$250tcss.legis.texas.gov
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An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $250.
$500-$1,250Move Over lawFine $500-$1,250tcss.legis.texas.gov
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An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,250
$500-$1,250School busesFine $500-$1,250 (first offense)tcss.legis.texas.gov
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An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,250
$30,000What is the minimum Texas liability coverage for injury or death of one person?Answer: $30,000Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 24
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$30,000 against injury or death of one person
$25,000What is the minimum property-damage liability coverage required in Texas?Answer: $25,000Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 24
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$25,000 against property damage
$175 to $350What is the fine for a first conviction of driving without proof of financial responsibility (insurance) in Texas?Answer: $175 to $350Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 24
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1st conviction A fine of $175 to $350.
$500In Texas, what is the penalty for a basic first offense of driving while your license is suspended?Answer: Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 19
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Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
$500 to $1,250What is the fine for a first conviction of illegally passing a stopped school bus in Texas?Answer: $500 to $1,250Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 29
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1st conviction A fine of $500 - $1,250.
$500 to $750What is the fine range for a first offense of illegally parking in a disabled parking space in Texas?Answer: $500 to $750Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 48
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is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500 to $750 for the first offense.
$50 to $200What is the fine range for failing to obey Texas railroad crossing laws?Answer: $50 to $200Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 28
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A person who fails to obey the law regarding railroad grade crossings is subject to a fine of $50 to $200.
$2,000 · 180 daysA barricade closes a road because water is over it, and you drive around it. What is the penalty in Texas?Answer: Class B misdemeanor: up to $2,000 and/or 180 days in jailTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 43
Quote
The offense is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail when a warning sign or barricade has been placed at a location where water is over any portion of a road
$100 to $200You are driving and your 15-year-old passenger is not wearing a seat belt. What fine can you, the driver, receive?Answer: $100 to $200Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 70
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Passengers under 17 years old riding without a safety belt (fine assessed to driver) A fine of $100 to $200

Speed limits

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 mph · 15 mphSpeed limitsUrban district: 30 mph (alley 15 mph)tcss.legis.texas.gov
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30 miles per hour in an urban district on a street other than an alley and 15 miles per hour in an alley
5 mphYou pass a stopped fire truck with lights on in a zone posted at 20 mph and cannot change lanes. What is the fastest you may go?Answer: 5 mphTexas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division website
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five miles per hour when the posted speed limit is less than 25 miles per hour.
30 mphUnless another limit is posted, what is the Texas speed limit in an urban district?Answer: 30 mphTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 52
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Speed (MPH) Urban District 30
15 mphWhat is the Texas speed limit in an alley?Answer: 15 mphTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 52
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Urban District 30 Alley 15
70 mphUnless posted otherwise, what is the maximum speed for a passenger car on a US- or Texas-numbered highway (including Farm to Market roads) outside an urban district?Answer: 70 mphTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 52
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Highway numbered by Texas or the U.S. outside an urban district including Farm to Market and Ranch to Market roads Passenger cars, motorcycles, light truck, passenger car or light truck towing a trailer or semi-trailer, truck or truck-tractor, truck or truck-tractor towing a trailer or semi-trailer, buses, school activity bus. 70
60 mphWhat is the default Texas speed limit for a passenger car on a highway that is NOT numbered by Texas or the U.S., outside an urban district?Answer: 60 mphTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 52
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Highway not numbered by Texas or the U.S. and outside an urban district: Passenger cars, motorcycles, light truck, passenger car or light truck towing a trailer or semi-trailer, truck or truck-tractor, truck or truck-tractor towing a trailer or semi-trailer, buses, school activity bus. 60

Distances & following gaps

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
500 feetIn Texas, how close may you follow a fire truck answering an alarm?Answer: No closer than 500 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 28
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You are not allowed to follow within 500 feet of a fire truck answering an alarm or an ambulance when the flashing red lights are on.
2 secondsIn good road conditions at 30 mph or less, what minimum following time does the Texas handbook give?Answer: 2 secondsTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 51
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For speeds 30 mph or less, the minimum time between your car and the one in front of you is 2 seconds with good road conditions.
Four secondsWhat following interval does the Texas handbook call the best practice for a beginning driver?Answer: Four secondsTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 51
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Using a four-second following interval is the best practice for a beginning or less experienced driver.
100 feetHow far before a turn must you signal continuously in Texas?Answer: At least 100 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 44
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Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping
100 feetOn a two-lane road, how close to an intersection or railroad crossing may you drive on the left side of the road to pass?Answer: Not within 100 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 44
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Within 100 feet of or crossing an intersection or railroad crossing
200 feetWhen passing on a two-lane road, you must be back in the right lane before an oncoming car comes within how many feet?Answer: 200 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 45
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return to the right lane before an approaching car comes within 200 feet of you.
four to six secondsHow much following distance should you leave behind a motorcycle?Answer: At least four to six secondsTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 59
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Allow more following distance, at least four to six seconds, when following a motorcycle
15 and 50 feetWhen you must stop at a railroad crossing in Texas, how far from the nearest rail should you stop?Answer: Between 15 and 50 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 27
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When approaching a railroad grade crossing, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail if:
1,500 feetTexas law requires you to stop at a railroad crossing when an approaching train is within about how many feet?Answer: 1,500 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 27
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A n approaching train is within about 1,500 feet of the crossing.
30 minutes · 30 minutes · 1,000 feetWhen does Texas law require you to use headlights?Answer: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or when you cannot see 1,000 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 53
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You must use your headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise, or anytime when individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet.
500 feetYou are using high beams at night. Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle must you switch to low beams?Answer: 500 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 53
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Within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle
300 feetYou are following another car at night with high beams on. Within what distance should you switch to low beams?Answer: 300 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 53
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Following closely (within 300 feet) behind another vehicle
12 inchesAccording to the Texas handbook, as little as how much water can float many cars?Answer: 12 inchesTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 56
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Twelve inches of water will float many cars.

Parking

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetHow close to a fire hydrant may you park in Texas?Answer: No closer than 15 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 48
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Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
20 feetHow close to a crosswalk at an intersection may you park in Texas?Answer: No closer than 20 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 48
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Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
30 feetHow far must you park from a stop sign at the side of the road in Texas?Answer: At least 30 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 48
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Within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or other traffic control signal located at the side of a road
50 feetHow close to the nearest rail of a railroad crossing may you park in Texas?Answer: No closer than 50 feetTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 48
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Do not park a vehicle, occupied or not, within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
18 inchesWhen parallel parking in Texas, what is the farthest your wheels may be from the curb?Answer: 18 inchesTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 50
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Do not park more than 18 inches from the curb or edge of the road.

Ages, permits & the test

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
70%Passing scoredps.texas.gov
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You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam.
$16Feedps.texas.gov
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15 with driver education $15 for license + $1 fee = $16
under 18Phone useDrivers under 18 may not use a wireless device at all, even hands-free, except in an emergencytcss.legis.texas.gov
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A person under 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device, except in case of emergency.
one yearWho may supervise a Texas learner license holder while they practice driving?Answer: A licensed driver 21 or older with one year of experienceTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 7
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The licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age with at least one year of driving experience, must occupy the seat beside the driver
six monthsHow long must a Texas driver under 18 hold a learner (or hardship) license before getting a provisional license?Answer: At least six monthsTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 8
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hold a valid learner, hardship, or combination of learner and hardship license for a minimum of six months prior to the issuance of a provisional license
under 21A 16-year-old with a provisional license wants to drive three friends (all 16, not related) to a game. What does Phase Two allow?Answer: Only one passenger under 21 who is not a family memberTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 9
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With more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member
30 hours · 10 hoursUnder the driver education route, how much behind-the-wheel practice must a Texas teen complete before a provisional license?Answer: 30 hours, including at least 10 hours at nightTexas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division website
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30 hours of behind the wheel driving practice, of which at least 10 hours must be at night with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older in the vehicle at all times.
70 percentWhat score do you need to pass a Texas knowledge exam?Answer: 70 percent or betterTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 13
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You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam.
younger than 25Under Texas law, which new drivers must complete an approved driver education course to get a license?Answer: Anyone younger than 25Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 13
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Individuals younger than 25 years of age are required to successfully complete an approved driver education course.
younger than 18Under Texas law, which riders may NOT ride in the open bed of a pickup truck in normal driving?Answer: Anyone younger than 18Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 70
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when a child who is younger than 18 years of age is occupying the bed of the truck or trailer.

Time limits & deadlines

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 daysIn Texas, how soon must you report a change of address to DPS?Answer: Within 30 daysTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 15
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A change of address must be reported to DPS within 30 days.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
aged 15Seat beltsEvery occupant aged 15 or older in a belt-equipped seat of a passenger vehicle (all seating positions)tcss.legis.texas.gov
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is at least 15 years of age; (B) is riding in a passenger vehicle while the vehicle is being operated; (C) is occupying a seat that is equipped with a safety belt; and (D) is not secured by a safety belt
under 17Seat beltsThe driver must make sure every child under 17 is buckled or in a child seattcss.legis.texas.gov
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allows a child who is younger than 17 years of age and who is not required to be secured in a child passenger safety seat system under Section 545.412 (a) to ride in the vehicle without requiring the child to be secured by a safety belt
8 years · 4 ft 9 inSeat beltsUnder 8 years old: child passenger safety seat or booster used per the manufacturer's instructions, unless taller than 4 ft 9 intcss.legis.texas.gov
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transports a child who is younger than eight years of age, unless the child is taller than four feet, nine inches, and does not keep the child secured during the operation of the vehicle in a child passenger safety seat system
4 feet 9 inchesSeat beltsChildren under 8 must ride in a child safety seat or booster unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inchestcss.legis.texas.gov
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transports a child who is younger than eight years of age, unless the child is taller than four feet, nine inches, and does not keep the child secured during the operation of the vehicle in a child passenger safety seat system
8 years · 4 feet 9 inchesIn Texas, which child must ride in a federally approved child safety seat?Answer: A child under 8 years old, unless taller than 4 feet 9 inchesTexas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 70
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Any child under 8 years old must be secured in a federally approved child car seat if occupying a seat in a vehicle equipped with a safety belt, unless the child is more than 4’9” tall.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Texas permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 62 of them for Texas, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Texas statutes or DPS pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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