Drivers Ed Lesson 4

Positioning Of Traffic Lights

The position of the three colored lenses on most traffic lights is red on top, yellow in the middle, and green on the bottom. The sequence in which they're lighted is green to yellow, yellow to red, and red to green.

Traffic Lights

Traffic lights are devices placed along, beside, or above highways, roadways, or other routes to regulate traffic flow, including motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Crosshatch Lines

Upcoming road obstructions may be marked by crosshatch white or yellow lines painted on the pavement. Crosshatch lines define an area over which vehicular traffic shouldn't travel. Crosshatch lines are sloped in the direction of the major flow of traffic.

Green Arrow

A green arrow means that you may proceed in the direction that the arrow points (i.e., left, right, or straight) after you yield the right of way to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian still in the intersection. Horizontal green arrows are used to control traffic in left- or right-turn lanes. Vertical green arrows are used to control straight-through traffic in a specific lane.

Solid Green Traffic Lights

A green light means that you may proceed straight through or make a turn as noted below after the intersection is cleared of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. You may make a right, left turn, or U-turn on a green light, unless doing so is prohibited by a sign. However, you must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians crossing the street who are close enough to pose a hazard.

Uses of Yellow Line Markings- Center Left-Turn Lanes

A center traffic lane enclosed by double yellow lines on each side with the inner lines broken may be used to start and complete left-hand turns and start U-turns from either direction of traffic, but can't be used for passing. The rules for proper use of center left-turn lanes are often misunderstood by drivers.

Do Not Enter and Wrong Way Signs

A do not enter sign tells you that there is danger ahead because vehicles will be coming toward you. A wrong way sign tells you that you're traveling in the opposite direction of traffic in the lane. These signs are often placed together on freeway off-ramps.

Construction Signs

A number of orange warning signs are related to roadway construction and maintenance. You should expect construction equipment or workers ahead.

One-Way Sign

A one-way sign means that traffic on the road travels only in the direction that the arrow is pointing.

Red Arrow

A red arrow prohibits a turn in the direction of the arrow. You must stop behind the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection until the green arrow or green signal appears. A turn (including a right turn) or other movement can't be made in the direction of the red arrow, even after stopping first.

Flashing Red

A flashing red signal light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must stop completely behind the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection and yield the right of way to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection before you proceed.

Circle with a Line Through It

A red circle with a red line through it is also used to denote that something isn't permitted. The picture inside the circle shows what you can't do (e.g., no parking).

Right Turns on a Solid Red

A right turn may be made on a solid red light unless prohibited by a no turn on red sign. You must yield to all traffic and pedestrians before turning.

Fluorescent Yellow Green

Fluorescent yellow-green is also used as the background for pedestrian, bicycle, and school-crossing warning signs.

Equilateral Triangle Pointing Downwards

This shape is used exclusively for yield signs. You should immediately recognize that an equilateral triangle-shaped sign pointed down means that you must yield to other vehicles and pedestrians.

Pennant

This shape is used exclusively to indicate a no-passing zone. This type of sign is rare in California but is used in other states. You should immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a pennant means that passing isn't allowed.

Pentagon

This shape is used exclusively to indicate a school zone or a school crossing.You should immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a pentagon means that you should watch for children in or around the roadway.

Cross-Buck

This shape is used exclusively to warn of a railroad crossing. You should immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a cross-buck means a railroad crossing is ahead.

Green Curb Markings

You may park for a limited time. The time is usually shown on a sign next to the green zone, or painted on the curb.

White Curb Markings

You may stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail.

Trapezoid

In some states, this shape is used for recreational-area guide signs (e.g., rest area and tourist information ahead).

Bike Lanes

A bicycle lane is marked with a solid white line along either side of the street, placed at least 4 feet from the curb. This line is usually a broken line near the corners of intersections. The words "BIKE LANE" or a picture of a bicycle are usually painted in white on the pavement at various locations in this lane. Bicyclists are required to use bicycle lanes when on a roadway. However, they may exit these lanes to pass, make turns, or avoid a collision.

Flashing Yellow

A flashing yellow light is a warning to slow down and be especially alert. You don't necessarily have to stop, but you should check traffic both ways at the intersection before proceeding through.

Seat belts

Low across hips, not rubbing against neck

Parking Signs

Most parking-related signs are also regulatory, meaning that they also must be obeyed.

Orange

Orange is used as the background color for warning, construction, and maintenance signs.

Purple, Light Blue, and Coral

Purple, light blue, and coral have been reserved for future use on road signs.

Red and White

Red is used exclusively for stop and yield signs, multi-way supplemental plates (e.g., 4-way stop), do not enter and wrong way signs, for legends or symbols on certain regulatory signs, and as part of interstate and certain state route markers.

Intersection Safety

Scan for traffic controls and prohibitive signs. Signs may prohibit entry into the intersection, turns, or U-turns. Also, scan for hazards such as pedestrians, bicycles, and other traffic.

Stop Lines

Thick solid white lines that cross the roadway are used to mark the stop line at intersections and the clearance line at railroad crossings. You must stop behind these lines when you stop at an intersection or railroad crossing.

Blue Curb Markings

This indicates parking for the disabled only. You must have a placard (window sign) or your license plates must be specially marked to park here.

Controlled Intersections

intersections where the driver's movement is controlled by traffic lights or stop or yield signs

Square

This shape is used for regulatory (e.g., do not enter, no U-turn, no parking, no pedestrian crossing), warning (e.g., advisory speed limit and construction), and guide (camping, and airport) signs.

Red Curb Markings

No stopping, standing, or parking. (A bus may stop at a red zone marked for buses.)

Other Shapes

Various shapes are used for road-marker signs (e.g., interstate highway routes and state highway routes).

Solid White Line Markings

A single or double solid white line dividing traffic lanes going in the same direction can't be crossed for any reason.On divided highways, a single solid white line is generally used to indicate the right- most boundary of the drivable roadway. You shouldn't drive to the right of this line. Sets of solid white lines are often used to divide the lanes before an upcoming hazard such as a road obstruction caused by the pillar of an over-crossing, or the median between a freeway off-ramp and normal traffic lanes. Again, these lines shouldn't be crossed. Thicker solid white lines are used to separate parts of left- and right-turn lanes close to the intersection. If you pass the part of the turn lane that has a broken white line or no line, you may not turn over the solid line to enter the turn lane.

Edge of Pavement Markings

A single solid white line is usually used to indicate the edge of pavement. You shouldn't drive to the right of this line. Single solid yellow lines are used on the left edge of divided streets or roadways.

Solid Red Traffic Lights

A solid red light means to stop completely behind the limit line, or crosswalk. You must wait for a green light to proceed, except as noted below. Traffic signal lights that are malfunctioning will sometimes flash red.

Solid Yellow Traffic Lights

A solid yellow traffic light means that the light will soon change to red. When you see a yellow light, you should slow down and stop before entering the intersection, if you can do so safely. You shouldn't enter an intersection when the light has changed to yellow, unless you can't stop safely before doing so. If you must enter an intersection on a yellow light, it's important to watch for cross traffic and vehicles starting right or left turns that might enter the intersection when the light changes.

Stop Sign

A stop sign means that you must make a complete stop before entering a crosswalk, passing a limit line, or entering an intersection. If no crosswalk or limit line is marked, you must stop at the corner. You must give the right of way to all vehicles and pedestrians currently in the intersection. On divided highways, a stop sign for crossing or turning vehicles is often placed on the island or dividing strip. You must also stop for these signs. Stop signs are sometimes accompanied by small, red multi-way supplemental plates (e.g., all-way and 4-way) that indicate whether other traffic also has a stop sign.

Yellow Arrow

A yellow arrow means that you should be prepared to obey the next signal that appears, which could be a solid green light, a red light, or a red arrow. If the yellow arrow is horizontal, it means that your protected turning period (during which all oncoming traffic is stopped by red lights) is about to end. Horizontal yellow arrows are used to control traffic in left- or right-turn lanes. Vertical yellow arrows are used to control straight-through traffic for a specific lane.

Yield Sign

A yield sign means that you must slow down, be ready to stop, and let other traffic (including pedestrians and bicycles) have the right of way before you continue driving.

Intersections and Yellow Traffic Lights

Avoid entering an intersection on a yellow traffic light. However, if you can't safely stop, proceed through the intersection with caution. Keep your foot over the brake so that you can stop immediately, if necessary.

U-Turn Only Arrow

Arrows in the shape of an upside-down U are sometimes used to control lanes of traffic that may make U-turns only. You should obey red, yellow, and green U-turn only arrows in the same way that you would obey horizontal arrows of the same color, except that you may only make a U-turn.

Seat Position

As far back as possible to prevent injury from airbag, head restraint/rest should be as close to the head as is possible and comfortable, never put kids or car seats in the front passenger seat of the car

Black

Black is used as background for one-way signs, night speed limit signs (in other states), and inspection station signs. It is also used as a message color on signs with white, yellow, or orange backgrounds.

Blue

Blue is used as the background color for traveler-services information signs, civil-defense evacuation route markers, and some street-name signs.

School Warnings

Broad yellow lines crossing the road are sometimes used to indicate a school crossing. Yellow markings on the pavement that say "SCHOOL XING" will usually also be painted near school crossings. You should carefully scan for children who are about to cross or crossing the road when you see these markings.

Brown

Brown is used as the background color for guide and information signs related to points of recreational or cultural interest and on some street-name signs.

Many intersections have designated lanes signs to indicate that

Cars in the left lane must turn left. Cars in the right lane may go straight or turn right. Cars in the left lane may turn left or go straight. Cars in the right lane must turn right.

Diamond Lanes

Diamonds painted in a lane indicate that the lane is for use by buses and carpools only. In order to use a carpool lane, you must have a minimum of two or three people in your vehicle (depending on what is indicated on the accompanying signs), including the driver. Carpooling and bus riding are useful ways to save fuel and reduce the number of vehicles using highways in heavy traffic. Some freeways have special lanes and on-ramps for carpools. Signs at the on-ramp or along the freeway tell you the size of the carpool (number of people required) to be eligible for the lane as well as the days/hours during which the requirement applies. The pavement of these lanes is marked with the diamond symbol and the words "CARPOOL LANE." Do not cross over the double parallel solid lines to enter or exit any carpool lane except at designated entry or exit places.

Gridlock

Don't enter an intersection, even when the light is green, unless there is enough space to completely cross the intersection before the light turns red. If heavy traffic causes you to block cross traffic, you can be cited for causing gridlock.

Railroad Crossing Fines

Don't go around or under any closed railroad gate. Cross only when it is safe. A first railroad-gate crossing offense will cost you a fine of $100 (or your LIFE if you lose the "beat-the-train" game). The fines increase to $200 and $250 for second and third offenses, respectively. The court may also require you to attend a traffic school.

Other Flashing Red Lights

Flashing red lights that aren't traffic signals are sometimes used to warn drivers of an upcoming stop sign or of a railroad crossing.

Other Flashing Yellow Lights

Flashing yellow lights that aren't traffic signals are sometimes used to warn drivers of an upcoming signal light, pedestrian crossing, school zone, or construction zone.

Green

Green is used as the background color for guide signs, mileposts, and street- name signs, and as a message color on permissive-regulation and parking signs.

What is Gridlock

Gridlock means that traffic at an intersection is so heavy that vehicles are unable to pass through or complete turns. These vehicles become stranded in the middle of the intersection, thereby prevent other drivers traveling in the opposite direction from passing through. If you block an intersection, you can be cited.

Guide and Information Signs

Guide and information signs inform you of services, recreation areas, and destination information.

Horizontal Arrow

Horizontal arrows are used to control traffic in left- or right-turn lanes

Broken White Line Markings

If a single broken white line divides lanes of traffic, you may cross over the line to enter the lane next to you. If the lane you're driving in has a thicker broken white line, that means the lane is to be used for exiting the roadway or merging into other lanes, or it means the lane is ending. The broken line will soon become a single solid white line or a set of double solid white lines that can't be crossed.

Non-Functioning Traffic Lights

If all traffic signal lights at an intersection aren't working because of an electrical power failure, you must stop at the intersection behind the limit line or crosswalk or at the corner. A blacked-out traffic signal should be treated the same as a stop sign. You should only proceed when you know that all other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians will also be stopping.

Double Solid Yellow Lines on Four-Way Roadways

If there are four lanes with two lanes in each direction, drive on the first lane (the most right lane). Use the left lane for passing only. Don't cross over the solid yellow lines to pass another vehicle. Two sets of solid double yellow lines that are spaced two or more feet apart represent a wall or center divider. You may not drive on or over these lines for any reason. You may only make a U-turn or left turn on a street divided with these lines at an opening provided for turns. In some cases, one or more sets of parallel solid yellow lines are also used to separate carpool lanes from normal traffic lanes. Don't cross over these lines to enter or exit the carpool lane. Wait until the lines are broken or for some other designated place to enter or exit the lane.

Left Turns on a Solid Red

If there are no signs prohibiting it, you may turn left on a red light if you're turning from a one-way street into a one-way street. Of course, you must first yield the right of way to pedestrians within the adjacent crosswalk and traffic using the intersection.

Double Solid Yellow Lines on Two-Lane Roadways

If there are two solid yellow lines dividing lanes of traffic, you may not cross over them to pass another vehicle. You should never drive to the left of these lines. You may cross over a double solid yellow line to make a left turn at an intersection, to enter or exit a road or a driveway, or to make a U-turn, if it can be made safely and isn't otherwise prohibited. If the road has only two lanes, one lane in each direction, a slow-moving vehicle must pull into a turnout lane if five or more vehicles are trailing.

Solid Line Next to a Broken Yellow Line Markings

If there are two yellow lines dividing lanes of traffic, and the line closest to your lane is broken, you may cross over it to pass vehicles ahead, if it is safe to do so. If the line closest to your lane is solid, you may not cross over it except to turn left into a driveway or alley.

Solid Yellow Line Markings

If there is a single solid yellow line dividing lanes of traffic, you may not drive over this line to pass other vehicles. You may cross over a solid yellow line to make a left turn at an intersection, to enter or exit a road or a driveway, or to make a U-turn, if it can be made safely and isn't otherwise prohibited. On divided highways and some other roadways, a single solid yellow line will usually be used to indicate the left-most boundary of the drivable roadway. You shouldn't drive to the left of this line. Sets of solid yellow lines are frequently used to divide oncoming lanes of traffic before an upcoming hazard such as a road obstruction caused by the pillar of an over-crossing.

Broken Yellow Line Markings

If there is a single yellow line dividing lanes of traffic and the line is broken (not continuous), you may pass over the line to pass other vehicles, or to make left turns into other streets, driveways, and alleys, if it can be done safely.

Proceeding or Stopping at a Yellow Arrow

If you can't stop safely before entering the intersection on a yellow arrow, it's important to watch for cross traffic and drivers starting right or left turns, as they might enter the intersection when the light changes.

How to Escape If You're Going the Wrong Way

If you see either of these signs, drive to the side of the road and stop because you're driving against traffic. When safe, back out or turn around and go back to the road you were originally on.

Railroad Crossing Risks

In any given year, about 500 people die and 1,500 are seriously injured in car-train collisions. More than 500 people are killed each year while trespassing on railroad tracks and property. Motorists are 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash involving a train than in one involving another motor vehicle. More people die each year in highway-rail collisions than in commercial airline crashes. It takes the average train more than a mile to stop. The majority of vehicle-train crashes occur when the train is traveling less than 30 miles per hour.

Right Turn Against a Red Light

Make a full stop for a red traffic light at the limit line (if there is one) or before entering the intersection. If there is no sign that prohibits a right turn on the red light, you may turn right. Be careful that you don't interfere with pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles moving on their green light.

Intersection Timing

Quickly calculate the time you'll need to cross or turn into an intersection. The time necessary may depend upon other vehicles with the right of way, the number of lanes, the distance to cross the intersection, etc. Allow ample time to cross the intersection before entering it. You don't want to be in the middle of the intersection when the light turns red and cross traffic starts entering the intersection.

Railroad Crossing

Railroad crossings are often marked with solid white lines across the roadway. You must stop behind these lines when you stop at a railroad crossing. These stop lines are often preceded by white painted letters on the pavement such as "RXR." You must never stop in the vehicle clearance area marked by solid white lines and a white "X" symbol.

Crosswalks

You must follow special rules when dealing with pedestrians crossing the roadway. When you must stop at an intersection, always stop behind the crosswalk. Crosswalks are delineated with sets of broad white lines that cross the road. However, crosswalks exist at most intersections where the roadways meet at approximately 90-degree angles and there are one or more sidewalks that would continue over the roadway. Sometimes crosswalks don't include white painted lines. These are called unmarked crosswalks. Crosswalks are often preceded by white words painted on the road indicating "SLOW PED XING."

School Bus Crossing Rules

School buses are now required to activate red lights at all stops. Always obey the hand signals and other instructions of school bus drivers. Be as courteous as possible to school buses, and give them the right of way whenever possible. Don't pull out in front of school buses or otherwise cause them to maneuver abruptly. Be very cautious around stopped school buses, even if the red lights aren't flashing. Assume that a child might dart out in front of you. Treat school-bus stops as school zones; drive 25 mph or slower if children are present.

Railroad Crossing Safety

There are signs that warn you when you're approaching railroad tracks. Know these signs! Look and listen for trains in both directions. Be ready to stop, if necessary. You should expect a train on a track at any time, day or night. Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing mean STOP! Stop at least 15 feet from the railroad tracks when: A person or signal warns that a train is coming. You see a train coming. If you hear the horn or bell of a train close by, don't try to cross the tracks. Also, you should never attempt to cross railroad tracks if there isn't enough room for your vehicle on the other side of the tracks. Don't go across until you can see clearly in both directions because a second train may be approaching from either direction. Never stop on railroad tracks. When traffic is heavy, wait off the tracks until you're sure you can drive over the tracks without stopping. Watch for vehicles that must stop before crossing the tracks, such as buses, school buses, and large trucks transporting hazardous loads. Never walk on railroad tracks. When crossing multiple tracks, wait a few seconds after a train has passed to be sure there isn't one traveling the other way. Never race a train to the crossing--EVER! If your vehicle stalls on a railroad crossing, get everyone out of the vehicle and off the tracks immediately. If there is no train in sight, post lookouts and try to start the vehicle from outside or push it off the tracks. Don't misjudge a train's speed and distance. Because of the large size of trains and the viewing angle at which you see them, trains sometimes appear to be moving more slowly than they actually are. If you have any doubts, stop and wait for the train to pass.

Round

This shape is used exclusively for railroad advance warnings and civil-defense evacuation route markers. The most common use in California is for railroad advance warnings.You should immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a circle means that a railroad crossing is ahead.

Octagon

This shape is used exclusively for stop signs.You should immediately recognize that an octagon-shaped sign means you must stop.

Horizontal Rectangle

This shape is used for information and guide (e.g., rest-area ahead) signs. Also, it is used for regulatory (e.g., road closed and carpool).

Vertical Rectangle

This shape is used for regulatory (e.g., speed limit, no parking, carpool, and keep right) and sometimes warning (e.g., slow--children at play) signs. You should immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a vertical rectangle indicates a regulatory or warning action you must obey.

Diamond

This sign is used exclusively for warning signs (e.g., cross-road ahead, end/begin divided road, merging traffic, curves, and construction warning signs). A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a diamond indicates that a potentially dangerous situation exists ahead or that some change in roadway conditions is coming up.

Pedestrian Crossing Signs

This warning sign indicates that there may be pedestrians crossing the roadway ahead. You should slow down, look carefully for pedestrians crossing or about to cross the road, and yield the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing.

Lane Control Signals and Freeway Traffic Control

To help freeway traffic flow, some on-ramps and freeway interchanges are regulated by lane controls that only allow a certain number of cars to enter the freeway at varying time intervals. This is called "staggering." The lights on these signals change very quickly.

Preventing Gridlock

To prevent gridlock, regardless of whether you have the right of way, you must not enter an intersection unless traffic conditions allow you to exit the intersection before the light changes to red.q

Traffic signs are used for four different purposes, as follows:

To regulate traffic, movement, or parking. To warn of potential dangers or changes in road conditions. To provide information. To provide guidance.

Automated Enforcement of Traffic Lights

Traffic-signal automated enforcement devices (red-light cameras) may legally be placed at limit lines, intersections, or other places where you're required to stop (including railroad crossings), if the presence of the camera is clearly identified by signs in all directions or if the signs are posted at major entrances to a city. You have the right to see photographic evidence of the violation.

Vertical Arrow

Vertical arrows are used to control a specific lane of straight-through traffic.

Warning Signs

Warning signs alert you to potential dangers ahead and changes in the road conditions. All warning signs must be obeyed.

Lines With Arrows

White arrows are sometimes painted onto the roadway to indicate whether the lane proceeds ahead, merges, turns, or exits. These lines are intended to guide your choice of lane.

Overview White Line Markings

White lines parallel to the roadway separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. They're also used to separate bicycle lanes from car lanes. White lines that cross the roadway delineate crosswalks or limit lines. Messages such as "stop ahead" or arrows directing traffic in a particular lane are often painted on the pavement in white. White lines of different configurations have different meanings.

Yellow

Yellow is used as the background color for warning signs (except construction and maintenance signs), and some school signs.

Yellow Center Line Markings

Yellow lines parallel to the roadway mark the center of a roadway on which there is two-way traffic. Yellow lines are used in different configurations that have different meanings.

School Bus Laws

You may come upon a school bus that is stopped with flashing yellow lights. This is a warning for you to prepare to stop because children are preparing to get off the bus. When you come upon a school bus stopped on either side of the road with flashing red lights, you must stop. The flashing red lights are located at the top front and top back of the bus. School children will be crowding the road to or from the school bus. Remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing. Failure to do so is a violation of VC §22454. You may be fined up to $1,000, and your driving privileges could be suspended for one year. However, note that you don't need to stop if the bus is on the other side of a divided highway.

Yellow Curb Markings

You may stop here only long enough to load or unload things or people—for a period of time designated by local laws. Drivers of noncommercial vehicles are usually required to stay with their vehicle.

Rules and Cautions of Yellow Line Markings- Center Left-Turn Lanes

You must use the center left-turn lane to make a left turn or U-turn if one exists on the street on which you're driving. You must signal and completely enter the lane before making your left-hand turn. Don't stop part-way into the lane with your vehicle blocking traffic. You may only drive in this lane for a distance up to 200 feet, which is about the length of five or six vehicles. The limit on driving in a center left-turn lane is to help prevent drivers from using this lane as a regular traffic lane or passing lane. You may not use a center left-turn lane for either of these purposes. Be careful to look for vehicles from the opposite direction pulling into the center left-turn lane. When turning left from a side street or driveway, you have the option to use this lane before completing your turn. If you want to first turn into the center left-turn lane, you should signal, wait until it is safe, and then drive completely into the center left-turn lane. Wait in the lane with your right-turn signal on for traffic to clear before pulling into traffic. If traffic is clear in both directions, you can make your left turn directly from the side street or driveway without first stopping in the center left- turn lane.

School Zone Signs

You should slow down and carefully watch for children who might enter or cross the road. Speed signs are often posted along with these signs. These signs must be obeyed.