Driver's Ed--Traffic Lights

flashing red

A flashing red light is like a stop sign. Stop completely (before the intersection, obviously) and yield the right of way to vehicles and pedestrians. Once it's clear, go right ahead! Sometimes, a traffic signal may be flashing red because it's malfunctioning. Don't worry. Follow the same stop sign procedure and you'll get through safely.

GREEN

Green means go ahead through the intersection. When a light turns green, be on the lookout for careless drivers who may speed across the intersection in an attempt to beat a red light.

Gridlock at intersection

When traffic is heavy, there might not be enough room on the other side of the intersection for you to cross before the green light changes to red. Make sure you can completely cross an intersection (without the light turning red) before you start crossing.

Straight Green Arrow

When you see one of these, go ahead. It means your lane of straight-through traffic is open and free to cross the intersection. As usual, check for any type of straggler that's in your path in the intersection.

Yield, Then Turn

You may also turn (left, right, or U-turn) on a green light, but you must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic first.

U-Turn Arrow

You might see an arrow in the shape of an upside-down U. It's there to control a lane of traffic that can make U-turns only. No surprises here. Follow the light's direction based on whether it's green, yellow, or red. This light is only giving you per Not right turns. Not left turns.

Flashing yellow

means to proceed with caution. You should slow down and be very alert as you travel through the intersection. Stopping is not required, but it's important to look both ways before going through the intersection.

Red Arrow

much like a red light, means you must stop before the limit line or crosswalk and only proceed when a green signal (green arrow or regular green signal) appears. The purpose of the arrow shape is to clarify which path is being stopped. Horizontal red arrows halt traffic in left or right turn lanes. Vertical red arrows tell drivers in a lane of straight-through traffic to stop.

Left Green Arrow

you may turn left (and only left). But before you go and turn left, please check oncoming traffic to make sure they have stopped. Always play it safe.

the bottom or right light

is green

The top or left light

is red

The middle light

is yellow

YELLOW

A steady yellow light is warning you that the light will soon change to red. When you see a yellow traffic light, slow down and stop before the intersection if you can do it safely. If you can't stop safely, then proceed cautiously through the intersection.

Lane Control Signals

Another non-intersection use for traffic signals is lane control. Lane control signals regulate traffic at toll plazas and freeway onramps. They may not have yellow lights and could simply switch between red and green. Still, they must be obeyed like a regular traffic signal.

Yellow Arrow

As with solid yellow lights, yellow arrows mean you should slow down and stop before entering the intersection if possible. If a gradual, safe stop isn't possible, proceed through the intersection carefully with the knowledge that other drivers may enter your path and pose a hazard.

Right Turn on Red

At solid red lights, you can turn right under certain conditions. You must yield to all traffic and pedestrians before turning. Look out for "No turn on red" signs.

Warning Lights

Flashing red lights that are not traffic signals (not attached to green and yellow lights) are most likely there to warn you of an upcoming stop sign or railroad crossing.

Freeway Signals

Freeways that see a lot of traffic may be regulated by traffic lights at on-ramps and interchanges. These lights only let a certain number of cars get on the freeway during a set period of time. It's called staggering, and the signals tend to change more quickly than normal traffic lights. When the light turns green, you can enter the freeway. Each acceleration lane will have a control signal, but carpool lanes usually aren't regulated. Read the signs that are usually posted next to the signal. It will tell you how many cars can proceed during each green light.

Broken Lights

If you approach some traffic lights that aren't working because of an electrical power failure, stop before entering the intersection. Blacked-out signals should be treated like a stop sign. Don't drive through until all turning and approaching vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians have cleared or have offered you the right of way.

No left turn on red

In California, you CAN'T turn left on red UNLESS you are on a one-way street turning into another one-way street.

Non-Intersections

Now and then, you will see a traffic light in the middle of a block or highway rather than at an intersection. Treat these signals the same way you would at an intersection. Stop at red lights before reaching the crosswalk, sign, or signal.

Right Green Arrow

Right green arrows are great. With a green right arrow, you may turn right. Green horizontal arrow mean that your turn is protected. Protected means that all other traffic that could get in your way is being told to stop and wait for you.

Solid Red

STOP. Proceed through the intersection only when the light turns green.

RED

STOP. You should stop completely before the limit line or crosswalk.

Arrows mean...

Think of it this way: the arrow represents a direction of movement and the color represents whether you can do it or not. Red means don't go, arrow pointing right mean right turn. therefore, a red arrow pointing right means "Don't make a right turn." It doesn't mean "Stop and then make your right turn." Wait for the green arrow.

Yellow Warning Lights

Warning lights can also be flashing yellow. These typically indicate an upcoming pedestrian crossing, school zone, construction zone, or signal light.