3.3

Lane Signals

- On some roads, lane signals are used to indicate a change in direction of traffic, or a lane or toll booth opening or closing. These signals work as follows: -A green down-arrow means the lane is open. You're driving in the right direction, but you still have to look for and follow other signs and signals. -A yellow X means the X is about to turn red. The lane you're in is about to close or change directions. -A red X means the lane is closed. You must use a different lane.

In Florida, you may turn right on a red light, but only if all of the following is true:

-You are in the right-most lane . -You are turning into the right-most lane on the cross road. -No nearby sign prohibits the turn.

you may turn left on a red light, but only if all of the following is true:

-You are turning onto a one-way street. -You are turning onto a one-way street in the left direction. -You are in the left-most lane. -You are turning into the left-most lane on the cross road. -No nearby sign prohibits the turn.

flashing red light

A flashing red light is like a stop sign. Stop completely (before the intersection) and yield the right of way to vehicles and pedestrians. Remember that other vehicles at the intersection may not have to stop like you, so proceed with caution. Once it's clear, you may cross the intersection.Sometimes, a traffic signal may be flashing red because it is malfunctioning. When this happens, follow the same STOP sign procedure and you'll get through safely.

Flashing Yellow Light

A flashing yellow light means to proceed with caution. You should slow down and be very alert as you travel through the intersection. Be prepared to stop. Stopping is not always required, but it's important to look both ways before going through the intersection. If you want to turn left on a flashing yellow light, you must yield to traffic approaching from the opposite direction.

Green Traffic Signal

A steady green light means you may proceed, but only if the path is clear. Even with a green light, you still have to check for cross traffic before you go. Before you enter an intersection on a green light, make sure there's enough space on the other side for you to clear the intersection before the light turns red. It's unsafe to get yourself stuck in an intersection on a red light.

Red traffic signal

A steady red light means stop. Just like with STOP signs, you must stop behind the stop line if there is one, behind the crosswalk if there's no stop line, and before entering the intersection if there's no stop line or crosswalk. When you stop at a red light, come to a complete stop.

Yellow traffic signal

A steady yellow light means the light is about to turn red and to clear the intersection. Slow down gradually and stop before you enter the intersection if you can do so safely. If you can't stop safely, you may proceed through the intersection. If you are in the intersection, move out as soon as it is safe to do so. Never speed up to "beat" a yellow light, as this could have deadly consequences. This is also a good place to point out why going the speed limit is so important. Lights are timed so that you can safely stop for a yellow light, if you are going the speed limit.

Pedestrian Signals

A white figure of a walking person, or the word "WALK," means you may cross the street. Some walk signals have numbers that count down the seconds until the signal changes. -A flashing orange hand, or flashing "DON'T WALK," means you may not begin to cross the street. If you're already crossing, continue through the crosswalk. -A steady orange hand, or steady "DON'T WALK," means you may not cross the street.

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. These signals use only red and green lights. When the light is red, come to a complete stop and wait. 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.

Green Arrow

Green means you are permitted to proceed in the direction in which the arrow is pointing. With a right green arrow, you may turn right. With a left green arrow, you may turn left. These horizontal green arrows 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. Be sure to look out for pedestrians and bicyclists, as they may still be crossing the street.When a straight green arrow is shown, it is safe to proceed straight ahead. It means your lane of straight-through traffic is open and free to cross the intersection. As usual, check for any roadway users that could be in your path in the intersection.

green light extras

If you're turning left or right on a green light, or making a U-turn, keep in mind that you must always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in your path.

red arrow

Recall that the color red means "don't go" and an arrow pointing left means left turn. Therefore, a red arrow pointing left means "Don't make a left turn." It doesn't mean "Stop and then make your left turn." Wait for the green arrow. A red arrow, much like a red light, means you must stop before the stop 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 (pointing either left or right) halt traffic in left or right turn lanes. While you can't turn left at a left-pointing red arrow, you can turn right at a right-pointing red arrow. Just like with a red light, it's okay to turn right at a red arrow after stopping and ensuring it's safe to turn. Vertical red arrows tell drivers in a lane of straight-through traffic to stop.

school zones

flashing signals are used to tell drivers if special speed limits are in effect.

work zones

orange or yellow flashing signals are used to warn road users of obstructions or changes in road configuration.

Yellow Arrow

proceeding straight or turning in the direction of the arrow. When it's yellow, that means to get ready for the signal to change. It could change to a red arrow or it could change to a solid green or red light.Be prepared for your protected turning period to end. (During a protected turning period, oncoming traffic is stopped at a red light to let you turn safely.)As with solid yellow lights, solid 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 might enter your path and pose a hazard.

railroad crossings

red flashing signals are used to warn road users of an approaching train.