Section 7 Continued: Traffic Signals and Signs

 Traffic Signals and Signs

Traffic signals are placed at intersections to control the orderly movement of traffic and to prevent crashes. Drivers (including bicyclists) and pedestrians must obey these signals except when an officer is directing traffic. If a traffic signal is not functioning at all at an intersection, all drivers must treat the intersection as if a stop sign is posted for all directions. If a traffic signal is malfunctioning and flashing, drivers must proceed based on the color of the flashing signal they are facing: if the driver is facing a yellow flashing signal, the driver may proceed with caution; if the driver is facing a red flashing signal, the driver must stop and wait until it is safe to proceed.

Red light

A red light means you must make a complete stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection and wait until the light turns to green before proceeding.

Yellow light

A yellow light warns that the light is changing from green to red. Slow down and prepare to stop.

Green light

A green light means you may proceed if it is safe to do so after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection.

Green up arrow

A green arrow means you may proceed carefully only in the direction the arrow is pointing after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection. In this case you may go straight ahead only.

Green left arrow

A green arrow, in this case, means you may turn in the direction of the arrow after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection.

Yellow right arrow

A yellow arrow may appear after a green arrow and warns you to clear the intersection.

 Flashing red light

A red flashing light means you must stop completely (treat as you would a stop sign). Proceed with caution only after yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians and to other vehicles at the intersection.

Flashing yellow light

A yellow flashing light means you must slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection.

Flashing yellow arrow

A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians (oncoming traffic still has the green light).

Lane Control signals

Some roadways are designed to accommodate different traffic demands during the day through the use of a reversible lane system. Appropriate travel lanes on a roadway utilizing a reversible lane system are indicated as follows:

No travel allowed signal

No travel allowed in this lane in the direction you are going.

Clear the lane or left turn permitted signal