The Green Arrow That Wasn't
You are stopped at a signalized intersection in the left-turn lane, planning to turn left onto a road with two lanes in each direction. The light for your direction is a solid red ball, and a green left-turn arrow is not illuminated. A sign mounted beside the signal reads 'LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN.' Cross traffic is moderate. A pedestrian is waiting on the corner to your left, and a car behind you is close to your rear tire. You have been waiting about 20 seconds. The cross street's light turns yellow, then red.
1. What does the sign and signal configuration tell you about when you may turn?
Read the worked answer
You may turn left on a green ball only after yielding; you may not turn on the current red ball.
- A solid red ball means stop and wait, even in a left-turn lane, unless a sign or arrow specifically permits otherwise.
- The sign 'LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN' means that when your light turns green (a ball, not an arrow), you may enter the intersection and turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- When the cross street goes red, oncoming traffic should stop, but you still must confirm they actually stop before proceeding.
- A green arrow, if it appears, would give you a protected turn, but it is not lit now.
2. The cross-street light has turned red. Should you turn immediately?
Read the worked answer
No - verify first, then proceed only when clear.
- A red light for cross traffic does not guarantee every vehicle stops; red-light running and late turns are common.
- Check that oncoming vehicles are actually slowing and stopping before you commit.
- Also yield to the pedestrian waiting on your left; a pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk has the right of way.
- Proceed only when you can complete the turn without forcing anyone to brake or swerve.
3. The car behind you is close. How does that affect your decision?
Read the worked answer
It should not push you into an unsafe turn, but it does affect how you manage the stop.
- A tailgater is a reason to leave extra room ahead and to signal early, not a reason to turn into an unsafe gap.
- Turning just because someone is close behind you is a classic pressure mistake; the right-of-way rules do not change.
- If you must wait, keep your brake light on and your bike in gear, watching mirrors for the car's movement.
- When you do turn, make it deliberate and complete it promptly so you clear the intersection.