Traffic Signals: Meanings and Combinations
Basic signals
A green light permits movement; a flashing green warns that the phase is ending and, in Belarus, also permits movement. Yellow means stop unless you are so close that stopping safely is impossible; it is not an invitation to accelerate. Red means stop. A red plus yellow combination announces that green is about to appear - prepare but do not move. A flashing yellow (alone) means the intersection is unregulated: apply the sign and priority rules.
Arrows and supplementary sections
Directional arrows in the main lens apply only to that direction. A supplementary section with an arrow permits movement in that direction regardless of the main signal, provided you give way to vehicles moving on the main green. This is a classic trap: the arrow gives permission, not priority.
Pedestrian and tram signals
Pedestrian signals are two-lens (red standing figure, green walking figure) and, where fitted, countdown displays. Tram signals use one white lens with a shape (bar, triangle); these bind tram drivers and also indicate to other drivers when a tram will move.
Traps
Green does not guarantee a clear path - you must still yield to pedestrians finishing crossing, to vehicles already in the junction, and to emergency vehicles with sirens. A green arrow in a supplementary section does not override the give-way duty. Flashing green is not "hurry": it is a warning that the phase ends.
Rule of thumb
Treat yellow as red with a short grace period: stop if you can do so safely; never speed up to beat it.