Traffic Signals: Lights, Arrows, and Pedestrian Heads
The traffic signals domain tests steady and flashing lights, turn arrows, pedestrian signals, and what to do when a signal is dark or malfunctioning. California questions often hinge on the difference between a protected movement and a permitted one.
Vehicle signal meanings
- Steady red: stop at the limit line or crosswalk. Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
- Red arrow: no movement in the direction of the arrow.
- Steady yellow: stop before entering the intersection if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop, proceed through cautiously. Do not accelerate.
- Flashing red: stop, then yield and proceed when safe, like a stop sign.
- Flashing yellow: proceed with caution.
- Flashing yellow arrow: permitted turn; yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- Green arrow: protected movement; oncoming traffic is stopped.
- Green ball: proceed if clear; a left turn still yields to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Pedestrian signals and dark signals
A walking-person symbol means pedestrians may start crossing. A flashing hand means do not start; finish crossing if already in the crosswalk. A solid hand means do not start. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. If a signal is dark or malfunctioning, treat the intersection as an all-way stop: stop, yield, and proceed when safe.
Worked example
You are turning left on a flashing yellow arrow and an oncoming car is approaching. The arrow permits the turn but does not protect it. You must yield until the oncoming car clears. If the arrow changes to steady yellow before you enter the intersection, stop. If you have already entered, clear the intersection safely rather than stopping in it.
Traps that cost marks
Treating a flashing red as a yield; stopping on a green light; speeding up on yellow; turning on a red arrow; failing to stop at a dark signal; entering on a flashing hand; and assuming a green ball protects a left turn.