Chilean signals, national differences and real crossing conflicts
Chilean traffic controls must be interpreted using their actual national meanings. A familiar signal color can have a different flashing meaning in another country, so imported memory is not a sufficient basis for a Chilean answer. Read the actual officer direction, signal, sign, marking and path.
Distinguish the national signal meanings
A steady red requires stopping. A single flashing red at an ordinary intersection indicates CEDA EL PASO: reduce speed, yield and stop when necessary to avoid a conflicting movement. It is not automatically the mandatory-stop rule used for flashing red in some other countries. A railway warning is a different situation and must not be confused with an ordinary intersection indication.
Steady yellow warns that red is coming. Stop before entering unless already too close to do so safely, in which case proceed cautiously. Flashing yellow warns of danger and requires reduced-speed caution. A green indication does not remove an occupied pedestrian crossing or create room beyond a blocked intersection.
Carabineros directing traffic take precedence over a conflicting light. A green arrow permits the actual indicated movement with the required care for pedestrians and other lawfully moving traffic. Do not infer general permission to turn against red merely because that maneuver is allowed by default elsewhere; use the actual Chilean control.
Signs and markings are specific information
PARE requires a complete stop and the relevant yielding assessment. CEDA EL PASO requires yielding and stopping when necessary. A warning alerts the driver to a hazard without guaranteeing safety at a chosen speed. Learn the Chilean shape, color and symbol rather than transfer a European triangular-warning description to a different sign system.
A broken line allows only movements that are otherwise lawful and safe. A continuous line and an overtaking prohibition must be read together with available visibility, opposing traffic and the return gap. An indicator communicates intention but does not grant priority or confirm that a blind area is empty.
Protect crossings and the exit
Before turning across a cycle lane, observe and give the required priority. Approach a hidden crossing slowly enough to respond to a person who emerges from behind a parked vehicle. Wait before a junction or railway crossing when traffic beyond it leaves no clear exit. A lawful priority is a reason to understand the situation, not a reason to continue into an avoidable collision.