Pavement Markings, Traffic Signals, and Their Interaction with Signs
Pavement markings and traffic signals work with signs to control traffic. Markings are painted lines and arrows; signals are lights. The exam tests line colors and patterns, signal meanings, and what happens when a sign and a signal seem to conflict. The general rule is that the more specific control governs: a NO TURN ON RED sign overrides the usual right-on-red permission.
Core rules
- Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. A broken yellow line allows passing when safe; a solid yellow line on your side means do not pass. White lines separate lanes moving in the same direction.
- A stop line is the line you stop behind at a stop sign or signal. Crosswalk markings define the pedestrian path; do not stop on them.
- Steady red: stop. Flashing red: stop, then proceed when clear. Steady yellow: stop if you can do so safely. Steady green: proceed when clear. Green arrow: protected movement. Flashing yellow arrow: permitted turn, but yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Red arrow: do not move in that direction.
- In Connecticut, right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Left turn on red is allowed from one-way to one-way unless prohibited.
- A sign can override a signal: NO TURN ON RED means wait for green even if the law usually allows the turn.
Worked example
You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right. A sign on the signal pole reads NO TURN ON RED. The cross street is empty. You must wait for the green light. The general Connecticut rule allowing right on red is displaced by the specific sign. If you turned, you would violate the sign even though no traffic was coming.
Traps
Do not speed up on a yellow light; yellow means stop if safe. Do not treat a flashing red as a warning to roll through; it is a stop. Do not assume a green arrow and a green circle give the same protection. Do not turn right on red where a sign prohibits it. Do not stop past the stop line or on the crosswalk. Do not ignore worn markings; use the sign and signal as backup.