Pavement markings, signals, and railroad crossings
Pavement markings and signals organize traffic when signs are absent or reinforce them. Delaware's exam tests line colors and patterns, flashing signal meanings, right-turn-on-red rules, and the required response at railroad crossings.
Pavement markings
- Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. A broken yellow line allows passing when safe; a solid yellow line on your side prohibits passing; double solid yellow prohibits passing in both directions.
- White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction or mark the right edge. A solid white line discourages lane changes; a broken white line allows them when safe.
- Crosswalks, stop bars, and arrows tell you where to stop and which movements are allowed. A two-way left-turn lane is marked by yellow lines on both sides and inner arrows.
Signals
- Steady red: stop. Steady green: proceed when clear. Steady yellow: stop if you can do so safely.
- Flashing red: stop, then proceed when safe, like a stop sign. Flashing yellow: slow and proceed with caution.
- Green arrow: protected movement. Flashing yellow arrow: permissive left turn; yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- Delaware allows a right turn on red after a full stop unless posted otherwise, and a left turn on red from a one-way to a one-way unless prohibited.
Railroad crossings
A round yellow sign with "RXR" is an advance warning. At the crossing, the crossbuck means yield to trains. If lights flash or gates lower, stop and remain stopped until the lights stop and the gates rise. Never stop on the tracks. School buses and hazardous-materials vehicles must stop at crossings unless an exemption applies.
Worked example
You face a flashing yellow left-turn arrow. It is not a protected green arrow. You may turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. If a train of oncoming cars is continuous, wait in the turn lane; do not assume the arrow gives you priority.
Traps that cost marks
Flashing red and flashing yellow are opposites: one requires a stop, the other only caution. A solid yellow line on your side is not a passing invitation. The crossbuck means yield, not necessarily stop, but flashing lights or a lowered gate require a full stop. Stop before the stop bar or crosswalk, not on top of it.
Key points
- Yellow lines separate opposing traffic; white lines separate same-direction traffic.
- Broken yellow allows passing; solid yellow on your side prohibits it.
- Flashing red means stop; flashing yellow means caution.
- A flashing yellow arrow is a permissive turn, not a protected one.
- Right on red requires a full stop unless prohibited.
- Stop for flashing railroad lights or lowered gates, and never stop on the tracks.