Pavement Markings and Traffic Signals: Reading the Road
Pavement markings and traffic signals control lanes and right-of-way where signs cannot. Illinois uses yellow for opposing traffic and white for same-direction traffic; the exam tests line reading and signal responses, including turns on red and flashing signals.
Lines
- Broken yellow center line: passing allowed when safe. Solid yellow: no passing from your side. Double solid yellow: no passing either direction.
- A double yellow line with one solid and one broken line means passing is allowed only for traffic on the side of the broken line.
- White lines separate lanes going the same direction; a solid white edge line marks the right edge, a yellow line the left edge of a divided highway.
- A solid white stop bar marks where to stop at a signal or sign; crosswalk lines mark the pedestrian path.
Signals
- Steady red: stop, then right turn on red after yielding unless prohibited; left on red from a one-way to a one-way is allowed.
- Flashing red: stop, then proceed when safe - treat it like a stop sign.
- Flashing yellow: slow down and proceed with caution; you do not have to stop.
- Steady yellow: stop if you can do so safely; it is not a license to accelerate.
- Green arrow: protected movement in the arrow's direction only.
Worked example
A signal shows a flashing yellow arrow for a left turn. That means you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians - it is not a protected green arrow, and it is not a stop. If the arrow were a steady green, oncoming traffic would be stopped.
Traps that cost marks
- Reading a flashing yellow as a stop.
- Turning right on red without a full stop or where a sign prohibits it.
- Crossing the stop bar before stopping.
- Confusing a white lane line with an edge line or a solid line with a broken one.