Pavement Markings and Traffic Signals Used With Signs
Pavement markings
Pavement markings work with signs and signals. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction or mark the edge of the road. A double solid yellow line means no passing in either direction. A broken yellow line means passing is allowed when safe. White stop bars, crosswalks, arrows, and railroad markings show where to stop, walk, turn, or cross.
Traffic signals
A solid red light means stop; a flashing red light means stop and then proceed when clear. A yellow light warns that the signal is changing; stop if you can do so safely. A flashing yellow light means caution. A green light means proceed when clear, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection. A red arrow prohibits that movement; a green arrow protects it. A flashing yellow arrow permits a left turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
Core rules
- Stop at the stop bar, not in the crosswalk. If there is no stop bar, stop before the crosswalk or intersection.
- Do not enter an intersection unless you can clear it; do not block the box.
- Pavement arrows and lane lines assign movements; follow the arrow for your lane.
- At a railroad crossing, stop before the stop line and never stop on the tracks.
Worked example
You are in a left-turn lane with a flashing yellow arrow. Reasoning: the flashing yellow arrow allows the turn but does not protect it. You must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning. If the arrow changes to a solid green arrow, the turn becomes protected. If it changes to a solid red arrow, you must stop and wait.
Traps
Stopping past the stop bar or in the crosswalk. Treating a flashing yellow arrow as a protected turn. Entering an intersection on green when traffic is backed up and you cannot clear it. Crossing a solid white edge line to pass. Confusing a broken yellow line with a passing lane in both directions.