Pavement Markings, Traffic Signals, and Officer Signals
Pavement markings and signals divide space and time on the road. The NJ test asks you to translate lines, arrows, and signal heads into lawful actions - and to obey a police officer above all of them.
Lines and markings
- Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; white lines separate same-direction lanes or mark the edge.
- Broken lines may be crossed when safe; solid lines should not be crossed except for a turn or driveway.
- A stop line marks where to stop at a signal or sign; a crosswalk belongs to pedestrians.
- Diamond markings mark HOV lanes; arrows show required lane movements.
Signals
- Steady red: stop. Right on red after a full stop unless posted; left on red only from one-way to one-way unless posted.
- Flashing red: treat as a stop sign. Flashing yellow: slow and proceed with caution.
- Green arrow: protected movement; green ball: yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
- A traffic officer's signal overrides signs, signals, and markings.
Worked example
You are in a left-turn lane with a green arrow, but the officer waves you to stop. The officer controls; you stop. If the arrow later turns to a green ball, you may turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Traps
Treating flashing yellow as a stop; turning right on red without a full stop; crossing a solid yellow line to pass; and obeying a green light over an officer's hand signal.