traffic signals Flashcards
different traffic signals + their meanings
what are traffic signals used for?
for traffic control to provide a smooth, orderly flow of traffic.
It is illegal to avoid these traffic controls by cutting through a parking lot or field.
obey all signs and signals unless–
directed by a police officer.
always follow the officer’s direction.
who do traffic signals apply to?
to drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, moped riders and pedestrians.
at a red light you:
come to a complete stop at the stop line or, if there is no stop line, before entering the intersection or before reaching the crosswalk.
Remain stopped as long as the signal is red, unless turns are allowed.
right turn on red:
May turn right while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds.
You may not turn right on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read “No Turn on Red,” or if a red arrow pointing to the right is displayed.
left turn on red:
May turn left at a red light if you are on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds.
You may not turn left on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read “No Turn on Red,” or if a red arrow pointing to the left is displayed.
red arrows indicate:
You must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow. You may not proceed in the direction of the arrow as long as the red arrow is displayed, unless signs are posted at the intersection that read “Right on Red Arrow After Stop” or “Left on Red Arrow After Stop.”
Virginia law prohibits right and left turns at red arrow lights.
Note: If you are traveling in another state, make sure you know its laws for right and left turns at red and red arrow lights.
at a flashing red light, you must:
Come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. You may go when the way is clear.
At a railroad crossing, you must come to a complete stop even if you don’t see a train.
yellow lights or arrows are:
Are cautions, warning that the light is about to change. If you have not entered the intersection, stop or, if unsafe to stop, cautiously go through it. If you are already in the intersection, go through it cautiously. Do not speed up to beat the light.
at flashing yellow arrows, you:
May turn in the direction of the arrow, if the way is clear. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. If a traffic light changes from red to flashing yellow arrow while a pedestrian is in the intersection, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.
at green lights or arrows, you may:
Go if the way is clear. At a green arrow, you may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. If you are turning without a green arrow, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. If a traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is in the street, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.
out of service signals
When traffic signals are not working because of a power outage or other problem and not displaying any lights, you are required to stop, proceeding through the intersection as though it were an all-way stop.
Does not apply if a law enforcement officer or other authorized person is directing traffic at the intersection, or if portable stop signs are in use.
lane use signals
indicate lanes where you can and cannot drive during different hours of the day.
red “X”
never drive in a lane marked with a red X signal.
yellow “X” or yellow diagonal downward arrow
mean that you should move out of the lane as soon as safely possible.
