Traffic signals

Question 1

Red light

Answer 1

At a red light, 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.

Question 2

Right turn on red

Answer 2

You 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.

Question 3

Left turn on red

Answer 3

You 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

Question 4

Red arrow:

Answer 4

A red arrow means 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.

Question 5

Flashing red light:

Answer 5

At a flashing red light, 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.

Question 6

Flashing red arrow

Answer 6

At a flashing red arrow, come to a
complete stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from
the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection, and
proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear.

Question 7

Yellow light or arrow:

Answer 7

A yellow light or arrow 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

Question 8

Flashing yellow light:

Answer 8

A flashing yellow light
means slow down and proceed with caution.
Flashing yellow lights are at locations with
higher-than-normal hazardous conditions.

Question 9

Flashing yellow arrow

Answer 9

At a flashing yellow arrow, 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.

Question 10

Green light or arrow

Answer 10

At a green light, 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, 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.

Question 11

Out of service signals:

Answer 11

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. This 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.

Question 12

Red X:

Answer 12

Never drive in a lane marked with a red

X signal.

Question 13

Yellow X:

Answer 13

A yellow X signal means that you
should move out of the lane as soon as safely
possible.

Question 14

Green Arrow:

Answer 14

You are permitted to drive in a

lane marked with a green arrow signal.

Question 15

Left-turn Arrow:

Answer 15

You are
permitted to enter in a lane
marked with a one-way or
two-way arrow only to turn in
the direction of the arrow.