DRIVER'S HANDBOOK

Chapter 4: Signs and Signals

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    Red — Stop in front of the marked crosswalk or, if there’s no marked crosswalk, before the sidewalk out of the way of pedestrians and vehicles. Unless a sign shows otherwise or vehicle/pedestrian traffic does not permit, you may, after stopping completely, turn right. You may also turn right or left from a one-way street to another one-way street.

    Amber — An amber light is a warning that the light is going to turn red. Slow down and stop — never accelerate to “make the light.” If you’re already in the intersection when the light turns amber, continue through.

    Green — You may proceed, but you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to other vehicles already in the intersection. To turn left, you may enter the intersection on a green light, but you must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. You may have to complete the turn during an amber or red light.

    Horizontal traffic light
    Horizontal
    Vertical traffic light
    Vertical
    Traffic light signal

    Flashing Red — Come to a complete stop, proceeding only when safe.

    Flashing Amber — Slow down and be prepared to stop. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

    Amber Arrow — A steady amber arrow may be shown after a green arrow. The amber arrow is a warning that oncoming traffic may next receive a green signal. Slow down and stop. If you’re already in the intersection when the amber signal appears, continue and complete your turn.

    Green Arrow — You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow, either steady or flashing, providing you’re in the proper lane.

    Flashing Green Left-Arrow — You may proceed only to make a left turn, unless facing another signal that indicates other movements are allowed. (Flashing leftarrows may be shown together with steady red, amber or green lights.)

    Traffic light signal

    Green U-Turn Arrow — You may proceed to make a U-turn after yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles already in the intersection.

    Green Left-Arrow with Red Light — When a green left-arrow is shown with a red light together you may proceed and make a left turn only. It’s illegal to make a right turn at an intersection when a green left-arrow is shown with a red light, even if there’s no sign indicating a right turn is prohibited on a red light. Under no circumstances are you allowed to turn right or drive straight through when a green left-arrow is illuminated with a red light. If a green left-arrow is illuminated alone (the red light is not on) you may turn right if it’s safe to do so and no sign prohibits it.