U.S. DMV Questions about Traffic Signals

U.S. Traffic Signals - Random Questions

1 / 10

If you face a traffic light with a green arrow pointing left, a left turn is:

A) Protected

B) Not allowed

C) Unprotected

A green arrow means you can turn in that direction if the way is clear. Oncoming traffic has a red light. It is called a protected turn.

2 / 10

When a yellow arrow appears as you wait in a turn lane, you should:

A) Not turn under any circumstances

B) Be prepared to obey the next signal

C) Turn with caution

A yellow arrow means the light will change. Be prepared to obey the next signal.

3 / 10

Which indicates you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic?

A) A flashing yellow arrow

B) A solid red light

C) A flashing green arrow

A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Proceed cautiously.

4 / 10

When a traffic signal shows a green light:

A) You should not drive faster than 15 mph

B) You always have the right-of-way

C) You may need to stop to avoid blocking the intersection

Only enter an intersection if you can get completely across. You must yield to vehicles and pedestrians that lawfully entered the intersection and still need to clear it.

5 / 10

When a traffic signal shows a steady red light:

A) After stopping, you may proceed in any direction if safe

B) You must stop and remain stopped until a green light appears

C) After stopping, you may turn right unless prohibited by signs

State laws in the United States allow right turns on red lights. You must come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and vehicles, and proceed only when safe. Local ordinances, notably New York City, may prohibit such turns.

6 / 10

Which traffic light has the same meaning as a stop sign?

A) Flashing yellow

B) Steady red

C) Flashing red

A flashing red light means you must come to a complete stop and only go when the way is clear. It has the same meaning as a stop sign.

7 / 10

When should you always continue against a solid yellow light?

A) If no pedestrians are in your path

B) If you have entered the intersection

C) If you plan to turn right

If you have entered the intersection, clear it in a safe manner. Do not back up.

8 / 10

A flashing yellow traffic light means:

A) Come to a complete stop before proceeding

B) Speed up before the light changes to red

C) Slow down and proceed with caution

A flashing yellow light means you should slow down and proceed cautiously if the roadway is clear.

9 / 10

For which of the following must you always stop your vehicle?

A) Solid red lights, red arrows, and flashing yellow lights

B) Flashing red lights, yellow lights, and flashing yellow lights

C) Solid red lights, flashing red lights, and red arrows

Red always means stop. In some states, you must also stop when approaching a steady yellow light if you can stop safely.

10 / 10

A HAWK signal (hybrid beacon) displays a steady red light. If no pedestrian is in your path, you should:

A) Stop and remain stopped until red lights start flashing

B) Stop and wait for the light to turn green

C) Proceed with caution

High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signals (hybrid beacons) are for pedestrian crossings. When the signal is dark, you may proceed cautiously. When a pedestrian activates the signal, it will flash yellow, which means you must slow down and be ready to stop. The light will then turn solid yellow to tell the driver to stop if possible. Then, the signal will turn to a solid red, indicating the driver must stop and remain stopped. Finally, the signal will flash red, telling you to stop and yield to pedestrians.

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The Traffic Signals Quiz – Random Questions

Mastering the Meanings of Traffic Signals

You may be preparing for your first DMV test to get your learner’s permit or driver’s license. Or you may be visiting the United States and need clarification on the different rules about traffic signals.

Mastering the meanings of traffic signals is an essential skill for all drivers in the United States. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and others sharing the road.

The Basics of Traffic Signals: Red, Green, and Yellow

You will see the familiar trio of red, green, and yellow lights at most intersections. These colors are universal indicators, dictating when to stop, proceed with caution, or go. Understanding their meanings is fundamental to navigating the road safely.

• Red Light: This iconic signal commands drivers to stop completely. It’s non-negotiable, signaling the need to halt. Running a red light is illegal and incredibly dangerous, often leading to devastating accidents. Unlike many other countries, United States state laws allow you to turn right against a red light. Sometimes, you may also turn left against a solid red light. You must, however, always stop before you turn.
• Green Light: The green light symbolizes permission to proceed. It’s the go-ahead signal, indicating that moving forward is safe. However, green doesn’t mean rush; drivers must still exercise caution, especially when making left turns.
• Yellow Light: Often interpreted as a signal to speed up, the yellow light means slow down and prepare to stop. It serves as a transition between green and red, warning drivers of an impending change. While trying to beat the red light is tempting, doing so can have serious consequences.

Flashing Lights

In addition to the standard red, green, and yellow lights, you may encounter flashing signals.

• Flashing Yellow Light: When drivers encounter a flashing yellow light, it means proceed with caution. Unlike a solid yellow light, which indicates an impending red light, the flashing yellow light advises drivers to slow down and be prepared to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians. Crossing traffic often faces a flashing red light.
• Flashing Red Light: A flashing red light carries the same meaning as a stop sign. Drivers must come to a complete stop, yield to other vehicles and pedestrians, and proceed only when the intersection is clear. You will typically see flashing red lights at intersections where traffic signals are temporarily out of order or during late-night hours when traffic is minimal.

Arrow Lights

• Green and Yellow Arrows: These arrows provide additional guidance to drivers when making turns. A green arrow indicates a protected turn for a specific direction, allowing drivers to turn without conflicting with oncoming traffic. Conversely, a yellow arrow warns drivers that the green arrow is about to end, signaling the need to complete the turn or prepare to stop.
• Flashing Yellow Arrow: A relatively recent addition to traffic signals, the flashing yellow arrow is used primarily for left turns at intersections with dedicated turn lanes. It indicates that left turns are permitted, but drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The flashing yellow arrow provides flexibility, allowing drivers to turn left when it is safe, even while oncoming traffic has a green light.
• Red Arrow: These arrows don’t have the same meaning across the United States. Some states allow right turns against a red arrow, and some don’t. Learn the rules in your state.

Signals are Important

The significance of learning and obeying traffic signals cannot be overstated. The different arrows and combinations of lights can confuse foreign drivers and first-time test takers.

Obeying traffic signals isn’t just about personal safety—it’s also a legal obligation. Violating traffic laws can result in fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and even license suspension.

This quick quiz will check your knowledge of traffic signals and lights in the United States.

Can you reach a 100% score?

Cover photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash