U.S. DMV Questions about Traffic Signals

U.S. Traffic Signals - Random Questions

1 / 10

A traffic light with a green arrow in a left-turn lane means:

A) Oncoming traffic is stopped by a red light

B) You can make a safe turn without checking other traffic

C) All other vehicles and pedestrians have a red light

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

2 / 10

A traffic light with a steady yellow arrow means:

A) All other vehicles and pedestrians have a red light

B) Turn with caution

C) The light will change

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

3 / 10

If you face a traffic light with a flashing yellow arrow, a left turn is:

A) Not allowed

B) Unprotected

C) Protected

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

4 / 10

Why should you look to the left and right before entering an intersection on a green light?

A) Pedestrians may cross the street

B) The light may change to red

C) Cross traffic may have a green arrow

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

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

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

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) Flashing red

C) Steady 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 a solid yellow light appears, you should:

A) Never stop if the way is clear

B) Speed up and keep going

C) Stop if it is safe to do so

It is best to stop when a traffic light turns yellow. It is also the law in many states. If you have already entered the intersection, keep going.

8 / 10

What should you do when you see a flashing yellow traffic signal?

A) Stop, the light is about to change to red

B) Proceed with caution

C) Speed up and keep going

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

9 / 10

When traffic signals are out-of-order, you should treat the intersection as:

A) If there is a red light in all directions

B) If it is controlled by stop signs

C) An uncontrolled intersection

If a traffic signal is out of order, treat the light as a stop sign

10 / 10

A HAWK signal (hybrid beacon) with alternating flashing red lights means:

A) Stop and wait for a green light

B) Stop and go if clear

C) Slow down and 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