Traffic Signals & Lane Markings Explained
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Traffic lights and the lines painted on the road tell you when to go, where to drive, and when you're allowed to pass. Here's what each one means.
Traffic lights
- Steady red: stop at the stop line and wait for green. Right turns may be allowed after a stop (see below).
- Steady yellow: the light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do it safely. If you're too close to stop safely, carefully continue through.
- Steady green: go if the intersection is clear, and yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already in the intersection.
- Signal not working: treat the intersection as an all-way stop.
Turn arrows and turning on red
- Green arrow: protected turn in the direction of the arrow.
- Flashing yellow arrow: you may turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- Steady yellow arrow: the protected turn is ending. Get ready to stop.
- Red arrow: don't turn in that direction until the arrow changes. Many states don't allow turns on a red arrow even after stopping.
- Right on red: allowed in most states after a complete stop, if you yield to traffic and pedestrians, unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted. Some cities, like New York City, ban it. Many states also allow a left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
Pedestrian signals
A walking person means pedestrians may start crossing. A flashing hand or a countdown means don't start crossing, but people already in the street can finish. A steady hand means don't cross. Drivers must still yield to anyone in the crosswalk, whatever the signal shows.
Lane markings
| Marking | What it means |
|---|---|
| Broken yellow center line | Two-way traffic. Passing is allowed when the way is clear. |
| Solid + broken yellow | Passing is allowed only from the side with the broken line. |
| Double solid yellow | No passing in either direction. |
| Double broken yellow | Marks a reversible lane whose direction changes by time of day. Follow the overhead signals. |
| Broken white | Separates lanes going the same direction. Change lanes when it's safe. |
| Solid white | Lane changes are discouraged. Also marks the road edge and turn lanes. |
| White stop line | Stop behind this line at stop signs and red lights. |
| White diamond | A reserved lane, such as an HOV or carpool lane. |
| White chevrons or striped area | A gore area between ramps or lanes. Don't drive in it. |
Next, learn who has the right-of-way at intersections or review road sign shapes and colors.
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Play the rules of the road game →Frequently asked questions
What does a flashing red light mean?
A flashing red light means the same thing as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and go when it's safe.
What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?
A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It is not a protected turn.
Can you pass on a double yellow line?
No. Two solid yellow lines mean neither direction may pass. You may cross them only to turn left into a driveway or side road where that's allowed.
What's the difference between white and yellow lines?
Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes going in the same direction and mark the right edge of the road.