🚦 Traffic Signals - Understanding the Lights

Traffic lights regulate traffic at intersections and crossings. Understanding them is fundamental.

Light phases:

🔴 Red light:

• STOP - You must stop
• Stop before stop line or crosswalk
• Wait until it turns green
• May not be passed under any circumstances

🟡 Yellow light:

• PREPARE - Red is coming soon
• Stop if you can do so safely
• Pass only if you're already so close you cannot stop
• After red = green coming soon (prepare to start)

🟢 Green light:

• GO - You may pass
• But check that it's clear first!
• Give priority to vehicles already in intersection
• Give priority to pedestrians crossing

Special signals:

Flashing yellow:

• Traffic lights are out of order
• Drive carefully
• Follow normal priority rules
• Right-hand rule applies

Arrow signals:

• Green arrow = You may drive in arrow direction
• Red arrow = Stop in that direction
• Green arrow + red = Only that direction is allowed

Lane signals:

• Green down arrow = Lane is open
• Red X = Lane is closed
• Yellow diagonal arrow = Change lanes

Pedestrian signals:

• Red figure = Stop
• Green walking figure = Walk

Important to remember:

• Signal applies to all lanes in your direction
• Police signals override traffic lights
• Always give priority to emergency vehicles, regardless of light