Understanding the Basic Colors of Traffic Lights
Traffic lights use three main standard colors: red, yellow, and green, to communicate instructions to road users.
Red Light
When the light turns red, your car must stop completely. Don’t try to beat the light or rush through at the last second; it’s risky, illegal, and could cause an accident. Wait patiently at until the red light changes to green. This keeps both you and others safe.
Yellow Light
A yellow (amber) light is an indication that the signal is about to turn red. This is a sign for you to slow down and prepare to stop, not to speed up. The only time you should continue is if you’re already too close to the junction and stopping suddenly would be unsafe.
Green Light
Green means you’re allowed to “GO,” but not without checking first. Before you move, make sure the road is clear and allow any cars, bikes, or pedestrians already in the junction to pass. Don’t just rush off immediately when the light changes; move only when it’s safe. It’s also smart to approach green lights with caution since they can quickly switch to yellow or red.
Specialized Traffic Lights and Their Meanings
Apart from the usual red, yellow, and green lights, sometimes you’ll see flashing traffic lights. These are warning signals that tell you to slow down and be extra careful because there might be a risk or tricky situation ahead.
There are two main flashing colors you should know:
Flashing Red Light
A flashing red light means you must stop completely, just like when you see a stop sign. Once you stop, follow the right-of-way rules and allow cars, bikes, or pedestrians who got there before you to move first. Think of it as a “STOP” signal that reminds you to pause, look around carefully, and only continue when the road is safe.
Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing yellow light means you should slow down and drive carefully. It’s not telling you to stop, but it’s a warning that there may be something ahead that you need to watch out for, like a school crossing or a busy junction, for example.
Traffic Signals with Arrows
Sometimes, instead of the normal round traffic lights, you’ll see arrow signals. These arrows are used to control turning lanes and show you when it’s safe (or not safe) to turn. They’re very common at busy junctions where some lanes are meant for turning only.
There are four main types of arrow lights you should know: red, yellow, flashing yellow, and green.
Red Arrow
When you see a red arrow, it means you must not turn in the direction it is pointing. Stay where you are and wait until the signal changes. Only move when you see a green light or a green arrow that allows you to turn safely.
Yellow Arrow
A yellow arrow means your chance to turn is almost over. If you have not already entered the junction, you should slow down and get ready to stop. Do not rush or try to beat the light. Just wait for the green arrow or green light before turning again.
Flashing Yellow Arrow
A flashing yellow arrow means you are allowed to turn, but you must be very careful. Vehicles coming from the other side usually have a green light, so they will move first. Always slow down, watch closely, and allow those cars or people walking to pass before you make your turn.
Green Arrow
A green arrow means it is your turn to move in the direction the arrow is pointing. You can make your turn safely because cars, bikes, and pedestrians coming from the other side will be stopped by a red light. Just follow the arrow and go with confidence, but still check your surroundings before you turn.
Lane Use Control Signals
Lane use control signals are the lights you see above certain lanes on big highways or very busy roads. They tell you which lanes you can drive in and which ones you must avoid. These signals help to control traffic and keep everyone safe.
- Red X: The lane is closed, do not enter.
- Yellow X: The lane is about to close, so prepare to move away.
- Green arrow: The lane is open and free to use.
There are 3 types of lane signals:
You’ll mostly see them on reversible lanes that change direction depending on the time of day. For example, in the morning, a lane may be used by cars going into town, but in the evening the same lane may be used by cars going out.
Stop Sign Rules
A stop sign is placed at junctions where there are no traffic lights, but drivers still need to know whose turn it is to move. When you see a stop sign, you must stop completely, look around, and allow others with the right of way to go first before you move.
- Full Stop Required: You must stop completely at the stop line, crosswalk, or just before entering the junction. Don’t just slow down or “half-stop.” Make sure your car is fully still before you look around and move.
- Right-of-Way Rules: At a stop sign, you must allow any car already inside the junction to pass first. If you and another car reach the stop sign at the same time, the driver on the right-hand side has the right to move first.
- Four-Way Stop: At a junction where every road has a stop sign, cars should move one after the other, in the order they arrive. If two or more cars get there at the same time, the vehicle on the right-hand side has priority.
- Rolling Stops Are Illegal: Simply slowing down without stopping fully at a stop sign is called a “rolling stop.” This is against the rules. Even if the road looks empty, you must come to a complete stop, look carefully, and only move when it’s safe.
What Do You Do if a Traffic Light Is Not Working?
If you get to a junction and the traffic light is not working, treat it like a stop sign. Follow the stoplight rules by making a full stop, looking around, and letting any car already in the junction go first.
It’s just like following normal traffic light rules or other road and traffic signs. Be patient, take turns, and respect other drivers. If an officer is controlling traffic, follow their instructions. This way, you’ll stay safe and obey road safety signs even when the traffic signals are down.