A 3-minute lesson from the Alabama course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Traffic signals assign the right to move. A steady light, a flashing light and an arrow each mean something different, and a green light never lets you ignore people already in the intersection.
Know the rule
Steady red: stop and stay stopped until the signal turns green. Right turns, and in certain cases left turns, are permitted after stopping.
Green arrow: you may enter to make the arrowed movement, or any movement other lights allow, while opposing traffic must stop. Still yield to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection.
You arrive at an intersection where the signals are dark after a storm. Treat it as a four-way stop: stop completely, and let vehicles go in the order they arrived.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What must you do when facing a steady circular red traffic signal?
Proceed cautiously
Stop only if pedestrians are present
Stop until the light turns green
Slow down but proceed if clear
Answer: Stop until the light turns green
A steady circular red signal requires you to stop and remain stopped until it turns green.
A steady yellow arrow shown alone, or with a steady circular red, means what?
Opposing traffic must stop for you
You may still turn as usual
The protected turn is ending; don't enter after it
Stop only if turning right
Answer: The protected turn is ending; don't enter after it
A steady yellow arrow shown alone or with red clears the previous protected movement; you may not enter the intersection after the yellow arrow goes out.
