A 3-minute lesson from the Alaska course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Flashing lights and dead signals don't assign turns; you have to work out the right-of-way yourself. Flashing red means stop first; flashing yellow means slow and take care. A dark signal is treated as uncontrolled.
Flashing red ball
Know the rule
Flashing red ball: stop behind the crosswalk or stop line, or before the intersection. Look in all directions for traffic and pedestrians and go only when it's safe.
If none of a signal's bulbs work, no other signal head is operating for your direction, and no one is directing traffic, the intersection is uncontrolled.
A windstorm knocks out power and the signal at your intersection is completely dark, with no officer present. Stop, yield to traffic on your right, go when it's safe, and report it to police.
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 does a flashing yellow arrow indicate?
The movement is completely prohibited
You may make the movement with caution, yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
You must stop and wait for a green arrow
It means the same as a steady green arrow
Answer: You may make the movement with caution, yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
A flashing yellow arrow allows the movement with caution while yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
