A 3-minute lesson from the Maryland course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Arrows control only the direction they point. Flashing lights change the rules at an intersection, and lane-use signals hang over reversible lanes to tell you whether a lane is open to you.
Flashing red: come to a complete stop at the stop line (or before the crosswalk and intersection), yield to all traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when the way is clear.
A flashing red signal at a railroad crossing means a complete stop even if you don't see a train. Proceed when the signal stops flashing and the way is clear.
You're in a reversible lane when the signal overhead changes from a green arrow to a steady yellow "X". Signal and move out of that lane as soon as you safely can; a red "X" is coming.
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 at a flashing red signal?
Stop fully, yield, then go when clear
Slow down only, no stop required
Treat it the same as a flashing yellow
Stop, then wait for it to turn green
Answer: Stop fully, yield, then go when clear
A flashing red signal requires a complete stop, yielding to traffic and pedestrians, then proceeding when the way is clear.
