Michigan driving lesson · Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings
Traffic lights and the doghouse signal
A 3-minute lesson from the Michigan course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Signal colors seem simple, but the test checks the details: what to do on yellow when you can't stop, how a green arrow differs from a green ball, and what flashing lights mean.
Know the rule
It is illegal to cut across public or private property, such as a store parking lot, to avoid a traffic-control device.
If a signal isn't working and no officer or other device controls traffic, come to a complete stop and yield to vehicles already there. If you arrive together, yield to the vehicle on your right.
When the yellow light or yellow arrow shows, stop if you haven't entered the intersection. If you're already in it, complete your turn with caution once traffic is clear.
Flashing red: stop, then go when clearFlashing yellow: proceed with caution
Put it into practice
Your light turns yellow just as you reach the stop line, and a truck is right behind you. Stopping is required on yellow, but if you truly can't stop safely, don't speed up — continue through cautiously.
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 red traffic light mean, and where is it positioned in Michigan?
Stop; it's at the top of the signal
Caution; middle of the signal
Stop; it's at the bottom of the signal
Proceed; top of the signal
Answer: Stop; it's at the top of the signal
Red means stop and is positioned at the top of a traffic signal in Michigan.
