New Mexico driving lesson · Traffic Control Devices
Traffic signals
A 3-minute lesson from the New Mexico course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Traffic control devices are signals, signs and pavement markings. Police, highway workers and school crossing guards can also direct traffic, and you must obey them. Signals tell you when to stop and go, and each color and arrow has an exact meaning.
Know the rule
You must obey directions from law enforcement, highway personnel and school crossing guards.
Turning left on a steady green, you may turn only when safe; oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. Watch for signs that prohibit left turns and for pedestrians.
You're at a steady red and want to turn right. Come to a full stop, check for pedestrians and cross traffic, and turn if it's safe and no sign prohibits turning on red.
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 red traffic light mean?
Signal is malfunctioning, treat as yield
Proceed with extreme caution, no stop
Slow down, no stop required
The same as a stop sign
Answer: The same as a stop sign
A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.
