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North Carolina driving lesson · Signals, Signs & Pavement Markings

Traffic signals

A 3-minute lesson from the North Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Signals, Signs & Pavement Markings
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
42

Signals, signs and markings keep traffic flowing smoothly and orderly. Traffic signals control drivers and pedestrians at some intersections and mid-block crosswalks, and every color and arrow has a precise meaning.

Four-section signal head (through and turn indications)
Circular green

Know the rule

Circular green: proceed cautiously straight or turn. Turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
Steady yellow light
Circular yellow

Know the rule

Circular yellow: caution, the light is about to turn red. Stop unless you're too close to stop safely; then go through cautiously. Never speed up to beat the red.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
Four-section signal head (through and turn indications)
Steady circular red

Know the rule

Steady red: STOP. Unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted, you may turn right after a complete stop, yielding to other traffic and pedestrians.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
$100–$500

Penalty for failing to yield to a pedestrian when turning right on red

Handbook p. 42 ↗

Arrow signals

Arrow signals
ArrowMeaning
Green arrowProtected move: enter cautiously in arrow's direction
Yellow arrowProtected arrow is about to end
Red arrowTurning traffic must stop
Handbook p. 42 ↗

Know the rule

When both have green arrows, U-turning traffic yields to opposing right-turning traffic.

Handbook p. 42 ↗

Flashing signals

Flashing signals
SignalSame as
Flashing redA stop sign: stop, go when it won't interfere
Flashing yellowA warning sign: slow down, proceed with caution
Handbook p. 42 ↗

Know the rule

If a traffic light is out or malfunctioning, treat the intersection as if it had a stop sign on all approaches, unless an officer is directing traffic or another control device is working.

Handbook p. 42 ↗

Put it into practice

You're stopped at a red light, want to turn right, and see no NO TURN ON RED sign. After a full stop, wait for a pedestrian starting across in front of the stopped traffic, then turn. Failing to yield could cost $100 to $500.

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 circular green traffic signal permit you to do?
  1. Stop and wait for a gap
  2. Proceed straight or turn, with caution
  3. Proceed straight only, never turn
  4. Turn only after a full stop

Answer: Proceed straight or turn, with caution

A circular green signal means you are permitted to proceed cautiously straight through or make a turn.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
When may you make a right turn on a steady red circular signal?
  1. Anytime, without stopping first
  2. After a full stop, unless a sign forbids it
  3. Only when a green arrow is shown
  4. Never on a steady red

Answer: After a full stop, unless a sign forbids it

A right turn can be made after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
How should you treat an intersection where the traffic light has malfunctioned and gone dark?
  1. As a four-way green light
  2. As if stop signs were on all approaches
  3. As a yield for side streets only
  4. As a flashing yellow on all approaches

Answer: As if stop signs were on all approaches

Approach and treat the intersection as though controlled by a stop sign on all approaches, unless directed otherwise.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
What penalty applies for failing to yield to a pedestrian when turning right on red?
  1. A fine of $10 to $25
  2. License points only, no fine
  3. A fine of $100 to $500
  4. No penalty unless a crash occurs

Answer: A fine of $100 to $500

Failure to yield to a pedestrian under these circumstances results in a penalty of $100 to $500.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
What does a flashing red signal mean?
  1. The same as a yield sign
  2. The same as a stop sign
  3. The same as a warning sign
  4. The light is about to turn green

Answer: The same as a stop sign

The flashing red signal has the same meaning as the stop sign.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
What does a steady circular yellow signal indicate?
  1. Caution — the signal is about to turn red
  2. The signal has malfunctioned
  3. You must speed up to clear the intersection
  4. You may turn but not go straight

Answer: Caution — the signal is about to turn red

A circular yellow signal means caution and indicates the signal is about to turn red.

Handbook p. 42 ↗
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