A 3-minute lesson from the Ohio course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Signals are usually red, yellow and green from top to bottom, but some are single lights or horizontal. Know what each color means — steady and flashing — and what to do when the signal is dark.
Steady signals
Steady signals
Signal
Meaning
Red
Stop behind stop line/crosswalk/intersection; wait for green
Yellow
About to turn red; use caution and prepare to stop
During a power outage, unless a law enforcement officer is directing traffic, treat a non-working signal as a four-way stop. Proceed carefully — other drivers may not stop.
If you have a green light but traffic fills the roadway across the intersection, stop before the intersection and wait. Never enter and stop in the intersection.
You must stop before entering an intersection if there isn't enough space on the other side for your vehicle — even when a signal gives you the right to proceed.
Your light turns green, but the cars on the far side are backed up to the crosswalk. Stay behind the stop line until there's room for your whole car on the other side — don't block the intersection.
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 require you to do?
Slow down and proceed with caution
Stop only if other traffic is present
Come to a rolling stop
Stop and wait for green
Answer: Stop and wait for green
A red light means stop before entering the intersection and wait behind the stop line until it turns green.
