Rhode Island driving lesson · Signals & Roadway Markings
Arrows, Flashing Signals & Pedestrian Signals
A 3-minute lesson from the Rhode Island course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Arrows control a single direction of travel. Flashing lights change a signal's meaning entirely. And special signals—like the HAWK beacon—exist just for pedestrians.
Arrows and flashing signals
Arrows and flashing signals
Signal
Meaning
Flashing red
Full stop; yield to vehicles on right and left—a stop sign
Flashing yellow
Slow down, cover the brake, proceed with caution
Green arrow
You may go in the arrow's direction (protected turn)
Red arrow
Stop; you may not go in the arrow's direction
Flashing yellow arrow
Turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
You're waiting to turn left and the signal shows a flashing yellow arrow. Oncoming traffic has a green light, so wait for a gap and for pedestrians to clear before turning.
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 require you to do?
Slow down and proceed without stopping
Treat it as a yield sign only
Stop only if other vehicles are present
Make a full stop and yield, as with a stop sign
Answer: Make a full stop and yield, as with a stop sign
A flashing red signal should be treated exactly like a stop sign: make a full stop and yield the right-of-way.
