Solid Traffic Lights
Solid green: You may go if the intersection is clear. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
Solid yellow: The light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely. If you are already in the intersection or cannot stop safely, proceed through.
Solid red: Come to a complete stop. You may turn right on red after stopping in most states, unless a sign prohibits it. You may also turn left on red when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street in some states.
Arrow Signals
Green arrow: You have the right of way to turn in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic has a red light.
Yellow arrow: The green arrow is ending. Prepare to stop unless you are already in the intersection.
Red arrow: Do not turn in the direction of the arrow, even if the main light is green. Wait until the arrow turns green or disappears.
Flashing Signals
Flashing red: Treat this as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe.
Flashing yellow: Slow down and proceed with caution. You do not need to stop but should be prepared to.
No Signal or Dark Signal
If a traffic light is not working or is completely dark, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop. All drivers must stop and take turns proceeding.
DMV Test Tips
Traffic light questions are among the most common on the written test. The most frequently missed questions involve flashing red lights (treat as stop sign), right turns on red (must stop first), and yellow lights (stop if safe, do not speed up).