7.2 Traffic Signals, Beacons & Pedestrian Signals
Key Takeaways
A flashing red signal means the same as a STOP sign, and a flashing yellow signal means proceed with caution.
In Massachusetts a steady red arrow follows the same turn-on-red rules as a steady red circle, applied in the direction of the arrow.
You may turn left on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding.
When a rectangular rapid flashing beacon is flashing, drivers must stop for pedestrians.
If traffic signals are completely dark, proceed as though there were a stop sign in every direction.
Traffic signals control vehicles and pedestrians, usually at intersections. Standard signals are three round lights: red on top, yellow in the middle, green on the bottom. Other types include single flashing lights, arrows, and signals with four or five sections.
Vehicle Signals
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Steady red circle | Stop. Do not go until the light turns green. A right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and vehicles, unless NO TURN ON RED is posted. A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding. |
| Steady red arrow | Means the same as a steady red circle but applies only to traffic going in the arrow's direction. Massachusetts applies the same turn-on-red rules. Other states may differ, so check before driving elsewhere. |
| Flashing red circle | Same as a STOP sign. Stop completely before the stop line or crosswalk, or, with no lines, where you can see traffic both ways. Then follow right-of-way rules. |
| Steady yellow circle | The signal is changing from green to red. Stop if it is safe. If you are already stopped at the line, you may not go. |
| Flashing yellow circle | A warning. Proceed with caution and look both ways. |
| Flashing yellow arrow | You may turn in the arrow's direction when oncoming traffic has a green light but there is a safe gap and no pedestrians in your path. |
| Steady green circle | Go, but first yield to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians already in the road. Make sure you can get completely through, and never block the intersection. When turning left on a green circle, yield to oncoming traffic. |
| Green arrow | A protected turn in the arrow's direction. Oncoming vehicles and pedestrians should be stopped by red lights. |
Turns on Red: the Exam Traps
- Complete stop first. Rolling through a red light is a violation.
- Right on red is the default in Massachusetts unless a sign prohibits it.
- Red arrow: in Massachusetts the same turn-on-red rules apply, but only in the direction of the arrow.
- Left on red: one-way onto one-way only. A two-way street onto a one-way street does not qualify.
Beacons for Pedestrians
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)
Pedestrians activate RRFBs with a push button, or a detection system activates them. They are common at intersections without signals and at mid-block crosswalks. Amber lights flash in an irregular pattern, and you must stop for pedestrians while the beacon flashes.
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)
A PHB works only when a pedestrian activates it.
| PHB display | Driver action |
|---|---|
| All lights dark | Proceed with caution |
| Flashing yellow (bottom) | Slow down |
| Solid yellow (bottom) | Prepare to stop |
| Solid red (top two lights) | Stop for pedestrians |
| Flashing red (top two lights) | Stop, then proceed with caution if clear |
Bicycle Signals
Bicycle signals show steady red, yellow and green bicycle symbols. A green bicycle signal lets riders cross busy intersections while motor vehicles are stopped, protecting them from turning traffic.
When Signals Are Not Working
- Signals that flash red or yellow: follow the flashing-light rules above.
- Signals that are completely dark: proceed as if there were a stop sign in all directions, and go when it is safe.
Pedestrian Signals
Pedestrians must obey the white and orange WALK and DON'T WALK signals. Some include a countdown timer. Pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk when the countdown reaches zero have the right-of-way.
Laws for Drivers
- Yield to pedestrians entering or using a crosswalk in your path.
- Never block a crosswalk with your vehicle.
- Yield to pedestrians when your signal is red, or red and yellow.
- Never pass a vehicle that is stopped or slowing for a pedestrian.
- Yield to pedestrians when turning into a driveway or parking lot.
Laws for Pedestrians
- Use a crosswalk when one is available.
- At a signal with a push button, press it and wait for WALK. Signals without buttons give WALK automatically.
- Begin crossing on WALK. When DON'T WALK appears, do not start, and finish crossing if you are already in the street.
- Stop at the curb, look left and right, and watch especially for cars turning onto your street.
Steady Yellow: Stop or Go?
A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely. If you are already so close that a sudden stop would be dangerous, continue carefully through the intersection. Never speed up to "beat the light," and if you are already stopped at the line when the light is yellow, stay stopped.
Scenarios
- Facing a red right-turn arrow with no prohibiting sign: in Massachusetts you may turn right after a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles.
- Power outage, signal dark: treat the intersection as an all-way stop.
- Amber lights flashing irregularly at a mid-block crosswalk: that is an RRFB, so stop for the pedestrian.
In Massachusetts you are stopped at a steady red right-turn arrow with no NO TURN ON RED sign. What may you do?
Turn only after the cross street's light turns yellow
Turn right after a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians and traffic
Wait for the arrow to turn green; red arrows never allow turns
Turn right without stopping if no one is coming
The top two red lights of a pedestrian hybrid beacon are solid. What must drivers do?
Prepare to stop if traffic allows
Stop for pedestrians
Slow down and continue
Proceed with caution because the beacon is inactive
You approach an intersection where the traffic signals are completely dark. How should you proceed?
By following the vehicle in front of you without stopping
As though you had a green light
As though there were a stop sign in all directions
As though there were yield signs for the side street
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.