2.3 Traffic Signals, Flashing Lights, and Pavement Markings

2.3 Traffic Signals, Flashing Lights, and Pavement Markings

Traffic signals, flashing beacons, and pavement markings form the visual framework regulating traffic flow, right-of-way priority, and lane discipline on Puerto Rico roads. Mastering signal colors, turn arrow rules, and line marking prohibitions is essential for passing the CESCO driver knowledge exam and driving safely under Law 22.

Standard 3-Color Traffic Light Signals (Semáforos)

Traffic light signals dictate right-of-way at intersections. Puerto Rico follows standard vertical signal positioning (Red on top, Yellow in middle, Green on bottom):

1. Solid Red Light (Luz Roja Fija)

A solid red light requires a complete physical stop behind the stop line (línea de pare) or crosswalk (paso de peatones). Drivers must remain stopped until the green signal appears, subject to two specific Law 22 rules:

• Right Turn on Red: In Puerto Rico, drivers may turn right at a solid red light after coming to a complete stop, yielding right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, UNLESS a posted sign explicitly states "No Vuelta en Roja" (No Turn on Red) or a red turn arrow is displayed.
• Late-Night Rule (12:00 AM to 5:00 AM): As established in Article 8.02 of Law 22, drivers encountering a solid red light between midnight and 5:00 AM must come to a complete stop, look both ways, yield to cross-traffic, and may then cautiously proceed through the red light.

2. Solid Yellow Light (Luz Amarilla Fija)

A solid yellow light alerts drivers that the green phase is ending and the red signal is about to appear. The legal requirement is to stop safely before entering the intersection if it can be done without causing a rear-end collision. If you are already inside the intersection or too close to stop safely, proceed cautiously through without accelerating. Accelerating to "beat" a yellow light is extremely hazardous and illegal.

3. Solid Green Light (Luz Verde Fija)

A solid green light permits traffic to proceed straight or turn, provided the intersection is clear. A green light does NOT give an absolute right to proceed; drivers must yield to vehicles and pedestrians already legally inside the intersection. Drivers turning left on a solid green light must yield right-of-way to oncoming traffic proceeding straight.

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Traffic Arrow Signals (Flechas de Semáforo)

Arrow signals control turning movements independently of straight-through traffic:

• Green Arrow (Flecha Verde): Indicates a protected turn. Opposing traffic faces a red signal, allowing turning vehicles exclusive right-of-way.
• Yellow Arrow (Flecha Amarilla): Warns that the protected turn phase is ending; turning drivers must prepare to yield or stop.
• Red Arrow (Flecha Roja): Strict prohibition against turning in the direction of the arrow. Turns on red arrow signals are illegal in Puerto Rico, even after stopping.

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Flashing Light Beacons (Luces Intermitentes)

Flashing signals operate at high-hazard intersections, school crossings, or during system malfunctions:

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Pavement Markings (Marcas en el Pavimento)

Pavement markings use color, line continuity (solid versus broken), and special symbols to delineate lanes and right-of-way rules.

1. Yellow Line Markings (Opposing Traffic Separation)

Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions on two-way roadways:

• Double Solid Yellow Lines (Doble Línea Amarilla Continua):
  Strictly prohibits passing from either direction. Drivers may not cross double solid yellow lines to overtake another vehicle under any circumstances under Law 22. (Crossing is permitted only when making a legal left turn into a driveway or private entrance when clear).
• Broken Yellow Line (Línea Amarilla Entrecortada):
  Passing is permitted in both directions when the oncoming lane is clear of traffic and visibility is unobstructed.
• One Solid Yellow and One Broken Yellow Line:
  Passing is permitted ONLY for vehicles traveling on the side of the broken yellow line. Vehicles on the side of the solid yellow line are strictly forbidden from passing.

2. White Line Markings (Same Direction & Lane Boundaries)

White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction and mark road shoulders:

• Broken White Line (Línea Blanca Entrecortada):
  Separates multi-lane traffic moving in the same direction. Drivers may change lanes safely after signaling.
• Solid White Line (Línea Blanca Continua):
  Delineates lane boundaries, turn lanes, or highway shoulder lines. Crossing a solid white line is discouraged or legally restricted because lane changes present heightened risks (e.g., near intersection approaches or highway tunnels).
• Double Solid White Lines:
  Strictly forbids lane changing or crossing from either side (common in HOV lanes or dangerous highway transition zones).

3. Stop Lines, Crosswalks, and Accessible Placard Spaces

• Línea de Pare (Stop Line):
  A thick solid white line painted across a lane before an intersection. The front bumper of your vehicle must come to a complete stop behind this line.
• Paso de Peatones (Crosswalk Markings):
  White parallel or ladder-style lines indicating pedestrian crossing zones. Pedestrians in a crosswalk always have right-of-way under Law 22.
• Pintura Azul (Blue Curb & Parking Space Markings):
  Reserved exclusively for vehicles transporting individuals with physical disabilities (conmoción o discapacidad) who display an official DTOP removable placard or handicap license plate. Parking illegally in a blue space carries a severe $1,000 fine under Law 22.