Traffic signals and arrows

By the end of this topic you can

• You can respond correctly to red, yellow and green lights.
• You can use green arrows and advance signals to turn safely.
• You can handle flashing red and flashing yellow signals.
• You can treat a dark signal correctly during a power failure.
• You can explain why a flashing green means different things in Ontario and British Columbia.

What you need to know and understand

• Green: you may go straight or turn, but must yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
• Yellow (amber): red is about to come on. Stop if you can do so safely; otherwise go through with caution.
• Red: stop at the stop line, crosswalk or intersection edge and wait for green.
• Flashing red: stop completely, then go when it is safe, like a stop sign.
• Flashing yellow: proceed with caution.
• In Ontario, a flashing green means you may turn left, go straight or turn right from the proper lane while oncoming traffic faces a red light.
• In British Columbia, a flashing green marks a pedestrian-controlled signal; you may go with caution but a pedestrian can turn it red.
• If the lights are out, treat the intersection like an all-way stop.

The normal cycle

Most signals cycle green, then yellow, then red. The yellow is your warning. As you approach a green light that has been green for a while, think about whether you could stop safely if it changed. That point is sometimes called the point of no return.

On a green light, you still have to give way. Pedestrians crossing and vehicles already in the intersection go first, and left turners must wait for oncoming traffic.

Arrows and advance signals

• Green left arrow: you may turn left from the left-turn lane; oncoming traffic is stopped.
• Green arrow with a red light: turn only in the arrow's direction; other movements must wait.
• Yellow arrow: the protected turn is ending; do not start the turn, stop if safe.
• Transit signal (white vertical bar): for buses and streetcars only; other traffic must yield to them.

Flashing signals around Canada

• Flashing red: full stop, then go when safe.
• Flashing yellow: slow down and proceed with caution.
• Flashing green in Ontario: an advance green; you may turn left, go straight or turn right from the proper lane.
• Flashing green in British Columbia: a pedestrian-controlled crossing; go with caution.
• Other provinces: check your handbook, because the meaning varies.

When the lights go dark

1. Slow down and stop before the intersection.
2. Yield to vehicles already in the intersection.
3. Take turns as you would at an all-way stop.
4. Watch for pedestrians, who may also be confused.
5. Follow any police officer directing traffic, who overrides the signals.

Common mistakes

• Speeding up to beat a yellow. If you can stop safely, stop.
• Turning left on a green without yielding to oncoming traffic.
• Assuming a flashing green means the same thing in every province.
• Treating a dark signal as a green light for your direction.

Test yourself: Traffic signals and arrows

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.