One must abide by the traffic signal rules to avoid any unfortunate mishaps or accidents. This is not only necessary but also our duty as responsible bedizens. However, most of us aren’t even aware of these basic traffic signal rules. In this article, we will discuss all these to help you drive safely.
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Basic Traffic Signal Rules
Here are the main traffic signal rules you must follow in 2024:
Stopping at a traffic light
- Red light
A red light means you must stop. You should stop as close to the stop line as possible.
- Yellow (amber) traffic light
A yellow (amber) traffic light means you must stop. You may only proceed through a yellow light if you cannot stop safely before the stop line. Don’t stop or accelerate suddenly on a yellow light.
- Green light
A green light means you can cross the intersection if it’s safe. You must also follow these rules for temporary traffic lights due to road works.
- Direction indicator
Some traffic lights have arrows to direct traffic when turning right or left.
- Red arrow
A red arrow means you are prohibited from turning. You must stop behind the stop line until the arrow turns green or goes out.
- A traffic light with a green light and a red right arrow
A traffic light with a green light and a red right arrow means no right turns – you can go straight or turn left.
- Green arrow
A green arrow means you can turn in that direction.
- A traffic light with a red light and a green right arrow
A traffic light with a red light and a green right arrow means you can turn right but not straight or turn left. A yellow arrow means you can turn right – you must stop. You may only proceed through the yellow light if you cannot safely stop before the stop line. A flashing yellow arrow means you are allowed to turn in that direction.
You must give way to pedestrians crossing the road where you are about to turn.
- Traffic light with flashing yellow right arrow
A traffic light with a flashing yellow right arrow indicates that you may turn right as long as you give way to pedestrians. For rules regarding right turns without a signal, see Left and Right Turns.
Left Turn on Red
When you see this sign at a traffic light, you must stop at the red light and turn left when the light becomes bright. When you turn, you must give way to vehicles coming from your right.
Left Turn Allowed on Red after Stopping – Traffic Sign
A traffic sign indicating that you are permitted to turn left after stopping at a red light.
Right Turn at the Traffic Light
If the light is green but has no right arrow, wait for oncoming traffic to clear or pass before turning. If you are at an intersection and the light turns yellow or red, you must turn right as soon as it is safe. You may not turn at a traffic light unless there is a “U-Turn Allowed” sign. Only turn right at a traffic light if there is a gap for oncoming traffic. Only turn right at a traffic light if there is a gap for oncoming traffic.
Signals for Other Vehicles Buses
- Some traffic lights have a “B” light for buses travelling in the bus lane or bus-only lane.
- “B” lights are usually white on a black background (some traffic lights also have a red and yellow “B” light). When the “B” light is on, only buses can pass through the intersection. This light comes on just before the regular traffic light changes.
- When the traffic light turns red or yellow, buses must stop at the intersection.
- Some traffic lights have a T signal for trams. The T signal is usually white on a black background. When the T signal is on, only trams can pass through the intersection. When the T signal turns red or yellow, trams must stop or prepare to stop.
- A red T signal means that trams must stop at the intersection. A red T signal means that trams must stop at the intersection.
- Bicycles: Some traffic lights have bicycle signals. These signals are used where bicycles can cross the road and at some intersections.
- When the “bicycle” symbol turns green, bicycles can pass through the intersection.
- When the bicycle icon turns red, they must stop.
- Vehicles cannot stop in bicycle-only areas (bicycle parking) at traffic lights on red bicycle crossing signals.
- Bicycle parking at traffic lights- Pedestrian signal most traffic lights have an area where pedestrians can cross the road. Red and green pedestrian signs and traffic lights show you when to cross the road. Pedestrians must obey these signals.
- Some traffic lights have a pedestrian countdown timer that shows the time left for pedestrians to cross the road.
- When turning at an intersection, you must give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road you are turning into.
- Even if pedestrian signs and traffic lights are flashing red, you must still give way to pedestrians who are still crossing the road.
- Pedestrians must also stop to cross at a crosswalk.
- Red pedestrian symbol– Pedestrians cannot start to cross.
- Flashing red pedestrian symbol– Pedestrians cannot start to cross but can complete their crossing.
- Green pedestrian symbol– Pedestrians can start to cross/ Pedestrians may walk in any direction (sign)/ Pedestrians may walk in any direction when the green pedestrian symbol is displayed Pedestrian countdown timer.
- The pedestrian countdown timer displays the number of seconds until the light switches.
- Red light cameras detect both red light violations and speeding at high-risk intersections.
- The cameras detect your vehicle when you cross a stop line or enter an intersection when the light is red. The cameras also detect your vehicle if you exceed the speed limit at any time, whether the light is red, yellow or green.
For more information about traffic signal rules and penalties, see Speed Limits.
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