10Traffic Signs & Signals: Rules, Signals, and Pedestrian Safety

Red arrow

STOP and remain stopped; turning is not allowed until the light turns green.

Flashing red light

STOP completely, then proceed when it is safe and legal to do so.

Solid yellow light

CAUTION—the light is about to turn red; stop if it is safe to do so.

Yellow arrow

Protected turning period is ending; finish your turn if you're already in the intersection.

Flashing yellow light

PROCEED WITH CAUTION; slow down and be alert without stopping.

Flashing yellow arrow

Left turns are allowed but not protected; yield to oncoming traffic before turning.

Solid green light

GO, but only if the intersection is clear and it's safe to proceed.

Green arrow

Protected turn allowed in the arrow's direction; opposing traffic is stopped.

Traffic light not working

Treat the intersection as a 4-way STOP; proceed cautiously when safe.

WALK signal

Pedestrians may begin crossing the street.

Don't Walk signal

Pedestrians may not begin crossing the street.

Flashing Don't Walk signal

Do not begin crossing; if already crossing, continue to the other side quickly.

Pedestrian countdown numbers

Shows how many seconds remain to finish crossing the street.

Diagonal crossing

Allows pedestrians to cross the intersection in any direction when the signal permits.

Pedestrian crossing sounds

Audio signals assist blind or visually impaired pedestrians in crossing safely.

Pedestrian push button

Activates pedestrian walk signal at intersections.

No pedestrian signals present

Obey the standard vehicle traffic lights.

STOP sign

Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection or crosswalk.

Red YIELD sign

Slow down, be ready to stop, and yield to vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians.

Red and white regulatory sign

Displays rules like DO NOT ENTER; follow instructions exactly.

WRONG WAY sign

Indicates driving against traffic; turn around when safe.

Red circle with a slash

Symbol shows a prohibited action, such as NO U-TURN.

Circular yellow or X-shaped sign

Warns of an approaching railroad crossing; slow down and look for trains.

Blue emergency railroad sign

Provides emergency instructions near railroad tracks.

5-sided sign

Indicates a school zone; slow down and watch for children.

Diamond-shaped sign

Warns of specific road hazards or conditions ahead.

White rectangular sign

Communicates rules and regulations drivers must obey.

Warning signs

Alert to conditions related to pedestrians, schools, or road changes.

Right-of-way rules

Who goes first at intersections—yield to whoever arrives first or is on your right.

Intersections

Points where roads meet; controlled with signals or signs, or uncontrolled.