Session 2 - Right-of-Way Concepts & Traffic Control Devices

Right of Way

• The right to move onto or across a road before other people or vehicles.

• The right of some traffic to go before other traffic.

• A precedence in passing given to one vehicle over another by custom, decision, or statute.

• The right of traffic to take precedence.

uncontrolled intersection

a road intersection where no traffic lights or signs are used to indicate the right-of-way

Examples of yielding the right-of-way:

• When two vehicles from different directions arrive at an intersection at different times, the vehicle that arrives first goes first.

• When two vehicles from different directions arrive at the same time at an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must allow the driver on the right to go first.

• If the traffic lights at an intersection are not working, all vehicles coming to the intersection must stop. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

• Drivers entering an interstate from an entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the highway.

• Drivers entering any intersection or traffic circle must yield to traffic already in it.

Roundabouts or rotaries

intersections that are controlled by a circular island in the center. They may have one lane or two lanes. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to circulating traffic. Each road approaching them is marked with a yield sign and may also have yield line markings on the pavement.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians who legally use-

marked or unmarked crosswalks.

A vehicle that enters a roadway from a driveway, alley, private road, or another place that is not a roadway, must stop and yield the right-of-way to traffic on the roadway and to pedestrians.

You are stopped at a red light. A pedestrian steps into the crosswalk, and then the light turns green.

You must wait for the pedestrian to go across.

You cannot enter an intersection if-

traffic is backed up on the other side and you cannot get completely through the intersection. Wait until traffic ahead clears, so you do not block the intersection.

Railroad crossings

are considered specialized intersections. Trains do not stop for vehicles or at intersections; they always have the right of way.

A level crossing

is an intersection where a railway line crosses a road or path at the same level, as opposed to the railway line crossing over or under using a bridge or tunnel. Level crossings constitute a significant safety concern.

A grade crossing

the point at which train tracks intersect with a roadway and is considered an intersection. As you approach a crossing, always expect a train. Trains can run on any track, at any time, from either direction. Never race a train to a crossing, never drive around lowered gates, and do not stop on tracks. When crossing tracks, always stay in your lane and in the same gear.

Stalling on Railroad Tracks

• Look both ways for trains. If none are coming, try to restart your vehicle. If it does not start, or you are not sure whether a train is coming, get out and move away from your vehicle.

• If there is a train coming, get out and move away from the tracks. Get as far away as you can, and run in the general direction the train is coming from, so that debris from the collision will not hit you.

COLOR: Yellow with black letters "RR" and "X" symbol.

There is a railroad crossing ahead. Use caution, and be prepared to stop. If you are following a bus or truck approaching a railroad crossing, be careful. Most buses and some trucks must stop at railroad crossings.

Flashing red lights

lowered crossing gates and/or a bell at a railroad crossing indicate that you must stop, at least 15 feet from the tracks. Do not go across the tracks until the lights and bell have stopped and the crossing gates are completely up. Do not drive around or under a gate that is moving up or down.

Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to cross any railroad tracks unless-

you are certain your entire vehicle will clear all of the tracks at the crossing.

Sometimes, grade crossings do not have flashing red light signals or gates. Pavement markings will often show you that a grade crossing is ahead. Stay behind the stop line while waiting for a train to pass.

When Approaching a Railroad Crossing

Stop for any of these warnings:

• A signal indicating a train is coming.

• A crossing gate is lowered.

• A flagman signals a train is approaching.

• Train is clearly visible or train whistle is heard and would be hazardous for you to cross.

• When required to stop, stop at the stop line. If none, stop not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

After Stopping at a Railroad Crossing;

• Make sure all tracks are clear.

• Make sure there is room for your car on other side of tracks.

• Watch for vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings, such as buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials.

• Do not change gears when crossing the tracks.

• Watch out for multiple trains.

Obey all signs and signals unless directed by a-

police officer; always follow the officer's direction.

Right turn on red

You may turn right while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds.

You may not turn right on red

if signs are posted at the intersection that read "No Turn on Red", or if a red arrow pointing to the right is displayed.

Left turn on red:

You may turn left at a red light if you are on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds.

*You may not turn left on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read "No Turn on Red", or if a red arrow pointing to the left is displayed.

A red arrow

means you must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow. You may not proceed in the direction of the arrow as long as the red arrow is displayed, unless signs are posted at the intersection that read "Right on Red Arrow After Stop" or "Left on Red Arrow After Stop".

Flashing Red Light:

come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. You may go when the way is clear.

*Always treat a flashing red light like a stop sign.

If a flashing red light appears at a railroad crossing-

you must come to a complete stop even if you don't see a train.

Flashing red arrow:

come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection, and proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear.

Yellow light or arrow:

warn the driver that the light is about to change. If you have not entered the intersection, stop; or, if unsafe to stop, cautiously go through it. If you are already in the intersection, go through it cautiously.

Flashing yellow light:

means slow down and proceed with caution. Usually placed at locations with higher-than-normal hazardous conditions.

Flashing yellow arrow

you may turn in the direction of the arrow, if the way is clear. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds.

Green light or arrow

you may go if the way is clear. You may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. If you are turning, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds.

Out of service signals:

When traffic signals are not working because of a power outage or other problem and not displaying any lights, you are required to stop, proceeding through the intersection as though it were an all-way stop. This does not apply if a law enforcement officer or other authorized person is directing traffic at the intersection, or if portable stop signs are in use.

Lane use signals

used to control traffic flow by reversing a lane's direction during different hours of the day, usually coinciding with rush hour traffic. The lanes and their directions may be marked with signs and signals. They indicate where you can and cannot drive during different hours of the day.

Red X

Never drive in this lane.

Yellow X or Yellow Diagonal Downward Arrow

These signals mean that you should move out of the lane as soon as safely possible.

Green Arrow

You are permitted to drive in this lane

Red used with white conveys;

stop, yield, do not, and "no" (e.g. no u-turns). Stop signs, yield signs, do not enter or wrong way signs, the circle and slash in a no turn sign, and the restrictions in a parking sign are examples.

Black used with white conveys;

regulatory information. Speed limit, do not pass, no turns are examples where the operation is regulated by law and the black and white sign would be found.

Yellow used with black conveys;

a warning. Curve ahead, stop ahead, overhead clearances, slippery when wet, are all examples. A specialized class of warning signs uses a strong yellow/green color with black to advise of school zone activities and other pedestrian activities.

Green and white, blue and white, and brown and white signs are used to provide;

helpful information. The green sign is used to provide destination types of information, while the blue sign is used to inform regarding motorists' services. The brown sign is used to advise of historical or cultural interests that might exist in the area.

Orange and black and pink and black signs are used to;

advise and warn in construction (orange) and incident management (pink) areas. They are used with black and white signs that convey regulations that might exist only because of the construction effort or the incident.

Octagon

This eight-sided shape always means stop. You must come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, pedestrian crosswalk, or curb. Wait for any vehicle or pedestrian to clear the way.

Triangle

You must slow down as you come to the intersection. Be prepared to stop. Let any vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists safely pass before you proceed.

Rectangle

Vertical signs generally give instructions or tell you the law. Horizontal signs may give directions or information.

Diamond

These signs warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead. Slow down and drive with caution. Be ready to stop.

Pentagon

This five-sided shape marks school zones and warns you about school crossings. Two signs may be used together to show the actual location of the crosswalk.

When a traffic signal is not working, you should:

Stop and proceed if it were an all way stop.

Speed Limit

These signs tell you the maximum legal speed that you may drive on the road where the sign is posted when weather conditions are good. During rain, snow and ice, you may receive a ticket for driving too fast for the conditions even if you are driving at the speed limit or less than the posted speed limit.

Do Not Enter - Wrong Way:

These signs mean you cannot drive in that direction. If you drive past these signs you are going in the wrong direction and could get into a head-on crash with vehicles headed your way. Cautiously turn around.

One Way

Traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow.

No Left Turn

This sign means that left turns are against the law. In Virginia, U-turns are considered as two left turns and are illegal if this sign is posted.

No Right Turn

This sign means that right turns are illegal. Do not make a right turn when you see this sign.

No U-Turn

This sign means that U-turns are illegal. Do not make a U-turn when you see this sign.

No Turn on Red:

You may not turn on the red light. Wait for the signal to turn green.

Do Not Pass:

This sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. You may not pass cars ahead of you in your lane, even if the way is clear.

Left Turn Yield on Green

This sign is used with a traffic signal. It tells you that the traffic turning left at a green light does not have the right-of-way and must yield to traffic coming from the other direction. Stop and look for oncoming traffic, then proceed with caution.

Keep Right

A traffic island, median or barrier is ahead. Keep to the side indicated by the arrow.

Lane Use Control:

These signs are used where turns are required or where special turning movements are permitted for specific lanes. Traffic in the lane must turn in the direction of the arrow.

High Occupancy Vehicle:

These signs indicate lanes reserved for buses and vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers as specified on the sign.

Disabled Parking

Parking spaces marked with these signs are reserved for people with disabled parking permits.

Advisory Speed

This sign indicates the maximum safe speed for a highway exit.

T Intersection:

The roadway you are traveling on ends ahead. Signal before turning right or left.

Y Intersection

You must bear either right or left ahead.

Deer Crossing:

Deer cross the roadway in this area. Slow down, be alert and be ready to stop.

Low Clearance:

The overpass ahead has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is taller than the height shown on the sign

Roundabout

These signs indicate a circular intersection with an island in the center is ahead. Also called rotaries or traffic circles, these intersections may have one or more lanes. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the circle.

Bicycle Crossing/Bike Path:

Bicycles regularly cross or ride beside traffic in this area. Drive with caution. A second sign with an arrow may show the actual location of the bike crossing.

Merge

Two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction are about to become one. Drivers in both lanes are responsible for merging safely.

Signal Ahead:

Traffic signals are ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop.

Pedestrian Crossing:

Watch for people entering a crosswalk or crossing your path. Slow down and be prepared to stop. A second sign with an arrow may show the actual location of the crosswalk.

Reduced Speed Limit Ahead:

Prepare to reduce your speed; the speed limit is changing ahead.

Stop Ahead/Yield Ahead:

A stop sign or yield sign is ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop.

No Passing Zone:

This sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. You may not pass cars ahead of you in your lane, even if the way is clear.

Lane Reduction:

The right lane ends soon. Drivers in the right lane must merge left when space opens up. Drivers in the left lane should allow other vehicles to merge smoothly.

Divided Highway Ends:

The highway ahead no longer has a median or divider. Traffic goes in both directions. Keep right

Slippery When Wet:

When pavement is wet, reduce your speed. Do not brake hard or change direction suddenly. Increase the distance between your car and the one ahead of you.

School Zone/School Crossing:

Watch out for children crossing the street or playing. Be ready to slow down or stop. Obey speed limits and signals from any crossing guards. A second sign with an arrow may show the actual location of the sidewalk.

Hill

A steep grade is ahead. Check your brakes.

Intersections

An intersection is ahead. Be alert for vehicles entering the road on which you are traveling.

Expansion Joints:

This sign is used when a joint across lanes creates a bump or is wide enough to cause loss of traction in wet weather.

Open Joints:

Slow down. Open joints on bridges or ramps could cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the motorcycle.

Divided Highway Begins:

The highway ahead is split into two separate roadways by a median or divider and each roadway is one-way. Keep right.

Right Curve - Side Road:

The road ahead curves right and a side road joins from the left within the curve. Be alert for vehicles entering the roadway you are traveling on.

Sharp Right Turn:

Slow down and be prepared for a sharp right turn in the road ahead.

Sharp Right and Left Turns:

Slow down and be prepared for the road ahead to turn sharply right, then left.

Right and Left Curves:

The road ahead curves right, then left. Slow down.

Right Curve with Safe Speed Indicator:

The road ahead curves right. Slow down to the safe speed limit indicated.

Winding Road:

The road ahead winds with a series of turns or curves. On all curves, slow down for better control.

Low Ground Railroad Crossing

This sign warns of a steep slope where the railroad tracks cross the road may cause the bottom of low vehicles to get caught or drag on the tracks.

Railroad Crossing:

These signs warn you to look, listen, slow down and be prepared to stop for trains or any vehicles using the rails.

Red markings

generally not used; but, some communities do use red curbs to indicate no parking zones.

Red reflectors

on the pavement show areas not to be entered or used. They are positioned on the road surface so that only traffic flowing in the wrong direction would observe them.

Blue markings

show parking spaces for persons with disabilities

Yellow center lines

mean two-way traffic, flowing in opposite directions.

Broken yellow center lines

mean that passing on the left is allowed in either direction when the way ahead is clear.

A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line

means that passing is allowed from the side of the broken line, but not from the side of the solid line.

Vehicles on the solid yellow line side

may only cross the line to pass pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of scooters or skateboards, when the opposite lane is clear and you can pass safely.

Double solid yellow lines

mark the center of the road and separate traffic traveling in two different directions. Passing is not allowed in either direction. You may not cross the lines unless you are making a left turn or passing pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of scooters or skateboards, when the opposite lane is clear and you can pass safely.

Broken white lines

separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. You may change lanes with caution.

Dotted white lines

are actually small rectangles in a series where each is closely spaced to the next. They are used to show lane assignment in intersections and interchanges where there might otherwise be a tendency to drift out of a lane or an area of intended use.

Solid white lines

show turn lanes and discourage lane changes near intersections, and at other locations where lane changes might be dangerous