State Traffic Laws, Road Rules, and Signage Signal Procedures Guide

Traffic Control and Intersection Rules

Section 7 part 1

  • General Protocol: When arriving at or moving toward traffic signals and signs, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and any other nearby vehicles that possess the legal right-of-way according to specific rules.

Traffic Signal Definitions and Requirements

  • Solid Red Light: This signal indicates a mandatory STOP.

    • Right Turns on Red: A driver is permitted to turn right during a solid red light only if:

      • There is no sign explicitly stating "NO TURN ON RED."

      • The driver comes to a complete stop at the stop or limit line.

      • The driver yields to all pedestrians and executes the turn only when it is entirely safe to do so.

  • Red Arrow: This signal indicates a mandatory STOP. Drivers are strictly prohibited from turning at a red arrow. The vehicle must remain stationary until either a green traffic signal light or a green arrow is displayed.

  • Flashing Red Light: This signal indicates a mandatory STOP. Following a complete stop, the driver may proceed only when the path is safe.

  • Solid Yellow Light: This signal indicates CAUTION and serves as a warning that the light is about to transition to red.

    • Driver Action: Drivers should stop if it is possible to do so safely.

    • Inability to Stop: If a safe stop is not possible, the driver must cross the intersection with caution.

  • Yellow Arrow: This signal indicates that the "protected" turning time is coming to a conclusion and the signal will change shortly.

    • Driver Action: If the driver cannot stop safely or is already positioned within the intersection, they must complete the turn with caution.

    • Subsequent Signals: The driver should be prepared for the next signal, which may be a green or red traffic signal light, or a red arrow.

  • Flashing Yellow Light: This serves as a warning to PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Drivers must slow their speed and maintain high alertness. A complete stop is not required for this signal.

  • Flashing Yellow Arrow: This signal permits turns; however, the turn is considered "unprotected" from other traffic flows. Drivers may proceed with a left turn only after yielding to all oncoming traffic and exercising caution.

  • Solid Green Light: This signal indicates GO.

    • Ongoing Precautions: Drivers must still yield or stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian remaining in the intersection.

    • Spatial Requirements: Drivers should only move forward if there is sufficient space to do so without endangering oncoming traffic, bicyclists, or pedestrians.

    • Gridlock Prevention: Entering the intersection is prohibited if the vehicle cannot clear the intersection entirely before the light changes to red.

  • Green Arrow: This signal indicates GO in the specific direction the arrow points.

    • Protected Turn: A green arrow facilitates a "protected" turn, meaning oncoming vehicles are held stationary by a red traffic signal light.

  • Traffic Light Not Working: If a traffic signal is completely non-functional, the intersection must be treated as if it were controlled by STOP signs in every direction. Drivers must stop and then proceed cautiously once it is safe.

Pedestrian Signals, Signs, and Navigation

  • WALK or Walking Person: Pedestrians are permitted to cross the street.

  • DON’T WALK or Raised Hand: Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the street.

  • Flashing DON’T WALK or Flashing Raised Hand: Pedestrians are instructed not to begin crossing the street as the signal is about to change. Drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians even if this light is already flashing.

  • Numbers: Signal displays may include numerical countdowns representing the exact number of seconds remaining for a pedestrian to finish crossing the street.

  • Diagonal Crossing: Also known as crisscross crosswalks, these allow pedestrians to cross the intersection in any direction (including diagonally) simultaneously. Pedestrians must only utilize these when the WALK signal specifically permits it.

  • Sounds: To assist blind or visually impaired pedestrians, signals may emit beeping, chirping, or verbal instructions to cross the street.

  • Pedestrian Push Button: This device is used by pedestrians to manually activate the WALK or Walking Person signal.

  • Absence of Pedestrian Signals: In locations where specific pedestrian signals are not present, pedestrians must follow the instructions of the vehicle traffic signals.

Road Signs and Regulatory Instructions

  • General Obedience Rule: Drivers must obey all warning signs regardless of their specific shape or color palette.

  • STOP Sign: Requires a total and complete stop before entering a crosswalk or at the limit line. If neither is present, the stop must occur before entering the intersection. Drivers must check traffic in every direction before moving again.

  • Red YIELD Sign: Drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop to allow any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian to pass before continuing.

  • Red and White Regulatory Signs: These signs dictate specific prohibited maneuvers:

    • No U-Turn.

    • No Left Turn.

    • No Right Turn.

    • DO NOT ENTER: Indicates that a driver must not enter the road or ramp where the sign is situated.

    • WRONG WAY: Indicates entry into a roadway against the flow of traffic. If encountered, the driver must back out or turn around when safe. At night, road reflectors shining red in headlights serve as a secondary warning of driving the wrong way.

  • White Regulatory Signs: Provide specific rules, including:

    • NO PARKING ANY TIME.

    • ONE WAY.

    • DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION.

  • Red Circle with a Red Line Through It: A symbolic sign where the graphic inside the circle represents an action that is prohibited. This is often supplemented with explanatory text.

  • Yellow and Black Circular or X-shaped Sign: These indicate the approach to a railroad crossing. Drivers must look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop, allowing all trains to pass.

    • Blue and White Sign: Located at railroad crossings, these provide emergency instructions for incidents on the tracks or for stalled vehicles.

  • 5-sided Sign: This shape indicates being near a school. Drivers must reduce speed and stop for children present in crosswalks.

  • Diamond-shaped Sign: These serve as warnings for specific road conditions and upcoming hazards.

  • White Rectangular Sign: These are used to communicate a variety of important rules that must be obeyed.

Warning Sign Categorization and Examples

  • Pedestrian and School Warnings: Warning signs alert drivers to conditions involving pedestrians, bicyclists, schools, playgrounds, school buses, and school passenger loading zones.

  • Specific Condition Signs Documented:

    • Slippery When Wet

    • Merging Traffic

    • Divided Highway

    • Two Way Traffic

    • Lane Ends

    • End Divided Highway

    • Traffic Signal Ahead

    • Pedestrian Crossing

    • Added Lane

    • Crossroad

    • Stop Ahead

    • Yield Ahead

    • Directional Arrow

    • Curve

    • T Intersection

    • Winding Road

  • Additional Signage Categories:

    • Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs.

    • Guide Signs.

    • Hazardous Loads Placards.

    • Slow Moving Vehicle Signs.

  • Resources for Signs: Further information regarding sign charts and safety programs can be found at dot.ca.gov.