Video lessons · Unit 3: Signals and lane lines

The Yellow Light

Yellow light: brake or floor it? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• Solid red: full stop. Yellow: about to turn red, stop if you can do it safely.
• Same as a STOP sign: stop, then go when it's safe.
• Yellow lines split traffic going opposite ways. White lines split traffic going the same way.
• Solid yellow on your side: no passing. Broken: you may pass, if it's safe.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. A FLASHING red light means…

   
   1. Same as a STOP sign: stop, then go when safe
   2. Broken signal: go through quickly without stopping
   3. Caution, don't stop
   4. For pedestrians only
   Show answer

   Answer: Same as a STOP sign: stop, then go when safe

   Blinking red is just like a STOP sign. Stop completely, then go when it's safe.

2. 2. A FLASHING yellow light means…

   
   1. Speed up
   2. No turns
   3. Proceed with caution
   4. Full stop
   Show answer

   Answer: Proceed with caution

   Blinking yellow: careful, but you don't have to stop.

3. 3. The light turns steady YELLOW as you approach. You…

   
   1. Stop if you can do so safely
   2. Speed up to beat it
   3. Turn on hazards and keep going slowly
   4. Always slam the brakes
   Show answer

   Answer: Stop if you can do so safely

   Yellow means red is coming. If you can stop safely, stop.

4. 4. A GREEN arrow means…

   
   1. No turning
   2. You may turn but must yield to oncoming cars
   3. Protected turn: oncoming traffic has red
   4. Buses only
   Show answer

   Answer: Protected turn: oncoming traffic has red

   A green arrow is your turn, with no oncoming rivals. Still check for pedestrians.

5. 5. Can you turn right on red?

   1. Only at night
   2. Never
   3. Yes, after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it
   4. Yes, without a full stop, as long as no cars are coming
   Show answer

   Answer: Yes, after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it

   Full stop, yield, then turn. Some cities, like New York City, ban it.