California · Handbook chapter 4 · 5 min read
Chapter 4: Traffic signals and signs
What every California traffic light, arrow and flashing signal means, pedestrian signals, and how to read signs by shape and color, from STOP and YIELD to railroad, school and warning signs.
Why this chapter matters
Signal and sign questions are among the most common on any permit test. The traps are usually in the details: the difference between a solid red light and a red arrow, or a flashing yellow light and a flashing yellow arrow.
Whatever the signal, you must still yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles that have the right-of-way.
Traffic lights
| Signal | What to do |
|---|---|
| Solid red | Stop. You may turn right after stopping at the limit line and yielding, unless NO TURN ON RED is posted. |
| Red arrow | Stop and do not turn in that direction until a green light or green arrow appears. |
| Flashing red | Stop, then go when it is safe (treat it like a STOP sign). |
| Solid yellow | The light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely; otherwise cross with care. |
| Yellow arrow | The protected turn is ending. If you cannot stop safely or are already in the intersection, finish the turn carefully, and watch for the next signal. |
| Flashing yellow | Proceed with caution. Slow down and stay alert; you do not have to stop. |
| Flashing yellow arrow | You may turn left, but the turn is not protected. Yield to oncoming traffic first. |
| Solid green | Go, but still yield to anyone already in the intersection. Do not enter unless you can get all the way across before the light turns red. |
| Green arrow | Go in the arrow's direction. This is a protected turn: oncoming traffic is held by a red light. |
| Light not working | Treat the intersection as an all-way stop, then proceed carefully. |
Pedestrian signals
- WALK or a walking person: pedestrians may cross.
- DON'T WALK or a raised hand: pedestrians may not cross.
- Flashing DON'T WALK or flashing hand: pedestrians should not start crossing because the light is about to change. Drivers must still yield to anyone already crossing.
- Countdown numbers show the seconds left to cross.
- Diagonal (scramble) crossings let pedestrians cross in every direction at once, only on the WALK signal.
- Sounds such as beeps, chirps or spoken messages help blind and visually impaired pedestrians.
- With no pedestrian signal, pedestrians follow the vehicle signals.
Signs
Obey every warning sign, whatever its shape or color.
Signs to know by shape
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red octagon: STOP | Come to a full stop at the limit line or before the crosswalk (or before the intersection if neither is marked). Check all directions before going. |
| Red triangle: YIELD | Slow down and be ready to stop for any vehicle, bicyclist or pedestrian. |
| Five-sided sign | A school is nearby. Drive slowly and stop for children in the crosswalk. |
| Diamond | Warns of specific road conditions or dangers ahead (curves, merging traffic, slippery road, lane ends and so on). |
| Yellow and black circle, or X-shaped crossbuck | Railroad crossing ahead. Look, listen, slow down and be ready to stop; let trains pass. |
| White rectangle | Regulatory rules you must obey, such as speed limits or NO PARKING. |
| Orange and red triangle on the back of a vehicle | A slow-moving vehicle. |
Red and white signs
- DO NOT ENTER: you may not enter that road or ramp.
- WRONG WAY: you are driving against traffic. When safe, back out or turn around. At night, road reflectors shining red in your headlights mean you are going the wrong way.
- Red circle with a red line through it: the picture inside shows what is not allowed, such as a U-turn, a left turn or a right turn.
Other signs and markings
- Many railroad crossings also have a blue and white sign explaining what to do in an emergency or if your vehicle stalls on the tracks.
- Construction and maintenance signs warn of road work ahead (see the work zone rules in Chapter 6).
- Guide signs give directions and destinations.
- A diamond-shaped placard on a truck means a hazardous load. Those vehicles must stop before railroad tracks.
- Warning signs also flag pedestrians, bicyclists, schools, playgrounds, school buses and school loading zones.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn right on a red light in California?
Yes, after a complete stop at the limit line and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. You may never turn on a red arrow.
What is the difference between a green arrow and a flashing yellow arrow?
A green arrow gives you a protected turn because oncoming traffic is stopped. A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn, but oncoming traffic may be moving, so you must yield before turning.
What should I do if a traffic light is out?
Treat the intersection as if there were STOP signs in every direction, then go when it is safe.
What does a five-sided sign mean?
You are near a school. Slow down and be ready to stop for children in the crosswalk.
How can I tell at night that I am driving the wrong way?
The reflectors on the road will shine red in your headlights. Look for DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs, and turn around or back out as soon as it is safe.
Must I stop for a flashing yellow light?
No. Slow down, stay alert and proceed with caution.
Based on the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600, revised June 2025), California DMV, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.