Hawaii · Handbook chapter 4 · 4 min read
Chapter 4: Pavement markings and traffic signals
Yellow and white lines, two-way left turn lanes, obstruction and railroad markings, traffic islands, signal lights and arrows, flashing signals, lane control signals and pedestrian signals in Hawaii.
Why this chapter matters
Hawaii's test includes questions on lines, lights and arrows, often with pictures. Know what each line color and pattern allows, what each light means, and the special lane control and pedestrian signals.
Three kinds of traffic control devices
- Regulatory devices tell you what you must do, and breaking them carries a penalty.
- Warning devices tell you about hazards.
- Guide and information signs help you find your way.
Center lines (yellow)
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Single broken yellow | Two-lane road; keep right, and you may cross to pass when safe |
| Double solid yellow | No passing either way; cross only to turn left into or out of an alley, private road or driveway |
| Single solid yellow (no passing line) | No passing for traffic on that side; cross only for those left turns |
Lane lines (white)
White lines separate lanes going the same direction.
- Broken white: you may cross when it is safe.
- Solid white: crossing is hazardous; the wider the line, the greater the hazard. Cross only in unusual circumstances, with great care.
- Double solid white: do not cross.
- Edge lines: white on the right edge; yellow on the left edge of divided roads.
- Red markings or reflectors: a roadway you must not enter. If you see red reflectors facing you, you are going the wrong way.
Other markings
- Stop lines show exactly where to stop. Crosswalk lines show where people cross; you must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Two-way left turn lane: a center lane edged with solid and broken yellow lines, used by both directions for left turns only and never for passing.
- Obstruction markings: pass either side of white ones, but only to the right of yellow ones.
- Directional arrows: move only in the direction shown; where several are shown, choose any of them.
- Railroad crossing markings: a large X with two Rs, a solid yellow center line to stop passing, and a white stop line.
- Traffic islands (painted or raised) separate lanes; never drive into or across one. Islands that protect pedestrians are safety islands.
Traffic signals
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Steady red | Stop at the stop line, else before the crosswalk, else before the intersection, and wait for green. After stopping you may turn right unless a sign forbids it, yielding to everyone. You may also turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street with traffic moving left |
| Steady yellow | Red is coming next; avoid entering. You must not enter once red shows |
| Steady green | Go straight or turn unless signs prohibit it, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection |
| Red, yellow or green arrow | Same meaning as the round light, for that lane; on a green arrow go only the way it points |
| Flashing red | Same as a STOP sign (a stop sign is also posted there) |
| Flashing yellow | Proceed with caution |
Lane control signals
Signals over a lane show which way it may be used:
- Red X: do not use the lane; it is for traffic coming the other way.
- Green arrow: you may use the lane.
- Steady yellow X: move out; the lane is about to change direction.
- Flashing yellow X: use the lane only to prepare for a left turn.
Pedestrian signals
- Steady DON'T WALK or upraised hand: do not enter the roadway.
- Flashing DON'T WALK or hand: do not start; people already crossing may finish.
- Steady WALK or walking person: cross toward the signal.
- Flashing WALK: warns of a possible conflict with vehicles, so drivers should watch closely.
Frequently asked questions
Can you turn right on red in Hawaii?
Yes, after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Can you turn left on red in Hawaii?
Only from a one-way street into another one-way street with traffic moving to the left, after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it.
When may I cross double solid yellow lines?
Only to turn left into or out of an alley, private road or driveway.
What does a flashing yellow X over a lane mean?
You may use that lane only to prepare for a left turn.
Based on the Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition), Chapter VI: Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings.