Louisiana · Handbook chapter 3 · 4 min read
Chapter 3: Signals, pavement markings and roundabouts
What each Louisiana traffic light and arrow means, yellow and white lines, the solid yellow no passing line, red reflectors, railroad pavement markings, two-way left turn lanes, stop lines, crosswalks, arrows and how to drive a roundabout.
Why this chapter matters
Lights and lines control traffic everywhere, even where there are no signs. Knowing exactly what each one requires keeps you legal and keeps you out of crashes at intersections.
Traffic signals
Police officers, highway workers and school crossing guards can also direct traffic, and you must obey them. On a vertical signal red is at the top; on a horizontal signal red is on the left.
| Signal | What to do |
|---|---|
| Steady green | Go if the intersection is clear. Let crossing traffic clear first. When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. |
| Green arrow | Turn in the arrow's direction; oncoming and crossing traffic should yield, but watch for drivers turning right on red. |
| Steady yellow | The light is about to turn red. Stop before the stop bar if you can; if you are already in the intersection, go on through safely. |
| Flashing yellow | Slow down, watch for traffic and go with caution. |
| Steady yellow arrow | The green arrow is ending. Prepare to stop and yield. |
| Steady red | Stop behind the stop bar, crosswalk or intersection until green. |
| Flashing red | Stop, then go as you would at a STOP sign. |
| Red arrow | Stop; you may not go that way until the green arrow returns. |
- After stopping at a red light you may turn right on red, yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign forbids it.
- A left on red may be allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
- If a signal is not working, the intersection becomes an all-way stop.
Yellow lines
Yellow center lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
- A single broken yellow line marks the center of a two-lane road. Stay to its right; you may cross it to pass or turn when safe.
- A single solid yellow line on a two-lane road marks a no passing zone. You may cross it only to turn, or to pass if a broken line is on your side.
- Double solid yellow lines mark the center of roads with four or more lanes. You may not cross them to pass, but you may cross to turn.
- Two-way left turn lanes have a solid and a broken yellow line on each side. They are for left turns only, never for travel or passing.
White lines
White lines separate lanes moving in the same direction.
- Louisiana law says to drive in the right-hand lane unless you are passing, preparing for a left turn, or the right lanes are congested. Slower traffic must keep right.
- A single solid white line means changing lanes is hazardous; cross it only with great care. The wider the line, the greater the hazard.
- A broken white line may be crossed when it is safe.
- Double solid white lines must not be crossed.
- White edge lines mark the right edge; yellow edge lines may mark the left edge of divided roads.
Other markings
- Red raised markers or reflectors facing you mean you are going the wrong way. Do not enter.
- Railroad markings: a large X and two R letters before a crossing, with a no passing line and a white stop line.
- Stop lines show exactly where to stop. Crosswalks are usually two solid white lines; pedestrians in them have the right of way and you must stop for them.
- Arrows painted in a lane show where you must go. If you find yourself in a turn-only lane by mistake, make the turn and go around the block.
Roundabouts
- Traffic moves counterclockwise around a raised center island.
- Slow down to about 15 to 20 mph as you approach.
- Yield to traffic already in the circle, which comes from your left, and to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Never stop once inside; circulating traffic has the right of way.
- Choose your lane before entering a multi-lane roundabout, and do not change lanes, pass, or ride beside trucks and buses inside it.
- Signal right to exit. If turning left, signal left on approach, then right once you are three quarters of the way around.
Frequently asked questions
What does a flashing red light mean?
Stop completely, then go when safe, just as at a STOP sign.
What should I do if a traffic light is out?
Treat the intersection as an all-way stop.
Can I cross double solid yellow lines?
Only to make a turn, never to pass.
What do red reflectors on the pavement mean?
You are facing the wrong way on that roadway and must not enter.
How fast should I enter a roundabout?
About 15 to 20 mph, after yielding to traffic already in the circle.
Based on the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide (OMV), Chapter 3 (Traffic Signals, Lane Markings, Roundabouts) and Chapter 6 (Traffic Control, Roundabouts).