Wisconsin · Handbook chapter 5 · 5 min read
Chapter 5: Signals, pavement markings and special lanes
Wisconsin traffic lights and arrows, turning on red, dark signals, white and yellow lane lines, crosswalks, the shared center turn lane, reversible lanes, reserved bus, bike and carpool lanes and highway flex lanes.
Why this chapter matters
Signals and lines tell you when to stop, when to go and when you may pass. The test checks the details: what a flashing yellow arrow means, when you may turn left on red, and when a solid yellow line may be crossed.
Traffic signals
Signals are usually at intersections, with red on top, yellow in the middle and green at the bottom. Many rural intersections have just a single flashing red or yellow light.
- If a signal has lost power or is not working, treat the intersection as a STOP sign.
- A police officer directing traffic overrides the signal.
Red
| Signal | What you do |
|---|---|
| Steady red | Stop fully and wait for green and clear cross traffic. |
| Flashing red | Stop fully, then go when it is safe. |
| Steady red arrow | Stop and wait for the light to turn green. |
| Flashing red arrow | Stop fully, then turn when it is safe. |
Turning on red: after a full stop you may turn right on a steady red if it is safe and no sign forbids it. You may turn left on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Either way, stop first, yield to all traffic and stay in your lane.
Yellow
| Signal | What you do |
|---|---|
| Steady yellow | Red is coming. Slow down and stop before the intersection. If you are already in the intersection, keep going. |
| Flashing yellow | Slow down, check cross traffic and go on with caution. |
| Steady yellow arrow | The arrow is about to turn red; stop if you safely can. |
| Flashing yellow arrow | You may turn, but yield first to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. |
Green
- Steady green: you may go, but still yield to emergency vehicles and anyone else the law requires. If you were stopped and the light turns green, let cross traffic clear before you move.
- Turning left on a steady green is allowed only when safe: oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.
- Green arrow: you may turn in the direction of the arrow; oncoming and crossing traffic should be stopped. Still watch for pedestrians.
Lines on the road
White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction; yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
Edge and lane lines
- A solid white edge line marks the right edge of the lanes.
- A yellow edge line marks the left edge of lanes going your way, such as on a divided highway.
- A dashed white line divides lanes going the same way. You may cross it when it is safe. White arrows show the direction a lane must go.
- A solid white line between lanes means do not cross, except to avoid a hazard or when you are turning within the next block.
Yellow center lines
- Dashed yellow: passing is allowed when it is safe.
- Solid and dashed yellow together: drivers on the dashed side may pass when safe; drivers on the solid side may not.
- Double solid yellow: no passing in either direction. You may cross it to turn into a driveway when safe. You may also pass a vehicle going less than half the speed limit when it is safe, but not farm equipment.
- Some passing zones are also marked by signs.
Crosswalks
A crosswalk is where pedestrians cross, usually at intersections but sometimes mid-block. Stop with your front wheels just before the solid white line; never stop on the crosswalk.
Special lanes
Shared center (two-way left-turn) lane
This center lane is only for vehicles turning left or making a U-turn, from either direction. It is marked with a solid and a dashed yellow line on each side and white left-turn arrows. You may cross the solid line to enter it for the turn, when it is safe. It is not a passing or travel lane.
Reversible lanes
Lanes whose direction changes at set times are marked with double dashed yellow lines, with lights overhead:
- Red X: the lane is closed to you.
- Green arrow: the lane is open.
- Yellow X: the lane is changing: move to a lane with a green arrow.
Reserved lanes
Some lanes are only for buses, bicycles or carpools and are marked with signs and often a white diamond. A carpool sign may name the number of riders and the hours, for example buses and 4-rider carpools, 6 to 9 a.m., Monday to Friday. You may not drive in a reserved lane unless you qualify, but you may enter it to turn within the next half block. If a bicyclist is in the lane, move in behind them and turn when safe. Bus and bike lanes may be painted red, green or gray.
Flex lanes
On some highways the paved shoulder opens as a travel lane at busy times or for events. A solid yellow line separates it.
- Green arrow: the lane is open.
- Yellow X: the lane is closing; merge into the regular lanes.
- Red X: the lane is closed.
- A merge sign marks its end. Large trucks may not use the flex lane.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn left on red in Wisconsin?
Only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop and yielding to all traffic, unless a sign forbids it.
What should I do if the traffic lights are not working?
Treat the intersection as if it had a STOP sign.
What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?
You may turn in the direction of the arrow, but first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
When can I cross a double solid yellow line?
To turn into a driveway, or to pass a vehicle moving at less than half the speed limit when it is safe, but never to pass farm equipment.
What does a yellow X over a lane mean?
The lane is about to change direction or close. Move to a lane with a green arrow.
Can I drive in a bus lane to make a turn?
Yes, if you are turning within the next half block. Otherwise stay out unless your vehicle qualifies.
Based on the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126, 2026), Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls.