1. Unit 2: Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings
Traffic Signals
NV Driver Education Curriculum
Unit 2: Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings
Presentation 2 of 3

2. Signal Intersections Video
See Rules of the Road video
#7-Signal Intersections
(California DMV)
(2:53)
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“Rules of the Road” image from:
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3. Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are used to control traffic by indicating who has the right of way.
Standards lighting sequence:
green – yellow – red – green
If the traffic light is not working
come to a FULL stop before proceeding through intersection
yield to pedestrians and other traffic that have already stopped or are in the intersection
Signal image from:
Red light Image from:
Green Light image from:
Retrieved: 12/23/09

4. Traffic Signal Video Click on web address to access video clips
See RTC FAST Traffic Cameras
Select an intersection near you
(i.e. Sahara & Rainbow)
See NO traffic Lights video
India Driving
(2:13)
See Intersection Dangers video
Russia Intersection
(0:30)
MUTE the loud music background
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5. Red Light Red light means STOP Come to a complete stop
Stop behind the crosswalk, stop bar or roadway edge line
Do not enter the intersection
You may make right turn (where not prohibited by signs) after stopping and yielding to other traffic and pedestrians
Remain stopped until light turns green
Image from:
Retrieved: 12/23/09

6. Yellow light means CAUTION
Warning that right of way is expiring
Red light will follow immediately
If already in the intersection continue moving
If you have not entered the intersection, must stop
DO NOT speed up to “beat the light”
Image from:
Retrieved: 12/23/09

7. Running Yellow Lights Video
See 60 Second Driver video
Running Amber Lights
(0:60)
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8. Green Light Green light means GO (when it’s clear)
Authorized to proceed
Check traffic on left, center, right, and left again
do not enter if other road users look as if they are not stopping
Proceed when clear and safe
When approaching a light that has been green for some time (stale green) be prepared for the light to turn yellow
Image from:
Retrieved: 12/23/09
94% of red-light runners do so within 2 seconds of light change

9. Flashing Lights
FLASHING RED Same meaning as a stop sign. You must come to a full stop. Proceed when safe.
FLASHING YELLOW Slow down. Proceed with caution. Be prepared to stop.

10. Arrows Arrows indicates traffic direction
RED ARROW - Movement is not allowed in the direction of the arrow.
YELLOW ARROW – Appears after a green arrow to indicate the light is about to change to red. Warning to clear the intersection
GREEN ARROW – Traffic moving in the direction of the arrow may proceed if clear. When a green arrow is showing, the turn is protected from other traffic.

11. Lane Signals
Special lights used over lanes on some highways and expressways
Each light is a lane signal Different from the arrows that regulate turns
RED “X” – Lane is closed. Do not drive in this lane.
Traffic lane image from:
Retrieved: 12/29/08
YELLOW “X” – Lane signal is going to change. Exit the lane safely before the red “X” appears
GREEN ARROW – Lane may be used.

12. “Dog House” Signals
Display of 5 lights, allowing more vehicles to make left turns at intersections and keep traffic moving.
YELLOW ARROW Protected left turn ending
Sign image from:
GREEN ARROW Protected left turn

13. Ramp meters improve motorist safety and traffic flow on freeways
Pull vehicle to white line. Watch meter for signal.
When signal turns green, one car per lane may enter freeway.
Failing to stop at a ramp meter is a violation similar to running a red light.
Image from:
Retrieved: 12/28/09

14. See Nevada RTC&DOT video
Ramp Meter Video
See Nevada RTC&DOT video
Ramp Meters How To
(1:13)
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15. Warning Signals Sign and signal lights Pedestrian walkway warning
School zones and stop signs
Pedestrian light image from:
Walker image from:
School zone image from:
Stop sign image from:
Retrieved: 12/28/09

16. Pedestrian Signals Pedestrian signals are mounted near traffic lights
Signals may use words or symbols
Some have countdown timers, flashing, and/or emit audible beeps (can be used to determine “stale” green lights)
Hand & walker image from:
“Walk” & “Don’t Walk” images from:
Walker (29) image from:
Hand (18) image from:

17. Did You Know
Garrett Augustus Morgan ( ) was an African-American inventor who patented a type of traffic signal, in The Morgan traffic signal was a T-shaped pole unit that featured three hand cranked positions: Stop, Go, and an all-directional stop position. Morgan sold the traffic signal rights to General Electric Corporation for $40,000.
Photo from:
Patent image from:
Retrieved: 12/28/09