Traffic Signals

Traffic signal for normal vehicles or pedestrians always have two main lights, a red light that means stop and a green (or sometimes white for pedestrians) light that means go. Usually, the red light contains some orange in its hue, and the green light contains some blue, to provide some support for people with red-green color blindness. In most countries there is also a yellow (or amber) light, which when on and not flashing means stop if able to do so safely. In some systems, a flashing amber means that a motorist may go ahead with care if the road is clear, giving way to pedestrians and to other road vehicles that may have priority. A flashing red essentially means the same as a regular stop sign. There may be additional lights (usually a green arrow or "filter") to authorize turns. A turn light preceding the opposing through movement is called a leading left turn in the U.S., because it leads the opposing through green light (likewise, in the U.S., a left turn arrow that follows the opposing through movement is known as a "lagging left turn").

Traffic lights for special vehicles (such as buses or trams) may use other systems, such as vertical vs. horizontal bars of white light.

Basic Traffic Signals

Pedestrian traffic signals

At many intersections and busy roads, there are special traffic signals for pedestrians (as shown below). Pedestrians must obey these signals, rather than the red, yellow and green traffic signals. A buzzer may sometimes sound as well to indicate that you can cross. At some specially signposted intersections, you may cross diagonally with the pedestrian "CROSS" signal, when all vehicles will be stopped for red signals.

At many intersections and busy roads, there are special traffic signals for pedestrians


Traffic Signal
Traffic Signal

 Flashing red figure or flashing words 'WAIT":
Do not step out onto the road. If already crossing you may finish crossing
Traffic Signal
Traffic Signal

 Non-flashing red figure or non-flashing words "WAIT":
Do not step out on to the road wait for the green figure or words "CROSS"
Traffic Signal
Traffic Signal

 Non-flashing green figure or words "CROSS":
Walk quickly straight across.
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