Traffic Signals
Traffic signals apply to drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, moped-riders and pedestrians. You must obey the signals unless a police officer is directing traffic. It is unlawful to avoid a traffic signal, sign or control device by driving off the roadway and onto or across public or private property.
Stop--At a steady red light, come to a complete stop before you reach the intersection, stop line or crosswalk. Remain stopped as long as the light is red unless turns are allowed on red.
At a flashing red light, you must come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming traffic and/or pedestrians. You may go when the way is clear. At a railroad crossing, you must come to a complete stop even though the train is not present.
Right turn on red: At some intersections you may turn right while the traffic light is red. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as bicycles and mopeds. Regardless of traffic conditions, you may not turn right if signs are posted at the intersection which read "No Turn on Red."
Left turn on red: You may turn left at a red light if you are on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street. Come to a complete stop and proceed with caution. You may not turn while the light is red if a sign prohibits it. You must yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Note: If you are traveling in another state, make sure you know its laws for right turns and left turns at red and red arrow lights.
Virginia law prohibits right and left turns on red at red arrow lights unless a sign is posted permitting these turns.
Caution--a steady yellow light or arrow warns that the light is about to change. If you have not entered the intersection, you should come to a stop. If you are already in the intersection, continue moving in order to clear it. Speeding up to beat the light could cause a crash.
At a flashing yellow light, slow down and proceed with caution. You’ll find flashing yellow lights at locations with higher-than-normal hazard conditions.
Go--At a green light you may proceed in the direction indicated by the signal or arrow if the roadway is clear. If you are turning, you must yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection.
Lane Use Signals
Lane use signals indicate lanes where you can and cannot drive during different hours of the day. These signals are used frequently to reverse a lane’s direction. They provide additional lanes for heavy early morning traffic and evening traffic.
Red X
Never drive in a lane marked with a red X signal.
Yellow X
A steady yellow X signal means that you should move out of the lane as soon as safely possible.
Green Arrow
You are permitted to drive in a lane marked with a green arrow signal.
Steady White 2-Way Left Turn Arrows
Two-way left turn arrows mean you may use the lane for a left turn; however, vehicles coming from the other direction may also use the same lane for left turning.
Steady White Left Turn Arrow
A steady white arrow indicates that you may use the lane for a left turn. (No vehicles coming from the opposite direction may use the same lane for left turning.)