Traffic Lights and Arrows

Key points

1. On red, stop and do not go until the light turns green and it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “A red light means the driver must stop. The driver cannot proceed until the light turns green and it is safe to go.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 23

2. A steady yellow means the light is changing to red; stop if safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “A steady yellow light means the traffic signal is changing from green to red. You must stop if it is safe to do so.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 23

3. On green, let opposing traffic already in the intersection clear first.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “the driver must allow opposing traffic already in the intersection to clear before proceeding.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 23

4. A flashing red light is the same as a stop sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “A flashing red light is the same as a stop sign. A driver must come to a complete stop, and then proceed only when it is safe.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 24

5. A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “If you are approaching a flashing yellow light, you should slow down and proceed with caution.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 24

6. A steady yellow arrow means the arrow is about to turn red; stop if safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “A steady yellow arrow means the signal is getting ready to turn red. Drivers turning left should stop if it is safe to do so.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 24

7. On a flashing yellow arrow you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Drivers may turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceed with caution.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 24

8. You may turn right on red unless a sign prohibits it.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “The driver may turn right on red unless there is a sign prohibiting a right turn on red.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 25

3 questions from the Arkansas practice test

1. 1. A driver nearing a flashing yellow signal should do what?

   1. Treat the intersection as closed to all traffic
   2. Stop completely and wait for a green light
   3. Accelerate because the signal gives priority
   4. Slow down and proceed with caution
   Show answer

   Slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow signal tells the driver to slow down and proceed with caution. It does not impose the complete stop associated with a flashing red light, but it also does not grant unrestricted priority. Accelerating through the intersection reduces time to respond to crossing traffic or pedestrians. The closed intersection choice is too broad because vehicles may proceed when the path is safe. Reduce speed early, scan the intersection, and be ready to yield or stop if another road user creates a conflict. The signal calls for controlled movement, not a race to clear the crossing.

2. 2. What does a steady yellow arrow tell a driver turning left?

   1. The signal requires the driver to reverse before entering
   2. The left turn is protected and opposing traffic must stop
   3. The driver may turn left without checking the intersection
   4. The signal is getting ready to turn red, so stop if safe
   Show answer

   The signal is getting ready to turn red, so stop if safe. A steady yellow arrow warns that the signal is preparing to turn red. A driver turning left should stop if it is safe to do so, rather than beginning a movement that cannot be completed lawfully. The protected-turn description belongs to a light green arrow, while the choice “The driver may turn left without checking the intersection” wrongly removes the need to evaluate the intersection. Reversing is unrelated to this signal. Treat the yellow indication as a transition, check the space around the vehicle, and stop smoothly when stopping can be done safely.

3. 3. After a flashing yellow arrow, what must a left-turning driver yield to?

   1. Turn left without checking for opposing traffic
   2. Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
   3. Stop and wait until the arrow turns green
   4. Proceed straight only because left turns are prohibited
   Show answer

   Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A flashing yellow arrow permits a left turn, but the turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding with caution. The choice “Turn left without checking for opposing traffic” removes the required yielding step, so it would create a conflict with traffic that already has priority. A flashing yellow arrow is not a red signal requiring a wait for green, and it does not prohibit the movement. Look through the intersection, yield to people and opposing vehicles, then make the turn only when the path is clear.

Source: the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Chapter 2: Traffic Control Signals. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.