Traffic signals and lane control signals

Key points

1. On a red light, stop at the stop line or, if there is none, before entering any crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “A Red Light means that you must stop: 1. At the stop line; or 2. When there is no stop line, before entering any crosswalk, or”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

2. After stopping at a red light, you may turn right unless a sign prohibits it, yielding to all pedestrians and vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “After stopping, you may turn right except when a sign prohibits such movement. You must yield to all pedestrians and all vehicles when making such a turn.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

3. A yellow light means red comes next; avoid entering the intersection while it is shown.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “A Yellow Light means that the red light is going to be shown immediately thereafter. You should avoid entering the intersection when the yellow light is shown.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

4. On a green light, go straight or turn unless signs prohibit it, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “A Green Light means go straight ahead or turn except when signs prohibit turns. You must yield to all pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 40

5. A yellow arrow means the same as a yellow light for its lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “A Yellow Arrow has the same meaning as a yellow light for the indicated lane of traffic.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 40

6. When a green arrow is lit, you must move only in the direction of the arrow.

   Source: Handbook p. 41

   “YOU MUST MOVE ONLY IN THE DIRECTION INDICATED BY THE GREEN ARROW WHEN IT IS LIGHTED.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 41

7. A flashing red signal means the same as a stop sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 41

   “A Red Flashing Signal has the same meaning as a stop sign.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 41

8. A red X over a lane means do not use it, because traffic is using it in the opposite direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 41

   “The Red “X” means you must not use that lane because the lane is being used by traffic proceeding in the opposite direction.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 41

9. A flashing DON'T WALK means pedestrians may not start crossing, but those already crossing may continue.

   Source: Handbook p. 42

   “means that pedestrians may not start to cross the roadway but those already crossing may continue to the nearest sidewalk, traffic island or safety zone.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 42

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Hawaii practice test

1. 1. What does a steady yellow traffic light tell a driver about the next signal?

   1. The red light will be shown immediately afterward
   2. The signal will remain yellow until traffic clears
   3. The light grants priority to every turning vehicle
   4. The driver may enter after accelerating
   Show answer

   The red light will be shown immediately afterward. Yellow is the transition warning that red is about to appear. The driver should avoid entering the intersection during the yellow phase when stopping can be done safely. It is not an extended green, a promise that turning traffic has priority, or permission to accelerate into a conflict. Look at the distance to the stop line, brake smoothly when appropriate, and never enter after the red light is shown.

2. 2. How should you respond to a yellow flashing traffic signal?

   1. Treat it as a red flashing signal
   2. Stop and remain stopped until green
   3. Accelerate before cross traffic moves
   4. Proceed only with caution
   Show answer

   Proceed only with caution. A yellow flashing signal allows movement only with caution. It is not a command to stop and wait for green, and it does not invite a driver to rush through before another stream of traffic moves. The red-flashing choice confuses two different signal rules: red flashing has the meaning of a stop sign, while yellow flashing is a cautious proceed instruction. Reduce speed, check the intersection and nearby road users, then continue only when the path is clear.

3. 3. What movement is required when a green arrow is lighted for a traffic lane?

   1. Choose any direction after yielding
   2. Move only in the direction shown by the arrow
   3. Travel straight regardless of the arrow
   4. Change to a lane with a red signal
   Show answer

   Move only in the direction shown by the arrow. A green arrow permits movement but limits that movement to the direction indicated by the arrow. It is not a general green light that allows a driver to select any path through the intersection. The choice allowing any direction overlooks the lane-specific control, while going straight regardless of the arrow can conflict with cross traffic or the intended turn. Moving into a lane showing red is also prohibited. Read the arrow before entering the intersection and follow its direction through the controlled area, even when another route appears open.

Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter VI: Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings. 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.