Traffic signals, arrows and lane lights

Key points

1. Traffic lights are red, yellow and green from top to bottom; if horizontal, red is on the left.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-3

   “They are red, yellow, and green from top to bottom. If traffic lights are horizontal, the red light is on the left, the yellow light is in the middle and the green light is on the right.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-3

2. A yellow light means the light is about to turn red, so begin to slow down.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-3

   “YELLOW Traffic Light: Caution. The light is about to change to red. Begin to slow down.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-3

3. After stopping at a red light you may turn right unless posted otherwise, yielding to pedestrians and all traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-3

   “A right turn at a red light is permitted, after stopping, unless posted otherwise. Vehicles making a right turn on red must yield to pedestrians and all vehicle traffic.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-3

4. A flashing yellow light means slow down, proceed with caution and be ready to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-3

   “Flashing YELLOW Traffic Light Slow down and proceed with caution. Be prepared to stop for any traffic.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-3

5. A flashing red light means stop and look both ways before entering the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-3

   “Flashing RED Traffic Light Stop and look both ways before entering the intersection.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-3

6. A red light with a green arrow lets you go cautiously in the arrow's direction, yielding to all traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-3

   “A red light with a green arrow means you may go cautiously in the direction of the arrow, yielding to all other vehicle and pedestrian traffic.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-3

7. A steady green arrow pointing up means you may go straight ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-3

   “A steady green arrow pointed upwards means you may go straight ahead.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-3

8. When there is more than one traffic light, obey the one directly over your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-3

   “When there is more than one traffic light obey the one that is directly over your lane.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-3

9. Over a lane: a steady red X means do not use it, a steady yellow X means clear it, a flashing yellow X means left turn only.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-4

   “Steady Red "X": Do not drive in this lane. Steady Yellow "X": Clear this lane, signal is about to change to red. Flashing Yellow "X": This lane may only be used for a left turn.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-4

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Maine practice test

1. 1. How should you respond to a flashing yellow traffic light in Maine?

   1. Accelerate because the signal gives priority over all traffic
   2. Stop and remain stopped until a green light appears
   3. Slow down, proceed with caution, and be prepared to stop
   4. Treat the signal as permission to ignore pedestrians
   Show answer

   Slow down, proceed with caution, and be prepared to stop. A flashing yellow light calls for caution rather than the complete stop required by a flashing red signal. Maine tells drivers to slow down and proceed carefully while remaining prepared to stop for traffic. A green light does not erase the need to watch for pedestrians and conflicting vehicles, so acceleration and disregard for people on foot are unsafe. Waiting for green is more restrictive than the stated response and may disrupt traffic when the way is clear. The visual cue is the intermittent yellow display: reduce speed, scan the intersection, and continue only when the path is safe.

2. 2. After stopping at a steady red traffic light, when may a driver make a right turn?

   1. Whenever the driver slows enough to check for traffic
   2. After stopping, unless the turn is posted as prohibited, while yielding to traffic and pedestrians
   3. Only after another vehicle waves the driver through
   4. Before stopping if the right lane appears empty
   Show answer

   After stopping, unless the turn is posted as prohibited, while yielding to traffic and pedestrians. Maine permits a right turn on red only after the driver has stopped, and the turn is not allowed when a sign prohibits it. The turning driver must yield to pedestrians and all vehicle traffic. Merely slowing is insufficient because the manual specifically requires a stop before entering the intersection. A wave from another driver does not replace the legal duties, and an empty-looking lane does not justify turning before stopping. The sequence is simple: stop behind the line or crosswalk, check every conflict, obey any posted restriction, yield, then turn when the movement is safe.

3. 3. What action is required at a flashing red traffic light before entering?

   1. Use it only as a signal to change lanes
   2. Continue without slowing if cross traffic is absent
   3. Treat it as a green arrow
   4. Stop and look both ways before entering
   Show answer

   Stop and look both ways before entering. A flashing red signal requires a stop followed by a careful check in both directions before entering. The driver must not roll through simply because the intersection appears empty. It is not equivalent to a green arrow and does not direct a lane change. Some railroad crossings use flashing red lights as well, where the driver waits for the signal to stop and any barrier to rise. The useful habit is full stop, visual check, then cautious entry when the route is clear.

Source: the Maine Driver's License Manual, Section 6: Rules of the Road. 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.