Traffic signals and pedestrian signals

Key points

1. You may turn right on red only after a complete stop and yielding, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “You can make a right turn on a red light only after you come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians or other vehicles in your path. You may not turn on red if a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

2. You may turn left on red from a one way street onto another one way street.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “You can turn left on a red light when driving on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

3. A flashing red circle means the same as a STOP sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “A flashing red circle means the same as a STOP sign.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

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

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “A steady yellow circle means the traffic signal is changing from green to red. You must stop if it is safe.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

5. A flashing yellow circle is a warning: proceed with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “A flashing yellow circle is a warning. Proceed with caution, and stay alert.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 81

6. A green arrow means you can make a protected turn in the arrow's direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 82

   “A green arrow means you can make a “protected” turn in the direction of the arrow.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 82

7. If signals are blacked out, proceed as if there were a stop sign in all directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 82

   “If signals are blacked out and not functioning, be cautious and proceed as though there is a stop sign in all directions.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 82

8. You must stop for pedestrians when a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon is flashing.

   Source: Handbook p. 82

   “You must stop for pedestrians when the beacon is flashing.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 82

9. Pedestrians already in the crosswalk when the countdown reaches zero have the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 82

   “Pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk when the countdown reaches zero have the right-of-way.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 82

10. Never pass a vehicle that is stopped or slowing for a pedestrian.

    Source: Handbook p. 83

    “Never pass a vehicle that is stopped or slowing for a pedestrian.”
    Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 83

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Massachusetts practice test

1. 1. What does a flashing yellow circle mean at a Massachusetts intersection?

   1. It means the same as a stop sign
   2. It means the signal is broken
   3. It is a warning
   4. It means a left turn is protected
   Show answer

   It is a warning. A flashing yellow circle is a warning to approach with caution, slow and be ready to yield, but it does not require a stop. The flashing red circle is the one that means the same as a stop sign. A flashing signal is a normal mode, not a broken one, and a protected left turn is shown by a green arrow, not a flashing yellow circle. When both directions see flashing yellow, the intersection works like an ordinary uncontrolled one, so watch for cross traffic that may face flashing red.

2. 2. What does a flashing red circle require of a Massachusetts driver?

   1. Slow down and proceed without stopping
   2. Wait for the light to turn green
   3. Yield only to vehicles on the right
   4. The same as a STOP sign
   Show answer

   The same as a STOP sign. A flashing red circle is a stop sign made of light. Come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and go when it is safe. Slowing without stopping is the flashing yellow behavior, waiting for green is pointless because a flashing signal will not change, and yielding only to the right ignores the pedestrians and cross traffic the stop is meant to protect. You will often see flashing red on the minor road where the major road has flashing yellow.

3. 3. A Massachusetts traffic signal shows a steady yellow light as you approach. What should you do?

   1. Speed up to beat the red
   2. Stop only if there is a pedestrian
   3. Turn left without yielding
   4. Stop if you can do so safely, because the signal is changing from green to red
   Show answer

   Stop if you can do so safely, because the signal is changing from green to red. Yellow is the start of the stop, not a sprint signal. The steady yellow means the light is changing from green to red, so you stop if you can do so safely, and if you are already stopped at the intersection or the stop line you may not proceed. Accelerating on yellow is what lands cars in the intersection when cross traffic gets green. Pedestrians are not the only trigger for stopping, and no turn is free of yielding on a yellow.

Source: the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: 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.