Traffic signals, lane use signals and ramp meters

Key points

1. If a traffic signal is not working, treat the intersection like an uncontrolled intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “If a traffic signal is not functioning, treat the intersection like an uncontrolled intersection.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 65

2. Do not enter a signal controlled intersection unless you can get all the way through without blocking cross traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “You should not enter an intersection controlled by a traffic signal unless you can move through the intersection immediately, continuously and completely without blocking cross traffic.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 65

3. Treat a flashing red light as a stop sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Treat a flashing red light as a stop sign.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 66

4. On steady yellow, do not enter if you can stop safely. If you cannot, proceed with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Do not enter the intersection if you can stop safely before doing so. If you cannot stop safely, proceed through the intersection with caution.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 66

5. Flashing yellow: proceed with caution and yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 67

   “Proceed through the intersection with caution. Yield the right of way to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 67

6. A green arrow means your turn should be protected from oncoming or crossing traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 67

   “A green arrow means you can safely turn in the direction of the arrow. Your turn should be protected from oncoming or crossing traffic.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 67

7. A steady red X means you cannot drive in the lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 68

   “A steady red X means you cannot drive in the lane.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 68

8. At a metered ramp, only one car may go each time the light is green.

   Source: Handbook p. 68

   “Only one car may proceed each time the light is green.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 68

3 questions from the Minnesota practice test

1. 1. A traffic signal at an intersection is not functioning. How should you approach the intersection?

   1. Treat it like an uncontrolled intersection and proceed only after yielding as required
   2. Treat it like a stop sign and wait for a police officer
   3. Continue through without slowing because no signal is active
   4. Give priority only to vehicles on the larger roadway
   Show answer

   Treat it like an uncontrolled intersection and proceed only after yielding as required. Minnesota treats a failed signal as an uncontrolled intersection, so normal right-of-way rules govern your movement. That is different from the stop-sign response in the choice “Treat it like a stop sign and wait for a police officer”, which would impose a full stop on every approach even when the manual does not say to do that. Slow down, scan for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and yield according to who has priority. A dark signal is a reason to increase observation, not permission to drive through without checking. The useful cue is simple: signal failure changes the type of intersection, while it does not erase the duty to yield.

2. 2. You approach a steady yellow traffic light and can stop safely. What should you do?

   1. Enter the intersection quickly before the signal changes
   2. Turn on hazard lights and continue without slowing
   3. Treat the light as a flashing red signal and stop, then go immediately
   4. Stop before entering the intersection
   Show answer

   Stop before entering the intersection. A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. When stopping can be done safely, the driver should remain out of the intersection and stop before entering it. The choice “Enter the intersection quickly before the signal changes” encourages rushing into a changing signal, while the flashing-red choice adds a stop-sign procedure that does not describe a steady yellow. Hazard lights do not give permission to continue. The useful cue is the combination of color and stopping distance: yellow means caution, and a safe stop takes priority over trying to beat the red light.

3. 3. What does a flashing yellow light or arrow require at an intersection?

   1. Speed up because cross traffic must yield
   2. Stop and wait until a steady green signal appears
   3. Treat it as a red light and remain stopped
   4. Proceed with caution and yield to road users already in the intersection
   Show answer

   Proceed with caution and yield to road users already in the intersection. A flashing yellow signal permits movement, but it does not remove the duty to watch for conflicts. Proceed cautiously and yield to vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. A driver turning left or making a U-turn must also yield to a close oncoming vehicle that creates an immediate hazard. The red-light choices are too restrictive, while speeding assumes a priority that the signal does not grant. The cue is the word caution: keep scanning, reduce risk at the conflict point, and yield whenever another road user is already in the intersection.

Source: the Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 5: Signs, signals and pavement 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.