Traffic lights, arrows and officers

Key points

1. Obey a traffic officer's directions and ignore any traffic signs or signals.

   Source: Handbook p. 43

   “If you see a traffic officer giving directions, do what he or she says and ignore any traffic signs or signals.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 43

2. A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “A flashing red light means the same thing as a stop sign.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 44

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

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “A flashing yellow light tells you to slow down and proceed with caution.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 44

4. After a complete stop, you may turn right on red if the way is clear of pedestrians and traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “After making a complete stop, you may turn right on a red light if the way is clear of pedestrians and traffic.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 44

5. Stop for a steady yellow light unless you are already in the intersection or too close to stop safely.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Stop for a steady yellow light unless you are within the intersection or are so close that you cannot safely stop before entering the intersection.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 44

6. On a green light, first yield to traffic and pedestrians still in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “However, you must first yield the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians who are still in the intersection.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 44

7. A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn, but only after an adequate gap in oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “A flashing yellow arrow tells you that you are allowed to drive in the direction the arrow is pointing but are required to wait for an adequate gap in the opposing traffic”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 45

8. With a steady red arrow, stop and wait for a green signal or a flashing yellow arrow.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “A steady red arrow tells you to stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before the intersection. You must wait for the signal to turn green or a flashing yellow arrow before you proceed.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 44

9. A dark or broken traffic signal works as a four way stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Dark signals, or traffic signals that aren’t working operate as a four-way stop.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 45

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Missouri practice test

1. 1. What stop requirement applies when a traffic signal flashes red?

   1. As a stop sign
   2. As permission to continue without stopping
   3. As a flashing yellow warning
   4. As a green light for the protected lane
   Show answer

   As a stop sign. A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. The driver must stop and then proceed only after checking that the intersection is clear and movement is safe. It is not interchangeable with a flashing yellow, which tells drivers to slow and use caution. Continuing through because the signal is flashing removes the required stop and can conflict with cross traffic. Look for pedestrians and vehicles before moving after the full stop.

2. 2. When may a Missouri driver turn right at a red light?

   1. Without stopping when no pedestrians are visible
   2. Only after the signal turns yellow
   3. Whenever a vehicle behind is waiting
   4. After a complete stop, if the way is clear and no prohibition sign is posted
   Show answer

   After a complete stop, if the way is clear and no prohibition sign is posted. Missouri permits a right turn on red only after a complete stop, and the path must be clear of pedestrians and traffic. A posted No Right Turn On Red sign removes that permission. A waiting vehicle behind you creates no special exception, and a clear-looking corner does not excuse the stop. Use the sequence stop, check, obey the sign, then turn only when the crossing and roadway are safe.

3. 3. How should a driver respond to a steady yellow traffic light?

   1. Speed up whenever the light has just changed
   2. Stop in the middle of the intersection
   3. Stop unless already in the intersection or unable to stop safely
   4. Continue without checking for the coming red signal
   Show answer

   Stop unless already in the intersection or unable to stop safely. A steady yellow warns that the signal is changing from green to red. Missouri says to stop unless the vehicle is already within the intersection or is so close that stopping before entry cannot be done safely. The risky alternative is accelerating simply to beat the red, while an abrupt stop in the intersection creates a separate hazard. Check distance and speed, brake smoothly when there is room, and clear the intersection when stopping would be unsafe.

Source: the Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7: Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and 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.