Traffic signals and turning on red

Key points

1. If a signal is dark and no officer or other control is in place, treat the intersection as an all way stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “the intersection shall be treated as an all-way stop.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

2. On a steady yellow, stop safely if you have not entered the intersection; if you are in it, clear it safely.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “If the vehicle has not entered the intersection, it should be brought to a safe stop. If in the intersection, continue moving and clear it safely.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

3. At a flashing red light, stop completely and yield before proceeding.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “A complete stop is required, yielding to oncoming”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

4. On a red arrow, stop and stay stopped; turning on a red arrow is prohibited.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Come to a complete stop before reaching the intersection, stop line or crosswalk, and remain stopped as long as the arrow is red. Turning on a red arrow is prohibited.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

5. A right turn on a circular red is allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Turning right at a circular red light after stopping is allowed, unless signs prohibiting it are posted at the intersection.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

6. A left turn on red is allowed only from a one way street onto another one way street.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Turning left at a circular red light after stopping is allowed only if traveling on a one-way street and turning onto another one-way street.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

7. Never drive in a lane under a red X; a steady yellow X means move out of the lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Never drive in a lane under a red "X" signal. A steady yellow "X" signal means the driver should move out of the lane as soon as safely possible”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

8. At a pedestrian hybrid beacon, stop and stay stopped while both red lights are on.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “After the yellow, the beacon turns red. Both red lights are illuminated. During this interval, the driver must stop for the red and remain stopped.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. If a traffic signal is dark and no peace officer, flagger, or other traffic control is present, how should the intersection be treated?

   1. As a flashing yellow signal in every direction
   2. As a green light for the larger roadway
   3. As an uncontrolled intersection where stopping is optional
   4. As an all-way stop
   Show answer

   As an all-way stop. When a traffic signal is dark because of a power failure or another cause, and no peace officer, flagger, or other traffic control is present, Nebraska treats the intersection as an all-way stop. Each approach must stop, then drivers proceed using the applicable right-of-way rules. A dark signal is not a green light for the larger roadway, an invitation to treat stopping as optional, or a flashing yellow indication. The practical cue is to replace every dark signal with a stop sign in your mind before entering the intersection.

2. 2. What does a steady yellow traffic light tell a driver who has not entered the intersection?

   1. Reverse to the previous intersection
   2. Speed up to beat the red light
   3. Stop only if a pedestrian is present
   4. Bring the vehicle to a safe stop
   Show answer

   Bring the vehicle to a safe stop. A steady yellow signal warns that the light is changing. If the vehicle has not entered the intersection, Nebraska says it should be brought to a safe stop. Accelerating to beat the light is specifically unlawful and can turn a warning interval into a dangerous entry against the red. The driver should not reverse into traffic, either. If already in the intersection, continue moving and clear it safely. The useful cue is the vehicle's position: before the intersection, stop safely; inside it, finish clearing without delay.

3. 3. When is a right turn on a circular red light allowed in Nebraska?

   1. Only from a one way street onto another one way street
   2. Without stopping when no pedestrians are present
   3. Only after the light changes to a flashing yellow
   4. After a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits the turn
   Show answer

   After a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits the turn. A right turn on a circular red light may be made after the driver comes to a complete stop, looks both ways, and yields to pedestrians and other traffic, unless a posted sign prohibits the turn. Rolling through the red is not enough, even if the intersection seems empty. The one way to one way condition applies to a left turn on red, not the ordinary right turn. Stop behind the line or crosswalk, check again, and turn only when the path is open.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 3: 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.