Traffic Signals and Arrows

Key points

1. If traffic lights are not working, come to a full stop before going through.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “When traffic control lights are not working, drivers must come to a full stop before proceeding through the intersection.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 30

2. On red, you may turn right after a complete stop unless signs prohibit it.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Where not prohibited by signs, a right turn may be made on a red light after coming to a complete stop.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 30

3. On steady yellow, you must stop if you have not yet entered the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “If a driver has not entered the intersection, they must stop.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 30

4. A flashing red light means stop fully and go only when clear; it means the same as a stop sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “A flashing red light means that drivers must come to a full stop. They may go only when the road is clear and they have the right-of-way.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 30

5. A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “A flashing yellow light means drivers may proceed with caution.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 30

6. On a flashing yellow arrow, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn when safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “A flashing yellow arrow means drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. They may complete the turn when it is safe to do so.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 30

7. A green arrow protects your turn, but you still yield to pedestrians, bicycles and traffic in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “A green arrow means drivers may go in the direction shown by the arrow, but they must yield to pedestrians, bicycles and traffic already in the intersection.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 30

8. Left on red is allowed only from a one way street onto a one way street moving left, after a full stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Drivers may make a left turn at a red light only when you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street that has traffic moving to the left.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 30

3 questions from the Nevada practice test

1. 1. At a Nevada intersection, what does a flashing yellow traffic signal require?

   1. Speed up before the signal changes to red
   2. Stop fully and wait for a green light
   3. Treat the signal as a red arrow and do not turn
   4. Proceed with caution after checking for conflicts
   Show answer

   Proceed with caution after checking for conflicts. A flashing yellow signal permits movement, but it calls for caution rather than an automatic stop or a rush through the intersection. Reduce speed as needed, look for vehicles and pedestrians, and proceed only when the path is clear. The full-stop choice describes a flashing red signal. A red arrow prohibits the indicated movement, and speeding is specifically contrary to safe signal handling. Use the pause created by the caution requirement to confirm who has the right of way.

2. 2. What does a flashing red traffic signal require a Nevada driver to do?

   1. Make a full stop, then proceed only when the way is clear
   2. Continue at normal speed if no train is visible
   3. Slow slightly without stopping
   4. Wait for a police officer before moving
   Show answer

   Make a full stop, then proceed only when the way is clear. A flashing red signal has the same meaning as a stop sign. The driver must come to a full stop, then may move only after checking that the roadway is clear and that the driver has the right-of-way. Merely slowing does not satisfy the signal, and the rule is not limited to railroad crossings. Police presence is not required when the signal is operating normally. Make the stop before entering the intersection, scan for people and traffic, and proceed with the same care used at a stop sign.

3. 3. When may a driver turn left at a red light in Nevada?

   1. Whenever the light has been red for more than five seconds
   2. When turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street moving left, after stopping and yielding
   3. From any two-way street when no vehicle is close
   4. Without signaling if the destination street is empty
   Show answer

   When turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street moving left, after stopping and yielding. Nevada permits a left turn on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street carrying traffic to the left, unless a sign, arrow, or officer forbids it. The driver must signal, stop completely, and yield to pedestrians and other traffic moving as directed. Time spent waiting does not create permission, and an empty-looking road cannot change a two-way street into a one-way street. Verify both street directions before considering this exception.

Source: the Nevada Driver's Handbook, Chapter 3: 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.