Traffic lights, lane lights and road lines

Key points

1. If a traffic light is out or not working, stop as you would for a STOP sign, then follow the right of way rules.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “if the traffic lights or controls are out of service or does not operate correctly when you approach an intersection, you must come to a stop as you would for a stop sign”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

2. You may turn right on a steady red after a full stop and after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “You can make a right turn at a steady red light after you come to a full stop and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

3. A left turn on red is allowed only from a one way road into another one way road, after a full stop and yielding.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “You can make a left turn at a steady red light when you turn from a one-way road into another one-way road after you come to a full stop and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

4. In New York City you may not turn on a red light unless a sign permits it.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “You are not allowed to turn on a red light in New York City unless a sign that permits it is posted.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

5. A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign: stop, yield, and go when it is safe.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “Flashing Red: Means the same as a STOP sign: Stop, yield the right-of-way, and go when it is safe.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

6. A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red, so be prepared to stop; a flashing yellow means drive with caution.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “Steady Yellow: The light will change from green to red. Be prepared to stop for the red light. Flashing Yellow: Drive with caution.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

7. Overhead lane lights: steady red X, do not use the lane; steady yellow X, move out of it; flashing yellow X, left turns only; green arrow, you may use it.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “Steady Red "X": Do not drive in this lane. Steady Yellow "X": Move from this lane. Flashing Yellow "X": This lane can only be used for a left turn. Green Arrow: You can use this lane.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

8. With a solid line beside a broken line, the solid side may not pass (except a left turn into a driveway); the broken side may pass when safe.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “If you are on the side with the solid line, you cannot pass other vehicles or go across the line except to make a left turn into a driveway. If you are on the side with the broken line, you can pass if it is safe to and you will not interfere with traffic.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

9. Double solid lines mean no passing and no lane changes; cross them only to turn left into or out of the highway.

   Source: Chapter 4

   “Double solid lines: You can not pass or change lanes. You cannot go across the lines except to turn left to enter or leave the highway”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

10. A traffic officer's directions override signs, signals and pavement markings.

    Source: Chapter 4

    “Directions given by traffic officers take precedence over signs, signals or pavement markings.”
    New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4

3 questions from the New York practice test

1. 1. When may a New York driver turn right at a steady red light?

   1. Immediately after slowing if no vehicle is close
   2. After a full stop, when the way is clear and no sign or marking prohibits the turn
   3. Only after waiting for a green arrow in every location
   4. Whenever the driver is turning from a one-way street
   Show answer

   After a full stop, when the way is clear and no sign or marking prohibits the turn. A steady red signal does not make a right turn automatic, but New York permits the movement after a complete stop when traffic and pedestrians have been yielded to and no sign, signal, or pavement marking forbids it. Slowing without stopping is insufficient. A green arrow is not required for every right turn, and the one-way-to-one-way condition belongs to the separate left-on-red rule. The roadside cue is the red light plus the posted turn restriction, so inspect the whole approach before moving.

2. 2. A New York traffic signal is flashing red. Which sequence is required before proceeding?

   1. Slow down, sound the horn, and continue
   2. Stop fully, yield the right-of-way, then go when safe
   3. Wait for the signal to become steady green
   4. Turn right without stopping if no car is visible
   Show answer

   Stop fully, yield the right-of-way, then go when safe. The sequence for a flashing red signal is complete stop, yield, and proceed when safe. It functions as a STOP sign, so an empty first glance does not excuse a rolling approach. Sounding the horn does not replace yielding, and waiting for a steady green misunderstands the signal's operation. A right turn also requires the same stop and safety check. Use the three-part cue every time the red lamp flashes: stop, yield, then move only after the intersection is clear.

3. 3. What does a steady red X above a New York lane mean?

   1. Use the lane only for a left turn
   2. Move into the lane before the next signal
   3. Do not drive in that lane
   4. Proceed if the driver activates hazard lights
   Show answer

   Do not drive in that lane. A steady red X is a lane-use control signal that closes the lane beneath it. It does not mean the lane is available for a cautious driver, a left turn, or a vehicle using hazard lights. A flashing yellow X has the narrower left-turn meaning, while a steady yellow X tells traffic to leave the lane. Look overhead before entering a managed lane, and merge only where the roadway markings and other signals permit it.

Source: the New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: Traffic Control. 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.