Traffic Signals

Key points

1. If a signal is dark, as in a power failure, stop as if there are stop signs in all directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “If a signal appears dark, such as during a power failure, you should stop as if there are stop signs in all directions.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 15

2. On a steady red, after a complete stop, you may turn right onto a two way road unless a sign or officer says otherwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “You are allowed to make the following turns on red after coming to a complete stop unless a sign or police officer states otherwise. • • When entering a two-way road, you may turn right.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 15

3. On red, when entering a one way road, you may turn right or left in the direction that road flows.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “When entering a one-way road, you may turn right or left in the direction of the one-way road.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 15

4. A flashing red or dark signal is treated the same as a stop sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “Flashing Red or Dark Signal: A flashing red or a dark signal is treated the same as a stop sign.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 15

5. A steady yellow warns the light is about to turn red; stop before the intersection if you can do so safely.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “A steady yellow signal warns you that the signal is about to turn red. Stop before entering the intersection. If you cannot stop safely, drive carefully through it.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 15

6. A flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “Flashing Yellow: A flashing yellow signal means slow down and proceed with caution.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 16

7. A flashing yellow arrow allows the turn shown, but first yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “A flashing yellow arrow means that you may make the movement indicated by the arrow, but first you must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 16

8. On a green light, left turns yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and right turns yield to pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “Left turns must first yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Right turns must first yield to pedestrians.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 16

9. A steady green arrow gives you the right of way for the movement shown.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “A steady green arrow means you have the right of way and may make the movement indicated by the arrow.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 16

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Oregon practice test

1. 1. What should you do when a traffic signal is dark because of a power failure?

   1. Treat it as stop signs in all directions
   2. Wait for a police officer before moving
   3. Treat it as a yield sign
   4. Proceed if no vehicle is approaching
   Show answer

   Treat it as stop signs in all directions. A dark signal is not permission to continue through the intersection. Oregon directs drivers to stop as though every approach had a stop sign, then proceed only after yielding and checking for traffic and pedestrians. Waiting for an officer is unnecessary unless one is present directing traffic. Treating the outage like a yield sign skips the required stop, while simply checking for an approaching vehicle overlooks people or vehicles that may enter from another direction. The practical cue is simple: no lights means four-way stop behavior, even if the signal normally controls a busy intersection.

2. 2. What does a flashing yellow circular traffic signal tell you to do?

   1. Stop completely before proceeding when clear
   2. Wait until the signal becomes steady green
   3. Slow down and proceed with caution
   4. Proceed at your current speed if you are going straight
   Show answer

   Slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow circular signal tells you to slow down and proceed with caution. It calls for an alert approach to the intersection rather than a routine complete stop or a wait for green. Do not confuse it with a flashing red signal, which is treated as a stop sign. Also distinguish the circular light from a flashing yellow arrow: the arrow permits the indicated turn after yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

3. 3. A flashing yellow arrow points left at an intersection. What is the driver's obligation?

   1. Make the left turn without slowing because the arrow is permissive
   2. Make the indicated turn only after yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic
   3. Wait for a solid green arrow before making any left turn
   4. Stop and remain stopped until the flashing arrow becomes red
   Show answer

   Make the indicated turn only after yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. This signal allows the movement shown by the arrow, but the permission is conditional. Before turning, check the crosswalk and the opposing approach, then yield to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles. Those opposing drivers have a steady green signal, so they may be moving through the intersection. The choice “Make the left turn without slowing because the arrow is permissive” treats the flashing display like an exclusive protected arrow and skips the required yield. A useful cue is flashing yellow means a permitted movement with a safety check first, not a free pass through the junction.

Source: the Oregon Driver Manual, Signs & Traffic 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.