Traffic signals and arrows

Key points

1. On a steady red, come to a complete stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “A steady RED traffic light means come to a complete stop.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

2. You may turn right on red after a complete stop if it is safe and no sign prohibits it.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “If you are turning right, you may turn after coming to a complete stop if it is safe to do so and if there is no sign prohibiting turning on a red light.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

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

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “A flashing RED traffic light means the same as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop and then may go when it is safe to do so.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

4. A red arrow means stop; you cannot go in the arrow's direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “A RED arrow means you must stop and that you cannot go in the direction of the arrow.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

5. A steady yellow means red is coming: stop if safe, but if already in the intersection, continue through.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “A steady YELLOW traffic light means the traffic light is about to change to red. You must stop if it is safe to do so. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop but continue through the intersection.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

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

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “A flashing YELLOW traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

7. A flashing yellow left arrow lets you turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “a flashing YELLOW arrow traffic light means you may cautiously enter the intersection to make the turn indicated by the arrow when it is safe to do so after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

8. When the light turns green after you stop, let crossing traffic clear before you go.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “If you are stopped and then the light turns green, you must allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection before you proceed.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

9. A red or completely dark signal must be treated as a stop sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Red or completely unlighted traffic signal shall stop in the same manner as if the vehicle were at a stop sign.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 32

3 questions from the South Dakota practice test

1. 1. At a flashing red traffic light, what action is required?

   1. Treat it like a yield sign and roll through if clear
   2. Stop only when pedestrians are in a marked crosswalk
   3. Proceed without stopping because cross traffic has yellow
   4. Come to a complete stop, then go when safe
   Show answer

   Come to a complete stop, then go when safe. A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop and may proceed only when the way is safe. Rolling through as though it were a yield sign skips the full stop that South Dakota requires. The cue is the red flash: treat the intersection like a stop controlled approach, check cross traffic and pedestrians, and move only after yielding where needed.

2. 2. What does a red arrow signal mean?

   1. You may turn after yielding to pedestrians
   2. The arrow direction has priority over other lanes
   3. You may proceed if there is no oncoming traffic
   4. You must stop and may not go in the arrow's direction
   Show answer

   You must stop and may not go in the arrow's direction. A red arrow means stop, and you cannot move in the direction shown by the arrow until the signal changes. It is stricter than a permissive turn movement because the arrow specifically controls that direction. The yield and turn choice is wrong because it treats a red arrow like a right turn on a circular red light. The cue is the arrow shape: it applies to the indicated turn lane or movement, not every direction at the intersection.

3. 3. What must you do when facing a completely unlighted traffic signal in South Dakota?

   1. Keep moving if cross traffic appears light
   2. Treat it as a yield sign until power returns
   3. Stop as though you were at a stop sign
   4. Follow the last color you saw before it went dark
   Show answer

   Stop as though you were at a stop sign. South Dakota gives a specific rule for a dark signal: a red or completely unlighted signal requires the same stop you would make at a stop sign. Treating it as a yield sign is too loose because yielding can allow a rolling entry. Your cue is the absence of a working lamp facing you; make a full stop, check each approach, and proceed only when safe.

Source: the South Dakota Driver License Manual, Rules of the Road. 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.