Traffic Signals and Arrows

Key points

1. Signals run red, yellow, green from top to bottom; horizontal signals put red on the left.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “They are red, yellow, and green from top to bottom. If traffic lights are horizontal, the red light is on the left”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 45

2. A flashing yellow light means slow down, proceed with caution and be ready to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “slow down and proceed with caution. Be prepared to stop for any traffic.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 45

3. On a flashing yellow arrow you may turn, but first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “turns are permitted, but first you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic has a green light.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 46

4. On red, you may turn right after a complete stop unless posted otherwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “You may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop unless posted otherwise.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 46

5. A flashing red means stop and look both ways before entering.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “stop and look both ways before entering the intersection.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 46

6. A red right turn arrow means right turns are prohibited; stay stopped until a signal to go.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “right turns are prohibited. Stop and remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 46

7. If the lights are not working, stop completely and yield to any vehicle on the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “If you approach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working, you must first come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the right”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 46

8. If an officer tells you to stop on a green light, you must stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “For example, if the light is green and an officer tells you to stop, YOU MUST STOP.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 46

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Utah practice test

1. 1. What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean in Utah?

   1. Stop and wait for green
   2. Stop, then proceed as at a stop sign
   3. Slow down and proceed with caution
   4. The signal is broken; ignore it
   Show answer

   Slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow light is a caution signal. You do not have to stop, but the handbook says to slow down, proceed with caution, and be prepared to stop for any traffic. Waiting for green is not the instruction, the stop then proceed rule belongs to flashing red, and the handbook treats flashing yellow as a working caution signal. Cover the brake and look both ways for traffic entering the intersection.

2. 2. You reach a Utah intersection where the traffic lights are not working and no officer is directing traffic. What must you do?

   1. Slow down and proceed if no one is directly in front of you
   2. Treat it like a flashing yellow light and continue with caution
   3. Come to a complete stop, then yield to any vehicle on your right
   4. Follow the vehicle ahead through without stopping
   Show answer

   Come to a complete stop, then yield to any vehicle on your right. When traffic lights are not working, Utah requires you to first come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. Then yield the right of way to any vehicle on your right, unless a peace officer directs you otherwise. Slowing down without stopping is not enough, and a dark signal does not mean the same as a flashing yellow caution light. Following another car through without stopping also breaks the rule. Take your turn carefully and check for pedestrians before you go.

3. 3. The signal displays a red arrow for your right turn. What must you do?

   1. Remain stopped until an indication allowing movement appears
   2. Turn slowly because red arrows apply only to left turns
   3. Turn after a brief stop if no pedestrian is present
   4. Move into the crosswalk and wait for a gap
   Show answer

   Remain stopped until an indication allowing movement appears. A red right-turn arrow prohibits that turn until a signal indication permits you to proceed. The option to stop briefly and then turn confuses this arrow with the handbook permission for some right turns at a circular red light. Read the actual shape of the illuminated indication before deciding whether a turn is allowed. An arrow pointing right while glowing red is the cue to remain stopped, even with an apparently empty crosswalk.

Source: the Utah Driver Handbook, Section 9: 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.