Traffic lights and arrows

Key points

1. If a traffic light loses power or is not working right, proceed as if it were a stop sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “If a traffic light loses power or is not working right, proceed as if the signal were a stop sign.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 32

2. On steady red you may turn right if safe and no sign forbids it, or left from one way onto one way.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “You can turn right on red if it is safe to do so and there is no sign prohibiting it. You may turn left on red if you are turning from a one-way on to a one-way street.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 32

3. When turning on red, stop first and yield to all traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “When turning on red you need to stop first, yield to all traffic and then proceed staying in your lane.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 32

4. A steady red arrow means come to a full stop and wait for the light to turn green.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Steady Red Arrow You must come to a full stop and wait for the light to turn green.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 32

5. Steady yellow: slow down and stop before the intersection. If you are already in it, keep going.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “The light is about to change to red. You must slow down and stop before entering the intersection. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 33

6. Flashing yellow: slow down, check for cross traffic and proceed with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Flashing Yellow Slow down, check for cross traffic and proceed with caution.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 33

7. Flashing yellow arrow: yield first before turning.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Flashing Yellow Arrow Yield first before turning and proceed with caution.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 33

8. On a steady green left turn, oncoming traffic has the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “If you are turning left, a steady green light means you may turn, but only when it is safe to do so. Oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 33

9. On a steady green arrow, still watch for pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “There should be no oncoming or crossing traffic while the arrow is green. Remember to watch for pedestrians.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 33

3 questions from the Wisconsin practice test

1. 1. How should a driver treat a traffic signal that has lost power?

   1. Use the shoulder to bypass the intersection
   2. Treat it as a green light if no cars are nearby
   3. Proceed as if the signal were a stop sign
   4. Wait until another driver enters first
   Show answer

   Proceed as if the signal were a stop sign. A dark or malfunctioning signal does not remove intersection control. Wisconsin says to proceed as if the signal were a stop sign, which means make a complete stop, assess the other approaches, and continue only when safe. Assuming green status risks entering against another road user. The shoulder is not a substitute travel path, and waiting for another driver does not satisfy your own duty to control the approach. If an officer is directing traffic, follow that officer instead of the failed signal.

2. 2. After stopping at a steady red light, when may you turn right in Wisconsin?

   1. Only after the signal turns yellow
   2. Whenever the road is empty, without stopping
   3. When it is safe and no sign prohibits the turn
   4. Only when a vehicle behind sounds its horn
   Show answer

   When it is safe and no sign prohibits the turn. A right turn on red is permitted only after a complete stop, a check for traffic, and confirmation that no sign prohibits the turn. Safety remains the condition, even when the intersection appears quiet. The empty-road choice omits the required stop. Waiting for yellow is unnecessary because the handbook specifically permits the movement from red after yielding. A horn from behind has no legal effect. Stop first, scan for pedestrians and cross traffic, then turn in the proper lane when clear.

3. 3. What does a steady yellow traffic light tell a driver approaching an intersection?

   1. Speed up because the light guarantees extra crossing time
   2. The light is about to turn red, so slow and stop before entering
   3. Stop wherever the vehicle is if the light changes
   4. Proceed without checking because yellow gives priority
   Show answer

   The light is about to turn red, so slow and stop before entering. A steady yellow warns that the signal is about to change to red. Slow down and stop before entering the intersection. If your vehicle is already inside when yellow appears, do not stop there; continue through. Accelerating to beat the signal ignores the warning, and stopping in the intersection creates a hazard. The light does not grant priority over other road users. Check your distance and speed early, then make a controlled stop before the intersection whenever that can be done safely.

Source: the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls. 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.