Traffic signals and arrows

Key points

1. You may turn right on red only after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “You can turn right at a RED light unless there is a sign that prohibits the turn. You may turn RIGHT only after STOPPING AND YIELDING to persons and other vehicles.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 97

2. After stopping and yielding, you may turn left from a one way street onto a one way street.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “You may also, after stopping and yielding, turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 97

3. On amber, stop before the intersection if possible; if you cannot stop safely, go through carefully.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “If possible, you MUST stop before entering the intersection. If you cannot stop safely, you should carefully go through the intersection.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 97

4. On green, enter when clear and yield to vehicles and people already in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “You may enter the intersection when the way is clear. You MUST yield the right of way to other vehicles and persons already in the intersection.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 97

5. A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. This light has the same meaning as a “STOP” sign.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 97

6. A flashing amber light warns of a dangerous intersection or location.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “You must use caution. This light warns of a dangerous intersection or location.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 97

7. A red arrow prohibits turning in the direction of the arrow.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “A RED arrow prohibits turning in the direction of the arrow.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 97

8. A green arrow lets you turn that way without stopping if clear, yielding to anyone in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “A GREEN arrow means that you may turn in the direction shown by the arrow without stopping if the way is clear.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 97

3 questions from the Wyoming practice test

1. 1. What must a driver do when a traffic signal is flashing red?

   1. Stop completely, then proceed only after yielding as required
   2. Treat it as a green light if no vehicle is visible
   3. Slow without stopping and continue through the intersection
   4. Stop only when a pedestrian is waiting to cross
   Show answer

   Stop completely, then proceed only after yielding as required. A flashing red signal is a stop instruction. The driver must come to a complete stop, assess the intersection, and proceed only when the movement is safe and lawful. Treating the indication as green or merely slowing removes the required pause and can conflict with traffic that already has priority. Waiting for a pedestrian is too narrow because the signal governs vehicle movement as well. Stop at the line or before the crossing area, look in every direction, and yield before entering.

2. 2. What is the proper response to a steady amber traffic light when stopping is safe?

   1. Accelerate to beat the red light
   2. Stop before entering the intersection
   3. Proceed at the same speed whenever the light has just changed
   4. Treat it as permission to turn without yielding
   Show answer

   Stop before entering the intersection. An amber, or yellow, light means the driver should stop before entering the intersection when a safe stop is possible. It is not an invitation to accelerate, and it does not create a special turning privilege. If stopping cannot be done safely, the manual says to proceed carefully through the intersection rather than slam on the brakes or reverse. The practical cue is to judge stopping distance as soon as yellow appears: brake smoothly when there is room, and continue cautiously only when an abrupt stop would be dangerous.

3. 3. How should a driver respond to a flashing amber traffic signal?

   1. Use caution because it warns of a dangerous intersection or location
   2. Come to a complete stop and wait for a green light
   3. Proceed faster because cross traffic must stop
   4. Treat the road as closed in every direction
   Show answer

   Use caution because it warns of a dangerous intersection or location. A flashing amber signal is a caution warning, not a stop command. Wyoming says it warns of a dangerous intersection or location, so the driver should slow enough to look for cross traffic, pedestrians, and changing conditions before proceeding. A complete stop may be needed if the scene is unsafe, but it is not required by the signal itself. The green-light and closed-road choices confuse this warning with other controls. Read the signal, reduce speed, and continue only when the path is clear.

Source: the Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings. 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.