New York DMV Permit Written TestRoad SignsMedium
You are driving on a city street and approach an intersection with a traffic light. The light for your direction is solid red, but there is a green arrow pointing left. What does this signal mean for a driver who wants to turn left?
- AYou may turn left after yielding to any pedestrians or vehicles in the intersection.
- BYou may turn left without yielding, as the green arrow grants a protected turn.
- CYou must wait for the solid red light to turn green before turning left.
- DYou must stop and wait for a full green light before proceeding straight or turning.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. You may turn left after yielding to any pedestrians or vehicles in the intersection.
A solid red light with a green arrow for a specific direction (like left) means you may proceed in the direction of the arrow, but only after yielding to any pedestrians or vehicles already in the intersection. This is a permissive turn.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While a green arrow provides a protected phase, it does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to yield to traffic already in the intersection or pedestrians.
- C. The green arrow specifically allows the left turn, even with a solid red light for straight traffic.
- D. The green arrow specifically allows the left turn, so waiting for a full green light is incorrect for turning left.
Solid Red Light with Green Arrow
A traffic signal indication where a steady red light is accompanied by a green arrow pointing in a specific direction, allowing movement in that direction after yielding.
- Allows movement only in the direction of the arrow.
- Requires yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
- The red light applies to all other movements.
Memory trick: Green arrows grant progress, but always yield to those already in the flow.