New York DMV Permit Written TestRoad SignsHard
You are driving on a multi-lane roadway and observe a traffic signal with a solid red light and a flashing yellow arrow pointing left. What action should you take?
- AYou may proceed to turn left, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- BYou must stop and wait for a solid green light or arrow before turning left.
- CYou may turn left immediately without yielding, as the flashing arrow grants right-of-way.
- DYou must stop and wait for the solid red light to change before turning left, regardless of the arrow.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. You may proceed to turn left, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
A flashing yellow arrow for a left turn means that you may turn left, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It indicates a permissive left turn, not a protected one.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This describes a solid red light with no arrow or a solid red arrow.
- C. A flashing yellow arrow requires yielding; only a solid green arrow grants a protected, immediate turn.
- D. The flashing yellow arrow overrides the 'stop' implication of the solid red light for the left turn movement, allowing a turn after yielding.
Flashing Yellow Left Turn Arrow
A flashing yellow arrow for a left turn means drivers may proceed with the turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It indicates a permissive, unprotected left turn.
- Meaning: Permissive left turn
- Action: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
- Not a protected turn: Exercise caution
Memory trick: Green arrow, go; flashing yellow, yield; solid yellow, prepare; red, stop.