California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Traffic Signs and SignalsHard
You are planning to make a left turn at an intersection. The traffic light for your lane is a steady red arrow. What action should you take?
- AYou may proceed with the left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic.
- BYou must turn right instead, as left turns are prohibited.
- CYou may turn left only if there is no opposing traffic or pedestrians.
- DYou must stop and wait for a green arrow or solid green light before turning.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. You must stop and wait for a green arrow or solid green light before turning.
A steady red arrow means you must stop and are prohibited from turning in the direction of the arrow until a green arrow or solid green light appears.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes the action for a flashing yellow arrow or an unprotected green light after stopping (in some states).
- B. A red arrow only prohibits the specified turn, not forcing another action like a right turn.
- C. This is incorrect; a red arrow explicitly prohibits the turn regardless of traffic.
Steady Red Arrow
A traffic signal consisting of a steady red arrow, indicating that drivers must stop and are prohibited from making a turn in the direction of the arrow until a green arrow or solid green light appears.
- Means 'STOP' and 'NO TURN' in the direction of the arrow.
- Must remain stopped until a permissive signal (green arrow/light) appears.
- Applies specifically to the turn indicated by the arrow.
- More restrictive than a solid red light for turns.
Memory trick: Green go, yellow slow, red arrow NO!