California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Traffic Signs and SignalsMedium

You are approaching an intersection with a traffic light that has a steady green light along with a red arrow pointing left. What does this signal mean for a driver in the left turn lane?

  1. AYou may proceed straight through the intersection or turn right, but not left.
  2. BYou may turn left immediately, as long as the intersection is clear.
  3. CYou must stop and wait for a green arrow before turning left.
  4. DYou may turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. You must stop and wait for a green arrow before turning left.

A steady red arrow means you must stop and cannot turn in the direction of the arrow until a green arrow or green light appears. Even if other directions have a green light, the red arrow specifically prohibits the indicated turn.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Incorrect; a red arrow specifically prohibits the turn indicated, regardless of other signals.
  • B. Incorrect; a red arrow explicitly prohibits the turn until a green signal.
  • D. Incorrect; a red arrow means stop, not yield and proceed.

Steady Red Arrow

A steady red arrow traffic signal means you must stop and cannot make the turn indicated by the arrow until a green arrow or a full green light appears.

  • Prohibits turns in the direction of the arrow.
  • Requires a full stop.
  • Wait for a green arrow or green light to proceed.

Memory trick: Red arrow, red light, stop your flight!

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