Session 8 – Rules of the Road Part 1

RULES OF THE ROAD

Traffic laws establish where, when and how fast you may drive. These laws form the “rules of the road” and help to keep traffic moving safely. Rules of the road include traffic control devices, right-of-way and parking rules.

Traffic Control Devices

Traffic control devices include traffic signals, signs and pavement markings. Traffic control can also be provided by law enforcement, highway personnel or school crossing guards. You must obey directions from these persons, even if their directions are different than what traffic lights and signs say.

TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Traffic signals are lights that tell you when or where to stop or go. They are usually
at intersections and are red, yellow and green, from top to bottom. Some locations may have single yellow or red lights.

A steady RED traffic light means come to a full stop.

You must wait until the traffic light turns green and there is no crossing traffic before you may go.

If it is safe to do so, you can turn right on red if there is no sign prohibiting it. (Where there are multiple right turn lanes, you can only turn right on red from the lane farthest to the right if there is no sign prohibiting it.)

You can turn left on red if you are turning from a one-way to a one-way street. Remember to stop first and yield to all pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles using the intersection.

A flashing RED traffic light means the same as a stop sign. You must come to a full stop and then may go when it is safe to do so.

A RED arrow means the same thing as a red traffic light in Wisconsin.   

A steady YELLOW traffic light means the traffic light is about to change to red.

You must stop if it is safe to do so. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop but continue through the intersection.

A flashing YELLOW traffic light means slow down, check for cross traffic, and proceed with caution.

If you are turning in the direction of the arrow, a YELLOW arrow means you should stop if it is safe to do so.

A flashing YELLOW arrow means turns are permitted but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceed with caution.

A steady GREEN traffic light means you can go through the intersection but you must yield to emergency vehicles and others as required by law.

If you are stopped and then the light turns green, you must allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection before you go ahead. If you are turning left, a steady green traffic light means you may turn, but only when safe to do so. Oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. Be alert for signs that prohibit left turns. When turning right or left, watch for pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle.

A GREEN arrow means you can turn in the direction of the arrow. There should be no oncoming or crossing traffic while the arrow is green. Remember to watch for pedestrians.

The Blog Video is a mandatory portion of the quiz for this session.  If you do not fully answer each question, you will not be allowed to submit your quiz.  Make sure you watch the Blog Video below, and answer the Blog Video Question in the quiz with complete sentences and proper grammar.

Please reply to the Video Blog question below.