Rules of the Road - Chapter 2 - Traffic Control, Signs, and Right of Way

Sep 18, 2026

Rules of the Road Chapter 2 explains core driving rules focused on traffic management at intersections. It covers traffic control through signal lights (green, yellow/amber, red), arrow signals, flashing signals, and lane control signals, including required stops, yielding duties, and penalties for unsafe behavior. It also explains traffic signs and pavement markings, crosswalk guard authority, and right-of-way principles for marked and unmarked crosswalks, emphasizing defensive driving and pedestrian safety.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages40

Reading Time1 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

Traffic Control

Traffic signal lights

Arrow signal lights

Flashing signals

Lane control signals

Traffic signs

Crosswalk guards

Right of way

Marked and unmarked crosswalks

Rules of the Road Rules of the Road Rules of the Road This chapter explains the rules of the road including information about • traffic control signals • basic driving rules • parking and stopping • backing • encountering other road users Traffic Control Rules of the Road Vehicle and pedestrian traffic is controlled by a series of traffic signal lights, traffic signs, and pavement markings. The local traffic authority is responsible for traffic in cities or towns, while the provincial traffic authority is responsible for all other roadways in the province. Traffic signal lights Traffic signal lights control vehicle and pedestrian traffic at some intersections. • A green signal light means that, when it is safe, you may go unless otherwise directed by a traffic sign or a peace officer. You must yield the right of way to pedestrians in the crosswalk, including persons in wheelchairs. You must also yield to other vehicles in the intersection or those approaching so closely as to be an immediate hazard. For vehicles turning left at a green signal light, you must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles and any pedestrians that may be in your path. • A yellow or amber signal light means that you must stop before entering the intersection, if you can stop safely. • A red signal light means that all traffic facing this signal must stop atthe place marked or at the nearest side of the crosswalk. If the traffic signal lights are not working, treat the intersection as a multi-stop. Come to a full stop, then proceed when you have the right of way and it is safe to do so. See page 44 for right-of-way rules at an intersection. Green, Yellow, and Red Signal Lights Rules of the Road Green and Yellow Arrow Signal Lights Flashing Red, Yellow, and Green Signal Lights Tips: • Stop for a yellow signal unless you are too close to the intersection to stop safely. In that case, drive cautiously through the intersection. • Never speed up for a yellow signal to “beat"the red signal. • Unless there is a sign showing “no turn on red,”you may turn right on red after stopping and making sure that you can turn safely. • It is illegal to make a left turn on a red light, except for left turns at a red light from a one-way street to another one-way street. Arrow signals Arrow signal lights control turning at some intersections. When facing a green signal light and a green arrow, turning traffic is controlled by the arrow signals and through traffic is controlled by the green signal lights. • A green arrow means that you can turn in the direction of the arrow and proceed through the intersection. • A yellow arrow means that you should stop, unless you are too close to the intersection to stop safely. In that case, drive cautiously through the intersection. Flashing signals • The flashing red signal has the same meaning as the stop sign: Stop and do not go until you can enter the intersection without interfering with approaching traffic. • The flashing yellow or amber signal has the same meaning as a warning sign: Slow down and proceed with caution. • The flashing green signal means that facing traffic may turn left, go straight ahead, or turn right. Lane control signals Some traffic lanes are controlled by special lane-control signal lights. These are used on some commuter routes when the direction of heaviest traffic changes throughout the day. The lights are mounted directly over the lane that they control. Never drive in a lane under a red X signal, regardless of any other signs or signals. You may drive in lanes underneath a green signal, but you must obey all other signs and signals. Rules of the Road Traffic signs Traffic signs and pavement markings regulate the flow of traffic, warn you of conditions on the road ahead, and inform you about routes and distances. It is important to know the shapes of the signs and to understand their meanings. See Section 3 for informatio

FAQs

What does a green signal light mean for vehicles and pedestrians?

A green signal allows you to go when it is safe unless directed otherwise. You must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, including people in wheelchairs, and yield to other vehicles that could pose an immediate hazard.

What should you do when facing a yellow or amber signal light?

Stop before entering the intersection if you can stop safely. If you cannot stop safely, drive through the intersection cautiously.

Who has the right of way at intersections, including unmarked crosswalks?

At intersections without signals, pedestrians have the right of way in marked or unmarked crosswalks formed by imaginary lines. At signal-controlled intersections, pedestrians must follow the same signals as drivers in the same direction and should not start crossing on red or yellow.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Chloe Bennett