Virginia Driver’s Manual - Section 2 - Traffic signals, signs and pavement markings

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Kyle

Section 2 explains how traffic control devices—traffic signals, traffic signs, and pavement markings—manage roadway movement and why drivers must understand and obey them. It details rules for common signal colors and arrows, including red, yellow, green, flashing red, and flashing yellow cases, plus red/left/right turn restrictions and required yields to pedestrians and other traffic. It also covers out-of-service signals, lane-use signals, red X and yellow X markings, and how Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) sequence stop and walk indications.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Traffic signals, signs and pavement markings

Traffic control purpose and legal obedience

Traffic signals by color and arrow

Lane use signals and markings

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs)

Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings In this section you’ll learn about: 􀀗 Traffic signals 􀀗 Traffic signs 􀀗 Pavement markings 􀀗 Painted curbs Traffic signals, signs and pavement markings are used for traffic control to provide a smooth, orderly flow of traffic. It is important to understand and obey them. It is illegal to avoid these traffic controls by cutting through a parking lot or field. Obey all signs and signals unless directed by a police officer; always follow the officer’s direction. Traffic Signals Traffic signals apply to drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, moped-riders and pedestrians. Red light: At a red light, come to a complete stop at the stop line or, if there is no stop line, before entering the intersection or before reaching the crosswalk. Remain stopped as long as the signal is red, unless turns are allowed. Right turn on red: You may turn right while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. You may not turn right on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read “No Turn on Red,” or if a red arrow pointing to the right is displayed. Left turn on red: You may turn left at a red light if you are on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. You may not turn left on red if signs are posted atthe intersection that read “No Turn on Red,” or if a red arrow pointing to the left is displayed. Red arrow: A red arrow means you must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow. You may not proceed in the direction of the arrow as long as the red arrow is displayed, unless signs are posted atthe intersection that read “Right on Red Arrow After Stop” or “Left on Red Arrow After Stop.”Virginia law prohibits right and left turns at red arrow lights. Note: If you are traveling in another state, make sure you know its laws for right and left turns at red and red arrow lights. Flashing red light: At a flashing red light, come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. You may go when the way is clear. At a railroad crossing, you must come to a complete stop even if you don’t see a train. Flashing red arrow: At a flashing red arrow, come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection, and proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear. Yellow light or arrow: A yellow light or arrow are cautions warning that the light is about to change. If you have not entered the intersection, stop; or, if unsafe to stop, cautiously go through it. If you are already in the intersection, go through it cautiously. Do not speed up to beat the light. Flashing yellow light: A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. Flashing yellow lights are at locations with higher-than-normal hazardous conditions. Flashing yellow arrow: At a flashing yellow arrow, you may turn in the direction of the arrow, if the way is clear. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. Ifa traffic light changes from red to flashing yellow arrow while a pedestrian is in the intersection, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning. V I R G I N I A D R I V E R’ S M A N U A L | 5 Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings Green light or arrow: At a green light, you may go if the way is clear. At a green arrow, you ma

FAQs

What should drivers do when approaching traffic signals and pavement markings?

Drivers must obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings and follow them to maintain an orderly flow of traffic. It is illegal to bypass traffic controls by driving through places like parking lots or fields.

When is a right turn on red allowed or not allowed?

A right turn on red is allowed while the signal shows red, but only after a complete stop and after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. It is not allowed where signs read “No Turn on Red” or where a red right arrow is displayed.

How do Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) work at crosswalks?

A yellow light flashes when a pedestrian activates the PHB, then turns solid for drivers to prepare to stop. When the walk signal appears, two red lights turn solid and drivers must stop; later, the red lights alternate while the walk countdown occurs, allowing drivers to proceed only if the crosswalk is clear.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Kyle