Traffic signals in Illinois
The Illinois Rules of the Road shows or names everything on this page: 18 in all, on pages 77–78.
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Red Light
Red Light — Stop at the marked stop line. If there is no marked stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Do not go until the light is green and the intersection is clear. You may turn right at a red light unless there is a sign prohibiting it. You also may turn left at a red light when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street that has traffic moving to the left. In both instances, come to a complete stop and yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning.
Manual page 77
Yellow Light
Yellow Light — The yellow light warns that the signal is changing from green to red. When the red light appears, do not enter the intersection.
Manual page 77
Green Light
Green Light — You may go after yielding the right of way to any pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection or crosswalk.
Manual page 77
Flashing Red
Flashing Red — You must stop, yield the right of way to traffic within the intersection or crosswalk, and proceed when safe. This light is used at intersections when a stop sign alone is hard to see or where additional emphasis on the stop sign is needed. It is also used at railroad crossings to warn of approaching trains.
Manual page 77
Flashing Yellow
Flashing Yellow — Proceed into the intersection with caution.
Manual page 77
Signal Not Working (Dark)
When traffic control signals are not working, you must always treat the intersection as an all-way stop by coming to a complete stop, unless directed otherwise by law enforcement. You must then look and yield the right of way before entering an intersection.
Manual page 77
Red Arrow
The constantly lit red arrow means you cannot make the movement shown by the arrow until a green arrow appears. There are two exceptions. You may make a right turn at a red arrow. You also may make a left turn at a red arrow when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street that has traffic moving to the left. In both instances, come to a complete stop and yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.
Manual page 78
Yellow Arrow
The constantly lit yellow arrow means the green arrow is ending or the light is about to turn red.
Manual page 78
Flashing Yellow Arrow
The flashing yellow arrow means you may turn in the direction the arrow is pointed after yielding the right of way to any pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection or crosswalk.
Manual page 78
Green Arrow
When the arrow is pointed upward, you may go straight ahead only. When the arrow is pointed to the right, you may turn to the right. When the arrow is pointed to the left, you may turn to the left.
Manual page 78
WALK
If you are facing the signal, you may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal.
Manual page 78
Flashing DON'T WALK
Do not start to enter the roadway. If you have partially completed crossing during the constantly lit walk signal, you may continue to a sidewalk or safety island.
Manual page 78
DON'T WALK
Do not enter the roadway.
Manual page 78
Steady Upraised Hand
Do not cross unless directed by a pedestrian control sign or police officer.
Manual page 78
Red X
Never drive in this lane when the red “X” is displayed.
Manual page 78
Yellow X
This indicates the lane signal is going to change to red. Leave this lane safely before the red “X” appears.
Manual page 78
Flashing Yellow Lane Signal
This indicates the lane may be used for approaching and making a left turn.
Manual page 78
Green Arrow (Lane Signal)
This indicates lanes may be used, but all other signs and signals must be obeyed.
Manual page 78