Traffic signals in Maryland
The Maryland Driver’s Manual shows or names everything on this page: 22 in all, on pages 17–19.
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Steady Red Light
Come to a complete stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk and before entering the intersection. Remain stopped as long as the signal is red. Unless a sign prohibits turning on red, after coming to a complete stop, you may: Turn right, or Turn left from a one-way street to another one-way street. When turning on a red signal, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and all other traffic.
Manual page 17
Steady Yellow Light
This means that the signal is changing from green to red. It gives you time to stop safely. It also provides time for vehicles already in the intersection to get through the intersection before the signal turns red. If you are too close to the intersection to stop safely, carefully continue through the intersection.
Manual page 17
Steady Green Light
Proceed with caution after you have checked first to see that no other vehicles are in the intersection. This means be careful and pay close attention. When it is safe to proceed, you may enter the intersection to go straight-ahead or turn unless a sign or another signal prohibits the turn. You must yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
Manual page 17
Signal Not Working (No Lights)
You must stop at a clearly marked stop line. ... If there is no clearly marked stop line, you must stop before entering a crosswalk. If there is no clearly marked stop line or crosswalk, you must stop before entering the intersection. You must yield to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection, and remain stopped until it is safe to enter and continue through the intersection.
Manual page 17
Steady Red Arrow
If you want to go in the direction the arrow is pointing to, come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. Remain stopped as long as the arrow signal is red.
Manual page 18
Steady Yellow Arrow
This means that permission to turn in the direction of the arrow is ending. You should slow down and proceed with caution.
Manual page 18
Steady Green Arrow
Proceed with caution in the direction the arrow points. Remember that you must yield to all pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
Manual page 18
Flashing Red Light
Come to a complete stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk and before entering the intersection. Yield to all other traffic and pedestrians. Proceed when the way is clear. If a flashing red signal is located at a railroad crossing, you must come to a complete stop, even if you do not see a train. Proceed when the flashing red signal stops and the way is clear.
Manual page 18
Flashing Yellow Light
You must slow down and proceed with caution.
Manual page 18
Flashing Red Arrow
Come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. Yield to all other traffic and pedestrians. Proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear.
Manual page 18
Lane Signal: Steady Red X
You must never drive in a lane under a red “X” signal.
Manual page 18
Lane Signal: Green Arrow
You may drive in a lane under a green arrow signal.
Manual page 18
Lane Signal: Steady Yellow X
A steady yellow “X” signal means you should move out of the lane as soon as you safely can.
Manual page 18
Lane Signal: Flashing Yellow X
A flashing yellow “X” signal or two-way left-turn arrows mean you can use the lane for a left turn. You will likely be sharing the lane with left-turning vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Manual page 18
Pedestrian Signal: Steady Orange Hand
Stop. Push button to cross. / Wait! / Continue to wait. / Stop. Traffic has started moving.
Manual page 19
Pedestrian Signal: Walking Person
Look both ways. Start crossing after traffic has stopped.
Manual page 19
Pedestrian Signal: Flashing Hand with Countdown
Don’t start. Finish crossing if started.
Manual page 19
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (Dark)
Go. / Proceed with caution.
Manual page 19
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon: Flashing Yellow
Flashing yellow. Slow down.
Manual page 19
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon: Solid Yellow
Solid yellow. Get ready to stop.
Manual page 19
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon: Solid Red
Solid red. Stop!
Manual page 19
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon: Flashing Red
Flashing red. Stop. Proceed with caution.
Manual page 19