Traffic signals in Montana
The Montana Driver Manual shows or names everything on this page: 15 in all, on pages 30–31.
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Traffic Signal (Red, Yellow, Green)
Traffic signals are used to control drivers of vehicles and pedestrians at some intersections and mid-block crosswalks. Signals promote better movement of traffic on busy roads by assigning right of way.
Manual page 30
Signal Not Working (No Lights)
Generally, if a signal is not working, stop as you would if there were stop signs in all directions. Common courtesy says the driver who stops first should get to go first. However, stay cautious and be sure it is safe to proceed even when you are the first vehicle to reach the intersection.
Manual page 30
DONT WALK
If a DON'T WALK signal is showing or flashing, pedestrians must wait until a WALK signal appears before starting to cross the intersection. Pedestrians who are in the crosswalk when the DON'T WALK signal begins flashing should continue crossing the street.
Manual page 30
WALK
Pedestrians facing a WALK signal may start from the curb or sidewalk to cross the street.
Manual page 30
Upraised Orange Hand
An upheld orange hand means DON'T WALK.
Manual page 30
White Walking Person
A white pedestrian figure means WALK.
Manual page 30
Steady Red Light
A steady red signal means "STOP." Stop before a stop line on the pavement. If there is no stop line, stop before entering the nearest crosswalk or before entering the intersection if there is no crosswalk. When entering a two-way street, you may cautiously turn right after stopping. You may make the right turn unless a sign or police officer tells you not to turn against the red light. Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and traffic in the intersection. Look for pedestrians to the left, right, and ahead. When entering a one-way street from a one-way street, you may also turn left after stopping for the red light. Yield, if needed. Pedestrians facing a red light must not enter the street unless a pedestrian signal directs otherwise.
Manual page 30
Steady Red Left Arrow
A steady red arrow means "STOP." Stop and remain stopped except for allowed turns on red. (Review above)
Manual page 30
Flashing Red Light
A flashing red signal means the same as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop. Look to the left, right, and ahead, yield to traffic and pedestrians and proceed when it is safe to do so.
Manual page 30
Steady Yellow Light
A steady yellow signal means "CAUTION." Cautiously enter the intersection. The signal is about to turn red. Do not enter an intersection against a steady yellow light unless you are too close to stop safely. Pedestrians facing a yellow light must not start across the street unless a pedestrian signal directs otherwise.
Manual page 30
Steady Yellow Left Arrow
A steady yellow arrow means that the time to make a "protected" turn is about to end or stop. Vehicles making a turn should clear the intersection. Be prepared to obey the next signal, which could be an arrow with a green or red light.
Manual page 30
Flashing Yellow Left Arrow
A flashing yellow arrow means left turns are allowed, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic has a green light. You must determine if there is a safe gap before turning.
Manual page 30
Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing yellow signal means "PROCEED WITH CAUTION." It usually means you need to slow down.
Manual page 31
Steady Green Light
A steady green signal means "GO." Cautiously enter the intersection. Look both ways for oncoming traffic that may run the red light. Pedestrians facing a green light may cross the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, unless directed by other signs or pedestrian signal.
Manual page 31
Steady Green Left Arrow
A steady green arrow means that you have a "protected" turning movement. If there is no green arrow, left and right turning traffic is "unprotected" and must yield right of way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Manual page 31