Traffic signals in New York
The New York State Driver's Manual shows or names everything on this page: 10 in all, on pages 30–31, 61.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Traffic light
Traffic lights are normally red, yellow and green from the top to bottom or left to right. At some intersections, there are lone red, yellow or green lights. Some traffic lights are steady, others flash. Some are round, and some are arrows. State law requires that if the traffic lights or controls are out of service or do not operate correctly when you approach an intersection, you must come to a stop as you would for a stop sign. You must then continue according to the rules of right-of-way, unless you are told to continue by a traffic officer.
Manual page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
STEADY RED
Stop. Do not go until the light is green. If a green arrow is shown with the red light, you can go only toward the arrow and only if the intersection is clear.
Manual page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
FLASHING RED
Means the same as a STOP sign: Stop, yield the right-of-way, and go when it is safe.
Manual page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
RED ARROW
Do not go in the direction of the arrow until the red arrow light is off and a green light or arrow light goes on. A right or left turn on red is not permitted at a red arrow.
Manual page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
STEADY YELLOW
Be prepared to stop. A steady yellow light means the traffic signal is about to turn red.
Manual page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
YELLOW ARROW
The protection of a green arrow will end. If you intend to turn in the direction of the arrow, be prepared to stop.
Manual page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
STEADY GREEN
Go, but yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection as required by law (see Chapter 5).
Manual page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
GREEN ARROW
You can go in the direction of the arrow, but you must yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection as required by law (see Chapter 5).
Manual page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
Railroad crossing signals
Flashing red lights, lowered crossing gates and/or a bell at a railroad crossing indicate that you must stop, at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks. Do not go across the tracks until the lights and bell have stopped and the crossing gates are completely up. Do not drive around or under a gate that is moving up or down.
Manual page 61 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 61)