Traffic signals in South Dakota
The South Dakota Driver License Manual shows or names everything on this page: 15 in all, on pages 31–32.
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Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)
The pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy or higher-speed roadways at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections. The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The lenses remain "dark" until a pedestrian desiring to cross the street pushes the call button to activate the beacon. The signal then initiates a yellow to red lighting sequence consisting of steady and flashing lights that direct motorists to slow and come to a stop. The pedestrian signal then flashes a 'WALK' display to the pedestrian. Once the pedestrian has safely crossed, the hybrid beacon goes dark again.
Manual page 31
Pedestrian WALK Display
The pedestrian signal then flashes a 'WALK' display to the pedestrian.
Manual page 31
Traffic Signal Lights (Red, Yellow, Green)
Traffic signals are lights that tell you when or where you should stop, slow down, and go. Traffic lights are usually at intersections and are red, yellow, and green from top to bottom.
Manual page 32
Steady Red Light
A steady RED traffic light means come to a complete stop. This device is to alert you of the red light and that you must stop. You must wait until the traffic light turns green and there is no crossing traffic before you may proceed. If you are turning right, you may turn after coming to a complete stop if it is safe to do so and if there is no sign prohibiting turning on a red light. Be careful of pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle. When turning on red, stop first, yield to all traffic including pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars before proceeding safely and staying in your lane.
Manual page 32
Flashing Red Light
A flashing RED traffic light means the same as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop and then may go when it is safe to do so.
Manual page 32
Red Arrow
A RED arrow means you must stop and that you cannot go in the direction of the arrow. You may proceed when the red arrow goes out and a green arrow or light comes on.
Manual page 32
Steady Yellow Light
A steady YELLOW traffic light means the traffic light is about to change to red. You must stop if it is safe to do so. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop but continue through the intersection.
Manual page 32
Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing YELLOW traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution.
Manual page 32
Yellow Arrow
A YELLOW arrow means that the protection of a green arrow is ending. If you are turning in the direction of the arrow, you should prepare to stop and give the right-of-way to oncoming traffic before turning.
Manual page 32
Flashing Yellow Arrow
If you are turning left, a flashing YELLOW arrow traffic light means you may cautiously enter the intersection to make the turn indicated by the arrow when it is safe to do so after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic will have a green light.
Manual page 32
Steady Green Light
A steady GREEN traffic light means you can go through the intersection, but you must yield to emergency vehicles and others as required by law. If you are stopped and then the light turns green, you must allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection before you proceed. If turning left, a steady green traffic light means you may turn, but only when safe to do so. Oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. Be alert for signs that prohibit left turns. When turning right or left, watch for pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle.
Manual page 32
Green Arrow
A GREEN arrow means you can safely turn in the direction of the arrow. There should be no oncoming or crossing traffic while the arrow is green
Manual page 32
Horizontal Traffic Signal (Red, Yellow, Green)
In some metropolitan areas, traffic lights are horizontal, instead of vertical, and the red light is on the left, the yellow light is in the middle, and the green light is on the right.
Manual page 32
Single-Color Traffic Light
There are some intersections and other locations where there are single green, yellow, or red lights.
Manual page 32
Signal Out of Operation (Unlit)
If a traffic control signal is out of operation or is not functioning properly, the vehicle facing a: 1. Green signal may proceed with caution as indicated in South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 32-28-2; 2. Yellow signal may proceed with caution as indicated in SDCL 32-28-3; 3. Red or completely unlighted traffic signal shall stop in the same manner as if the vehicle were at a stop sign.
Manual page 32