Traffic signal arrows — Iowa Permit Test

Traffic signal arrows on the Iowa permit test — 4 rules, each with the reason behind it and a question on it while it is fresh.

The rules

At a steady red arrow, drivers turning in that direction must stop.

A red arrow is a red light just for your turn. Cars or people are crossing the path you would turn into.

Steady red arrow Drivers turning left or right must stop.

Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.11

A steady yellow arrow means the turn signal is about to turn red: do not enter if you can stop safely, but finish the turn if you are already in the intersection.

Stopping in the middle of a turn leaves you in the path of cross traffic. If you have started, finish the turn and get clear.

Complete your left or right turn if you are already within the intersection.

Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.11

At a flashing yellow arrow you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, because oncoming traffic has a green light.

Cars coming toward you are allowed to go straight at the same time. You must wait for a safe gap before you turn.

Oncoming traffic has a green light.

Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.11

At a steady green arrow you may make that turn while oncoming traffic must stop; drive only in the direction of the arrow.

A green arrow clears the path for your turn alone. Going straight would put you into lanes that are not stopped for you.

Do not go straight. Drive only in the direction of the arrow.

Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.11

On the test

You want to turn left and the signal shows a steady red arrow. What must you do?

Stop and do not make the turn. A red arrow is a red light just for your turn. Cars or people are crossing the path you would turn into. Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.11: “Steady red arrow Drivers turning left or right must stop.”

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Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against Iowa Driver's License Manual, published by the Iowa Department of Transportation, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-10-04.