Traffic lights — Rhode Island Permit Test

At a steady red light, stop before the crosswalk and wait for green, unless a green arrow lets you go.

A car that stops in the crosswalk blocks the people crossing with the walk signal.

Steady Red Light: Stop before reaching the crosswalk and wait until the light is green (unless another light such as a green arrow directs you otherwise).

A steady yellow light tells you a red light is next; slow down, and proceed with caution if you cannot stop safely.

A driver who speeds up at yellow is still in the intersection when cross traffic gets green.

Steady Yellow Light: A yellow light tells a driver that a red light is next.

At a steady green light you may go, but with caution, to avoid hitting another vehicle or a pedestrian.

A green light does not clear a late walker or a car still turning out of the intersection.

Steady Green Light: You may proceed with caution to avoid colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian.

At a flashing yellow light, slow down, cover the brake, then proceed with caution.

Flashing yellows guard spots where hazards appear, such as hidden driveways or a school.

Flashing Yellow Light: Slow down, cover the brake, then proceed with caution.

At a flashing red light you must make a full stop and yield to vehicles on your right and left; treat it as a stop sign.

Cross traffic may have no signal at all and will not stop for you.

Flashing Red Light: When nearing a flashing red traffic light, you must make a full stop and yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on your right and left.

At a steady red light, where should you stop?

Before the crosswalk. A car that stops in the crosswalk blocks the people crossing with the walk signal. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.41: “Steady Red Light: Stop before reaching the crosswalk and wait until the light is green (unless another light such as a green arrow directs you otherwise).”