Yellow traffic signals — South Dakota Permit Test

Yellow traffic signals on the South Dakota permit test — 5 rules, each with the reason behind it and a question on it while it is fresh.

The rules

A steady yellow light means the light is about to change to red, and you must stop if it is safe to do so.

Speeding up to beat a yellow is how drivers end up in the middle of the crossing on red.

A steady YELLOW traffic light means the traffic light is about to change to red.

South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.32

If you are already in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop; continue through the intersection.

A car that stops in the middle of the crossing is left sitting in the path of cross traffic.

If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop but continue through the intersection.

South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.32

A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution.

Driving through a flashing yellow at full speed leaves no time if a car pulls out from the side.

A flashing YELLOW traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution.

South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.32

A yellow arrow means the protection of a green arrow is ending; if turning that way, prepare to stop and give the right-of-way to oncoming traffic before turning.

A driver who keeps turning as the arrow ends meets oncoming cars that now have a green light.

A YELLOW arrow means that the protection of a green arrow is ending.

South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.32

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means you may cautiously enter the intersection and turn when it is safe, after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, who have a green light.

Taking a flashing yellow arrow as a protected turn puts you across the path of oncoming cars on green.

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.

South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.32

On the test

What must you do when a steady yellow light comes on as you approach?

Stop if it is safe to do so. Speeding up to beat a yellow is how drivers end up in the middle of the crossing on red. South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.32: “A steady YELLOW traffic light means the traffic light is about to change to red.”

How this works

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Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against South Dakota Driver License Manual, published by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-10-04.