Traffic Signals Regulations

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Questions and Answers

What should you do when approaching a railroad crossing with flashing lights?

Stop when the lights begin to flash and remain stopped until they stop. (correct)

Continue driving if no train is visible.

Carefully drive around the lowered gate.

Speed up to cross before the gate lowers.

What should a driver do at a flashing red arrow?

Only yield to pedestrians, not vehicles.

Proceed without stopping if the way is clear.

Slow down and prepare to turn.

Come to a complete stop and yield to other vehicles and pedestrians. (correct)

When navigating a sharp right turn, what action should be taken?

Slow down and prepare for a right turn. (correct)

Accelerate to maintain speed.

Use the horn to warn other drivers.

Shift into a lower gear for more control.

What does a yellow light or arrow signify for drivers?

Prepare to stop as the light is about to change. Signup and view all the answers

What does pavement marking consisting of an X and RR indicate?

Approach to a railroad crossing. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if there is not enough room to clear the tracks before crossing?

Never start across the tracks. Signup and view all the answers

What action is illegal concerning traffic control signals?

Cutting through a parking lot to avoid a signal. Signup and view all the answers

How should drivers react to potential curves in the road ahead?

Slow down and prepare for the curves. Signup and view all the answers

When encountering a flashing yellow light, what should a driver do?

Slow down and proceed with caution. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are already in an intersection when the light turns yellow?

Cautiously proceed through the intersection. Signup and view all the answers

What do yellow center lines signify?

Two-way traffic Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is passing allowed on broken yellow center lines?

When the way ahead is clear Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dotted white lines?

To show lane assignment and guide turning lanes Signup and view all the answers

What do solid white lines signify?

Show turn lanes and discourage lane changes Signup and view all the answers

What should a driver do on an unmarked two-lane road when passing a slow vehicle?

Ensure there are no signs prohibiting passing and check for clarity Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended hand position on the steering wheel while driving?

8 o'clock and 4 o'clock Signup and view all the answers

How should you hold the steering wheel for optimal control?

With fingers and thumbs only, avoiding the palms Signup and view all the answers

What should you focus on to maintain a safe driving environment?

Maintaining a space cushion around your vehicle Signup and view all the answers

When changing lanes, what is an important step you should take?

Always signal your intentions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for searching and being aware of blind spots while driving?

To ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists Signup and view all the answers

What does a solid yellow line indicate regarding passing vehicles?

Vehicles may only cross the line to pass if the opposite lane is clear. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a lane is marked with both a curved and a straight arrow?

Drivers may either turn or continue straight. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of white lane arrows?

To show which turns may be made from the lane. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding double solid yellow lines?

They indicate the center of the road and separate opposing traffic. Signup and view all the answers

When can vehicles cross a solid yellow line?

To pass pedestrians or cyclists when the opposite lane is clear. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Traffic Signals

Drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, moped riders and pedestrians must obey traffic signals
A red light requires a complete stop at the stop line, or if no stop line is present, before entering the intersection or reaching the crosswalk.
Remain stopped until the light changes, unless turns are allowed.
A yellow light or arrow indicates the light is about to change. If you have not entered the intersection, stop. If you are already in the intersection, proceed with caution.
Do not speed up to beat the light.
A flashing yellow light requires slowing down and proceeding with caution.
Flashing yellow lights are typically located in areas with hazardous conditions.
A flashing red arrow requires a complete stop, yielding the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection before proceeding in the direction of the arrow when safe.
A flashing yellow arrow allows turning in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. Be alert for vehicles entering the roadway.

Railroad Crossings

Railroad crossings use crossbucks, flashing lights, and gates for safety.
Stop at the crossing when the lights flash and before the gate lowers.
Wait until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing before proceeding.
Never attempt to drive around a lowered gate.
When approaching railroad tracks, be alert for approaching trains.
Trains may approach the crossing at any time from either direction.
Never start across tracks unless your vehicle can clear the tracks entirely.
Ensure there is room for your vehicle on the other side of the tracks before proceeding.

Lane Markings

Yellow center lines indicate two-way traffic, flowing in opposite directions.
Broken yellow center lines permit passing on the left in either direction, when safe.
A solid white line indicates turn lanes and discourages lane changes near intersections, interchange/on and off ramps, and at other locations where lane changes might be dangerous.
A broken yellow line next to a solid yellow line allows passing only from the broken line side.
Double solid yellow lines mark the center of the road and separate opposing traffic. Passing is not allowed in either direction.
Dotted white lines indicate lane assignment in intersections and interchanges, often guiding two turning lanes.
Dotted white lines also denote the opening of a turn lane at an intersection and entrance/exit lanes at interchanges.

Hand Position

Sit straight but relaxed, place your hands at 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions on the steering wheel.
Hold the wheel with your fingers and thumbs; avoid gripping with your palms.

Other Important Points

It is illegal to avoid traffic control devices by cutting through parking lots or fields.
Always follow the directions of a police officer regardless of other signs or signals.
Many two-lane roads in Virginia may not have lane markings; it is permitted to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the left if there are no signs prohibiting it.
Be sure the way is clear before passing a slow-moving vehicle.
White lane arrows indicate the direction of turns. A curved arrow or curved arrow with “ONLY” requires a turn in the direction of the arrow. A curved arrow with a straight arrow allows both turning and going straight.
Motorists must obey Virginia’s traffic laws, and ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

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Description

This quiz covers essential rules regarding traffic signals for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Understand the implications of different light colors, including red, yellow, and flashing signals. Test your knowledge on safe practices at intersections and when to yield the right-of-way.