Traffic Signals
Traffic signals (‘robots’ in South African usage) control right of way at intersections. Steady red = stop and wait; steady amber = prepare to stop (not ‘speed up’); steady green = proceed if clear, yielding to pedestrians lawfully still crossing.
Flashing signals change the rule: a flashing red disc is treated like a Stop Sign — stop fully, then proceed when safe; a flashing amber means proceed with caution without stopping. A green arrow permits movement only in the arrow’s direction; a red arrow forbids that movement even when the main signal is green. A traffic officer’s directions override all signals. This sub-topic connects to Right of Way.
Ontology Traffic Signals [part-of] Road Signs Signals and Markings Traffic Signals [relates] Right of Way
Learning objective
Know the meaning of steady and flashing traffic-signal colours and arrows, and the correct response.
Question patterns
- What does a flashing red robot mean?
- What does amber mean?
- What does a green arrow permit?
Common mistakes
- Thinking amber means ‘speed up to beat the light’
- Driving through a flashing red instead of stopping
Connections
- Right of Way — relates, source: 2026-06-28
- Stop Sign — relates, source: 2026-06-28
- Arrive Alive — derived_from_source, source: 2026-06-28