New York permit test: traffic signals

Steady and flashing lights, arrows, pedestrian signals and lane-use signals. 5 questions.

Question 1 of 5
Traffic signalsNew York rule

You approach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working. What does New York law require?

Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.

Sample traffic signals questions

  1. You approach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working. What does New York law require?

    • A Drive through carefully without stopping
    • B Treat it as a yield sign and slow down
    • C Wait until the lights start working again
    • D Stop as you would for a STOP sign, then follow right-of-way rules
    Show answer

    D. Stop as you would for a STOP sign, then follow right-of-way rules

    If traffic lights are out of service or not working correctly, New York law requires you to stop as at a STOP sign. Then go according to right-of-way rules, unless a traffic officer directs you.

    Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 30

  2. You are stopped at a red light in Manhattan and want to turn right. There are no signs about turning on red. What should you do?

    • A Turn right after coming to a full stop and yielding
    • B Wait for the green; right turns on red are not allowed in NYC unless a sign permits it
    • C Turn right without stopping if no one is coming
    • D Turn right only if a pedestrian signals you to go
    Show answer

    B. Wait for the green; right turns on red are not allowed in NYC unless a sign permits it

    Outside New York City, you may turn right on red after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it. In New York City the rule is reversed: turning on red is not allowed unless a sign permits it.

    Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 31

  3. Outside New York City, when may you make a LEFT turn on a steady red light?

    • A When turning from a one-way road onto another one-way road, after stopping and yielding
    • B Never; left turns on red are always illegal
    • C Whenever no oncoming traffic is visible
    • D From a two-way road onto a one-way road
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    A. When turning from a one-way road onto another one-way road, after stopping and yielding

    New York permits a left turn on red only from a one-way road onto another one-way road, after a full stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians. It is not allowed where signs prohibit it, or in NYC unless a sign permits it.

    Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 31

  4. What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

    • A The same as a STOP sign: stop, yield, and go when it is safe
    • B Slow down and proceed with caution
    • C The light is about to turn green
    • D Stop only if other vehicles are present
    Show answer

    A. The same as a STOP sign: stop, yield, and go when it is safe

    A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign. Stop completely, yield the right-of-way, and go only when it is safe.

    Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 31