Michigan DMV Permit Test: Traffic Signals, Pavement Markings, and Michigan Lefts Concepts
Importance ★★★★★ · 20% (estimate)
Overview
In Michigan the red light is at the top of a traffic signal. A steady yellow light means red is coming and you must stop if you can do so safely. A flashing red light works like a STOP sign, and a flashing yellow light means go ahead carefully. If a signal is not working, stop completely and yield to vehicles already at the intersection.
Left turns are often controlled by arrows. A steady green arrow gives a protected turn because oncoming traffic is stopped. A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and people crossing. A solid yellow arrow warns that the turn signal is about to turn red.
Pavement markings are white or yellow. White lines separate lanes going the same way and mark the right edge of the road, while yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. You may pass across a broken yellow line when it is safe, but not across a solid yellow line on your side. A center lane marked with solid and broken yellow lines is only for left turns.
A Michigan Left replaces the normal left turn at some divided highways. Instead of turning left at the intersection, you go straight through and turn left into a median crossover, or turn right and then make a U-turn at a crossover.
Key concepts
Flashing red
Come to a full stop, then go when the road is clear, just as at a STOP sign.
Memory tipFlashing red = STOP sign.
Flashing yellow
Proceed carefully through the intersection, scanning traffic in both directions.
Memory tipFlashing yellow = slow down and look.
Flashing yellow arrow
You may turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic, which has a green light, and to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Memory tipFlashing yellow arrow: your turn is not protected.
Steady green arrow
Oncoming traffic is stopped, so the turn is protected. Go in the arrow's direction, but still yield to pedestrians.
Memory tipGreen arrow: protected, but watch the crosswalk.
Yellow and white lines
Yellow lines separate opposite directions; white lines separate lanes going the same way and mark the right road edge. Do not cross a solid yellow line on your side to pass.
Memory tipYellow = opposite ways. White = same way.
Center left-turn lane
Marked by a solid yellow line on each outer edge and broken yellow lines inside. Used only for left turns from either direction; passing or merging in it is illegal.
Memory tipMiddle lane with solid and broken yellow: turn only.
Michigan Left
An indirect left turn. Drive straight past the intersection and turn left into the median crossover, or turn right first and then U-turn at a crossover.
Memory tipGo past, turn around in the median, come back.
See it in a picture
Often tested
- The red light is at the top of the signal.
- On steady yellow, stop if you can do it safely; never speed up.
- A flashing yellow arrow means yield before turning left.
- A solid yellow line on your side means no passing.
- A double solid white line means same direction, but do not cross.
- Bicycle lanes may not be used for driving, passing, right turns, or parking.
Easy to confuse: Left-turn arrows
| Arrow | What it tells you | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady green | Oncoming traffic is stopped | Turn with caution; yield to pedestrians |
| Flashing yellow | Oncoming traffic has a green light | Yield, then turn when there is a safe gap |
| Solid yellow | The arrow is about to turn red | Stop if approaching; finish if already in and clear |
| Solid red | Turning is not allowed now | Stop; wait until the signal changes |
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. What does a steady yellow light mean?
- ① The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely
- ② Speed up to get through before it turns red
- ③ Stop only if a police officer is present
- ④ Keep going; yellow is part of the green phase
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Answer: ① The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely
Key point: Steady yellow: red is next; stop if you safely can
A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red. You are required to stop if you can do it safely. If you cannot stop safely, do not speed up; drive cautiously through the intersection.
Wrong choices
- Speed up to get through before it turns red: Speeding up on yellow is unsafe. Stop if you can, or go through carefully if you cannot stop safely.
- Stop only if a police officer is present: The rule applies whether or not police are there.
- Keep going; yellow is part of the green phase: Yellow warns that red is coming, and you are required to stop if you safely can.
Question 2. Which signal must you treat the same way as a STOP sign?
- ① A steady yellow arrow
- ② A flashing yellow light
- ③ A flashing red light
- ④ A steady green arrow
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Answer: ③ A flashing red light
Key point: Flashing red = STOP sign: full stop, go when clear
A flashing red light means come to a full stop, then go when the road is clear, just as at a STOP sign.
Wrong choices
- A steady yellow arrow: A yellow arrow warns that red is coming.
- A flashing yellow light: Flashing yellow means go ahead carefully; no stop is required.
- A steady green arrow: A green arrow lets you go in its direction.
Question 3. Your light at an intersection is flashing yellow. What should you do?
- ① Go ahead carefully, checking traffic in both directions
- ② Speed up, because red is coming next
- ③ Turn around, because the intersection is closed
- ④ Stop and wait for the light to turn green
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Answer: ① Go ahead carefully, checking traffic in both directions
Key point: Flashing yellow: slow down and go carefully
A flashing yellow light means proceed carefully through the intersection. Scan across traffic in both directions and be ready to yield.
Wrong choices
- Speed up, because red is coming next: Flashing yellow is not about to change; it means go with care.
- Turn around, because the intersection is closed: The intersection is open; you just need to be careful.
- Stop and wait for the light to turn green: Flashing yellow does not require a stop; it calls for care.
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