New York DMV Permit Test Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings Summary

A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and go when it is safe.

Wrong choices

• Slow down and go on with care: That is what a flashing yellow light means.
• Stop only if traffic is coming: You must stop every time at a flashing red light.
• Wait until the light turns green: A flashing red light does not turn green. Treat it like a stop sign.

A steady yellow light means the light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely. If you are too close to stop safely, go through with care.

Wrong choices

• Speed up to get through before it turns red: Speeding up to beat the red light is dangerous.
• You have the right of way over all traffic: A yellow light does not give you the right of way.
• The signal is broken and you should treat it as a stop sign: A steady yellow is a normal signal change.

Directions from a police officer come before traffic lights, signs, and pavement markings. Always obey the officer.

Wrong choices

• The traffic light: An officer's directions come before signals and signs.
• Whichever one lets you go first: You must obey the officer even if the light says something different.
• The driver who arrived first: Arrival order does not matter when an officer is directing traffic.

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means you may not pass. Stay in your lane.

Wrong choices

• You may pass when it is safe: A solid line on your side means passing is not allowed.
• You may pass only trucks: The rule is the same for all vehicles.
• You may pass only during the day: The rule applies day and night.

A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. You do not have to stop, but watch carefully for traffic and pedestrians.

Wrong choices

• Stop completely before going on: That is what a flashing red light means.
• Speed up before the light turns red: A flashing yellow light warns you to be careful, not to hurry.
• Turn around and take another road: There is no need to turn around. Just go carefully.

Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes moving in the same direction and mark the right edge of the road.

Wrong choices

• In the same direction: Lanes going the same way are separated by white lines.
• Into parking spaces: Parking spaces are usually marked with white lines.
• Into bus and bike lanes only: Special lanes have their own markings and signs.

A green arrow means you may go in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic should be stopped, but you must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.

Wrong choices

• You may turn left only after oncoming traffic clears: With a green arrow, oncoming traffic should be stopped by a red light.
• You must wait for a steady green light before turning: The green arrow already lets you turn.
• You may go straight or turn left: The arrow allows only the direction it points.

In New York City, a right turn on a red light is not allowed unless a sign permits it. Outside New York City, a right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it.

Wrong choices

• Yes, after a full stop, if the way is clear: That is the rule in the rest of the state, but not in New York City.
• Yes, if you only slow down and check for traffic: You must never turn on red without a full stop, and in NYC it needs a sign.
• Yes, but only between midnight and 6 a.m.: There is no such time rule in New York City.

With a solid and a broken yellow line together, look at the line on your side. A broken line on your side means you may pass when it is safe. The driver with the solid line on their side may not pass.

Wrong choices

• Neither driver may pass: That is what two solid yellow lines mean.
• The other driver may pass; you may not: It is the other way around. The broken line is on your side.
• Both drivers may pass at any time: The driver next to the solid line may not pass.

If the traffic lights are not working, come to a full stop and treat the intersection like an all-way (four-way) stop. Go only when it is your turn and it is safe.

Wrong choices

• Go through if you are on the bigger road: The bigger road does not get the right of way when the lights are out.
• Slow down and go on like a yellow light: You must stop, not just slow down.
• Honk and go through without stopping: Honking does not give you the right of way.