Traffic signs

A flashing yellow light indicates that drivers should slow down and proceed with caution without coming to a complete stop.. A flashing yellow light alerts drivers to slow down, remain alert, and proceed through the intersection with caution without needing to come to a complete stop.

When a traffic signal is not working, California law requires drivers to treat the intersection as an all-way stop to prevent collisions. Treating it as a yield sign or a green light is incorrect and highly dangerous, as other drivers will also be attempting to navigate the intersection.

A solid yellow center line is used to indicate that passing is unsafe due to limited visibility or road conditions. A diagram for this topic isn't available yet — the worked example below walks the same reasoning step by step.

• !Many people mistakenly believe they can pass if the road seems clear, but this is incorrect as the solid yellow line is in place to protect against potential hazards that may not be immediately visible.
• !Many people confuse the meaning of flashing yellow and flashing red lights, mistakenly believing that a flashing yellow light requires a complete stop. However, the correct response to a flashing yellow light is to slow down and proceed with caution.
• !Many people confuse the meaning of a red arrow signal with that of a standard red light or a yield sign, leading them to believe they can turn after stopping or yield to oncoming traffic.
• !Option A is incorrect because a complete stop is required for a flashing red light, not a flashing yellow light.
• !This differs from a standard red light where right turns are often permitted, so options like turning carefully or yielding are incorrect.

Answer each from memory — you'll see instantly whether you're right and why.

Run a focused 10-question mini-mock on Traffic signs and see it stick.