How to Read Traffic Light Signals?
3 Answers
Traffic light signals are indicated as follows: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of through traffic or pedestrians; When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed; When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. Traffic lights are used to assign the right of way to vehicle drivers and pedestrians, regulating their movement and turns as traffic control facilities. They use red, yellow, and green lights, sometimes supplemented by audible signals, to indicate when vehicles and pedestrians should stop, pay attention, or proceed, and are installed at intersections or other necessary locations. At intersections where there are no separate bicycle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the indications of the vehicle traffic lights.
When we're driving on the road, traffic lights are actually quite intuitive: a red light means stop and wait—never run it, proceed slowly only after it turns green; a green light means safe passage, but don't just stomp on the accelerator—check left and right for pedestrians or traffic first; a yellow light is a warning signal indicating it's about to turn red—if you're close to the intersection or have just crossed the line, you may proceed cautiously, otherwise slow down and stop. The position of traffic lights is also crucial—in cities, they're usually installed vertically (red light at the top), while in a few places horizontally (red light on the left). Arrow signals indicate specific directions, such as a green arrow showing that turning left or right is safe. As a driver, I've noticed during my drives that in rainy weather or at night when light reflections are stronger, extra attention should be paid to signal changes—stay focused to avoid distractions and ensure driving safety.
When I first started learning to drive, I understood that observing traffic signals was a fundamental skill: a red light means you must stop and wait, a green light allows you to proceed but requires careful confirmation of the surroundings, and a yellow light requires judgment on whether to slow down and stop. The position of traffic signals varies by region, with vertical layouts commonly found at street intersections (red is always at the top), and horizontal arrangements placing the green light on the right. Arrow indicators are particularly important—for example, you can proceed when a straight green arrow is displayed, but you must wait for a clear direction when left or right arrows are shown. I make it a habit to observe the intersection in advance before the light turns green to avoid unexpected incidents. During practice, my instructor emphasized not to rush when the light changes, as rainy conditions with poor visibility can lead to misjudgment. Therefore, I always leave a buffer time when crossing intersections.
