How to Understand Road Traffic Signals?

[Boromir]

Traffic signals are divided into two types: arrow indicator lights and circular lights. When the circular light is red, going straight and turning left are prohibited, but turning right is allowed; when the circular light is green, you can go straight or turn left or right. For arrow indicator lights, follow the direction indicated by the arrow. Below is additional information: Straight intersections: Straight intersections only use one set of traffic lights. When the light is red, going straight stops, and when the light is green, going straight is allowed. For intersections where U-turns are permitted, U-turns can be made on both red and green lights, but some places may specifically mark U-turns during red lights for safety reasons. In such cases, U-turns can only be made when the light is red. T-intersections: T-intersections generally include three scenarios, represented below as types A, B, and C.

[RobertLee]

When I first started learning to drive, I was really nervous about traffic lights. You must stop completely behind the stop line at a red light, and only start moving when it turns green, but be careful not to block traffic ahead. Never try to rush through a yellow light, as it's very easy to cause an accident. Sometimes there are arrow lights at intersections—you can't turn left if the left-turn arrow isn't lit, and don't turn when the straight-ahead light is on. Pay attention to the color changes of the traffic lights when approaching an intersection, slow down in advance, and don't wait until the light changes to brake. When stopping, it's best to leave some distance from the car in front to prevent rolling or rear-end collisions. Beginners need more practice—developing the habit of watching traffic lights is the first step to safety.

[DelMax]

I walk to and from work every day, and I always pay attention to traffic lights when crossing the street. I wait patiently at red lights and only cross at green lights, but I have to watch out for right-turning vehicles, which can turn right even when the light is green and often don't use their turn signals. Even when the light is green, I still look left and right to check for any cars running red lights. Never look down at your phone while crossing the street, especially during rainy days or at night, as drivers have poor visibility and may easily hit pedestrians. Sometimes when traffic lights malfunction, I observe the movements of other pedestrians or look for traffic police hand signals—safety is the top priority. Using overpasses or underground passages is the safest option. On some road sections, the traffic light intervals are short, so you need to walk faster.

[McHector]

When taking my child out, I always teach him: 'Stop at red, go at green, and wait at yellow.' Holding his hand, we first stop to look at the signal, then I point to the vehicles on both sides and say, 'Watch out for cars.' Even when the light turns green, we don’t rush; we make sure there are no cars before crossing. I teach him that the zebra crossing is the safe path and that jaywalking could lead to an accident. Countdown traffic signals are even better, as I tell him to stop when the numbers reach a certain point. In fact, traffic signals aren’t just about colors—they also have shapes. A circular red light means stop completely, while arrow lights indicate the direction to go. Every time we pass an intersection, I remind him, and forming this habit ensures safety.

[EliDella]

After 20 years of driving, I've long memorized traffic signals. Red means stop, green means go – that's basic, but anticipation is key. When the light turns yellow, proceed if your car has crossed the line; stop if it hasn't. At intersections, watch the lights while checking blind spots for vehicles on either side—some drivers dangerously rush through yellows. For left-turn signals, wait until oncoming straight traffic clears. In rain when signals blur, slow down for safety. If lights malfunction, follow traffic police hand signals or roundabout rules. Cultivate the habit of not accelerating at green lights—someone might run a red. Safe driving lies in the details.

[HectorLynn]

I commute by bicycle, and the traffic light rules are quite similar to driving. You must stop at the non-motorized vehicle lane at a red light and can only proceed at a green light, but be cautious of right-turning cars that might cut in. It's best to stop at a yellow light, especially on an uphill where it's easy to lose control. Pay attention to arrow lights—turning when the straight light is on could get you ticketed. In rainy or foggy weather, slow down early if the traffic lights are hard to see. Countdown lights are especially convenient, allowing you to time your approach and avoid running a red light. Some intersections have dedicated small lights for bicycle lanes—following these is the safest, so don’t weave around following pedestrian lights.