Decoding Traffic Signals for Safe Driving

By Amir

Traffic Signals and Their Meanings: A New York Driver's Guide (2026)

Traffic signals tell you when to stop, go and turn. Red means stop, yellow means the light is about to turn red, and green means go if the way is clear, but you must still yield. Flashing red works like a stop sign, flashing yellow means caution, and in New York City you cannot turn right on red unless a sign allows it.

Reviewed by Michael, Professional Driving Instructor
Last updated: October 26, 2026

Below is a simple chart of every signal and what to do, based on the New York State Driver's Manual.

Table of Contents

Traffic Signals and Their Meanings: A New York Driver's Guide (2026)

Traffic Light Meanings Chart

Signal	What it means	What you do
Steady red	Stop	Stop at the stop line and wait. In New York City, no right turn on red unless a sign allows it.
Flashing red	Same as a stop sign	Come to a full stop, yield, then go when it is safe.
Red arrow	No turn in that direction	Wait for the arrow to change.
Steady yellow	The light is about to turn red	Stop if you safely can. Do not speed up to beat it.
Flashing yellow	Caution	Slow down and go carefully.
Yellow arrow	Turn protection is ending	Get ready to stop, or finish the turn if you are already in the intersection.
Steady green	Go if the way is clear	Go, but yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection.
Green arrow	You may turn in the arrow direction	Turn, but still yield to people and vehicles already in the intersection.
Signal not working	Treat it like a stop sign	Stop fully, then go when it is safe.

Traffic signals and their meanings: red, yellow and green lights

Red Lights and Right on Red in NYC

Outside New York City, New York lets you turn right on a steady red after a full stop and after yielding, unless a sign says no. Inside New York City, right on red is not allowed unless a sign permits it. Our guide can you turn right on red in NYC explains the rule. Running a red light can also hurt your record: see how red light violations affect your driving record.

Red traffic light at a New York City intersection

Yellow Lights: Stop or Go?

A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red. If you can stop safely before the stop line, stop. If you are too close to stop safely, go through carefully. A flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution.

Drive Rite Instructor Tip: As you approach a green light that has been green for a while, ease off the gas. If it turns yellow, you will have time to stop smoothly.

Green Lights and Green Arrows

Green does not mean the road is clear. With a steady green or a green arrow you must still yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already in the intersection. When turning left on a steady green (no arrow), yield to oncoming traffic.

Green arrow traffic signal for turning vehicles

Other Signals Drivers See

Pedestrian signals: a walking person or a hand. Watch them; a flashing hand means the light will change soon.
Lane-use lights above some lanes: a green arrow means the lane is open, a red X means do not use it.
Hand signals from other drivers and cyclists: learn them in our guide to hand signals.

Signals work with signs and your own turn signals. See our guide to proper turn signal use and test yourself with our road signs practice quiz.

Pedestrian crossing signal in New York

Traffic Signals on the Road Test

On the road test the examiner watches how you handle lights: full stops at red, safe decisions at yellow and yielding on green. Our guide to what to expect on the New York road test lists the skills scored, and our beginner driving lessons give you practice at real intersections with an instructor.

Traffic Signals: FAQ

What does a flashing red light mean?

Treat it exactly like a stop sign: stop fully, yield, then go when it is safe.

Can you turn right on red in New York?

Outside New York City, yes, after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign says no. In New York City, no, unless a sign permits it.

Do you have to yield on a green arrow?

Yes. A green arrow lets you turn, but you must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.

What should you do if a traffic light is not working?

Treat the intersection like it has a stop sign in every direction.

Should you speed up on a yellow light?

No. Stop if you can do it safely. Only go through if you are too close to stop safely.

Want to practice intersections with an instructor?

See Beginner Driving Lessons

Questions? Call our team at 718-928-7048 or use the chat on our website.

Reviewed by

Michael, Professional Driving Instructor at Drive Rite Academy.

How we made this guide

We checked the facts in this guide on the official pages listed below in October 2026. Rules can change, so check the linked pages before you go. If you spot something out of date, let us know and we will fix it.

Sources: NY DMV Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: Traffic Control.