Signs, signals and pavement markings
You are waiting in a left turn lane when the green arrow changes to a solid yellow arrow. What is that signal telling you?
- Your protected turning time is ending and the signal is about to change. Correct answer
- You may turn, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
- Turning is now prohibited until a green arrow appears again.
Why
A solid yellow arrow is the end of your protected turn, not a new instruction about who yields. The signal is about to change, and what follows may be a green light, a red light or a red arrow, so watch for it. If stopping safely is no longer possible, or you have already entered the intersection, finish the turn with care. The answer about yielding describes the flashing yellow arrow, where you may turn but your turn is not protected from other traffic. The answer about waiting for a green arrow describes the red arrow, which means stop and stay stopped. Keep the three apart by what they promise: green arrow, oncoming traffic is held for you; solid yellow arrow, that protection is expiring; flashing yellow arrow, there never was any.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Your protected turning time is ending and the signal is about to change.
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Traffic Signals › Yellow Arrow, page 33
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Traffic Signals › Flashing Yellow Arrow, page 34
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Traffic Signals › Red Arrow, page 33
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Traffic Signals › Green Arrow, page 34
The rule behind this one
California road signs, signals and pavement markings goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- The left turn signal ahead of you shows a flashing yellow arrow. What may you do?
- A line of solid white triangles is painted across your lane as you approach an intersection, with the points aimed at you. What is it?
- You are driving at night and the reflectors along the road ahead shine red in your headlights. What does that tell you?
- On a two-way road with only one lane going your direction, a single solid yellow line runs along your side of the center. May you pass the slow vehicle ahead?