Signs, signals and pavement markings
The left turn signal ahead of you shows a flashing yellow arrow. What may you do?
- Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic; your turn is not protected. Correct answer
- Turn left without yielding, because oncoming traffic is held by a red light.
- Stop completely first, then turn when it is safe, as you would at a STOP sign.
Why
Flashing means permission, not protection. A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn left, but the handbook says in the same breath that the turn is not protected from other traffic, so you yield to oncoming vehicles and go only when there is a gap. The green arrow is the opposite case: it is a protected turn and oncoming vehicles are stopped by a red light for them. The answer about stopping first belongs to the flashing red light, which the handbook treats as a stop, then go when it is safe. One pair is worth memorizing: green arrow means the way is being held for you; flashing yellow arrow means the way is yours only once you have checked it yourself.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic; your turn is not protected.
- 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 › Green Arrow, page 34
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Traffic Signals › Flashing Red Light, page 33
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
- 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?
- A single set of double solid yellow lines separates your side of a two-way street from oncoming traffic. When may you cross them?