Signs, signals and pavement markings
A green arrow lets you make a protected turn. What makes the turn protected?
- Oncoming vehicles are being held by a red light. Correct answer
- You turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
- The turning time is ending, so traffic is clearing.
Why
A green arrow means go in the direction it points, and the handbook calls that turn protected because oncoming vehicles are stopped by a red light while the arrow shows. Turning after yielding to oncoming traffic describes a flashing yellow arrow, which lets you turn without that protection. A turning time that is ending describes a solid yellow arrow: the signal will change soon, so finish the turn with care if you cannot stop safely or are already in the intersection. Even on a green arrow, you still yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles that may have the right-of-way.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Oncoming vehicles are being held by a red light.
- 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 Yellow Arrow, page 34
- 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, 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 pedestrian signal at a crosswalk shows a number that keeps going down. What do the numbers mean?
- An intersection has crisscross and diagonal crosswalks that let pedestrians cross in any direction at the same time. When may a pedestrian cross diagonally?
- You are walking up to an intersection with traffic lights but no pedestrian signals. What should guide when you cross?
- You come to a STOP sign at a corner that has no limit line and no crosswalk. Where should you stop?