Traffic Signals

What To Do With Traffic Signals

In Texas, a traffic-control signal displaying different colored lights or colored lighted arrows successively or in combination may display only green, yellow, or red and applies to operators of vehicles as provided by this section. With colors that are so easily distinguished from one another, a person's desire to complain about the most minuet detail is stripped away. Take that, complainers of technical details.

When facing a circular green signal you may proceed straight, or turn right or left, unless a sign prohibits the turn. An operator of a vehicle facing a green arrow signal, displayed alone or with another signal, may cautiously enter the intersection to move in the direction permitted by the arrow or other indication shown simultaneously. The operator shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk when the signal is exhibited.

Texas motorist facing a steady yellow signal is warned by that signal that movement authorized by a green signal is being terminated or a red signal is to be given. You should be slowing down, but if you're in Houston, other drivers are probably encouraging you to speed through it. Their method of encouragement usually comes in the form of hand gestures and horn honking.

If there is a steady red signal you should stop before the first clearly marked stop line. In the absence of a stop line, the operator shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. A vehicle that is not turning shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown. If the vehicle is making a right turn they must first come to a complete stop and remain standing until the intersection may be entered safely. A motorist can make a left turn at a red light if both intersecting streets are one-way and there is no sign prohibiting such a turn present. When making turns at a red light a vehicle operator must yield right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

If you get a ticket for not having your lights on, you can always take our Texas Defensive Driving Course.