All signal lamps at an intersection are dark, and no officer is directing traffic. How should you approach it?
Correct answer: Stop as at a stop sign, then apply right-of-way rules
A failed signal does not give either road automatic priority. Stop in the required position, then proceed only when the right-of-way rules and traffic conditions allow.
Source: VTL §1117, Traffic-control signals; malfunction; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Traffic Lights ↗
You stop at a steady circular red light in New York City. No sign permits a turn on red. The right turn appears clear. What should you do?
Correct answer: Remain stopped until a signal permits the turn
New York City is an exception to the usual statewide turn-on-red rule. Without a sign allowing it, a clear path and a complete stop do not authorize the turn.
Source: NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Steady Red, New York City exception; VTL §1111(d)(2) ↗
Outside New York City, you are on a one-way street facing a circular red signal. You want to turn left onto another one-way street, with no restriction posted. What is permitted?
Correct answer: Turn after a complete stop and yielding to lawful traffic and pedestrians
The one-way-to-one-way left turn is permitted after stopping and yielding, unless another control prohibits it. This exception does not authorize turning against a red arrow.
Source: VTL §1111(d)(2)(b), Red indications; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Steady Red ↗
You face a steady red right arrow, with no other indication permitting your right turn. The road is clear. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait for a signal that permits the right turn
A steady red arrow prohibits the movement it points to. The ordinary circular-red turn exception does not make a right turn against that arrow lawful.
Source: VTL §1111(d)(3), Red indications; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Red Arrow ↗
At an ordinary street intersection, your circular traffic signal is flashing red. After you stop, when may you continue?
Correct answer: When the right-of-way rules and traffic conditions allow
At this kind of intersection, flashing red requires a stop followed by the right-of-way procedure used at a stop sign. The stop alone does not give you priority.
Source: VTL §1113(a), Flashing red indications; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Flashing Red ↗
You approach a street intersection with a flashing circular yellow light facing you. Which response fits that signal?
Correct answer: Proceed cautiously while checking for traffic conflicts
Flashing yellow permits proceeding with caution. It is not the same as flashing red, and it does not excuse failing to check the intersection.
Source: VTL §1113(b), Flashing yellow indications; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Flashing Yellow ↗
The overhead signal above your lane changes from a downward green arrow to a steady yellow X. What should you prepare to do?
Correct answer: Leave that lane safely before it closes to your traffic
A steady yellow X warns that the lane-control indication is changing to a red X. Prepare to vacate the lane with proper checks and signaling.
Source: VTL §1116(b), Lane-use control signal indications; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Lane Use Control Lights ↗
A broken white line separates two lanes going your direction. You need to move into the neighboring lane. What does the marking permit?
Correct answer: A lane change after signaling and checking that the move is safe
A broken white line allows crossing between same-direction lanes when it can be done safely. It does not give the entering driver priority over traffic already there.
Source: NY DMV Chapter 4 > Pavement Markings > Edge and Lane Lines > One broken line ↗
You are behind a slower car where the yellow center marking is solid on your side and broken on the other. May you cross it to pass that car?
Correct answer: No; the solid line on your side prohibits that pass
The line nearest your lane controls passing from your side. The broken line may allow the opposite direction to pass safely, but it does not permit your pass.
Source: NY DMV Chapter 4 > Pavement Markings > Edge and Lane Lines > Solid line with broken line; VTL §1126(a) ↗
A red light requires you to stop. A marked stop line is several feet before the crosswalk. Where should the front of your vehicle stop?
Correct answer: Before the stop line, leaving the crosswalk beyond it clear
When a stop line is marked, stop before reaching it. Its position can provide needed turning space as well as keep vehicles out of the crosswalk.
Source: VTL §1111(d)(1), Red indications; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Pavement Markings > Stop and Crosswalk Lines ↗
A lane is reserved for vehicles with at least two occupants during the posted morning hours. You are driving alone during those hours, and the lane is empty. May you use it to continue straight?
Correct answer: No; an empty lane does not suspend its posted restrictions
Use of a reserved lane depends on the posted vehicle, occupancy and time requirements. Available space is not permission to disregard those requirements.
Source: NY DMV Chapter 4 > Pavement Markings > Diamond Symbol, posted occupancy and time requirements ↗
A traffic officer directs your lane to stop even though its signal is green. Which instruction controls your movement?
Correct answer: The officer's instruction to stop
A traffic or police officer's direction takes precedence over the ordinary signal, sign or pavement marking controlling your movement.
Source: VTL §1110(a), Obedience to and required traffic-control devices; NY DMV Chapter 4 > Traffic Officers ↗
