All approaches to an intersection have lost signal power. No flagger, police officer or firefighter is directing traffic. How must you treat it?
Correct answer: As an all-way stop
A temporary loss of power on all approaches requires all-way-stop treatment unless an authorized person directs you to proceed. Stop and then yield under the applicable right-of-way rules.
Source: RCW46.61.183 entire section; complete current section read September13,2026. Handbook context: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF109. ↗
At a signalized intersection without power, a firefighter directing traffic clearly tells your lane to proceed. What should guide your movement?
Correct answer: Follow the firefighter's direction with care
The nonfunctioning-signal rule expressly allows directions from a flagger, police officer or firefighter to control the movement. Proceed carefully as directed.
Source: RCW46.61.183 exception at beginning of section; complete current section read September13,2026. Handbook context: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF109. ↗
A pedestrian began crossing on the walking-person signal and is now in the marked crosswalk in your turning path. What is your duty?
Correct answer: Stop and let the pedestrian cross
Drivers must stop for pedestrians lawfully crossing on Walk as required by the crosswalk rule. A simultaneous vehicle signal does not override that protection.
Source: RCW46.61.060 (1); 46.61.235(1); complete current section read September13,2026. ↗
A pedestrian entered on Walk and is still in the crosswalk in your path when the hand begins flashing. What must you do?
Correct answer: Remain stopped for the pedestrian to cross
The change to a flashing hand does not remove protection from someone who began crossing before it appeared. Drivers must still stop as required by the crosswalk rule.
Source: RCW46.61.060 (2); 46.61.235(1); complete current section read September13,2026. ↗
No pedestrian-control signal directs the crossing. A pedestrian faces a steady circular yellow traffic light and has not entered the roadway. What does that signal require?
Correct answer: Do not begin crossing the roadway
Without a pedestrian signal directing otherwise, a pedestrian facing steady yellow must not enter the roadway. This differs from completing a crossing already begun.
Source: RCW46.61.055 (2)(b); complete current section read September13,2026. ↗
You approach an operating ramp meter showing red, with a white stop line in your lane. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop at the line and wait for the meter to permit movement
The guide requires stopping at the ramp-meter line on red and continuing along the ramp when the signal permits. A green meter still does not remove the need for a safe freeway merge.
Source: Washington Driver Guide,520-400(R/4/25), Section4.11 Freeway Ramp Meters; physical PDF113. ↗
A steady red X appears above the lane you were planning to enter. What does it mean?
Correct answer: Do not enter or drive in that lane
A steady red lane-control X closes that lane to your travel. Its meaning controls even if another road marking appears to permit the lane.
Source: RCW46.61.072 (4); 46.61.070; complete current section read September13,2026. ↗
The overhead signal for your lane changes to a steady yellow X. What should you prepare to do?
Correct answer: Vacate the lane safely before it shows a steady red X
A steady yellow X warns of a lane-control change. Prepare a safe lane exit and avoid occupying the lane once the steady red X is displayed.
Source: RCW46.61.072 (2); complete current section read September13,2026. ↗
A steady downward green arrow is displayed above a lane. What does that overhead signal permit?
Correct answer: Driving in the lane beneath it while obeying other controls
The downward arrow permits use of that lane. It is a lane-use signal, not a protected turning arrow or a waiver of other driving rules.
Source: RCW46.61.072 (1); (4) other controls; complete current section read September13,2026. ↗
An overhead lane-control signal displays a flashing yellow X. What use of that lane does it authorize?
Correct answer: A left turn using proper caution
In Washington's special signal legend, a flashing yellow X permits using that lane for a left turn with caution. Do not confuse it with an ordinary flashing yellow intersection light.
Source: RCW46.61.072 (3); complete current section read September13,2026. ↗
