Arrow signals give specific lanes the right to turn. Knowing when you can turn — and when you must wait — prevents crashes.
Green Arrow
A green arrow means you have a protected turn — oncoming traffic has a red light and must stop. You may turn in the direction the arrow points without yielding to oncoming vehicles. However, you must still yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Yellow Arrow
A yellow arrow means the protected turn phase is ending. The arrow is about to turn red. If you have not yet entered the intersection, stop if you can do so safely. If you are already turning, complete your turn.
Red Arrow
A red arrow means you must NOT turn in that direction. You must stop and wait until the arrow turns green or until you get a green light or flashing yellow arrow. Unlike a steady red circle, you may NOT turn on a red arrow — even after stopping.
Flashing Yellow Arrow
A flashing yellow arrow is increasingly common in Florida. It means you may turn left, but you do NOT have a protected turn — oncoming traffic has a green light. You must yield to all oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before turning. Think of it as "turn with caution."
Real World Examples
💡 You're in a left-turn lane and the arrow turns green. You have a protected turn — oncoming traffic is stopped. You turn left safely. This is the safest time to turn.
💡 The flashing yellow left arrow is showing. You want to turn left. You wait for a gap in oncoming traffic, check for pedestrians, and turn when clear. You do NOT have the right of way over oncoming vehicles.
Common Mistakes
⚠ Turning on a red arrow — unlike a steady red light, you may NOT turn right (or left) on a red arrow.
⚠ Assuming a flashing yellow arrow means you have a protected turn — you must still yield to oncoming traffic.
Key Takeaways
✔ Green arrow = protected turn, oncoming traffic is stopped.
✔ Yellow arrow = protected turn is ending, prepare to stop.
✔ Red arrow = DO NOT turn, even after stopping.
✔ Flashing yellow arrow = may turn, but yield to oncoming traffic.
Vocabulary
protected turn
بروتكتد تيرن
دوران محمي — دوران لما سهمك أخضر والمرور المقابل واقف
pro-TEK-ted tern
unprotected turn
أن بروتكتد تيرن
دوران غير محمي — دوران لما لازم تعطي الأولوية للمرور المقابل
un-pro-TEK-ted tern
green arrow
قرين أرو
سهم أخضر — ضوء بشكل سهم أخضر يعطيك دوران محمي
green AIR-oh
flashing yellow arrow
فلاشنق يلو أرو
سهم أصفر وامض — سهم أصفر يومض يسمح بالدوران بس يتطلب إعطاء الأولوية للمرور المقابل