All that is required of the driver is to track in advance which signal came on at the traffic light at the moment you entered the intersection. If the situation requires investigation, the moment when the car began to enter the intersection is taken into account, and not what signal was on during the passage.
For vehicles that can no longer stop because they have already entered the roadway, provisions are provided in clause 6.14 of the traffic rules. In this case, sanctions for violation depend on how the traffic police inspector treats the situation.
Useful video
Conclusion
Good knowledge of traffic rules is necessary for any driver– It’s not for nothing that the requirements in driving schools are quite serious. If you know how to navigate them well, you reduce the risk of developing undesirable situations on the roads and reduce the risk of injury for road users.
Even basic politeness towards other drivers and pedestrians requires knowledge of the rules. By updating your knowledge in a timely manner, you will be able to avoid mistakes when driving. Correct interpretation of traffic rules is mandatory for every driver.
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
Every resident of even the smallest city remembers traffic rules lessons from childhood regarding the rules for crossing the road. It is human nature to grow, and many gradually turn from pedestrians into drivers. To drive on the road correctly, you need to understand not only road signs and markings, but also traffic lights.
Traffic lights at an intersection
The most famous are three-color traffic lights, consisting of the following set of colors:
- Red traffic light . In a stable state, driving through a red traffic light is prohibited from driving on the road on which the traffic light is installed. A flashing red light also prohibits movement, but also notifies that signals will soon be switched . This type of signal is most often used at railway crossings, and on ordinary roads this goal is achieved by turning on both red and yellow signals at the same time.
- Yellow traffic light . In a stable burning state, it prohibits movement in all cases, except for the situation when the driver crosses the road lane, but does not have time to brake his vehicle before the marking. In this situation, it is necessary, if possible, to leave the intersection area. A yellow flashing traffic light allows movement and also indicates an uncontrolled intersection and a pedestrian overpass..
- What does a green traffic light mean? . In a stable burning state, it allows movement on the road lane. A green flashing traffic light also allows you to move, but also warns that the burning time has expired.
Also on many roads there are possible additions to traffic lights. Recently, it has become common to install timers that indicate the operating time of the enabling signal. Additionally, there may be arrows that are mounted at the level of the green light either on one side or on both sides.
What do traffic lights mean?
The traffic rules for various traffic lights with arrows can be characterized as follows:
| Traffic light with two arrows | Tram traffic light | Trackless vehicle | ||
| Single lane traffic | Two-lane traffic | Three-lane traffic | ||
| Only central green traffic light | Move only forward | Move only forward | Move only forward | Move only forward |
| Central green traffic light + right arrow | Move forward + right | Move forward + right | Drive forward for everyone, move right only for the far right lane | |
| Center green signal + left arrow | Move forward + left | Move forward + left + turn | Move forward for everyone, move left or turn only for the left lane | |
| Central green signal + both arrows | Movement is allowed in all directions | Moving forward + turning + turning around | Moving forward for everyone, turning for the outer lanes according to the rules, turning only for the leftmost lane | |
| Red traffic light + right arrow | Movement only to the right | Movement only to the right | Drive only to the right and only for the right lane. Traffic is prohibited for other lanes. | |
| Red traffic light + left arrow | Driving left only | Move only to the left or turn around | Driving for the left lane only: turn or turn. The remaining lanes are standing. | |
| Red signal + both arrows | Moving forward is prohibited, turns are allowed | Moving forward is prohibited, turns and U-turns are allowed | Moving forward is prohibited, turns in both directions and U-turns from the leftmost lane are permitted | Moving forward is prohibited, turns in both directions are allowed only from the outer lanes, U-turns are allowed only from the leftmost lane |
| Only red signal | Road up | Road up | Road up | Road up |
For a set of a standard traffic light and one arrow, the requirements are less stringent.
So let's take a three lane road as an example. If the traffic light is green with an arrow to the right, then the rules specified in the table will apply for the center and right lanes. At the same time, standard traffic regulations apply for the left lane. The prohibiting signal is subject to the same restrictions. In the daytime, such an addition to the traffic light is clearly visible, but it is not always possible to see it at night. For this reason, black arrow outlines are pasted onto the center signal to indicate the action for a specific lane of the road. If the green lamp itself does not have such a schematic image, the signal is valid for all road users, regardless of their location on the road. There are also traffic lights that have arrows instead of the usual round traffic signal. In this case, traffic control occurs only for those directions indicated by the arrows.
At night, most traffic lights turn off and enter a yellow flashing mode. In this case, the intersection is considered unregulated and must be driven in accordance with the relevant traffic regulations.
Pedestrian traffic light and bicycle crossing signal
At traffic lights there are only 2 sections for the indicated traffic participants. For pedestrians, a person is depicted, and for cyclists, their two-wheeled transport is depicted. In the area of pedestrian crossings, traffic lights are increasingly equipped with a timer indicating the waiting time and the time allotted for crossing. Additionally, for the deaf, a speaker can be installed that announces the permitted direction of the transition, as well as its beginning and end.
In some cases, if there are bicycle paths, smaller analogues of three-section road traffic lights can be used, under which a white plate with a bicycle sign is fixed.
Reversing traffic lights
These signals are used on roads of the same name, when on some lanes traffic can be carried out in one direction or the other. The direction of travel along one or another lane of a reversible road is determined by the degree of congestion for each side. The following types of signals are used:
- a red cross in the shape of the letter “X” - prohibits driving on a specific lane of a reversible road;
- a yellow arrow pointing to the right - instructs the driver to change lanes located nearby on the right side;
- green arrow straight - allows movement in this lane.
These types of roads are not widespread in the Russian Federation, so few drivers are familiar with this type of traffic organization.
The importance of traffic lights for rail transport
Traffic signals for trams
For trams, a white four-cell traffic light is used, made in the shape of a “T” symbol. Movement for them is allowed only when the lower signal is turned on, and the upper cells indicate possible directions of movement.
A railway traffic light also often has a white lamp in its arsenal, which regulates traffic through the crossing:
Traffic lights at a railway crossing can also be both red and flash alternately. In this case, travel is strictly prohibited. Movement is only permitted when both lamps are turned off.
Fine for failure to comply with traffic lights
For violation of the instructions of the electronic traffic controller, the following penalties are prescribed:
- fine for a red traffic light- not less than 1000 rubles, when driving through a prohibitory traffic light signal again, not less than 5000 rubles or deprivation of driving license for a period of 4-6 months, article 12.12 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation;
- fine for driving through a yellow traffic light— for the first violation the penalty is 1,000 rubles; for a second violation, the fine will be 5,000 rubles or deprivation of a driver’s license for a period of 4 to 6 months;
- failure to observe the stop line before an intersection- at least 800 rub.
- when entering the reversible lane when the traffic light is off- at least 5,000 rubles, since due to the traffic light working on the other side, traffic can be regarded as driving into the oncoming lane;
- in case of failure to change lanes on a reverse road- at least 500 rubles under Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code.
Compliance with traffic light regulations allows you to regulate traffic in such a way that road users are in safer and more comfortable conditions. Therefore, in order not to increase the likelihood of getting into an accident for yourself and others, you should be careful on the roads. This will help keep not only your budget intact, but also your life.
Video: What do traffic lights and traffic controllers mean and the rules for driving through an intersection.
Traffic lights come in various configurations. Each individual case has its own rules for orientation according to the instructions of the device.
Three-section
The standard configuration of a three-section device assumes the presence of three colors:
- green- passage is allowed. In a flashing state, it warns that the signal will switch soon;
- yellow. In a stable burning condition, passage is prohibited. Passage is permitted if the driver crosses the road lane and does not have time to stop the car before the marking. When yellow is flashing, movement is allowed. It also indicates a malfunction of the device;
- red– passage is prohibited when the signal is constantly lit or flashing.
The segments are arranged in order from bottom to top or left to right. Three-section devices are most often installed at intersections, as they are capable of regulating the movement of vehicles in all directions. Their placement is possible at controlled crossings that are located between intersections.
Also, traffic lights of this type are installed at railway crossings, at the intersection of a road with a bicycle path or tram tracks.
Two-piece
Devices with two sections regulate the passage of vehicles in places where the roadway narrows, as well as in the territories of enterprises. With their help, you can organize a single-lane reverse traffic flow. There are only two signals available: red and green. Their meaning is the same as in a three-section device.
With additional section
There is a traffic light configuration with additional sections equipped with arrows or their outlines. With their help, traffic flow is regulated in a specific direction. When a specific arrow segment is activated, travel in a given direction is either allowed or prohibited. For example, a green arrow allows passage, but it does not provide an advantage when driving.
Single section
A device with one section is installed at pedestrian crossings and uncontrolled intersections or in the territories of closed enterprises. They are used as an addition to traffic lights. Single-section devices effectively distribute traffic flows. Often their segments include a countdown board.
The green arrow informs you that it is possible to turn in the indicated direction. Using the device allows you to increase the throughput of intersections and reduce the risk of accidents.
Reversible
Reversible traffic lights are used on roads where traffic can flow in one direction or the other. The direction is determined based on the degree of congestion of the roadway.
The following signals apply here:
- a red cross shaped like the letter "X". The signal prohibits passage in a certain lane;
- yellow arrow. She points to the right. The signal requires the driver to change lanes to the lane on the right side;
- green arrow. It allows travel in a specific lane.
In Russia, roads with reversible traffic are not widely used. Therefore, few drivers are familiar with the peculiarities of moving on such roads.
To regulate traffic through a pedestrian crossing
Traffic lights that regulate a pedestrian crossing usually contain only two sections. They depict a person in a standing or walking position. If the red figure is on, then movement on the crossing is prohibited for people. You are only allowed to cross the road when the light is green.
Regulating devices are often equipped with a timer that reflects the waiting time. It also counts the time allotted for pedestrians to cross the roadway.
Some traffic lights are equipped with a special device for the deaf. When passage through the passage is allowed, a special sound signal is emitted from the speakers.
For trams
A four-cell white traffic light is used to regulate the movement of trams. It is made in the shape of the letter "T". This type of transport can only move when the lower signal is on. The upper sections indicate different directions of travel.
Often the railway instrument is equipped with a white lamp. It regulates the movement of vehicles through the crossing. When the white light is flashing, crossing the railway line is permitted. Movement is also permitted when the white lamp is steadily lit.
The main task of a traffic light is to regulate the movement of vehicles on the roadway. Violating the instructions of the electronic traffic controller increases the risk of an accident.
Therefore, there are penalties for ignoring the device signals:
- for driving through a red signal – at least 1 thousand rubles. If the violation is repeated, the fine increases and is at least 5 thousand rubles. Possible deprivation of driving privileges for a period of 4–6 months;
- for driving on a yellow light – at least 1 thousand rubles. In case of repeated violation, the fine will be 5 thousand rubles. The driver may also be deprived of his license for a period of 4 to 6 months;
- Failure to comply with the stop line before the intersection results in a fine of at least 800 rubles. (read more about);
- entering a lane with reverse traffic when the control device is turned off - a fine of at least 5 thousand rubles. Such movement is regarded as driving into the oncoming lane;
- If you fail to change lanes on a road with reverse traffic, the fine will be at least 500 rubles.
A traffic light regulates the movement of vehicles on the road, creating comfortable and safe conditions for all its participants. The size of the fine for ignoring his signal depends on the severity of the offense, as well as the consequences for road users.
Traffic lights use green, yellow, red and white-lunar light signals.
Depending on the purpose, traffic light signals can be round, in the form of an arrow(s), a silhouette of a pedestrian or a bicycle, or X-shaped.
Traffic lights with round signals may have one or two additional sections with signals in the form of a green arrow(s), which are located at the level of the green round signal.
Round traffic lights have the following meanings:
GREEN SIGNAL allows movement;
A GREEN FLASHING SIGNAL allows movement and informs that its time is expiring and a prohibitory signal will soon be turned on (digital displays can be used to inform drivers about the time in seconds remaining until the end of the green signal);
YELLOW SIGNAL prohibits movement, except as provided for in paragraph 6.14 of the Rules, and warns of an upcoming change of signals;
A YELLOW FLASHING SIGNAL allows movement and informs about the presence of an unregulated intersection or pedestrian crossing, and warns of danger;
A RED SIGNAL, including a flashing one, prohibits movement.
The combination of red and yellow signals prohibits movement and informs about the upcoming activation of the green signal.
Traffic light signals, made in the form of red, yellow and green arrows, have the same meaning as round signals of the corresponding color, but their effect extends only to the direction(s) indicated by the arrows. In this case, the arrow allowing a left turn also allows a U-turn, unless this is prohibited by the corresponding road sign.
The green arrow in the additional section has the same meaning. A switched off signal of an additional section or a switched on red light signal of its outline means that movement in the direction regulated by this section is prohibited.
If a black contour arrow(s) is applied to the main green traffic light signal, it informs drivers about the presence of an additional section of the traffic light and indicates other permitted directions of movement than the additional section signal.
If a traffic light signal is made in the form of a silhouette of a pedestrian and (or) a bicycle, then its effect applies only to pedestrians (cyclists). In this case, the green signal allows, and the red signal prohibits, the movement of pedestrians (cyclists).
To regulate the movement of cyclists, a traffic light with round signals of reduced size, complemented by a white rectangular plate measuring 200 x 200 mm with a black bicycle image, can also be used.
To inform blind pedestrians about the possibility of crossing the roadway, traffic light signals can be supplemented with an audible signal.
To regulate the movement of vehicles along lanes of the roadway, in particular along those in which the direction of movement can change to the opposite, reversible traffic lights with a red X-shaped signal and a green signal in the form of an arrow pointing downwards are used. These signals respectively prohibit or allow movement in the lane above which they are located.
The main signals of a reversible traffic light can be supplemented by a yellow signal in the form of an arrow, tilted diagonally down to the right or left, the inclusion of which informs about the upcoming change of signal and the need to change lanes to which the arrow points.
When the signals of the reversing traffic light, which is located above the lane marked on both sides by markings 1.9, are turned off, entry into this lane is prohibited.
To regulate the movement of trams, as well as other route vehicles moving along the lane allocated for them, single-color traffic lights with four round white-moon colored signals located in the shape of the letter “T” can be used. Movement is permitted only when the lower signal and one or more upper ones are turned on simultaneously, of which the left one allows movement to the left, the middle one allows movement straight, and the right one allows movement to the right. If only the top three signals are on, then movement is prohibited.
A round white-lunar flashing signal located at a railroad crossing allows vehicles to move through the crossing. When the flashing white-lunar and red signals are turned off, movement is permitted if there is no train (locomotive, handcar) approaching the crossing within sight.
The traffic controller signals have the following meanings:
HANDS ARE EXTENDED TO THE SIDE OR LOWERED:
From the left and right sides, the tram is allowed to move straight, trackless vehicles straight and to the right, pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway;
From the chest and back, the movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited.
RIGHT ARMS EXTRACTED FORWARD:
From the left side, trams are allowed to move to the left, and trackless vehicles in all directions;
From the chest side, all vehicles are allowed to move only to the right;
All vehicles are prohibited from the right side and back;
Pedestrians are allowed to cross the road behind the traffic controller.
ARM RAISED UP:
The movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited in all directions, except as provided for in paragraph 6.14 of the Rules.
The traffic controller can give hand gestures and other signals that are understandable to drivers and pedestrians.
For better visibility of signals, the traffic controller can use a rod or disk with a red signal (retroreflector).
A request to stop a vehicle is made using a loudspeaker device or a hand gesture directed at the vehicle. The driver must stop at the place indicated to him.
An additional whistle signal is given to attract the attention of traffic participants.
When there is a prohibitory signal from a traffic light (except a reversing one) or from a traffic controller, drivers must stop in front of the stop line (sign 6.16), and in its absence:
At an intersection - in front of the roadway being crossed (taking into account clause 13.7 of the Rules), without interfering with pedestrians;
Before a railway crossing - in accordance with clause 15.4 of the Rules;
In other places - in front of a traffic light or traffic controller, without interfering with vehicles and pedestrians whose movement is permitted.
Drivers who, when the yellow signal turns on or the traffic controller raises his hand up, cannot stop without resorting to emergency braking in the places determined by paragraph 6.13 of the Rules, are allowed to continue driving.
Pedestrians who were on the roadway when the signal was given must clear it, and if this is not possible, stop on the line dividing traffic flows in opposite directions.
Drivers and pedestrians must comply with the signals and orders of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs or markings.
If the meanings of traffic light signals contradict the requirements of priority road signs, drivers must be guided by the traffic light signals.
At railway crossings, simultaneously with the red flashing traffic light, an audible signal may be sounded, additionally informing traffic participants that movement through the crossing is prohibited.
) there is a separate paragraph dedicated to traffic light signals and how to perceive them and act in accordance with them.
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The traffic light works on the roads not only for drivers of motor vehicles or electric vehicles, but also for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and scooter riders.
All road users should know what type of equipment this is, and whether signs are placed near it.
In addition, every motorist will also need to be aware of how to maneuver on a signal and what happens if he violates the traffic system, which is lined up with traffic light signals.
Device definition
The very first traffic lights appeared in old England, its capital - London (12/10/1868). They were only controlled manually, since automation was not yet so widespread in use in those days.
All signaling devices on the streets of cities in Russia and the CIS countries belong as the property of the municipality.
Signaling equipment is provided not only for motorists and motorcyclists, but also for pedestrians and cyclists. They are also used in railway and water transport infrastructure.
A traffic light is a special optical signaling equipment that regulates traffic and the passage of pedestrians across highways.
Traffic lights are different. Some in the connection have a flashing green signal and a red one. While others illuminate all three colors in order - red, yellow and green. As well as, on the contrary, green, yellow, red. There is a horizontal arrangement of lights, the most common is vertical.
Diagonal or circular placements of sections are not used. There are other types, as well as variations, in the use of such installations in conjunction with road signs.
Kinds
In order to avoid rash and risky driving through a red light, you need to know the types of traffic lights. The road user’s understanding of which direction to move, when, how long to wait, when to prepare, etc. depends on this.
When we talk about the types of traffic light installations, we mean their distribution by type. This leads to the creation of a simple classification.
Types by which signaling and indicating equipment is divided into groups or subgroups:
- Purpose.
- Consistency.
- Structure of the structure.
- Features of signal operation.
- Direction indication.
By destination:
- road;
- railway (semaphore);
- river
Road devices are divided into the following types:
- pedestrian;
- cyclists;
- motor transport;
- for route vehicles - buses, trams, etc.
According to the principle of constancy, regularity of light signals:
| Kind of work | Description | Where is it most often used? |
| Constant traffic control | Functions regardless of: — days of the week; - daily clock; — installed work traffic. |
In small cities, towns and beyond. |
| Adaptive Motion Control | The intervals between signals are adjusted specifically to the rhythm and pace of general city traffic. When the installation changes its operating mode: — during rush hour, to relieve traffic jams, prevent and relieve congestion; - certain daytime hours; - at night. |
Large cities of the region, regional, administrative centers, megacities. |
According to the difference in structures and device mechanisms:
Using pinpoint LED light signals, you can create entire pictures. Therefore, these blocks make excellent images of arrows and various inscriptions.
But since drivers will not have time to read the inscriptions, traffic light technology most often uses arrows made up of LED mini-lamps.
Advantages of traffic lights operating on LED matrices compared to other devices:
| LEDs | Halogen | With tungsten filament |
| Minimum energy consumption. | Average energy costs. | The biggest cost is electricity consumption. |
| Long service life. | For example, with a buffer gas in a flask, the service life is on average 2000-4000 hours. | The average burning time is 1000 hours. |
| The degree of flicker is minimal. | For a long time - before failure. | For a short time - before failure. |
| Brightness of color reproduction. | Average brightness | Minimum to medium brightness indexing. |
| Additional protection at sub-zero atmospheric temperatures is necessary. | Protection against sub-zero degrees is average. |
Conclusion - LED traffic lights will last much longer. In this case, there will be no special breakdowns, blinking and other malfunctions that are often recorded at halogen points or incandescent lamps.
Traffic light indicators can be installed separately, but next to conventional optical signaling equipment. Arrows can be in the form of a sign, but also interactive, working on the principle of a traffic light.
Several types of traffic lights:
- with a single additional section – one arrow;
- with double section – two arrows;
- contour arrows;
- solid arrows;
- installed autonomously;
- equipped with an additional section to the traffic light.
Arrows generate signals:
- red prohibiting movement;
- green, opening passage, passage.
Contour or solid arrows are equivalent in priority (clause 6.3 of the traffic regulations). There are combinations designed to indicate the direction, as well as to show permission or prohibition to travel in a specific direction opposite to the direction indicator.
Signs
Clause 6.15 of the Rules states that if the signals given by a traffic light cancel the effect of any road signs standing nearby, then the traffic lights should be obeyed.
Signs can be displayed completely different, depending on what kind of order the traffic police service wants to create along the route.
For example, let's list the signs:
- tram;
- main road;
- narrowing the path;
- pedestrian;
- dead end;
- any arrow indicating the path and trajectory of movement;
- prohibiting – “STOP”;
- allowing overtaking;
- prohibiting passage, etc.
For example, at an intersection there may be a “STOP line” marking on the asphalt, and a “STOP” sign near the traffic light. This indicates that the driver must stop in any case.
However, if the green circle at the traffic light lights up, then you should adhere to this signal and continue driving.
Designation of traffic lights
Basic optical signal designations of the installation:
| Color | What means | Practical use |
| Red | Stop the movement! | While the red signal is on, you cannot continue driving in the direction in which the road user was heading. |
| Yellow | Slow down! | 1. When approaching a traffic light that indicates a yellow signal, participants can already slow down and slow down. 2. And, conversely, waiting for the end of the red signal, upon seeing a yellow one, participants are only allowed to prepare to cross the road, but not yet walk or drive. |
| Green | The path is clear! | Movement is allowed. |
| Lunar white | The passage is open for route vehicles! | One white traffic light or several moon-white signals are intended to regulate the movement of route passenger vehicles: — trams; — trolleybuses; - buses. Installed on: — crossroads; — lanes of route vehicles; - stripes with a double solid line; — an area where one lane changes to another when they change places. |
Arrangement order of signal color lights:
Peculiarities:
- The yellow illumination is skipped. Some installations do not have access to a yellow light, or its lighting is simply turned off by special programming.
- No permanent (non-blinking) glow. The lamps may flash, warning that this signal on the device will soon turn off.
- The white traffic light signal is not installed on roads in isolation from others. In this case, a 4-section installation is used, on which.
The yellow section can be turned off in accordance with certain regulations, when a preparatory crossing is not required due to not too intense traffic on the site.
In this case, green lights up immediately after red, and vice versa. Participants may not have to wait for a long time for permission to pass or drive, but may move immediately after the red signal is turned off.
Flashing with a certain regularity, interval and frequency tells participants that such a signal will soon turn off. This makes it possible to orient yourself in time to tune in to the movement or stop in a timely manner.
In a situation where the yellow light does not light up, the rules do not prevent participants from using the signals of other working sections, but only for their intended purpose.
The stop is also regulated by a green light. If the green light is on and has already started flashing on vehicle equipment, then drivers should be aware that within half a second or a second the light may change to red. In this case, it is better to slow down, especially if the yellow light is turned off.
In this case, you can navigate by the neighboring traffic light. For example, if a green “window” is flashing for pedestrians, then it becomes clear to motorists that they will soon be able to proceed.
This method is especially helpful in the event of a temporary failure of a car traffic light and a functional one of a pedestrian one.
Priority according to traffic rules
In general, we can note the type of road signs that are canceled by the traffic signal system - the traffic light cancels priority signs and regulates the movement or stopping of vehicles.
It is necessary not only to list the signs that are installed next to traffic lights, but also to consider specific situations using examples. This is done to make it easier to remember how the systems function.
Let's look at the most common road signs and how traffic lights work to cancel priority signs.
The following groups of road signs are not canceled by traffic lights:
- prohibiting;
- prescriptive;
- index;
- informational.
These can be not only shields of different geometric shapes mounted on metal poles. But also signs, directional arrows and even road markings with numbers, words and symbols.
For reference: If motorists choose between traffic lights and traffic controller gestures, then the latter will play a dominant role in the road signaling system.
When the traffic controller stands straight, without moving, it means that drivers should adhere to the order regulated by traffic lights or road signs, depending on what the intersection is equipped with.
The “Main Road” sign can be placed near a traffic light, which has an additional section - a green arrow pointer, directing drivers in the direction where they are allowed to go.
This indicator lights up when the light at the same traffic light is red. Receives that motorists intending to drive straight on the main highway should stop and wait for their green signal.
While a motorist intending to turn right, a lit green arrow opens the way to the turn.
Signalized intersections are always characterized by the fact that they have traffic lights, and it is their signals that serve as a priority for the supply of primary signal lights.
Motorists and pedestrians in such places on roads should obey these signals. Road signs serve as a secondary priority.
For example, there is a sign “Give way to the train,” but for the person for whom it was placed, the traffic light turned green. This indicates that he is allowed to pass first, despite the fact that the sign requires something completely different.
In other words, at such intersections equipped with a “red triangle, point down” sign, there is no need to give way to an oncoming car if the green light allows passage.
When there is a need to turn left, you should also adhere to the traffic light here. But you also need to take into account the “Give way” sign.
Therefore, the oncoming car is allowed to pass, and then a maneuver is performed - a left turn. In this case, the traffic lights for such a motorist should glow green.
But there are circumstances when turning left that develop on the roads in such a way that you will need to let a car driving even on a secondary road pass.
For example, in front of you is a green traffic light, a sign “Main Road” and a sign “Turn left on the main road”.
When you need to turn left, and then a car with a flashing beacon system installed on the roof drives out, then you need to give way to it, only then make the maneuver.
Additional section
Traffic light equipment, which has additional sections with the image of arrows, or luminous circles, disks, is usually installed at intersections with busy traffic during the day. All the same color lights are used with a specific designation for each of them.
For example, arrow images are endowed with the same semantic loads, only the addition also includes an indication of the direction in which it is allowed or prohibited to move:
- A green luminous disk, circle or arrow - allows passage, passage of the path.
- Red – prohibits.
- Yellow – prepares.
If pedestrians need to move in the same direction as vehicles, and there is only one traffic light, then an additional section for pedestrians or cars or motorcycles can be used.
The additional section looks like another cell, which can be located in one row with the main lights, or can be pushed to the side.
The peculiarity of using additional sections is the simultaneous illumination of diverse signal lights.
For example, the red light of a traffic light is on, and the additional one has a green arrow indicator. The point of this combination is priority.
First, cars traveling along the preferred path at the time of switching on the permitting signals for them are allowed through, and then only the movement is made.
Stop
If there are no restrictive markings on the highway, then it is sometimes difficult for motorists to decide where exactly to stop before a traffic light.
In this case, it is necessary to refer to the road signs, which must be there. It is believed that it is their location that serves as the beginning of an imaginary line that can easily be drawn perpendicular to the roadway in order to understand where to stop.
“But what to do if the sign was placed right on a traffic light?” – the drivers will ask. In this case, you can visually draw a line from the traffic light and perpendicular to the roadway.
Without driving behind it and stopping so that the radiator grille and the front bumper do not protrude beyond the line. But this is the case if the STOP line is not marked near the traffic light area.
If it is available, then it is even easier for drivers - they simply cannot drive behind it when stopping.
The correct position of vehicles when stopping at a traffic light:
Almost the same rule applies when stopping near a traffic light serving a railway crossing.
On the road, whether there is a STOP line or not, you should still stop outside an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the path, starting from the installation point of the 2-section traffic light.
the main road
The presence of this signaling device at intersections and turns makes them adjustable. This is where it is important to understand whether highways are of equal importance or not. The “yellow diamond” sign indicates the presence of a main road.
Accordingly, the second one, crossing, is secondary, unless the same sign is installed on it. In any case, the presence of a traffic light makes the intersection regulated, which means it is allowed to drive through when the traffic light is green.
When a motorist sees a blinking yellow signal, then the system warns him that in a split second there will be a switch to green or red. This is a transitional signal, it allows the driver to tune in to the appropriate actions.
When there are signs that control the direction of the road, showing the trajectory of its movement, then traffic light signals cannot cancel this. But they work in regulating the intensity and sequence of movement.
When the main one goes left or right, you just need to navigate by the traffic light permitting signal and the arrow on the additional section, if there is one.
U-turn
Another difficulty may be turning around at an intersection where there is a traffic light. This is where road signage comes in handy.
If there is a red circle with a black arrow inside, on a white field, indicating a turn to the right or left, but it is crossed out by a red line, then the maneuver is strictly prohibited. In this case, the presence of a traffic light will not affect it in any way.
Reversal instructions:
- You need to take the left lane if you are turning right, or, conversely, the right lane if you are turning left.
- The turn signals turn on, signaling to other participants which direction the driver is going to turn.
- Stop. Traffic signals are observed.
- The clutch is released.
- Gear “1” is engaged.
- Keeping your foot in this position, you should look around and see that all cars on the priority sections of the tracks have been let through, and the passage is clear for maneuver.
- The brake pedal is released.
- The steering wheel rotates in the direction in which you need to make a turn.
- The turn signal turns off.
- The car straightens out and drives along the new lane in compliance with further rules.
If the traffic light is equipped with an additional section, then it will be very convenient for motorists to navigate in order to make a U-turn.
At such a traffic light this is done according to the following rules:
- Wait for the green arrow pointing in the desired direction to light up.
- You cannot drive straight through a red light.
- In the absence of other signs and driving cars, if there is free passage, you can make a U-turn onto another road.
What is it needed for
Among the classic equipment options that were discussed above, there are also specific traffic lights: backup and reversible. Their use in Russia today has already become quite active.
The first one is called by the word “understudy”, which means “repetition”. A reversible traffic light indicates different directions of movement, although it is attached (suspended) or stands within the boundaries of one lane.
All these devices must be installed within the visibility of driving drivers and walking pedestrians.
Duplicate
A backup traffic light informs participants in traffic about the same signal as the main one. It must be carried out according to and refer to the markings - “T.1” and “T.2”. It is placed at an intersection or immediately after an intersection.
This takes into account good visibility of the signals given to drivers. These copies are needed in order to increase the attention of drivers and pedestrians in areas of the most intense traffic.
These settings may have arrows on additional sections, but may also reflect other images and symbols. The design and shape of such traffic lights often differs from the main equipment. They can be suspended above the roadway, or placed on the side of the road.
Pedestrian ones are laid under the asphalt on the road, or installed above the pedestrian crossing. They duplicate not only directions, but also various instructions - a traffic ban, permission to travel, a warning about the presence of pedestrians, etc.
Reversible
Reversible traffic lights are needed in those places on roads where traffic may change during the day. In case there is no such traffic light, the flow is adjusted by such a special person as a traffic controller - a traffic police officer.
This is required to relieve the flow intensity so that congestion does not form on highways and city streets.
Locations of such traffic lights:
- Hanging road signs above the roadway, not far from the main traffic lights.
- In tunnels, above road strips.
- Above roundabouts and other intersections with maximum traffic flow.
When approaching an area where there is a reversible traffic light, you should pay attention to some elements that alert participants to this in advance.
Signs of operation of a reversible installation:
- Availability of traffic lights with reversible signs.
- The marking on the asphalt is a double broken line placed on both sides of the strip. The strokes and distances between them are the same.
The iconic system of reversible traffic lights is reflected in the following designations:
| Name | Image | Designation |
| Letter "X" | Does not allow movement in the reversible lane. The reason is that a flow in the opposite direction begins to move on it. |
|
| Diagonal arrow left or right | After a few seconds, the signal will change and motorists are required to change lanes in the direction of the arrow pointer. - red; |
|
| Green down arrow | Permission to move straight ahead in the reversible lane. |
Primary and repeated violation of travel rules
Penalties for driving through prohibitory traffic lights are determined according to the articles of the Code of Administrative Law - Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
Whatever the lane, no matter what the road signs are nearby, no matter what modification the traffic light is, the fine for driving through a red light is always the same. Moreover, it also applies to those cases when you cannot drive through the warning yellow light of the equipment.
