Question

Difficulty: HardTraffic Light Signals

A driver arrives at an intersection intending to make a left turn and faces a solid circular green traffic signal. Oncoming vehicles are approaching from the opposite direction, and pedestrians are entering the marked crosswalk of the street the driver wishes to turn onto. Which of the following actions is legally required of the driver?

  1. Yield the right-of-way to both oncoming traffic and pedestrians, completing the turn only when a safe gap exists.Answer
  2. B
    Complete the left turn immediately without stopping, as a solid green circular signal grants right-of-way over oncoming traffic.
  3. C
    Come to a complete mandatory stop prior to the limit line and wait until the signal light cycles to a red light before turning.
  4. D
    Proceed into the intersection and turn freely under the assumption that traffic signals override all standard right-of-way yielding rules.

Answer

Yield the right-of-way to both oncoming traffic and pedestrians, completing the turn only when a safe gap exists.
When facing a solid circular green light, left-turning drivers are executing an unprotected turn. Traffic rules require turning vehicles to yield the right-of-way to all oncoming vehicles close enough to pose a hazard, as well as any pedestrians crossing within the intersection or marked crosswalks.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal type and intended directional maneuver
The driver faces a solid circular green light while attempting an unprotected left turn.
Solid circular green signals permit movement, but left turns made across traffic lanes are unprotected.
2
Evaluate potential hazards and right-of-way priorities
Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the target street have right-of-way priority.
Traffic law mandates yielding to oncoming straight-through traffic and pedestrians crossing legally.
3
Determine the required legal driver response
Yield until clear and proceed safely.
The driver must remain yielding until a safe clearance gap opens in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Key Concept

Unprotected Left Turn Yielding Rules
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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