Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — Wisconsin Driver's License Practice Test

This section covers how traffic signals, the colored lines painted on the road, and special lane markings tell you what to do. Traffic signal lights are arranged with red on top, yellow in the middle, and green on the bottom. Knowing what each color and arrow means — and what the painted lines say about the road — is essential for moving safely through intersections and staying in the correct lane.

For signal colors: a steady red means come to a full stop and wait; you may turn right on red when it is safe and no sign prohibits it, and you may turn left on red only when going from a one-way onto a one-way street. A steady yellow warns that red is coming, so slow and stop before the intersection. A flashing red means stop first then go when safe, while a flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution. Arrows work the same way in the direction the arrow points, and on a green left-turn signal you turn only when it is safe because oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.

For pavement markings: white lines separate lanes going the same direction — dashed white lines may be crossed when safe, while a solid white line means do not cross except for a hazard or a turn. Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions; a dashed yellow line means you may pass when safe, two solid yellow lines mean no passing, and a dashed-and-solid combination means you may pass only from the dashed side. Special lanes have their own rules: a shared center lane is only for turning left or making a U-turn, reversible lanes use overhead signals where a red X means closed and a green arrow means open, reserved lanes (often marked with a white diamond) are for specific vehicles, and a flex lane lets you use the paved shoulder as a travel lane only when the signage permits.