A red arrow displayed on a traffic light means that:
A driver must proceed slowly through the intersection.
A driver must stop and then proceed when the way is clear.
A driver must stop and then proceed when the signal changes to a green light or green arrow.
A driver may turn in the direction that the red arrow is pointing.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A driver must stop and then proceed when the signal changes to a green light or green arrow.
Explanation:
A red arrow on a traffic light is used to indicate that vehicles must stop and may not proceed in the direction the arrow is pointing until the signal changes to a permissive color. This signal applies specifically to the turn indicated by the arrow. The purpose of the red arrow is to prevent drivers from making that turn when it is unsafe or when traffic conditions do not allow it, thus helping to manage traffic flow and reduce potential accidents at intersections.
When a red arrow is displayed, it is different from a standard red traffic light. A standard red light applies to all directions of traffic at an intersection and requires vehicles to stop and remain stopped until the light turns green. However, a red arrow applies only to the specific turn the arrow is pointing to, and it usually indicates that no turn is permitted during that phase of the signal. The red arrow signals to drivers that they must stop and cannot make the turn in that direction until they are given permission, either when the signal changes to a green light or a green arrow that allows the turn.
While in some cases, drivers may be allowed to make a right turn on red after stopping and yielding to other traffic, this is not the case with a red arrow pointing to a right or left turn. A red arrow means that even after stopping, the driver cannot make the turn until the light changes to a permissive condition, such as a green arrow or a green light that allows them to do so safely.
Adhering to red arrow signals is crucial for maintaining safety at intersections, as it prevents drivers from turning when other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists may have the right of way or when the road conditions are not safe for the maneuver.