Traffic signals sometimes display arrows to control turns from specific lanes. A solid yellow arrow:
- Is never used as a traffic signal.
- Has the same meaning as a circular yellow traffic light. ✓
- Means that drivers may turn in the direction indicated by the arrow.
- Tells drivers that a green arrow is about to be shown.
Answer: B. Has the same meaning as a circular yellow traffic light.
A solid yellow arrow has the same meaning as a circular yellow traffic light: the protected turn is ending, so stop if you can do so safely.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's yellow arrow entry says the green arrow is finishing or the light is about to turn red, and you should stop if you can do it safely. That is the caution-and-prepare-to-stop message a circular yellow light gives. So a solid yellow arrow is not permission to turn; it warns that the protected turn is ending. The handbook does not say a new green arrow is coming.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Is never used as a traffic signal. — A solid yellow arrow is listed in the handbook, so saying it is never used as a traffic signal is wrong.
- C. Means that drivers may turn in the direction indicated by the arrow. — That describes the green arrow, which is the signal that allows the turn in the arrow's direction.
- D. Tells drivers that a green arrow is about to be shown. — The handbook ties the yellow arrow to a green arrow ending or a red light coming, not to a green arrow about to appear.
Remember it
Yellow arrow, same caution as a yellow light: stop if you can do it safely.