Maine permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing signal lights and lighted arrows. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- Maine allows a right turn on red after a full stop unless a sign says otherwise. (p. 50, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution, ready to stop for any traffic. (p. 50, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- A steady red arrow means traffic turning in that direction must stop and wait until the arrow changes to green. (p. 50, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- When there is more than one traffic light, obey the one directly over your lane. (p. 50, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Maine law forbids driving through a parking area to avoid obeying a traffic control device such as a red light. (p. 50, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- At a crossing with flashing lights and gates, stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the barriers are raised. (p. 50, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red. (p. 50, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Lane-use lights show which lanes may be used. (p. 51, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow X means the lane may be used only for a left turn. (p. 51, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.At a railroad crossing, red lights are flashing and the gates are down. When may you drive ahead?
- AWhen you can see no train coming
- BAfter stopping for a full minute
- CWhen the lights stop and gates are raised
- DAs soon as the train passes your car
Show the answer
✓ C. When the lights stop and gates are raised
At a crossing with flashing lights and gates, stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the barriers are raised.
2.You approach an intersection where the traffic light is flashing red. What must you do?
- AStop only if traffic is coming
- BWait for a steady green light
- CStop, look both ways, then go when safe
- DSlow down and go with caution
Show the answer
✓ C. Stop, look both ways, then go when safe
Treat a flashing red light like a stop sign: stop, look both ways, and go only when it is safe.
3.You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right. No sign forbids it. What may you do?
- ATurn after stopping, yielding to all traffic
- BTurn only if a green arrow comes on
- CTurn without stopping if the way is clear
- DWait for the green light no matter what
Show the answer
✓ A. Turn after stopping, yielding to all traffic
Maine allows a right turn on red after a full stop unless a sign says otherwise. You must yield to pedestrians and all other traffic.
4.To avoid waiting at a red light, a driver cuts through a store parking lot on the corner. Is that legal in Maine?
- AOnly when the traffic light is broken
- BYes, if you buy something at the store
- CYes, if you drive slowly through the lot
- DNo, it is illegal to dodge a signal that way
Show the answer
✓ D. No, it is illegal to dodge a signal that way
Maine law forbids driving through a parking area to avoid obeying a traffic control device such as a red light.