Chapter 4: Right-of-Way
Texas Driver Handbook
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons
A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a special type of pedestrian activated warning device used with signs and pavement markings to warn
and control traffic at locations where pedestrians enter or cross a street or highway. Pedestrian hybrid beacons are only installed at
a marked crosswalk.
Pedestrian Crossing Signals
What Drivers See
What Pedestrians See
Dark
Push the button.
Flashing Yellow
Steady Yellow
Alternating Flashing Red
Stop. Then go if clear.
Flashing
Continue crossing.
Dark
Steady Red
Start crossing.
In-Roadway Lights
In-roadway lights are special types of lights installed in the roadway surface to warn roadway users they are approaching a condi-
tion on or near the road they may not see, which might require them to slow down or come to a complete stop. In-roadway lights are
used as an alternative to traffic lights where pedestrian safety is a concern, and are typically placed at midblock crossings, school
crosswalks, marked crosswalks on uncontrolled approaches, or in advance of roundabouts.
Image source: Some images in this chapter are courtesy of The MUTCD, 2009 Edition, published by FHWA at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009/pdf_index.htm
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Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers
Texas Driver Handbook
Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals help provide for the orderly movement of traffic. Drivers must obey these signals, except when a law enforcement
officer is directing traffic. You must obey a law enforcement officer at all times when they are directing traffic even if he/she is
telling you to do something which is ordinarily considered against the law.
Steady Red Light (Stop)
Stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection. You may turn right unless prohibited by law. You may also
turn left if both streets are one way, unless prohibited by law. You must yield to all pedestrians and other traffic
lawfully using the intersection.
A Flashing Red Light
Stop completely before entering the crosswalk or intersection, then proceed when you can do so safely. Vehicles
on the intersecting road may not have to stop.
Steady Yellow Light (Caution)
A steady yellow light warns drivers to use caution and to alert them the light is about to change to red. You must STOP
before entering the nearest crosswalk at the intersection if you can do so safely. If a stop cannot be made safely, then
you may proceed cautiously through the intersection before the light changes to red.
A Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed with caution.
A Flashing Yellow Arrow For Left-Turns
A flashing yellow arrow allows a driver to turn left, but the driver must yield the right-of-way to
oncoming traffic.
Steady Green Light (Go)
A steady green light means the driver can proceed on a green light if it is safe to do so. You may drive straight
ahead or turn unless prohibited by another sign or signal. Watch for cars and pedestrians in the intersection. Be
aware of reckless drivers who may race across the intersection to beat a red light.
Green Arrow Displayed at the Same Time as a Red Light
A green arrow displayed at the same time as a red light means the driver can proceed carefully in the
direction of the arrow after yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians.
Left Turn on Green
You can turn left on a green light. However, you must yield the right-of-way to all traffic that is approaching from the
opposite direction before turning.
Traffic Signs
Traffic signs can help you to be a better driver because they:
1. Warn of hazards ahead that are difficult to see
2. Guide drivers to their destination by identifying the route
3. Inform of local regulations and practices
4. Regulate the speed and movement of traffic
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Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers
Texas Driver Handbook
The Standard Colors table shows colors commonly used on road signs and explains what each color means.
Table 18: Standard Colors
Color
Description
Red: Stop, yield, or do what is posted on the sign
Green: Indicated movements permitted, direction guidance
Blue: Motorist services guidance
Yellow: General warning or caution
Black: Regulation
White: Regulation
Orange: Construction and maintenance warning
Orange (Retroreflective): Used on various types of signs
Brown: Public recreation and scenic guidance
Knowing the shapes of these signs will help you know what to do when you are approaching from a distance.
Table 19: Signs by Shape
Shape
Description
Octagon: Exclusively for stop signs
Horizontal Rectangle: Generally for guide signs
Equilateral Triangle: Exclusively for yield signs
Pennant: Advance warning of no pass zones
Diamond: Exclusively to warn of existing or possible hazards on roads
or adjacent areas.
Vertical Rectangle: Generally for regulatory signs.
Pentagon: School advance and school crossing signs.
Round: Railroad advance warning signs.
Warning Signs
Warning signs alert drivers to conditions that are immediately ahead and tell them what to look for. There may be road hazards,
changes in direction, or some other situation you should know about. Not only must warning signs be observed for safety reasons
but to disregard them may be a traffic violation.
When you encounter a warning sign:
1. Pay attention
2. Follow instructions
3. Reduce speed to at least the posted speed signs
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