Final answer:
Traffic lights typically go from red to yellow to green and dictate how drivers should behave at intersections. Drivers must stop at malfunctioning traffic signals as they would at a stop sign and then follow the right-of-way rules. Specific light signals and arrows indicate when it's safe to make turns, while 'No Turn on Red' signs or local laws may restrict such movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traffic lights are usually red, yellow, and green from top to bottom, or left to right.
State law requires that if the traffic lights or controls are out of service or malfunction when you approach an intersection,
you must come to a complete stop as you would for a stop sign and then proceed according to the rules of right-of-way. Steady Red:
Stop. If a green arrow is shown with it, you may go only in the direction of the arrow. You may make a right turn at a steady red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
You make a left turn at a steady red light when turning from a one-way street into another one-way street after coming to a full stop and yielding the right-of-way.
You may not make a turn at a red light if there is a 'No Turn on Red' sign posted. Such turns are not allowed in New York City. The driver of a school bus may not make a turn on red. Flashing red: Means the same as a stop sign.
Red arrow: Do not go in the direction of the arrow until the red arrow light goes out and a green signal goes on. Steady yellow: The light is changing from green to red. Flashing yellow: Drive with caution. Yellow arrow: The protection of a green arrow is ending.
Be prepared to yield. Steady green: Go, but yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection. Green Arrow: You may go in the direction of the arrow, but you must yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection.