Traffic Light Signals

Traffic Light Signals

Light signals play a vital role in traffic regulation.

  • Installed at road junctions to control the movement of vehicles
  • All traffic must move in conformity with these traffic lights
  • Only observe/listen the traffic light directly facing the direction in which you are moving

Necessity of Traffic Lights

  • To reduce delays at junctions
  • To reduce vehicular conflicts
  • To reduce accidents
  • To economise on police time and strength

Location of Traffic Signals

Traffic signals are installed taking into consideration

  • Traffic volumes on approaching roads
  • Heavy pedestrian volumes
  • Accident history of the junction
  • Signals may be added on a route to obtain coordination of existing signals
  • It may be provided on roundabouts which experience frequent lockings

Traffic Lights-color code

Traffic lights, also known as traffic signals or stop light, is a signalling device that is positioned at a road intersection, pedestrian crossing, or other location to indicate when it is safe to drive, ride, or walk using a universal color code. In general, traffic signal have two main lights, red and green. In India yellow (or amber) is also included to mean 'prepare to stop.' To support for people with red-green color blindness, red light contains some orange in its hue and green contains blue.


Signals colour Meaning of signals
Red O The color 'red' on the signal light indicates to stop well before the stop line and not to crowd the intersection.
Turn left in a red signal only when there is a sign to do so. While turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles coming from other directions.
Amber (Yellow) O The amber (or yellow) light indicates to clear the road when the signal is changing from green to red. If, by mistake, caught in the amber signal in the middle of a large road crossing, continue with care and do not accelerate in panic.
Green O The signal light 'green' set you to go but be careful while on the start of move. Check whether vehicles from other directions have cleared the road. Suppose you want to turn left or right, check the signal whether it allows or not separated. If yes, turn but yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles from other directions.
Steady Green Arrow Signal ---> This indicates to proceed with caution in the direction the arrow points. Remember to yield to all pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
Flashing Red Signal Flashing red means to come to a complete stop. Do not forget to yield to all other traffic and to pedestrians. Proceed only when the way is clear.
Flashing Amber Signal Flashing amber indicates to slow down and proceed with caution.