← Chapter 2 · Traffic Control

Page 23

Traffic control signals · Pedestrian signals and signs

Traffic control signals (continued)

pedestrian walk light at the intersection. If it shows the “WALK” symbol, the light will stay green. If it shows the “DON’T WALK” symbol, be ready to stop. If the traffic light does change, the driver must stop before the intersection if it can be done safely.

Green arrow with green light

  • Green arrow with green light

Drivers facing a traffic control light with a green arrow and solid green traffic control light may enter the intersection and proceed without yielding in the direction indicated by the arrow. Drivers facing the green light may also proceed in the other directions when it is safe and legal.

Green arrow with red light

  • Green arrow with red light

Drivers facing a traffic control light with a green arrow and a red control light may enter the intersection and proceed without stopping only in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Flashing red light

  • Flashing red light

Drivers facing a flashing red traffic control light must stop before the stop line or crosswalk. If there is no stop line or crosswalk, drivers must stop before the intersection. Drivers should proceed only when it is safe and after yielding the right-of way. The flashing red light is treated like a stop sign.

When the lights in all directions are flashing red the intersection becomes a four-way stop.

Flashing yellow light

  • Flashing yellow light

Drivers facing a flashing yellow traffic control light may proceed with caution after yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles within the intersection.

Flashing green light

  • Flashing green light

Drivers facing a flashing green traffic control light are permitted to go through, turn left or turn right without stopping. Opposing traffic will be facing a red light; however a driver must still yield to pedestrians or other vehicles lawfully in the intersection.

Pedestrian signals and signs

Drivers must understand pedestrian control lights so they can anticipate the actions of those sharing the road. Pedestrians facing a traffic control signal where a word or symbol indicating “WALK” is displayed, may enter the crosswalk or roadway when it is safe, and proceed in that direction.

A pedestrian facing a traffic signal where a word or symbol indicates “DON’T WALK” must not enter the crosswalk or roadway. Pedestrians who have begun crossing when the word or symbol appears may continue crossing and clear the crosswalk. Some pedestrian signals include a countdown timer to show how much time remains before the light changes.

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Reproduced from the Driver's Guide: cars and light trucks (Spring 2026), Government of Alberta.

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Class 7 Practice is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the Government of Alberta.

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