Practice question

What do yellow traffic lights indicate?

  1. Accelerate to cross the intersection
  2. Prepare to stop
  3. Complete your turn safely
  4. Yield to pedestrians

Answer: B — Prepare to stop

Yellow traffic lights indicate that a driver should prepare to stop. This signal serves as a warning that the traffic light is about to change to red, which means that vehicles must yield the right of way to traffic that is already in the intersection if they have not yet entered. The purpose of the yellow light is to give drivers a brief moment to react and to safely slow their vehicle in preparation to stop at the upcoming red light. This understanding is crucial for maintaining the flow of traffic and ensuring safety at intersections. Drivers should not speed up to cross the intersection when a yellow light is activated, as this could lead to traffic violations or potential accidents. Instead, the yellow light signifies the need for caution and awareness, encouraging drivers to assess the situation and prepare to come to a halt.

Practice more: California Driver's License Renewal Practice Exam →