California Car / Permit practice question · Signals & Pavement Markings
A flashing yellow left-turn arrow tells you that you may:
Answer choices
- Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic— Correct answer
- Turn left without yielding because oncoming traffic is stopped
- Wait, because the turn is prohibited
- Turn right only, not left
Why this is the answer
A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means you can turn, but the turn is not protected from other traffic. Turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic, and proceed with caution. A steady green arrow is the protected turn, where oncoming vehicles are stopped, so do not treat the flashing yellow arrow as one.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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