California Car / Permit practice question · Signals & Pavement Markings

A steady yellow traffic light means:

Answer choices

• Speed up to get through the intersection
• The light is about to turn red; stop if you safely can— Correct answer
• The light is broken; treat it as a stop sign
• You have the right-of-way to turn left

Why this is the answer

A steady yellow light means caution: the light is about to turn red. Stop when you can do it safely. If a safe stop is not possible, cross the intersection cautiously rather than slamming on the brakes. Speeding up to beat the light is not what the rule asks for, and the yellow phase is a warning, not extra time to go.

Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026