Massachusetts Car / Permit practice
Signals & Pavement Markings
How to read traffic signals, lane lines, and pavement markings — including yellow and white lines, arrows, and flashing lights.
Questions reviewed against the official Massachusetts driver handbook · July 7, 2026
15 questions · pass with 12 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
12 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
1. In Massachusetts, when may you turn left on a red light?
Correct answer: When moving from a one-way street onto a second one-way street
A left turn on red is permitted only when you move from one one-way street onto another that also runs one way, after stopping and yielding.
2. What does a broken yellow center line allow you to do?
Correct answer: Cross temporarily to pass when it is safe
A broken yellow line separates opposing traffic and lets you cross temporarily to pass a vehicle when it is safe.
3. What should you do at a flashing yellow traffic signal?
Correct answer: Slow down and proceed with caution
A flashing yellow light is a warning. Slow down, stay alert, and proceed with caution, checking both directions.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Flashing Yellow Circle
4. Green-colored pavement on a roadway is used to alert drivers to what?
Correct answer: The presence of bicyclists in a shared area
Green pavement marks areas where cars and bicycles may conflict. Watch for bicyclists before crossing it, and do not stop on it at a red light.
5. Two solid yellow lines down the middle of a road may be crossed only for what reason?
Correct answer: To make a left turn when it is safe
Double solid yellow lines prohibit passing. You may cross them only to make a left turn when it is safe to do so.
6. A flashing red traffic signal means the same thing as what?
Correct answer: A STOP sign
A flashing red light carries the same meaning as a STOP sign. Halt completely, then continue when the right-of-way rules allow.
7. At a steady red traffic light, when is a right turn allowed?
Correct answer: After a full stop and yielding, unless a sign forbids it
After stopping fully and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, you may turn right on red, provided no sign prohibits the turn.
8. What does a broken white line between lanes tell you?
Correct answer: Lanes go the same way and you may change lanes when safe
Broken white lines divide lanes that run the same way. After you have checked and it is clear, you may cross to switch lanes.
9. What does a single solid white line usually mark?
Correct answer: The road edge or a boundary between same-direction lanes
A solid white stripe usually marks the road's right edge or divides lanes headed the same way, including a bike lane; avoid crossing unless necessary.
10. What does a steady yellow traffic light indicate?
Correct answer: The light is about to turn red, so stop if you safely can
A steady yellow means the light is changing from green to red. Stop if you can do so safely; do not speed up.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Steady Yellow Circle
11. What does a double solid white line between two lanes mean?
Correct answer: Crossing the line is not allowed
Two solid white stripes between lanes going the same way indicate that crossing is not permitted.
12. What does a green arrow traffic signal give you?
Correct answer: A protected turn in the direction it points
A green arrow allows a protected turn in the direction it points; oncoming traffic and pedestrians should be stopped for a red light.
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