Signals & Pavement Markings

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. 1. What does a steady red traffic light require of a rider?

   Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the light turns green

   A steady red means stop and stay stopped until it turns green; a right turn on red is allowed only after a complete stop and yielding.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Traffic Signals: Steady Red

2. 2. On a one-way street, when may you turn left at a steady red light?

   Correct answer: When turning from one one-way street onto a different one-way street

   A left turn on red is allowed only where a one-way street meets and turns onto another one-way street, and only after you stop and yield.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Traffic Signals: Steady Red

3. 3. When two solid yellow lines separate opposing lanes, what are you allowed to do?

   Correct answer: Cross only to make a left turn when safe

   Double solid yellow lines prohibit passing in either direction; you may cross them only to make a left turn when it is safe.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Pavement Markings: Double Yellow Lane Lines: Both Solid

4. 4. On double yellow lines where one is solid and one is broken, when may you cross to pass?

   Correct answer: Only when the broken line is on your side

   You may cross only if the broken line is on your side; if the solid line is closer to you, passing across is not allowed.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Pavement Markings: Double Yellow Lane Lines: One Solid, One Broken

5. 5. If traffic signals are completely dark and not functioning, how should you treat the intersection?

   Correct answer: As having stop signs in all directions

   When signals are blacked out, treat the intersection as if it has stop signs in every direction and proceed when it is safe.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Traffic Signals: Traffic Lights Not Working

6. 6. When a solid white or yellow lane line changes into a dotted line at an intersection, what does it mean?

   Correct answer: It is the line continuing through the intersection or interchange

   A solid line that turns dotted is simply the continuation of that line through an intersection or interchange; stay in your lane unless turning, exiting, or changing lanes.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Pavement Markings

7. 7. A flashing yellow traffic signal tells you to do what?

   Correct answer: Proceed with caution and stay alert

   A flashing yellow is a caution signal; slow down, stay alert, and look both ways before crossing the intersection.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow

8. 8. What does a broken (dashed) white line between lanes indicate?

   Correct answer: Same-direction lanes; you may cross it to change lanes

   A broken white line separates lanes going the same direction, and you may cross it to change lanes after signaling when it is safe.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Pavement Markings: Broken White Lane Line

9. 9. A steady green light allows you to go only after doing what?

   Correct answer: Yielding to pedestrians and vehicles still in the road

   Green means go, but only after you yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles still in the intersection, and only with room to clear it.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Traffic Signals: Steady Green

10. 10. What does a flashing red traffic signal mean?

    Correct answer: The same as a stop sign

    A flashing red signal has the same meaning as a stop sign: come to a full stop, yield, and go when it is safe.

    Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Traffic Signals: Flashing Red

11. 11. A white diamond painted on the pavement alerts you to what?

    Correct answer: A special lane restriction such as HOV, bus, or bike only

    A white diamond marks a special lane restriction, such as high-occupancy vehicle, bus-only, or bicycle-only use.

    Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Pavement Markings: Words and Symbols

12. 12. What does a steady yellow traffic light indicate?

    Correct answer: The signal is changing to red; stop if it is safe

    A steady yellow warns that the signal is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely, and if you are already stopped, do not proceed.

    Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Traffic Signals: Steady Yellow