Traffic signs, signals and road markings
Traffic signs, signals and road markings are set up to control the flow of traffic, making streets and highways safer for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. A safe driver always watches for and obeys all traffic signals, signs and road markings. During heavy traffic or in an emergency, a police officer may direct traffic. A police officer can overrule traffic signals. Law enforcement orders or directions must always be obeyed.
Court penalties will be imposed for stealing or damaging airport, traffic or railroad-crossing signs or equipment.
Traffic Signals
When traffic signals are hung vertically, the red light is always on top. The yellow is in the center. The green light is third in line. If there is a green arrow, it is always on the bottom. When the lights are horizontal, red is always on the left.
Red Light
A motorist must stop before the intersection or crosswalk and remain stopped until the light changes to green.
Yellow Light
A motorist should stop before entering the intersection or crosswalk, unless his/her vehicle is so close to the intersection that it cannot be stopped safely. A yellow arrow means the signal is changing from green to red and gives the motorist a chance to stop safely.
Green Light
A motorist should proceed through the intersection. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection and when turning left or right. Before making a left turn, yield to approaching vehicles.
Green Arrow
When shown alone or in combination with the red signal, proceed only as shown by the arrow. Be cautious and yield to pedestrians.
Flashing Yellow Light
Slow down and proceed with care.
Flashing Red Light
Stop. Yield to traffic and pedestrians. Go only when safe.
Unit Signal
Stop if a signal does not have any of its bulbs working and no one is directing traffic. Look left and right. Yield to traffic coming from the right or left. Be careful and go only when safe.
Orange, Steady Raised-Palm Symbol
Pedestrians must not leave the sidewalk or enter the roadway when facing the light. Those already in the roadway should quickly go to a safe spot. Pedestrians already within the crosswalk will have time to cross the intersection before the signal changes. Those who have not yet left the sidewalk or curb should not enter the roadway.
White, Steady Pedestrian Silhouette/Countdown Pedestrian Sign With Steady Pedestrian Silhouette
Pedestrians facing the signal may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal. New Jersey law requires turning motorists to yield to pedestrians crossing on this signal and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Pedestrian push-buttons are located at certain traffic signals. A short time after the button is pushed, the flow of traffic at the intersection changes to a longer green for the side street.
Traffic engineers use color, such as an optional yellow-green or a standard yellow, for the pedestrian crossing and bicycle warning signs which are of utmost importance. These signs alert New Jersey motorists that they must share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists and yield to them.
