Prince Edward Island handbook · chapter 3 · 11 min read

Signs, Pavement Markings and Traffic Signals

Chapter 3: Signs, Pavement Markings and Work Zones Traffic lights are placed at busy intersections to make them safer. Both drivers and pedestrians must obey traffic lights, except in cases when a police/traffic officer directs otherwise.

GREEN LIGHTS One of the most important misconceptions is that the green light gives the driver an absolute right-of-way. The green signal is only a qualified permission to proceed carefully in the direction permitted by the signal. It does not give you the right to rush into an intersection without regard for the safety of others. When the green light is in your favour, observe the following:

• Yield the right-of-way to any other vehicles lawfully within an intersection, and to pedestrians within the crosswalk.
• Proceed only in the direction of the “green arrow” when a “green arrow” signal is accompanied by a red light.
• When turning right or left you must yield the right- of-way to any pedestrians who are within your half of the roadway, or so close that there may be danger of a collision.
• Do not enter an intersection unless you are certain of clearing it before the next change of signal lights.

AMBER LIGHTS The purpose of the amber light is to allow persons within the intersection to clear the intersection before the light changes.

Whenever you are approaching an intersection controlled by traffic signal lights, be alert to the fact that the lights may change against you.

Have your car under control, and never speed up as you approach an intersection. Try to be aware of traffic lights at least a block ahead of you in order to anticipate that a green light may change before you get there. It is a violation of the Highway Traffic Act to enter an intersection on an amber light, unless stopping cannot be done safely.