Rules of the Road

CHAPTER 10: TRAFFIC SIGNALS and PAVEMENT MARKINGS

Traffic signals and pavement markings must be obeyed unless a police or traffic control officer directs otherwise. A driver may never leave the roadway to avoid a traffic signal.

Traffic Signals  |   Pavement Markings  |   Railroad Grade Crossings

Traffic Signals

Traffic lights at intersections usually have three colors — red, yellow and green — from top to bottom or from left to right. At some intersections, however, there may be a single red or yellow light. Some traffic lights are steady, some flash and some are arrows. When traffic control signals are not working, you must always treat the intersection as an all-way stop, come to a complete stop, unless directed otherwise by law enforcement. You must then look and yield the right-of-way before entering an intersection.

	Steady Lights Red light – Stop at the marked stop line. If there is not a marked stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Do not go until the light is green and the intersection is clear. You may make a right turn at a red light. You also may make a left turn at a red light when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street that has traffic moving to the left. In both instances, drivers must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning. Yellow light – The yellow light warns that the signal is changing from green to red. When the red light appears, you may not enter the intersection. Green light – You may go after yielding the right-of-way to any pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection or crosswalk.
	Flashing Lights Flashing red – Stop, yield the right-of-way to traffic within the intersection or crosswalk and proceed when safe. This sign is used at intersections when a stop sign alone is hard to see or where additional emphasis on the stop sign is needed. They also are used at railroad crossings to warn of approaching trains. Stop. Never try to beat a train to a crossing. Flashing yellow – Proceed with caution. This sign is used where caution is required.
	Arrows After yielding the right-of-way to traffic within the intersection or crosswalk, you may go in the direction the arrow is pointing. Red arrow – The red arrow means do not make the movement shown by the arrow until a green arrow appears. You may make a right turn at a red arrow. You also may make a left turn at a red arrow when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street that has traffic moving to the left. In both instances, drivers must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding. Yellow arrow – The yellow arrow means the green arrow is ending or that the light is about to turn red. Green arrow – When the arrow is pointed upward you may go straight ahead only. When the arrow is pointed to the right you may turn to the right. When the arrow is pointed to the left you may turn to the left.
	Lane Signals Special lights sometimes are used over each lane on highways and expressways. They are used most often to change the flow of traffic during certain hours of the day. RED "X" – Never drive in this lane. Yellow "X" – This lane signal is going to change to red. Leave this lane safely before the red "X" appears. Flashing yellow “arrow” – This lane may be used for approaching and making a left turn. Green arrow – Lanes may be used, but all other signs and signals must be obeyed.

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Pavement Markings

Lines and symbols are used on a roadway to warn and direct drivers and to control traffic.

Edge Lines
Solid lines along the side of the road that tell you where the edge of the pavement is.

• Solid white lines are used on the right of the roadway edge.
• Solid yellow lines are used on the left edge of divided streets or roadways.

White Lane Lines
White lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.

• Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Crossing the line is allowed only when changing lanes or turning.
• Solid white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Crossing a solid white line requires special care and is discouraged.
• Solid double white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Crossing a double solid white line is prohibited.

Yellow Center Lines
Yellow center lines separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions.

• Broken yellow lines separate single lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Passing is allowed.
• Solid double yellow lines are used where traffic is moving in opposite directions. Two solid lines mark the center of the roadway. Solid yellow lines may be crossed to make a left turn to or from an alley, private road, driveway or street.

Yellow “No Passing” Lines
“No Passing” lines are solid yellow lines on roads where traffic moves in opposite directions. The lines indicate zones where passing is not allowed.

When the solid yellow line is on your side of the center line, you may cross it to finish passing a vehicle you started to pass before the beginning of the no passing zone. Or, you may cross it to make a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway. When there is a solid and a broken yellow line separating two lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions, you may pass only when the broken yellow line is nearest your lane.

Two-Way Left Turn Lanes
Two-way left turn lanes are marked with yellow lines and white arrows. A left turn may not be made from any other lane when a turn lane is provided. A vehicle may not be driven in the lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making a U-turn when permitted by law.

White Stop Line
A white stop line is painted across a lane at an intersection. The line is usually four feet before the crosswalk in an urban area. It shows where you must stop for a STOP sign or red light. You must stop your vehicle before any part of it crosses the line.

White Crosswalk Lines
White crosswalk lines are painted across the entire width of the pavement. Sometimes the inside area is marked with white diagonal lines for added visibility. Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right-of-way over motor vehicles. Crosswalks are sometimes in the middle of the block and, in this case, a pedestrian crossing sign is located at the white lines.

Other Markings

• Yellow or white diagonal stripes are used to mark fixed obstructions.
• Solid white or yellow lines are sometimes used to channel traffic around a hazard.
• Curb markings, fire lanes and pavement markings may be designated as “No Parking” areas by local authorities.

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Railroad Grade Crossings

When approaching a railroad crossing you must stop within 50 feet to 15 feet if there is a posted STOP sign, the electric signal is flashing or the crossing gate is lowered. You also must stop if a flagperson issues a signal to stop or a train is approaching and/or gives a warning. An automated railroad crossing enforcement system may record an image of the vehicle and license plate, time, date and location of any violation. Violators are subject to a $250 fine or 25 hours of community service and a one-month suspension of driving privileges. A second conviction results in a three-month suspension of driving privileges and a $500 fine and 50 hours of community service. If a railroad grade crossing has no warning devices or only a crossbuck sign, slow down and look and listen for a train before proceeding. You must yield the right of way to any approaching train.

A driver may not enter a highway railroad crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the crossing to accommodate the vehicle without obstructing passage of a train or other railroad equipment using the rails. Violators are subject to a $500 fine or 50 hours of community service and a one-month suspension of driving privileges.

Vehicles required by law to stop at most all railroad crossings are second division vehicles carrying people for hire, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials and identified by a sign required by federal or state government as defined by the Illinois Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. The driver must look and listen in both directions. To avoid stalling, a driver should not change gears while crossing the track. Railroad crossings are marked with one or more of the following special warning devices:

Round Advance Warning Sign
A yellow sign with a black X and the letters RR means a highway-railway crossing is ahead. The sign may be placed up to 750 feet in advance of the railroad crossing.

Pavement Markings
In front of railroad crossings, the pavement may be marked with a large X and two R’s. A solid yellow line in advance of the crossing means no passing. White stop lines on each side of the track show motorists where to stop when a train is approaching. These markings also indicate a highway railway crossing is ahead.

Railroad Crossbuck Sign
Most crossings have a railroad sign. If it has more than one track, the number of tracks is on the sign below the crossbuck. This is a yield sign and drivers must yield the right of way to any oncoming trains.

Flashing Light Signals
When lights begin to flash, you must always stop until the train has passed and the lights have stopped flashing.

Gates
When gates are being lowered the red flashing lights will warn you to stop. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and lights are no longer flashing. Do not go around lowered gates.

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This edition of the Illinois Rules of the Road is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. The manual gives drivers information on obtaining a driver’s license, driver’s license laws, traffic safety issues and general information regarding Illinois traffic laws and ordinances. The language of the Illinois Compiled Statutes is condensed and paraphrased and does not cover every law or explain every possible situation that motorists may face while operating a motor vehicle. The manual also provides highway safety information not in the law. It is intended as a tool for drivers and should not be cited as a legal authority in court.