Traffic lights are control devices that instruct and control drivers and pedestrians. They ensure uniformity and significantly reduce chaos. Different colours and strobes have different meanings.

A motorist must always signal before they change their course:

• Moving off
• Turning right or left, changing lanes
• Overtaking
• Slowing down
• Stopping

Please note that Signals indicate intent, not confer a right of way.

Suppose the driver is concerned that their direction indicators are not working. In that case, the lamps are not giving an adequate signal, and the driver uses clear, decisive hand signals.

Before manoeuvre, one must exercise care and attention to other road-users, road conditions and how driving will impact other road-users.

Always take care, especially when intending to change lanes;

• Turn across oncoming traffic
• Drive onto or exit from a roundabout

Drive into or reverse into a parking space.

Did you Know?

The standard signal sequence is "GYRG," i.e.

Green - Yellow - Red -  Green

Do you know why?

The standard signal sequence aims to assist drivers who may be colour-blind or unable to see the signal.

Green lights indicate that you can go in any direction. Before proceeding, be sure to look and yield to other road-users. 

2. Yellow Light



A yellow light indicated that the signal was about to turn red. Stop if you can; otherwise, proceed carefully.

3. Red Light



Drivers must stop at a red light. Stop the vehicle at the stop mark line.

Wait for the light to turn green, and proceed cautiously.

4. Simultaneous Left Turn

If both a red and a left-turn green light show simultaneously, you can turn left after yielding to other vehicles on that route. Be sure that you are in the correct lane when turning.

Transit Priority Signals

These appear as a vertical white-coloured bar against a dark background.

This signal is red for all vehicles apart from transit vehicles, and all other vehicles must yield for transit vehicles.

5. Flashing Red Light

When you see this light, come to a complete stop. Observe the intersection; only if it is clear may you proceed through it.

Flashing Yellow Light

Flashing yellow lights means driving cautiously when approaching and moving through an intersection.

6. Flashing Red Beacon

This sign warns you to drive slowly and cautiously.

7. Flashing Yellow Beacon

A flashing yellow beacon above an intersection, a warning sign, or an obstruction in the road warns drivers to drive cautiously.

Pedestrian Signals

If pedestrians see a flashing or steady hand symbol, they should not cross the road. Pedestrians should only cross the road when the white pedestrian appears on the signal. If the countdown timer is present, it indicates the time remaining for pedestrians to cross the street. Most countdown timers emit audible beeps to assist sight-impaired pedestrians.