TRAFFIC SIGNALS

AND RULES

Field project by Ajay

choudhary
 Traffic Signal Rules in India –
Traffic Light Rules

Traffic signals and traffic lights are the most important set of safety
rules that drivers and pedestrians must know and immediately
recognize. These signals and symbols exist to prevent confusion and
maintain order on the roads. Following traffic signals keeps you and
others on the roads safe, and prevents traffic snarls, accidents and
fatalities.

The meaning of the red, yellow and green traffic lights remains the
same worldwide, but the types of traffic signals and regulations may
differ country-wise. Read on to find out more about the traffic signal
rules in India.
What are Traffic Signal Rules in
India?

Traffic signals are traffic signs that are displayed at the intersection
for guiding the movement of the vehicles on roads. The purpose of
traffic signals is to maintain complete order and to avoid fatal
incidents on roads. The traffic signal works on light signals and
includes three colours: red, yellow and green. Here ‘red’ indicates
that the vehicles must stop, ‘yellow’ means that the vehicles must
slow down and finally ‘green’ means to go ahead. The colours red,
yellow and green have been chosen as traffic lights due to their
visibility and wavelength compared to the other colours.

These traffic signal lights help to run the traffic smoothly on the road,
and one can easily spot them at the intersections of the road or
wherever traffic regulation is mandatory. Traffic signal rules are
simple, uncomplicated and the same everywhere in the world. To find
out more on traffic lights read on.
 Traffic Light Rules in India
Red Light

A red light at the traffic signal means “to stop the vehicle” at the
signal immediately without driving any further. When a red light
is seen at the signal, the driver must follow it strictly; otherwise a
hefty traffic fine might be charged for jumping a red light.
Red Arrow

A red arrow works the same way as a red light but restricts
traffic flow in a particular direction. A left red arrow means
that any driver wanting to take a left turn must stop at the red
light. This light can often be found on signals where some
traffic is allowed to flow while stopping the traffic for a
particular direction.
 Yellow Light

When a ‘yellow light’ appears at the signal it indicates

that the red light will soon get turned on. So, ‘yellow light’
at the crossing means that vehicles must slow down in
expectation of the red light, i.e., before the signal turns
red. If the driver has already crossed the junction as the
yellow light got turned on, stopping midway is not
advised but the driver should drive on so that the flow of
the oncoming traffic is not hampered.
 Green Light

A Green signal at the intersection means to drive ahead.

When a green traffic signal is displayed, oncoming
traffic has been stopped and it is safe to drive forward.
Even so, maintain caution while driving through a green
signal as there may be pedestrians or cars jumping a red
light.
A green arrow is equivalent to a green light at
the traffic signal, and indicates movement in a
particular direction. This type of green signal
can be found at intersections where part of
the traffic is stopped while allowing some
traffic to continue moving in a different
direction.
 Types of Traffic Signal
Rules in India
There are three types of traffic signals based on their functions
and operations. Below are the list and details of the three
traffic signals on Indian roads.

1. Traffic Control Signal

The traffic control signals are based on the three-colour light
system: red, yellow, and green. The red light means stop, while
the yellow means to wait or go slow, and the green light means
that the vehicles are allowed to go ahead. Based on the
working mechanism, traffic control signals are of three types-

Fixed Time Signal:

The Fixed Time Signal operates automatically without manual
operation by humans and repeats the cycle of red, yellow, and
green lights based on the preset timings which are determined
and fixed based on the traffic on the particular road.

Traffic Actuated Signal:

In this system, the traffic police can modify the timings of the
traffic light process based on the intensity of the traffic. For
instance, the timings of the lights could be changed depending
on the traffic situation on the road.
 Manually Operated Signal:
This type of signal is manually operated by the traffic police
according to the traffic movement on the road and needs
attention from the traffic police continuously. That’s why at
certain intersections it takes more than usual time for the
traffic lights to change as it is manually operated by the traffic
policeman and as per the traffic situation on the road
throughout the day, the traffic police adjusts the timings.

2. Pedestrian Signal
While traffic lights and signals help the smooth flow of traffic
on the road, pedestrian signals work together with the traffic
signals providing a safer passage to cross the streets at
signalized intersections.

3. Special Signal/Flashing Signal

A Flashing signal is displayed at the crossing – it could be a red
or a yellow flashing signal. When a red flashing signal is
displayed it serves more like a warning sign for motor vehicles
that means they must stop before the line to check for any
oncoming traffic and then cross the intersection, whereas in
case of a flashing yellow light at the crossing it means that the
motor vehicle drivers must proceed slowly, i.e. with caution.
These signals are also called ‘Special Signals’.
 Importance of traffic
lights and traffic signals
Traffic lights and traffic signals are mandatory when it
comes to road safety. Traffic lights and traffic signals help
to manoeuvre moving traffic in order and also protect
pedestrians on roads. Here are some reasons why traffic
lights and traffic signals are important:

Smooth traffic movement:

With traffic signals, the movement of vehicles on the road
is regulated at set intervals ensuring traffic jams are not
caused on the intersections. Following the traffic signals
ensures traffic flows in an orderly manner.

Risk of accidents lowered at the crossings/

junctions
Regulated traffic movement also prevents accidents at
intersections as it removes unregulated interaction
between oncoming vehicles. This improves safety on the
road and reduces Traffic signals at every intersection to
help to reduce the chances of accidents on roads as the
vehicles move following the indications of the traffic lights.
 Precautions To Follow At
Traffic Signals
• Remember to approach the crossing or
intersection cautiously while driving and if any
pedestrians are on the zebra crossing, slow down
to let them pass first.

• Even if the vehicle is at a halt or stopped due to

the red signal, one must keep their seat belts on.
• Avoid unnecessary honking as it produces noise
pollution and can be annoying.

• One must be cautious while driving at an

intersection and look for other vehicles passing by
to avoid any collision.

• One must keep to their left while driving on a 2-

way road so that motor vehicles from the opposite
direction can pass using the right lane smoothly.

• Lane discipline will help you navigate traffic signals

more efficiently. Keep your car on the left or right
lanes if you intend to make a turn in the respective
direction. Keep your car in the centre lane to cross
the intersection unhindered by cars making a turn.