Key Michigan facts: Traffic Signals
On a red light, a driver may turn left from a two-way street onto a one-way street after a full stop. Chapter 4, Right of way when turning, pp. 29-30 Turning left on red from a two-way onto a one-way street, you must yield to opposite vehicles turning right. Chapter 4, Right of way when turning, pp. 29-30 On a 5-section signal, when the green light rather than the green arrow is lit, turn only when oncoming traffic has cleared. Chapter 5, Traffic signals, pp. 49-50 Driving across public or private property, such as a store lot, to avoid a traffic-control device is illegal. Chapter 5, Traffic signals, pp. 49-50 Construction workers may direct traffic, and their directions should be followed even if they conflict with a traffic device. Chapter 4, Construction zones, pp. 26-27 Sample Traffic Signals questions
Under Michigan law, what hand signal does a driver use for a left turn?
Left arm straight out to the side Left arm pointing down Left arm pointing up Show the answer
Left arm straight out to the side
A driver signals a left turn by extending the left hand and arm horizontally.
Source: Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.648
In a Michigan roundabout, what do dashed white lines painted across your lane mark?
A bicycle crossing The edge of the circular traffic lane A no-stopping area The start of a turn-only lane Show the answer
The edge of the circular traffic lane
They show where the circular lane begins, so use caution and look for vehicles when entering.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133, Rev. 10/2025), Chapter 5, Yield lines, p. 49
Turning left on red from a two-way onto a one-way street in Michigan, which vehicles must you yield to?
Vehicles opposite you that are turning right Vehicles stopped at the red light beside you Vehicles behind you waiting to turn Vehicles parked along the one-way street Show the answer
Vehicles opposite you that are turning right
Come to a full stop, scan for vehicles coming from the right, and yield to any vehicles opposite you turning right.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133, Rev. 10/2025), Chapter 4, Right of way when turning, pp. 29-30
In Michigan, may you turn left on red from a two-way street onto a one-way street?
No, left turns on red are never allowed No, only from a one-way street Yes, without stopping if it is clear Yes, after a full stop, if you yield Show the answer
Yes, after a full stop, if you yield
Michigan allows this turn after a complete stop. Scan for vehicles from the right and yield to anyone opposite you turning right.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133, Rev. 10/2025), Chapter 4, Right of way when turning, pp. 29-30
May you drive across a store parking lot to avoid a traffic signal in Michigan?
Yes, if you drive slowly No, that is illegal Yes, during business hours Yes, if the lot is empty Show the answer
No, that is illegal
It is illegal to cross public or private property to get around a traffic-control device.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133, Rev. 10/2025), Chapter 5, Traffic signals, pp. 49-50
Under Michigan law, what hand signal does a driver use to stop or slow down?
Left arm pointing up Left arm pointing down Left arm straight out to the side Show the answer
Left arm pointing down
A driver signals a stop or a slower speed by extending the left hand and arm downward.
Source: Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.648
At a Michigan 5-section signal, the green light is on but not the green arrow. When may you turn left?
Only after the arrow turns green Only after a complete stop Right away, since the turn is protected When oncoming traffic has cleared Show the answer
When oncoming traffic has cleared
The green arrow is the protected turn. With only the green light, oncoming traffic may still be moving.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133, Rev. 10/2025), Chapter 5, Traffic signals, pp. 49-50
Under Michigan law, what hand signal does a driver use for a right turn?
Left arm pointing up Left arm straight out to the side Left arm pointing down Show the answer
Left arm pointing up
A driver signals a right turn by extending the left hand and arm upward.
Source: Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.648
A wide white arrow in your Michigan lane points only to the right. Which movement does the lane allow?
Only a U-turn Any movement after signaling A right turn or going straight Only a right turn Show the answer
Only a right turn
Directional arrows show what each lane permits. Check for traffic and pedestrians before you go.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133, Rev. 10/2025), Chapter 5, Directional arrows, p. 47
A Michigan construction worker directs you to go, but the traffic signal says otherwise. What should you do?
Follow the signal Stop until the two agree Follow the worker's direction Turn around and find another road Show the answer
Follow the worker's direction
Workers have the authority to direct traffic in work zones, even when that conflicts with a traffic control device.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133, Rev. 10/2025), Chapter 4, Construction zones, pp. 26-27
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (Revised October 2025 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
