Key North Carolina facts: Traffic Signals
A hybrid beacon at a mid-block crossing stays dark until a pedestrian or emergency crew activates it. Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82) While a hybrid beacon shows steady red, vehicles must stay stopped as pedestrians or emergency vehicles move. Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82) When a hybrid beacon flashes red, vehicles may go after a complete stop once pedestrians or emergency vehicles have cleared. Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82) A vehicle facing a red ramp meter must stop. Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82) When a ramp meter is dark, vehicles may enter the freeway without stopping, merging or yielding as usual. Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82) Sample Traffic Signals questions
Red lights flash at a North Carolina railroad crossing and a train has just passed. When may you move?
When the red lights have stopped flashing After waiting ten seconds with your flashers on As soon as the last railcar has cleared Show the answer
When the red lights have stopped flashing
Stop just as you would for a flashing red signal, and always wait until the lights stop flashing.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62)
A hybrid beacon turns steady red. What must a North Carolina driver do?
Slow down and go if clear Sound the horn and go Stop and stay stopped Show the answer
Stop and stay stopped
Steady red is the period when pedestrians begin crossing or emergency vehicles begin to leave, so vehicles remain stopped.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82)
A hybrid beacon at a North Carolina mid-block crosswalk is dark. What does that mean?
Pedestrians are crossing right now It has failed, so stop at the crosswalk It has not been activated Show the answer
It has not been activated
These beacons stay dark until pedestrians or emergency response personnel activate them.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82)
What can blue reflective pavement markers show on North Carolina roads?
The start of a carpool lane Wrong-way movement by a driver Nearby fire hydrants or water supplies Show the answer
Nearby fire hydrants or water supplies
In some areas they mark nearby hydrants or water supplies for fire-fighting units.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Pavement Markings (p. 88)
You and an opposing right-turning driver both have green arrows in North Carolina. You are making a U-turn. Who should yield?
The right-turning driver You, the U-turning driver Whichever driver is larger Show the answer
You, the U-turning driver
When both movements have a green arrow at the same time, the U-turn gives way to the opposing right turn.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82)
A ramp meter on a North Carolina entrance ramp is dark. What should you do?
Stop as you would for a stop sign Go on without stopping and merge as usual Wait on the ramp until it turns green Show the answer
Go on without stopping and merge as usual
A dark meter does not require a stop. Enter by merging or yielding as normal conditions allow.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82)
A ramp meter on a North Carolina freeway entrance shows red. What must you do?
Merge if the freeway looks clear Stop and wait for green Slow down and use the shoulder Show the answer
Stop and wait for green
Vehicles facing a red ramp meter must stop. Green lets you continue and merge.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82)
While turning right on red in North Carolina, which pedestrians must you yield to besides those already crossing?
Only those carrying a white cane or using a guide dog Those nearby who are starting to cross ahead of stopped traffic Only those walking in a marked crosswalk on your right Show the answer
Those nearby who are starting to cross ahead of stopped traffic
The duty extends to pedestrians in reasonably close proximity who are starting to cross in front of the traffic stopped at the red.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82)
A hybrid beacon is flashing red and the crosswalk is now clear. What may a North Carolina driver do?
Go after first coming to a complete stop Go on without stopping at all Stay stopped until the beacon goes dark Show the answer
Go after first coming to a complete stop
After a complete stop, you may move during the flashing red once people or emergency vehicles have cleared.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Signals (pp. 80-82)
A North Carolina traffic officer holds up a palm toward you and gives a long whistle blast. What does it mean?
Stop Turn right only Start moving Show the answer
Stop
A raised palm and a long blast mean stop. Obey the officer rather than the normal signals.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Traffic Officers (p. 88)
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025 (printed 09/25; PDF file updated September 2026) 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 North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
