Traffic lights with arrows: who may proceed?

Arrow lights control the movement of vehicles travelling in the direction shown. The colour has the usual traffic-light meaning, limited to that movement.

The arrow applies only to its direction

Lane-control signals use coloured arrows on a black background. They have the same meaning as the colours of a standard traffic light, but apply to vehicles travelling in the direction shown. A green arrow permits that movement; a red arrow prohibits it; an amber arrow warns that you must stop, subject to the same conditions as a steady amber light. Do not treat an arrow for another lane as permission for your route.

Even with a green arrow, proceed carefully: pedestrians may be crossing, or cyclists and vehicles may still be completing a manoeuvre permitted during the previous phase. The arrow does not automatically cancel rules giving priority to vulnerable road users. Check crossings, road markings and lane positions before turning.

• Check that the arrow matches your lane and direction.
• At amber, stop if you can do so safely.
• Even on green, check that the junction and crossing are clear.

Arrows and circular signals

A circular signal controls traffic according to the general phase; a lane arrow applies to the movement it shows. Road markings may channel traffic and specify which directions are allowed from each lane. Choose your lane before the stop line: changing lanes at the last moment may cut across another road user and create a hazard.

If a traffic light behaves unusually or is out, slow down and proceed with the care required by the Italian Highway Code. Take account of priority signs and any directions from police officers. Do not follow nearby vehicles if the signal for your lane prohibits your movement.

Reviewing traffic lights

Some signal systems separate movements specifically to reduce conflicts between turns and oncoming traffic; do not defeat this separation by changing lanes in the middle of a junction. If the arrow is amber, judge your distance from the line as you would for a circular amber light. If there is a pedestrian signal, obey its phase and do not block the crossing. If a signal is obscured or faulty, follow the rules of care and priority rather than copying other drivers. If you are towing a trailer or driving a large vehicle, plan your turn in advance and do not encroach on the next lane without checking it is clear.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapters on traffic lights, timed test quizzes and review of incorrect answers.