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902.6 Steady (Stop-and-Go) Operation of Traffic Control Signals (MUTCD Chapter 4F)

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902.6.1 Application of Steady and Flashing Signal Indications during Steady (Stop-and-Go) Operation (MUTCD Section 4F.01)

Standard. When a traffic control signal is being operated in a steady (stop-and-go) mode, at least one indication in each signal face shall be displayed at any given time.

A signal face(s) that controls a particular vehicular movement during any interval of a cycle shall control that same movement during all intervals of the cycle.

Steady and flashing signal indications shall be applied as follows:

A. A steady CIRCULAR RED signal indication:
  1. Shall be displayed when it is intended to prohibit traffic, except pedestrians directed by a pedestrian signal head, from entering the intersection or other controlled area. Turning after stopping is permitted as stated in Item C.1 of the first standard paragraph of EPG 902.1.3.
  2. Shall be displayed with the appropriate GREEN ARROW signal indications when it is intended to permit traffic to make a specified turn or turns, and to prohibit traffic from proceeding straight ahead through the intersection or other controlled area, except in protected only mode operation (see EPG 902.6.6 and 902.6.13), or in protected/permissive mode operation with separate turn signal faces (see EPG 902.6.8 and 902.6.15).
B. A steady CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication:
  1. Shall be displayed following a CIRCULAR GREEN or straight-through GREEN ARROW signal indication in the same signal face.
  2. Shall not be displayed in conjunction with the change from the CIRCULAR RED signal indication to the CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication.
  3. Shall be followed by a CIRCULAR RED signal indication except that, when entering preemption operation, the return to the previous CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication shall be permitted following a steady CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication (see EPG 902.6.19).
  4. Shall not be displayed to an approach from which drivers are turning left permissively using a shared signal face or making a U-turn to the left permissively using a shared signal face unless one of the following conditions exists:

    (a) A steady CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication is also simultaneously being displayed to the opposing approach;

    (b) An engineering study has determined that, because of unique intersection conditions, the condition described in Item (a) cannot reasonably be implemented without causing significant operational or safety problems and that the volume of impacted left-turning or U-turning traffic is relatively low, and those left-turning or U-turning drivers are advised that a steady CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication is not simultaneously being displayed to the opposing traffic if this operation occurs continuously by the installation of a W25-1 sign (see EPG 903.3.36) with the legend ONCOMING TRAFFIC HAS EXTENDED GREEN; or

    (c) Drivers are advised of the operation if it occurs only occasionally, such as during a preemption sequence, by the installation of a W25-2 sign (see EPG 903.3.36) with the legend ONCOMING TRAFFIC MAY HAVE EXTENDED GREEN.

C. A steady CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication shall be displayed only when it is intended to permit traffic to proceed in any direction that is lawful and practical.
D. A steady RED ARROW signal indication shall be displayed when it is intended to prohibit traffic, except pedestrians directed by a pedestrian signal head, from entering the intersection or other controlled area to make the indicated turn. Except as described in Item C.2 of the first standard paragraph of EPG 902.1.3, turning on a steady RED ARROW signal indication shall not be permitted.
F. A steady YELLOW ARROW signal indication:
  1. Shall be displayed in the same direction as a GREEN ARROW signal indication following a GREEN ARROW signal indication in the same signal face, unless:

    (a) The GREEN ARROW signal indication and a CIRCULAR GREEN (or straight-through GREEN ARROW) signal indication terminate simultaneously in the same signal face, or

    (b) The green arrow is a straight-through GREEN ARROW (see Item B.1 in this Paragraph).

  2. Shall be displayed in the same direction as a flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication following a flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication in the same signal face, when the flashing arrow indication is displayed as part of a steady mode operation, if the signal face will subsequently display a steady red signal indication.
  3. Shall not be displayed in conjunction with the change from a steady RED ARROW or flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication to a GREEN ARROW signal indication, except when entering preemption operation as provided in Item F.5(a) of this Paragraph.
  4. Shall not be displayed when any conflicting vehicular movement has a green or yellow signal indication (including right turns that conflict with U-turns to the) or any conflicting pedestrian movement has a WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) or flashing UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication, except that a steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication used to terminate a flashing left-turn (or U-turn to the left) YELLOW ARROW signal indication in a signal face controlling a permissive left-turn (or U-turn to the left) movement as described in EPG 902.6.4 and 902.6.8 shall be permitted to be displayed when a CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication is displayed for the opposing through movement. Vehicles departing in the same direction shall not be considered in conflict if, for each turn lane with moving traffic, there is a separate departure lane, and pavement markings or raised channelization clearly indicate which departure lane to use.
  5. Shall not be displayed to terminate a flashing arrow signal indication on an approach from which drivers are turning left permissively or making a U-turn to the left permissively unless one of the following conditions exists:

    (a) A steady CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication is also simultaneously being displayed to the opposing approach;

    (b) An engineering study has determined that, because of unique intersection conditions, the condition described in Item (a) cannot reasonably be implemented without causing significant operational or safety problems and that the volume of impacted left-turning or U-turning traffic is relatively low, and those left-turning or U-turning drivers are advised that a steady CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication is not simultaneously being displayed to the opposing traffic if this operation occurs continuously by the installation of a W25-1 sign (see EPG 903.3.36) with the legend ONCOMING TRAFFIC HAS EXTENDED GREEN; or

    (c) Drivers are advised of the operation if it occurs only occasionally, such as during a preemption sequence, by the installation of a W25-2 sign (see EPG 903.3.36) with the legend ONCOMING TRAFFIC MAY HAVE EXTENDED GREEN.

  6. Shall be terminated by a RED ARROW signal indication for the same direction or a CIRCULAR RED signal indication except:

    (a) When entering preemption operation, the display of a GREEN ARROW signal indication or a flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be permitted following a steady YELLOW ARROW signal indication.

    (b) When the movement controlled by the arrow is to continue on a permissive mode basis during an immediately following signal phase, the display of a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication or flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be permitted following a steady YELLOW ARROW signal indication. To provide a red clearance interval, it shall be permitted to display a steady left-turn RED ARROW signal indication immediately following the steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication.

G. A flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed as part of a steady (stop-and-go) mode of operation only when it is intended to permit traffic to cautiously enter the intersection to make a turn in the direction indicated by the arrow after yielding to pedestrians, if any, and/or to opposing traffic, if any.
H. A steady GREEN ARROW signal indication:
  1. Shall be displayed only to allow vehicular movements, in the direction indicated, that are not in conflict with other vehicles moving on a green or yellow signal indication (including right turns that conflict with U-turns to the left) except for the situation regarding straight-through GREEN ARROWs (provided in the first option paragraph of this Article), even if the other vehicles are required to yield the right-of-way to the traffic moving on the GREEN ARROW signal indication, and are not in conflict with pedestrians crossing in compliance with a WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) or flashing UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication. Vehicles departing in the same direction shall not be considered in conflict if, for each turn lane with moving traffic, there is a separate departure lane, and pavement markings or raised channelization clearly indicate which departure lane to use.
  2. Shall be displayed on a signal face that controls a left-turn movement when said movement is not in conflict with other vehicles moving on a green or yellow signal indication (when U-turns to the left are allowed, a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall not be simultaneously displayed to road user making a right turn from the conflicting approach to the left) and is not in conflict with pedestrians crossing in compliance with a WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) or flashing UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication. Vehicles departing in the same direction shall not be considered in conflict if, for each turn lane with moving traffic, there is a separate departure lane, and pavement markings or raised channelization clearly indicate which departure lane to use.
  3. Shall not be required on the stem of a T-intersection or for turns from a one-way street.

Option. A steady straight-through green arrow signal indication may be used instead of a circular green signal indication in a signal face to discourage wrong-way turns under the following conditions, even if opposed by a simultaneous permissive left-turn movement:

A. On an approach intersecting a one-way street;
B. On an approach intersecting an interchange exit ramp;
C. On an approach with unique geometric design that prohibits turns; or
D. On an approach with pre-signals and the adjacent lanes are controlled separately (see EPG 913.4.11 and EPG 913.4.12).

If not otherwise prohibited, steady red, yellow, and green turn arrow signal indications may be used instead of steady circular red, yellow, and green signal indications in a signal face on an approach where all traffic is required to turn or where the straight-through movement is not physically possible.

Support. A signal face for a right-turn movement is normally not required if the movement is channelized. A yield sign would normally control a channelized right-turn movement (See EPG 903.2.5 and EPG 903.2.9).

Option. In cases where road users making a right-turn cannot readily judge conflicting movements, signal control may be necessary for the channelized right-turn movement. See EPG 902.6.9 for signal indications used for right-turn movements.

Support. EPG 902.6.16 contains information regarding the signalization of approaches that have a combined left-turn/right-turn lane and no through movement.

EPG 902.4.7 contains information regarding limitations on left-turn arrows, right-turn arrows, and U-turn arrows in supplemental signal faces.

Standard. A straight-through RED ARROW signal indication or a straight-through YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed on any signal face, either alone or in combination with any other signal indication.

The following combinations of signal indications shall not be simultaneously displayed on any one signal face:

A. CIRCULAR YELLOW with CIRCULAR RED,
B. CIRCULAR GREEN with CIRCULAR RED, or
C. Straight-through GREEN ARROW with CIRCULAR RED.

Except as provided in the eighth standard paragraph of this Article, the above combinations shall not be simultaneously displayed on an approach as a result of the combination of displays from multiple signal faces unless the display is created by a signal face(s) devoted exclusively to the control of a right-turn movement and:

A. The signal face(s) controlling the right-turn movement is visibility limited from the adjacent through movement or positioned to minimize potential confusion to approaching road users, or
B. A RIGHT TURN SIGNAL (R10-10) sign (see EPG 902.6.9, 902.6.11, 902.6.13, and 902.6.15) is mounted adjacent to the signal face(s) controlling the right-turn movement.

Except as provided in the subsequent paragraph, the following combinations of signal indications shall not be simultaneously displayed on any one signal face or as a result of the combination of displays from multiple signal faces on an approach:

A. CIRCULAR GREEN with CIRCULAR YELLOW,
B. Straight-through GREEN ARROW with CIRCULAR YELLOW,
C. GREEN ARROW with YELLOW ARROW pointing in the same direction,
D. YELLOW ARROW with RED ARROW pointing in the same direction, or
E. GREEN ARROW with RED ARROW pointing in the same direction.

If a separate signal face is provided at a pre-signal (see EPG 913.4.11) or at a queue cutter signal (see EPG 913.4.12) for a left-turn and/or right-turn lane that extends from the downstream signalized intersection back to and across a grade crossing, the following combinations of signal indications shall be permitted to be simultaneously displayed as a result of the combination of displays from multiple signal faces at the pre-signal or queue cutter signal:

A. Straight-through GREEN ARROW with CIRCULAR RED,
B. Straight-through GREEN ARROW with CIRCULAR YELLOW, and
C. CIRCULAR YELLOW with CIRCULAR RED.

Except as otherwise provided in EPG 902.6.8, 902.6.15, 902.10.3, and 902.14.3, the same signal section shall not be used to display both a flashing yellow and a steady yellow indication during steady mode operation. Except as otherwise provided in EPG 902.6.4, 902.6.8, 902.6.11, and 902.6.13, the same signal section shall not be used to display both a flashing red and a steady red indication during steady mode operation.

Guidance. No movement that creates an unexpected crossing of pathways of moving vehicles or pedestrians should be allowed during any green or yellow interval, except when all three of the following conditions are met:

A. The movement involves only slight conflict, and
B. Serious traffic delays are substantially reduced by permitting the conflicting movement, and
C. Drivers and pedestrians subjected to the unexpected conflict are effectively warned thereof by a sign.

902.6.2 Signal Indications for Left-Turn Movements – General (MUTCD Section 4F.02)

Support. In EPG 902.6.3 through 902.6.8, provisions applicable to left-turn movements and left-turn lanes are also applicable to signal indications for U-turns to the left that are provided at locations where left turns are prohibited or not geometrically possible. Left-turning traffic is controlled by one of four modes as follows:

A. Permissive Only Mode—turns made on a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication or a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication after yielding to pedestrians, if any, and/or opposing traffic, if any.
B. Protected Only Mode—turns made only when a left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication is displayed.
C. Protected/Permissive Mode—both modes can occur on an approach during the same cycle.
D. Variable Left-Turn Mode—the operating mode changes among the protected only mode and/or the protected/permissive mode and/or the permissive only mode during different periods of the day or as traffic conditions change.

Option. In areas having a high percentage of older drivers, special consideration may be given to the use of protected only mode left-turn phasing, when appropriate.

Standard. During a permissive left-turn movement, the signal faces for through traffic on the opposing approach shall simultaneously display green or steady yellow signal indications. If pedestrians crossing the lane or lanes used by the permissive left-turn movement to depart the intersection are controlled by pedestrian signal heads, the signal indications displayed by those pedestrian signal heads shall not be limited to any particular display during the permissive left-turn movement.

During a protected left-turn movement, the signal faces for through traffic on the opposing approach shall simultaneously display steady CIRCULAR RED signal indications. During a protected left-turn movement, a GREEN ARROW or a YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not simultaneously be displayed to right-turning traffic on the opposing approach, except where a separate exclusive, no conflict lane is available for each left-turn and right-turn lane with moving traffic and pavement markings or raised channelization clearly indicate which exclusive, no conflict lane to use (see Item H.1 in the third standard paragraph of EPG 902.6.1). If pedestrians crossing the lane or lanes used by the protected left-turn movement to depart the intersection are controlled by pedestrian signal heads, the pedestrian signal heads shall display a steady UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication during the protected left-turn movement.

If a combined left-turn/through lane exists on an approach, a left-turn GREEN ARROW or left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed to the approach simultaneously with a CIRCULAR RED signal indication for the through movement, and a left-turn RED ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed to the approach simultaneously with a CIRCULAR GREEN or CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication for the through movement.

A yellow change interval for the left-turn movement shall not be displayed when the status of the left-turn operation is changing from permissive to protected within any given signal sequence.

If the operating mode changes among the protected only mode and/or the protected/permissive mode and/or the permissive only mode during different periods of the day or as traffic conditions change, the requirements in EPG 902.6.3 through 902.6.8 that are appropriate to that mode of operation shall be met, subject to the following:

A. The CIRCULAR GREEN and CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indications shall not be displayed when operating in the protected only mode.
B. The left-turn GREEN ARROW and left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indications shall not be displayed when operating in the permissive only mode.

Option. Additional static signs or changeable message signs may be used to meet the requirements for the variable left-turn mode or to inform drivers that left-turn green arrows will not be available during certain times of the day.

Support. EPG 902.6.3 through 902.6.8 describe the use of the following two types of signal faces for controlling left-turn movements

A. Shared signal face – This type of signal face controls both the left-turn movement and the adjacent movement (usually the through movement) and can serve as one of the two required primary signal faces for the adjacent movement. A shared signal face always displays the same color of circular indication that is displayed by the signal face or faces for the adjacent movement. If a shared signal face that provides protected/permissive mode left turns is mounted overhead for an approach that includes a mandatory left-turn lane, it is usually positioned over or slightly to the right of the extension of the lane line separating the left-turn lane from the adjacent lane. If a shared signal face that provides protected/permissive mode left turns is mounted overhead for an approach that does not include a mandatory left-turn lane, it is usually positioned over the center of the combined left-turn/straight-through lane.
B. Separate left-turn signal face – This type of signal face controls only the left-turn movement and cannot serve as one of the two required primary signal faces for the adjacent movement (usually the through movement) because it displays signal indications that are applicable only to the left-turn movement. This type of signal face is used only for an approach that has a mandatory left-turn lane(s). If a separate left-turn signal face is mounted overhead at the intersection, it is positioned over the extension of the mandatory left-turn lane. In a separate left-turn signal face, a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication is used to control permissive left-turn movements.

EPG 902.4.7 contains provisions regarding the lateral positioning of signal faces that control left-turn movements.

It is not necessary that the same mode of left-turn operation or same type of left-turn signal face be used on every approach to a signalized location. Selecting different modes and types of left-turn signal faces for the various approaches to the same signalized location is acceptable.

Option. A signal face that is shared by left-turning and right-turning traffic may be provided for a combined left-turn/right-turn lane on an approach that has no through traffic (see EPG 902.6.16).

Support. See EPG 902.23.2 for additional information regarding left-turn phasing for signalized intersections.

902.6.3 Signal Indications for Permissive Only Mode Left-Turn Movements in a Shared Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.03)

Standard. If a shared signal face is provided for a permissive only mode left turn, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.1):

A. It shall be capable of displaying the following signal indications: steady CIRCULAR RED, steady CIRCULAR YELLOW, and CIRCULAR GREEN. Only one of the three indications shall be displayed at any given time.
B. During the permissive left-turn movement, a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication shall be displayed.
C. A permissive only shared signal face, regardless of where it is positioned and regardless of how many adjacent through signal faces are provided, shall always simultaneously display the same color of circular indication that the adjacent through signal face or faces display.
D. If the permissive only mode is not the only left-turn mode used for the approach, the signal face shall be the same shared signal face that is used for the protected/permissive mode (see EPG 902.6.7) except that the left-turn GREEN ARROW and left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indications shall not be displayed when operating in the permissive only mode.

Vehicular traffic shall only be permitted to make a U-turn movement from the left-turn lane where Intersection Lane Control signs are installed indicating that the movement is permitted (see EPG 903.2.25). The Highway Safety and Traffic Division shall approve all new or reconstructed signal installations where U-turns are permitted during a permissive phase.

Two vertical signal faces are shown. The first arrangement shows a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication. The second arrangement has the same indications as the first. Positions of the signal faces are shown over a segment of a vertical three-lane roadway.
Figure 902.6.3 Typical Position of Shared Signal Faces for Permissive Only Mode Left Turns

902.6.4 Signal Indications for Permissive Only Mode Left-Turn Movements in a Separate Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.04)

Standard. A separate left-turn signal face shall not be used for an approach that does not include a mandatory left-turn lane.

If a separate left-turn signal face is being operated in a permissive only left-turn mode, a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication shall not be used in that face.

If a separate left-turn signal face is being operated in a permissive only left-turn mode and a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication is provided, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.4):

A. It shall be capable of displaying the following signal indications: steady left-turn RED ARROW, steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW, and flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW. Only one of the three indications shall be displayed at any given time.
B. During the permissive left-turn movement, a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed.
C. A steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication.
D. It shall be permitted to display a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication for a permissive left-turn movement while the signal faces for the adjacent through movement display steady CIRCULAR RED signal indications and the opposing left-turn signal faces display left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indications for a protected left-turn movement.
E. During steady mode (stop-and-go) operation, the signal section that displays the steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication during change intervals shall not be used to display the flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication for permissive left turns
F. During flashing mode operation (see EPG 902.7.1), the display of a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be only from the signal section that displays a steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication during steady mode (stop-and-go) operation.
G. If the permissive only mode is not the only left-turn mode used for the approach, the signal face shall be the same separate left-turn signal face with a flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication that is used for the protected/permissive mode (see EPG 902.6.8) except that the left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed when operating in the permissive only mode.

Vehicular traffic shall only be permitted to make a U-turn movement from the left-turn lane where Intersection Lane Control signs are installed indicating that the movement is permitted (see EPG 903.2.25). The Highway Safety and Traffic Division shall approve all new or reconstructed signal installations where U-turns are permitted during a permissive phase.

Three vertical signal faces. The first arrangement shows a red, steady yellow, and flashing yellow left-turn arrow indication. The second and third arrangements show a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication. Positions of the signal faces are shown over a segment of a vertical three-lane roadway.
Figure 902.6.4 Typical Position of Separate Signal Faces with Flashing Yellow Arrow for Permissive Only Mode Left Turns

902.6.5 Signal Indications for Protected Only Mode Left-Turn Movements in a Shared Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.05)

Standard. A shared signal face shall not be used for protected only mode left turns unless the CIRCULAR GREEN and left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indications always begin and terminate together. If a shared signal face is provided for a protected only mode left turn, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.5):

A. It shall be capable of displaying the following signal indications: steady CIRCULAR RED, steady CIRCULAR YELLOW, CIRCULAR GREEN, and left-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the three colors shall be displayed at any given time.
B. During the protected left-turn movement, the shared signal face shall simultaneously display both a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication and a left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication.
C. The shared signal face shall always simultaneously display the same color of circular indication that the adjacent through signal face or faces display.
D. If the protected only mode is not the only left-turn mode used for the approach, the signal face shall be the same shared signal face that is used for the protected/permissive mode (see EPG 902.6.7).

Option. A straight-through GREEN ARROW signal indication may be used instead of the CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication in Items A and B in the first standard paragraph of this Article on an approach where a straight-through GREEN ARROW signal indication is also used instead of a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication in the other signal face(s) for through traffic.

Standard. Vehicular traffic shall only be permitted to make a U-turn movement from the left-turn lane where Intersection Lane Control signs are installed indicating that the movement is permitted (see EPG 903.2.25).

Three vertical signal faces. The first arrangement shows a red, yellow, and green left-turn arrow indication. The second arrangement shows a solid, circular red, yellow, and green light with a green left-turn arrow indication at the bottom. The third arrangement shows a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication.
Figure 902.6.5 Typical Position of Shared Signal Faces for Protected Only Mode Left Turns

902.6.6 Signal Indications for Protected Only Mode Left-Turn Movements in a Separate Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.06)

Standard. A separate left-turn signal face shall not be used for an approach that does not include a mandatory left-turn lane.

If a separate left-turn signal face is provided for a protected only mode left turn, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.6):

A. It shall be capable of displaying, the following signal indications: steady left-turn RED ARROW, steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW, and left-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the three indications shall be displayed at any given time.
B. During the protected left-turn movement, a left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall be displayed.
C. A steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication.
D. If the protected only mode is not the only left-turn mode used for the approach, the signal face shall be the same separate left-turn signal face that is used for the protected/permissive mode (see EPG 902.6.8 and Figure 902.6.8) except that the flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed when operating in the protected only mode.

Standard. Vehicular traffic shall only be permitted to make a U-turn movement from the left-turn lane where Intersection Lane Control signs are installed indicating that the movement is permitted (see EPG 903.2.25).

Three vertical signal faces. The first arrangement shows a red, yellow, and green left-turn arrow indication. The second and third arrangements show a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication. Positions of the signal faces are shown over a segment of a vertical three-lane roadway.
Figure 902.6.6 Typical Position of Separate Signal Faces for Protected Only Mode Left Turns

902.6.7 Signal Indications for Protected/Permissive Mode Left-Turn Movements in a Shared Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.07)

Standard. If a shared signal face is provided for a protected/permissive mode left turn, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.7):

A. It shall be capable of displaying the following signal indications: steady CIRCULAR RED, steady CIRCULAR YELLOW, CIRCULAR green, steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW, and left-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the three circular indications shall be displayed at any given time. Only one of the two arrow indications shall be displayed at any given time. If the left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication and the CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication(s) for the adjacent through movement are always terminated together, the steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be required.
B. During the protected left-turn movement, the shared signal face shall simultaneously display a left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication and a circular signal indication that is the same color as the signal indication for the adjacent through lane on the same approach as the protected left turn.
C. A steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication, unless the left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication and the CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication(s) for the adjacent through movement are being terminated together. When the left-turn GREEN ARROW and CIRCULAR GREEN signal indications are being terminated together, the required display following the left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall be either the display of a CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication alone or the simultaneous display of the CIRCULAR YELLOW and left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indications.
D. During the permissive left-turn movement, the shared signal face shall display only a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication.
E. A protected/permissive shared signal face, regardless of where it is positioned and regardless of how many adjacent through signal faces are provided, shall always simultaneously display the same color of circular indication that the adjacent through signal face or faces display.
F. A supplementary sign shall not be required. If used, it shall be a LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN (symbolic circular green) (R10-12) sign (see EPG 903.2.48).

Vehicular traffic shall only be permitted to make a U-turn movement from the left-turn lane where Intersection Lane Control signs are installed indicating that the movement is permitted (see EPG 903.2.25). The Highway Safety and Traffic Division shall approve all new or reconstructed signal installations where U-turns are permitted during a permissive phase.

A sign and two vertical signal faces are shown. The first arrangement shows a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication with an additional yellow and green left-turn arrow indication to the left of the solid yellow and green indications, respectively. The second arrangement shows a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication. Between the two arrangements, a vertical rectangular white “sign” with a black border and the words “LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN” in black above a green disk is shown. Positions of the sign and signal faces are shown over a segment of a vertical three-lane roadway.
Figure 902.6.7 Typical Position of Shared Signal Faces for Protected/Permissive Mode Left Turns

902.6.8 Signal Indications for Protected/Permissive Mode Left-Turn Movements in a Separate Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.08)

Standard. A separate left-turn signal face shall not be used for an approach that does not include a mandatory left-turn lane.

If a separate left-turn signal face is being operated in a protected/permissive left-turn mode, a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication shall not be used in that face.

If a separate left-turn signal face is being operated in a protected/permissive left-turn mode and a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication is provided, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.8):

A. It shall be capable of displaying the following signal indications: steady left-turn RED ARROW, steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW, flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW, and left-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the four indications shall be displayed at any given time.
B. During the protected left-turn movement, a left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall be displayed.
C. A steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication. It shall be permitted to display a steady left-turn RED ARROW signal indication immediately following the steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication to provide a red clearance interval.
D. During the permissive left-turn movement, a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed.
E. A steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication if the permissive left-turn movement is being terminated and the separate left-turn signal face will subsequently display a steady left-turn RED ARROW indication.
F. It shall be permitted to display a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication for a permissive left-turn movement while the signal faces for the adjacent through movement display steady CIRCULAR RED signal indications and the opposing left-turn signal faces display left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indications for a protected left-turn movement.
G. When a permissive left-turn movement is changing to a protected left-turn movement, a left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall be displayed immediately upon the termination of the flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication. A steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed between the display of the flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication and the display of the steady left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication.
H. The display shall be a four-section signal face with the steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication being displayed in a different section than the flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication.
I. During steady mode (stop-and-go) operation where a four-section signal face is used, the signal section that displays the steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication during change intervals shall not be used to display the flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication for permissive left turns.
J. During flashing mode operation (see EPG 902.7) where a four-section signal face is used, the display of a flashing left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be only from the signal section that displays a steady left-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication during steady mode (stop-and-go) operation.

The LEFT TURN YIELD ON FLASHING YELLOW ARROW (R10-12a) sign shall be installed adjacent to a four-section signal face operated in protective/permissive left-turn mode.

Vehicular traffic shall only be permitted to make a U-turn movement from the left-turn lane where Intersection Lane Control signs are installed indicating that the movement is permitted (see EPG 903.2.25). The Highway Safety and Traffic Division shall approve all new or reconstructed signal installations where U-turns are permitted during a permissive phase.

Three vertical signal faces. The first arrangement shows a red, steady yellow, flashing yellow, and green left-turn arrow indication. The second and third arrangements show a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication. Positions of the signal faces are shown over a segment of a vertical three-lane roadway.
Figure 902.6.8 Typical Position of Separate Signal Faces with Flashing Yellow Arrow for Protected/Permissive Mode and Variable Mode Left Turns

902.6.9 Signal Indications for Right-Turn Movements – General (MUTCD Section 4F.09)

Support. Right-turning traffic is controlled by one of four modes as follows:

A. Permissive Only Mode—turns made on a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication or a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication after yielding to pedestrians, if any.
B. Protected Only Mode—turns made only when a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication is displayed.
C. Protected/Permissive Mode—both modes occur on an approach during the same cycle.
D. Variable Right-Turn Mode—the operating mode changes among the protected only mode and/or the protected/permissive mode and/or the permissive only mode during different periods of the day or as traffic conditions change.

Right turns on a CIRCULAR RED signal indication are permitted, after stopping unless a traffic control device is in place prohibiting a turn on red (see EPG 902.1.3).

Standard. During a permissive right-turn movement, the signal faces, if any, that exclusively control U-turn traffic that conflicts with the permissive right-turn movement (see Item H.1 in the third standard paragraph of 902.6.1) shall simultaneously display steady U-turn RED ARROW signal indications. If pedestrians crossing the lane or lanes used by the permissive right-turn movement to depart the intersection are controlled by pedestrian signal heads, the signal indications displayed by those pedestrian signal heads shall not be limited to any particular display during the permissive right-turn movement. During a protected right-turn movement, a GREEN ARROW or a YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not simultaneously be displayed to left-turning traffic on the opposing approach, except where a separate departure lane is available for each left-turn and right-turn lane with moving traffic and pavement markings or raised channelization clearly indicate which departure lane to use (see Item H.1 in the third standard paragraph of 902.6.1). Signal faces, if any, that exclusively control U-turn traffic that conflicts with the protected right-turn movement shall simultaneously display steady RED ARROW signal indications. If pedestrians crossing the lane or lanes used by the protected right-turn movement to depart the intersection are controlled by pedestrian signal heads, the pedestrian signal heads shall display a steady UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication during the protected right-turn movement.

During the phase where a steady CIRCULAR RED signal indication is displayed for a right-turn movement and conflicting U-turns are allowed a RIGHT ON RED MUST YIELD TO U-TURN (R10-30) sign shall be installed for the right-turn movement. If the conflicting right turn is controlled by a yield sign, a RIGHT TURN MUST YIELD TO U-TURN (R10-30a) sign shall be installed.

When U-turns from a protected only mode for left turns are allowed, a right turn GREEN ARROW signal indication for a conflicting right turn movement shall not be simultaneously displayed.

If a combined right-turn/through lane exists on an approach, a right-turn GREEN ARROW or right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed to the approach simultaneously with a CIRCULAR RED signal indication for the through movement, and a right-turn RED ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed to the approach simultaneously with a CIRCULAR GREEN or CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication for the through movement.

If the operating mode changes among the protected only mode and/or the protected/permissive mode and/or the permissive only mode during different periods of the day or as traffic conditions change, the requirements in EPG 902.6.10 through 902.6.15 that are appropriate to that mode of operation shall be met, subject to the following:

A. The CIRCULAR GREEN and CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indications shall not be displayed when operating in the protected only mode.
B. The right-turn GREEN ARROW and right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indications shall not be displayed when operating in the permissive only mode.

Option. Additional static signs or changeable message signs may be used to meet the requirements for the variable right-turn mode or to inform drivers that right-turn green arrows will not be available during certain times of the day.

Support. EPG 902.6.10 through 902.6.15 describe the use of the following two types of signal faces for controlling right-turn movements

A. Shared signal face – This type of signal face controls both the right-turn movement and the adjacent movement (usually the through movement) and can serve as one of the two required primary signal faces for the adjacent movement. A shared signal face always displays the same color of circular indication that is displayed by the signal face or faces for the adjacent movement.
B. Separate right-turn signal face – This type of signal face controls only the right-turn movement and cannot serve as one of the two required primary signal faces for the adjacent movement (usually the through movement) because it displays signal indications that are applicable only to the right-turn movement. If a separate right-turn signal face is mounted overhead at the intersection, it is positioned over the extension of the mandatory right-turn lane. In a separate right-turn signal face, a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication is used to control permissive right-turn movements.

EPG 902.4.7 contains provisions regarding the lateral positioning of signal faces that control right-turn movements.

It is not necessary that the same mode of right-turn operation or same type of right-turn signal face be used on every approach to a signalized location. Selecting different modes and types of right-turn signal faces for the various approaches to the same signalized location is acceptable.

A signal face that is shared by left-turning and right-turning traffic may be provided for a combined left-turn/right-turn lane on an approach that has no through traffic (see EPG 902.6.16).

902.6.10 Signal Indications for Permissive Only Mode Right-Turn Movements in a Shared Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.10)

Standard. If a shared signal face is provided for a permissive only mode right turn, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.10):

A. It shall be capable of displaying the following signal indications: steady CIRCULAR RED, steady CIRCULAR YELLOW, and CIRCULAR GREEN. Only one of the three indications shall be displayed at any given time.
B. During the permissive right-turn movement, a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication shall be displayed.
C. A permissive only shared signal face, regardless of where it is positioned and regardless of how many adjacent through signal faces are provided, shall always simultaneously display the same color of circular indication that the adjacent through signal face or faces display.
D. If the permissive only mode is not the only right-turn mode used for the approach, the signal face shall be the same shared signal face that is used for the protected/permissive mode (see EPG 902.6.14) except that the right-turn GREEN ARROW and right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indications shall not be displayed when operating in the permissive only mode.

Two vertical signal faces. The first and second arrangements show a solid, circular red, yellow, and green light indication. Positions of the signal faces are shown over a segment of a vertical two-lane roadway.
Figure 902.6.10 Typical Position of Shared Signal Faces for Permissive Only Mode Right Turns

902.6.11 Signal Indications for Permissive Only Mode Right-Turn Movements in a Separate Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.11)

Standard. A separate right-turn signal face shall not be used for an approach that does not include a mandatory right-turn lane.

If a separate right-turn signal face is being operated in a permissive only right-turn mode, a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication shall not be used in that face.

If a separate right-turn signal face is being operated in a permissive only right-turn mode and a flashing right-turn yellow arrow signal indication is provided, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.11):

A. It shall be capable of displaying one of the following sets of signal indications:
  1. Steady right-turn RED ARROW, steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW, and flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW. Only one of the three indications shall be displayed at any given time.
  2. Steady CIRCULAR RED, steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW, and flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW. Only one of the three indications shall be displayed at any given time. If the CIRCULAR RED signal indication is sometimes displayed when the signal faces for the adjacent through lane(s) are not displaying a CIRCULAR RED signal indication, a RIGHT TURN SIGNAL (R10-10R) sign (see EPG 903.2.48) shall be used unless the CIRCULAR RED signal indication in the separate right-turn signal face is shielded, hooded, louvered, positioned, or designed such that it is not readily visible to drivers in the through lane(s).
B. During the permissive right-turn movement, a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed.
C. A steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication.
D. When the separate right-turn signal face is providing a message to stop and remain stopped, a steady right-turn RED ARROW signal indication shall be displayed if it is intended that right turns on red not be permitted (except when a traffic control device is in place permitting a turn on a steady RED ARROW signal indication) or a steady CIRCULAR RED signal indication shall be displayed if it is intended that right turns on red be permitted.
E. It shall be permitted to display a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication for a permissive right-turn movement while the signal faces for the adjacent through movement display steady CIRCULAR RED signal indications.
F. During steady mode (stop-and-go) operation, the signal section that displays the steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication during change intervals shall not be used to display the flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication for permissive right turns.
G. During flashing mode operation (see EPG 902.7), the display of a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be only from the signal section that displays a steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication during steady mode (stop-and-go) operation.
H. If the permissive only mode is not the only right-turn mode used for the approach, the signal face shall be the same separate right-turn signal face with a flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication that is used for the protected/permissive mode (see EPG 902.6.15) except that the right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed when operating in the permissive only mode.

Figure 902.6.11 Typical Position and Arrangements of Separate Signal Faces with Flashing Yellow Arrow for Permissive Only Mode Right Turns

902.6.12 Signal Indications for Protected Only Mode Right-Turn Movements in a Shared Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.12)

Standard. A shared signal face shall not be used for protected only mode right turns unless the CIRCULAR GREEN and right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indications always begin and terminate together. If a shared signal face is provided for a protected only right turn, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.12):

A. It shall be capable of displaying the following signal indications: steady CIRCULAR RED, steady CIRCULAR YELLOW, CIRCULAR GREEN, and right-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the three colors shall be displayed at any given time.
B. During the protected right-turn movement, the shared signal face shall simultaneously display both a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication and a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication.
C. The shared signal face shall always simultaneously display the same color of circular indication that the adjacent through signal face or faces display.
D. If the protected only mode is not the only right-turn mode used for the approach, the signal face shall be the same shared signal face that is used for the protected/permissive mode (see EPG 902.6.15).

Option. A straight-through GREEN ARROW signal indication may be used instead of the CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication in Items A and B in the preceding paragraph on an approach where a straight-through GREEN ARROW signal indication is also used instead of a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication in the other signal face(s) for through traffic.

Three vertical signal faces. The first arrangement shows a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication. The second arrangement is the same as the first but with an additional green right-turn arrow indication at the bottom. The third arrangement shows a red, yellow, and green right-turn arrow indication. Positions of the signal faces are shown over a segment of a vertical three-lane roadway.
Figure 902.6.12 Typical Position of Shared Signal Faces for Protected Only Mode Right Turns

902.6.13 Signal Indications for Protected Only Mode Right-Turn Movements in a Separate Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.13)

Standard. A separate right-turn signal face shall not be used for an approach that does not include a mandatory right-turn lane.

If a separate right-turn signal face is provided for a protected only mode right turn, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.13):

A. It shall be capable of displaying one of the following sets of signal indications:
  1. Steady right-turn RED ARROW, steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW, and right-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the three indications shall be displayed at any given time.
  2. Steady CIRCULAR RED, steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW, and right-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of three indications shall be displayed at any given time. If the CIRCULAR RED signal indication is sometimes displayed when the signal faces for the adjacent through lane(s) are not displaying a CIRCULAR RED signal indication, a RIGHT TURN SIGNAL (R10-10R) sign (see EPG 903.2.48) shall be used unless the CIRCULAR RED signal indication is shielded, hooded, louvered, positioned, or designed such that it is not readily visible to drivers in the through lane(s).
B. During the protected right-turn movement, a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall be displayed.
C. A steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication.
D. When the separate signal face is providing a message to stop and remain stopped, a steady right-turn RED ARROW signal indication shall be displayed with a NO TURN ON RED (R10-11) sign, if it is intended that right turns on red not be permitted.
E. If the protected only mode is not the only right-turn mode used for the approach, the signal face shall be the same separate right-turn signal face that is used for the protected/permissive mode (see EPG 902.6.15) except that a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed when operating in the protected only mode.


Figure 902.6.13 Typical Position and Arrangements of Separate Signal Faces for Protected Only Mode Right Turns

902.6.14 Signal Indications for Protected/Permissive Mode Right-Turn Movements in a Shared Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.14)

Standard. If a shared signal face is provided for a protected/permissive mode right turn, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.14 ):

A. It shall be capable of displaying the following signal indications: steady CIRCULAR RED, steady CIRCULAR YELLOW, CIRCULAR green, steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW, and right-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the three circular indications shall be displayed at any given time. Only one of the two arrow indications shall be displayed at any given time. If the right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication and the CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication(s) for the adjacent through movement are always terminated together, the steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be required.
B. During the protected right-turn movement, the shared signal face shall simultaneously display a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication and a circular signal indication that is the same color as the signal indication for the adjacent through lane on the same approach as the protected right turn.
C. A steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication, unless the right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication and the CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication(s) for the adjacent through movement are being terminated together. When the right-turn GREEN ARROW and CIRCULAR GREEN signal indications are being terminated together, the required display following the right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall be either the display of a CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication alone or the simultaneous display of the CIRCULAR YELLOW and right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indications.
D. During the permissive right-turn movement, the shared signal face shall display only a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication.
E. A protected/permissive shared signal face, regardless of where it is positioned and regardless of how many adjacent through signal faces are provided, shall always simultaneously display the same color of circular indication that the adjacent through signal face or faces display.

Two vertical signal faces. The first arrangement shows a solid, circular red, yellow, and green indication. The second signal face is the same as the first but with an additional yellow and green right-turn arrow indication to the right of a solid yellow and green indication. Positions of the signal faces are shown over a segment of a vertical two-lane roadway.
Figure 902.6.14 Typical Position of Shared Signal Faces for Protected/Permissive Mode Right Turns

902.6.15 Signal Indications for Protected/Permissive Mode Right-Turn Movements in a Separate Signal Face (MUTCD Section 4F.15)

Standard. A separate right-turn signal face shall not be used for an approach that does not include a mandatory right-turn lane.

If a separate right-turn signal face is being operated in a protected/permissive right-turn mode, a CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication shall not be used in that face.

If a separate right-turn signal face is being operated in a protected/permissive right-turn mode and a flashing right-turn yellow arrow signal indication is provided, it shall meet the following requirements (see Figure 902.6.15):

A. It shall be capable of displaying one of the following sets of signal indications:
  1. Steady right-turn RED ARROW, steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW, flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW, and right-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the four indications shall be displayed at any given time.
  2. Steady CIRCULAR RED, steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW, flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW, and right-turn GREEN ARROW. Only one of the four indications shall be displayed at any given time. If the CIRCULAR RED signal indication is sometimes displayed when the signal faces for the adjacent through lane(s) are not displaying a CIRCULAR RED signal indication, a RIGHT TURN SIGNAL (R10-10R) sign (see EPG 903.2.48) shall be used unless the CIRCULAR RED signal indication in the separate right-turn signal face is shielded, hooded, louvered, positioned, or designed such that it is not readily visible to drivers in the through lane(s).
B. During the protected right-turn movement, a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall be displayed.
C. A steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication. It shall be permitted to display a steady right-turn RED ARROW signal indication immediately following the steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication to provide a red clearance interval.
D. During the permissive right-turn movement, a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed.
E. A steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication if the permissive right-turn movement is being terminated and the separate right-turn signal face will subsequently display a steady red indication.
F. When a permissive right-turn movement is changing to a protected right-turn movement:
  1. If a permissive left-turn movement from the opposing approach is being terminated simultaneously with the termination of the permissive right-turn movement, a steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be displayed following the flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication. To provide a red clearance interval, it shall be permitted to display a steady right-turn RED ARROW signal indication immediately following the steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication.
  2. If a permissive left-turn movement from the opposing approach that is being terminated simultaneously with the termination of the permissive right-turn movement is not present, a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall be displayed immediately upon the termination of the flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication. In this situation, a steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall not be displayed between the display of the flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication and the display of the steady right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication.
G. When the separate right-turn signal face is providing a message to stop and remain stopped, a steady right-turn RED ARROW signal indication shall be displayed if it is intended that right turns on red not be permitted (except when a traffic control device is in place permitting a turn on a steady RED ARROW signal indication) or a steady CIRCULAR RED signal indication shall be displayed if it is intended that right turns on red be permitted.
H. It shall be permitted to display a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication for a permissive right-turn movement while the signal faces for the adjacent through movement display steady CIRCULAR RED signal indications.
I. The display shall be a four-section signal face with the steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication being displayed in a different section than the flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication.
J. During steady mode (stop-and-go) operation the signal section that displays the steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication during change intervals shall not be used to display the flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication for permissive right turns.
K. During flashing mode operation (see EPG 902.7) the display of a flashing right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication shall be only from the signal section that displays a steady right-turn YELLOW ARROW signal indication during steady mode (stop-and-go) operation.

Figure 902.6.15 Typical Position and Arrangements of Separate Signal Faces with Flashing Yellow Arrow for Protected/Permissive Mode and Variable Mode Right Turns

902.6.16 Signal Indications for Approaches with No Through Movement (MUTCD Section 4F.16)

Support. The provisions of this Article apply only to approaches where no through movement exists, such as the stem of a T-intersection or where the opposite approach is a one-way roadway in the opposing direction.

Standard. Except for single-lane approaches, a minimum of two primary signal faces shall be provided for the signalized turning movement that is considered to be the major movement from the approach (see EPG 902.4.5). CIRCULAR GREEN and CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indications shall not be displayed to an approach with no through movement if:

A. The posted or statutory speed limit on the approach is 35 mph or higher,
B. The one-way roadway that opposes the approach is an exit ramp from a freeway or expressway, or
C. The one-way roadway that opposes the approach has a posted or statutory speed limit of 35 mph or higher.

Support. A lane from which left-turn and right-turn movements can both be made is sometimes provided on an approach that has no through movement, either as the only approach lane or as one of several approach lanes.

Option. If all of the lanes on the approach are designated as mandatory turn lanes and no lane is designated as a combined left-turn/right-turn lane, the left-turn and right-turn movements may start and terminate independently, and the left-turn and right-turn movements each may be operated in one or more of the modes of operation as described in EPG 902.6.2 through 902.6.15.

Standard. When a combined left-turn/right-turn lane exists on an approach, the left-turn and right-turn movements shall start and terminate simultaneously and the red signal indication used in each of the signal faces on the approach shall be a CIRCULAR RED.

Support. This requirement for the use of CIRCULAR RED signal indications in signal faces for approaches having a combined lane for left-turn and right-turn movements is a specific exception to other provisions in this Article that would otherwise require the use of RED ARROW signal indications.

Standard. The signal faces provided for an approach with a combined left-turn/right-turn lane and no through movement shall be one of the following:

A. Except as provided in the second option paragraph of EPG 902.6.1 and the second standard paragraph of this Article, two or more signal faces, each capable of displaying CIRCULAR RED, CIRCULAR YELLOW, and CIRCULAR GREEN signal indications, shall be provided for the approach. This display shall be permissible regardless of the number of mandatory left-turn and/or right-turn lanes that exist on the approach in addition to the combined left-turn/right-turn lane and regardless of whether or not there are pedestrian or opposing vehicular movements that conflict with the left-turn or right-turn movements. However, if there is an opposing approach and the signal phasing protects the left-turn movement on the approach with the combined left-turn/right-turn lane from conflicts with the opposing vehicular movements and any signalized pedestrian movements, a left-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication shall also be included in the left-most signal face and shall be displayed simultaneously with the CIRCULAR GREEN signal indication.
B. If the approach has one or more mandatory turn lanes in addition to the combined left-turn/right-turn lane and there is no conflict with a signalized vehicular or pedestrian movement, and GREEN ARROW signal indications are used in place of CIRCULAR GREEN signal indications on the approach, the signal faces for the approach shall be:
  1. A signal face(s) capable of displaying CIRCULAR RED, YELLOW ARROW, and GREEN ARROW signal indications for the mandatory turn lane(s), with the arrows pointing in the direction of the turn, and
  2. A shared left-turn/right-turn signal face capable of displaying CIRCULAR RED, left-turn YELLOW ARROW, left-turn GREEN ARROW, right-turn YELLOW ARROW, and right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indications, in an arrangement of signal sections that complies with the provisions of EPG 902.5.4 or EPG 902.5.5.
C. If the approach has one or more mandatory turn lanes in addition to the combined left-turn/right-turn lane and there is a conflict with a signalized vehicular or pedestrian movement, and flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indications are used in place of CIRCULAR GREEN signal indications on the approach, the signal faces for the approach shall be as described in Items B.1 and B.2 of this Paragraph, except that flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indications shall be used in place of the GREEN ARROW signal indications for the turning movement(s) that conflicts with the signalized vehicular or pedestrian movement.

Support. Figure 902.6.16.1, Figure 902.6.16.2, and Figure 902.6.16.3 illustrates application of these Standards on approaches that have only a combined left-turn/right-turn lane, and on approaches that have one or more mandatory turn lanes in addition to the combined left-turn/right-turn lane.

Figure 902.6.16.1 Signal Indications for Approaches with a Combined Left-Turn/Right-Turn Lane and No Through Movement (Sheet 1 of 3)

Figure 902.6.16.2 Signal Indications for Approaches with a Combined Left-Turn/Right-Turn Lane and No Through Movement (Sheet 2 of 3)

Figure 902.6.16.3 Signal Indications for Approaches with a Combined Left-Turn/Right-Turn Lane and No Through Movement (Sheet 3 of 3)

902.6.17 Yellow Change and Red Clearance Intervals (MUTCD Section 4F.17)

Support. The exclusive function of the yellow change interval is to warn traffic approaching a signalized location that their permission to proceed is being terminated after which they will be directed to stop, or in the case of a protected/permissive turning movement that their protected movement is being terminated after which they will need to perform their turn in a permissive manner.

Standard. A steady yellow signal indication shall be displayed following every CIRCULAR GREEN or GREEN ARROW signal indication and following every flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication displayed as a part of a steady mode operation. This requirement shall not apply when a CIRCULAR GREEN, a flashing YELLOW ARROW signal indication is followed immediately by a GREEN ARROW signal indication.

The duration of the yellow change interval shall be determined using engineering practices.

Support. See EPG 902.23.7.2 when determining the yellow change interval.

EPG 902.6.1 contains provisions regarding the display of steady CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indications to approaches from which drivers are allowed to make permissive left turns.

Standard. When indicated by the application of engineering practices, the yellow change interval shall be followed by a red clearance interval to provide additional time before conflicting traffic movements, including pedestrians, are released.

When used, the duration of the red clearance interval shall be determined using engineering practices.

Support. See EPG 902.23.7.2 when determining the duration of the red clearance interval.

Standard. The durations of yellow change intervals and red clearance intervals shall be consistent with the determined values within the technical capabilities of the controller unit.

The duration of a yellow change interval shall not vary on a cycle-by-cycle basis within the same signal timing plan.

Except as provided in the third option paragraph of this Article, the duration of a red clearance interval shall not be decreased or omitted on a cycle-by-cycle basis within the same signal timing plan.

Option. The duration of a red clearance interval may be extended from its predetermined value for a given cycle based upon the detection of a vehicle that is predicted to violate the red signal indication.

When an actuated signal sequence includes a signal phase for permissive/protected (lagging) left-turn movements in both directions, the red clearance interval may be shown during those cycles when the lagging left-turn signal phase is skipped and may be omitted during those cycles when the lagging left-turn signal phase is shown.

The duration of a yellow change interval or a red clearance interval may be different in different signal timing plans for the same controller unit.

Standard. The yellow change interval shall not be less than three seconds.

Guidance. A yellow change interval should have a maximum duration of 6 seconds. The longer intervals should be reserved for use on approaches with higher speeds. Except when clearing a one-lane, two-way facility (see EPG 902.15.2) or when clearing an exceptionally wide intersection, a red clearance interval should have a duration not exceeding 6 seconds.

Standard. Except for Warning Beacons mounted on advance warning signs on the approach to a signalized location (see EPG 903.3.29), signal displays that are intended to provide a “pre-yellow warning” interval, such as flashing green signal indications, vehicular countdown displays, or other similar displays, shall not be used at a signalized location.

Support. The use of signal displays (other than Warning Beacons mounted on advance warning signs) that convey a “pre-yellow warning” have been found by research to increase the frequency of crashes.

902.6.18 Preemption and Priority Control of Traffic Control Signals – General (MUTCD Section 4F.18)

Option. Traffic control signals may be designed and operated to respond to certain classes of approaching vehicles by altering the normal signal timing and phasing plan(s) during the approach and passage of those vehicles. The alternative plan(s) may be as simple as extending a currently displayed green interval or as complex as replacing the entire set of signal phases and timing.

Support. Some types or classes of vehicles supersede others when a traffic control signal responds to more than one type or class. In general, a vehicle that is more difficult to control supersedes a vehicle that is easier to control.

Option. Preemption or priority control of traffic control signals may also be a means of indicating to specified classes of vehicles at certain non-intersection locations, such as on approaches to one-lane bridges and tunnels, highway maintenance and construction activities, metered freeway entrance ramps, and transit operations, that they are permitted to proceed.

Guidance. When a traffic control signal that is returning to a steady mode from a dark mode (typically upon restoration from a power failure) receives a preemption or priority request, care should be exercised to minimize the possibility of vehicles or pedestrians being misdirected into a conflict with the vehicle making the request.

Option. During the change from a dark mode to a steady mode under a preemption or priority request, the display of signal indications that could misdirect road users may be prevented by one or more of the following methods:

A. Having the traffic control signal remain in the dark mode,
B. Having the traffic control signal remain in the flashing mode,
C. Altering the flashing mode,
D. Executing the normal start-up routine before responding, or
E. Responding directly to initial or dwell period.

Guidance. Traffic control signals operating under preemption control or under priority control should be operated in a manner designed to keep traffic moving.

Traffic control signals that are designed to respond under preemption or priority control to more than one type or class of vehicle should be designed to respond in the relative order of importance or difficulty in stopping the type or class of vehicle. The order of priority should be: train, heavy vehicle (fire vehicle, emergency medical service), light vehicle (law enforcement), light rail transit, rubber-tired transit.

Option. If engineering judgment indicates that light rail transit signal indications would reduce road user confusion that might otherwise occur if standard traffic signal indications were used to control these movements, light rail transit signal indications complying with EPG 913.4.15 and as illustrated in Figure 913.4.15 may be used for preemption or priority control of the following exclusive movements at signalized intersections

A. Public transit buses in “queue jumper” lanes, and
B. Public transit buses in semi-exclusive or mixed-use alignments.

Guidance. LRT signals are not currently used on MoDOT facilities. When considering the use of LRT signals the Highway Safety and Traffic Division should be contacted for guidance.

902.6.19 Preemption Control of Traffic Control Signals (MUTCD Section 4F.19)

Support. Preemption control (see definition in EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1C.02)) is typically given to trains, boats, emergency vehicles, and light rail transit. Examples of preemption control include the following:

A. The prompt displaying of green signal indications at signalized locations ahead of fire vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, and other official emergency vehicles;
B. A special sequence of signal phases and timing to expedite and/or provide additional clearance time for vehicles to clear the tracks prior to the arrival of rail traffic; and
C. A special sequence of signal phases to display a steady red indication to prohibit turning movements toward the tracks during the approach or passage of rail traffic.

Standard. During the transition into preemption control, the yellow change interval, and any red clearance interval that follows, shall not be shortened or omitted.

Option. During the transition into preemption control:

A. Any pedestrian walk interval and/or pedestrian change interval may be shortened or omitted only when the traffic control signal is being preempted because rail traffic is approaching a grade crossing.
B. The red clearance interval, if any, may be omitted so that the return to the previous green signal indication follows a steady yellow signal indication in the same signal face.

Standard. During preemption control and during the transition out of preemption control:

A. Any yellow change interval, and any red clearance interval that follows, shall not be shortened or omitted.
B. A signal indication sequence from a steady yellow signal indication to a green signal indication shall not be permitted.

Guidance. Except for traffic control signals interconnected with light rail transit systems, traffic control signals with railroad preemption or coordinated with flashing-light signal systems should be provided with a back-up power supply.

If a traffic control signal or hybrid beacon is installed near or within a grade crossing or if a grade crossing with active traffic control devices is within or near a signalized highway intersection, EPG 913.4 should be consulted.

Support. EPG 913.4.9 contains additional information regarding preemption for grade crossings. EPG 913.4.10 contains information regarding prohibiting movements toward the grade crossing during preemption. EPG 913.4.11 and EPG 913.4.12 contain additional information regarding pre-signals and queue cutter signals, respectively, for grade crossings.

902.6.20 Priority Control of Traffic Control Signals (MUTCD Section 4F.20)

Support. Priority control (see definition in EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1C.02)) is typically given to certain non-emergency vehicles such as light-rail transit vehicles operating in a mixed-use alignment and buses. Examples of priority control include the following:

A. The displaying of early or extended green signal indications at an intersection to assist public transit vehicles improve operations, and
B. Special phasing to assist public transit vehicles in entering the travel stream ahead of other waiting traffic.

Standard. During priority control and during the transition into or out of priority control:

A. The shortening or omission of any yellow change interval, and of any red clearance interval that follows, shall not be permitted.
B. The shortening of any pedestrian walk interval below that time described in EPG 902.9.6 shall not be permitted.
C. The omission of a pedestrian walk interval and its associated change interval shall not be permitted unless the associated vehicular phase is also omitted or the pedestrian phase is exclusive.
D. The shortening or omission of any pedestrian change interval shall not be permitted.
E. A signal indication sequence from a steady yellow signal indication to a green signal indication shall not be permitted.
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