Hawaii Traffic Signals
These questions cover what lights, arrows, flashing signals, railroad signals and pavement markings tell you to do, including what a signal that is out or flashing means at an intersection. This Hawaii set has 38 questions, weighted toward pavement markings, lane markings and railroad signals. When you are ready, test yourself on our Hawaii DMV practice test.
Free Traffic Signals questions for the Hawaii permit test
Plain-text version of this question set
Yellow pavement markings separate:
- A. Lanes going the same direction
- B. Opposite directions of travel
- C. Parking spaces
- D. Shoulders from travel lanes
Hint: The color of the pavement marking tells you the direction relationship between lanes.
Explanation: Yellow lines separate traffic flowing in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic flowing in the same direction.
White pavement markings separate:
- A. HOV lanes from regular traffic
- B. Bike lanes from car lanes
- C. Lanes moving the same direction
- D. Traffic moving in opposite directions
Hint: Same-colored vehicles going the same way are separated by same-colored lines.
Explanation: White lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Yellow lines separate opposing traffic.
A solid white line at the side of the road indicates:
- A. The travel lane edge
- B. A no-passing zone
- C. Parking allowed
- D. Bike lane
Hint: This line at the road's edge serves as a visual boundary between the travel lane and the shoulder.
Explanation: A solid white line marks the edge of the traffic lane. You should not cross this line except in emergencies.
You approach pavement markings showing a solid yellow line on your side and a broken yellow line on the other side. You may:
- A. Pass in either direction
- B. Not pass, solid line on your side
- C. Pass if safe - the broken line allows passing
- D. Pass only on the right
Hint: The line on YOUR side of the center determines whether YOU may pass: solid means no, broken means yes.
Explanation: When there's a solid yellow line on your side of the center, you cannot pass. The broken line on the opposite side means vehicles traveling in that direction may pass when safe.
Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two feet apart indicate:
- A. A passing zone
- B. A barrier, do not cross
- C. Emergency vehicle access only
- D. A turn lane
Hint: Double solid yellow lines spaced widely apart represent something more restrictive than regular double yellow lines.
Explanation: Two sets of double yellow lines create a barrier. Treat it like a physical barrier or median - you may not cross it for any reason, including turns.
A single white line across the road at an intersection means:
- A. Stop line
- B. Speed limit line
- C. Parking line
- D. Crosswalk
Hint: This white line painted across the road at an intersection tells you the exact point where you must stop your vehicle.
Explanation: A single white line across your lane is a stop line. When stopping for a traffic signal or stop sign, stop before this line.
An X painted on a pavement indicates:
- A. Intersection ahead
- B. No parking
- C. Pedestrian crossing
- D. Railroad crossing ahead
Hint: This pavement marking uses a distinctive letter shape associated with a specific type of crossing.
Explanation: An X marked on the pavement, often with the letters RR, indicates a railroad crossing ahead. Slow down, look, and listen for trains.
A curb painted red typically means:
- A. Loading zone
- B. Handicap parking
- C. Fire zone - emergency vehicles only
- D. No stopping or parking
Hint: The color of a painted curb indicates the level of restriction, with this color being the most restrictive.
Explanation: Red curbs prohibit stopping, standing, or parking. These are typically found near fire hydrants, fire stations, or in fire lanes.
A curb painted white typically means:
- A. Commercial vehicles only
- B. Unrestricted parking
- C. No parking
- D. Passenger loading only
Hint: This curb color allows brief stops but only for a specific purpose involving people, not cargo.
Explanation: White curbs are for passenger loading and unloading only. You may stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers but cannot park.
A curb painted yellow typically means:
- A. Commercial loading zone
- B. No parking
- C. Taxi zone
- D. School bus zone
Hint: This curb color is designated for commercial vehicles performing a specific business function.
Explanation: Yellow curbs indicate commercial loading zones. You may stop to load or unload freight during posted hours. Check signs for time restrictions.
You are waiting to turn left at a green light but oncoming traffic is heavy. You should:
- A. Turn in front of the oncoming traffic
- B. Move into the intersection and wait
- C. Give up and go straight
- D. Wait behind the stop line
Hint: When you want to turn left but oncoming traffic prevents it, there is a proper way to wait.
Explanation: In most states you may move forward into the intersection on a green light and wait there for a gap in oncoming traffic or for the light to turn yellow, at which point oncoming traffic must stop and you can complete your turn. Keep your wheels pointed straight while you wait so you are not pushed into oncoming traffic if you are hit from behind, and never back out of the intersection. Note: a few states (for example Colorado) advise the opposite and tell drivers to wait at the stop line until there is a safe gap, since waiting in the intersection can block emergency vehicles and leave you exposed if the light changes. Of the choices given, moving into the intersection to wait is the most widely accepted technique. The other options are wrong: never turn in front of oncoming traffic, you do not have to give up and go straight, and waiting behind the stop line is only required in certain states.
If a traffic light is green when you approach an intersection, you should:
- A. Look both ways and proceed with caution
- B. Stop first then proceed
- C. Speed up to get through before it changes
- D. Proceed without slowing - you have the right-of-way
Hint: A green light is permission to proceed, not a guarantee that the intersection is clear.
Explanation: Even with a green light, check both directions before entering an intersection. Other drivers may run red lights or turn in front of you.
A yellow light means:
- A. Slow down but don't stop
- B. Caution but continue at the same speed
- C. Stop if you can do so safely
- D. Speed up to get through
Hint: The yellow signal is a warning that the signal is about to become the most restrictive color.
Explanation: A yellow light warns the signal is changing to red. Stop if you can safely do so. Only proceed if you're too close to stop safely.
When approaching an intersection where all signals are flashing red, treat it as:
- A. Proceed normally if clear
- B. A four-way stop
- C. A warning to proceed with caution
- D. A yield sign
Hint: When all signals at an intersection flash the same color, the intersection functions as if it had a specific type of sign.
Explanation: When all signals flash red (often during a power outage or malfunction), treat the intersection as a four-way stop. All traffic must stop and proceed when safe.
A flashing red light followed by a flashing yellow light at a railroad crossing means:
- A. Railroad crossing ahead
- B. A train is approaching, do not cross
- C. Proceed with caution
- D. Crossing signals are malfunctioning
Hint: Railroad crossing signals use a sequence of light patterns to communicate the approach of a train.
Explanation: Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing mean a train is approaching or crossing. You must stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and gates are raised.
You may pass a vehicle stopped at a railroad crossing:
- A. If no train is visible
- B. On the left side only
- C. If you are able to pass quickly
- D. Never - it's illegal and dangerous
Hint: A vehicle stopped at railroad tracks may have information about an approaching train that you do not.
Explanation: Never pass a vehicle stopped at a railroad crossing. They stopped for a reason - a train may be approaching even if you can't see it yet.
You reach an intersection where the traffic signal is completely dark. You should:
- A. Proceed without slowing, since the signal is off
- B. Wait at the intersection until the signal works
- C. Treat the intersection as an all-way stop
- D. Follow the vehicle ahead of you through
Hint: Think about what rule keeps an intersection orderly when no signal is telling anyone to go.
Explanation: When a signal is completely dark, treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Stop, then proceed in the order vehicles arrived.
A flashing red traffic light means:
- A. Slow down and proceed with caution
- B. The light is about to turn green
- C. Stop, then go when it is safe
- D. Stop and wait for a green light
Hint: It carries the same instruction as a familiar eight-sided sign.
Explanation: A flashing red light means the same thing as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when it is safe.
A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means:
- A. Passing is allowed if the way is clear
- B. The road ahead becomes one way
- C. You may park along that edge
- D. You may not pass
Hint: Solid means the line is not meant to be crossed for that purpose.
Explanation: A solid yellow line on your side means passing is prohibited for you. A broken yellow line on your side means you may pass when it is safe.
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
- A. Passing slower vehicles ahead of you
- B. Emergency vehicles and buses only
- C. Parking during off peak hours
- D. Left turns from either direction
Hint: Both directions share this lane, but nobody travels along it.
Explanation: This is a two way left turn lane. Drivers from either direction may enter it to make a left turn, but it must not be used for travel or passing.
On the Hawaii driving test, traffic signals questions are part of the 30-question exam. Hawaii requires a score of 80% (24 correct answers) to pass.
Traffic signals control the flow of traffic at intersections and crossings. This category covers standard traffic lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals.
Understanding the meaning of each signal color and type is essential. A steady green means proceed with caution, a yellow means prepare to stop, and a red means stop completely. Flashing signals have different meanings - a flashing red acts like a stop sign, while a flashing yellow means proceed with caution.
Arrow signals, lane-use signals, and pedestrian countdown timers are also commonly tested. Know when you can and cannot turn on a red light, and understand the difference between a green arrow and a circular green.
Key Topics
- Steady and flashing signals
- Arrow signals and protected turns
- Pedestrian signals and crosswalks
- Right turn on red rules
- Malfunctioning traffic signals