• A circular green signal means "go", but left turning traffic is "unprotected" and must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic
  
  
• A circular yellow signal means "caution" and indicates that the signal is about to turn red.
  
  
• A circular red signal means "stop".

Remember:

• Stop for a yellow signal unless you are too close to the intersection to stop safely - in that case, drive cautiously through the intersection.
  
  
• Never speed up for a yellow signal to "beat" the red signal.
  
  
• Unless there is a sign indicating "NO TURN ON RED," you can turn right on a circular a steady, red, circular traffic signal after stopping and making sure that the turn can be made safely. North Carolina law requires the red signal to be placed at the top of the signaling unit and the green signal to be placed at the bottom.

Arrow signals are also important traffic signals:

• A green arrow means that you have a "protected" turning movement with no other conflicting traffic in the intersection except U-turn traffic that should yield to all other traffic entering the intersection.
  
  
• A red arrow means turning traffic must stop.
  
  
• A yellow arrow indicates that the "protected" green arrow signal is about to turn to a regular circular green signal, circular red signal or red arrow signal.

Some traffic signals have a combination of "protected" turn arrow signals and "unprotected" circular signals based on traffic demand. At these intersections, both through-traffic and turning traffic are controlled by circular signals if no arrow signal is displayed. When arrow and circular signals are both displayed, turning traffic is controlled by the arrow signals and through traffic is controlled by the circular signals. Below are examples of combination signal displays you may see.

Flashing Signals:

The flashing red signal has the same meaning as the stop sign: Stop and do not proceed to move until you can enter the intersection without interfering with approaching traffic. The flashing yellow signal has the same meaning as a warning sign. Slow down and proceed with caution.