Roadside Hardware

Traffic signals are lights that tell you when or where to stop and go. A "green" light means you can go if it is safe. A "yellow" light means caution and a "red" light means stop.

Traffic lights are usually at intersections and are green, yellow and red, from bottom to top, when together. There are some intersections and other locations where there are single green, yellow or red lights.

A steady GREEN traffic light means you can go through the intersection. You must yield to emergency vehicles and others as required by law. If you are stopped and then the light turns green, you must allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection before you go ahead. A GREEN arrow means you can safely turn in the direction of the arrow. There should be no on-coming or crossing traffic while the arrow is green. If you are turning left, a steady green traffic green light means you may turn but only when safe to do so. Oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. Be alert for signs that prohibit left turns. When turning right or left, watch for pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle.

A steady YELLOW traffic light means the traffic light is about to change to red. You must stop if it is safe to do so. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop but continue through the intersection. A flashing YELLOW traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution. A YELLOW arrow means that the protection of a green arrow is ending and if you are turning in the direction of the arrow, you should prepare to stop and give the right of way to oncoming traffic before turning.

A steady RED traffic light means stop. This device is to alert you of the red light and that you must stop. You must wait until the traffic light turns green and there is no crossing traffic before you may move ahead. If you are turning right, you may turn after coming to a full stop, if it is safe to do so and if there is no sign prohibiting the turn on a red light. Be careful of pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle. A flashing RED traffic light means the same as a stop sign. You must come to a full stop and then may proceed when it is safe to do so. A RED arrow means you must stop and you cannot go in the direction of the arrow. You may proceed when the red arrow goes out and a green arrow or light goes on. 

If a traffic control signal is out of operation or is not functioning properly. The vehicle facing a:

Green signal may proceed with caution as indicated in South Dakota Codified Law (S.D.CL) 32-28-2;

Yellow signal may proceed with caution as indicated in S.D.CL 32-28-3;

Red or completely unlighted signal stop shall stop in the same manner as if the vehicle is at a stop sign.

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