A protected turn occurs when an arrow signal displays a green arrow; cross traffic and oncoming traffic are stopped with a red light. What is this called?

• A. Protected turn
• B. Prohibited turn
• C. Protected lane
• D. Through turn

Answer: (A)

A protected turn is when the signal shows a green arrow for the turning movement while cross traffic and oncoming traffic are stopped by red. This setup gives the turning driver the exclusive right of way, so you can complete the turn without having to wait for gaps in opposing traffic. The red for other directions prevents any conflicting movement, which lowers the risk of crashes with cross traffic and pedestrians.

This differs from an unprotected turn, where you might turn on a regular green and must yield to other traffic and pedestrians, or from signals that prohibit a turn or refer to a through maneuver.