Traffic lights are a fundamental tool for regulating traffic on public roads 🚗🚶. They are used especially in places with high traffic volume, where vertical or horizontal signs are not enough to ensure safe flow.
👥 Traffic Lights for Pedestrians
| Colour / Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Standing pedestrian | Crossing prohibited | The pedestrian must wait on the pavement |
| 🟢 Walking pedestrian | Crossing permitted | Only if you started crossing when it turned on |
| 🟢 (flashing) | Warning | Red is about to appear; do not start crossing |
🚘 Traffic Lights for Vehicles
There are several types depending on colour, shape, and the intended recipient of the message:
🔴🟡🟢 Circular Traffic Lights
| Light | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Steady red | No entry | You may not move forward or cross the stop line |
| 🔴 Flashing red | Passage temporarily closed | At level crossings or movable bridges |
| 🟡 Steady amber | Caution; stop if safe to do so | If you are very close, continue; if you can brake safely, do so |
| 🟡 Flashing amber | Proceed with extreme caution | Yield where required; it does not exempt you from other signals that require you to stop (e.g. STOP). At crossings with pedestrian lights, flashing amber for vehicles can no longer coincide with the pedestrians' steady green and must be preceded by steady red (since 1 October 2026, RD 518/2026) |
| 🟢 Green | Proceed with priority | Do not enter if you might end up blocking the junction |
➡️ Arrows and Directions
- 🔻 Black arrow over red/amber: applies only to the turn indicated.
- ✅ Green arrow on a black background: you may turn even if the general light is red.
📶 Lane Control Signals (Square)
They provide lane-specific instructions:
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ❌ Red X | Driving in that lane is prohibited |
| ✅ Green arrow | Lane open for use |
| ⬇️ Oblique yellow/white arrow | Merge into the adjacent lane; imminent closure |
🚍 Special Traffic Lights
- 🚲 Cyclist traffic lights: exclusive indications for cycles and mopeds.
- 🚈 Trams and buses:
- Horizontal white bar: ❌ stop
- Vertical white bar: ✅ proceed
- Oblique: ➡️ turn towards the indicated side
- Flashing: ⚠️ stop as you would for an amber light
⚠️ Key Rules
- 🔝 Priority of signals: Traffic officer > Temporary traffic control (beacons/cones) > Traffic light > Vertical sign > Road markings
- 🚫 Do not proceed until you have complied with the signal
- 📍 Obey the traffic light positioned for your direction (right, left, overhead)
🌙 Visibility and Signage
Signals must be visible at night. They may be accompanied by supplementary panels with inscriptions for greater clarity.
📌 Language and Legality
- 🗣 Inscriptions must be in Spanish and the co-official regional language
- 🚫 It is forbidden to alter, cover, or modify signals without authorisation
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