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 to other vehicles |
| 🟢 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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