Now on to the fun stuff. Here's a quick tutorial on the traffic lights you may encounter, and what they mean:

 

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Solid Red

Contrary to what many drivers believe, a solid red light does not mean, "Continue forward, as light is about to turn green."

Just stop at all red lights, please. As long as there's no sign indicating that you can't make a right turn on red, you may do so, assuming that you've first come to a complete stop and have yielded to any pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, or escaped jungle cats that may be in your path.

 

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Red Arrow

This also means "STOP." Guess what you can't do when you see this signal? Turn right, that's right.

 

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Flashing Red

We've got ourselves another red signal here, so we're going to guess it has something to do with stopping.

This light basically means the same thing as a stop sign. You must come to a full stop, but you may then continue forward once you've determined it's safe to do so. Sometimes a flashing red light means that a traffic light is broken, so be mindful of other cars that may be trying to cross the intersection, too.

 

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Solid Yellow

You may think this signal means "SLOW DOWN," but that isn't really accurate. If you're almost to an intersection, the light changes to yellow, and you start to decelerate, you may be gliding slowly through that intersection just as Sammy the Speed Demon is heading in your direction from the left. 

Instead, it means "CAUTION." You should slow to a stop unless you don't have enough time to stop safely, in which case you should continue through the intersection. Just don't start being liberal with your interpretation of how much time you need to stop safely. If you need to put on your prescription glasses in order to read that street sign way up yonder, chances are you have enough time to slow it on down.

Remember: the yellow light is not a challenge. The traffic light isn't getting all up in your face and making fun of you for not being able to make it through the intersection in time. Just let it go—we see many more green lights in your future.

 

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Yellow Arrow

If you're preparing to turn in the indicated direction, proceed with caution and only do so if you'll be able to make it through the intersection before the signal changes. 

If your psychic powers are lacking and you're not quite sure if you'll have enough time, play it safe and slow down.

 

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Flashing Yellow

This one means that you should "PROCEED WITH CAUTION."

You don't need to come to a full stop, but you should reduce your speed and be more alert than usual. Pro tip: you should already be pretty darn alert.

 

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Flashing Yellow Arrow

If you see this signal, you may turn cautiously in the indicated direction, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Although, you should always try to avoid hitting cars or people, you know?

 

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Solid Green

When confronted with this traffic signal, don't immediately assume that you can "GO." Some drivers lay on the accelerator the second they see this puppy, but as always, you must be aware of your surroundings. 

Make sure before proceeding that there are no vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or jungle cats still clearing the intersection. If turning left, make sure you can safely turn before any oncoming traffic approaches.

 

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Green Arrow

This signal means that you may make a protected turn in the indicated direction. 

Once again, try not to—er, uh, don't—run over any old ladies who may need a few extra seconds to reach the curb.

Traffic Signal Blackout

If you arrive at an intersection that normally features traffic lights and you don't see any lights at all, it means one of two things:

1. Your eyes are closed. Open them immediately and proceed.
2. There has simply been a mechanical malfunction, and the lights are currently out of service. In that case (hopefully the more likely of the two), treat the situation as if you're pulling up to an intersection with stop signs on all corners. Proceed cautiously, as some bozos may think a blackout is an invitation for a traffic free-for-all.

Blue Light with Orange Stripes

You've probably eaten some bad shellfish. Get to the nearest hospital and seek medical care immediately.