Typically, traffic lights are designed to ensure safety by preventing conflicting movements. In many traffic signal systems, a green light for one direction will coincide with a red light for the opposing direction to avoid collisions. However, the exact timing can vary based on local traffic regulations and signal programming, so it's always best to check specific traffic light patterns in your area.
A green traffic light means you may go, but only if safe to do so. If there is other traffic or pedestrians in the way, you may NOT go until safe, even if you "have the green light." Even if the other traffic or pedestrians are violating the law, you cannot go until it is safe.
A "Green Wave" is a sensor on the traffic lights that allows the main flow of traffic to continue to have a green light unless another car is to pull up in the other direction then the light would change to let the other car go.
If the green arrow shows for the direction you want to turn then you obey the green arrow, the red light is for all other traffic. The green arrow basically overrules the red light for the direction of the arrow.
An orange light typically signals a warning or caution, such as a traffic light turning from green to orange before red. In other contexts, an orange light might indicate a malfunction or issue that needs attention.
merging
Traffic lights in California will always cycle green-yeelow-red. If the light goes green to red with no yellow, you have a defective traffic light. You will need to monitor the traffic light with a video camera through several cycles to show the court the defect. Other than that there is no defense. Is going thru a yellow light a violation?
Creating a hazard
After stopping, you may turn right, unless prohibited by some other sign or signal.
You may turn in the direction the arrow is indicating. No other maeuvers are allowed.
You may turn in the direction the arrow is indicating. No other maeuvers are allowed.
You may turn in the direction the arrow is indicating. No other maeuvers are allowed.
You may turn in the direction the arrow is indicating. No other maeuvers are allowed.