Traffic Light Rules in Ontario

Last updated: October 6, 2026

Green means go and red means stop, but the G1 test and the road test both ask about the in-between cases: amber lights, turning on red, flashing signals and dead lights. Here's what each one means in Ontario.

Green, amber and red

• Green: you may go straight, turn left or turn right, but first yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection. When turning left, wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
• Amber (yellow): stop if you can do so safely. If you're so close that stopping suddenly would be dangerous, go through with caution. Amber does not mean "speed up".
• Red: stop. Stop at the stop line if there is one, otherwise before the crosswalk, otherwise at the edge of the sidewalk or intersection. Wait until the light turns green and the intersection is clear.

Turning on a red light

• Right on red is allowed after you come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign says no right turn on red.
• Left on red is allowed only from a one-way road onto another one-way road, after a complete stop and when the way is clear.

Arrows and flashing lights

• Flashing green light or green arrow (advanced green): you may turn left, go straight or turn right from the proper lane, because oncoming traffic is facing a red light. Pedestrians may not cross unless a pedestrian signal tells them to.
• Flashing red light: treat it like a stop sign. Come to a complete stop and go only when it's safe.
• Flashing amber light: drive through with caution.
• Lights not working (for example, in a power failure): treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Stop, then go in turn, yielding to the right in a tie.

Common mistakes

• Speeding up for an amber light. If you can stop safely, you must.
• Turning right on red without a full stop. The stop comes first, every time.
• Blocking the intersection. Don't enter on green if traffic is backed up and you'll be stuck there when the light changes.
• Turning left in front of oncoming traffic on a solid green. Oncoming cars have the right-of-way.
• Forgetting pedestrians when turning. People in the crosswalk go first.

Traffic light questions are part of the rules section of the G1 practice test, and the "traffic lights ahead" warning sign is on our Ontario road signs page. For the full rules, read the traffic lights chapter of the Official MTO Driver's Handbook.