What does a green arrow traffic light allow?

A green arrow traffic light allows a protected turn in the arrow’s direction. It gives that movement a dedicated signal phase, normally separating turning vehicles from conflicting opposing traffic.

The arrow is more precise than a circular green light. A circular green generally permits movement in any legally allowed direction, but a driver turning must still yield to pedestrians and may have to yield to oncoming traffic. A steady green arrow instead identifies the permitted movement and signals that the conflicting traffic phase has been stopped.

Drivers should still check for pedestrians already in the crossing, emergency vehicles, and unusual signal arrangements. A flashing yellow arrow is different: it permits a turn only after yielding to pedestrians and opposing traffic. A red arrow prohibits the indicated movement, even if another signal appears green.

Green arrows are used for left turns, right turns, straight-through lanes, or combinations of movements. Their exact legal meaning varies by jurisdiction, but in standard U.S. traffic-signal terminology a steady green arrow is the familiar indication of a protected movement.