Green Light (Green Light / Proceed Signal)

As the proceed signal within traffic light systems, the green light serves as a statutory indication that ensures the smooth flow of road traffic while granting legal right of way to road users. When illuminated, it signifies that the road ahead is open for specific traffic movements during that signal phase, allowing motorists and pedestrians to proceed safely.

Core Attributes and Right-of-Way Principles

Conditional granting of right of way: A green light does not confer an "absolute right to proceed without caution". It merely indicates statutory priority for the designated direction. While exercising this right of way, drivers are still obligated to practise defensive driving, remaining vigilant against jaywalking pedestrians or other unforeseen hazards at all times.

Dynamic continuity and junction clearance warning: The green phase duration is either calculated in real time based on junction traffic volume or regulated by fixed signal timing. It typically transitions into a flashing green phase towards the end of the cycle to prompt drivers to anticipate the change and make a decisive call, preventing vehicles from being stranded in the middle of a junction when the light turns red.

Standard Operating Rules and Specific Scenarios

Traffic rules governing green lights vary according to the type of signal aspect at the junction and how it interacts with conflicting traffic flows:

Module 1: General Right of Way for Full Green Discs

Content:

Straight-through and turning permissions: When a full circular green light illuminates, vehicles and pedestrians travelling straight or turning are permitted to proceed.

Duty to give way while turning: Vehicles executing a left or right turn under a circular green light must give way to oncoming straight-through traffic and pedestrians crossing legally. Turning vehicles must never jostle for right of way with straight-through traffic.

Module 2: Protected Right of Way for Green Arrow Signals (Directional Indicators)

Content:

When a specific green arrow illuminates (such as a green turn arrow or straight-ahead arrow), it signifies that traffic in that particular direction has exclusive, protected right of way. Under this phase, there are no conflicting traffic movements, allowing vehicles to proceed safely and smoothly in the indicated direction.

Driving Operation Guidelines and Risk Prevention

When approaching green lights or signal phase changes, drivers should adhere to standard defensive driving procedures:

Procedure 1: Defensive Scanning when Moving Off and Clearing Junctions

"Slow down, look around, then proceed" before moving off:

When the light turns green while waiting at the head of the queue, avoid stepping hard on the accelerator to launch immediately. Always conduct a quick left-and-right scan of the junction to check for late vehicles beating the amber light or pedestrians still clearing the crossing. Move off smoothly only after confirming it is safe. 

Maintaining a steady pace across the junction:

When traversing a junction during a green phase, maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, proceed at a steady speed, and strictly refrain from overtaking, cutting in, or braking abruptly inside the junction without valid cause.

Procedure 2: Critical Judgment at the End of a Green Phase (Flashing Green and Transition to Amber)

Flashing green signal and anticipatory deceleration:

When a green signal in the distance begins to flash or the countdown timer is ending, never accelerate aggressively to "beat the light". The correct response is to assess distance and vehicle speed: if there is ample stopping distance, ease off the accelerator and apply the brakes progressively to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop. If the vehicle is already approaching the stop line and travelling too fast to stop safely, proceed through with caution. 

Avoid tailgating into gridlock and obstructing the junction: 

If the road ahead is congested and traffic cannot clear the junction, following vehicles are strictly prohibited from blindly entering the middle of the junction—even on a green light. Vehicles must wait behind the stop line to avoid gridlocking the junction and completely paralysing cross-traffic.