§ 17-40. Traffic-control signal legend.

Colors and arrow indications in traffic-control signals shall have the commands ascribed to them in this section, and no other meanings, and every driver of a vehicle, railway car or other conveyance shall comply therewith, except when otherwise directed by an officer or by a lawful traffic regulating sign, other than a "stop" sign, signal or device, or except as provided in section 17-81(b) of this chapter. In no case shall a driver enter or proceed through an intersection without due regard to the safety of other persons within the intersection regardless of what indications may be given by traffic-control signals.

(1)

Green. While the green lens is illuminated, drivers facing the signal may proceed through the intersection, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully within a crosswalk or the intersection at the time such signal was exhibited. Drivers of vehicles making a right or left turn shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing with the flow of traffic.

(2)

Right, left and vertical green arrows. When a right green arrow is illuminated, drivers facing such signal may turn right. When a left green arrow is illuminated, drivers facing such signal may turn left. When a vertical green arrow is illuminated, drivers facing such signal may go straight ahead. When a green arrow is exhibited together with a red or yellow lens, drivers may enter the intersection to make the movement permitted by the arrow, but shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians proceeding from another direction on a green indication.

(3)

Yellow. While the yellow lens is illuminated, waiting drivers shall not proceed and any driver approaching the intersection or a marked stop line shall stop at such point unless so close to the intersection that a stop cannot be made in safety; provided, however, that if a green arrow is illuminated at the same time, drivers may enter the intersection to make the movement permitted by such arrow.

(4)

Red. While the red lens is illuminated, drivers facing the signal shall stop outside of the intersection, or at such point as may be clearly marked by a sign or line; provided, however, that if a green arrow is illuminated at the same time, drivers may enter the intersection to make the movement permitted by such arrow.

Exception: Traffic facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line or, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown except as allowed by M.G.L.A. c. 89, § 8.

a.

No driver of a vehicle facing a circular red signal indication shall make a right turn where official traffic signs are installed and maintained prohibiting such turn at the following intersections:

Mill Street:

1.

North on Mill Street.

2.

West on Mill Street.

b.

No driver of a vehicle facing a circular red signal indication shall make a left turn from a one-way street into another one-way street, where official traffic signs are installed and maintained prohibiting such turn at the following intersections:

Elm and School Streets intersection, west on Main Street.

Main Street, north on Broad Street.

(5)

Red and yellow. While the red and yellow lenses are illuminated together, drivers shall not enter the intersection and during such time the intersection shall be reserved for the exclusive use of pedestrians.

(6)

Flashing red. When a red lens is illuminated in a traffic-control signal by rapid intermittent flashes and its use has been specifically authorized by the department of public works of the commonwealth, drivers shall stop before the nearer line of crosswalk of the street intersection or at a stop line when so marked, and the right to proceed shall then be governed by the provisions of M.G.L.A. c. 89, § 8.

(7)

Flashing yellow. A flashing yellow lens shall indicate the presence of a hazard and drivers may proceed only with caution.

(8)

Flashing green. A flashing green lens shall indicate an intersection or pedestrian crosswalk in use or subject to use by entering or crossing traffic. Drivers may proceed only with caution and shall be prepared to comply with a change in the signal to a red or red and yellow indication.

(Code 1971, § 16-31; Ord. No. 820, 3-3-80; Ord. No. 854, 3-4-82; Ord. No. 992, 3-2-89; Ord. No. 1083, 2-20-92)