Buzz
Not all drivers, even those with a valid license, are familiar with every dashboard symbol or road sign, and they may not even distinguish between a yellow traffic line and a white one.
One thing most people in the U.S.—from drivers to children—know for sure is that a red light signals 'stop,' while green means 'go.' So it might seem unnecessary to place a sign next to the traffic light that says 'wait for green.'
But it’s not really about telling drivers what color signals go: It’s a reminder to pay attention to the traffic lights rather than following other drivers. When you see a 'wait for green' sign at an intersection, it’s warning that the traffic opposite you will have a green light just before you do. As that oncoming traffic moves, you might be tempted to follow their lead—either by reflex or because you mistakenly think your own light was supposed to have turned green. Ignoring the 'wait for green' sign and speeding up could put you in danger of colliding with any oncoming vehicles turning left on green.
Is it Possible to Turn on Red When There’s a 'Wait for Green' Sign?
Some might think that 'wait for green' means 'wait until green before turning.' However, that’s not the case: You can still make a turn on red with a 'wait for green' sign—unless, of course, there’s a separate 'no turn on red' sign.
You may be surprised if you’ve never come across a 'wait for green' sign in real life. For one thing, they seem to appear mostly (if not only) in Pennsylvania. Additionally, according to Allentown, Pennsylvania’s The Morning Call, the state stopped using them in 1999. A spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation explained that the signs were originally installed when drivers were still adjusting to sensor-based traffic lights, but today’s motorists generally find them more confusing than helpful. Rather than removing all of them at once, the department opted to dismantle them gradually as they deteriorate over time.
