CHAPTER 3. TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS
IC 9-21-3
Chapter 3. Traffic Control Signals
IC 9-21-3-1
Standards and specifications
Sec. 1. Each traffic control signal on a street or highway withinIndiana must conform with the standards, specifications, andwarrants set forth in the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic ControlDevices for Streets and Highways.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-2
Installation; traffic engineering studies; vicinity of schools; specialhearing
Sec. 2. (a) Each traffic signal installation on a street or highwaywithin Indiana may be erected only after the completion of trafficengineering studies that verify that the traffic signal control isnecessary as set forth in the Indiana Manual on Uniform TrafficControl Devices for Streets and Highways.
(b) If:
(1) the proposed installation is in the immediate vicinity of aschool; and
(2) the installation does not meet the requirements of thissection;
the governmental unit responsible for the control of traffic at thelocation shall grant a special hearing on the question to a person whohas properly petitioned for the installation of a traffic signal.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-3
Removal of nonconforming signals
Sec. 3. Each traffic signal upon a street or highway in Indiana thatdoes not conform to this chapter shall be removed by thegovernmental agency having jurisdiction over the highway.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-4
Department of transportation; duties
Sec. 4. The Indiana department of transportation is responsible forthe control of all traffic signals on the state highway system.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-5
Property of department of transportation
Sec. 5. A traffic signal installation on a state route is the propertyof the Indiana department of transportation.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-6
Public or private agencies; erection of signs; written permission Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a public orprivate agency may not erect a traffic control device on a statemaintained highway without the written permission of the Indianadepartment of transportation.
(b) This subsection applies to the installation of traffic signals ona state highway in a city or town. The Indiana department oftransportation shall:
(1) install any signal that meets the standards, specifications,and warrants set forth in the Indiana Manual on Uniform TrafficControl Devices for Streets and Highways; or
(2) grant written permission to a city or town to erect the signalif it is not possible for the state immediately to install the signal.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-7
Signals exhibiting colored lights or arrows; requirements;explanation of colors
Sec. 7. (a) Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signalsexhibiting different colored lights or colored lighted arrowssuccessively, one (1) at a time or in combination, only the colorsgreen, red, or yellow may be used, except for special pedestriansignals under IC 9-21-18.
(b) The lights indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles andpedestrians as follows:
(1) Green indication means the following:
(A) Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal mayproceed straight through or turn right or left, unless a sign atthe place prohibits either turn.
(B) Vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left,shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and topedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacentsidewalk at the time the signal is exhibited.
(C) Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, shownalone or in combination with another indication, maycautiously enter the intersection only to make the movementindicated by the green arrow or other movement permittedby other indications shown at the same time.
(D) Vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way topedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and toother traffic lawfully using the intersection.
(E) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal,pedestrians facing a green signal, except when the sole greensignal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadwaywithin a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(2) Steady yellow indication means the following:
(A) Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular yellow oryellow arrow signal is warned that the related greenmovement is being terminated and that a red indication willbe exhibited immediately thereafter.
(B) A pedestrian facing a steady circular yellow or yellow
arrow signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestriancontrol signal, is advised that there is insufficient time tocross the roadway before a red indication is shown, and apedestrian may not start to cross the roadway at that time.
(3) Steady red indication means the following:
(A) Except as provided in clause (B), vehicular traffic facinga steady circular red or red arrow signal shall stop at aclearly marked stop line. However, if there is no clearlymarked stop line, vehicular traffic shall stop before enteringthe crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there isno crosswalk, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering theintersection and shall remain standing until an indication toproceed is shown.
(B) Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turndescribed in this subdivision, vehicular traffic facing asteady red signal, after coming to a complete stop, maycautiously enter the intersection to do the following:
(i) Make a right turn.
(ii) Make a left turn if turning from the left lane of aone-way street into another one-way street with the flowof traffic.
Vehicular traffic making a turn described in this subdivisionshall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within anadjacent crosswalk and to other traffic using the intersection.
(C) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signalpedestrians facing a steady circular red or red arrow signalmay not enter the roadway.
(4) No indication or conflicting indications means thefollowing:
(A) Vehicular traffic facing an intersection having a signalthat displays no indication or conflicting indications, whereno other control is present, shall stop before entering theintersection.
(B) After stopping, vehicular traffic may proceed withcaution through the intersection and shall yield theright-of-way to traffic within the intersection or approachingso closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(5) This section applies to traffic control signals located at aplace other than an intersection. A stop required under thissubdivision must be made at the signal, except when the signalis supplemented by a sign or pavement marking indicatingwhere the stop must be made.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.8-2010, SEC.2.
IC 9-21-3-8
Red or yellow flashing signals
Sec. 8. (a) This section does not apply at railroad grade crossings.
(b) Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow light is usedin a traffic signal or with a traffic sign, vehicular traffic shall obeythe signal in the following manner: (1) Flashing red (stop signal) means the following:
(A) When a red lens is illuminated by rapid intermittentflashes, a person who drives a vehicle shall stop at a clearlymarked stop line before entering the crosswalk on the nearside of the intersection.
(B) If no line exists, the person shall stop at the point nearestthe intersecting roadway where the person has a view ofapproaching traffic on the intersecting roadway beforeentering the roadway.
(C) The right to proceed is subject to the rules applicableafter making a stop at a stop sign.
(2) Flashing yellow (caution signal) means that when a yellowlens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, a person whodrives a vehicle may proceed through the intersection or pastthe signal only with caution.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-9
Individual lane use control signals
Sec. 9. When lane use control signals are placed over individuallanes, the signals apply to vehicular traffic as follows:
(1) Green indication (downward green arrows) means vehiculartraffic may travel in any lane over which a green signal isshown.
(2) Steady yellow indication (yellow X symbol) meansvehicular traffic is warned that a lane control change is beingmade.
(3) Steady red indication (red X symbol) means vehicular trafficmay not enter or travel in a lane over which a red signal isshown.
(4) Flashing yellow indication (yellow X symbol) meansvehicular traffic may use the lane only for the purpose ofapproaching and making a left turn.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-10
Street cars; obeyance of signals
Sec. 10. The motorman of a street car shall obey traffic controlsignals that are applicable to vehicles.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.
IC 9-21-3-11
Violations; Class C infraction
Sec. 11. A person who violates section 7, 8, 9, or 10 of thischapter commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9.