Maryland § 21-202

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 21-202, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 21-202.

    (a)    (1)    Except for special pedestrian signals that carry a legend, where traffic is controlled by traffic control signals that show different colored lights or colored lighted arrows, whether successively one at a time or in combination, only the colors green, red, and yellow may be used.

        (2)    These lights apply to drivers and pedestrians as provided in this section.

    (b)    Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal may proceed straight through or, unless a sign at the place prohibits the turn, turn right or left.

    (c)    Vehicular traffic described under subsection (b) of this section, including any vehicle turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to any other vehicle and any pedestrian lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk when the signal is shown.

    (d)    Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, whether shown alone or with another indication, cautiously may enter the intersection, but only to make the movement indicated by the arrow or to make another movement permitted by other indications shown at the same time.

    (e)    Vehicular traffic described under subsection (d) of this section shall yield the right–of–way to any pedestrian or bicycle lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

    (f)    Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in § 21-203 of this subtitle, a pedestrian facing any green signal, unless the green signal is only a turn arrow, may cross the roadway, within any marked or unmarked crosswalk, in the direction of the green signal.

    (g)    (1)    Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow signal is warned that the related green movement is ending or that a red signal, which will prohibit vehicular traffic from entering the intersection, will be shown immediately after the yellow signal.

        (2)    Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in § 21-203 of this subtitle, a pedestrian facing a steady yellow signal is warned that there is not enough time to cross the roadway before a red signal is shown, and a pedestrian may not then start to cross the roadway.

    (h)    (1)    Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal alone:

            (i)    Shall stop at the near side of the intersection:

                1.    At a clearly marked stop line;

                2.    If there is no clearly marked stop line, before entering any crosswalk; or

                3.    If there is no crosswalk, before entering the intersection; and

            (ii)    Except as provided in subsections (i), (j), and (k) of this section, shall remain stopped until a signal to proceed is shown.

        (2)    Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal:

            (i)    May not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow;

            (ii)    Unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, shall stop at the near side of the intersection:

                1.    At a clearly marked stop line;

                2.    If there is no clearly marked stop line, before entering any crosswalk; or

                3.    If there is no crosswalk, before entering the intersection; and

            (iii)    Except as provided in subsections (i), (j), and (k) of this section, shall remain stopped until a signal permitting the movement is shown.

    (i)    Unless a sign prohibiting a turn is in place, vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal, after stopping as required by subsection (h) of this section, cautiously may enter the intersection and make:

        (1)    A right turn; or

        (2)    A left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street.

    (j)    If a sign permitting any other turn is in place, vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal, after stopping as required by subsection (h) of this section, cautiously may enter the intersection and make the turn indicated by the sign.

    (k)    In each instance, vehicular traffic described in subsections (i) and (j) of this section shall yield the right–of–way to any pedestrian or bicycle lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.

    (l)    Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in § 21-203 of this subtitle, pedestrians facing a steady red signal alone may not enter the roadway.

    (m)    Except for those provisions of this section that by their very nature cannot apply, this section applies to a traffic control signal placed at a location other than an intersection. Each stop required by the signal shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made or, if there is no sign or marking, at the signal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 21-202

What does Maryland Code § 21-202 cover?

Section 21-202 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 21-202?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 21-202" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 21-202 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.