Traffic lightsPanama
Traffic rules
Panama
1. Traffic lights
Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.
A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in Panama?
Red means stop at the applicable line. Amber generally warns that the signal is changing and calls for a stop where it can be made safely; do not accelerate to beat it. Green allows movement only when the way is clear. Observe local arrow, flashing-signal and stop-line rules.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 166–167
May you turn at a red traffic light in Panama?
Do not assume that a red light permits any turn. A special illuminated arrow, supplementary sign or a particular provision of local law may authorise a movement, but only under its conditions. The fact that another country permits turning on red does not make it legal here.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 166–167
Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in Panama?
No. A green signal is not a guarantee that the junction is empty. Check for people already crossing, vehicles completing a movement and any separate pedestrian, bicycle or turning signals. Do not enter if you cannot clear the junction safely.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 166–167
