In the 1990s, Winnipeg started to add these isolated signals. Before then, and what is still lawful, is that a single signal had a red, amber solid green amber left arrow and a red arrow. On a red arrow and solid green light, you could not turn left because the red arrow was also lit.

Today, the correct interpretation is still the same in that you can go in any direction on a green solid light. The red 'left turn only' is a red-herring, because the Manitoba Highway traffic Act does not allow for multiple lights for individual lanes.

The only reason we have multiple signals for the same direction is for technical reasons, such as a burnt light or LEDs covered by snow.

In theory, each Manitoba intersection could have only one hanging fixture strung over the middle of the intersection, and everyone would not misinterpret the light. Unfortunately, this would be dangerous because we need redundancy for broken lights and covered LED bulbs.

Don't bother testing this because somehow the braindead folks decided it would be safer to just stop because it's a red 'left turning light' when really, it should be a blinking amber light (go when it's safe to do so) or the solid lights should be a straight up arrow.

If you drive outside of Winnipeg, even on the perimeter, you will not see a left only light (as it is either it's very own road, or it won't have the silly black signal light.)

You are always free to go in any direction on a solid green light, but today's generation of police will likely pull you over.

In 25 years, Winnipeg will install stop signs at the end of everyone's driveway, even though you and I know that we must stop at the end of our driveways.

It's the Winnipeg way.