Red left turn signals -- red ball or red arrow?

[Aerobird]

I concur that a protected turn signal (regardless of direction) should always use a red arrow, not a red ball; to do otherwise is potential cause for confusion.

[froggie]

It should also be noted that only within the past 2-3 years has VDOT standard shifted from red balls to red arrows for left turn signals.  It will take some time through the normal signal/bulb replacement process to convert them all.

[Mr_Northside]

Can't speak for the entire state, but in SW-Pennsylvania, I don't know that PennDOT has any.  (Which isn't to say there aren't any),  even a complete redo of signals @ PA-65 (Ohio River Blvd) / McKees Rocks Bridge intersection just a handful of months ago has red balls for the the left signals.

[Signal]

It should also be noted that only within the past 2-3 years has VDOT standard shifted from red balls to red arrows for left turn signals.  It will take some time through the normal signal/bulb replacement process to convert them all.

Actually, with regards to Charlottesville, all but a few signals have been converted to LED (happened around 2010). Only a handful remain incandescent, and no signals remain with all sections incandescent.
Also, Charlottesville doesn't do much signal replacing. During the city-wide LED upgrade, all 8" signals or 9" pedestrian signals were replaced, but besides that, very few new signals have been added.

[Signal]

I personally think the ball + sign is better.
Having a ball is better visibility than an arrow, of course; and having a sign? With regards to size, thats about a 600% difference.



The worst thing is when they are both used at the same time: 

IMG_5596 by Signals Unlimited, on Flickr

[FreewayDan]

I personally think the ball + sign is better.
Having a ball is better visibility than an arrow, of course; and having a sign? With regards to size, thats about a 600% difference.



The worst thing is when they are both used at the same time: 

IMG_5596 by Signals Unlimited, on Flickr

Here's some red arrow and red ball traffic signals together on the mast arm.  Both located in the Woodlands, TX:

Westbound Woodlands Parkway at East Panther Creek Drive by FreewayDan, on Flickr

Westbound Research Forest Drive at Cats Cradle Drive (2012) by FreewayDan, on Flickr

[tradephoric]

^^ A mix of red balls and arrows.. and also a mix of vertical and horizontal signal heads. 

[jeffandnicole]

How much visability do you really need for a left arrow?  You'll be using a turn lane and slowing down as is. It's not like you need to see what color the turning light is a quarter mile (over 15 seconds) away.

[PColumbus73]

If reduced visibility is a problem, why not apply the dual-red left turn arrows that are in place in South Carolina?

[Fntp]

Well in Pa they just started using red arrows honestly I think it's about time because I was tired of the confusing red ball for a protected turn.

[MASTERNC]

In PA, I've seen red arrows in a few random townships outside Philly (i.e. near Fort Washington, Plymouth Meeting)