how are traffic signals in the state of indiana suppose to operate?

Answer 1

Just like they do in any other state. That's why we have a Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices...

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/

If in Indiana a green light meant stop, things could get hairy.

Maybe if you'd provide a little bit more detail about what part of the operation you are questioning, the Answers community could be more helpful.

Answer 2

Since traffic signals are installed and maintained by cities and towns (and some counties), unless the state has mandated timing (probably not), the amount of time a signal spends on red, yellow and green depends on what the place sets up and the what the guy adjusting them puts in.
Usually this question comes up because some one thinks the yellow is so short it is intended to raise ticket revenue by catching people on red entering the intersection.

Answer 3

All traffic signals operate using electricity. When the switch is on, the light comes on. When the switch is off, the light goes off. There are bulbs within the traffic lights just like you have in your house. The only difference is someone places a red, yellow or green lens in front of the bulb. There is a box on the side of the road that has a timer in it. After a certain amount of time passes, the box switches off one light and switches on a different light. That way a person is not needed to stand there all day and switch the lights off and on.