Photo: Deloreanman14, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Your turn is not protected. This guide explains every US traffic light you will meet on the permit test and the road test, including flashing red, dark (broken) signals, ramp meters and pedestrian beacons.
Key facts
- Signal meanings are set nationally by the federal MUTCD, so a flashing yellow arrow means the same in every state.
- Flashing red = treat it as a STOP sign. Flashing yellow = go with caution.
- Solid green arrow = protected turn. Flashing yellow arrow = permitted turn after yielding.
- A flashing green light has no meaning under the MUTCD and should not be used.
- Signal completely dark? California and New York both say stop as if there were STOP signs in all directions.
What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?
You may turn in the direction of the arrow, carefully. Before you turn you must yield to:
- oncoming traffic close enough to be a hazard,
- pedestrians in the crosswalk you are turning across,
- vehicles already in the intersection.
California puts it simply: you can turn, but your turn is not protected from other traffic.
Worked example: left turn on a flashing yellow arrow
- Stop at the stop line if there is oncoming traffic or a pedestrian in your path.
- Look for oncoming cars, including motorcycles, which are easy to miss.
- Check the crosswalk on the street you are turning into.
- Turn only when there is a safe gap. If the arrow changes to steady yellow, it is about to turn red, so finish the turn only if you are already committed and it is safe.
Turn arrows compared
| Arrow | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Steady green arrow | Protected turn: go in that direction. You still yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection. |
| Flashing yellow arrow | Permitted turn: you may go after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. |
| Steady yellow arrow | The protected or permitted turn is ending. Prepare to stop. |
| Steady red arrow | Do not turn in that direction until the arrow goes off or changes. A sign may allow a turn after stopping. |
| Flashing red arrow | Stop, then turn in that direction when safe, as at a STOP sign. |
California says you may not turn right on a red arrow. Rules on turning right on red differ by state and city: see right on red in the US.
Steady lights
- Green: go straight or turn unless a sign or marking says otherwise. Left turners yield to oncoming traffic. Everyone yields to pedestrians in the crosswalk and vehicles already in the intersection. California adds: do not start across if pedestrians or vehicles are blocking your path.
- Yellow: the green is ending and red is next. Stop if you safely can.
- Red: stop at the stop line, or before the crosswalk, or before the intersection. You may turn right (or left from one-way to one-way) after a full stop unless a sign or red arrow prohibits it, and the state allows it.
Flashing red and flashing yellow
| Signal | What to do |
|---|---|
| Flashing red light | Come to a full stop. Then go when safe, following the same right-of-way rules as a STOP sign. |
| Flashing yellow light | Slow down, look, and proceed with caution. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection. |
Signals often switch to flashing late at night. If every direction is flashing red, it works like an all-way stop: see four-way stops explained.
What if the traffic light is not working?
California and New York both say that when a signal is dark or not working properly, you stop as you would for a STOP sign, as if the intersection had STOP signs in all directions. Then take turns using all-way stop rules. A police officer directing traffic overrides the signal. Check your own state’s handbook, as this is set by state law.
Other signals you will see
Ramp meters
A red and green light on a freeway on-ramp. Pull up to the white stop line and go on green. Washington State DOT says most meters let one car go per green, and signs say if more are allowed. More in freeway driving for new drivers.
Pedestrian hybrid beacons
A signal over a marked crosswalk that stays dark until a pedestrian pushes the button. The sequence is:
- Dark: drive normally.
- Flashing yellow, then steady yellow: slow and prepare to stop.
- Two steady reds: stop. Pedestrians are crossing.
- Alternating flashing reds: stop, then go if the crosswalk is clear.
Rectangular rapid flashing beacons
Bright flashing lights under a pedestrian or school crossing sign, activated by pedestrians. They are a warning that someone is crossing. Watch for pedestrians and follow your state’s crosswalk rules: see pedestrians and crosswalks in the US.
Lane-use signals over the road
Green downward arrow = lane open. Yellow X = lane closing, move out. Red X = do not drive in this lane.
Pedestrian signals
- Walking person: pedestrians may start crossing, possibly in conflict with turning cars. Watch for them when you turn.
- Flashing hand: pedestrians must not start crossing, but those already crossing continue.
- Steady hand: pedestrians must not enter the road.
Common questions
Is a flashing yellow arrow the same as a green light?
For a left turn, it works like a circular green: you may turn after yielding. A green arrow is different because oncoming traffic has a red.
Can I turn left on a flashing yellow arrow if a pedestrian is crossing?
No. You must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk you are turning across.
What does a flashing red light mean at a railroad crossing?
Stop and wait. Do not cross until the lights stop, even if gates go up. See railroad crossings.
What does a flashing green light mean?
Under the federal MUTCD, a flashing green signal has no meaning and should not be used.
Who goes first when the power is out at a traffic light?
In California and New York, treat it as an all-way stop and take turns. The order of who goes first is in four-way stops explained.
Do I have to stop for a yellow light?
Stop if you can do so safely. If you are too close to stop safely, continue with care.
Related: US pavement markings and US road signs by shape and color. All national guides: learning to drive in the USA.
Sources
- Federal Highway Administration, “MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 4: Highway Traffic Signals (Sections 4A.03, 4A.04, 4A.06, 4J.03, 4L.01, 4P.01, 4T.02)” (mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov)
- California DMV, “California Driver’s Handbook, Section 6: Navigating the Roads and Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road” (dmv.ca.gov)
- New York DMV, “Driver’s Manual, Chapter 4: Traffic Control” (dmv.ny.gov)
- Washington State Department of Transportation, “Ramp meters” (wsdot.wa.gov)