What are the rules around intersections with flashing lights?
I will be travelling to the USA (from the UK) and renting a car. I have been looking into the various traffic laws and rules, signage etc. as well as potential routes to take for the journey, and I came across an intersection for which I don't understand the rules.
The intersection appears to be controlled by lights but there are only two lights, rather than three.
These are the different aspects of the lights I can see from Street View (zoomed in). It's not quite clear to me whether the lights may be flashing or alternating, or even off occasionally (or if they're "off" because the camera caught them between aspects).
I am familiar with the rules around typical three-light traffic signals, single flashing yellow (proceed with caution) and single flashing red (treat as stop sign). What are the rules of these two-light signals?
Are there online resources which describe these rules? Are these types of traffic light only found in Alabama, or are they common across the country?
Best Answer
Are there online resources which describe these rules?
Each state has slightly different rules. The Department of Motor Vehicles (or similarly named agency) in each state typically produces a pamphlet (probably a PDF nowadays) that gives the most important rules, meant for new drivers studying to take the driving test in that state.
In Alabama the relevant agency is the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and they provide a Drives License Manual.
Are these types of traffic light only found in Alabama, or are they common across the country?
I've never seen it in Califoria or Illinois. But a single flashing yellow light is a fairly common indicator for "caution".
Edit
Having written that, later the same day I drove past this sign in California, which uses the same double flashing yellow lights to indicate caution, though not hung from wires above the middle of the street:
Pictures about "What are the rules around intersections with flashing lights?"
What do flashing lights at an intersection mean?
Do not turn against a red arrow. Flashing Red\u2013A flashing red traffic signal light means \u201cSTOP.\u201d After stopping, you may proceed when it is safe. Observe the right-of-way rules. Solid Yellow\u2013A yellow traffic signal light means \u201cCAUTION.\u201d The red traffic signal light is about to appear.What does a flashing red and yellow light at the same time mean?
Drivers would be expected to stop at the flashing red light and yield to other traffic. Those approaching the flashing yellow would be expected to proceed with caution.When you see a flashing light at an intersection you should?
Yield to all traffic before crossing the intersection. Stop, then enter the intersection when it is safe to do so. Slow down and cross the intersection carefully. Explanation A flashing yellow light at an intersection indicates that drivers should slow to a safe and reasonable speed and proceed with caution.What are you supposed to do at a flashing yellow light?
A flashing yellow means you should proceed with caution, knowing cross-traffic may be entering. Flashing yellows exist at many busy intersections, and during construction or after a power outage, a traffic light might not be functioning correctly. As a safety measure, the intersection runs a default program.How to Deal With Yellow Traffic Lights to Pass Your Road Test
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Answer 2
I have never seen a flashing traffic signal in the US with a red light below a yellow light so I believe both lights are alternating the same color. IThis type of signal is not in the Drivers License Manual for Alabama.
Using Aspect 1, and starting with the lanes from its point of view, the left lane is a left turn only lane. Drivers should stop due to the flashing red signal but can proceed whenever it's clear. The right lane is continuous flow--drivers there do not have to stop for the intersection.
The road entering from the left has a right-turn only lane with a Yield sign. The other lane is a left-turn only lane controlled by a stop sign.
The opposite direction has a dedicated right-turn only land controlled by a yield sign. The left lane is a through lane and has no markings on the road itself. Based on that, I think the light for this direction is flashing yellow. Be aware, but you shouldn't have to stop. For the original viewpoint (opposite direction to this), I believe the light is flashing red because the lane is a left-turn rather than a through lane.
Although the Alabama Motor Code section 32 5a-34 does state that if there's no line to stop at the intersection of the two roads.
Answer 3
A flashing yellow light means drivers should use caution in the area of the light. Since in one picture the upper light is on, and in another picture the lower light is on, most likely the flashing alternates between the top and bottom light to draw more attention.
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Images: FOX, Heorhii Heorhiichuk, Heorhii Heorhiichuk, Philippe Donn