Most drivers pass through intersections with lights and signals every day. Most lights hold steady for a short time before turning to another color. Drivers know what to do when a light shows green, red, or yellow. What about when an intersection has flashing lights? Different rules apply and not all drivers know how to approach a flashing intersection light.
Flashing lights at intersections usually happen when there is an exception to normal traffic conditions. Lights can be flashing due to electrical issues, weather conditions, or even the time of day. Knowing what to do in these situations will help avoid accidents. Unfortunately, intersections with flashing lights can still lead to accidents. If you were injured in a vehicle accident at a flashing light intersection in Minnesota, an experienced Minnesota car accident lawyer can help.
Flashing Lights at Intersections
Flashing lights at intersections are used to communicate information to drivers when standard driving conditions don’t apply. Flashing lights of different colors will have different meanings, based on the situation.
Flashing Red Lights
When a light is flashing red, that alerts drivers to make a full stop and treat the signal as they would a stop sign. At a flashing red light, drivers must stop but can proceed when they have the right of way and the intersection is clear of traffic. Drivers do not need to wait for a green light. Flashing red lights are often used when a traffic signal malfunctions, or during non-peak traffic hours late at night.
Flashing Yellow Lights
Flashing yellow lights are also typically seen very late at night or when traffic signals are malfunctioning. Drivers are not required to stop at flashing yellow lights, but must drive with caution entering the intersection. Drivers should slow down, watch for traffic, and be ready to stop if a light is flashing yellow. There is always a potential for cross traffic at a flashing yellow intersection. The cross street might have a flashing red signal, but that is no guarantee the other driver will stop at the light.
Flashing Green Lights
Minnesota’s traffic code does not include protocols for flashing green lights. Only due to a rare malfunction would drivers see a flashing green light at an intersection. The United States intersections primarily use flashing red and yellow lights to alert drivers.
Flashing Arrow Lights at Intersections
Arrow lights are used to help drivers navigate turn lanes at intersections. They are usually used in the following ways:
- Red Arrow: When steady, a red arrow indicates you cannot turn and must wait for the light to change. If flashing, a red arrow generally means drivers must stop and wait to turn if traffic is clear.
- Yellow Arrow: When steady, the yellow arrow means it is about to turn red. When flashing, a yellow arrow means drivers can proceed if it is safe to do so, but must use caution for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Green Arrow: A steady green arrow means it is safe to turn, but drivers must still be mindful of others. A green arrow would rarely flash unless there was a malfunction.
Always approach turn lanes with caution, and when in doubt, yield to others and proceed only when it’s safe.
What To Do When Traffic Intersection Lights Are Malfunctioning
If you approach an intersection with malfunctioning or flashing lights, you should proceed with caution. If police are present to direct traffic, follow their instructions. If no one is present, drivers should treat intersections with malfunctioning lights as a four-way stop. Make a full stop and wait until traffic is clear to cross. Under no circumstances should drivers simply drive straight through the intersection when lights are off or flashing due to a malfunction.
Minneapolis Vehicle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
When an intersection has flashing lights, there are rules for drivers to follow. Generally, drivers must always use caution for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists when approaching a flashing-light intersection. Not all drivers know or obey the rules that apply to flashing lights at intersections, however. If you or a loved one were injured at an intersection with flashing lights, you could seek financial compensation. Contact a Minneapolis car accident lawyer for help.
Contact a Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyer from Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198
