Many drivers find flashing lights at an intersection confusing. Knowing what flashing red and yellow lights mean helps keep everyone safe on the roads of St. Louis. A prompt response can prevent crashes and tickets when traffic signals malfunction or switch to night mode.
What Does A Flashing Red Light Mean?
At an intersection, a flashing red light means you must stop completely. The Missouri Driver Guide states that flashing red lights work like stop signs. Follow these steps when you see a flashing red light:
- Stop fully at the marked stop line.
- Look around for other vehicles.
- Yield to cars already at the intersection or those that got there before you.
- Proceed only when it’s safe.
Many drivers roll through flashing red lights, especially at night. This dangerous habit raises the risk of side-impact crashes, which can often be the cause of serious injuries. Remember that if all directions have flashing red lights, the first car to arrive goes first. If two cars arrive at the same time, the car on the right goes first.
What Does A Flashing Yellow Light Mean?
At an intersection, a flashing yellow light means be careful as you drive through. Unlike red flashing lights, you don’t need to stop unless it’s unsafe to continue. Flashing yellow lights warn drivers about possible dangers or areas with poor visibility.
When you see a flashing yellow light, take these steps:
- Slow down as you near the intersection.
- Watch for people walking and other vehicles.
- Be ready to stop if needed.
- Drive through with care when safe.
A flashing yellow light means you have the right-of-way, but you should be extra careful. Drivers on the cross street likely face a flashing red light and should stop before entering.
Flashing Lights At Four-Way Intersections
When all signals at an intersection flash the same color, treat them based on that signal’s meaning:
- All Flashing Red: Treat as a four-way stop.
- All Flashing Yellow: Drive with caution in all directions.
More often, main roads get flashing yellow signals while side streets get flashing red. This keeps traffic moving on busy streets while ensuring safe entry from quieter roads. If you’re not sure which car should go first at a flashing-light intersection, it’s always safer to yield.
What About Flashing Arrow Signals?
Flashing yellow arrows have become common at St. Louis intersections. These signals control turns:
- Flashing Yellow Arrow for Left Turns: You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- Flashing Yellow Arrow for Right Turns: You may turn right after yielding to pedestrians.
Flashing yellow arrows help traffic flow better by allowing turns during gaps instead of making drivers wait for a green arrow. However, finding a safe gap is the driver’s responsibility.
When Traffic Signals Malfunction
Sometimes signals flash because of power outages, equipment failures, or planned repairs. In these cases:
- Assume the signals are working as designed.
- Watch for confused drivers who might misunderstand the signals.
- Report broken signals to local road authorities if the pattern seems wrong.
Most traffic signal failures default to a flashing red light in all directions to ensure safety until repairs can be made.
Legal Consequences Of Disregarding Flashing Signals
Ignoring flashing traffic signals can result in tickets. Worse, it often causes car accidents with potentially severe consequences. In Missouri, running a flashing red light is legally treated the same as running a stop sign.
The base fine is typically around $100, but the total cost can increase significantly once court costs and administrative fees are added. Additionally, the violation can result in points being added to your driving record, which may lead to higher insurance premiums.
Staying Safe At Intersections With Flashing Lights
Drive defensively at intersections with flashing lights:
- Slow down sooner than you normally would.
- Make eye contact with other drivers when possible.
- Use your turn signals to show your plans clearly.
- Be ready for other drivers who may not know the rules.
Intersections with flashing lights demand extra awareness. Don’t assume other drivers know the rules or will always follow them. Understanding these signals can help protect you on St. Louis roads. If you’re unsure about flashing lights or any other traffic signal, use caution and proceed only when you’re sure it’s safe to do so.
Contact a Personal Injury lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in St. Louis due to someone else’s careless or negligent actions, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in St. Louis to discuss your case. Your attorney will fight for fair compensation, and they don’t get paid unless you win.
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
