Carter Law Group | September 19, 2025 | Car Accidents near Fresno, CA
Every driver knows that red means “stop,” green means “go,” and yellow means “slow down.” However, many road users who come upon flashing traffic lights at intersections aren’t sure what to do.
Flashing lights at intersections may not be especially common in Fresno, but knowing what they mean can help you avoid car accidents and keep you safe on the road.
Intersections With Flashing Red Lights
Flashing red lights don’t appear very often. As a result, many people who encounter them aren’t certain how to proceed. Fortunately, the significance of a flashing red light at an intersection is simple enough: You should treat it like a stop sign. After coming to a complete stop and looking in each direction to ensure that the coast is clear, you may proceed when it’s safe to do so.
Steps to Take at an Intersection with Flashing Red Lights
If you come to an intersection with a single flashing red light at the center, you should treat the intersection like a four-way stop:
- The first driver to arrive at the intersection proceeds through first
- If two drivers arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first
- Turning drivers should yield to traffic going straight
- Always use turn signals
- Always yield to pedestrians
Many drivers get confused at four-way stops, and that confusion can intensify when a flashing red light instead of a series of stop signs appears. Always remember the basic right-of-way rules and be ready to yield to avoid a crash.
Even minor car accidents can cause severe injuries and thousands of dollars in property damage.
Flashing Red Lights At Railroad Crossings
The rules are slightly different if you notice flashing red lights at an intersection with railroad tracks. The California Driver’s Handbook states that motorists must stop if they see flashing red lights at a railroad crossing. Wait for the lights to stop flashing before you cross, even if the gates lift up.
Intersections With Flashing Yellow Lights
An intersection with flashing yellow lights indicates that drivers may proceed with caution. You don’t have to come to a complete stop, but you should slow down, look around, and make sure the intersection is safe to cross before passing through.
Some low-traffic intersections are controlled by a single flashing yellow light instead of a traditional traffic light. You may also see normal traffic lights blinking yellow during non-peak traffic hours or if the signal is malfunctioning.
What About Flashing Yellow Arrows?
A solid yellow arrow at an intersection means you can still turn, but the light is about to turn red. A flashing yellow arrow is different. If you see this signal, it means you may make a left turn, but you must yield to traffic moving through the intersection.
Just like with a flashing solid yellow light, you don’t necessarily have to come to a stop. However, you should take the time to verify that the intersection is clear before proceeding.
The Importance of Understanding Traffic Signals
If you’ve had your driver’s license for many years, you might think you have a firm grasp of California’s traffic laws. However, knowledge often fades over time, and some drivers never learn the more subtle rules of the road to begin with.
Not knowing what to do when faced with an unfamiliar signal could put you and other road users at risk of serious injuries or even death. Fortunately, taking just a few minutes to brush up on your knowledge can help you navigate the roads safely and confidently.
Contact the Fresno Car Accident Lawyers at Carter Law Group for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Carter Law Group is here to help. Contact our Fresno car accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win.
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Carter Law Group
2445 Capitol St #105, Fresno, CA 93721, United States
(559) 485-1212
