Anderson Injury Lawyers | July 31, 2025 | Texas Law
Car accidents at intersections are all too common, even at intersections with traditional steady traffic lights. Intersections with flashing lights can be confusing for many drivers, and it’s important to understand what you are supposed to do when you approach them. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know.
When Do Intersections Have Flashing Lights?
Some low-traffic intersections may not require a full traffic light system but need more than stop signs, so cities may install a single flashing light. In these instances, an intersection may have a single flashing traffic light. This light is ordinarily suspended above the middle of the intersection.
However, it’s also possible to encounter flashing traffic lights at intersections with traditional traffic signals. This can happen in a few situations, such as:
- During a power outage
- When the signals are malfunctioning
- During non-peak traffic hours
The rules for navigating flashing lights at intersections are the same whether the intersection has traditional traffic lights or a single light. The course of action you should take depends on whether the lights are red or yellow.
What Does A Flashing Red Light Mean?
Legally speaking, a flashing red light is the same as a stop sign. If you come upon an intersection with one or more flashing red lights, you should come to a complete stop and only proceed through the intersection when it’s safe to do so.
If multiple vehicles are approaching the intersection, you must follow the same rules that apply to four-way stops:
- The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection proceeds first.
- If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians.
- All drivers must come to a complete stop before moving through the intersection.
Even if you have the right of way, you should verify that it’s safe to proceed through the intersection before doing so. Some drivers may lose track of the order and go when they don’t have the right of way. If this happens, you must be prepared to yield to prevent a car accident.
What Does A Flashing Yellow Light Mean?
A flashing yellow light at an intersection means proceed with caution. Texas traffic laws don’t require you to stop at a flashing yellow light, but before you drive through the intersection, you should slow down and look for approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
What About Flashing Arrows?
Some intersections include separate arrows for turning vehicles. Red and green arrows generally don’t flash, but it’s not unusual to come upon a flashing yellow arrow. Here’s what it means:
- You may turn when it’s safe to do so.
- You must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Just like with a regular traffic light, a yellow arrow indicates that the light is about to turn red.
The Importance Of Understanding Traffic Laws
Before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to make sure you understand what to do if you come to an intersection with flashing lights. Following traffic laws is important for protecting your safety and that of others on the road.
It can also help protect your finances. If you make a mistake and cause a crash at an intersection, you could be held liable for any resulting losses.
Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
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