Flashing Yellow Arrow Signal Brochure PDF 150 KB 

Flashing Yellow Arrow Signal - What Does It Mean?

Historically, flashing yellow arrows in Virginia were used when the entire traffic signal was in flash mode during off peak times in smaller cities or during a signal malfunction. However, use of the flashing yellow arrow as part of normal operation has been shown to have several benefits including reducing time spent waiting at a traffic signal (delay), enhancing safety, and reducing driver errors. Therefore, Flashing Yellow Arrows have now been approved for widespread use.

Why not just use "Left Turn Yield on Green"?

Both types of control allow left turns to proceed after yielding to oncoming traffic. Flashing Yellow Arrow control, however, provides the ability to restrict left turns for safety during heavy traffic, while still allowing yielding during normal traffic conditions. “Left Turn Yield on Green” signals do not allow this type of flexibility, because left turns are always allowed whenever the adjacent through lanes have a green light. This problem currently prevents the use of Left Turn Yield on Green in many locations, resulting in higher delays.

Has this been tried before?

Absolutely! This system has been used in other parts of the country. Research also shows that drivers make fewer mistakes when flashing yellow arrow control is used. For more details on this research, please visit:
Transportation Research Board publication on National Cooperative Highway Research Program (PDF). 

Flashing Yellow Arrow Signal A Better Left Turn Signal

This type of signal arrangement, with three arrows, allows left turns only when the oncoming traffic is stopped by a red light. It is well understood and allows left turns to be controlled independently. This signal type is needed when oncoming traffic is such that there are no gaps in traffic for the left turns. When used on less congested roadways, it can be very frustrating to wait for a green arrow when it is obvious that there is no oncoming traffic, or to be stopped so that a single oncoming vehicle can make a left turn.

This five light signal arrangement is commonly used. It allows for “protected” left turns, when the green arrow is displayed that otherwise might not have enough gaps in heavy traffic and still allows “permissive” left turns for drivers to turn after yielding to oncoming traffic when only the green circle is displayed. However, this arrangement has been shown to have a higher risk of driver mistakes. It is also not as safe, because “permissive” left turns cannot be prevented during times of heavy on coming traffic.

Flashing Yellow arrow Control combines the best of both. It has been shown to have less probability for driver mistakes. It can also use the most optimal type of control depending on traffic conditions, keeping traffic flow safe during heavy traffic while reducing delay when traffic is light. This safety ability allows it to be used in places where the more restrictive three-arrow signal would have otherwise been required.

Flashing Yellow Arrow Signal How it works

	Solid Green Arrow: Left Turns have the right of way. Oncoming traffic has a red light.
	Flashing Yellow Arrow: Drivers are allowed to turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and to any pedestrians in the crosswalk. Oncoming traffic has a green light. Drivers must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic before turning.
	Solid Yellow Arrow: The left turn signal is about to change to red, and drivers should prepare to stop, or prepare to complete your left turn if you are legally within the intersection and there is no conflicting traffic present. A solid yellow arrow will always be followed by a red arrow.
	Solid Red Arrow: Drivers intending to turn left must stop and wait. Do not enter an intersection to turn when a solid red arrow is being displayed.

 How will the City decide where to install flashing yellow arrow signals?

The City will be designing Flashing Yellow Arrow control into most new traffic signals, except in places that do not need any separate left turn signals and in places where yielding left turns cannot be safely accommodated.

For existing traffic signals, the City will be prioritizing locations for installation of Flashing Yellow Arrow Control. Criteria for this prioritization will include traffic volume, lane configuration, and available sight distance.

Converting existing traffic signals to use Flashing Yellow Arrow control requires a significant investment in new hardware and control equipment, and therefore will be subject to available funding and staff resources.

Will the flashing yellow arrow be used all day, on every light cycle?

An advantage of the flashing yellow arrow display is that it gives traffic engineers the flexibility to use specific indications during different times of day. This means that the flashing yellow arrow or steady green arrow may not be seen every time you approach the intersection. This can reduce your wait times at a signal using this display compared to traditional left turn signals.

A Better Left Turn Signal

Safer
A national study demonstrated that drivers had fewer crashes with the flashing yellow left-turn arrow than with the traditional yield-on-green indications.

Less Delay (Wait Time)
You have more opportunities to make a left turn with the flashing yellow left-turn arrow than with the traditional three-arrow indications, which keeps you moving.

More Flexible
The new display provides traffic engineers with more options to handle variable traffic volumes.

If you have questions, requests or suggestions concerning traffic, please call the Department of Engineering at (757) 926-8611