What to Do at an Intersection With Flashing Lights
June 6, 2025 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident
Seeing an intersection with flashing lights can confuse many drivers. Knowing what to do at an intersection with flashing lights is key for your safety and that of others on the road. These signals show up when traffic lights break or during off-peak hours.
Understanding Flashing Red Lights
A flashing red light at an intersection signals that you must come to a complete stop—just as you would at a stop sign. Make sure to stop fully before the crosswalk, stop line, or intersection.
After stopping, yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians and other vehicles already in or approaching the intersection. Only proceed when the path is clear and it is safe to do so.
Many drivers mistakenly treat flashing red lights as if they were yield signs, but this is both incorrect and potentially dangerous.
At four-way intersections with flashing red lights in all directions, the same right-of-way rules apply as at a four-way stop. The first vehicle to stop has the right to go first. If multiple vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.
Navigating Flashing Yellow Lights
Flashing yellow lights mean caution, but don’t require you to stop. You should slow down and go carefully through the intersection. Always be ready to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians who may have the right-of-way.
When you see a flashing yellow light, look around the intersection for other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Some intersections may flash yellow in one direction and flash red in another.
The key is keeping a safe speed that allows you to stop if needed. Flashing yellow lights often appear during non-peak hours or when normal traffic signals break.
Florida Traffic Laws For Flashing Signals
Florida law tells drivers how to respond to flashing traffic signals. According to Florida Statute 316.075, drivers must follow specific rules when they see these signals. The law requires full stops at flashing red lights and careful driving through flashing yellow signals. Breaking these rules can result in traffic tickets and liability if accidents happen.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
Many drivers make critical errors when approaching flashing intersection signals, often leading to accidents and traffic tickets.
The most common errors include:
- Rolling through flashing red lights without stopping completely
- Speeding through flashing yellow lights without checking the intersection
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians
- Not understanding which direction has priority when signals differ
These mistakes become more dangerous during busy traffic hours or in bad weather. Learning proper steps can prevent costly accidents and injuries.
Safety Tips For Flashing Light Intersections
Approaching intersections with flashing lights requires extra attention and care. Following proper safety steps protects you and other road users.
Remember to do the following:
- Always slow down when approaching any intersection with unusual signals.
- Make eye contact with other drivers when possible to ensure they see you.
- Keep your hands on the steering wheel and be ready to brake quickly if needed.
Weather makes flashing light intersections more dangerous. Rain, fog, or darkness reduces visibility and increases stopping distances. Allow extra following distance and reduce speed accordingly.
When Traffic Signals Malfunction
Power outages and equipment failures can cause normal traffic signals to switch to flashing mode. Understanding how to navigate these situations prevents confusion and accidents.
When signals break completely, most intersections default to flashing red in all directions. This creates a four-way stop that requires patience from all drivers. Some intersections may also default to flashing yellow for the main road and red for side streets.
Right-of-Way Rules at Flashing Intersections
Understanding right-of-way rules is essential at intersections with flashing signals. These rules help determine who should go first when multiple vehicles arrive at the same time.
Basic right-of-way principles still apply at flashing intersections. Vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. Pedestrians in crosswalks always have the right-of-way. Emergency vehicles with activated lights and sirens take priority over all other traffic.
When in doubt, be cautious and yield to other vehicles. Being courteous and patient prevents conflicts and reduces crash risks. Road rage incidents often happen when drivers disagree about right-of-way at confusing intersections.
What to Do After an Intersection Accident
Despite following proper procedures, accidents can still happen at intersections with flashing lights. Knowing how to respond protects your interests and ensures proper documentation.
Take the following steps after an intersection accident:
- Move vehicles out of traffic if possible and check for injuries.
- Call 911 right away to report the accident and request medical help if needed.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, intersection signals, and road conditions.
- Exchange insurance information with other drivers and get contact details from witnesses.
- Document the status of flashing signals and any other relevant intersection conditions.
- Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think you made a mistake.
By staying calm, gathering evidence, and avoiding premature admissions of fault, you’ll be in a better position to protect your rights and seek compensation if needed.
Contact the Clearwater Intersection Accident Lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Intersections with flashing lights demand extra awareness and caution from every driver. Whether you’re facing a flashing red or yellow signal, understanding the rules and right-of-way protocols is crucial for staying safe and avoiding costly mistakes.
By staying alert, following Florida traffic laws, and exercising patience, you can navigate these intersections confidently, even during power outages or unpredictable traffic conditions.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for a consultation with a Clearwater car accident attorney.
Contact a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in (GEO) today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.
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