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Flashing Yellow Arrows
What are Flashing Yellow Arrows?
This signal features a flashing yellow arrow display in place of the circular green indicator you may be used to.
The Federal Highway Administration is now allowing departments of transportation to use flashing yellow left-turn signals as an option on certain roadway intersections.
There are currently plans in place to add one of these signals to the intersection at Broadway St. and Washington Ave. in West Plains, Mo. by August 2.
How do I navigate flashing yellow left-turn arrow signals?
The video below shows traffic going through the flashing yellow left-turn signal in St. Louis at Route 340 (Olive Boulevard) and Barnes West/Heritage Place.
How does a flashing left-turn arrow work?
A flashing yellow arrow means left turns are permitted, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians and then proceed with caution. The flashing yellow arrow does not replace the solid yellow arrow and it’s meaning; it does replace the green “ball” indication as a signal for a yielding left turn.
Drivers should always remember: a flashing yellow = turn with caution.
How should drivers approach a flashing yellow left-turn signal?
Drivers should use caution when approaching the intersection and yield to oncoming traffic. When traffic is clear, drivers should make their left turn and proceed through the intersection. When the available time for the flashing yellow arrow ends, the solid yellow left-turn arrow begins. The solid yellow retains its standard meaning: the left turn signal is about to go to red and you should prepare to stop, or prepare to complete your left turn if you are in the intersection.
Are other states using this type of signal?
Yes, in addition to Missouri, there are Flashing Yellow Arrow signals in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Missouri currently has over 50 Flashing Yellow Arrow signals installed across the state; including St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City and Columbia.
Why not continue using a circular green light instead of the flashing yellow arrow?
According to MoDOT Traffic Operations Engineer Jennifer Atkinson, the circular green light is often misunderstood as a left turn indicator. "Many drivers naturally think green means go, however, some forget to yield to oncoming traffic when they have a circular green indication. For this reason, we're replacing the circular green indication with a flashing yellow arrow. We believe this change in color will be more intuitive for drivers. A flashing yellow arrow will communicate to drivers that they must proceed with care and decide if traffic flow allows for a left turn," she said.
The flashing yellow left-turn arrow has been shown to be especially effective at intersections with high volumes of traffic.
