What to Do at an Intersection With Flashing Lights

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | April 8, 2025 | Car Accidents

What to Do at an Intersection With Flashing Lights

Seeing a flashing yellow light or flashing red light at an intersection in Chula Vista, CA, can confuse many drivers. Knowing what a flashing light means and how to respond keeps everyone safe on the road.

What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean?

A flashing red light at an intersection functions just like a stop sign. Knowing how to respond is important for your safety and to comply with the law.

When you encounter a flashing red light, you must:

  • Come to a complete stop
  • Look for pedestrians and yield to them
  • Check for cross traffic
  • Proceed only when it’s safe to do so

According to the California Vehicle Code 21457, treating a flashing red light the same as a stop sign isn’t just a good idea. It’s the law. If you don’t stop fully, you could get a ticket and possibly cause a serious crash.

At an Intersection, a Flashing Yellow Light Means Proceed With Caution

Flashing yellow lights require different actions than flashing red lights. You still need to be careful, but you don’t always need to stop completely. 

When you see a flashing yellow light at an intersection, you should:

  • Slow down right away
  • Look in all directions
  • Be ready to stop if needed
  • Move forward with great care

Unlike a flashing red light, you don’t have to come to a full stop at a flashing yellow light. The California Driver Handbook explains that flashing yellow lights warn drivers about hazards or unusual traffic patterns.

When Traffic Signals Malfunction

Sometimes, regular traffic lights break down and start flashing. These situations require special attention and an understanding of temporary traffic rules. 

When this happens:

  • If all directions show flashing red, treat it as a four-way stop
  • If the main road shows flashing yellow while side streets show flashing red, the main road has the right of way but should proceed carefully
  • Emergency vehicles always have the right of way, no matter what

Studies show that about 40% of all reported crashes happen at intersections. Knowing what to do at intersections with flashing lights can greatly reduce your risk of a crash.

Flashing Lights in School Zones And Pedestrian Crossings

Flashing yellow lights are common in school zones and at crosswalks. These areas have special safety concerns and legal rules.

In these areas:

  • The flashing yellow light means slow down to the posted speed limit
  • Watch carefully for pedestrians, especially children
  • Be ready to stop completely if pedestrians are present
  • Breaking the rules in school zones usually means bigger fines

Following these guidelines helps protect people walking and helps you avoid costly tickets.

Common Misunderstandings About Flashing Lights

Many drivers don’t understand what a flashing yellow light means. Some think it gives them complete right of way. This mistake can lead to dangerous situations and crashes that could be avoided. 

A flashing yellow light actually means:

  • You have the right of way only under certain conditions
  • You must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection
  • You should drive at a slower speed
  • You should be ready to stop if needed

Understanding these details can be the difference between getting home safely and having a serious crash.

What to Do After an Accident at an Intersection With Flashing Lights

Even if you’re careful, crashes at intersections with flashing lights can still happen. Knowing what to do can protect your health and legal rights. 

If you’re in a crash at an intersection with flashing lights:

  • Move to safety if you can
  • Check for injuries and call 911 if needed
  • Document the scene, including how the traffic signals were working
  • Get witness information
  • Don’t admit fault, as determining who’s responsible at intersections with flashing lights can be complex

Following these steps helps ensure you get proper medical care and preserves important evidence for any legal claims.

Figuring out who’s at fault in crashes at intersections with flashing lights can be tricky. 

Factors that may affect liability include:

  • Whether drivers followed the proper rules for the type of flashing light
  • Whether the signals were working correctly
  • Whether all drivers used proper caution
  • Whether there were other factors like speeding or distracted driving

Understanding what a flashing yellow light means at an intersection can help protect you legally and physically. If you’ve been hurt in a crash at an intersection with flashing lights in Chula Vista, a car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options. 

Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000