You drive through intersections every day. However, when the light starts flashing instead of holding steady, you may not be sure what that means. In Greensboro, NC, a flashing yellow light tells you to proceed cautiously, while a flashing red light means to come to a complete stop before moving on.
This guide will walk you through each signal and show you exactly how to handle an intersection with flashing lights so you stay safe and keep traffic flowing.
Flashing Red Traffic Light
Under North Carolina law, a flashing red traffic signal at an intersection has the same meaning as a stop sign. Drivers must come to a complete stop behind the marked line (or before the crosswalk/intersection if no line) and yield to other vehicles and pedestrians. After stopping, a driver may proceed only when the way is clear.
Once stopped, check for cross traffic or pedestrians before moving. Remember that even if no other traffic is visible, you still must stop fully before proceeding.
Failing to stop for a flashing red signal is a violation that is treated as running a stop sign. A failure to stop at a red light may result in not only a traffic citation and fine but also a car accident.
Flashing Yellow Traffic Light
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. Unlike a flashing red, drivers facing a flashing yellow need not stop if the intersection is clear, but they must be alert for cross traffic and pedestrians. In practice, this means reducing speed, looking both ways, and only proceeding when safe.
Even though a stop isn’t required, drivers should yield the right of way to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. Failure to yield at a flashing yellow can lead to crashes or citations for reckless driving or failure to yield.
Malfunctioning Traffic Signals (All Lights Flashing or Dark)
North Carolina law instructs that if an intersection’s traffic signals are dark or malfunctioning (for example, all lights are flashing or out due to power loss), treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
In other words, each approaching driver must stop and then proceed in turn (first-come, first-served or by yield order). This applies whenever the normal signal control is out of operation, unless a police officer or other official is directing traffic.
If a malfunction causes all signal faces to flash red, that effectively creates an all-way stop. If the signals flash yellow in all directions (rare), treat it as proceed-with-caution in every direction. The key is to stop first whenever red appears (or if completely dark), then treat it like a stop sign intersection.
When signals fail, approach with extra caution and be sure to limit any distractions. Look for oncoming traffic from all directions. If a traffic officer or school crossing guard is present, always obey their directions instead of the signals.
Understanding What’s at Stake
When drivers don’t pay attention to or follow the signals at intersections, accidents can cause serious injuries or even deaths.
A flashing red light requires you to stop fully, scan for oncoming vehicles, and then proceed when the way is clear. A flashing yellow light requires you to slow down, stay alert for traffic or pedestrians, and move forward only when it’s safe. By matching your actions to each signal’s requirements, you can help keep everyone moving smoothly and prevent accidents at these nonstandard intersections.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
252-397-7400
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
919-459-7855
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
919-759-6963
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-910-1860
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
252-397-0134
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
704-781-7980
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
336-395-5349
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
919-925-6039
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
910-387-0861
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
910-889-3926
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-396-6310
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529