What to Do at an Intersection With Flashing Lights
October 3, 2025 | The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Intersection crashes can be one of the worst types of accidents due to the high speeds involved. The risk of collisions can increase when the lights are flashing instead of alternating like normal.
Do you know what to do when you approach an intersection with flashing red or yellow lights? If not, it’s time to brush up on regulations so you can keep yourself and others safe.
Here’s a breakdown of what Georgia law says about flashing red and yellow lights.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean in Georgia?
You should treat a flashing red light just as you would a stop sign. That means you have to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. If the intersection has a white stop bar, you need to stop before your tires cross that line. If there is no line, stop before the crosswalk.
You must completely stop before proceeding forward to check for oncoming traffic before crossing. Keep in mind that traffic going the opposite direction may have a flashing yellow signal. If that’s the case, those drivers are not required to come to a complete stop. Yield the right of way to them to reduce your risk of a car crash.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean in Georgia?
At an intersection, a flashing yellow light means that you must slow down and proceed with caution. There is no legal requirement for you to stop under flashing yellow lights. If you are facing a flashing yellow arrow, you will need to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Don’t assume that other drivers are going to yield to you, even if you have the right of way. Make sure the intersection is clear before proceeding.
Flashing Yellow Arrows in Georgia
A flashing yellow arrow also means that you should slow down and proceed with caution. However, it specifically indicates that you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before making your turn. Do not proceed until the intersection is clear and it is safe to do so.
Navigating Intersections With Flashing Lights
Now that you know what flashing red and yellow lights mean, you can safely navigate these intersections. If you see a flashing red light, stop fully, look around, and go when it is safe. If you see a flashing yellow light, slow down, yield if needed, then proceed with caution.
Observe all surrounding traffic, even if you think you have the right of way. Sometimes, other drivers may not know what to do when the intersection light is not working properly. Be extra careful in poor visibility, such as rain, dusk, or fog.
What Are the Consequences of a Right-of-Way Violation?
You might get ticketed for failing to yield the right-of-way to the other driver. If an accident results from that failure, you may be found at fault. That could interfere with your ability to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Even if you have the right of way, you need to be diligent when crossing malfunctioning intersections. Seeking compensation from an accident can take months while you are left to deal with pain and suffering.
Risks and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Distracted driving is a constant concern anytime you are on the road. It is especially dangerous if a sudden road hazard appears or there’s a malfunctioning traffic signal.
Other mistakes include:
- Rolling through a flashing red light
- Speeding through a yellow light without yielding
- Assuming other drivers know the rules, including pedestrians and cyclists, who may not follow the same traffic patterns
- Entering an intersection if the driver can’t clear it safely
Using the tips above will help reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident when crossing an intersection where the lights aren’t functioning properly. Proper awareness and defensive driving are the best tools for navigating these tricky situations.
Call a Macon Car Accident Attorney at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Remember, even when driving defensively and obeying all traffic signals, accidents can still happen. Understanding traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits are paramount to staying protected.
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, please contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three convenient locations throughout Georgia:
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Macon Office
886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201
(478) 292-7272
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