Flashing lights at an intersection can often catch drivers off guard, especially if they are unfamiliar with what the signals mean. In St. Louis, Missouri, knowing how to respond to these signals can help you stay safe on the roads and obey traffic laws. Whether it’s a flashing red or yellow light, understanding what to do can help prevent crashes and reduce confusion.
Understanding Flashing Red and Yellow Lights
In Missouri, flashing lights at intersections follow standardized meanings under both state law and local ordinances.
Here’s a quick overview of what each means:
- Flashing red light: Treat this signal the same way you would a stop sign, and come to a complete stop before entering an intersection
- Flashing yellow light: This signal allows you to proceed into an intersection, but you should proceed with caution and slow down
The St. Louis Code of Ordinances explains that drivers approaching a flashing red light must stop completely and yield the right-of-way before they are allowed to proceed.
How To Respond at a Flashing Red Light
When approaching a flashing red light in St. Louis, it’s important to do the following:
- Stop completely at the stop line, crosswalk, or the nearest point where there is a clear view of any oncoming traffic and pedestrians
- Look both ways and yield to other vehicles and pedestrians who have the right of way
- Proceed cautiously only when it is safe to do so
At busy intersections, always be patient. Never assume another driver will stop or yield when they are supposed to. A flashing red light is often used at intersections where a stop sign may not be as visible or effective, especially if there are poor weather conditions or it is late at night.
How To Respond at a Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing yellow light is a signal to drivers to proceed with caution. Unlike a red flashing light, it does not require you to stop, but is instead an alert for potential hazards or unusual traffic ahead.
When you see a flashing light, you should:
- Slow down as you approach the intersection
- Watch carefully for pedestrians, vehicles, or other hazards that may enter the roadway
- Be prepared to yield
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, flashing yellow lights are helpful in reducing unnecessary stopping while still alerting drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to slow down when necessary.
Flashing Yellow Turn Arrows: A Special Signal
In some St. Louis intersections, you may encounter a flashing yellow left-turn arrow. This is a unique signal that is different from a solid green or solid yellow arrow, in that it allows you to make a left turn, but you must yield to traffic before proceeding.
If you’re waiting in a turn lane and see a flashing yellow arrow:
- Yield to any oncoming traffic that is going straight
- Yield to pedestrians who may be crossing in the intersection
- Turn cautiously when it is safe to complete the turn
The Missouri Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices notes that flashing yellow arrows help improve traffic while maintaining safety.
What to Do When a Traffic Light Is Not Working
Sometimes, an area may lose power, including roads with traffic signals, leaving the intersection dark or flashing red in all directions.
In St. Louis, drivers must treat a non-functioning signal as a four-way stop, which means:
- You must come to a complete stop at the intersection
- You must yield to any vehicles that arrived before you
- You must proceed in turn, giving the right of way to the driver on your right if you arrive at the same time
Missouri law also requires that drivers follow this procedure when a traffic control device is non-operational.
Stay Alert and Obey the Rules
Flashing lights at intersections are designed to manage traffic and improve safety without the constant need for a full signal. Being prepared and informed can make a difference when you are navigating St. Louis streets.
Contact our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers from Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
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1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173