Is It Legal To Run A Yellow Light In Florida?
Paul Brannon | October 4, 2024 | Car Accident
In theory, yellow lights seem simple enough — they’re meant to warn you that the light is about to turn red. But in practice, yellow lights often create a dilemma for drivers, and you may wonder whether you should speed up to make it through or slam on your brakes. This decision can become even trickier when you consider the legal implications.
The question is, is it legal to enter an intersection on a yellow light in Florida? While the short answer is that yes, you can run a yellow light in Florida, the reality is much more nuanced.
Yellow Lights and Florida Law
Florida statutes allow drivers to enter an intersection on a yellow light. However, the relevant law further indicates that when drivers see a steady yellow light, it serves as a warning, telling them that the green light is ending, and a red light will appear soon after.
It’s clear that once the light turns red, vehicles must not enter the intersection. But according to law, yellow lights warn traffic that red is coming, not that you must stop, which is where the ambiguity is.
Therefore, in practice, whether it’s legal to enter an intersection on a yellow light depends on whether you can clear the intersection before the light turns red. If you enter on yellow but are still in the intersection when it turns red, you’ve run a red light.
The Dilemma Zone
Traffic engineers call the area where it’s hard to decide whether to stop or go the dilemma zone. It’s usually about 2.5 to 5.5 seconds before the intersection. When you’re in this zone, neither stopping nor continuing is clearly safer.
This creates the following problems:
- Sudden stops that can cause rear-end collisions
- Speeding up to beat the light
- Different drivers making different choices, which can lead to conflicts
Longer yellow light times can help reduce these issues. In fact, one study shows that increasing yellow time by just one second significantly decreases red light running and crashes.
The Right Approach
According to the latest annual report on traffic crash statistics by Florida Highway and Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 1032 fatalities due to intersection crashes. Motorists and pedestrians, including motorcycle and bicycle riders, can benefit from recognizing these statistics and exercising more caution when approaching intersections.
Given the law’s ambiguities, perhaps the safest approach is to treat yellow lights as warnings to stop if you can do so safely. Only proceed through a yellow light if you’re too close to stop comfortably when it changes.
Cameras And Enforcement
Many Florida intersections now have red light cameras. These cameras start taking photos when the light turns red, so they won’t catch you simply for entering on yellow.
However, if you’re still in the intersection when the cross traffic gets a green light, you could receive a ticket. This is why it’s crucial to be able to clear the intersection before red if you do go through on yellow.
Who’s At Fault In A Yellow Light Accident In Florida?
There’s no simple rule about who’s liable in yellow light crashes in Florida. Fault depends on the specific circumstances of each car crash, including:
- How long the light had been yellow when you entered
- Whether you could have safely stopped
- If you were speeding to clear the light
- Whether the pedestrian or other driver started moving before their light turned green
Keep in mind that police reports and witness statements can be crucial when determining fault, as they help establish the sequence of events.
Understanding The Complexity Behind Yellow Lights In Florida
Ideally, yellow simply means that it’s time to stop. But the reality is not always straightforward. Florida’s permissive yellow light laws give drivers some discretion while still maintaining clear expectations.
Recognizing this complex system in Fort Walton Beach and other cities means staying ready to make quick judgment calls every time you approach an intersection, both for your safety and that of other road users.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Northwest Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243