What To Do At an Intersection With Flashing Lights

Paul Brannon | April 2, 2025 | Car Accident

What To Do At an Intersection With Flashing Lights

Traffic lights bring order to our roads by controlling who goes, who stops, and who should be ready to take different actions. However, what happens when you encounter flashing yellow or red lights? It’s not very common, but when road users come across such signals, it’s not always clear to them what they’re meant to do.

Know Your Flashing Traffic Signals

Flashing lights at intersections are used to control traffic when regular signals aren’t working or in areas that need special attention. 

There are two main types of flashing signals you’ll see on the road:

  • Flashing red
  • Flashing yellow

Each requires a different response, and knowing the difference could prevent a car accident.

How To Handle a Flashing Red Light

A flashing red light functions like a stop sign. When you see one, you must:

  • Come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk
  • Look for pedestrians and yield to anyone crossing the street
  • Yield to vehicles that arrived at the intersection before you
  • Proceed only when it’s safe and your turn to go based on the right-of-way rules

Many intersection accidents happen because drivers don’t properly follow these rules or understand the order of operations.

How To Handle a Flashing Yellow Light

A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution. This means you should slow down and be alert. 

When you see a flashing yellow light:

  • Slow down significantly as you approach the intersection
  • Look carefully in all directions for oncoming traffic and pedestrians
  • Proceed through the intersection only when it’s safe to do so
  • Be prepared to stop if necessary

The yellow flash is telling you that this intersection requires extra attention.

When Traffic Lights Stop Working Completely

Sometimes, you’ll come to an intersection where none of the traffic lights are working. 

Florida law, Statute § 316.1235, says that when this happens, you should treat it like an all-way stop, meaning:

  • All vehicles are required to stop completely
  • Right-of-way rules apply just as they would at a four-way stop
  • The first vehicle to arrive has the right to proceed first
  • If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right goes first

Sadly, these non-functioning intersections are particularly dangerous, especially during severe weather events.

How To Avoid Accidents At Flashing Light Intersections

The keys to safety at these intersections are simple: slow down, stay alert, and follow the rules. 

But beyond the basics:

  • Don’t assume other drivers know what to do — anticipate confusion
  • Use your turn signals to clearly communicate your intentions
  • Make eye contact with other drivers when possible to confirm they see you
  • Be especially cautious during bad weather or at night when visibility is reduced

Many crashes in the United States happen at intersections. When lights are flashing or not working right, the danger is even higher.

Steps To Take After an Accident At a Flashing Light Intersection

If, despite your caution, you’re involved in a crash at an intersection with flashing lights:

  • Move to safety if possible and check for injuries
  • Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed
  • Document everything about the intersection condition, including the signal status
  • Get contact information from witnesses who saw how the signals were functioning
  • Take photos of the scene, including the flashing lights, if they’re still in that state

Figuring out who’s at fault in these accidents can be tricky. What matters most is what the flashing signals were doing and how each driver reacted to them.

Staying Safe At Intersections

Knowing what flashing lights mean allows you to be predictable to other road users. Sadly, since these are not common occurrences, many drivers may hesitate or not know what to do when they come across them, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Therefore, for your safety, it’s important not just to know the road rules but also to know what to do when other drivers don’t. 

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