SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-flashing-yellow-arrow

What does a flashing yellow LEFT arrow mean?

You may turn left after yielding; the turn is not protected.

  1. Stop and wait for green
  2. Turn, oncoming traffic has stopped
  3. Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic ✔

Why: A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn, but oncoming cars may have a green light. Yield to them and to pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Huh, didn't know that: The national manual says a flashing yellow arrow lets you cautiously enter the intersection only to make the arrow movement.

The dad joke
The flashing yellow arrow is very polite. It lets everyone else go first.
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References

Answer: Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic. A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn, but oncoming cars may have a green light. Yield to them and to pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    You can turn, but your turn is not protected from other traffic. Proceed to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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