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

What does a flashing yellow traffic light (a round one, not an arrow) mean?

Proceed with caution, no need to stop.

  1. Proceed with caution ✔
  2. Stop, then go
  3. The light is about to turn green

Why: A flashing yellow light is a warning. Slow down, watch for cross traffic and people, and go through carefully. You do not have to stop.

Huh, didn't know that: A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red; only the flashing one means keep going carefully.

The dad joke
Why did the yellow light flash? It wanted to be a little more cautious than the rest.
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References

Answer: Proceed with caution. A flashing yellow light is a warning. Slow down, watch for cross traffic and people, and go through carefully. You do not have to stop.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    A flashing yellow traffic signal light is a warning to PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4 Traffic Control dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-4-traffic-control
    Flashing Yellow: Drive with caution.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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