SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-lane-control-yellow-x

The light over your lane changes to a steady yellow X. What should you do?

Safely move out of this lane; it is about to close.

  1. Move out of this lane ✔
  2. Use it only for left turns
  3. Keep using it with caution

Why: A yellow X warns that the lane is about to turn red. Signal and move into a lane with a green arrow.

Huh, didn't know that: A flashing yellow X means the lane may be used only for a left turn.

The dad joke
Why did the yellow X look nervous? It knew a big change was coming.
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References

Answer: Move out of this lane. A yellow X warns that the lane is about to turn red. Signal and move into a lane with a green arrow.

  1. 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
    Steady Yellow 'X': Move from this lane.
    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 'X': This lane can only be used for a left turn.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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That's stuff everyone should know.