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

You are turning on a green arrow and it changes to a steady yellow arrow. What does that mean?

The protected turn is ending; the signal will change soon.

  1. A protected turn is starting
  2. Your protected turn is ending ✔
  3. All directions may now proceed

Why: A steady yellow arrow warns that the protected turn time is about to end. Stop if you safely can, or finish the turn if you are already in the intersection.

Huh, didn't know that: The yellow arrow can end either a green arrow or a flashing yellow arrow turn.

The dad joke
Why did the yellow arrow feel important? It always had a point to make.
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References

Answer: Your protected turn is ending. A steady yellow arrow warns that the protected turn time is about to end. Stop if you safely can, or finish the turn if you are already in the intersection.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    A yellow arrow means the protected turning time is ending. The signal will change soon.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 4A.03 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    warned that the related GREEN ARROW movement or the related flashing arrow movement is being terminated.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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