Flashing Yellow Arrows

A flashing yellow arrow signal means turns may proceed with caution after yielding to oncoming traffic. A flashing yellow arrow may apply to both left and right turn movements.

Yield, Then Turn

When turning left on a flashing yellow arrow, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk before turning. Oncoming traffic always has a green signal and the right-of-way.

Traditional Traffic Signal

Flashing yellow arrows replace the traditional green ball when turning left. A national study showed flashing yellow left-turn arrows are more understandable to drivers. Lincoln’s upgraded signals give drivers more opportunities to turn left and traffic engineers more options to keep traffic moving at different times of the day.

Did You Know? Flashing yellow arrows...

  • were approved for use by Federal Highway Administration in 2006
  • reduce left-turning crashes by up to 25%
  • minimize travel delays by providing more turning opportunities

Things to remember for left-turning motorists:

  1. Anytime a driver is facing a flashing yellow arrow, opposing traffic has a green signal indication.
  2. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians/bicyclists in the crosswalk to your left.
  3. New signal timings may include green arrow and flashing yellow arrow. Sometimes green arrow is before through traffic (“leading”) and sometimes green arrow is after through traffic (“lagging”). In some circumstances, motorists may only receive a flashing yellow arrow.
  4. Always, always focus on the signal directly in front of you… not the signals for other drivers.

Flashing Yellow Arrow PSAs

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