How the flashing yellow WYDOT Quick Facts left-turn arrows work A better left-turn signal YELLOW Solid green arrow Left turns have the right of way. LEFT-TURN Oncoming traffic has a red light. The green arrow may either precede or immediately follow the flashing ARROWS yellow arrow, and may sometimes be skipped altogether depending on traffic volumes or time-of-day signal operations. Safer A national study demonstrated that drivers had Solid yellow arrow fewer crashes with the flashing yellow left-turn The left-turn signal is about to change arrow than with the traditional yield-on-green to red. Prepare to stop, or to com- signals. plete your left turn if you are legally within the intersection and there is Less delay no conflicting traffic present. You have more opportunities to make a left turn with the flashing yellow left-turn arrow than with the traditional signals.

More flexible Flashing yellow arrow The new display provides traffic engineers with Drivers are allowed to turn left after more options to better handle variable traffic yielding to all oncoming traffic and volumes. to any pedestrians in the crosswalk. Wyoming Department Oncoming traffic has a green light. of Transportation Drivers must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic before turning. 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340 Phone: 307-777-4375 www.dot.state.wy.us Solid red arrow Drivers intending to turn left must stop and wait. Do not enter an inter- section to turn when a solid red arrow is being displayed. a DOT publication Published by WYDOT’s Public Affairs Office September 2011 A national study confirms Navigating the flashing Safer signals it’s a better left-turn signal yellow left-turn arrow

Several states are currently using this type of Drivers should yield to oncoming traffic left-turn signal. WYDOT expects the new flash- and pedestrians. When it ing yellow arrow display to become the standard is safe, proceed with cau- signal display for left turns. tion through the intersec- tion. A national study conducted for the Federal High- way Administration demonstrated the new signal After it flashes, the helps to prevent crashes, increases intersection flashing yellow arrow then capacity and provides additional traffic manage- becomes a steady ment flexibility. (non-flashing) yellow arrow or a green arrow. The steady yellow arrow Variation of flashing warns drivers to stop for yellow arrow an impending red signal. Vehicles legally in the intersection should com- The Wyoming Department of Transportation is In some instances plete their left turn when implementing a new traffic signal display to pro- motorists may en- opposing traffic does not conflict. vide a safer, more efficient left turn for motorists. counter a flashing yellow arrow in a The flashing yellow left-turn arrow is a new dis- three-section play that replaces the circular green signal for left Will the flashing yellow traffic signal as turns at selected intersections. seen here. arrow be on all day? A flashing yellow arrow means a vehicle is al- The same lowed to cautiously enter the intersection only to guidelines apply; An advantage of the flashing yellow turn display make the turn indicated by the arrow, but must however, no green is that it gives traffic engineers the flexibility to first YIELD to oncoming traffic and pedestrians arrow will be use specific indications during different times of and then proceed with caution when the way is present. the day to better serve traffic demands. clear. This means the flashing yellow arrow or steady The new flashing yellow arrow provides a more green arrow may not be seen every time you ap- direct message than the circular green signal for proach the intersection. This helps to reduce your turn lanes. It reduces confusion since the turn wait. lane display is no longer the same as what is displayed for the adjacent through lanes.