What Does A Flashing Red Light Mean?

It happens to all of us; we’re driving along like we do every day, and everything seems to be going well. We know where we’re going, we get there without traffic, and if we’re extra lucky, there is a parking spot right in front. But then, on your way home, a normal stop light on your route has been replaced with a blinking red light. What are you supposed to do there?

This article will help refresh your memory of what you should do as a driver at a flashing red light. We hope this will help reduce accidents, but if you are involved in an accident at a flashing red light, our attorneys are ready to help you. Call Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates at 888-848-5084 or contact us online.

Flashing Red Lights

Just as a solid red light means stop, the flashing red light means stop similarly. The difference between a flashing red light and a solid red light is when you’re allowed to go. On a solid red light, most people understand they must wait until the light turns green to proceed through the light. But in contrast, a flashing red light allows the driver to proceed through the light when it is clear and safe to do so. 

This way, a flashing red light functions more like a stop sign. First, you must come to a complete stop, but after that, you may proceed where you would like to go when it is safe to.

What You Should Do At A Flashing Red Light

When you approach a flashing red light, you should come to a complete stop behind the thin white-painted stop line. This stop line may not be present at all intersections, but if it is present, you should ensure that you stop before the line. This line allows there to be room for pedestrians to cross the street as well as large vehicles like semi-trucks to be able to have enough room to turn onto the street. 

Once you come to a complete stop, you must check in all directions to ensure there is no traffic coming. If there is an oncoming vehicle, you must sit and wait until they clear the intersection or also come to a full stop. Then you may proceed.

What Happens If Two People Stop At The Same Time?

Another interesting scenario that comes up is when both you and another car approach the blinking red light from different directions at the same time. When this occurs, it can be difficult to know who is supposed to go through the intersection first. It is very important to follow all of the steps in the above paragraph explaining what to do when you come up to a flashing red light. In addition to these steps, make sure you are properly signaling what direction you would like to go.

When two vehicles arrive at the flashing red light at the same time, the general rule of thumb is to let the person proceed who was there first. If you cannot tell who was there first, the driver must yield to the person on their right in California. It is important that if you are across from each other at an intersection, you watch for the other person’s signals. If they are turning right or going straight, you both may proceed, but if they are turning left, it is generally the driver who is continuing straight that has the right of way. 

Never assume that someone else will yield if you have the right of way. It is a good idea to take a few extra seconds in your commute to ensure you are not involved in an accident. 

We Are Here To Help You

We hope these tips will help you avoid accidents when you encounter flashing red lights. Also, if you find yourself needing an attorney to represent you in an auto accident case, we want to help you. Call for a complimentary consultation at 888-848-5084 or contact us online today.