Yellow Traffic Light Rules & Laws

Understanding the Yellow Light Law

The core principle of the yellow light law is to provide drivers with a clear warning that the signal is about to turn red, allowing them time to stop safely. When you see a yellow light, the legal expectation is that you should be prepared to stop before entering intersection on yellow light. Failure to prepare for a stop, or speeding up unnecessarily, can lead to dangerous consequences and potential liability in a collision.

The intent behind these yellow traffic light rules is to promote defensive driving and prevent accidents at critical intersections. However, understanding the yellow light law is particularly important when collisions occur, as fault must be determined. If you are involved in an auto accident, contacting an attorney is crucial, as they can accurately apply the yellow light law to the facts of your case to establish who is at fault.

What Should You Do If You Approach a Yellow Traffic Light?

When approaching an intersection with a yellow light you should be prepared to stop before entering the crosswalk. What should occur if you can not come to a safe and complete stop before entering the intersection? Pressing down on your brakes too abruptly can cause the vehicle behind you to rear-end you. You should contact an attorney if you are involved in an auto accident so they can determine who is at fault.

Legality of Entering Intersection on Yellow Light

The legality of entering intersection on yellow light centers on whether the driver has the right of way to clear the intersection. A driver who is approaching an intersection on yellow generally has the right of way to cross the intersection, provided the intersection is clear and the vehicle has entered the crosswalk before the signal turns red. This is a critical nuance in the yellow light law that often determines fault in accidents.

However, this right-of-way is not absolute. An untimely mistake can lead to major injuries or even be fatal, especially at busy intersections. Even if you are legally entitled to be entering intersection on yellow light, speeding up increases the risk of running into anxious drivers turning left or perpendicular traffic waiting for the green signal. This highlights why adherence to the spirit of the yellow light law—to proceed cautiously—is vital.

Who is at fault in a yellow light collision?

A driver who is approaching an intersection on yellow has the right of way to cross the intersection so long as the intersection is clear and the vehicle is over the crosswalk when the signal turns red. Should you speed up to catch the yellow light? It depends. Higher speeds multiply the chances of a multiple vehicle collision which can cause major injuries. A driver should use their best judgment and consider every vehicle on the road.

We should always be alert, driving defensively and with intent.

An untimely mistake can lead to major injuries or can even be fatal. When it comes to intersections with heavy traffic. Speeding up when seeing a yellow light can have you running into an anxious driver either from the left turn pocket or perpendicular traffic waiting for a green signal. When there is no left turn signal drivers must check for vehicles and pedestrians before executing a safe cross. Unfortunately, drivers in Los Angeles are harassed with honking or tailgating when lights turn from green to yellow on a left turn so they can get through. If you are a pedestrian or a driver who’s been a victim of a negligent driver at an intersection. The seasoned legal team at Novik Law Group, a Professional Law Corporation, can provide you with the representation you need to get the compensation you deserve. Call (888) 355-5552 for a free consultation.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make at Yellow Lights

One of the most dangerous common mistakes drivers make at yellow lights is viewing the yellow signal as a challenge or an invitation to accelerate. Instead of asking, “what should you do if you approach a yellow traffic light,” drivers often choose to speed up, which is reckless. In intersections with heavy traffic, this behavior can cause a devastating collision with a driver who is executing a left turn or with traffic entering from the perpendicular streets.

Another frequent mistake, particularly in high-traffic cities, involves driver anxiety. Unfortunately, drivers are often harassed with honking or tailgating when signals turn yellow on a left turn, pressuring them to rush through. Remember that safe driving requires you to always check for vehicles and pedestrians before executing a cross, regardless of external pressure. If you are a victim of a negligent driver who violated yellow traffic light rules, an attorney can help you fight your claim.