Flashing Yellow Arrow for Left Turns

The City of Rio Rancho is implementing the use of flashing yellow arrow signal indications for left-turn movements where appropriate. The flashing yellow arrow is a new National Standard as adopted by the Federal Highway Administration.The change comes as a result of the successful operation of the signal over the past several years in locations across the United States.A nationwide study demonstrated the signal prevented crashes, moved more traffic through an intersection, and provided additional traffic management flexibility.

The flashing yellow arrow for left turns is part of a four-arrow signal display, which includes:



picture of red arrow Steady red arrow: Stop, no left turns allowed 

picture of yellow arrow Steady yellow arrow: Prepare to stop, or prepare to complete your left turn if you are within the intersection 

picture of flashing yellow arrow Flashing yellow arrow: left turns allowed, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians 

picture of green arrow Steady green arrow: Left turns allowed and protected 
The following is a video created by the Michigan Department of Transportation that shows flashing yellow arrows for left turns in operation:

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