Flashing Yellow Turn Signal In Michigan: What Does It Mean?

In Michigan, a flashing yellow arrow left turn signal at an intersection means that you must: (1) proceed cautiously, (2) yield the right of way to oncoming traffic, (3) yield the right of way to pedestrians using the crosswalk onto which you’ll be turning, and (4) complete your left turn when it is safe to do so.

Here’s a video from the Michigan Department of Transportation that quickly explains the what to do at an intersection where this signal appears.

For more information, check out the Michigan Departement of Transportation’s brochure about the “Flashing Yellow Arrow Left Turn Brochure.”

What do you do at an intersection when you see a flashing yellow arrow?

When you are waiting to turn left at an intersection and you see a flashing yellow left turn arrow, the Michigan Department of Transportation says that you must: (1) be cautious, (2) yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and (3) then make your left turn.

What does the law say about a flashing yellow traffic signal in Michigan?

In Michigan, if there is a yellow flashing traffic light, i.e., where the yellow signal is “illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes,” then a driver may proceed past the signal and through intersection “only with caution.” (MCL 257.614(1)(b)

What does the law say about a left turn at an intersection?

A driver who intends to turn left at an intersection must yield the right of way to vehicles in the oncoming traffic, i.e., vehicles “approaching from the opposite direction,” when they are already within the intersection or they are so close to the intersection as to pose “an immediate hazard” to the driver intending to turn left. (MCL 257.650(1))

Injured in a car accident? Call the car accident attorneys at Michigan Auto Law

If you were injured in a car accident in Michigan while make a left turn on a flashing yellow signal or a flashing yellow left turn arrow, call now at (888) 857-9250 for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.

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