Today, traffic lights all follow the same rules according to the MUTCD, which is run by the Federal Highway Administration. No matter where you go in the US, the traffic light signals look and work the same. This universal understanding helps prevent accidents, keeps traffic moving smoothly, and gives pedestrians a safe chance to cross the road. Without these lights, driving would be way more stressful and dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians, and a lot more collisions would occur.

The first traffic lights looked a whole lot different from the ones we have today, which have been developed over many years to reach the best possible version. Now, drivers will find lights mounted either on poles on the side of the road or strung overhead from wires. Green is go, yellow is caution, and red is stop. Some cities allow for right on red, a road regulation that helps with traffic flow, but other than that, the lights all mean the same thing, and have stayed the same for years.

But that might be about to change, as California begins implementing a flashing yellow turning light that brings new rules to the roads of the state.

California gets new flashing traffic lights

So while this actually is not a new rule, it has been restricted to certain areas in California until now, and could start to become more universal. The City of Roseville, CA, has had this flashing yellow arrow since 2016, with 12 locations sporting this unique addition to the light.

According to the City of Roseville:

“These signals help move more traffic through the intersection, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary vehicle idling. When the yellow arrow flashes, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and bicyclists. When there is a safe gap in traffic, proceed to make the left turn with caution. Remember, oncoming traffic has a green light.”

The state has been focused on increased safety with important traffic updates like this one as well, which goes to show the priority of safety and efficiency the government has for its people.

Where else are these lights used?

The following intersections in the city now make use of this arrow, with reports of far improved traffic:

S. Garfield Ave. and Graves Ave
N. Garfield Ave. and Hellman Ave
N. Garfield Ave. and Emerson Ave
N. Alhambra Ave. and Hellman Ave

While not as popular yet as the normal standard light, these unique traffic lights are found in other California cities as well. Chico, Santa Rosa, and Danville are just some of the participating areas, and with the approval of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), they seem to be becoming more common as cities update their traffic systems.

Other states have also looked into this type of signal, and slowly and surely, the country is opening up to this idea. Changes take time to become universally adopted, but as reports are saying, this addition to the light is great for traffic flow, and therefore, other states will probably adopt the ruling soon.

California is a state known for being at the forefront of innovation and change, so it is no wonder it is among the first to implement a new system. The state also made this interesting change to its driver’s licences, and will probably again lead the way when it comes to pioneering improvements and updates with these flashing yellow lights.