What to Do at Stoplights
It’s easy to know what to do when you come to a traffic signal that is functioning normally, but what about times where the lights are blinking, it’s not working at all or there is a police officer directing traffic.Those are all situations you will encounter at some point while driving. In less populated areas it’s common to see stoplights switch to blinking lights at night. With spring come heavy storms that can knock out power causing traffic signals to stop functioning entirely until power can be restored. And in heavily trafficked areas, such as downtown Chicago, you’ll see police officers directing traffic during rush hour where there are traffic signals. Here’s our handy guide on how to handle each of those stoplight situations.
Stoplight is Blinking Red and Yellow
Suppose you are traveling down a road that you know well. Up ahead you know there is a stoplight. As you approach it, you notice that the side facing you is flashing the red light. In this case, the proper thing to do is come to a complete stop just as you would if this was a stop sign. Check in both directions for oncoming traffic, and then proceed. If there is another car stopped in the opposite direction, the one that arrived first has the right of way. If both arrived at the same time and one is making a left turn. The car going straight or turning right has the right of way.
Now, imagine that you are in the same situation. The only difference is that as you approach the intersection you notice that the yellow light is blinking. In this instance you would have the right of way and this should be treated like a yield sign. You will want to slow slightly and watch for inattentive drivers at the cross street, but you do not need to stop. If you are turning left at the intersection, wait for the oncoming traffic to pass and then proceed.
Stoplight Has No Lights
You are driving down the same road. As you approach the intersection you notice that the stoplight is not working at all. In this case you would come to a complete stop no matter what direction you are traveling. A broken traffic light is treated just as you would a four-way stop intersection. The car that arrives at the intersection proceeds first. If more than one car stops at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Police Are Directing Traffic at a Stoplight
You are driving down the same road. This time as you approach the intersection you notice a police officer directing traffic in the intersection. The stoplight may or may not be working, depending on the situation. In this situation the driver should follow the officers instructions even if they signal you to go when the light is red. In this case their instructions supersede the spotlight. Proceed slowly and be aware of the location of the officer. They are risking their life standing in traffic to help you get where you are going.
To learn more about how to handle stoplights and to get hands on experience sign up for one of our online refresher courses. Being a safe driver is the job of everyone that gets behind the wheel of a car.
Frequently asked questions
What do you do at a stoplight that is blinking red?
Treat a blinking red light exactly like a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, check both directions for cross traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when it is safe. If another vehicle is stopped in the opposite direction, the vehicle that arrived first has the right-of-way. If you arrive at the same time and one car is turning left, the car going straight or turning right goes first. Blinking red lights are common in less-populated areas overnight, when full-cycle signaling is unnecessary.
What does a blinking yellow stoplight mean?
A blinking yellow light tells you to proceed with caution. You do not have to stop, but you should slow slightly and watch for cross traffic that may be facing a blinking red. Treat it like a yield. If you are turning left, wait for oncoming traffic to clear before completing your turn. Blinking yellow is essentially a reminder that the intersection is active but the through direction has priority right now.
What should I do if a traffic light is completely out?
Treat a completely dark intersection as a four-way stop. Every approaching driver must come to a complete stop, regardless of direction. The vehicle that arrives at the intersection first proceeds first. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way. Power outages from storms or downed wires are a common cause of dark signals in the Midwest, especially in spring and summer, so it is worth practicing this rule mentally before you need it.
Who has the right of way at a broken traffic signal?
When a signal is fully dark, the four-way stop rule applies: first to arrive goes first, and ties go to the driver on the right. Make eye contact when possible, signal your intentions clearly, and proceed slowly. Do not assume other drivers know the rule. Some will treat it like a yield and roll through, so be ready to stop again even after you start moving. Defensive driving matters even more when the normal signal cues are missing.
What do I do when a police officer is directing traffic?
Follow the officer's instructions, even if those instructions conflict with the traffic signal. An officer directing traffic legally supersedes the signal, so if they wave you through a red light, you go. Proceed slowly, watch their hand signals carefully, and be aware of exactly where the officer is standing so you do not crowd them. Officers direct traffic during rush hour in busy downtowns like Chicago, around major events, after crashes, and during signal outages. They are exposed in the roadway, so give them space.
Why do stoplights sometimes switch to flashing mode at night?
In less-populated areas, many municipalities program traffic signals to switch to flashing mode overnight, when traffic volumes are low. Flashing red on the minor street and flashing yellow on the major street keeps the higher-volume direction moving while still requiring caution at the intersection. It saves wear on the signal hardware and reduces unnecessary delays when there is little or no cross traffic. Knowing this pattern is common in the Midwest helps drivers avoid being caught off guard on rural and suburban routes after dark.
