You may have begun to notice a new style of left-turn signal on Michigan’s roads.  Placed OVER the left-turn lane at a signalized intersection, this new signal display includes a flashing yellow arrow.

In coming years, this type of signal will replace all flashing red left-turn signals that are now common.

How will it work?

In most locations, the flashing yellow arrow will be part of a four-arrow signal.  In areas where this is not possible, the bottom of a three-arrow signal will display either the flashing yellow arrow or a steady green arrow.

To see how the signal works click on the following

FLASHING YELLOW ARROW 

Typical Flashing Yellow Arrow Operation for a Four-Arrow Display:

Interval 1:  FLASHING YELLOW ARROW allows you to turn left when oncoming traffic is clear (oncoming traffic has a green light).  You must carefully determine that there is an adequate gap in the oncoming traffic and ensure that there are no pedestrian conflicts, before making your turn.

Interval 2:  STEADY GREEN ARROW  allows you to turn left.  Proceed with caution.  (At intersections equipped with vehicle detection cameras or in-pavement sensors, this sequence may be skipped if there are no left-turning vehicles.)

 Interval 3:  STEADY YELLOW ARROW   warns you that the left-turn signal is about to change to red and that you should prepare to stop – or prepare to complete your left turn if you are legally within the intersection and there is no conflicting traffic present. 

Interval 4:  STEADY RED ARROW   requires you to stop and wait during this interval. 

  REMEMBER: 

	Red: STOP.
	Flashing yellow arrow: Left turns permitted.  Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. [Oncoming traffic has a green light.]
	Green arrow: Safe to turn left. [Oncoming traffic must stop.]
	Steady yellow arrow: The left-turn signal is about to change to red; prepare to stop, or prepare to complete your left turn if you are within the intersection.