Flashing Yellow Arrow: Left-Turn Rules in 2025

The flashing yellow arrow (FYA) is the modern way U.S. cities handle permissive left turns. When the arrow blinks, you are authorized to turn left only after yielding to oncoming vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians. This article breaks down what the signal means, how it differs from a green arrow, the most common mistakes that lead to tickets, and practical tips for complex, multi-lane intersections in 2025. Where it helps, we link to supporting guides such as right turn on red rules, pedestrian right-of-way, and the overview in Driving Rules.

What a flashing yellow arrow allows—and what it does not

The FYA authorizes a permitted left turn. It does not guarantee right-of-way. In contrast, a green arrow provides a protected phase—opposing traffic faces a red and your turn has priority. On a flashing yellow, you must choose a safe gap, using good judgment about speed, distance, and sight lines.

Permissive left turns: gap selection and yielding

Treat the crosswalk edge as the decision point. If pedestrians are entering or still within the crosswalk, you must wait. With bikes, look for two streams: straight-through cyclists in the curb lane and bikes using a two-stage turn box. In narrow medians, avoid stopping with your vehicle angled across lanes; line up straight and keep wheels oriented forward until you go.

Pedestrian priority and accessible crosswalk timing

Many dense cities deploy leading pedestrian intervals (LPI) that start walkers a few seconds before vehicles receive green or flashing yellow. LPIs increase visibility; they also require more patience. Scan curb ramps for someone about to start—yield even if your gap looks perfect.

Common crosswalk conflicts—and how to avoid them

• Staggered crosswalks: When the far-side crosswalk sits slightly offset, drivers often miss pedestrians stepping into the final few feet. Commit to a second look.
• Turning behind a large vehicle: A bus or truck can conceal a pedestrian. Pause briefly to verify a clear view.

Sample citation themes seen with FYAs

Tickets typically cite failure to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, or entering on a steady red arrow. Even without a crash, rolling through an occupied crosswalk can be charged as hazardous driving in many jurisdictions.

When the flashing yellow arrow does not apply

If the arrow turns steady red, the permissive phase is over. You must stop behind the limit line and wait for the next permissive or protected phase. Certain signs also suspend permissive turns: look for NO TURN ON RED plaques, LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN reminders, and time-of-day restrictions near schools or downtown corridors.

Red arrows, time-based signs, and school-zone timing

School-zone schedules often overlap with peak walking hours. If a time-based plaque is mounted, treat it as absolute within those windows. For more sign-reading tips, see NO TURN ON RED sign meaning.

Multi-lane left-turn bays and dual-arrow heads

Dual left-turn lanes add complexity. If your lane displays a flashing yellow but the adjacent lane shows a red arrow, your display governs your lane only—do not assume the other lane can move. Hold your lane during the turn to avoid sideswipe conflicts.

Protected-only vs protected-permissive operations

Agencies deploy FYAs to convert protected-only intersections toprotected-permissive, reducing delay. However, locations with high crash rates may revert to protected-only phases. Expect downtown or campus areas to use more restrictive timing.

Visibility and night driving around painted medians

Where a two-sets-of-double-yellow painted median exists, treat it like a non-crossable barrier except at signed openings. Learn how engineers use beads and markers to improve night visibility in our guide on road markings and the explainer on double-double yellow medians.

How to make a safe left on a flashing yellow arrow (step-by-step)

Use this quick process whenever you encounter a flashing yellow arrow. It mirrors defensive-driving best practices and the language commonly used in driver handbooks.

Checklist before you roll

1. Full stop/creep at the line: You are not required to stop, but pausing improves scans and yields fewer tickets than rushing.
2. Scan oncoming speed and lane position: Ask yourself: will a car doing the posted limit reach the conflict point before you clear it?
3. Double-check the crosswalk: Watch for late runners, scooters, and mobility devices.
4. Commit decisively: Hesitating mid-turn increases exposure. When you go, go cleanly.

Gap acceptance guidance you can use

In dry conditions with normal visibility, many drivers prefer a seven-second oncoming gap for a single-lane turn, adding more for poor sight distance or heavy loads. In rain, darkness, or unfamiliar intersections, add extra margin. If in doubt, wait for the next green arrow.

Two-stage turning with medians or bike boxes

Some streets offer a median refuge or two-stage turn box. You may enter the refuge only if you can fully clear the initial lanes without blocking a crosswalk. Never stop astride double yellow lines where no opening exists.

Camera enforcement and common pitfalls

• Rolling crosswalks: Moving 1–2 feet into the crosswalk before yielding can trigger a citation in camera corridors.
• Lane encroachment: Cutting the inside lane in dual turns is a frequent crash pattern observed by agencies.

State notes, urban exceptions, and where to verify

States implement signal policy through their traffic manuals and statutes, while cities may add local rules (for example, downtown corridors with restricted turns or default no turn on red policies). If you need the exact rule set, start with our state hubs for California, Texas, New York, and Florida. For broader context, see Road Markings and Rules of the Road.

Where FYAs are most common in 2025

You'll see widespread adoption on suburban arterials with moderate volumes, corridors upgraded from five-section heads, and intersections with left-turn crash patterns that respond to clearer driver messaging. In CBD grids with intense walking, protected-only timing remains common.

Nighttime visibility and wet-weather scans

Glare, reflections, and windshield fog degrade gap judgment. Slow down, use defog/defrost early, and avoid turning across a corridor you cannot see beyond parked trucks or buses. If the next cycle is moments away, waiting costs less than a crash or ticket.

Special vehicles and trailers

Long wheelbases require extra time. If your trailer tracks wide, choose a larger gap and hold the outside of your dual-turn lane to prevent off-tracking into adjacent lanes or bike boxes.

Traveler takeaway

The flashing yellow arrow is efficient when drivers yield properly. Build a cushion into your decisions, especially at night, in rain, or on unfamiliar streets. If sight distance is poor, let the protected phase do the work for you.

This article summarizes common rules. Always consult your state statute and posted signs for the most current information.