Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | August 7, 2025 | Car Accidents
Traffic lights are a necessary part of regulating the flow of traffic and preventing collisions at intersections. They’re supposed to provide drivers and pedestrians with clear signals about when to stop, yield, or proceed with caution.
However, while many drivers can easily discern the meaning of steady red, green, and yellow lights, flashing lights and signals can sometimes cause confusion. Unfortunately, this confusion can lead to accidents and catastrophic injuries.
Here’s what you need to know to keep traffic flowing and get to your destination safely.
What Flashing Lights Mean for Drivers
Flashing traffic signals are often used intentionally, especially during late-night hours when traffic is light. In West Virginia, a flashing red light means you must stop completely and proceed only when it’s safe—similar to a stop sign. A flashing yellow light means you should slow down and proceed with caution, yielding if necessary.
While some flashing lights may indicate a malfunction, they are more commonly programmed to help manage traffic during off-peak hours, such as between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. at lower-volume intersections.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean?
According to West Virginia Code 17C-3-7, a flashing red light at an intersection requires that drivers behave similarly to when they’re at a stop sign. This means you must make a complete stop at the limit line before you enter the crosswalk.
The driver who arrives first at a four-way intersection has the right of way, so you must yield to those who are already in the intersection before proceeding. If you arrive at the intersection at the same time as another driver, the vehicle on the right should go first.
Though flashing red arrows aren’t typically used for traffic signals, you can treat them the same way unless signage at the intersection indicates otherwise. However, a steady red arrow means you cannot turn in the direction in which it’s pointing. Instead, you must wait until the signal changes to a green or flashing yellow arrow to proceed.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean?
At an intersection, a flashing yellow light means you should proceed with caution. You aren’t required to stop as you would be with a flashing red light, but you must still watch your surroundings to avoid hitting other drivers or pedestrians. For this reason, you should gently place your foot on the brake to avoid a speeding accident.
While a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution, there are additional considerations you should make for flashing yellow arrows. You’re still free to proceed, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and give pedestrians the right of way.
A Note About Flashing Green Lights
There are no instructions for navigating flashing green lights in West Virginia’s code, as they aren’t typically used to guide traffic. If you encounter one, look for signs around you that indicate how you should proceed. A green arrow usually means you can proceed as normal, making sure to watch out for other drivers and pedestrians.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Confusion at intersections with flashing lights can lead to serious collisions and life-altering injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a flashing signal—or if another driver failed to follow the rules of the road—you may be entitled to compensation.
At Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping crash victims throughout West Virginia understand their rights and pursue justice. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
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Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
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