What does a traffic signal with a yellow left arrow indicate?
Answers
Drivers should prepare to yield to oncoming traffic.
The protected left turn is about to end.
Both of the above.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is “Both of the above.”
A yellow left arrow traffic signal has two primary meanings, which drivers should understand to ensure safety and compliance with traffic laws.
- Drivers should prepare to yield to oncoming traffic: The yellow left arrow serves as a warning signal that the protected left turn phase is about to end. During a protected left turn (typically indicated by a green left arrow), drivers have the right of way and do not need to yield to oncoming traffic. However, as the light turns yellow, drivers should prepare to stop if it is safe, as the light will soon change to red. At this point, if the turn is not completed, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when the light turns red or when it’s no longer a protected phase.
- The protected left turn is about to end: The yellow left arrow indicates that the signal is about to turn red. This means that the protected left turn phase is ending, and any left turns made afterward must yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Essentially, the yellow arrow gives drivers a warning that they no longer have exclusive rights to turn left and need to be cautious.
In both cases, drivers should be aware that the yellow left arrow is a transitional phase. It serves to alert them that they need to prepare to stop or yield, ensuring safety for all vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection. When the arrow turns red, the left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians and wait for a green left arrow or green light to safely turn left.