Flashing yellow arrow turn signals

• Flashing yellow arrow turn signals are being installed throughout Wisconsin to control left turns and improve safety at intersections.
• Four-section signal heads with arrows will gradually replace the traditional five-section signal heads that had a combination of circular lights and arrows.
• The signal heads with arrows provide a more direct, less confusing, message.

How the four-head signals work

• As usual, red means stop.
• A green arrow means a driver has the right of way to make a left turn.
• A solid yellow arrow means prepare to stop.
• A flashing yellow arrow means a driver may make a left turn if there is no oncoming traffic and there are no pedestrians crossing the street.
• The flashing yellow arrow provides a more direct message for left turns: yield to opposing traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

What is the benefit of the flashing yellow left turn arrow?

• They are safer: A decade-long national study by the Federal Highway Administration found that drivers had fewer crashes with the flashing yellow arrow.
• They are more efficient: The signal provides more options for controlling traffic based on variable traffic volumes since the timing sequence can be made to vary throughout the day.
• Reminder to all drivers: Any flashing yellow signal means drivers are to slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution. A flashing red signal means motorists should come to a complete stop before proceeding.