Flashing Yellow Left Arrow With Pedestrian and Oncoming Right-Turner
You are eastbound at a signalized intersection in a left-turn lane. The through signal is red. Your left-turn signal displays a flashing yellow arrow. A sign beside the signal reads LEFT TURN YIELD ON FLASHING YELLOW ARROW. Opposite traffic has a green through signal. A pedestrian is walking in the crosswalk on your left, and an oncoming vehicle is approaching with its right-turn signal on. You want to turn left into a shopping center. The left-turn lane has a white left-turn arrow pavement marking and a stop line. A NO TURN ON RED sign is mounted for the through lane. The intersection is wide, and your view of the oncoming left lane is partly blocked by a stopped box truck.
1. What does the flashing yellow arrow permit, and what must you do before turning?
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A flashing yellow left-turn arrow permits a left turn, but it is not a protected turn. It means you may enter the intersection and turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. The sign reinforces that you must yield. Before turning, check the crosswalk on your left, the oncoming through lanes, and any right-turning vehicle that could merge into your path. The white left-turn arrow in your lane shows the required direction but does not give you the right of way. You should move into the intersection only when you can complete the turn without forcing anyone to brake or swerve.
2. The oncoming vehicle is signaling right, and the pedestrian is still in the crosswalk. May you turn left? Explain the right-of-way sequence.
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No. A right-turn signal is only an intention; the oncoming driver may turn right, continue straight, or change plans, and your view is partly blocked by the box truck. More importantly, the pedestrian is still in the crosswalk on your left. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way, and your left-turn path would cross that crosswalk. You must wait until the pedestrian has cleared your path and until the oncoming vehicle has either completed its turn or clearly yielded. Do not assume the right-turn signal means the oncoming vehicle will stay out of your lane. When in doubt, yield.
3. If the flashing yellow arrow changes to a steady red arrow while you are waiting in the intersection, what should you do?
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If you have already entered the intersection legally on the flashing yellow arrow and are waiting to complete the turn, you should finish the turn when the path is clear. Do not stop in the middle of the intersection or reverse. A steady red arrow means you may not newly enter the intersection to turn left, so if you are still behind the stop line when it changes, remain stopped and wait for a green arrow or a new flashing yellow arrow. The NO TURN ON RED sign for the through lane reinforces that a red indication does not authorize a turn here. Clear the intersection safely if already committed.