November 3, 2025 | Car Accident
As noted in the Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics report, between 85% and 90% of traffic crashes involve some type of error by a road user. These mistakes can take many forms, including speeding, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way. Likewise, these errors can arise from many causes, including distractions, intoxication, and carelessness.
One form of carelessness happens when a driver fails to learn and obey their state’s traffic laws. When a driver causes a car accident because they don’t know these rules, they may be liable for the injuries they cause. Keep reading to learn more about reasons why traffic lights might flash and what Pennsylvania’s laws say about what they mean for drivers.
Reasons Traffic Lights Flash
Traffic lights can flash for several reasons. First, some lights flash by design. For example, a fire department might have a flashing yellow light in front of its driveway to warn approaching road users that a fire engine might turn into traffic with little or no warning.
Similarly, an intersection with a stop sign might have an overhead flashing red light. The light warns approaching drivers that they must stop at the intersection. This infrastructure is often used at intersections where drivers might miss the stop sign, such as those at the bottom of a hill, where speeding drivers may run the stop sign and cause a crash.
Flashing lights are also used in work zones, in school zones, and on school buses. Again, these lights alert drivers that they may need to slow down or stop, notwithstanding any other speed limit signs or traffic signals. In other words, these flashing lights override the normal traffic laws that might control that area.
Railroad crossings are another place where drivers typically see flashing lights. These lights alert drivers that a train is approaching a railroad crossing. Whether or not a traffic control arm blocks the road, these flashing lights signify that the driver must stop at the train crossing.
Finally, traffic lights may flash when they malfunction. For example, a traffic light might flash by default when it loses power or communication with the controller. Traffic lights may be set to flash red in all directions, flash yellow in all directions, or flash yellow in one direction and red in the other direction.
Pennsylvania Laws Covering Flashing Lights
Pennsylvania has a law that applies to flashing traffic signals or traffic sign lights. This law applies to lights that are intended to flash as well as lights that flash due to a malfunction.
Under this law, drivers must obey the following rules, depending on the color of the flashing light they face.
Flashing Red Light
When the driver sees a flashing red light at an intersection, they must treat it as a stop sign. Specifically, the driver must stop behind the stop line or crosswalk. The driver must remain stopped until their direction of travel is clear of vehicles, including those approaching at a speed that poses a risk to the driver. Once the way is clear, the driver may proceed.
Flashing Yellow Light
A driver can proceed through an intersection with caution when facing a yellow light. In this situation, the driver should watch out for anyone already in the intersection. In other words, the law does not usually require these drivers to yield. Instead, they only need to proceed with care, watching for other road users.
Contact Our Scranton Car Accident Lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for a Free Consultation
The rules for flashing traffic lights in Pennsylvania are relatively straightforward. Flashing red lights act as a stop sign, while yellow lights warn the driver to exercise caution. However, even drivers who know these rules should exercise extra care when encountering an intersection with flashing lights because other drivers might not know these laws.
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
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Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878
