What Does a Yellow Light Mean? 

We’ve all faced that split-second decision at intersections of stopping or going when the light turns yellow, but what does a yellow light mean? In most cases, a yellow light signals that the light is about to turn red, and drivers should prepare to stop if it’s safe to do so. 

Misunderstanding or misjudging how much time you have before the light turns red can have serious consequences. Let’s take a closer look at what yellow lights actually mean, how Florida law handles them, and what to do if you’re involved in a yellow light crash. 

Types of Yellow Lights

In general, yellow lights mean slow down, but there are different types that serve different purposes, depending on how they’re used. Here’s a breakdown: 

Solid Yellow Light

A solid yellow light appears after the green light and before the red light. It warns drivers that the signal is about to turn red, and traffic is about to come to a stop. Drivers should only continue through the intersection if stopping would be unsafe. However, many people see a yellow light and try to speed through it instead of slowing down. 

Under Florida Statute 316.075, the law states that a yellow signal warns that the green movement is ending, and the red signal will follow immediately. Drivers are not permitted to enter the intersection once the light has turned red. 

This law also applies to pedestrians. If someone begins crossing the road at a yellow light, they may not have enough time to cross safely. Pedestrian accidents can and do happen in these situations, so if you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, contact a pedestrian accident attorney right away to secure your rights. 

Flashing Yellow Light

A flashing yellow light indicates that you should use caution when proceeding. These are typically observed at less busy intersections, in school zones, or when traffic is minimal, such as at night. You’re not required to stop, but you do have to yield to traffic or pedestrians if they have the right-of-way. If you race through a flashing yellow light and cause an accident, you could be held liable for failing to yield. 

Yellow Arrow

Yellow arrows in Florida indicate that the light will turn red soon, and drivers should prepare to stop and yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians. They’re similar to yellow lights, except they only apply to movement in the direction of the arrow. These signals are common for left turns where a failure to yield in an intersection can lead to serious consequences, like a broadside collision.  

Is It Illegal to Run a Yellow Light in Florida?

Florida uses what’s called a Permissive Yellow Law. This means drivers are allowed to enter the intersection while the light is yellow, even if the light turns red while they’re still inside the intersection. This is different from states with more restrictive laws, where a driver must be completely clear of the intersection before the light turns red. 

What Are The Penalties For Running a Yellow Light?

If you enter the intersection while the light is still yellow, there’s no penalty. However, if the light turns red before you’re in the intersection, you may be held liable for accidents or risk getting a ticket. 

In Alachua County, running a red light can result in a $250 fine. For subsequent or more serious offenses, you could be subject to additional fines or points on your license.  

Common Causes of Yellow Light Accidents 

Yellow light crashes can happen within a matter of seconds, and when you least expect it. Causes include: 

• Left turns across traffic. Per Florida Statute 316.123, drivers making a left during a yellow light must yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. If they don’t, they can be held responsible. 
• Distracted driving. Texting, eating, or changing the radio station can slow down one’s reaction time. 
• Speeding to beat the red light. This can increase the risk of T-bone collisions or hitting pedestrians already in the crosswalk. 
• Rear-end crashes. Florida Statute 316.0895 requires drivers to keep a safe following distance. 
• Unpredictable signal timing. Shorter or inconsistent yellow phases can create confusion and make drivers second-guess whether to stop or go. 

Who’s At Fault in a Yellow Light Crash? 

Determining fault in a yellow light car accident depends on timing, right-of-way, and whether any traffic laws were broken. Investigators may use traffic camera footage, dash cam recordings, eyewitness statements, and the official police report to determine what happened. 

Florida also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages; however, if you’re less than 50% at fault, the court will award you compensation that’s reduced by your share of responsibility. For example, if a pedestrian enters the intersection after the light turns yellow and is hit, the court may consider them partially responsible for their injuries, resulting in the defendant receiving less than the full amount of compensation. 

Florida’s No-Fault Laws

Florida’s no-fault insurance laws also apply. All drivers must carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). PIP covers medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident, but doesn’t pay for vehicle repairs or non-economic damages. For those costs, you can pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver. 

If you carry collision coverage, you may also file a claim with your own insurer. In many cases, drivers will use their own policy for immediate coverage and then later seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer for costs that weren’t covered, including deductibles or pain and suffering. 

What To Do If You’re Injured in a Yellow Light Accident

After a yellow light car crash, you’ll want to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights: 

1. Call 911 or local law enforcement. 
2. Get medical attention, even if you feel okay.
3. Take photos of the scene, including injuries, damage, and the intersection. 
4. Obtain contact information from witnesses and other individuals involved. 
5. Request a copy of the police report. 
6. Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. 

Insurers like to save money, especially in cases where they have to compensate another driver. That’s why it’s important to speak with a car accident lawyer before talking to insurance companies, as a lawyer will have your best interests in mind. 

Contact a Gainesville Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a yellow light crash, a Gainesville car accident lawyer can help determine what happened and who’s responsible. They can investigate the scene, review camera footage, speak with witnesses, and handle insurance companies on your behalf. 

Yellow lights don’t last long, but what happens during them can change everything. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to get the representation you deserve. Contact Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. today for your free case review and consultation. 

Sources: 

316.075 Traffic control signal devices. | The Florida Legislature 

Traffic Signal Timing 101 | Florida LTAP Center 

Table of Traffic Fines | Alachua County Bicentennial 

316.123 Vehicle entering stop or yield intersection. | The Florida Legislature 

316.0895 Following too closely. | The Florida Legislature 

Florida Insurance Requirements | FLHSMV 

Jack Fine

Mr. Fine was born in New York, New York, and was raised in the northeast, where he studied sociology at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He then graduated with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1976. In law school, he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, was inducted into the Order of the Coif, and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. Mr. Fine was admitted into the Florida Bar in 1976, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 1977, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida in 1991, and the United States Court of Appeals 11th Circuit in 1982.