Introducing the Flashing Yellow Left Turn Arrow
The New York State Department of Transportation is now using flashing yellow left turn arrows at select intersections. These arrows have been used successfully in other states and are approved by the Federal Highway Administration.
Why:
It’s Safer: In a national study conducted by the Transportation Research Board as part of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, drivers made fewer mistakes with the new signals than with traditional left turn arrows.
It’s More Efficient: The signals can help reduce delays at intersections, which helps save time and fuel.
It’s More Adaptable: The new signal configuration provides traffic engineers with a greater variety of options to handle variable traffic volumes.
Remember a Flashing Yellow Left Turn Arrow = Turn With Caution
How It Works: The following shows what drivers will see during one full cycle of the new signal configuration.
The steady red arrow requires left turning vehicles to stop and wait.
The steady green arrow means that oncoming traffic has a red signal and must stop. Left turning vehicles have the right of way and can proceed.
The steady yellow arrow warns the driver that the left turn signal is about to turn red. A left turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic during this phase. Drivers should stop before they enter the intersection, if they are able.
The steady red arrow will then be displayed for a second time during the signal cycle.
The flashing yellow arrow permits drivers to turn left when it is safe to do so. During this phase, left turning traffic must yield to oncoming traffic and can only turn left when a safe gap in traffic is available. Pedestrians crossing have the right of way over left turning vehicles.
The steady yellow arrow will then be displayed a second time before starting the signal cycle again.
To view a map of the locations of the Flashing Yellow Left Turn Arrows, or for a printable information sheet, please follow the links below:
Location Map 
Flashing Yellow Left Turn Signal Info Page 
A video from the Michigan Department of Transportation on the Flashing Yellow Left turn signal can also be viewed by following the link below:
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9620_10694-157538--,00.html 
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For More Information Contact:
Tony Signorelli
Acting Regional Traffic Safety & Mobility Engineer
44 Hawley Street
Binghamton, N.Y. 13903
(607) 721-8080
dot.sm.r09.traffic@dot.state.ny.us
