Meyers Personal Injury Law | May 27, 2025 | Car Accidents
Flashing lights at an intersection are a signal that normal traffic rules are suspended. Drivers in Nashville encounter these signals during power outages, inclement weather, or when traffic lights are temporarily out of service. Knowing what to do at an intersection with flashing lights can help avoid accidents and citations.
What Do Flashing Lights at Intersections Mean?
In Tennessee, flashing traffic signals mean the light is operating in a special mode.
The Tennessee Driver Handbook outlines two main types:
- Flashing red: This is treated as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to other traffic, and proceed only when safe.
- Flashing yellow: This is a caution signal. You don’t need to stop, but you must slow down and proceed carefully.
These rules apply even if you’re familiar with the intersection or it’s typically controlled by a different signal. The flashing lights override standard operations.
Flashing Red: Full Stop Required
When you see a flashing red light at an intersection:
- Stop completely before the white line or crosswalk.
- Yield to all other vehicles and pedestrians who have already entered the intersection or have the right of way.
- Proceed with caution only when the way is clear.
Treat it like a four-way stop if all directions have flashing red, which means:
- The first vehicle to arrive has the right of way.
- If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the one on the right goes first.
- If turning, yield to oncoming traffic.
Flashing red signals are common during temporary outages. Just because no cars are around doesn’t mean you can roll through—police can and do ticket for failure to stop.
Flashing Yellow: Proceed, But Stay Alert
If the light is flashing yellow:
- Slow down and approach with caution.
- Yield to any cross traffic that doesn’t have a flashing yellow.
- Be prepared to stop if necessary.
You don’t need to come to a full stop unless traffic conditions demand it. However, you must remain vigilant for drivers who may misinterpret the signals or fail to stop on red.
Flashing yellow often appears at intersections with low cross-traffic volume or during off-peak hours. It’s a way to keep traffic moving while still alerting drivers to proceed carefully.
When the Power Is Out
If traffic signals are completely out—no lights, no flashes—Tennessee law treats the intersection as a four-way stop.
You must:
- Stop at the intersection.
- Yield according to the rules for four-way stops.
- Remain cautious—many drivers either don’t know the rule or choose to ignore it.
In Nashville, these situations often occur during storms or equipment failures. TDOT or local utilities may take time to repair the lights, so the rule applies even during extended outages.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
Drivers often misjudge flashing signals, leading to crashes or citations.
Common errors include:
- Running a flashing red light without stopping
- Failing to yield properly at a four-way stop
- Speeding through a flashing yellow without checking for cross traffic
- Assuming others will stop when they shouldn’t have to
Even if you have the legal right of way, defensive driving is critical. Assume other drivers are confused—because many of them are.
Legal Consequences in Tennessee
Violating traffic control signals, including flashing lights, can result in:
- Traffic citations
- Fines
- Points on your license
- Increased insurance rates
If a crash occurs, failure to obey flashing signals can lead to a finding of negligence or fault.
Stay Safe at an Intersection With Flashing Lights
Flashing lights come with clear rules. Stop on red. Slow on yellow. Always yield when required. In Nashville and throughout Tennessee, knowing what to do at intersections with flashing lights protects you from accidents and liability.
Contact Our Nashville Personal Injury Law Firm Today at Meyers Personal Injury Law
If you were injured in an accident in Nashville or Brentwood and need legal help, contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers at Meyers Personal Injury Law to schedule a free case review today.
Meyers Personal Injury Law Nashville
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd Suite 101,
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 258-9000
Meyers Personal Injury Law Brentwood
105 Continental Pl Suite 100,
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 258-9000
