Is it legal to drive through a yellow light in PA? When the law says you should stop
Not all drivers share the same instincts when they’re on the road. Some might choose to slow down when facing a yellow light, while others could feel pressured to beat the red signal and keep traffic flowing.
Roughly 28% of pedestrian fatalities and nearly 53% of pedestrian injuries occurred at intersections in 2022, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s most recent crash facts and statistics booklet. Additionally, about 40% of all bicyclist fatalities and roughly 60% of bicyclist injuries occurred at intersections last year.
Some states throughout the U.S. require drivers to stop for yellow lights, but those regulations vary from place to place. Here’s what you need to know when you encounter a yellow signal in Pennsylvania.
Is it legal to drive through a yellow light in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but you must be careful.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, a steady yellow light indicates a steady red signal will appear imminently. Drivers are generally advised to stop or slow down, but Pennsylvania law does not prohibit motorists from proceeding through a steady yellow signal.
“If you are driving toward an intersection and a yellow light appears, slow down and prepare to stop,” PennDOT advises. “If you are within the intersection or cannot stop safely before entering the intersection, continue through carefully.”
A steady yellow arrow indicates “the movement permitted by the green arrow or the flashing yellow arrow” — typically to make a turn — is about to end and become a red signal, PennDOT writes. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop, but consider completing the turn with caution if you cannot stop safely or are already in the intersection.
According to Pennsylvania code, pedestrians attempting to cross a street while facing a steady yellow signal are advised to stay put unless a pedestrian-control signal says otherwise. Much like traffic lights for cars, steady yellow signals for pedestrians indicate a red signal is imminent and there is insufficient time to cross the roadway.
A flashing yellow light tells drivers to be cautious, PennDOT writes. Motorists should slow down, look for traffic and proceed with care.
A flashing yellow arrow, meanwhile, indicates drivers may turn in the arrow’s direction with caution while ensuring they yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Notably, turns with a flashing yellow arrow are not protected, as oncoming traffic still has a green light.
Pennsylvania drivers who pass through a steady red light at an intersection commit a summary offense and may be subject to a fine of at least $25 and, potentially, marks against their driving records, though these instances can be challenged in court. Heftier fines of around $100 are applied for those found violating an automated red light, Pennsylvania code says.
Tips for staying safe on the roads
PennDOT maintains a number of guides and brochures offering safety tips for Pennsylvania drivers, all available online at no cost.
To put things simply, PennDOT encourages drivers to “Start SMART and Stay SMART” — a series of acronyms offering straightforward safety tips.
Start SMART
- S — Seat belt on, seat adjusted
- M — Mirrors adjusted and clear
- A — Air conditioning, heating and defrost panels set
- R — Radio and audio panel set
- T — Thoroughly check the area for traffic, people and objects
Stay SMART
- S — Watch your speed
- M — Frequently check your mirrors
- A — Avoid distractions
- R — Remember the rules of the road
- T — Give yourself enough time to reach your destination
This story was originally published September 8, 2023 at 12:21 PM.
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