A flashing YELLOW traffic light at an intersection means:

FLASHING YELLOW LIGHT means CAUTION — proceed but with care. This is different from a solid yellow (which means prepare to stop for an upcoming red) and different from a flashing red (which means stop). FLASHING YELLOW — WHAT IT MEANS: The intersection has reduced control (often used for cross-traffic that has a flashing red); you must: reduce speed; look carefully for crossing vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists; yield if cross-traffic is present or approaching; proceed when safe — you do NOT need to stop if the way is clear. COMMON LOCATIONS: Flashing yellow is used at intersections where one road is more heavily traveled (the main road gets yellow, the cross-street gets red); at times of day when full signal operation isn't needed (late night flash mode); at intersections with lower traffic where a full signal isn't installed but some control is desired. CONTRAST WITH FLASHING RED: A FLASHING RED means STOP completely, then proceed when safe — it functions identically to a stop sign. Many intersections have one direction with flashing yellow and the cross-direction with flashing red. CHECK YOUR STATE: Most states align with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standard described here, but there may be minor variations in specific local ordinances. ARROW SIGNALS: A flashing YELLOW ARROW (at turn lanes) specifically means you may turn in the indicated direction but must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians — it is not a protected turn.