The new left-turn signal head has four signals (listed from top to bottom).
1) Steady red arrow: Drivers turning left must stop and wait.
2) Steady yellow arrow: The left-turn signal is about to turn red. Do not enter the intersection if you can stop safely. Complete your left turn if you are already within
the intersection.3) Flashing yellow arrow: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians; then turn left
proceeding with caution. Oncoming traffic has a green light.4) Steady green arrow: Drivers can proceed with the left turn. Oncoming traffic
must stop. Do not go straight.
The flashing yellow left-turn arrow is intended to:
• Help prevent crashes. A national study demonstrated that drivers found flashing yellow left-turn arrows more understandable than traditional yield-on-green indications.• Reduce traffic delays. There are more opportunities to make a left turn with the flashing yellow left-turn arrow than with the traditional three-arrow, red, yellow and green indications. This helps reduce delays at intersections, which save time and fuel.
• Provide more traffic management flexibility. The new traffic signals provide traffic engineers with more options to handle variable traffic volumes.
Visit the Iowa DOT’s website at www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/flashingyellowarrow.html to take a look at the new signals and learn more about their use.