Stop or Go? A Driver’s Guide to Yellow Traffic Lights, Safety, and Tickets

By the Mercury Team

Traffic signals are one of the most important tools for keeping roads safe and organized. We all know that green means go and red means stop, but yellow lights can elicit different reactions from drivers. So, what does a yellow light really mean, and how should you handle it? Let’s break it all down so you can make the safest, smartest decisions on the road.

What Does a Yellow Traffic Light Mean?

A yellow traffic light is like a heads-up for drivers—it’s the signal that the green light is ending, and the red light is coming up next. It’s meant to give you enough time to decide whether to stop or safely continue through the intersection.

Ideally, if you see a yellow light and have enough time and space to stop safely, that’s the best choice. But if you’re already too close to the intersection and slamming on your brakes could cause a hazard, it’s usually safer to continue through while being extra cautious.

In most places, yellow lights last between three to six seconds, depending on the speed limit and traffic conditions. This short window helps keep traffic flowing while also preventing sudden, dangerous stops. While a yellow light doesn’t automatically mean “stop,” it definitely doesn’t mean “speed up” either. The safest approach is to slow down, assess your situation, and make a responsible decision.

What Precautions Should You Take at a Yellow Light?

You are approaching an intersection and the light turns yellow. What should you do? Consider these precautions when you see a yellow light:

Slow Down Immediately

The moment you see a yellow light, start reducing your speed. No need for a sudden stop. Just slow down smoothly so you have time to react. This also gives the drivers behind you a heads-up so they’re not caught off guard. Plus, slowing down early can prevent rear-end collisions, which are one of the most common types of car crashes.

Assess the Situation

Take a quick look at your surroundings. Are you far enough from the intersection to stop safely? What are the traffic conditions like? If the road is wet or slippery, or if there’s a car closely following you, stopping abruptly might not be the best option. Use your judgment to determine if stopping is safe or if cautiously proceeding is the better choice.

Don’t Accelerate

It can be tempting to speed up to “beat the light,” but this is risky. Speeding through a yellow light increases your chances of running a red light, which can lead to accidents or traffic tickets. Instead of rushing, stay at a steady speed or start slowing down.

If You Can Stop, Stop

If you have enough time and space to stop safely before the intersection, go ahead and stop. A smooth, controlled stop is the safest bet. Just be sure to check your mirrors to make sure that stopping won’t create a hazard for vehicles behind you.

If You Cannot Stop, Proceed with Caution

If you’re too close to the intersection to stop safely—e.g., slamming the brakes would cause someone to rear-end you—it’s okay to keep going. Just do it carefully. Watch out for cross traffic, and make sure nobody’s trying to squeeze in a last-second turn in front of you.

Scan the Intersection

A yellow light can sometimes cause confusion, so before moving forward, check for pedestrians, cyclists, or other cars that might be turning. Someone else might be in a hurry and make a risky move, so staying alert is key.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Keep an eye on the traffic behind you. If someone’s tailgating, stopping too suddenly could cause a fender bender. A quick mirror check can help you decide whether stopping or cautiously proceeding is the safer move. Also, distracted drivers may not notice the light change right away, so be prepared for sudden lane changes or last-minute stops from others around you.

Can You Get a Ticket for Running a Yellow Light?

The rules around yellow lights can be a little tricky, and the penalties vary depending on where you’re driving. In most places, you won’t get a ticket just for driving through a yellow light—after all, it’s meant to be a warning, not an automatic stop sign. However, if an officer believes you had enough time to stop safely but chose not to, you could still get a citation.

Another important factor is timing. If the light turns red while you’re already in the intersection, that’s when you’re more likely to be ticketed. Some cities even have red-light cameras that capture whether a driver entered an intersection when the light was already red. So while a yellow light itself isn’t usually a direct violation, pushing your luck too much could lead to a costly fine.

Aside from the ticket itself, there’s another consequence to consider: your car insurance. Traffic violations can lead to premium increases, and while a yellow-light ticket might not be as severe as a red-light violation, it could still impact your rates. If you’re wondering how much does your insurance increase after a speeding ticket, the same principle applies—any moving violation can raise your costs.

The best approach? Play it safe. If you can stop safely at a yellow light, do it. Avoid unnecessary risks, and you won’t have to worry about tickets or higher insurance rates.

Ask the Insurance Expert

Q: From an insurance perspective, how does a driver’s reaction to a yellow light—stopping or proceeding—affect liability in an accident?

A: “A driver’s reaction to a yellow light, whether they stop or go, can play a big role in determining who’s at fault in an accident. Insurance companies and even the courts look at whether you made a smart, safe decision in the moment. Did you have enough time to stop? Were you trying to beat the light? Those split-second choices can have real legal and financial consequences, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.”

- Justin Yoshizawa (Director, Product Management, State)

Conclusion

Knowing what a yellow light really means and following the right precautions can help keep you and everyone else on the road safer. Since traffic laws vary by state, it’s always a good idea to know the rules in your area. In some places, you could get a ticket if you don’t stop when it’s safe to do so, and that could even impact your insurance rates.

If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, Mercury offers quality protection at an affordable price.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!