02/25/2026
WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHTS AREN'T WORKING
Have you ever come to an intersection where the traffic lights aren't working? During a power outage, if the lights are not working, the intersection MUST be treated as a 4-Way Stop. Come to a FULL STOP. Do NOT drive right though. This creates a dangerous circumstance.
Occasionally, after a power outage, traffic lights come back on with a flashing pattern. Here are a few things to remember when approaching an intersection with flashing lights.
A flashing RED signal means motorists should come to a COMPLETE stop before proceeding.
Any flashing YELLOW signal means drivers are to SLOW DOWN and proceed through the intersection with CAUTION. This DOES NOT mean drivers should go faster or proceed as if there is no signal at all.
The Law:
720 Code of Massachusetts Regulations, Section 9.06
(g) Flashing Red (Stop Signal). When a red lens is illuminated by rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a Stop line when marked, and the right to proceed shall be subject to provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 8.
(h) Flashing Yellow (Caution Signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution.
