Traffic Signals

Flashing Yellow Arrow Information

The Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) means YIELD to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceed with caution. Flashing Yellow Arrow signals are the result of a nationwide study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that amended the federal standards for left-turn signals. Based on the successful operation of the FYA over the past several years in locations across the United States, the Federal Highway Administration adopted the FYA display in the most recent update to the federal standards governing traffic signals. For more information, you can read the CDOT Informational Brochure (PDF).

The FYA traffic signals consist of four arrow lights that are used exclusively for left-turning traffic. The arrow traffic signals are separate from the traffic signals containing circular lights for through traffic.

The signal operates as follows:

• Flashing Yellow Arrow – Drivers may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
• Steady Yellow Arrow – Drivers must prepare to stop if it is safe to do so
• Steady Red Arrow – Drivers must stop and wait
• Steady Green Arrow – Drivers turning left have the right of way

Left-Turn Arrows

The flashing yellow arrow traffic signals consist of four arrow lights that are used exclusively for left-turning traffic. The arrow traffic signals are separate from the traffic signals containing circular lights for through traffic.

Benefits of New Left-Turn Arrows

• Enables the left-turn control to be varied during the day.
• Eliminates motorist confusion as to the meaning of the circular green light (this is occasionally mistaken as a protected left turn), and the simultaneous circular red light and green arrow (some motorists stop).
• Can be used in all intersection and signal configurations.
• Requires no supplemental signing.
• Eliminates the "left-turn yellow trap" (see demo below) and eliminates the need for a red arrow to avoid the left-turn trap.
• Provides more opportunities for drivers to turn left.
• Does not require optical shielding or precise placement - heads are placed wherever protected left turn heads are normally placed.
• Can also be used for right turns.

H.A.W.K. Signal

A HAWK beacon (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK beacon) is a traffic control device used to stop road traffic and allow pedestrians to cross safely. It is officially known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB). The purpose of a HAWK beacon is to allow protected pedestrian crossings, stopping road traffic only as needed. Where standard traffic signal ’warrants’ prevent the installation of standard three-color traffic signals, the HAWK beacon provides an alternative.

A HAWK beacon is used only for marked crosswalks. Similar hybrid beacons are allowed at driveways of emergency service buildings, such as fire houses.