answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Depends on the intersection you are at. Most are usually 2 to 3 seconds while some can be as high as 6 seconds. DON'T ATTEMPT TO TIME THEM HOWEVER. Yellow means slow down and prepare to stop. You aren't required to stop on yellow although for some idiot drivers yellow = red but if you can beat a yellow light without flooring it or doing something unsafe by all means cross the intersection.

I'm really not an unkind person, but wanted to say this is an answer that's full of contradictions.

1) yes it depends on the intersection.

2) most? you know what most are? did you do a study? could you sight your references? Who knows what most are please tell...

3) in Capital Letters: DON'T ATTEMPT TO TIME THEM.

4) And then you go on to say "but if you can beat a yellow light without flooring it or doing something unsafe by all means cross the intersection". HOW IN THE WORLD IS THAT NOT TIMING THE YELLOW?

If it's a yellow light you've never been through before, and you don't know how long it stays yellow, THEN YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY TIMING IT!

Right now there are lawsuits all over the country because of red light cameras and cities shortening the "normal" yellow light time of 1 sec for ea 10mph the speed limit is. so instead of you being use to a 4.5 sec yellow in a 45mph zone, they change it to 3 secs and you get a ticket for going through a RED with the red light camera.

There needs to be a standard across the country of MINIMUM time a yellow light stays on for a given mph zone. It could be extended due to circumstances, but never shortened.

Currently there are counties and cities that are raking in hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions per year by shortening the yellow light times on red light camera intersections.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Yellow lights typically last for 1 second for every ten miles an hour of the posted speed limit. So if the posted speed limit at the intersection is 40 mph the yellow light will typically last for 4 seconds.

Several years ago I received a ticket for running a red light. I went back to time it and the light lasted for 3 seconds. I thought this was a bit too short. I then began to do research at that time. A national organization for traffic engineers recommended that lights be set for 5 seconds. I contacted the local traffic engineers office. They told me that they were in the process of setting signals around town for 5 seconds. In addition they told me that they were also in the process of setting signals so that the light for the opposing traffic would not turn green for two seconds after the light turns red. Reason, some folks jump the signals and actully go before the light turns green. I can not find any information on federal law regarding the length of timining on yellow lights

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

It all depends on the traffic intersection it can last up from anywere form 3 to 6 seconds at a time.

Added: The general rule of thumb is that the amber light is displayed one second for every ten miles an hour of the posted speed limit, in order to allow for sufficient driver reaction time. HOWEVER: This is NOT a hard and fast rule - do NOT rely on it.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

The periods vary depending on the speed limit in the area and the volume of traffic on the intersecting streets.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How long is the yellow traffic light?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What follows a green traffic light?

Yellow light


What is A message of the yellow traffic light?

A yellow traffic light means to slow down or stop completely. When the light is yellow it is about to change to red in a few seconds. Contrary to popular belief by many drivers yellow does not mean speed up.


What comes after green and then what in a traffic light?

Yellow, then red is the patterns of the traffic lights.


What does a yellow arrow traffic light mean?

A yellow arrow traffic light means that you should yield in the direction you are going. These are often in place when you are turning left.


What is the colour in the middle of traffic light?

In the United States, the middle light on a traffic light is "Yellow" or "Amber," depending on the regional colloquialism.


Message of yellow traffic light?

Do not enter the intersection.


How long should a yellow traffic light remain yellow before it turns red?

1.2 seconds more than 0.05 tims the speed limit


What the traffic rules regarding amber traffic lights?

By "amber" I assume you mean yellow. A yellow traffic light indicates that your "right of way" is ending within the next couple seconds. When the light turns yellow you shouldn't enter the intersection if you haven't already, unless you've reached "The point of no return". It's not illegal to go through the intersection while the traffic light is yellow, but if you can stop you should, if you can't stop then go through the intersection (determined by your own judgement). A yellow light is basically a warning of a red light coming, where it is illegal to proceed through the intersection. The duration of a yellow light depends on the road the traffic light is governing. For a side road the traffic light may only show a yellow for around 3 seconds, for a major road such as a state road or US Highway, the traffic light may show a yellow for 4-6 seconds. These timings all depend on the road that the traffic light is governing and what the speed limit is for that road.


If you enter a traffic light as it turns yellow is this considered running a red light?

no


What colour is in the middle light of the traffic lights?

In the United States, the middle light on a traffic light is "Yellow" or "Amber," depending on the regional colloquialism.


What is a yellow flashing traffic light?

It tells you to proceed with caution.


What position is the red light on a traffic light?

The top i think... Red. Yellow. Green.