
Flashing traffic lights in Kansas City can confuse drivers, especially during bad weather when power outages affect traffic signals. Knowing what to do when you encounter these flashing lights can prevent accidents and keep everyone safer. According to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 304.301, the rules apply to all flashing traffic signals throughout the state.
Red And Yellow Flashing Lights: Rules For Kansas City Drivers
Kansas City drivers need to know how to respond to different colored flashing lights, as each color has specific rules that must be followed according to Missouri traffic laws.
Flashing Red Lights
Treat flashing red lights exactly like stop signs. Missouri law requires you to come to a complete stop at the marked line or before entering the intersection. Look carefully for other vehicles in all directions and only proceed when it’s safe to do so.
At four-way flashing reds, follow standard right-of-way rules. The first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right has the right-of-way.
Flashing Yellow Lights
Flashing yellow lights mean proceed with caution. Slow down as you approach the intersection and check carefully for cross traffic before continuing.
Unlike flashing red lights, you don’t need to stop completely if the way is clear. Remember that vehicles on cross streets might have flashing red lights, so they’ll be stopping before entering the intersection.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make At Flashing Lights
The most dangerous errors drivers can make include:
- Driving through flashing red lights without stopping completely
- Stopping unnecessarily at flashing yellow lights
- Not yielding properly at four-way flashing red intersections
- Speeding through flashing yellow signals
- Getting confused about right-of-way rules
These mistakes greatly increase the risk of car accidents and can lead to serious injuries.
What To Do After An Accident At A Flashing Light
If you’ve been in an accident at an intersection with flashing lights, you should do the following:
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Document the scene, including the state of the traffic signals.
- Get witness contact information.
- Seek medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries.
There are several dangerous intersections in Kansas City where crashes happen often, including those along I-70, I-435, I-35, and I-29.
What To Do When Traffic Lights Are Completely Out
When traffic signals are completely dark, Missouri law requires treating the intersection as a four-way stop:
- Come to a complete stop.
- Let vehicles that arrived before you go first.
- If two vehicles stop simultaneously, the one on the right has right-of-way.
- Proceed with extreme caution.
In Kansas City and across Missouri, many accidents happen at intersections, resulting in hundreds of serious injuries and fatalities each year.
How Bad Weather Affects Traffic Signals
Kansas City’s severe weather frequently disrupts traffic signal operation. Many intersections convert to flashing mode during power outages. During severe weather, always:
- Drive below the speed limit.
- Increase your following distance.
- Expect signal malfunctions.
- Check for traffic updates before traveling.
During storms, driving carefully is a collective responsibility that ensures everyone gets home safely — even when the lights aren’t working normally.
Stay Safe At Flashing Lights
The rules for flashing traffic signals are simple: red means stop completely, while yellow means proceed with caution. However, applying them correctly requires awareness. Expect signal disruptions during Kansas City’s frequent storms and adjust your driving accordingly. By following the rules, you’ll lower your chances of being involved in an intersection accident.
Contact The Personal Injury Law Firm of Dickerson Oxton in Kansas City, MO Today
For more information, contact the Kansas City, MO personal injury law firm of Dickerson Oxton to schedule a free initial consultation.
We serve in Jackson County and its surrounding areas across Missouri:
Dickerson Oxton – Kansas City Office
1100 Main St #2550, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 268 1960
Hours: Monday to Thursday,
from 8 am – 5 pm