How Does California Vehicle Code Section 21457 Apply to Flashing Red Traffic Lights?

California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21457 provides the requirements that drivers are responsible for obeying at flashing red and yellow lights. A flashing red light means stop and proceed as required by the rules of a stop sign (subdivision (a)).

Stopping while driving down or at an intersection without stopping does not meet this requirement, even if the intersection is empty. Drivers need to be aware of both the place and the time to stop and the time and place to move.

It is imperative to understand flashing red lights because the law distinguishes a mandatory stop from a cautionary signal. Failure to do so may lead to a traffic ticket and may impact fault following an accident.

Let’s get deeper!

What Does Section 21457 Say?

California Vehicle Code Section 21457 contains two main provisions governing flashing traffic signals.

Subdivision (a) requires drivers facing a flashing red signal to stop before proceeding according to the rules applicable after stopping at a stop sign. Subdivision (b) allows drivers facing a flashing yellow signal to proceed through an intersection or past the signal only with caution.

Where Must Drivers STOP?

1. At the limit line: STOP before crossing the marked line.
2. Before the nearest crosswalk (when no limit line is present): Stop before the crosswalk on the near side of the street.
3. If there is no limit line or crosswalk: Stop at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where you can see approaching traffic before entering the intersection.

These rules make it so that drivers cannot come to a halt too close to the curb to prevent the obstruction of pedestrians or traffic.

What Do Drivers Have to Do After They Stop?

Stopping is just one of the requirements. Section 21457(a) instructs the driver to drive after stopping for a stop sign as if he had just stopped for a stop sign.

Motorists are responsible for determining if any traffic is about to cross and to stop if necessary and to allow traffic to cross before stopping. They also need to be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists and obey traffic laws for them crossing when it comes to turns.

How Do Flashing Red and Yellow Signals Differ?

A flashing red signal is a signal intended to be obeyed as a STOP signal. When a flashing yellow signal is shown, cars may proceed with caution without the need to stop automatically.

These can be mixed up, leading to potentially dangerous conflict, especially where multiple roads converge or at restricted visibility. The driver is required to react to the signal and make the necessary adjustments.

What Happens When Drivers Violate Section 21457?

Don’t stop for a flashing red light—it could lead to a traffic citation. In the event of a collision, the fault may also be used as proof when determining negligence, but this will be conditioned on the specific circumstances as well as the actions of the parties involved.

Investigators might review witness statements, photographs, vehicle damage, dashcam video, and traffic camera footage to determine if the driver stopped and how the accident happened.

Key Takeaways

• In accordance with section 21457(a), the traffic must come to a complete stop at the flashing red signal.
• The limit line, closest to the crosswalk, or viewing point is the spot where drivers have to stop.
• Once a stop is made, the driver(s) are required to obey the appropriate right-of-way rules.
• A flashing yellow signal means caution but does not signal a STOP under section 21457(b).
• Citations could be issued and may be a factor in determining fault following a collision.